Northern Latitudes
by Bill Ault
Northern Latitudes is a Canadian-based podcast dedicated to exploring the people, places, news and events that make the great outdoors great.
Podcast episodes
Season 1
Northern Latitudes: Scott Oake - For the Love of a Son
In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with Canadian broadcaster Scott Oake to discuss his deeply personal and moving new book, For the Love of a Son. Best known for his work in sports journalism, Oake talks about a different journey—his family's experience with addiction and loss. For the Love of a Son is a raw and heartfelt memoir about Scott and Anne Oake’s son, Bruce, who tragically lost his life to addiction. Through this conversation, Scott reflects on Bruce’s struggles, the impact on their family, and how they turned their grief into a lasting legacy—the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a facility dedicated to helping those battling substance use disorder. Topics Discussed: ✔️ The story behind For the Love of a Son and why Scott Oake chose to share it now. ✔️ Bruce Oake’s life, struggles, and the heartbreaking reality of addiction. ✔️ The emotional toll of losing a loved one to substance abuse. ✔️ The journey of founding the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and its impact. Key Quotes from Scott Oake: “Addiction is not a moral failing; it’s an illness, and it deserves treatment like any other.” “We lost our son, but we gained a mission—to help others get the chance Bruce never had.” Resources & Links: 📖 Buy the Book: For the Love of a Son – Available at major bookstores and online retailers. 🏥 Bruce Oake Recovery Centre: Learn more about their mission and how you can support their work at bruceoakerecoverycentre.ca. 📺 Scott Oake’s Work: Follow Scott on social media and check out his continued work in Canadian broadcasting. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of addiction, loss, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek support from a trusted resource or helpline. Connect with Us: 🔹 Follow Northern Latitudes: Stay updated on new episodes and guest interviews. 🔹 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review—it helps us reach more listeners! 🔹 Share Your Thoughts: Have a story or experience related to this episode? Join the conversation on social media.
Northern Latitudes: The Christmas Special
Welcome to a very special holiday edition of Northern Latitudes! I’m your host, Bill Ault, and as the snow settles outside and the year ends, we’re reflecting on the incredible conversations we’ve shared this year. From global insights with Gwynne Dyer… to environmental challenges and innovative ideas from Alex Gottlieb and Andrew Durocher… it’s been a year of thought-provoking and inspiring discussions. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a mix of reflection, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and some very special Christmas memories from our guests" And in the spirit of the season, we’re bringing you a little extra cheer with heartfelt Christmas memories from some of our favourite voices including Trixis Pacis, Jane Marshall and Meghan Ward.
Northern Latitudes: Trina Moyles - Lookout
In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault engages in a compelling conversation with Trina Moyles, an award-winning author, journalist, and creative producer whose work delves into rural communities and their connections to land, wildlife, food security, and climate change. Trina shares insights from her experiences as a wildfire lookout in Canada’s boreal forests and discusses her acclaimed book, “Lookout: Love, Solitude, and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest”. About Trina Moyles: Trina Moyles is a Yukon-based author and journalist whose work explores the intricate relationships between rural communities and their environments. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail, Alberta Views, and Canadian Geographic. In 2022, she was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards’ Emerging Artist Award. Her forthcoming memoir, “Black Bear,” is slated for publication by Knopf Canada in 2025. Trina Moyles Featured Articles by Trina Moyles: “Grey Ghosts in the Smoke: How does a wildfire crisis threaten an already fragile species?” This article examines the impact of wildfires on woodland caribou populations and the challenges of conservation amidst increasing wildfire activity. The Narwhal “The King of Wapusk: Unpacking the Mystery of Grizzly Bears in the Hudson Bay Lowlands” Trina explores the presence of grizzly bears in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, shedding light on their behaviours and the ecological significance of their habitat. Trina Moyles “Bats of the Midnight Sun: Solving the Mystery of Myotis Lucifugus in Alaska” This piece delves into the study of little brown bats in Alaska, highlighting research efforts to understand their ecology and the challenges they face. Trina Moyles Connect with Trina Moyles: To learn more about Trina’s work, visit her official website: Trina Moyles Join us for an enlightening discussion as Trina Moyles shares her perspectives on her life as a fire lookout, the politics of wildfires and how her life has changed since leaving the lookout world.
Wildflowers: Revisiting Mary Schäffer Warren’s Legacy
Show Notes: Northern Latitudes with Bill Ault – Wildflowers: Revisiting Mary Schäffer Warren’s Legacy Episode Title: Wildflowers: A Creative Journey into the Past with Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward Description: In this episode of Northern Latitudes, Bill Ault sits down with filmmakers Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward to explore their new film, Wildflowers. The documentary follows a team of talented creative women as they embark on an adventure retracing Mary Schäffer Warren’s 1908 expedition to Maligne Lake, deep within Jasper National Park, Alberta. Mary Schäffer was a trailblazer, and her expedition has inspired generations of adventurers to push boundaries and explore the natural world. Trixie and Meghan share their experience of leading a group of contemporary explorers, artists, and storytellers to the majestic Maligne Lake. They delve into the challenges of revisiting this historical journey more than a century later, bringing a frMeaghanesh and diverse perspective to the narrative. This episode discusses not only the logistics and emotional highs of the expedition but also highlights the importance of female voices in adventure storytelling and historical reclamation. Topics Discussed: The fascinating story of Mary Schäffer Warren and her groundbreaking 1908 expedition to Maligne Lake. The vision behind Wildflowers and the journey of assembling a team of talented female creatives. Reflections on the loss of one of the team members, photographer Natalie Gillis, as the film was in final production. How Mary Schäffer’s legacy resonates today, inspiring both seasoned explorers and young dreamers alike. Links & Resources: Watch the trailer for Wildflowers: [Link] Learn more about Mary Schäffer Warren’s life and explorations: [Link] Meaghan J, Ward: Wildflowers: The Story Behind the Mary Schaffer Documentary Follow Trixie Pacis: Her Website Follow Meghan J. Ward: Her Website Visit Jasper National Park: [Link] Takeaway Message: Wildflowers is more than just a film about retracing the steps of a historical figure—it’s a story about connection, creativity, and the enduring legacy of female explorers. Tune in to discover how Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward brought this extraordinary journey to life, and why revisiting our past through new eyes matters now more than ever. Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Northern Latitudes and leave a review! Follow us for more stories of adventure, history, and creativity.
Northern Latitudes: Annette Kehnel - The Green Ages
Episode Title: Rethinking Sustainability in History with The Green Ages Podcast: Northern Latitudes Host: Bill Ault Guest: Dr. Annette Kehnel Release Date: November 11th, 2024 Description: In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with Dr. Annette Kehnel to explore her thought-provoking book, The Green Ages. Dr. Kehnel shares insights into how historical communities embraced sustainable practices long before the modern green movement. From medieval recycling to community-led environmental efforts, The Green Ages reveals a wealth of historical lessons for today’s challenges. Tune in as we discuss the past’s forgotten green initiatives, how they parallel today’s sustainability goals, and what they teach us about future possibilities. Topics Discussed: Sustainable Practices in the Medieval Era: Examples of how communities from the Middle Ages recycled, repurposed, and practiced eco-friendly methods. Lessons from the Past for Today: How historical examples of environmental care can inspire contemporary efforts. Surprising Historical Findings: Fascinating insights and lesser-known facts uncovered in The Green Ages. Dr. Kehnel’s Inspiration: The journey behind writing The Green Ages and her motivations as a historian. Links of Interest: The Green Ages by Dr. Annette Kehnel: Brandeis University Press Dr. Annette Kehnel’s academic profile: Here’s a list of sources and resources to dive into historical sustainability practices across various periods and cultures:Waste and Want: A Social History of Trash by Susan Strasser Strasser examines waste and recycling in the United States, covering changes in consumption, reusing practices, and attitudes toward waste. The Environmental Imagination: Thoreau, Nature Writing, and the Formation of American Culture by Lawrence Buell Though focused on American culture, this book connects past ecological thought with today’s environmentalism and provides historical context for attitudes toward nature and conservation. The Human Impact on the Natural Environment by Andrew Goudie Goudie covers environmental practices from ancient to modern times, discussing early methods of resource management and environmental impacts of historical civilizations. Ecology and Empire: Environmental History of Settler Societies by Tom Griffiths and Libby Robin This work explores the environmental impacts of settler societies, focusing on how settlers adapted historical ecological knowledge and practices in new landscapes. Medieval Europe and the World: From Late Antiquity to Modernity, 400-1500 by Robin W. Winks and Teofilo F. Ruiz This book offers a broad perspective on medieval Europe, including the role of resource management, agrarian practices, and community-based sustainability efforts. Key Takeaway: History holds more eco-conscious insights than we might imagine. Dr. Kehnel’s The Green Ages shows that sustainable practices are not just a modern ideal—they’re a tradition that reaches deep into our past, offering wisdom for a sustainable future.