Fail, Paint, Repeat: How Marianne Vander Dussen Found Success by Letting Go of Perfection
Published about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Fail, Paint, Repeat: How Vander Dussen Found Success by Letting Go of Perfection
Echo Podcast Roundup
Turning Passion for Painting into a Thriving Business
Marianne Vander Dussen is a painter, teacher, and creative entrepreneur who turned trial and error into a thriving international art business.
In this episode, she opens up about her start in drama and real estate, the magic moment she picked up a paintbrush, and why failing on purpose can be the best thing for your art.
OUTLoud North Bay has been creating safe, affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth for the past several years. In this week’s episode, Chris Piekarski sits down with founder Seth Compton and volunteer Riley Ong to talk about their surprise invitation to meet the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward in Toronto — and the life-changing work that led to it.
1,000 Miles. 10 Days. No Help: Inside the World’s Toughest Canoe Race
In this week’s episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, endurance paddlers Sean Lougheed and Lauren Anderson take us deep inside the preparation for the upcoming Yukon 1000, the longest canoe race on Earth — from Whitehorse to the Arctic Circle.
Bulldogs win again; Ken Pagan in Spotlight; plus Triathlon & Road Race results
The Echo Sportscast #42 highlights include favourable results for North Bay Minor Girls Softball rep Blaze teams do well on the road, as well as the U11 Panthers baseball team that went undefeated against Southern Ontario teams on the weekend.
In a recent North Bay City Council meeting, a motion proposing an independent audit to enhance municipal transparency was defeated. Councillor Sara Inch introduced the motion, advocating for a comprehensive review of the city's financial practices to bolster public trust. However, the majority of councillors voted against it, citing concerns over potential costs and questioning the necessity of such an audit.
This decision has drawn criticism from community members who view the audit as a vital step toward accountability. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between fiscal prudence and the public's demand for openness in governance. The council's choice to forgo the audit has left some residents questioning the city's commitment to transparent operations.
Applications are now open for the "Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone" (EASE) grant, an initiative by the North Bay Accessibility Advisory Committee. The grant provides up to $5,000 to businesses and organizations in North Bay looking to improve accessibility in their physical spaces.
Eligible upgrades include ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, and other barrier-free enhancements. The goal is to help create more inclusive environments for people with disabilities. The program is part of the city’s broader commitment to accessibility and aligns with provincial legislation. The application deadline is August 30, 2025.
Community Greenhouse and Beautification (CGB) is asking North Bay residents to help get the city ready for the Communities in Bloom judges, who arrive on July 15. The national competition evaluates communities on floral displays, tidiness, environmental action, and more. CGB encourages residents and businesses to tidy up their properties, plant flowers, and show civic pride.
North Bay has previously earned a 5-bloom rating and hopes to maintain or improve its standing. The city’s involvement in the program promotes tourism, community engagement, and environmental awareness.
New beach volleyball courts have officially opened at the shared campus of Canadore College and Nipissing University in North Bay. The project, led by the Canadore Students’ Council, aims to enhance student life and promote physical activity. The initiative was supported by both institutions, along with financial backing from the Student Life Centre and Facilities teams.
The new courts are open to students, staff, and the community, offering a fresh recreational option on campus. The addition is part of ongoing efforts to improve campus amenities and foster a more active, engaged student environment.
How North Bay Police Bust Fraudsters & Scammers Echo Podcast Roundup Scams In The City: How the North Bay Police Service Bust Fraudsters In this week’s episode of Echo Essentials, host Chris Piekarski sits down with Detective Constable Zack Dagg and Constable Merv Shantz from the North Bay Police Service (NBPS) to dive deep into the frightening world of fraudsters and scammers. From door-to-door “contractors” and impersonation scams, to AI-generated voices pretending to be loved ones, their...
The Story Behind One of Canada’s Most Beloved Comic Strips Echo Podcast Roundup Drawing Real People! Lynn Johnston didn’t just draw comics: she drew real life. As the creator of For Better or For Worse, one of the most beloved syndicated comic strips in the world, Lynn reached over 220 million readers by turning ordinary family moments into something unforgettable. In this episode, Lynn shares the story behind creating For Better or For Worse, how she navigated certain situations with...
A Love Not Forgotten: The Story of the Canadian Ecology Center Echo Podcast Roundup A Love Not Forgotten: The Story of the Canadian Ecology Center 100 episodes of the Backroads Bill Podcast has seen Bill and Ben talk to a number of high profile and educated guests focused on the outdoors, nature and Northern Ontario. For episode 100 Bill talks about the Canadian Ecology Center. How it started and how it turned into the hub for education and outdoor events that it is today. Bill also looks to...
