Fail, Paint, Repeat: How Marianne Vander Dussen Found Success by Letting Go of Perfection
Published about 16 hours 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 Cubs Become Bears: Inside SJSH's Innovative Podcast Echo Podcast Roundup How a Student Podcast Was Born at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall CSS What happens when you hand high school students the mic? You get the SJSH Bears Den Pawcast — a bold, creative, and completely student-driven show from St. Joseph-Scollard Hall CSS. In this episode, we sit down with teacher/producer Nicole Dopko and seasoned host Annie Martel to talk about how the show began, how it’s grown, and how it can change the way...
What started as one student’s idea has become one of North Bay’s most powerful grassroot fundraisers! Echo Podcast Roundup How a Student Parade Became a North Bay Cancer-Fighting Tradition In this episode, Lisa sits down with West Ferris teacher Mark Robertson, grade 9 student Mallory and North Bay Regional Health Center Foundation CEO Tammy Morison to talk about how the Parade for Cancer started, what it funds and why it brings out the best in the community. Watch Now North Bay’s Housing...
Kindness Takes Over - How One Brave Hotel Worker Saved A Life Echo Podcast Roundup What a 10-Year-Old Can Teach Us About Being Good Humans Graham Shaver may only be 10 years old, but he’s already mastered something many adults still struggle with: kindness. As North Bay’s Kindness Ambassador, Graham has made it his mission to turn Kindness Week into Kindness Infinity. Watch Now Kindness Isn’t Soft — It’s Science! What if kindness wasn’t just a feel-good gesture—but a psychological superpower?...
