The Story Behind One of Canada’s Most Beloved Comic Strips
Published 2 months ago • 3 min read
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 character arcs and what the future holds!
In this episode of Echo Essentials, host Chris Piekarski catches up with Matt Suszter, NUSU President, and Abby Noonan, NUSU Administrative Assistant, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life inside the Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU).
From student politics and leadership to battling food insecurity on campus, this episode dives into the rebranding of the on-campus food bank, “OWLS Week”, how to get involved with clubs & communities, and what struggles students are facing regarding housing, finances, and jobs.
This Young Guide Is Making Northern Ontario an Adventure Destination
At just 22 years old, Mylène started Follow Her North, a guiding company that’s turning Northern Ontario into a place where people come for adventure and stay for connection.
In this episode, she shares how she turned her love for the outdoors into a business, what it’s like being a young woman in the guiding world, and why she believes nature is the best place to reset.
In a milestone that couldn’t be more perfectly timed, Churchill’s Fine Dining and its 5000+ wine list have been honoured with the prestigious 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, becoming the first restaurant in North Bay’s history to receive this international distinction. This award coincides with the 100th anniversary of the City of North Bay, making it a moment of civic and culinary celebration.
Churchill’s joins the ranks of just over 3,800 restaurants worldwide recognized for their exceptional wine programs and dedication to pairing excellence.
The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence launched in 1981. The awards recognize outstanding wine programs across three levels...
The winners of the $34 million LOTTO 6/49 prize have been found
Credit: Nugget.ca
Joe and Lise Menard from Cache Bay are the winners of the $34 million LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball draw from June 21.
A recent date night and lottery purchase transformed this loving couple into Ontario’s newest multi-millionaires. The Menards won the $34 million jackpot in the LOTTO 6/49 Gold Ball draw on June 21, 2025.
During an exciting winner celebration in Toronto, the Northern Ontario couple, who held hands throughout the festivities, recounted the events leading up to their incredible windfall.
The Menards purchased their winning ticket at Arrowhead Gas Bar on Osprey Miikan Road on Nipissing First Nation, near North Bay...
Another call for public art submissions is being made locally.
The city along with the Public Art Advisory Committee and Clean, Green, Beautiful North Bay are looking to vinyl wrap hydro boxes along Main Street. They’re seeking digitally created images or high-quality scans of original artwork. Up to three submissions can be made. Officials say ten pieces will be selected, and artists will be paid for their work.
North Bay family’s rock garden creating a buzz in the community
Credit: CTVNews.ca/northern-ontario/north-bay
A family in North Bay, Ont., has built and decorated a rock garden that has become the talk of their neighbourhood.
With the help of his parents and his partner, Beth, Michael Ethier came up with an idea of spreading love and joy at the Moffat Avenue home where his parents have lived for nearly 54 years.
There’s lots of love at the home of Larry Ethier, 90, and Theresa, 87. So, Michael and Beth wanted to pay tribute to them...
The Costs of Hospice Care, Advancing Outdoor Education, & the NDA Football Finals is Set! Echo Podcast Roundup Provincial Support and Fundraising with The Nipissing Serenity Hospice This week on Echo Essentials, Chris sits down with Bernadette Lindsay, Fund Development Coordinator at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, to uncover the financial truths behind hospice care in Ontario. From eye-opening budget gaps to community fundraising efforts, Chris and Bernadette dive into what it really takes...
The Devastating Impact of Food Insecurity in 2025 Echo Podcast Roundup Checking in with The Gathering Place In this week’s episode of Echo Essentials, we go behind the scenes at The Gathering Place—North Bay’s frontline solution to food insecurity. Chris Piekarski visits The Gathering Place to sit down with Board Chair Peter Gregory and Operations Manager Alicia Smith to unpack the truth about who really uses the service, how they’ve slashed costs by 31%, and why sustainable monthly donations...
What's Next for the Trout Lake Watershed Development Study? Echo Podcast Roundup What Froze Development on Trout Lake for 40 Years? In this episode of Echo Essentials, Chris sits down with the City of North Bay’s Planning Manager Beverley Hillier to unpack the long-awaited Trout Lake Watershed policy review. Beverley reveals the reason why lot creation was frozen in the 90s, what 400+ new lots could mean for Trout Lake, and how phosphorus, septic systems, and shoreline buffers are now at the...
