The Story Behind One of Canada’s Most Beloved Comic Strips


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!

Living the Laker Life

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.

Advertisement

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.

Chris Dawson Gets the Nod to the Hall

This week’s Sportscast features Men’s League semi finals Game 2 between East Side Mario’s and Assante.

Guest Host Kyle Anderson also sits down with Chris Dawson, to talk about his induction into the Hockey North Hall of Fame under the media category.


Advertisement

POLL: Do you participate in the OLG lottery offerings?

Last Week's Headlines

Churchill's wins prestigious culinary award

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

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...

Public art coming to downtown hydro boxes

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.

The deadline is September 1...

North Bay family’s rock garden creating a buzz in the community

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...

First-time reader? Sign up for this free newsletter on our website.

If you have something to add to the discussion or an idea for one of Echo’s podcasters or affiliates, email us at editor@northbayecho.ca.

Be a Guest

Reach out about being a guest on one of our podcasts.

Advertise

Learn about the exciting opportunities with our local network!

North Bay Echo
840 McIntyre Street West, North Bay, ON P1B 3A3

Unsubscribe​ · ​Update My Preferences

View this email in your browser

North Bay Echo

Read more from North Bay Echo

Happy Friday, North Bay! This week, we are exploring the forces and ideas that drive our region—from the shifting tides of global and provincial politics to the power of making complex science accessible to everyone. We’re also hitting the court to recap a high-stakes week in local sports as the NDA playoffs take centre stage and national dreams take flight. Here is what is happening on the network Navigating the Political Landscape Politics is moving fast, and local impact is often tied to...

Happy Friday, North Bay! This week, we are diving deep into the systems that shape our community—from the future of our local schools to the grit required to build a business from the ground up. We’re also celebrating local sports successes and finding better ways to talk about the science that impacts our world. Here is what is happening on the network. 185 Years of Democracy Gone? The Fight for Public Education Trustees Public education is at a crossroads. We sit down to discuss a...

Happy Friday, North Bay! This week we are covering the full spectrum of life in our city. We look back at the obsession behind the Project Grizzly legend, discuss the reality of road safety with MADD, and recap a thrilling week in high school sports. Here is what is happening on the network. MADD Nipissing and the Ongoing Fight Against Impaired Driving We often think impaired driving is a battle we have already won. The reality in Nipissing is different. MADD Nipissing joins us to break down...