Diaries of a Lodge Owner
In 2009, sheet metal mechanic, Steve Niedzwiecki, turned his passions into reality using steadfast belief in himself and his vision by investing everything in a once-obscure run-down Canadian fishing lodge.
After ten years, the now-former lodge owner and co-host of The Fish'n Canada Show is here to share stories of inspiration, relationships and the many struggles that turned his monumental gamble into one of the most legendary lodges in the country.
From anglers to entrepreneurs, athletes to conservationists; you never know who is going to stop by the lodge.
Episodes
70 episodes
Episode 69: Shoulder Season Lodge and Cottage Safety
Shoulder seasons at lodges and cottages come with their own set of surprises, but the last thing you want is an unexpected injury. Ever thought a simple task like covering a boat could end with a shoulder injury? That's exactly what happened to...
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Episode 69
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1:11:53
Episode 68: Behind the Rod - Remembering Colin McKeown
What if a passion for fishing could turn into a legacy that inspires countless others? Today, we pay tribute to our dear friend and extraordinary co-host, Colin McKeown, who left an indelible mark on the world of fly fishing. We reminisce about...
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Episode 68
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54:35
Episode 67: Reeling in Success from Fish to Fabric w/ Tim Dawson
From the tranquil waters of Brantford, Ontario, to the bustling fashion world of Toronto, Tim Dawson's story is one of passion, family, and success. Join us as we sit with this Canadian clothing mogul, the man behind the Legacy Brand Campus Cre...
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Episode 67
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1:13:09
Episode 66: We're Fish'n for 100K!
What happens when you combine the thrill of competitive fishing with the unpredictability of nature? Join us as we relive our incredible journey to the Vanity Cup in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. This isn't just about reeling in walleye; it’s about na...
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Episode 66
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1:16:12
Episode 65: Fishing Fundy's Wild Tides with Greg Beliveau
Join us for an exhilarating exploration of the Bay of Fundy as we sit down with Greg Beliveau, the passionate owner and operator of Bass Barn Charters. Greg's enthusiasm for striped bass fishing is contagious, and his exciting tales of navigati...
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Episode 65
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1:24:04
Episode 64: Super Bowl Champion Rex Burkhead!
What if you could combine the grit and glamour of NFL triumphs with the serenity and thrill of the great outdoors? Join us for a spirited conversation with NFL star Rex Burkhead, a Super Bowl champion who shares not just his gripping experience...
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Episode 64
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1:46:49
Episode 63: Fall is Here!
Get ready to embrace the cold with our latest episode of "Diaries of a Lodge Owner: Stories of the North." Ever wondered how we manage life in Kenora when the snow can pile up to seven feet high? Join us as we share personal anecdotes from the ...
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Episode 63
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1:14:10
Episode 62: On The Water With Jay Siemens
What if your passion for fishing could turn into a thriving career on YouTube? This week on Diaries of a Lodge Owner, we sit down with Jay Siemens, a YouTube fishing and outdoor sensation, to uncover his remarkable journey from lodge guide to d...
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Episode 62
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1:19:40
Episode 61: High Climbing With Jason Dittmer
Can you imagine scaling the highest peaks or diving deep into the ocean to uncover World War II relics? This week, we bring you an electrifying episode featuring the legendary high-altitude cinematographer, Jason Dittmer. From his humble beginn...
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Episode 61
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1:23:31
Episode 60: Will The Oil Man - Our New Diaries Co-Host
What happens when a seasoned oil field worker swaps his hard hat for a fishing rod? Meet our new co-host, Willie "the Oil Man" Pawlowsky, whose unique journey from the Rockin' Bakken basin to the serene lakes of Northwestern Ontario promises to...
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1:13:36
Episode 59: Dock Talk - Fishing to the NHL with Kris King
Have you ever wondered how a 14-season NHL veteran transitions to a high-profile executive role? This week, we sit down with Kris King, Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, as he shares his remarkable journey from t...
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Episode 59
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1:26:12
Epiosde 58: The Thrills, Trials, and Triumphs of The Fish'n Canada Show
What does it take to film a successful outdoor show amidst Canada’s breathtaking wilderness? Join us as we sit down with part of the dynamic Fish'n Canada team, including Peter Bowman, Dean Taylor, and Vova Babushkin, to uncover the thrills and...
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Episode 58
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1:24:37
Episode 57: Mail Time
Ever wondered how to transform your passion for fishing, bushcraft, and camping into a thriving career? Get ready to master the art of monetizing your outdoor adventures as we answer Peter Maharski's burning question. We explore two dynamic pat...
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Episode 57
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1:03:16
Episode 56: Behind The Rod - The Real Fishing Show
What happens when you blend the thrill of fishing with the charm of Canada's wilderness? Find out as we recount the unforgettable experience of hosting Bob Izumi, one of Canada's most iconic fishermen, at Chaudière Lodge. From the frantic rush ...
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Episode 56
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1:11:28
Episode 55: From The Heart Of The Fire To The Call Of The Wild with Rick Payne
Ever wondered how to handle a forest fire or call in a bull moose? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rick Payne, Regional Fire Response Specialist with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Dandryden, Ontario. Rick shares his incredible...
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Episode 55
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1:39:26
Episode 54: Behind The Rod - My Co-Hosting Debut
Have you ever felt the pressure of sharing a boat with your fishing heroes? Join us as we recount the unforgettable experience of co-hosting episode 406, "Bassin' on the French," with the legendary Angelo Viola and Peter Bowman. From the initia...
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1:15:27
Episode 53: Navigating the good ship Chaudiere into profitable waters W/ Coleridge Beadon
Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a quaint lodge into a flourishing business? Meet Coleridge Beeden, our guest for this episode, whose extraordinary life spans continents—from his childhood in Trinidad to his pivotal role as the book...
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Episode 53
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1:40:07
Episode 52: Chef in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Chef Colby Adams, the celebrated Chopped Canada finalist, joins us for an unforgettable episode filled with tales of culinary passion and fishing adventures. Discover how a city boy became an avid fisherman, reeling in impressive lake trout and...
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Episode 52
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51:21
Episode 51: Behind The Rod
Ever wondered how a lodge owner turned a simple idea into a marketing phenomenon? Join us as we recount the early days of managing a fishing lodge and the visionary plan that changed everything. We share personal stories of collaborating with T...
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Episode 51
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1:09:37
Episode 50: Willy The Oil Man
What drives a man to leave behind the high-stakes world of oil exploration and embrace the tranquil life of a lodge owner? Join us as Will Palowski recounts his extraordinary journey from the oil fields to the serene beauty of Nordic Point Lodg...
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1:11:08
Episode 49: Chef Garrett
Ever wondered how food can transform an entire experience, especially in the tranquility of a remote fishing lodge? Join us as we sit down with Chef Jarrett Michetti, the culinary genius behind Nordic Point Lodge, who shares his incredible jour...
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Episode 52
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1:36:42
Episode 48 - Guide Stories With 'Johns'
Experience the adrenaline rush of two worlds colliding as we invite you to meet John Jarvis and John Bryan, extraordinary fishing guides at Nordic Point Lodge with backgrounds as unique as they come. From the fearless falls of professional skat...
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1:44:30
Episode 47: Protect Your Investment, Build Your Wealth w/ Rick Miller
Ever wondered how land severance could unlock the financial potential of your property? Join us as we reveal the transformative power of surveying and land division through my personal journey with Rick Miller from Miller and Ursu Surveying. Ri...
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Episode 47
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1:15:57
Episode 46: Can Crypto Change Your Life? w/ Terry From The Toque
Ever wondered how cryptocurrency could completely transform your financial future? Join us as we uncover the essentials of cryptocurrency with Terry Goudreau, owner of the Tilted Toque Wilderness Lodge. You'll learn the fundamentals of getting ...
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1:16:23