I Left The City

Hastings County

If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

  1. Wildly Successful: Bancroft is a Hidden Gem for Entrepreneurs - Episode 45

    4D AGO

    Wildly Successful: Bancroft is a Hidden Gem for Entrepreneurs - Episode 45

    We're continuing our “Wildly Successful” mini-series with another organization that can help you move your business or start a new one in Hastings County. In this episode, Krystal Campbell, the vice chair of the Bancroft Business Improvement Area, tells us how the BIA supports businesses in downtown Bancroft, and why Bancroft is such a hidden gem for entrepreneurs that she almost didn't want to tell people about it (consider it an I Left the City exclusive). If you're looking to start a business without a clear idea of what it should be, listen to the end for what Krystal sees as gaps in the market. Check out the Bancroft BIA: Website: Coming soon! Facebook: facebook.com/DiscoverBancroft Instagram: instagram.com/downtownbancroft About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    20 min
  2. Wildly Successful: Moving is Hard but Marmora’s Ambassadors Can Help - Episode 44

    MAY 14

    Wildly Successful: Moving is Hard but Marmora’s Ambassadors Can Help - Episode 44

    The “Wildly Successful” mini-series continues with another organization that can help you move your business or start a new one in Hastings County. In this episode,  we're featuring the Municipality of Marmora and Lake’s Community Ambassadors Program, which matches seasoned locals with newcomers to answer their questions about living, working, and running a business in Marmora. Offering their perspectives are Eric Daoust, a municipal councillor and an entrepreneur, and Anne MacNeill, a member of Marmora and Lake's Economic Development Advisory Committee and one of the program’s ambassadors. They explain how the program works, who the ambassadors are, and why Eric and Anne personally wish this program had existed sooner. Learn more about Marmora and Lake: Community Ambassador Program webpage: marmoraandlake.ca/community-ambassador-program Municipality of Marmora and Lake website: marmoraandlake.ca Facebook: facebook.com/MarmoraAndLake YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCoqnOpIVVJIZ8EAoYjP0ICg LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/marmoraandlake About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    20 min
  3. Wildly Successful: Grow Your Business with the Chamber of Commerce - Episode 43

    MAY 1

    Wildly Successful: Grow Your Business with the Chamber of Commerce - Episode 43

    We're continuing our “Wildly Successful” mini-series with another organization that can help you move your business or start a new one in Hastings County. The Central and North Hastings Chamber of Commerce helps business owners grow through networking, referrals, and education. In this episode, Shari Pearce explains how the chamber can help you integrate into the local business community, find resources, and even get a personal tour of Hastings County from Shari herself. Check out the Central and North Hastings Chamber of Commerce: Website: cnhcchamber.ca Facebook: facebook.com/centralnorthchamber LinkedIn: linkedin.com/centralnorthchamber News On 7 FB page: facebook.com/newsonseven About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    16 min
  4. Wildly Successful: Explore Finance and Business Resources with Community Futures - Episode 42

    APR 24

    Wildly Successful: Explore Finance and Business Resources with Community Futures - Episode 42

    We’re doing something a little different with the I Left the City podcast. Our new “Wildly Successful” mini-series features organizations that can help you move your business or start a new one in Hastings County. In this first episode, Mary Lynn Rutledge tells us about the Community Futures of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin’s flexible and affordable loans, free business counseling, and why so many of their clients recommend them. Check out the Community Futures of North and Central Hastings and South Algonquin: Website: community-futures.ca Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityFuturesBancroft YouTube: youtube.com/user/CFDCBancroft Instagram: instagram.com/communityfuturesbancroft About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    17 min
  5. A Software Entrepreneur Buys an Art Gallery in Tweed - Episode 41

    2025-10-17

    A Software Entrepreneur Buys an Art Gallery in Tweed - Episode 41

    Paul Kite is the owner of the art gallery Quinn's of Tweed. In this episode, we talk about how this former software entrepreneur found himself moving to Tweed and taking over a gallery without any previous experience in the art world, how he managed to quickly settle into a small town after a lifetime of city living, and why he recommends Hastings County to any professional that can work remotely. Check out Quinn’s of Tweed: Website - quinnsoftweed.ca Facebook - facebook.com/Quinns.of.Tweed.Art.Gallery Instagram - instagram.com/quinnsoftweed About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    23 min
  6. An HR Professional Opens a Bookstore in Stirling - Episode 40

    2025-10-10

    An HR Professional Opens a Bookstore in Stirling - Episode 40

    Tracey Starrett left her corporate HR job to do something many bookish people have fantasized about: open a bookstore. Tracey’s journey with the Stirling Book Company has lots of relatable lessons for anyone with a dream business percolating in the back of their mind. She talks about making the leap into entrepreneurship later in life, how small personal touches are the way to beat big competitors, and why right now might be the perfect time to start a business in Hastings County. Check out Stirling Book Company: Stirling Book Company website - stirlingbookco.ca Stirling Book Company on Instagram - instagram.com/stirlingbookco Stirling Book Company on Facebook - facebook.com/Stirlingbookco About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    33 min
  7. A Former Stunt Rider Builds an All-Electric Motocross Track - Episode 39

    2025-10-03

    A Former Stunt Rider Builds an All-Electric Motocross Track - Episode 39

    Dan Turcotte is a man who's worn many hats: radio host, record producer, professional stunt bicycle rider. These days, Dan is the CEO of Pet Shop Productions in Toronto and TerreMX, a first of its kind all-electric motocross facility in Hastings County. In this episode, Dan shares the TerreMX origin story (which started with buying a farm in Roslin), why running the business doesn't feel like work, and how his family is managing to split their lives between Toronto and Hastings County. Check out TerreMX and Pet Shop Productions: Terre MX website - terremx.com Pet Shop Productions website - petshopproductions.com About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    30 min
  8. A Graphic Designer Leaves the City Without Leaving Her Career - Episode 38

    2025-09-26

    A Graphic Designer Leaves the City Without Leaving Her Career - Episode 38

    Shevon Sigouin is a graphic designer from Toronto preparing to move to Hastings County. In this episode, she shares her long-standing connection to the county, why now felt like the right time to leave the city, and how the move will (and won’t!) impact her work. She also shares free branding advice that could take your small businesses to the next level. Check out Shevon’s work: Website: shevonsegouin.com Shevon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shevon_sigouin/ Lake Club on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LakeClub Lake Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lake_club_co/ About the I Left the City Podcast If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

    14 min
See All (46)

About

If you’ve ever fantasized about moving to cottage country, you need to hear these stories. In every episode of I Left the City, we talk to a talented and skilled professional who moved to Hastings County, Ontario to find a wildly authentic life. If you’re inspired to make the move and start a business in a place halfway between Toronto and Ottawa with affordable real estate, welcoming neighbours, and four-season natural amenities, visit investinhastings.ca for startup and relocation advice, commercial property listings, and many other helpful resources for business. I Left the City is an initiative of the Hastings County Economic Development department. It’s hosted and executive produced by Michelle Samson, a former radio broadcaster and economic developer who found her calling when she founded economic development podcasting agency Storied Places Media. As someone who grew up in a small town, moved to the city, then returned, she loves being nosy about where people have lived, and why they chose to build a life and business in Hastings County.

Information

  • Creator
    Hastings County
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    I Left The City