Wilderness Edge Podcast

Boundary Waters Connect

A podcast for people who are curious about communities on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We offer dialogue about what gives northeastern Minnesota the edge, as well as some real talk about the sometimes-sharp edges of living in remote and rural locations.  Join our host, Lacey Squier, for juicy conversations with area residents and all who have a heart-home “up north.” 

Episodes

  1. Dancing on the Edge

    May 21

    Dancing on the Edge

    Let's explore the similarities and differences between the Grand Marais and Ely communities, as well as the wisdom of moving our bodies with M Baxley. M Baxley is the creative genius Bear Witness Media based out of Grand Marais. They also do media work for Paddle & Portage. Show notes:  Boundary Waters Connect sponsors the Wilderness Edge Podcast.  The Story of Us is a short film about about the joys and challenges of relocating and building community on the edge of the Boundary Waters. M moved from Minneapolis to Grand Marais, and Lacey moved from Saint Paul to Ely. This film explores the convergence of their stories. It is a collaboration between Boundary Waters Connect and Bear Witness Media.   Why We Live Here video series is the original project that introduced Lacey and M to each other. These 4-minute videos each tell the story of an individual or couple who relocated to a town on the edge of the BWCAW -- what compelled them to move and how things are going now that they've relocated.  Bizhiki in Cook County: A Short Film that captures Bizhiki’s residency in Cook County, presented by the North Shore Music Association. Bizhiki is an acclaimed contemporary Ojibwe music and storytelling ensemble that brought their multidisciplinary performance to Cook County in November 2025. The film offers an inside look at the musical artistry, cultural teachings, and the meaningful connections Bizhiki formed with local students and community members. Bear Witness Media on Instagram Cook County YMCA Paddle & Portage offers a unique perspective on the intersection of news, adventure, and storytelling from the Boundary Waters, as well as other paddling destinations across North America. Paddle & Portage offers online content as well as a podcast.  Send us a voice message!

    1h 6m
  2. The Genius of Juicy Conversation

    May 6

    The Genius of Juicy Conversation

    In this episode we’ll explore what makes for juicy conversation with Abby Dare and Johannah Scarlet – two exceptionally talented conversationalists. Abby is a water colorist, community facilitator, and comedian who co-owns The Meadows Gallery & Studios. Johannah (also known as Joh) works in the commercial and film industry, and moonlights as an esoteric leader and tarot reader. You’re going to want to hear what this unique triad has to say about life on the edge [of the Wilderness]!  Show notes:  Boundary Waters Connect sponsors the Wilderness Edge Podcast.   You can join the conversation, too! Consider enrollling in Let's Talk About Talking: Tools for Everyday Communication, an Ely Folk School class taught by Abby Dare.   Learn more about our guest Abby Dare by visiting her personal website, Abby-Dare.com, or the website for the art gallerty and studios she co-owns in downtown Ely, The Meadows Gallery & Studios  Learn more about our guest Johannah Scarlet by visiting her personal website, Sacred Saturdaze Outpost, or her film & commercial production website, johannahscarlet.com.  Ely enthusiasts may recall hearing from Abby and Joh when they were guests on the What's Up Ely Podcast, a project that was produced by Visit Ely. You can find those epidoes here: What’s Up Ely Podcast: Facilitator, Community Builder, Comedian Abby Dare and What’s Up Ely Podcast: Modern Mysticism in Ely with Johannah Scarlet.  Send us a voice message!

    1h 7m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

A podcast for people who are curious about communities on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We offer dialogue about what gives northeastern Minnesota the edge, as well as some real talk about the sometimes-sharp edges of living in remote and rural locations.  Join our host, Lacey Squier, for juicy conversations with area residents and all who have a heart-home “up north.” 

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