Boats, Beers and Backroads

Hosted by Jamie Allison
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What happens when you mix dockside chats, early morning casts, local brews, and winding backroads? You get real conversations, good laughs, and an unapologetic love for country & cottage life. 🎙️ Hosted by Jamie Allison, this isn’t about curated perfection — it’s about the unfiltered joy of weekends away, the kind of stories you share by the fire, and the beauty of slowing down. ✨ If you’ve ever paddled at sunrise, grilled on a stormy day, or found your peace on a backroad bike ride… this one’s for you.

  1. 2d ago

    5-Time Canadian BBQ Champion Janice Smella on Competition BBQ, Backyard Tips & Cooking Without Limits

    What does it take to become one of Canada's most decorated competitive barbecue teams? This week on Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Janice Smella, head cook of SmellaQue BBQ and a five-time Canadian BBQ Team of the Year. From humble beginnings with a single smoker in 2014 to competing on some of the biggest barbecue stages in North America, Janice shares what it's really like behind the scenes of championship barbecue. She talks about the camaraderie of the BBQ community, how her cooking has evolved over the years, and why she believes mastering the basics will always beat buying the latest gadget. Janice also shares practical tips every backyard pitmaster can use—from why pork shoulder is one of the best meats to learn on, to the one inexpensive tool she says every griller should own. The conversation also explores her passion for food science, experimenting with unusual ingredients, learning from chefs around the world, and why the barbecue community feels more like family than competition. Whether you're firing up the smoker at the cottage, grilling for friends, or dreaming of competing one day, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and tips you'll want to try on your next cook. 🥩 How SmellaQue became Canada's BBQ Team of the Year five times 🔥 What it's really like competing at world-class barbecue contests 🍖 Why pork shoulder is the perfect meat for beginners 🌡️ The one BBQ tool Janice says everyone should own ⏱️ How modern smokers have changed competition barbecue 🧪 The science behind great barbecue 🥢 Why Janice loves experimenting with unusual cuts and international cuisine 🏆 Winning back-to-back competitions in Idaho 🚚 Life on the competition BBQ circuit 🎯 What's next for SmellaQue, including the American Royal World Series of Barbecue 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers and Backroads🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen 🌐 www.smellaque.com 📸 Instagram: @janie_smellaque

    5-Time Canadian BBQ Champion Janice Smella on Competition BBQ, Backyard Tips & Cooking Without Limits

  2. Jul 14

    Julia Godden: Small-Town Roots, Honest Songs & Finding Her Voice

    What happens when a emerging musician from a small Ontario town starts playing restaurant gigs and simply keeps going? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with singer-songwriter Julia Godden to talk about growing up in a small town, building confidence through live performance, and finding her voice through honest indie-folk songwriting. Julia shares how her father helped her land her first restaurant gigs, the musical influence of her family and older brother, and the turning point that came when she started releasing her own music. The conversation dives into the vulnerability of sharing personal songs, the thrill of hearing people sing your lyrics back to you, and why Julia prefers intimate rooms filled with listeners who are actually there for the music. She also opens up about balancing university, work, and a growing music career, the lessons she learned from years of busking, and the artists who continue to shape her songwriting—including Joni Mitchell and Noah Kahan. With plans to record a new EP, Julia is still early in her journey—but she's already spent nearly a decade learning how to connect with an audience one song at a time. 🎶 Growing up in Acton, Ontario 🎸 Playing her first restaurant gigs at 14 🎤 The lessons learned from busking and performing live 📝 Writing vulnerable, personal songs 🎶 The feeling of hearing fans sing her songs back 🏫 Balancing university, work, and music 🎧 The influence of Joni Mitchell and Noah Kahan 🔥 Why intimate, engaged audiences mean the most 🎵 Plans for a new EP and what's coming next Whether you love indie-folk, Canadian singer-songwriters, intimate live music, or simply discovering an artist at the beginning of an exciting journey, this is a great conversation. 📸 Instagram: @juliagoddenmusic🎵 TikTok: Julia Godden @juliagoddenmusic🎧 Stream her music on Spotify and Apple Music 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers and Backroads🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen

    Julia Godden: Small-Town Roots, Honest Songs & Finding Her Voice

  3. Jul 2

    Karly Kryski: The Country Music Star Bringing Happy Hour Back After Heartbreak

    From growing up in a hockey family in Vancouver to performing on some of Nashville's most iconic stages, Karly Kryski is quickly becoming one of Canada's most exciting emerging country artists. In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Karly to talk about her journey into country music, developing her authentic songwriting voice, and why some of the simplest stories often become the songs people connect with most. Karly shares what it was like playing Nashville's famous Whiskey Jam, the Cloverdale Rodeo, how she channels a completely different personality once she steps on stage, and why her newest single "Happy Hour After You" has become the perfect soundtrack for moving on after heartbreak. If you love country music, cottages, summer road trips, and discovering the next generation of artists, this episode belongs on your playlist. Growing up in Vancouver in a sports-focused familyLearning piano, guitar, the sax and songwritingBuilding songs from titles and storiesStage nerves vs. stage confidenceBehind the story of Happy Hour After YouBeaches, hiking and happy hourFollow Boats, Beers & Backroads 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads ▶️ YouTube: Boats Beers & Backroads 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen.@karlykryski Website:www.karlykryski.com

    Karly Kryski: The Country Music Star Bringing Happy Hour Back After Heartbreak

  4. Jun 23

    Honky Tonk Summer Jam: Building Muskoka's New Country Music Tradition with Jason MacKenzie

    What happens when a local guy sees a need in his community and decides to do something about it?In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with Jason MacKenzie, co-founder and organizer of the rapidly growing Honky Tonk Summer Jam, taking place this July 3-4 at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds in the heart of Muskoka.What started as a one-night charity concert supporting Andy's House (Muskoka Hospice) has quickly evolved into one of Ontario's most exciting grassroots country music events. After raising more than $21,000 in its first year, the festival returns bigger than ever with two days of music, camping, line dancing, food vendors, community spirit, and an all-Canadian lineup of country artists.Jason shares the story behind launching the festival, the challenges of building an event from the ground up, why supporting Canadian country artists matters, and his vision for creating a Muskoka tradition that brings people together while giving back.Whether you're a country music fan, festival lover, camper, cottage-goer, or simply someone who loves seeing communities rally around a great cause, this conversation is for you.In This Episode✅ Raising $21,000 for Andy's House in year one✅ Why the event focuses exclusively on Canadian country talent✅ Camping, line dancing, vendors and festival experiences✅ Building a community-first event in Muskoka✅ Future plans for Honky Tonk Summer Jam✅ Why supporting local artists mattersEvent Information📍 Bracebridge Fairgrounds📅 July 3-4, 2026🏕️ Camping Available🎸 11 Artists🤠 Line Dancing🍔 Food VendorsFollow Honky Tonk Summer Jam and grab your tickets 📱 Instagram: @honkytonksummerjam🎟️ Tickets & Event Information:https://honkytonksummerjam.caFollow Boats, Beers & Backroads📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads▶️ YouTube: Boats Beers & Backroads🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen.

    Honky Tonk Summer Jam: Building Muskoka's New Country Music Tradition with Jason MacKenzie

  5. Jun 17

    From Pita Pit to Pints – Building Lightcaster Brewery One Community at a Time

    What do you do after helping build one of Canada's most successful restaurant franchises?If you're Nelson Lang, you build a brewery.This week on Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with entrepreneur Nelson Lang, co-founder of Pita Pit and now Managing Partner of Lightcaster Brewery & Tap House.Nelson shares the incredible story of launching Pita Pit in Kingston in 1995 and helping grow the brand from a single location into a global franchise with more than 600 locations across 18 countries. After stepping away from that chapter, Nelson found himself drawn to a completely different industry—craft beer.Today, alongside brewmaster Jim Gorey and his partners, Nelson is helping build Lightcaster Brewery into one of Ontario's fastest-growing craft brewery brands, with locations in Bowmanville, Kingston, and Orangeville, and plans for future expansion.The conversation explores what makes the craft beer industry unique, why community matters more than ever, and how Lightcaster is creating neighbourhood gathering places built around great beer, live music, and local connection.In This Episode🍺 The story behind Pita Pit's explosive growth📈 Lessons learned from franchising and entrepreneurship🍻 Why Nelson chose craft beer after exiting Pita Pit🏭 Launching and growing Lightcaster Brewery🎵 Creating brewery spaces focused on community and live music🍺 How craft breweries collaborate instead of compete🚤 Cottage life on Stoney Lake🍺 Nelson's favourite Lightcaster beers🎙️ Why local gathering places matter more than everWhether you're an entrepreneur, beer lover, cottage owner, or someone who enjoys hearing how great Canadian businesses are built, this episode delivers plenty of insight and inspiration.Follow Boats, Beers & Backroads📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroadsFollow Lightcaster Brewery📸 Instagram: @lightcasterbreweryhttps://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads

    From Pita Pit to Pints – Building Lightcaster Brewery One Community at a Time

  6. Jun 11

    Lucas Mason: From Viral Zach Bryan Moment to Country Music's Next Big Voice

    What happens after a viral moment changes your life? This week on Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with one of Canada's most promising emerging country artists, Lucas Mason. Many first discovered Lucas when he joined country superstar Zach Bryan on stage in a moment that generated more than 15 million views online. But as Lucas explains, the viral moment was only the beginning. In this candid conversation, Lucas shares how growing up in a musical family shaped his passion for songwriting, why he chose authenticity over chasing quick success, and the journey of creating his debut album while balancing school, performances, and life as a young artist. They also discuss his powerful single "Tethered," the emotional challenges of pursuing a dream, the importance of authentic music in an AI-driven world, and his upcoming release "Stay," inspired by a relaxing cottage getaway in Norfolk County, Ontario. If you love country music, campfires, backroads, and great stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In This Episode: 🎵 Growing up in a musical family 🎹 Learning piano at age six and discovering guitar 🎤 The Zach Bryan moment that changed everything 🎸 Building a career based on original music 🏟️ Playing a sold-out Scotiabank Arena 📝 Writing "Tethered" and the realities of chasing a dream 🏡 The cottage-country inspiration behind his new song "Stay" 🎶 Why authenticity matters more than ever in music 🤠 Influences including Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, and Ocie Elliott 🔥 Recording a debut album 🚤 Rapid-fire questions, country music, campfires, and backroads Follow Lucas Mason 📸 Instagram: @lucasmasonmusic 🎵 Spotify: Lucas Mason 🎥 TikTok: @lucasmasonmusic 💬 Join "The Campfire" fan community on Instagram Follow Boats, Beers & Backroads 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads 🎥 YouTube: @boatsbeersandbackroads 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

    Lucas Mason: From Viral Zach Bryan Moment to Country Music's Next Big Voice

  7. Jun 4

    How Cooper Gallant Turned a Fishing Obsession into a Dream Career

    What does it take for a kid growing up fishing Ontario waters to compete against the best anglers in the world? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cooper Gallant, one of Canada’s fastest-rising professional anglers. Growing up in Bowmanville, Ontario, surrounded by an outdoors family and the incredible fisheries of Lake Ontario, Rice Lake, and the Bay of Quinte, Cooper developed a passion for fishing that quickly evolved from weekend outings to tournament competition. Today, Cooper competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series—the highest level of professional bass fishing in the world. Along the way, he’s learned that success requires much more than catching fish. Modern professional anglers must be businesspeople, content creators, marketers, and entertainers, all while competing against the best anglers on the planet.In this episode, Cooper shares his journey from local Ontario tournaments to the Elite Series, discusses the role of technology like LiveScope, offers practical fishing advice for weekend anglers, and provides an honest look at the challenges of life on the road chasing a dream. In This Episode Growing up in an outdoors familyHow local tournaments shaped his careerWhat life is really like on the Bassmaster Elite SeriesThe growing celebrity status of professional bass anglersBest bass fishing tips for weekend anglersCountry music, campfires, and life beyond tournament fishingWhether you’re a tournament angler, a weekend cottage fisherman, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this episode offers an inside look at one of the sport's brightest stars. ⸻ Follow Boats, Beers & Backroads 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads ⸻Follow Cooper Gallant 📸 Instagram: @coopergallantfishing

    How Cooper Gallant Turned a Fishing Obsession into a Dream Career

  8. May 28

    Cory Johnston on Bass Boats, Family Life, and Big Bass

    For Cory Johnston, it started in a boat with his father and brother on the lakes around Peterborough, Ontario—one of Canada's most legendary fishing regions. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with one of Canada's top professional anglers to discuss the path from local tournaments in the Kawarthas to competing against the best bass fishermen in the world on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Cory shares how growing up fishing alongside his brother Chris and his father laid the foundation for a career that has taken him across North America. He discusses tournament fishing, adapting to rapidly changing technology, balancing life as a touring professional and father, and why some of the best fishing lessons still come from time spent on the water with family. The conversation also dives into practical fishing advice for weekend anglers, favorite Ontario lakes, equipment choices, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional bass fishing. 🎣 Growing up fishing the lakes around Peterborough and the Kawarthas 🎣 Learning tournament fishing from his father and competing alongside his brother Chris 🎣 The journey from local events to the Bassmaster Elite Series 🎣 Why versatility is one of the most important skills in fishing 🎣 How technology has changed professional bass fishing 🎣 Traditional fishing techniques versus modern forward-facing sonar 🎣 Advice for weekend anglers targeting bass in northern lakes 🎣 Why Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe remain among his favorite fisheries 🎣 Balancing Elite Series competition with raising a family 🎣 His pursuit of Bassmaster Angler of the Year and a Bassmaster Classic title Whether you're a hardcore tournament angler, a weekend cottage fisherman, or someone who simply loves spending time on the water, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the life of one of Canada's most accomplished professional bass anglers. 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersbackroads 🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers & Backroads 🎧 Spotify: Boats, Beers & Backroads Podcast 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Boats, Beers & Backroads Podcast 📸 Instagram: @coryjohnstonfishing

    Cory Johnston on Bass Boats, Family Life, and Big Bass
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About

What happens when you mix dockside chats, early morning casts, local brews, and winding backroads? You get real conversations, good laughs, and an unapologetic love for country & cottage life. 🎙️ Hosted by Jamie Allison, this isn’t about curated perfection — it’s about the unfiltered joy of weekends away, the kind of stories you share by the fire, and the beauty of slowing down. ✨ If you’ve ever paddled at sunrise, grilled on a stormy day, or found your peace on a backroad bike ride… this one’s for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Hosted by Jamie Allison
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hosted by Jamie Allison
  • Show Website
    Boats, Beers and Backroads