Wilderness Edge Podcast

Boundary Waters Connect
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Society & Culture

For people who are curious about communities on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Join our host, Lacey Squier, for juicy conversations with area residents and all who have a heart-home “up north.”  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. 

Episodes

  1. Jul 2

    Broadway in the BW & Ely Must-Do’s

    Visiting Ely? Let the folks who live here help you decide what to do while you're in the area! Repertory theater professionals living in Ely for the summer -- Olivia, Dovid, Austin, and Jacob -- talk through the Ely area tourism MUST-DO's as suggested by the Tuesday Group audience.  But, wait... what's Tuesday Group? Tuesday Group is a free, weekly educational forum that takes place over lunch at the Grand Ely Lodge.  If you're in town on a Tuesday, swing by the Grand Ely Lodge between 11:30am and 1:00pm to meet a few people, learn something new, and enjoy lunch.  Eager to get to a specific topic? Here's the breakdown of our conversation:  1:30 | Jacob, Olivia, Dovid, & Austin introduce themselves 9:08 | The Ely audience is passionate and interactive; they go beyond surface level. 11:23 | Word of mouth makes the world go 'round. 13:00 | Discussing themes in NLAA's Oklahoma! What made our local production unique? 20:10 | What should we know about NLAA's forthcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar? 30:01 | Must-Do Activities in Ely: Have a leisurely afternoon on a pontoon 33:02 | International Wolf Center & North American Bear Center 35:07 | Meet the Root Beer Lady at the Dorothy Molter Museum 38:07 | Ely's Historic State Theater -- $7 movies!!! 40:20 | Ely Steam Sauna ("sow-na") 42:48 | Admire the d'Havilland Beavers at the USFS Seaplane Base on Shagawa Lake 44:12 | Semers Park Beach & Adventures on the islands 45:15 | Find a favorite rock, maybe pillow rock?? 46:46 | Ely Winton History Museum at MN North Vermilion Campus 48:24 | Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum 48:48 | Find Your Listening Point -- Sigurd Olson's Listening Point 49:13 | Best Hikes in Ely 52:10 | Soudan Underground Mine Tour 54:38 | What do YOU think should be on the Ely-area tourism must-do list?? 56:05 | Take an Ely Folk School Class! (But what even is a folk school?) 59:16 | See a Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) production!! Boundary Waters Connect -- Considering moving to northeast Minnesota? Let us help you! We offer programs and services for new, established, and prospective residents to strengthen our social fabric.  NLAA Presents Newsies, Jr -- Two shows only! Friday, July 3 NLAA Presents Jesus Christ Superstar -- Buy your tickets today! Various shows July 17-26 Northern Lakes Arts Association -- The Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) is a premier arts & cultural nonprofit organization in Ely. NLAA was one of the founding organizations of the Ely Cultural Alliance.  Ely Cultural Alliance -- Offering a summer passport program! Pick up a copy of the Ely Summer Times, and find our passport in the centerfold. Secure stamps from each participating loction to enter a drawing for a prize basket. Attend the Ely Cultural Alliance Toast to the Season event on Sunday, September 13.  Send us a voice message!

  2. Jun 25

    Fibers of Our Being

    Grace Klein joins Lacey Squier in conversation about her mutli-faceted journey to life in Ely, including a background in pattern and paper making. Grace is a fiber artist in all senses of the word. They discuss the positive power of reading, and how that shows up in life on the edge of the Wilderness.  This conversation includes the following highlights:  Introducing Grace -- YMCA Camp Du Nord, Wintergreen Northern Wear, & more.How did Grace become interested in apparel design and fiber arts?"I love sewing and I love creating clothing that feels true to me."Wintergreen Northern Wear is a staple of Ely culture, fashion, and commerce.Foray into paper making & sustainable creative practice.Apparel design becomes book anatomy, paper making, and paper tapestries.I'm at growth and experimental phase of my art career.Gratitude to the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust."Thus from knickers came literature" -- the humanities & fiber arts collide.Let's talk about the humanities (at the Ely Folk School).What are the humanities?The humanities, handcraft, and AI.As much as we need to preserve a particular craft, we need to preserve the idea of craft.For the love of book club.Playing music with The Chickadee-Dee-Dee's.Entrepreneurship -- "Maybe this will turn in to a business venture.""I have everything here that I've ever wanted." Boundary Waters Connect -- Boundary Waters Connect is the sponsor of the Wilderness Edge Podcast.  Grace Klein Designs -- Grace Klein is a fiber artist living in Ely, MN.  Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust -- This Ely, MN based trust offers grants to local artists and arts organizations. They offer two grand cycles per year.  Chickadee-Dee-Dee music trio -- A cover band that plays music in various locations around Ely, and also offers free community singing programs at the Ely Folk School.  Humanly Possible: Seven Hundred Years of Humanist Freethinking, Inquiry, & Hope by Sarah Bakewell -- A book that dives deep into the history of the humanism and the humanities.  Ely Folk School -- The Ely Folk School recently created a Humanities program area, through which locals and tourists alike can learn about myriad topics.  The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree by Shokoofeh Azar -- The book referred to by Grace and Lacey as the current selection of their friends' book club.  What AI Kant do -- A recommended rumination on the relationship and differences between AI and the humanities.  Send us a voice message!

    Fibers of Our Being

  3. Jun 5

    Making Friends: Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs

    Let's discuss the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of making friends as adults – particularly as people who recently relocated to a new community.  Join me, Lacey Squier, in conversation with my friends Jess Kulik, Kelsey Lee, and Lucy Soderstrom as we talk about the experiences and resources we drew upon to host an Ely Folk School class on how to make friends.  Boundary Waters Connect -- Hello Neighbor  The Wilderness Edge Podcast is sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect, the economic and community development program of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. We offer programs and services for new, established, seasonal, and prospective residents to the Ely area.  Boundary Waters Connect – Making Friends  Check out some additional resources on the topic of making friends, particularly as adults.  Ely Folk School  Boundary Waters Connect is proud to sponsor and frequently collaborate with the Ely Folk School, which builds community by offering learning experiences that celebrate the wilderness heritage, art, history, culture, and craft of the people of northern Minnesota.  Potluck Kitchenware  Potluck Kitchenware is a cooking and baking retail store, as well as the presenting sponsor of the Hello Neighbor programs and services facilitated by Boundary Waters Connect. Check out Potluck Kitchenware on the corner of Chapman Street and First Avenue in downtown Ely.  Platonic: The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends This book, written by Dr. Marissa G. Franco, was one of our favorite resources in the process of learning about and teaching a class on how to make friends.  Chapters & Timestamps:  1:39 | Introducing our guests: Kelsey Lee, Lucy Soderstrom, and Jess Kulik. 5:40 | Finding and forging bonus families. 9:31 | Why host a class on how to make friends? 10:08 | To profess the profound importance of unapologetic initiative. 13:11 | We can't do it for you. We offer tools & empowerment to be your own agent of social connection. 17:26 | We wanted to offer clarity to the process and social norms in our community. 20:47 | How do we talk more openly about what's difficult about making friends? 22:00 | What does your attachment style have to do with making friends? 25:00 | Dread is part of the process (and transitions are hard). 30:20 | It's a wonderful life -- seeing and being seen helps! 31:50 | Check out The Art of the Gathering by Priya Parker. 34:13 | Distinguish between your "work" self and your "personal" self. 39:52 | Give yourself permission to be cared for by community. 43:00 | Consider the power of propinquity & the mere exposure effect. 48:23 | Develop rejection tolerance & be friends with yourself first. 51:33 | You can only succeed if you define your friendship goals. 52:17 | Remember: this process takes time. 54:23 | Share your interests widely; our communities are full of inquisitive, eager people. 55:41 | You can have anything, but you might have to make it yourself. 57:34 | On the pros and cons of being known (and wearing your grimiest pajamas at the grocery store). 59:30 | Mind the liking gap -- you're more well liked than you think! Send us a voice message!

    Making Friends: Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs

  4. May 21

    Dancing on the Edge

    Join a conversation about 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!

    Dancing on the Edge

  5. May 6

    Love of Gear & Fishing in the Boundary Waters

    Explore the joys and challenges of backcountry fishing, canoe camping, and hunting in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with Eric Glasson. Eric is an avid sportsman who is “obsessed with all things Boundary Waters, Quetico and backcountry fishing and canoe camping.” He loves to share what he has learned and teach others the glory of backcountry canoe travel, camping and fishing via his YouTube channel FarWater.   Show notes:  Boundary Waters Connect sponsors the Wilderness Edge Podcast. Learn more about our guest Eric Glasson by checking out FarWater on YouTube, or following him on Instagram @eric_in_ely.  Read more of what Eric has to say regarding awe, angling, and the boundary waters via Quetico Fishing Trip Becomes Something Much Deeper, published by Paddle & Portage. He also wrote The Challenges (and Joy) of Hunting Whitetail Deer in the BWCA Wilderness.  Ely enthusiasts may recall hearing from Eric when he was in conversation with Lacey and Taylor Ham, talking about the joys of the fishing opener holiday in Ely  when they were guests on the What's Up Ely Podcast, a project that was produced by Visit Ely. You can find that here: What's Up Ely Podcast: Open Water Fishing.  Chapters & Timestamps:  2:36 | What does the word 'sportsman' mean? 4:50 | "I found myself returning to the world of selling things in the outdoors." 6:29 | "As your loving wife I remember those days. We were living in Saint Paul, and..." 8:37 | "It really simplified our life to move up north." 9:57 | "You kind of live vicariously through the gear that you buy." 13:10 | Bioengineered synthetics versus natural fibers 15:42 | What does it look like to prep for a BWCA trip? 17:55 | Factors are always changing (but some things remain constant) 20:10 | Novice, not advanced? Well that's alright! 24:28 | "To shorten the learning curve that was so difficult for me." 29:25 | To keep the memories forever 32:13 | Leveling up the magnitude of challenge in the Boundary Waters 35:30 | Fishing, Foraging, Hunting: You can't shut that off 37:12 | The common thread in my life? Wilderness 40:43 | Pay attention to when you feel alive 43:21 | To go from beginner to intermediate, from intermediate to advanced 44:48 | Ely brought me to Ely 46:38 | Into the woods on a whim 50:28 | What's tough 56:34 | Keeping in shape in the Wilderness 58:06 | Boundary Waters Grand Slam: Bass, Pike, Walleye, Trout 59:30 | Fun facts about Lake Trout (or Armchair biologist) 1:04:42 | Deep dive on Pike & Walleye 1:06:36 | Landing a fish from a canoe 1:09:56 | The radiant joy and pleasure of angling Send us a voice message!

  6. May 6

    The Genius of Juicy Conversation

    What makes for juicy conversation??? Consider that and more 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 trio 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.  Chapters & Timestamps:  2:33 | Introducing Abby 7:14 | Introducing Joh 12:13 | Introducing Lacey, Wilderness Edge Podcast Host 17:03 | What makes for a quality conversation? 22:58 | Start from a quiet place (and more tips for great conversation) 32:20 | Life on the edge as a philosophical experience 36:33 | "Genius" excerpt from David Whyte (abridged) 39:14 | Joh's Northstar Framework Workshop 41:28 | Living a place-based life 43:48 | Discussing our edges 49:56 | Keeping bridges open, finding common ground 55:16 | The positive power of bearing witness 59:45 | Internal edges versus external edges; going forward versus going backward 1:02:44 | The Fool -- It's ok to be a beginner! 1:05:36 | Curiosity is the core of juicy conversation Send us a voice message!

    The Genius of Juicy Conversation

  7. Trailer

    Trailer

    Welcome to the Wilderness Edge Podcast, from Ely, Minnesota! Send us a voice message!

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

For people who are curious about communities on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Join our host, Lacey Squier, for juicy conversations with area residents and all who have a heart-home “up north.”  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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Boundary Waters Connect
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wilderness Edge Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wilderness Edge Podcast

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