Northern Latitudes

Bill Ault

Northern Latitudes is a Canadian-based podcast dedicated to exploring the people, places, news and events that make the great outdoors great.

  1. Northern Latitudes - Trina Moyles: Black Bear

    ١ ديسمبر

    Northern Latitudes - Trina Moyles: Black Bear

    Trina Moyles: Black Bear In Episode 45 of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with award-winning author and journalist Trina Moyles to explore her deeply moving new book Black Bear — a powerful blend of memoir, ecology, and family history rooted in the rugged landscapes of northern Alberta. Moyles, known for her wildfire memoir Lookout, turns her lens inward in this new work, tracing the story of her brother’s struggle with mental health and addiction, her family’s resilience, and the quiet, watchful presence of black bears that shaped her life. In this intimate conversation, she reflects on grief, survival, and the complicated ways people and landscapes carry one another through crisis. In This Episode The origins of Black Bear and why this was the hardest book Trina has ever writtenHow the rhythms and behaviours of black bears became metaphors for family, healing, and enduranceA sister’s perspective on love, loss, and the long shadows of addictionWhat writing about deeply personal subjects can teach us about empathy, courage, and connectionHow Trina’s journalism, fieldwork, and years as a fire tower lookout continue to influence her storytellingAbout Trina Moyles Trina Moyles is a writer, journalist, photographer, and environmental advocate from Peace River, Alberta. Her previous book, Lookout, was a national bestseller and won acclaim for its clear-eyed portrayal of wildfire seasons and life alone in a remote fire tower. Her essays and reporting have appeared in The Walrus, The Globe and Mail, Passage, Hakai Magazine, and more. Learn more: https://www.trinamoyles.com Selected recent articles: “How We Remember the North” — The Walrus“The Last Lookouts” — Hakai Magazine“On Grief, Wildfire, and Bearing Witness” — Passage MagazineEpisode Link Listen to all Northern Latitudes episodes: https://rss.com/podcasts/northernlatitudes/ Support the Show If you enjoy Northern Latitudes, please consider: Leaving a rating or review on your podcast platformSharing the episode with a friendFollowing us on social media

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  2. Northern Latitudes - Bob McDonald: Just Say Yes

    ١٧ نوفمبر

    Northern Latitudes - Bob McDonald: Just Say Yes

    Episode Description What happens when a life is defined by curiosity — and the willingness to just say yes? In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with one of Canada’s most beloved science voices to talk about his new memoir, Just Say Yes. It’s a story of wonder, risk, and transformation — from humble beginnings to becoming a household name in science communication. Our guest’s journey reminds us that saying yes — even when the outcome is uncertain — can change everything. Guest Bio Bob McDonald is the longtime host of CBC Radio’s award-winning science program Quirks & Quarks and a leading science journalist whose enthusiasm for discovery has inspired generations of Canadians. Across his five-decade career, Bob has interviewed thousands of scientists, astronauts, and innovators, always driven by curiosity and a deep belief in the power of understanding our world. His memoir, Just Say Yes: A Memoir, offers an intimate look at the personal journey behind the public voice — filled with stories of risk, humility, and the adventures that shaped a remarkable career. Key Discussion Points The meaning behind the phrase Just Say Yes and how it shaped Bob’s lifeGrowing up in a blue-collar family and finding a path to science and broadcastingOvercoming self-doubt and the “imposter moments” behind the microphoneThe role of curiosity and courage in science communicationLessons learned from decades of helping Canadians fall in love with scienceHow to embrace opportunity — and what it means to say “yes” todayLinks & Resources Just Say Yes: A Memoir — Douglas & McIntyreListen to Quirks & Quarks — CBC Radio / Podcast linkFollow Bob McDonald — Official CBC profileNorthern Latitudes — northernlatitudes.caProduced and hosted by Bill Ault Recorded in partnership with Northern Latitudes Media Theme music by John Sanfilippo - Soundwise

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  3. Northern Latitudes - Trixie Pacis / Sasha Galitzki

    ٣ نوفمبر

    Northern Latitudes - Trixie Pacis / Sasha Galitzki

    In this powerful episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault speaks with filmmaker Trixie Pacis and aerial artist Sasha Galitzki about their remarkable new documentary Embers, which makes its global premiere at the 50th Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival on November 4, 2025. Embers follows Sasha through the emotional and physical aftermath of the 2024 Jasper National Park wildfire, one of the most devastating fires in recent Canadian history. The blaze destroyed her home and community, leaving behind a landscape of loss—but also the seeds of renewal. In the year that followed, Sasha turned to her art, using aerial performance as both therapy and protest. Her work became a living expression of resilience and a call to action in a world where climate change is no longer distant—it’s personal. The conversation dives deep into the making of the film and the meaning behind it. Trixie and Sasha discuss how Embers evolved as a sequel to their acclaimed 2024 documentary Wild Aerial, which captured Sasha performing breathtaking aerial routines in the frozen Canadian Rockies. Where Wild Aerial celebrated strength and endurance in the face of nature’s extremes, Embers reveals what happens when that same landscape turns hostile, and the artist must rise again—this time from the ashes. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear the story behind the story: The moment Sasha realized she had lost everything in the Jasper fire.How she channeled grief and fear into art that would inspire others.The creative partnership between Sasha and Trixie and how it deepened under pressure.The emotional and technical challenges of filming in wildfire-ravaged terrain.Why Embers is ultimately a film about hope, renewal, and the enduring connection between people and place.Both Trixie and Sasha reflect on how the project changed their perspectives as artists and citizens. They discuss the importance of storytelling in the climate crisis, not just to raise awareness, but to humanize the experience—to show that behind every wildfire, flood, or storm are people rebuilding their lives in extraordinary ways. As Sasha puts it in the film, “I lost my home and all my things, but I still have my art—and my love for Jasper.” That sentiment captures the essence of Embers: even when everything burns, the creative spark endures. With Embers, Pacis and Galitzki deliver a deeply human portrait of loss and recovery, reminding us that even in a warming world, there is still light to be found among the ashes. 🎬 Embers — Global Premiere: Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, November 4, 2025 🎥 Director/Producer: Trixie Pacis 🎭 Featuring: Sasha Galitzki 🌍 Themes: Wildfire recovery, art as activism, resilience, climate storytelling 🔗 Related Links: Embers Official TrailerWild Aerial (2024)Banff Centre Mountain Film & Book FestivalNorthern Latitudes PodcastFollow Northern Latitudes for more conversations exploring the intersection of adventure, art, and the environment

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  4. Northern Latitudes: Scott Oake - For the Love of a Son

    ٣ فبراير

    Northern Latitudes: Scott Oake - For the Love of a Son

    In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with Canadian broadcaster Scott Oake to discuss his deeply personal and moving new book, For the Love of a Son. Best known for his work in sports journalism, Oake talks about a different journey—his family's experience with addiction and loss. For the Love of a Son is a raw and heartfelt memoir about Scott and Anne Oake’s son, Bruce, who tragically lost his life to addiction. Through this conversation, Scott reflects on Bruce’s struggles, the impact on their family, and how they turned their grief into a lasting legacy—the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre, a facility dedicated to helping those battling substance use disorder. Topics Discussed: ✔️ The story behind For the Love of a Son and why Scott Oake chose to share it now. ✔️ Bruce Oake’s life, struggles, and the heartbreaking reality of addiction. ✔️ The emotional toll of losing a loved one to substance abuse. ✔️ The journey of founding the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre and its impact. Key Quotes from Scott Oake: “Addiction is not a moral failing; it’s an illness, and it deserves treatment like any other.” “We lost our son, but we gained a mission—to help others get the chance Bruce never had.” Resources & Links: 📖 Buy the Book: For the Love of a Son – Available at major bookstores and online retailers. 🏥 Bruce Oake Recovery Centre: Learn more about their mission and how you can support their work at bruceoakerecoverycentre.ca. 📺 Scott Oake’s Work: Follow Scott on social media and check out his continued work in Canadian broadcasting. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of addiction, loss, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek support from a trusted resource or helpline. Connect with Us: 🔹 Follow Northern Latitudes: Stay updated on new episodes and guest interviews. 🔹 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review—it helps us reach more listeners! 🔹 Share Your Thoughts: Have a story or experience related to this episode? Join the conversation on social media.

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  5. Northern Latitudes: Trina Moyles - Lookout

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    Northern Latitudes: Trina Moyles - Lookout

    In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault engages in a compelling conversation with Trina Moyles, an award-winning author, journalist, and creative producer whose work delves into rural communities and their connections to land, wildlife, food security, and climate change. Trina shares insights from her experiences as a wildfire lookout in Canada’s boreal forests and discusses her acclaimed book, “Lookout: Love, Solitude, and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest”. About Trina Moyles: Trina Moyles is a Yukon-based author and journalist whose work explores the intricate relationships between rural communities and their environments. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Globe and Mail, Alberta Views, and Canadian Geographic. In 2022, she was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards’ Emerging Artist Award. Her forthcoming memoir, “Black Bear,” is slated for publication by Knopf Canada in 2025. Trina Moyles Featured Articles by Trina Moyles: “Grey Ghosts in the Smoke: How does a wildfire crisis threaten an already fragile species?” This article examines the impact of wildfires on woodland caribou populations and the challenges of conservation amidst increasing wildfire activity. The Narwhal“The King of Wapusk: Unpacking the Mystery of Grizzly Bears in the Hudson Bay Lowlands” Trina explores the presence of grizzly bears in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, shedding light on their behaviours and the ecological significance of their habitat. Trina Moyles“Bats of the Midnight Sun: Solving the Mystery of Myotis Lucifugus in Alaska” This piece delves into the study of little brown bats in Alaska, highlighting research efforts to understand their ecology and the challenges they face. Trina MoylesConnect with Trina Moyles: To learn more about Trina’s work, visit her official website: Trina Moyles Join us for an enlightening discussion as Trina Moyles shares her perspectives on her life as a fire lookout, the politics of wildfires and how her life has changed since leaving the lookout world.

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  6. Wildflowers: Revisiting Mary Schäffer Warren’s Legacy

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    Wildflowers: Revisiting Mary Schäffer Warren’s Legacy

    Show Notes: Northern Latitudes with Bill Ault – Wildflowers: Revisiting Mary Schäffer Warren’s Legacy Episode Title: Wildflowers: A Creative Journey into the Past with Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward Description: In this episode of Northern Latitudes, Bill Ault sits down with filmmakers Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward to explore their new film, Wildflowers. The documentary follows a team of talented creative women as they embark on an adventure retracing Mary Schäffer Warren’s 1908 expedition to Maligne Lake, deep within Jasper National Park, Alberta. Mary Schäffer was a trailblazer, and her expedition has inspired generations of adventurers to push boundaries and explore the natural world. Trixie and Meghan share their experience of leading a group of contemporary explorers, artists, and storytellers to the majestic Maligne Lake. They delve into the challenges of revisiting this historical journey more than a century later, bringing a frMeaghanesh and diverse perspective to the narrative. This episode discusses not only the logistics and emotional highs of the expedition but also highlights the importance of female voices in adventure storytelling and historical reclamation. Topics Discussed: The fascinating story of Mary Schäffer Warren and her groundbreaking 1908 expedition to Maligne Lake.The vision behind Wildflowers and the journey of assembling a team of talented female creatives.Reflections on the loss of one of the team members, photographer Natalie Gillis, as the film was in final production.How Mary Schäffer’s legacy resonates today, inspiring both seasoned explorers and young dreamers alike.Links & Resources: Watch the trailer for Wildflowers: [Link]Learn more about Mary Schäffer Warren’s life and explorations: [Link]Meaghan J, Ward: Wildflowers: The Story Behind the Mary Schaffer DocumentaryFollow Trixie Pacis: Her WebsiteFollow Meghan J. Ward: Her WebsiteVisit Jasper National Park: [Link]Takeaway Message: Wildflowers is more than just a film about retracing the steps of a historical figure—it’s a story about connection, creativity, and the enduring legacy of female explorers. Tune in to discover how Trixie Pacis and Meghan J. Ward brought this extraordinary journey to life, and why revisiting our past through new eyes matters now more than ever. Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Northern Latitudes and leave a review! Follow us for more stories of adventure, history, and creativity.

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Northern Latitudes is a Canadian-based podcast dedicated to exploring the people, places, news and events that make the great outdoors great.