Welcome in to another edition of What Barrie’s Talking About from Barrie 360. With winter officially arriving Sunday morning, this week’s episode looks at what’s ahead for the season — from the forecast to the pressures many feel during the holidays. We’ll talk food insecurity in Barrie, fire and carbon monoxide safety, mental health resources, the Barrie Colts’ hot streak, and a local business owner’s behind-the-scenes experience on Dragon’s Den. Winter Arrives and It’s Already Making Its Presence Felt Snow has been falling steadily since the beginning of December, and winter hasn’t even officially started yet. That changes Sunday morning, when the calendar finally flips from fall to winter. Climatologist David Phillips joins the show to talk about what the rest of the season may hold. While we’re usually asking whether a white Christmas is on the way, that question doesn’t seem necessary this year. Phillips explains what’s driving the weather so far and what residents should realistically expect in the weeks ahead. Food Bank Use Rising in Barrie The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but for many families, it’s becoming increasingly difficult. Food bank use is rising across the country, and Barrie is no exception. Barrie 360’s Ian Maclennan speaks with Karen Shuh, Executive Director of the Barrie Food Bank, about the local reality. She shares who is relying on food bank support, why demand is growing, and how the community can help. It’s a sobering reminder that food insecurity can affect anyone — often in ways people don’t expect. Those able to help can make cash donations at barriefoodbank.org, while food donations can be dropped off at most local grocery stores. Holiday Fire Safety and Carbon Monoxide Awareness The holidays also bring an increased risk of house fires and carbon monoxide exposure. Decorations, candles, space heaters, and fireplaces all add to the danger this time of year. This week’s episode looks at fire safety during the holidays and why a carbon monoxide alarm may actually be a better gift than some of the fire-extinguishing products being heavily advertised right now. It’s practical advice that could make a life-saving difference. When the Holidays Don’t Feel Merry While the season is filled with lights and celebrations, it can also bring stress, loneliness, grief, and financial strain. Not everyone experiences the holidays the same way — and that’s okay. Ian Maclennan speaks with Dr. Carolyn Houlding, a psychologist at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, about the emotional toll the season can take. She talks about recognizing when the holidays are becoming overwhelming and reminds listeners that support is available. A list of mental health resources and phone numbers for anyone needing help during the holidays is available at Barrie360.com. Colts Keep Rolling at the Top of the Division On the ice, things are looking bright for the Barrie Colts. The team has won five straight games and nine of their last ten, maintaining their spot at the top of the OHL Central Division with a comfortable lead over North Bay. Barrie 360’s Julius Hern checks in with Colts analyst Gene Pereira for a breakdown of what’s clicking, how the team is finding consistency, and what lies ahead. Barrie Entrepreneur Steps Into the Dragon’s Den Local entrepreneur Dawn Mucci recently took her business, Lice Squad, into the Dragon’s Den. While she can’t yet reveal whether the Dragons jumped on board — the episode won’t air until the new year — she shares some entertaining behind-the-scenes stories about the experience and what it was like pitching on national television. It’s a reminder that big opportunities can start right here at home. Listen to the Full Episode You can hear the full episode of What Barrie’s Talking About wherever you get your podcasts or by visiting Barrie360.com. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and follow Barrie 360 on Bluesky and X for the latest local stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
