Boats, Beers and Backroads

What happens when a painter, poet and bestselling author picks up a guitar during COVID and discovers an entirely new way to tell stories? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , Jamie sits down with singer-songwriter Jenna Rose for a conversation about creativity, country roots, songwriting and building a music career on her own terms. Growing up in a small town, Jenna developed the connection to nature, independence and rural life that still follows her today—even as she splits her creative world with the big city. Interestingly, music wasn't where her story started. Jenna was already expressing herself through painting, poetry and writing before picking up a guitar during COVID and writing her first song. She talks about the transition from poetry to songwriting, why music gave her the opportunity to connect with a much larger audience, and the feeling of watching people react to something she created. The conversation also gets into the less glamorous side of being an independent artist—from social media and technology to balancing creativity with the business of building a career. Jenna shares what she's learned about letting go of perfectionism , how studying art therapy changed the way she approaches creativity, and why she's learned to value the process rather than constantly chasing the perfect result. She also talks about finding her sound: a mix of nostalgia, country and contemporary pop , and reveals that she's currently developing two different EPs—one country and one pop—with several new country songs already waiting to be released. Plus, Jenna talks about performing everywhere from intimate rooms of around 20 people to stages in front of thousands, why she loves playing with a full band, her dream collaborations with Taylor Swift and Bob Dylan , and why she'd still choose nature, a dive bar and the backroads whenever she can. It's a conversation about taking creative chances, finding your voice and discovering that sometimes your next chapter starts simply by picking up a guitar. 🎧 Watch & listen to Jenna Rose on Boats, Beers & Backroads. 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers and Backroads 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen 📸 Instagram: @jennarosebc

Clayton Bellamy: The Roadhammers, 20 Years of Music & Getting Back to What Matters From small-town Alberta to stages around the world, Clayton Bellamy has spent decades building a career around great songs, loud guitars and doing things his own way. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , host Jamie Allison sits down with the award-winning singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer best known as a member of The Roadhammers . Clayton takes us back to his beginnings in northern Alberta — singing in church, entering local contests and eventually spending years on the road playing six nights a week. He also tells the unlikely story of how an audition for what was supposed to be a one-project band turned into 20 years with The Roadhammers . The conversation digs into Clayton's musical DNA: Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, Steve Earle, roots rock, country storytelling and loud guitars — and why songs need to have something that cuts a little deeper. Clayton and Jamie also get into today's music industry and whether viral moments and social media can replace the years it takes to develop real musicianship. Clayton shares a great analogy about building a lasting career one brick at a time rather than betting everything on one big moment. There's plenty happening next for Clayton, too. His new solo album Soft Kind of Loud arrives August 28 , along with its first single, "I Miss Tom Petty." He also talks about launching Sky Song Records alongside Jason McCoy, Jason Blaine, Dan Davidson and Craig Seneca. And because this is Boats, Beers & Backroads, we eventually get off the stage and head to Moose Lake in Alberta for pontoon boats, lake life and the music Clayton would put on for the perfect Canadian road trip. In this episode: ​Growing up in small-town northern Alberta ​Clayton's earliest days performing and writing songs ​Years spent touring North America six nights a week ​The unlikely audition that led to The Roadhammers ​Why the band's different musical personalities worked ​20 years of The Roadhammers ​The difference between writing for a band and writing for himself ​Tom Petty, Steve Earle and the artists who shaped his sound ​Why musicianship still matters in the TikTok era ​Building a career "one brick at a time" ​The realities of today's music business ​Launching Sky Song Records ​His new solo album Soft Kind of Loud ​The story behind "I Miss Tom Petty" ​Life on Moose Lake ​His ultimate road-trip records ​Canadian artists he'd recommend seeing live 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers and Backroads🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen 🌐 www.claytonbellamy.com 📸 Instagram: @claytonbellamy

From Trout Lake to the Top of the World: Jaimee Bull What does it take to go from learning to waterski on a northern Ontario lake to becoming a three-time Open World Champion and five-time Pro Tour Champion? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, host Jamie Allison sits down with Canadian waterskiing star Jaimee Bull to talk about a career that started with family summers on Trout Lake in North Bay, Ontario, and eventually took her to the very top of competitive slalom skiing. Jaimee shares how growing up with a short Canadian waterski season actually helped shape her as an athlete, why she believes young athletes shouldn’t specialize too early, and how she balanced elite competition with studying mechanical engineering at university in Louisiana. She also takes us inside the incredible speed and precision of professional slalom skiing — navigating six buoys, shortening ropes and accelerating to roughly 110 km/h as she crosses the wake — and explains why, at the highest level, sometimes the key is getting your brain out of the way and trusting your body to do what it’s trained to do. Jaimee also talks about the special feeling of recently breaking the Canadian national record in Calgary, something she had been chasing for about five years. And for the weekend cottage skier? Jaimee shares one simple technique that could make a big difference the next time you get behind the boat. In this episode: * Growing up waterskiing with her family on Trout Lake * Turning a Canadian summer pastime into a world-class career * Why taking winters away from skiing helped rather than hurt * The case against specializing in one sport too young * Becoming a three-time Open World Champion * Breaking the Canadian national record on home soil * What 110 km/h across the wake actually feels like * The mental game behind championship performances * Balancing engineering school and professional waterskiing * The technique most cottage waterskiers should work on * Why she can still enjoy a pressure-free ski back home * Early-morning skis, pancakes on the dock, mountain biking and bonfires * Her remaining 2026 competitions and what’s still motivating her * Inspiring more young girls to get on the water It’s a conversation about family, Canadian summers, elite performance and what can happen when something you love doing at the lake becomes something you’re among the best in the world at doing. 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers and Backroads🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you listen Follow Jaimee on Instagram @jaimee_bull

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

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

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 family Learning piano, guitar, the sax and songwriting Building songs from titles and stories Stage nerves vs. stage confidence Behind the story of Happy Hour After You Beaches, hiking and happy hour Follow Boats, Beers & Backroads 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads ▶️ YouTube: Boats Beers & Backroads 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you listen. @karlykryski Website: www.karlykryski.com

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.

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

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.

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 family How local tournaments shaped his career What life is really like on the Bassmaster Elite Series The growing celebrity status of professional bass anglers Best bass fishing tips for weekend anglers Country music, campfires, and life beyond tournament fishing Whether 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

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

For generations of Canadians, The Tragically Hip became more than a band. They became campfire songs at the cottage. Road trip soundtracks. Hockey arena anthems. And part of the fabric of Canadian life itself. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , Jamie Allison sits down with Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip for a conversation about music, memory, creativity, and Canada. Paul reflects on the band’s early days playing Kingston pubs and basements, the chemistry that made The Hip special, and how the songwriting process evolved over decades together. He shares stories about cottage life, fishing from his pontoon boat, favorite Ontario backroads, and how surreal it feels knowing Hip songs became part of so many Canadian summers and campfire moments. The conversation also explores Paul’s solo work, including his latest release Smooth Rock Falls —an album shaped by family, loss, reflection, and rediscovering creativity after The Hip. In this episode: The early Kingston pub days and building The Tragically Hip How the band’s songwriting evolved over time Why Hip songs became tied to Canadian identity Cottage life, fishing, and Ontario backroads Writing and recording Smooth Rock Falls Touring again Reflections on the final Kingston concert What still inspires Paul creatively today This episode feels like a long conversation around a Canadian campfire—with stories, music, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for country living. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Paul on Instagram @paullangloismusic The Tragically Hip @thetragicallyhip

What starts as a backyard passion project can turn into something much bigger. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with Susie Bulloch, founder of Hey Grill Hey, to talk about barbecue, family, entrepreneurship, and building one of the internet’s biggest grilling communities from the ground up. What began in 2015 as a simple recipe blog and love for feeding people has grown into a global BBQ brand with more than 750 recipes, millions of followers, bestselling products, and a thriving family-run business. But at the heart of it all? Community. Susie shares how she and her husband bet on themselves in 2017 when he left his corporate career to join the business full-time—and how they’ve raised their family while building a company together and enjoying great BBQ. In this episode: How Hey Grill Hey grew from side hustle to BBQ powerhouse Why community matters more than algorithms The best beginner BBQ recipes to build confidence Why chicken thighs might beat brisket for beginners Susie’s must-have BBQ tool (every griller needs one) Balancing family life with entrepreneurship Her favourite low-and-slow cooks and BBQ sauces The mindset behind keeping recipes free and accessible Whether you’re a hardcore pitmaster or just trying not to burn burgers at the cottage this summer—this episode is packed with fun, practical advice and real stories. 🔥 Grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and enjoy. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Susie on Instagram @heygrillhey www.heygrillhey.com

Country music doesn’t get more real than this. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , Jamie Allison sits down with Gord Bamford —one of Canada’s most successful country artists—for a conversation that goes way beyond the stage. Fresh off the announcement of his upcoming performance at the Grand Ole Opry , Gord shares what this milestone means after 25 years in the industry—and why it might be the highlight of his entire career. From growing up in rural Alberta to grinding it out playing small-town bars across Western Canada, Gord opens up about the journey, the lessons, and what it really takes to build a lasting music career. In this episode: The story behind his Grand Ole Opry performance How small-town life shaped his music and mindsetThe importance of writing simple, relatable country songs His breakout moment with “Blame It On That Red Dress” Life as an independent artist—and why it works Touring small communities and building real fan connections Balancing music, business, and family life His new single “Loaded Eyes” and upcoming album This is a conversation about staying grounded, staying real, and building a career your own way. 👉 If you love country music, cottage drives, and real stories—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Gord on Instagram @thegordbamford www.gordbamford.com

What are people really buying in cottage country right now? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Holly Carroll—#1 best-selling author, luxury realtor, and Managing Director of The Agency Muskoka—to break down what’s actually happening in Ontario’s cottage country market… and why it’s about far more than real estate. From recent rising water levels and shifting buyer behaviour to a market that’s slowly finding its footing again, Holly gives a real, grounded look at what’s driving decisions in cottage country right now. But this conversation goes deeper. Holly shares her philosophy on real estate as an emotional and lifestyle-driven experience—not just a transaction—and how helping clients find the right feeling matters more than checking every box. In this episode: ​The real impact of high water levels this year ​Why today’s buyers are more cautious—and more intentional ​What’s driving the return of cottage market activity ​Why elevated properties are suddenly in demand ​How lifestyle, not features, sells cottages ​The shift from city life to Muskoka living ​Building authentic connection in business and life ​Holly’s journey into personal development, speaking, and writing This is a conversation about finding your place, building connection, and redefining what “home” really means. 👉 Whether you’re buying, dreaming, or just love the cottage lifestyle—this one hits. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Holly on Instagram @hollyanncarroll

Fresh off her CMA Ontario nominations for Female Artist of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year —driven by her powerful new single “Half-Hearted” —Angelica Appelman joins Jamie Allison on Boats, Beers & Backroads for a real, unfiltered conversation about finding your voice and betting on yourself. Raised in a musical Italian family and trained in musical theatre, Angelica’s journey didn’t follow the typical country music path. From writing songs at 13 to process bullying, to navigating a life-changing car accident that reshaped her identity and sound, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and authenticity. In this episode, Angelica opens up about: The turning point that led to her most honest music yet Why “Half-Hearted” is her most important release to date Balancing real life with chasing a music career Leaving a stable hospital job to pursue her calling Opening for major acts like Chase Rice at Route 905 Why staying true to yourself beats chasing industry trends This is a conversation about small-town perspective, big-stage dreams, and the courage to go all in. 👉 If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt pulled toward something bigger—this one hits home. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Angelica on instagram @angelicaappelmanhttps://www.angelicaappelman.com

From Lake of the Woods to Bassmaster Classic history. In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , Jamie Allison sits down with professional angler Jeff Gustafson , better known in the fishing world as “Gussy.” Jeff made history in 2023 when he became the first Canadian ever to win the Bassmaster Classic , one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional fishing. Growing up on the shores of Lake of the Woods in Northern Ontario, Jeff turned a childhood passion for fishing into a global career. Today he competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series , while also working as a multi-species fishing guide, outdoor writer, and host of Fishing with Gussy . In this conversation, Jeff shares: 🎣 What it was like growing up fishing Lake of the Woods🏆 The road to winning the Bassmaster Classic🧠 How technology has changed competitive fishing⚡ His signature jig-and-plastic techniques❄️ Why ice fishing season in northern Ontario keeps him grounded🌲 The balance between elite competition and peaceful days on the water Whether you’re a tournament angler, weekend fisherman, or someone who simply loves life outdoors, this episode dives into what it takes to compete at the highest level while staying connected to the roots that started it all. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gussyoutdoorsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FishingWithGussyWebsite: https://www.gussyoutdoors.com 🔗 Follow Jeff Gustafson

Award-winning craft beer in the heart of Ontario cottage country. In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , Jamie Allison sits down with Rama Sriharsha , brewmaster at Couchiching Craft Brewing Company in downtown Orillia. What started as a local effort to bring even more energy to the downtown core has grown into one of cottage country’s most respected small-batch breweries — known for unfiltered, handcrafted beers and bold seasonal creativity. In this conversation, we explore: How Couchiching Brewing was built to fill a community gap Rama’s background in chemistry and how science shapes great beer The challenge of maintaining quality while keeping prices competitive Brewing for the rhythms of cottage country seasons The story behind their unique Szechuan peppercorn lager Why community connection matters more than ever If you love discovering great Ontario breweries, supporting local business, or just hearing how passion turns into pints — this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads @couchichingbrewing https://www.couchichingbrewing.com/ 👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share! 📍 Visit Couchiching Craft Brewing in downtown Orillia 🍺 Check their latest releases in the taproom and retail store

Strap in for a ride down the backroads of Canadian country rock. In this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads , host Jamie Allison chats with Jason McCoy , frontman of The Road Hammers and CCMA Hall of Famer. From his early solo roots to building Canada’s most celebrated country-rock trio, Jason shares the real story behind the band’s high-octane sound and long-haul success. They dig into: 🎶 The evolution of country music and “dirty hands, clean money” values The making of the new single “Till the Wheels Fall Off” 🔥 What it’s like to play with The Scorpions, Doc Walker , Chris Stapleton , and more 🛶 Jason’s love for Georgian Bay, boating, and cottage life 🎤 The key to keeping a band together after two decades 🌟 Why young artists should chase growth, not just streams Whether you’re a country fan, a classic rock junkie, or just someone who loves a story about the influence of cottage country—this one’s for you. Jason McCoy (Instagram) : @thejasonmccoy The Road Hammers (Instagram) : @theroadhammers The Road Hammers (YouTube) : The Road Hammers Website : www.theroadhammers.com Instagram : @boatsbeersandbackroads https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads 👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share!

Country artist Jessica Sole joins Jamie to talk songwriting, small towns, and the stories behind her viral hit “Strangers Don’t.” In this fun, heartfelt episode, Jessica shares how growing up surrounded by music and nature in a small-town shaped her artistry. She reflects on how a childhood dream inspired by Avril Lavigne evolved into real success—with hits like “Think of Us” and her new single “Strangers Don’t” . She opens up about friendship breakups, female support in country music, the growing city-country music crossover, and how she’s building a career that’s both authentic and exciting. Where to Listen: https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music & more. Watch on YouTube Subscribe today and follow us on Instagram @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Jessica Instagram @jessicasolemusic TikTok @jessicasolemusic Jessicasolemusic.com