8 Episodes of Headwaters Podcast Season 4 Out Now

Whether you’re into floating through the summer heat on Kootenay Lake, prepping for a big winter in the backcountry, exploring new rock climbing routes in the Slocan Valley, or wanting to learn about wildly successful local entrepreneurs. From our starry nights to the existential questions surrounding life and death, we’ve got a podcast episode for you.

Check out links and descriptions to the eight Headwaters Podcast episodes launched to date and tune in. It’s beautiful Basin storytelling available wherever you get your podcasts. With new episodes dropping every Thursday, Episode #40 – Rascally Rodents, the last of Season 4, launches September 11.

Deep, clear waters; a sun-drenched beach; a stiff summer breeze: spending time on the lake is an age-old tradition in the Basin. Join reporter Graham Tracey as he takes you onboard one-of-a-kind houseboats, tries to learn sailing, and visits the legendary shoreline community of Gray Creek.

By ski, by foot, and by air, reporter Vince Hempsall chronicles three Basin adventurers who’ve accomplished incredible feats traversing, walking, and parasailing over great tracts of mountain wilderness. He then dives into the dangerous world of creating the Kootenays’ first-ever sketch comedy series.

Restoring, maintaining, and preserving buildings and landmarks from another time is no easy task. It often rests on the shoulders of a few dedicated individuals who see great value in ensuring the legacy of our past is preserved. Our resident historian Greg Nesteroff introduces us to the people and projects that keep our history alive and kicking.

A gas-station-turned-health-food-store, a landmark community bakery, a generational cobbler family, and an internationally renowned timber-frame shop: what do all four have in common? Each holds inspiring stories about Basin entrepreneurs who did it their way. Meet innovators, doers, and believers who own and operate thriving local businesses.

Let’s talk about the two most powerful moments in a human being’s life. The Kootenay’s has played an influential role in the growth and importance of midwifery. What was once an illegal act in Canada is now a treasured profession. On the other side, reporter Emily Nilsen talks to a death dula who’s work focuses helping our last days the best they can possibly be.

It is one of the defining features of both the culture and landscape of the Kootenays. Snow. But while it comes with great beauty and adventure, it also has great risk. In this episode reporter Jayme Moye talks to experts trying to make our snowscapes safer through education. We also go for a shred with Erin Suave, a world champion snowboarder from Rossland.

It touches almost every facet of our day-to-day life, from our favorite community sporting events to the safety and protection of our person and property. Volunteerism is a critical element of our society, and in this episode, we visit three exemplary individuals who give an enormous chunk of their waking hours to the betterment of the Basin.

In this episode, we invite you to look up, way up, and take a moment to ponder our great big skies. We visit property owners in Crawford Bay who had a meteorite land in their backyard. We also talk to a planetary scientist, the director of the Kootenay Stardome Foundation, a bat conservationist, and an artist who specializes in capturing the mysteries of our deepest, darkest nights.

The Headwaters is produced by Kootenay Mountain Culture Productions, in partnership with the Columbia Basin Trust. Initially launched in May 2022, the podcast has released 30 episodes to date, receiving a 5.0-star rating on Spotify, 4.8 on Apple Podcasts, and beaming reviews from its fast-growing listenership.

The Headwaters has been downloaded over 42,000 times to date, putting it in the top 20% of all podcasts worldwide. Be sure to check out headwaterspodcast.com, and ourtrust.org, and the associated social-media channels for more information. And if you haven’t already, listen to our recently launched Bonus “Best Of” Episode for a look back at our favourite stories from our first three seasons.