Northern Latitudes

Northern Latitudes (Archive)

Nature as Nurture — Dr. Melissa Lem

The holiday season can be a time of connection and celebration—but it can also bring stress, exhaustion, and a sense of overload.

In this archival episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault revisits a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Melissa Lem, family physician and a leading Canadian advocate for nature-based health. Drawing on the concept of Nature as Nurture, Dr. Lem explains how spending time outdoors—especially during the darker, colder months—can support mental well-being, reduce stress, and help regulate our nervous systems.

Thi...

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 re...

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 longtim...

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, us...

“Sisters of the Jungle - The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates"

Keriann McGoogan holds a PhD in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto and a Master’s from the University of Calgary. Keriann McGoogan+1 Her field work has taken her deep into the tropical forests of Belize, where she studied howler monkeys, and to the remote dry forests of Madagascar, where she lived for more than a year studying endangered lemurs.

Keriann McGoogan+2Orion Magazine+2 Her latest book, Sisters of the Jungle (2025), explores the history of primatology — especially how women have come to d...

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...

Welcome to a very special holiday edition of Northern Latitudes! I’m your host, Bill Ault, and as the snow settles outside and the year ends, we’re reflecting on the incredible conversations we’ve shared this year.

From global insights with Gwynne Dyer… to environmental challenges and innovative ideas from Alex Gottlieb and Andrew Durocher… it’s been a year of thought-provoking and inspiring discussions. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a mix of reflection, a sprinkle of nostalgia, and some very special Christmas memories from our guests"

And in the spirit o...

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 be...

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 expeditio...

Episode Title: Rethinking Sustainability in History with The Green Ages Podcast: Northern Latitudes Host: Bill Ault Guest: Dr. Annette Kehnel Release Date: November 11th, 2024

Description: In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault sits down with Dr. Annette Kehnel to explore her thought-provoking book, The Green Ages. Dr. Kehnel shares insights into how historical communities embraced sustainable practices long before the modern green movement. From medieval recycling to community-led environmental efforts, The Green Ages reveals a wealth of historical lessons for today’s challenges. Tune in as we discuss the past’s forgotten green initiatives, how they...

Episode Title: Intervention Earth: Geoengineering and Our Climate Future Podcast: Northern Latitudes Host: Bill Ault Guest: Gwynne Dyer Release Date: May 13th, 2024

Introduction:

In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault is joined by renowned author and historian Gwynne Dyer to discuss his latest book, “Intervention Earth.” The conversation delves into the controversial yet critical topic of geoengineering and its potential role in tackling the global climate crisis.

Here are some useful links for more information about Gwynne Dyer, his career, and his writings:

Host: Bill Ault

Guest: Kristyn Carriere, Founder of Seven Summits Snacks

Today, we’re thrilled to have Kristyn Carriere, one of the trailblazing founders of Seven Summits Snacks, join us. Seven Summits Snacks is revolutionizing the way we think about nutrition and energy on the go, with a focus on supporting those who aim to conquer their own summits.

Kristyn has a BSc. in Nutrition and Food Science from the U of A ('09). It was her stint as a figure skating Princess with Disney on Ice that brought her to Europe. But th...

Episode Overview:

Join us this week on Northern Latitudes as we welcome special guest Bill Archer, a mission scientist from the Canadian Space Agency, for a captivating conversation about the sun, solar physics, and of course solar eclipses.

Host: Bill Ault

Guest: Bill Archer, Mission Scientist, Canadian Space Agency

Release Date: April 15th, 2024

Recommended Resources:

Books

"Sun: One Thousand Years of Scientific Imagery" by Katie Barrett and Harry Cliff - This book provides a visual and historical journey through the ways scientists have studied the...

Today’s guest is Marcy Mahr, currently the Kootenay Conservation Program’s Kootenay Connect Manager.

Marcy is a conservation ecologist with a lifelong passion to preserving and understanding the natural world. Her work spans several critical projects, but one that stands out is her involvement with the KCP.

This innovative initiative is making waves in the realm of environmental conservation by fostering connectivity and protecting biodiversity in the Kootenay region.

The Kootenay Connect Program is a comprehensive conservation initiative focused on preserving biodiversity and enhancing habitat connectivity across the Kootenay region. By identifying crit...

Northern Latitudes Podcast: Episode Title - "Wings of Survival "

Host: Bill Ault

Guests: Leanna Carriere and Timm Dobert

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Northern Latitudes, host Bill Ault takes listeners on an extraordinary journey with guests Leanna Carriere and Timm Dobert. The duo shares their plans for a remarkable self-propelled trip from Alaska to the tip of South America, a journey which will become the foundation of their upcoming documentary, "Wings of Survival." This episode delves into the challenges expected, the planning involved, and the lessons looking to be learned...

Episode Title: Echoes in the Dark: Unveiling the Mysteries of Bats with Cori Lausen

Host: Bill Ault

Guest: Cori Lausen, Director of Bat Conservation, WCS Canada

Release Date: March 4th, 2024

Introduction:

Welcome to episode 30 of Northern Latitudes, where our host, Bill Ault, dives into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of bats. In this eye-opening conversation, we're joined by Cori Lausen, the Director of Bat Conservation for the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada. Together, they unravel the secrets of these nocturnal creatures and the critical efforts underway to protect...

Journey Through the Lens with Brandon Broderick

Episode Summary: In this episode of "Northern Latitudes," we sit down with the Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Brandon Broderick. Join us as we discover the stories, challenges, and triumphs behind his award-winning photography and how he captured the stunning photograph of a Lynx that wom him the awad.

Host: Bill Ault Guest: Brandon Broderick, Canadian Geographic Photographer of the Year

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

Episode Title: “The Arctic Sentinels: Polar Bears and Climate Change” with Andrew Derocher

Show Notes:

In this eye-opening episode of Northern Latitudes, we delve into the icy realms of the Arctic with distinguished guest Professor Andrew Derocher, a leading authority on polar bear ecology from the University of Alberta. With decades of research under his belt, Prof. Derocher brings a wealth of knowledge about these majestic creatures, the challenges they face, and what their future might hold in a rapidly changing world.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Snow is one of the most contradictory cues we have for understanding climate change.

As in many recent winters, the lack of snowfall in December seemed to preview our global warming future, with peaks from Oregon to New Hampshire more brown than white and the American Southwest facing a severe snow drought.

On the other hand, January has brought some heavy snow to New England, and record blizzards in early 2023 buried California mountain communities, replenished parched reservoirs, and dropped 11 feet of snow on northern Arizona, defying our conceptions of life on a warming planet.

Mary Schäffer Warren (1861 - 1939) was 43 years old and recently widowed when she bucked Victorian-era conventions and reinvented herself as a mountain explorer, writer, and photographer.

Over a century later, outdoor writer and historian Meghan J. Ward is entering her forties with new questions about her identity and her relationship with adventure and the natural world.

The result is a documentary called "Wildflowers".

Meghan and I discuss the upcoming film and the challenges, including fundraising, involved in producing it. We also talk about the recreation of a part Mary Schäffer Warren's trip to...

Coexisting with grizzly bears into the future will be an increasing challenge and require a deep understanding of these large carnivores and what factors make their populations tick. Based on perhaps the longest uninterrupted wildlife research project done by one individual, this is the intertwined story of the science underlying our understanding of grizzly bears and family life in the wilderness while following bears.The story of grizzly bear behaviour and ecology is based on dozens of research papers published in this study, which in turn are based on the actual lives of over 200 radio-collared bears. These chapters are not...

Welcome Back Adam Shoalts! Looking out his porch window one spring morning, Adam Shoalts spotted a majestic peregrine falcon flying across the neighbouring fields near Lake Erie. Falcons migrate annually from southernmost Canada to remote arctic mountains. Grabbing his backpack and canoe, Shoalts resolved to follow the falcon’s route north on an astonishing 3,400-kilometre journey to the Arctic. We talked about that incredible trip and his new book.

A rebroadcast of the very first episode as Northern Latitudes prepares to host the 2023 Paddling Film Festival.

Jane Marshall has traveled the world and discovered on three continents found hidden valleys known locally as "Happy Valley". Her quest: to discover what makes them happy and learn from their indigenous keepers. The result is a book that is part memoir, part travelogue, and part epic adventure that chronicles Jane's journey to find the wisdom that can save the planet and our own hearts.

Dave Markel is an avid back-country skier, adventure, wildlife, and night sky photographer based in Kamloops, BC. Dave and I chatted just after he and a group of friends had completed the Bow to Yoho ski traverse in early April.

Jenny Hagan is an award-winning photographer and storm chaser based in Eatonia, Saskatchewan. We talked about the hows and whys of chasing storms and how it has been a a part of life since childhood.

Sarah Cox is an award-winning journalist and author based in Victoria, BC covering energy and environmental politics for the Narwhal. She joined me to talk about the plight of the Spotted Owl and BC's old-growth forests.

Welcome to this podcast episode where we will be interviewing Chris Turner, author of the book "How to Be A Climate Optimist". In his book, Chris explores how we can approach the climate crisis with a positive outlook and offers practical solutions for creating a sustainable future.

Meghan Ward is an outdoor, travel, and adventure writer based in Banff, a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and the author of Lights to Guide Me Home.

Tami Asars is a writer focused on outdoor recreation and nature photographer, living in the Cascade foothills of Washington State with her husband, Vilnis and her rough collie, Scout. She is also a Triple Crown hiker having completed the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide Trails.

Nature as the 7th pillar of health, our internal wild kingdom, and just how important getting outside is to our well-being. Dr. Sundermann was a fountain of information/

Mary Anne Ivison host of "Let's Take This Outside" joins me to talk about our respective summers... as usual we had a lot of laughs...

UBC scientist Clayton Lamb and I chatted about the reasons for success in rebuilding the Klinse Za caribou herd and what the future holds for the project.

In the last decade, the Klinze Za caribou heard in British Columbia has gone from the verge of disappearing to multiplying by a factor of ten. Through the use of some innovative techniques and the hard work of a team including ecologists, scientists and the indigenous tribes the numbers are coming back. We talked to some of the people who helped make this happen. Up first Scott McNay of Wildlife Infometrics.

Vickie Lanthier is the founder of Girl Gone Good a website full of resources for those looking to hike the counties of Eastern Ontario... but there is a whole lot more to the story.

Broadcast professional Mary Anne Ivison, the host of Let's Take This Outside, joins me to talk podcasting, bikes, her love of the outdoors, the healing powers of nature and the challenges women face when going outside. We got a little silly along the way, okay a lot silly but Mary Anne is always worth the listen.

Christian Stenner has been exploring caves in Canada for almost 20 years. We talked about what got him started, the challenges involved and the lessons learned from going places few people dare.

Author and Climate Activist Seth Klein and I discuss his book - A Good War - which looks at Second World War strategies and shows how they can be repurposed today for the rapid transition needed to meet climate change head-on.

Jared Hanley is the CEO of NatureQuant a company developing an app to quantify the quantity and quality of your time outdoors. There are some interesting uses for this tech.

Author Florence Williams joins me to talk about her latest book “Heartbreak” and the role nature can play in the healing process when our heart is broken.

Williams shares her personal voyage through the landscape of heartbreak, merging her narrative with fascinating scientific insights. Join us as we explore the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of heartbreak, uncovering how it can both shatter and transform us.

“Williams’s journey through her pain is by turns wrenching, fascinating, funny and, for so many of us, deeply relatable.”

— Scientific American

Florence is a journalist...

Kahli is a landscape, night-time and travel photographer based in the Canadian Rockies. She joined us to talk about her passion and how the outdoors led her to her craft.

Andrew Base founder of thecanadianwildfirenetwork.com joins me to talk about the past, present and future of wildfire management in Canada.

Social media provocateur and originator of the #climatebrawl hashtag Gerald Kutney joins me to talk about Twitter activism and oil.

Dr. Melissa Lem joins me to talk about Parx and Ronna Schreberger fills us in on Forest Bathing.

The Toronto Star calls him Canada's Indiana Jones. An intrepid explorer and best-selling author Shoalts joins me to discuss his latest book and the future of wilderness in Canada.