In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush welcomes family physician Dr. Charles Mustard—who’s spent 19 years serving Tweed, Ontario—to unpack the unique landscape of wellness and healthcare in small-town life. From Dr. Mustard’s journey swapping urban pace for rural roots, to myth-busting assumptions about diversity and medical services in rural Ontario, you’ll learn how to leverage team-based clinics, allied health professionals, and nature’s restorative power to thrive beyond the city limits. Whether you’re a newcomer or a longtime resident, discover actionable tips for accessing primary care, building meaningful community connections, and embracing a balanced, health-first lifestyle in rural Ontario.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Country Club—beyond dress codes & tee times

00:00:30 – Podcast mission: more than buying property—plan, seize opportunities, build future

00:01:00 – Listener Q&A Recap: Lisa’s question on meeting people while working from home

00:02:30 – Episode focus: wellness & healthcare in rural Ontario with Dr. Charles Mustard

00:03:00 – Guest Intro: Dr. Mustard’s 19-year journey from urban practice to Tweed

00:04:00 – Dr. Mustard’s background: from North & cities to rural family practice

00:05:00 – Recruitment then & now: persistence of colleagues, team-based care models

00:07:00 – The rise of interdisciplinary rural clinics & why young docs want them

00:09:00 – Surprises: rural diversity, social connectedness & true “cradle-to-grave” care

00:10:30 – Personal adjustment: physician vs. spouse’s path to community involvement

00:12:30 – Defining wellness in the country: nature, balance & social ties

00:14:30 – Encouraging patients: hobbies, exercise & mid-day routines to connect locally

00:16:00 – Available services: team clinics, allied health & local specialists

00:19:00 – Comprehensive care: palliative support & family involvement

00:21:00 – Access tips: attaching to clinics, virtual care options & emergency fallback

00:23:00 – Evolution of primary care: chronic disease, EMRs & an aging population

00:24:30 – Doctor-patient bonds: confidentiality, rewards & community trust

00:26:00 – Dr. Mustard’s self-care: gardening, screened porch zen & travel adventures

00:28:30 – Closing thoughts & call for listener questions

00:30:00 – Outro: follow, consult professionals & stay tuned for more rural insights

Notable Quotes

“Social connectedness is a huge determinant of health.”

“There’s almost a spiritual connection to nature that people develop.”

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Team-Based Care: Seek attachment to local interdisciplinary clinics—physicians, NPs, social workers, dieticians—sooner rather than later.
2. Leverage Nature: Encorporate outdoor activities—gardening, biking, mindful walks—to boost mental and physical wellness.
3. Build Community: Join hobby groups, volunteer committees or local events to accelerate social connectedness.
4. Own Your Care: Family doctors in rural areas often manage chronic conditions you’d otherwise see specialists for—empower yourself with regular check-ins and open dialogue.
5. Plan Ahead: Understand your local healthcare network—virtual options, allied services, emergency protocols—to navigate care seamlessly.

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: Diana Cassidy-Bush, Sales Representative Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty | Tweed ON

Instagram:

In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush dives into one of the biggest challenges for newcomers to rural and small-town living: forging genuine connections and making your house feel like home. Drawing on listener Rebecca’s question about balancing lifestyle goals with investment strategy for recreational properties, Diana shares a hybrid approach and then shifts gears to practical, actionable tips on how to intentionally build community. From identifying your personal interests to showing up consistently at local events, this episode equips you with the blueprint to turn your new hometown into a network of friends, neighbors, and opportunities. Whether you’re volunteering at the farmer’s market or hosting your own backyard gathering, Diana guides you through the steps to become a recognized—and valued—member of your rural community.

Timestamps

00:00 – 01:00 | Welcome & Podcast Introduction

01:00 – 04:00 | Listener Question: Balancing Lifestyle & Investment for Recreational Properties (the “Hybrid Approach”)

04:00 – 05:00 | Topic Overview: Building Community & Connection Beyond the City

05:00 – 07:00 | Step 1: Identify Your Interests—From gardening and wellness to sports and culture

07:00 – 09:00 | Step 2: Engage in Local Activities—Farmer’s markets, craft fairs, hiking groups, sports leagues

09:00 – 10:00 | Step 3: Leverage Local Businesses—Coffee shops, hardware stores, pubs as community hubs

10:00 – 12:00 | Step 4: Show Up & Be Consistent—Volunteer groups, seasonal events, being a familiar face

12:00 – 13:00 | Step 5: Embrace Rural Culture—Adopt the slower pace, join Facebook community groups, attend fundraisers

13:00 – 14:00 | Call to Action & How to Send in Your Questions

14:00 – 15:00 | Outro: Subscribe, Follow & Final Thoughts

Valuable Resources & Key Takeaways

Hybrid Approach Checklist

• Weeks per year you’ll use the property personally
• Income needed to cover costs or break even
• Seasonal calendar mapping (personal, family, friends, guest bookings)

Community Engagement Roadmap

• Interest Inventory: List hobbies, passions & family needs
• Activity Audit: Research local events, clubs, volunteer groups
• Business Partnerships: Introduce yourself to local shop owners & baristas

Action Steps

• Volunteer
• Attend weekly social gatherings: card nights, fitness classes, sports leagues
• Host your own meet-up: coffee chat, potluck dinner, nature walk

Digital & Social Tools

• Join community Facebook groups for event updates
• Follow local business Instagram pages for pop-up markets
• Use Nextdoor or local forums to announce meet-ups

Mindset Shift

• Commit to consistency—attend at least one event per week
• Say “yes” to invitations, even if outside your comfort zone
• Embrace every interaction as a seed for deeper connections

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In:

In this episode, host Diana Cassidy-Bush opens the door to real estate as a vehicle for building long-term wealth. With honesty and clarity, Diana explores how rural and recreational property ownership can evolve into a meaningful investment strategy—without needing to be a real estate mogul.

This is the ultimate beginner’s guide to seeing real estate through an investor’s lens. Diana walks listeners through different types of property investments—from raw land to duplexes, flips to long-term rentals—and reveals how smart, strategic moves can generate passive income, fund retirement, and create generational wealth.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Country Club Podcast

01:00 – Listener question: renovating waterfront property

02:00 – Why we weren’t taught wealth-building in school

03:00 – Traditional investing vs. real estate investing

05:00 – It’s not either/or—diversify your wealth strategy

06:00 – The importance of timing and calculated risk

08:00 – Viewing your home as an investment

09:30 – Why your REALTOR® is your most valuable advisor

11:00 – Building your investment team

11:30 – Real estate investment niches explained

12:30 – Land investing strategies

14:00 – Residential and commercial property options

15:00 – House hacking vs. house flipping

16:00 – Buy and hold: what it means and why it works

17:00 – The BRRRR method and refinancing for growth

18:00 – Passive income through rentals

19:30 – Short-term rentals and regulation considerations

21:00 – Final thoughts: start the conversation, build your future

Notable Quotes:

“If you’re already a property owner, you’re already a real estate investor—now it’s time to look at your property through the lens of opportunity.”

“Real estate investing isn’t a solo sport. Build your team. Start with a REALTOR® who walks the walk.”

“It’s not about get-rich-quick—it’s about being informed, strategic, and aligned with your life goals.”

“The right property in the right market, with the right team, can absolutely change your financial future.”

Resources & Takeaways:

• Diversification is key: Real estate should complement—not replace—traditional investments.
• Work with professionals: Your real estate advisor is as critical as your financial planner.
• Know your strategy: From BRRRR to house hacking to raw land holding, each path has pros and cons.
• Timing matters: The best opportunities often arise when the market feels uncertain.
• Start with what you have: Your own home, cottage, or rental could be your first wealth-building asset.

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: