In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Kevin Cascagnette (yes, that Kevin you’ve probably seen “everywhere” around North Simcoe) to find out what’s behind the local-celebrity energy… and why the guy seems to have cloned himself.

Kevin shares the full “what do you even do?” breakdown, including his day job as Art Director at Collaborative House Marketing in downtown Midland (graphic design, web/UI/UX, photo, video, social, basically “if it’s creative, it’s on his desk”), plus his very not small “side hustle” as Kevin Cascagnette Photography, capturing weddings, families, newborns, and those milestone moments that somehow become more valuable every year you keep living.

From there, the conversation goes deep in the best way: why printed photos still matter in a world of endless camera rolls, how Kevin’s love of people turns into “passive networking,” and why he’d rather connect humans than do the whole stiff handshake-and-business-card routine. You’ll hear about his volunteer work with North Simcoe Rotaract (including how it got started and why it’s not as intimidating as people think), his board role with CLH Foundation, and how mentorship is less “guru worship” and more “learn the good stuff… and the stuff you’ll do differently.”

Also on the menu:

• why entrepreneurship is hard but still worth it (especially when you’re not being “corporately seasoned”)
• a surprising amount of heartfelt love for Test Batches and the community builders behind it
• Kevin’s decompression life: convertibles, story-driven video games, and why Red Dead Redemption 2 hits like an emotional freight train
• Ben’s legendary Boston accent cameo (apologies to the entire state of Massachusetts)

It’s funny, it’s thoughtful, and it’s basically a masterclass in how to build a community by simply being a good human—while still finding time to do… literally everything.

If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to follow/subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you’re listening (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc.). And if you made it to the end: congrats, you’re officially part of the Open House.

In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben Robitaille and Richard Thompson sit down with Jess Graham (aka Jessica Graham), a Tiny Township local wearing a few hats: artist, writer, community-builder, and current President of the North Simcoe Rotaract Club.

What starts as “Ben learns who the guest is in real time” turns into a surprisingly thoughtful conversation about:

• Rotaract (think: Rotary’s younger, fundraiser-and-community-energy cousin)
• Growing up in Tiny and the pull of nature, solitude, and slower living
• Making the leap from a family automotive business into full-time creative work
• The messy middle of entrepreneurship: structure vs freedom, income uncertainty, and trusting the long game
• Jess’ children’s books (The Old Lady in the Shed and Jem’s Unicorn, available at Indigo)
• Why her “poetic prints” hit people right in the feelings (including one hanging in Richard’s office)
• A detour into psychology, Gabor Maté, and how understanding people changes how you move through the world
• The vulnerability of markets, self-promotion, and being both the CEO and the creator of your own art business

Plus: barefoot nature therapy gets debated, a haunted violin movie is discussed, and Ben confirms that toddlers believe every older person is named “Mimi.”

Find Jess here:
Website: artistjessgraham.ca
Instagram: @artistjessgraham

Follow / subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes with more local voices you can actually run into downtown (and yes, please rate the show—future Ben and Richard will thank you).

Snowbanks, dad life, and a “gray collar” entrepreneur who can talk bearings and Blizzard (the company, not just the weather).

In this episode of The Open House Podcast, Ben and Richard welcome Jake Lewis a local business operator, new dad, and all around “do whatever the day demands” kind of guy. Jake breaks down what it’s like growing up in an entrepreneur family, working alongside his dad from a young age, and helping run a multi part operation that includes Precision Balancing Services (PBS), KG Bearing & Belting, and yes… a legal cannabis business in Victoria Harbour.

You’ll hear about
• The reality of “gray collar” work: admin one day, factory installs the next
• How Midland has changed (and hasn’t) from poutine in the old mall food court to Amazon at your door in a blizzard
• Why community, family dinners, and staying connected with friends matters more as you get older
• How becoming a dad changes everything (including sleep schedules, in hilarious ways)
• The surprisingly meaningful side of gaming and lifelong friendships built through World of Warcraft
• A quick detour into F1 fandom, because obviously

It’s warm, funny, and full of small town perspective with big life lessons. Hit play, throw it on while you shovel (again), and come hang out.

New episodes drop every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this one, share it with a friend, leave a rating, and drop us a comment with your feedback.

Connect with us
Ben Robitaille: www.bensells.ca
Richard Thompson: www.georgianbaylending.com