The Villager

09/17/2026

Have you ever actually stopped to think about what you want to do to celebrate your passing? Terri has everything planned right down to the Viking inspired send off.

Get your hands on this episode asap!

09/15/2026

We celebrate birth. We stay silent about death. Why?

People avoid the conversation entirely because it is uncomfortable. They don't look for resources. They don't prepare. And when the moment comes, we feel lost without any of the tools or community support that could have made it easier to work through.

"If you had talked about it, it could have been a very different experience."

New episode is up now!

09/10/2026

Now that the kids are officially back to school we are back in action!

We have just released Vol III of the magazine and launched episode 1 of our latest podcast season.

We are so, so, so, so proud to share these with you.

Grab a physical copy of our magazine at our pick up locations or subscribe to our email list to receive our digital copies in your inbox as they come available.

Don't forget to subscribe to our Behind The Village Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

08/20/2026

It's been a busy summer and we are very excited to be partnering with Orillia Chamber of Commerce on their new podcast The Narrows hosted by Allan Lafontaine!

We are in search of advertisers and sponsors to make this season a reality. So if you are interested in contributing and even being a guest, reach out to us.

Have a listen at https://villagermagazine.ca/the-narrows/

07/04/2026

As we step into summer we wanted to give some updates on all things Villager!

Vol III of the magazine will be out by the end of August/early September. This next issue is under the umbrella topic of vulnerability and conversations we tend to avoid. It's FASCINATING and we have some incredible content coming your way!

We have just concluded our most recent season of our podcast (and if you haven't had a chance to listen to it, go do that now!). We're going to be transitioning into a season-based model where we will record our content, then move it into editing, THEN release our episodes which means there will be moments in time where we will not have episodes coming out. We are very excited about our next season and have been in the process of recording it since early June. It will be released in September so stay connected with us and we will let you know when new episodes are out!

Part of the reason we are adjusting the podcast flow is because we have some really incredible community projects on the go. We are really invested in each one and want to make sure to give each project our full attention and commitment. I know this sounds a bit cryptic right now but as soon as I can share more, I will!

Until then, I am home with my kiddos this summer and likely won't be as active on social media. Never fear, we are still here! It just may be a bit quieter for the next couple of months as we work hard behind the scenes for some really incredible fall content for you to enjoy.

07/02/2026

Life is hard. And not everyone lets on just how hard it really is.

Amber McGarvey-Moreland says it simply: when you can be kind to someone who is struggling, you make the world a better place. So why not start right here, in your own community?

It sounds like a cliche. But as Ripple of Kindness Orillia has proven, a ripple really does become a wave.

06/30/2026

A smile. Holding a door. Helping someone with their groceries.

Ashley Lehmann has been practicing small acts of kindness since she was young, and now she is passing that on to her kids. Because here is the thing — something as small as a smile can completely change someone's day. And when a whole group of women do small things together, it becomes something massive.

That is philanthropy. And it is a lot more simple than people think.

06/25/2026

Two hundred dollars feels small. But when a hundred women each give two hundred dollars at the same time? That becomes a movement.

Ashley Lehmann and Amber McGarvey-Moreland are the co-directors of Ripple of Kindness Orillia, a women's giving circle that has quietly sent over $300,000 to local charities since 2019. In this episode they talk about what kindness actually means to them, the moments that have stayed with them, and why they believe the smallest things really do add up.

Come for the story, stay for the reminder that your community is full of good people doing good things.

Listen or watch this episode on your favourite platform! https://youtu.be/j20K_eI4gBA Other available platforms Spotify Apple iHeartRadio Amazon Two hundred dollars feels small. A hundred women giving

06/24/2026

Happy to have been able to support this past season!!

06/10/2026

There is a quote in this episode that will stop you in your tracks.

Someone dies twice — once when they actually pass, and again the last time anyone ever says their name.

Zach Dunn has been sitting down with veterans across North America for years now, making sure that second death comes as late as possible. This clip is a reminder of why that work matters, and why asking the people in your life to share their stories is never something you should put off.

Give this one a watch. You won't regret it.