Shows
Diaries of a Lodge OwnerEpisode 100: The Hidden Costs of Lodge OwnershipEver watched the sun rise over a pristine northern lake and thought, "I could do this for a living"? Before you mortgage your home and cash in your retirement savings, you need to hear the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to run a fishing lodge.Steve Niedzwiecki, former owner of Chaudière Lodge on Ontario's French River, pulls back the curtain on the reality behind the dream job. From the heart-stopping financial gamble of startup costs that can easily hit seven figures, to the exhausting cycle of staffing where relationship management becomes as important a...2025-06-111h 28Diaries of a Lodge OwnerEpisode 90: Northern Pike, Missed Opportunities, and TV Drama on Ontario's Upper FrenchEver had that perfect fishing moment slip away? Now imagine it happening on international television.When British angler Matt Hayes and German social media star Babs Kijewski arrived at Chaudière Lodge in 2015, Steve Niedzwiecki was determined to showcase the best of Ontario's Upper French River for their series "Castaway Canada." What unfolded instead was a masterclass in Murphy's Law and human dynamics pushed to breaking point.This episode pulls back the curtain on what happens when the cameras stop rolling during outdoor TV productions. From a massive television crew that occupied three cottages to t...2025-04-021h 14Diaries of a Lodge OwnerEpisode 87: Betting It All on Crow Rock - One Man's Leap into Lodge OwnershipWhat does it take to risk everything for a dream? Sean McAughey, the passionate new owner of Crow Rock Lodge on Lake of the Woods, knows that feeling all too well. In this captivating conversation, Sean walks us through his remarkable journey from wide-eyed young guide to lodge owner, revealing the perfect storm of experiences that prepared him for this moment.Growing up under the mentorship of his biologist father and surrounded by the wisdom of a generational commercial fishing family, Sean developed an unparalleled understanding of Lake of the Woods. His hilarious early guiding mishaps (including...2025-03-121h 40
Outdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastEpisode 95: The Real Side of Fishing ShowsThis week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined IN-STUDIO by two more Fish'n Canada Co-Hosts, Steve Niedzwiecki and Nik Viola!Since they are in-studio, Steve and Nik joined us for our weekly housekeeping. Topics discussed included: when winter really starts; dumbing things down; getting too technical; the importance of being unplugged; tire chemicals leeching into rivers; forever chemicals; 6PPPD; the need for planer boards; and unconventional smallmouth fishing.With those matters out of the way, the whole crew gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming season of The Fish'n Canada Show...2023-11-302h 35
Eating WildEpisode 06: Left in the Weeds w/ Steve NiedzwieckiThis week on Outdoor Journal Radio's Eating Wild podcast, the boys are joined by former lodge owner and now host of the Diaries of a Lodge Owner podcast, Steve Niedzwiecki.Tune in to hear all about fishing during the actor's strike, how to impress Dan and Antonio at your next potluck, Steve's misadventures with lodge chefs, and Antonio's famous breakfast hoagie recipe!Follow Eating Wild on Instagram! To reach out to the boys, drop us a line at eatingwild@odjradio.com2023-08-011h 33
Outdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastEpisode 75: Swatting Horse Flies w/ Steve NiedzwieckiThis week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined by friend of the show and newest member of the Outdoor Journal Radio podcast team, Steve Niedzwiecki!First, however, a bit of housekeeping was in order. Topics discussed include: the arrival of the Grass Carp; the thermocline and how to find it; sister cousins; catching bass with chicken nuggets; moose rabies; getting bit by skunks; washing donkeys; splicing fibre; and how to fish in the wind.With those matters out of the way, Steve joins the show from his new Diaries of a Lodge...2023-07-131h 44Outdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastNEW SHOW: Diaries of a Lodge OwnerIn 2009, sheet metal mechanic, Steve Niedzwiecki, turned his passions into reality using steadfast belief in himself and his vision by investing everything in a once-obscure run-down Canadian fishing lodge.After ten years, the now-former lodge owner and co-host of The Fish'n Canada Show is here to share stories of inspiration, relationships and the many struggles that turned his monumental gamble into one of the most legendary lodges in the country. From anglers to entrepreneurs, athletes to conservationists; you never know who is going to stop by the lodge.2023-07-1201 minOutdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastEpisode 74: Off the Grid Walleye (LIVE from Quantz Lake)On this week's episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined by Steve Niedzwiecki and five thousand Horseflies as they recap their latest outing from their remote outpost cabin on Quantz Lake, Ontario.First, however, a bit of housekeeping was in order. Topics discussed include: forest fires; whether bigger smallmouth are always deep; why wood holds so many fish; cabbage weed; Ang's author credits; why Cape Breton has so many coyote attacks; whether coyote hunting helps the issue; and Ang and Pete's most memorable outpost experiences.With those matters out of the way...2023-07-061h 53Outdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastEpisode 45: Avoiding Fish Fights w/ Steve NiedzwieckiThank you to today's sponsor!:AsianCarp.ca - your resource for information and news regarding the overall threat of Asian carps to the Great Lakes and beyond.This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys enter the off-season with special in-studio guest, Steve Niedzwiecki.In a rare segment free show, Ang, Pete, and Steve tackle the day’s subjects all in one go! Topics discussed include: The Three Stooges; guppy shows; ice fishing etiquette; unacceptable hut placement; bumping boats; ice fishing peace offerings; whether free coffee can buy you...2022-12-151h 14Outdoor Journal Radio: The PodcastEpisode 36: Jiggin' Up Bones (Hastie Lake Recap) w/ Steve NiedzwieckiThis week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Pete and Steve return to studio for a recap of their fly-in trip to Northern Ontario.First, however, some very unique housekeeping was in order. Topics discussed include: bald spots; Froggin’ on the French; why fishing buddies matter; rags; cold water boating; hand warmers for your feet; mitts vs. gloves; keeping away ice with WD40; calking your fishing guides; ancient snags; mistaking dinosaurs for catfish; Bulldog Fish; Steve’s Randy Travis impression; Pete “Travis Tritt” Bowman; road trip games; catching largemouth off of guitars; mounting snags; the most embarrassing snag in Fish’n C...2022-10-131h 12