In this inspiring episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush sits down with longtime educator and leader Louise Gunning, who has dedicated her career to shaping rural schools and communities in Ontario. From building new schools and leading through delays, to designing online learning during the pandemic, Louise shares her story of resilience, innovation, and heart.

Together, Diana and Louise explore how rural schools are at the heart of their communities—providing not only academics but also wellness programs, food security, and life opportunities for students. Louise also opens up about combining elementary and secondary schools under one roof, the surprising breadth of extracurricular activities available in small communities, and the essential role of parents, businesses, and neighbors in supporting education.

Whether you’re a parent considering a move to the country, an educator facing change, or simply curious about life and learning beyond the city, this conversation will leave you with wisdom, encouragement, and a deeper appreciation for the power of community in education.

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:00 | Introduction

02:30 – 04:30 | Louise reflects on the challenges that shaped her as a leader.

04:30 – 06:30 | Saying “yes” to challenges and encouraging growth outside comfort zones.

06:30 – 08:30 | How rural communities and schools nurture student wellness.

09:00 – 11:30 | Building Ontario’s first K–12 virtual school during the pandemic.

12:00 – 14:30 | The benefits of combining elementary and secondary schools.

15:00 – 17:30 | Clubs, musicals, carnivals, and sports—surprising opportunities in small schools.

18:00 – 20:30 | Schools as wellness hubs: breakfast programs, grocery pantries, and mental health supports.

20:30 – 22:30 | Advice for parents: public health resources, asking for help, and leaning on community.

22:30 – 24:30 | Louise’s leadership wisdom: lead with empathy, model resilience, and don’t underestimate kids.

24:30 – 25:30 | Closing reflections and call for listener questions.

Notable Quotes

• “We should never underestimate one another—children or adults.” – Louise Gunning
• “You don’t need fancy classrooms to thrive. What you need is a shared vision and determination.” – Louise Gunning
• “Rural schools are the heart of the community. Everyone knows everybody, and that creates a powerful safety net for kids.” – Louise Gunning
• “Transitions are tough, but leading with empathy and modeling healthy coping strategies makes all the difference.” – Louise Gunning
• “Our kids are often stronger and more resilient than we are.” – Louise Gunning

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

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

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

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

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

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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

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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

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