Best of Interviews - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota

Matt and Michael preview this week’s game against the Lions on Christmas Day.

Michael Brodkorbb joins Matt to talk Vikings vs. Giants and the big Bears-Packers game this weekend!

Legendary Iron Range band Cats Under the Stars are re-releasing their 45 RPM single “Louie, Louie” / “Blue Ghosts” from 1982 (recorded at the Children’s Theater studio) along with a previously unreleased rap song written by Cats guitarist Jack Pasternacki that Paul and Jack recorded in 1984 called “Under Grey Skies in the Buffalo Zone.” This release coincides with the band’s…

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politics Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Patrick Coolican returns for our weekly conversation with Brett about what’s happening in the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talk about ICE raids impacting immigrant businesses, a Trump administration investigation of Minnesota’s unemployment insurance program and a new Republican Party MN Governor poll. Find more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/16/karmel-mall-once-a-bustling-center-of-community-falls-silent/ https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/trump-admin-announces-target-review-of-minnesotas-unemployment-insurance-program/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/14/perennial-candidate-kendall-qualls-wins-minnesota-gop-gubernatorial-straw-poll/  

US Navy veteran, freelance writer & investigative columnist, philosopher & community builder. Ally. Advocate. Armed with truth and a keyboard.

Matt and Michael have our weekly Vikings update as they react to a much needed Vikings win and talk about Sunday’s game vs. the Dallas Cowboys.

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politcs Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Brett was joined by Minnesota Reformer writer Max Nesterak, as they discussed his recent article, “Prosecutors have brought over 3,500 charges for marijuana possession in cars since legalization.” Read it at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/09/prosecutors-have-brought-over-3500-charges-for-marijuana-possession-in-cars-since-legalization/

Jonathan Larsen is a journalist who has worked at CNN, MSNBC, and The Young Turks (TYT). He created Up with Chris Hayes, helped launch Anderson Cooper 360, was a senior producer on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and was managing editor/executive producer at TYT, America's largest online progressive news network. His original reporting has been cited by members of Congress resisting Christian nationalism.

Matt and Michael have our weekly Vikings update as they commiserate over the lost season and preview Sunday’s game vs. Washington.

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politics Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Brett has our weekly conversation with the editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. Today they talked about a new federal investigation about alleged ties between Somali-Americans convicted of stealing money from public programs and al-Shabaab, Tim Walz going on Meet the Press and more. Find more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/02/trump-administration-orders-up-investigation-of-minnesota-stepping-on-their-own-prosecutors/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/12/02/first-step-for-walz-take-responsibility/…

Brett was joined by editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. They talked about Right-wing reporting on Somali money allegedly going to al-Shabaab and more a super PAC dropping big money in the Minnesota’s US Senate primary. Find more about what they talked about at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/25/right-wing-reporting-on-somali-money-going-to-al-shabaab-is-sloppy/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/24/minnesota-dfl-leaders-respond-to-trumps-attacks-on-somali-minnesotans/

Michael Brodkorb joins weekly during football season to preview and review this week's Vikings games.

Terry John Zila has been experimenting in the kitchen his entire life. Twenty years in the restaurant industry has exposed him to a wide variety of cooking styles. In his private dining and corporate events and in-home cooking classes, he uses that culinary knowledge to create unique events. Whatever cuisine you might like, be it…

It’s border battle week! Matt and Michael Brodkorb preview this weekend’s Vikings vs. Packers game at Lambeau Field.

Dr. Joe Eastman joins Matt to talk about a rising COVID-19 variant, a poorly matched seasonal flu strain, and escalating measles outbreaks that could cost the U.S. its elimination status. He stressed concern over avian influenza (bird flu) acquiring human-to-human transmission, noting that continuous disease spread and deregulation are increasing overall vulnerability.

Addie Gorlin-Han is the director of the Guthrie Theater’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, running now through December 28. https://www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol/ Addie is a director, producer, and educator invested in the regional theater movement, new musical development, and theater for all-ages. She works as Associate Producer at the Guthrie Theater. Addie grew up in the Twin…

Before becoming the host of our upcoming podcast, I was a reporter with ProPublica's Midwest team covering Minnesota, my home state. I wrote about issues affecting vulnerable populations with a special interest in child welfare, criminal justice and housing. My reporting has changed state housing laws and touched off enforcement actions by the Minnesota attorney…

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politics Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Robert Pilot was joined by Heather Keeler, current member of the MN House from district 4A in northwestern Minnesota. Keeler recently announced that she will now run for Congress in Minnesota's 7th district, currently held by Republican Michelle Fischbach.

It’s our weekly conversation with the editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, Patrick Coolican. Today’s topics include DFLers making a big bet on paid family leave and Lisa Demuth announcing she will abide by the Republican endorsement. Find more about the paid family leave article at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/18/minnesota-democrats-make-a-big-bet-on-paid-leave/

Michael Brodkorb joins weekly during football season to preview and review this week's Vikings games.

MAREN WARD is a Twin Cities performer, director and community-based theater maker – named Best Theater Performer of 2018 in MN Monthly Magazine. Maren has been zAmya's creative director since it started in 2004. She has been awarded a McKnight Theater Artist Fellowship (2007) and has attended the Cornerstone Institute for Community Based Theater and…

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politics Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Brett has our weekly conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talked about how the deal to reopen the federal government could hurt Minnesota’s hemp industry, Lisa Demuth picking a running mate, Bernie Sanders endorsing Peggy Flanagan and thoughts on last week’s elections. Find more about what they talked about at:…

Michael Brodkorb joins weekly during football season to preview and review this week’s Vikings games.

Cliff Schecter/David Shuster didn't just discover the GOP's bad, find our voices & switch sides. We've been at it for 25 yrs. Cliff wrote the ads that helped Biden beat Trump in '20. David exposed GOP corruption as an Emmy-winning anchor at MSNBC & CNN. https://www.blueamp.co/subscribe

Matt and Brett fill in for Matt and preview this week’s Vikings vs. Ravens game!

Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni, Ph.D While grounded in the Christian tradition, I have been a life-long spiritual seeker open to grace beyond its boundaries. The many threads of my life and the countless wonderful people who have touched it have led me to a deep appreciation for the many paths human beings follow to the…

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo and the Iowa Politics Report joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30.

Brett and Patrick Coolican (editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer) have an election day preview as they talk about two races that will determine control of the MN State Senate, mayor races in Minneapolis and St. Paul, school levies and a new GOP contender for governor. Find more about what they covered at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/04/today-is-election-day-make-your-voice-heard/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/03/voters-will-decide-tuesday-who-controls-the-minnesota-senate-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/11/02/gop-minnesota-house-speaker-lisa-demuth-launches-campaign-for-governor/

Matt and Michael have our weekly Vikings preview as they talk about Vikings vs. Lions this Sunday!

Matt is joined by Minnesota music legend Paul Metsa! They talk about his his 70th birthday that’s also a special benefit show for AM950. It takes place Sunday, November 2 at 7 PM at the Aster House in Minneapolis. Find tickets and details at: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/83991706/songs-of-resistance-and-respectpaul-metsa-70th-birthday-and-cd-release-partybenefit-for-am-950-minneapolis-aster-house

Matt was joined by Varajita Singh, the Chief Diversity Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. They talked about the museum’s new special exhibit, “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine.” They discuss the massive international collaboration required to bring over 200 bronze masterpieces, many from the 11th century, from Cambodia and Paris to the…

Greg Bakun previews the Halloween GhostBox Radio broadcast tomorrow from 7-11 PM! He is going live from the haunted Pillsbury Club in Minneapolis, home of the Minneapolis Trolley Tours! Greg will be joined by Adam, Refined Divine, Char Savoie, and other guests for a real paranormal investigation inside the Pillsbury Club—filled with spirits, stories, and…

Patrick Strait has been writing about comedy for more than 15 years in Minnesota, and has been featured in City Pages, The Growler, Thrillist, Bring Me the News and others. His first book, “Funny Thing About Minnesota…” is available now through the Minnesota Historical Society Press. He himself is not very funny.

Ellie Krug speaks with Sara Jane Baldwin of Gender Justice about their recent legal victory for trans weightlifter JC Cooper against USA Powerlifting. Baldwin explains how the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled unanimously that USA Powerlifting’s policy banning trans athletes violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo joins Matt every Wednesday at 3:30 to cover national news.

Brett has our weekly visit with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. Today they talked about what Minnesota is doing to help those who will be cut off from SNAP benefits, Minneapolis potentially not being on the hook for police sued for wrongful conduct during the 2020 protests, Allina doctors going on strike and…

Dr. Joe Eastman is an expert disease modeler who frequently provides updates on COVID, influenza, and more on the Matt McNeil Show.

Michael Brodkorb is a noted author, FOP political figure, and Matt's official football correspondent.

Brian Ronholm is the Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports. He leads CR’s advocacy efforts to advance a safe and healthy food system.

National and presidential expert Jeff Stein joins Matt for his regular Wednesday conversation to break down the latest in national politics. They dive into the ongoing government shutdown, the lack of negotiation from the Republican side, and the growing evidence of a Nazi problem within some GOP circles and its staff. Jeff and Matt also…

It’s our weekly Tuesday afternoon conversation with Patrick Coolican, editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer. This week we cover Keith Ellison seeking a third term as MN AG, Tom Emmer saying No Kings Protestors don’t love America, and possible school closures in Minneapolis. Find more at: https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/15/tom-emmer-talks-tough-reveals-weakness/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/21/minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-to-seek-third-term/ https://minnesotareformer.com/2025/10/20/minneapolis-school-board-signals-potential-school-closures/

Cliff Schecter/David Shuster didn't just discover the GOP's bad, find our voices & switch sides. We've been at it for 25 yrs. Cliff wrote the ads that helped Biden beat Trump in '20. David exposed GOP corruption as an Emmy-winning anchor at MSNBC & CNN. https://www.blueamp.co/subscribe

Michael Brodkorb is a noted author, FOP political figure, and Matt’s official football correspondent.

Reed Sigmund is an actor and director with Children’s Theatre Company.

Celebrate a Minnesota music legend! Paul Metsa, acclaimed musician, songwriter, and author, is marking his 70th birthday with a special benefit show for AM950. It takes place Sunday, November 2 at 7 PM at the Aster House in Minneapolis. The evening also serves as a CD release party for his latest record, Songs of Resistance…

Matt’s joined by Minnesota musician Katy Tessman. They talk about her upcoming show tomorrow Icehouse in Minneapolis and how she and the Heartland Souvenirs honor the legendary Dolly Parton. Learn more at: https://icehouse.turntabletickets.com/shows/4329/?date=2024-10-18