Between Two Paddles Podcast

Minnesota ranks No. 1 in the nation for funding of the arts - 'The Legacy Fund' also funds waters and wildlife preservation, joining land and culture together in a joint effort to protect and share what makes our state so special. I take a peak into Bemidji's Watermark Art Center with Executive Director Lori Forshee-Donnay to learn more about how small towns are showcasing big art.

I head deep into the heart of the Chippewa National Forest with Matt Breuer of North Country Guides in search of the elusive Morel Mushroom. With the music of song birds singing all around us as we pause during our hunt, Matt shares info on how and where to find Morels, his opinion on why people are so secretive about their patches and debunks some of those wives tales.

What is Between Two Paddles Podcast

"I Interview the founder of Big Foot Days in Remer, MN. Marc Ruyak claims that Remer is the home of big foot and has even trademarked it so. Is he just trying to cash in on the business or is he a true believer? You might be surprised. Listen in to hear the history behind why Remer, MN, truly is the home of Big Foot."

Part 2 - Professor, Author and Cultural Teacher Dr. Anton Treuer speaks to the recent ruling by administrative law judge Anne O'Reilly: either replace line 3 in its current location (across the Leech Lake Reservation) or do nothing.

Line 3 Pipeline Replacement - how much do you know? The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will decide in June whether or not to allow Enbridge the necessary permits to begin construction. It's a hot topic in the northland and we were curious about some things; who will it affect? How much oil do we really use? What are the alternative energy sources? How many jobs might it provide? So we turned to professor, author and cultural teacher Anton Treuer to help shed light on some of these questions. Photo: Sign marking the pipeline on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in Bena, Minnesota. Credit: Kim Shelton

Who knew the World Champion fastest beaver skinner lives right here in Minnesota? I meet up with Kay Bachman in her home over a cup of coffee as she tells the story of how it all came to be.

Max Kelsey is a talented Ojibwe style lacrosse stick maker from Bemidji Minnesota. He is helping revitalize culture amongst the communities youth by sharing his skills and bringing this game back to life. I talk with Max in his workshop in Bemidji as he carves a stick and shares stories of how he got started on this path.

I talk to professional ice climbing guide Shane Steele as he coaches a new climber up an ice wall, talks about why he loves it and shares advice for people just starting out.

Levi Lavallee is arguably the most successful snowmobiler in history; SnowX Champion, record holder for longest jump on a snowmobile, and first person to ever attempt a double backflip at the X Games where he has medalled 13 times, 7 of which were gold. Listen in as I meet up with him in his hometown of Longville MN where he shares stories about starting out on his first sled at 7 years old, the most significant moments of his career, near death experiences and what's next for this small town athlete.

I talk with Maple Syrup harvesting pros Tad Sonneman of Maple Island Syrup who runs a commercial operation near his home and 81 year old Wally Humphrey of the Leech Lake band of Ojibwe who's been tapping maples since before he can remember. We hear about wild sap thieves, the medicine of maple sap and how to spot a dead zone.

I headed down to Poplar, MN to Meet Craig "Buster" Bartels of Busters Boots in his 25x25 workshop packed to the brim with tools, machinery and leathers. With 25 years under his belt, he's a master boot builder and a humble gem of the Northwoods, what a character and a wonderful guy. Listen in as he talks about how he came to be where he is now, why someone might choose elephant skin boots, and what it was like to apprentice to the "Dean" of boot building.

Team One Stop Outdoors fishing guide Wil Neururer shares his ice fishing wisdom with me as we hang out in the pop-up out on the hard water waiting for a bite. Listen in for stories about falling through the ice at -12 degrees, making fry bread at the smelt fry, and who's shooting duds.

I adventured to the depths of all that is Eel Pout as I found myself at the International Eel Pout Festival and talking with two Leech Lake Eel Pout fishing guides: Tim Humphrey (http://aspen-outfitters.com/) and Wil Neururer (http://teamonestopoutdoors.com/). Don't know what an Eel Pout is? Maybe you do and you want to learn more about how and where to catch them, all is revealed! Photo credit: Tim Humphrey

I went down to the Winter Carnival in St Paul where the MN Market, hosted by The Lake + Co, displayed some amazing local vendors, with merchandise on full display under the towering frozen majesty of the ice castle. It was quite the event and I took a moment amidst the bustle of the goings-on and freezing temps to capture the stories of these inspiring business owners...I interviewed Sarah, of MN Made - an apparel company dedicated to unique and thoughtful clothing, that screenprint all of their designs in the US on super comfy premium fabrics . Sara is the designer and creator of all of MN made’s state themed clothing with the intention of empowering and inspiring the wearer. Back in 2013 was when the first spark of an idea formed for the company…

I went down to the Winter Carnival in St Paul where the MN Market, hosted by The Lake + Co, displayed some amazing local vendors, with mercandise on full display under the towering frozen majesty of the ice castle. It was quite the event and I took a moment amidst the bustle of the goings-on and freezing temps to capture the stories of these inspiring business owners…Meet Erika of The Vintage Studio -She’s part of a two woman dynamic duo who release their inner sass and creative powers in their spare time to make state themed gifts and home decor. Erika is all about creating engaging products from a place of passion and fun.

In June 2007, Brian and Andrea were living the country life on their very own off-grid homestead in northern Minnesota, when the idea was born. It started as a silly conversation, but the idea took off and it was even mentioned by Jay Leno on the tonight show during it’s inception - That might have had something to do with the name - a huge reason why they were able to distrupt the giant granola market and weasel their way in. Listen to Brian tell all about Crapola while he manned his MN Made Market stand during the Winter Carnival in St Paul!

I met the couple behind Adventure North. A clothing company dedicated to protecting Minnesota, one person and one purchase at a time. Adventure North is Inspired by the rugged beauty of Northern Minnesota, and is designed for exploring the outdoors—and looking good in the process.. www.adventurenorthmn.com IG: @adventurenorthmn

I Interview Emily Derke and Nate Johnson of Gatheredandgrown.com. They are living life in a small yurt that Nate built in the Northwoods, trying their darndest to gather and grow almost everything they need for food and materials. They took me out to show me how they set their snares for snowshoe hare, and share the stories of how they got started on this path. Follow them on IG: @gatheredgrown Associate Producer: Jordan Rodgers

I Interview Rob Fairbanks, AKA The Rez Reporter - He talks about what inspired him to start making videos, overcoming fear and the healing power of comedy. Find him online: www.robfairbankscomedy.com Or on Youtube and Facebook @ Rob Fairbanks

An introduction to your host, Kim Shelton, of the new podcast, Between Two Paddles.