MPR News with Angela Davis

Have you ever felt dizzy? You're not alone.  Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people show up at a hospital emergency room.  But there are different kinds of dizzy. A lot of people, especially as they age, live with the feeling of being just a little unsteady or off balance.  Others have experienced true vertigo. That's when the room seems to swirl and tip to the point where you might feel nauseous.  Dizziness shouldn't be ignored. Depending on the cause, it can often be treated with medication, surgery or physical therapy exercises. And, it could be a sign of a serious underlying medical issue. MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon talks with medical providers to sort through our dizzy symptoms.  

Big waves are part of the fun of summer, but they can also stir up big debates.  Wake boats are designed to create large waves for surfers to ride. But those waves don't just disappear. A new University of Minnesota study shows they can stir up sediment, muddy the water and release phosphorus, which causes algae blooms.MPR News guest host Kirsti Marohn dives into the science and what it means for lake lovers.Guests:Jeff Forester is the executive director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, a nonprofit that represents lake associations and property owners. Jeff Marr is the associate director of engineering and facilities at the University of Minnesota's St. Anthony Falls Laboratory. He was a lead researcher on a recent study that looked at what happens under the lake surface when different types of recreational boats travel at different speeds.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

In the wake of the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, questions about political violence in America are once again front and center. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell and his guests ask: Why is political violence on the rise and how do we respond?Guests:John Hinderaker is the president of the Center for the American Experiment, a conservative policy advocacy group based in Minnesota.David Schultz is a professor of political science and legal studies at Hamline University.Shannon Watson is the executive director of Majority in the Middle, a Minnesota nonprofit that promotes civility in public life.

The latest vaccines for COVID-19 have reached Minnesota. But should you get one? Can you find one? And will your insurance pay for it?These are just some of the questions flying around following turmoil at federal health agencies.U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fired the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laid off workers, overseen changes in COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and replaced the committee that sets broad vaccine guidance for the nation.Former leaders of the CDC under both Republican and Democratic administrations recently warned that the nation's public health system is a “raging fire” under Kennedy's leadership.MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with a pediatrician and a professor of public health about what this means for public health in Minnesota and for people just trying to get their fall shots.Guests: Dr. Rebecca Wurtz is a professor in the division of Health Policy & Management at the University of Minnesota. She is also a board-certified infectious disease physician and has worked in public health roles in government and private sector settings.Dr. Gigi Chawla is a pediatrician and the chief of general pediatrics at Children's Minnesota.

Parenting can feel like a rollercoaster — equal parts joy and chaos.We often second-guess ourselves: Am I doing this right? Am I messing my kid up forever?Trust us, you are not alone.And maybe you've heard the term “attachment” thrown around in parenting circles — the deep emotional bond that can form between a child and their primary caregivers.But what does it really mean? And how does it shape a child's development?MPR News guest host Kelly Gordon and early childhood education reporter Kyra Miles talk with a developmental psychologist about how to create parent-child attachment and how to know if we're getting it right.

Minnesota lawmakers from both parties say they're open to returning to the Capitol to consider policy changes after last week's deadly school shooting in Minneapolis. But what might come out of a special session — if one materializes — is harder to gauge.MPR News guest host Catherine Richert talks with a pediatrician and a researcher about what we know about what works to prevent gun violence and what steps policymakers might take. Guests:James Densley is a professor and chair of criminology and criminal justice at Metro State University. He is also co-founder of the Violence Prevention Project Research Center at Hamline University.Dr. Marc Gorelick is a retired president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. He is a pediatrician, former pediatric emergency medicine physician and author of “Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc's Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis.” He also serves on the MPR Board of Trustees.

Reading is often called the gateway to learning. It opens the door to almost every subject, from history to science.But what happens when the words on the page or screen don't come easily — when they blur, flip, or just don't make sense?For as many as one in five students, that's the reality of dyslexia. It's one of the most common learning differences, yet it's still widely misunderstood.  MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests will talk about how dyslexia is assessed and how resources and teaching approaches can make reading easier for children and adults with dyslexia.Guests:Liz Adams is a neuropsychologist who owns and manages Minnesota Neuropsychology, which specializes in assessing dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences in children and adults. Evelyn Haselmann is the CEO of the 20% Club, a dyslexia tutoring center based in White Bear Township, Minn. She also serves as a board member for Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota, an organization that advocates for awareness, teacher training and stronger policies to support students with dyslexia across Minnesota.  

It's back-to-school time, and for many families, the excitement is mixed with worry. Will my child make friends? Keep up with the schoolwork? And underneath it all — will they be safe? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about the signs and causes of back-to-school anxiety and what parents can do to support their children and teens.Guests:Katie Lingras is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a licensed child psychologist with M Health Fairview.Amy Klinger is co-founder and director of programs for the Educator's School Safety Network, a non-profit that works with schools nationwide to identify and meet safety needs. She is also a professor of educational administration at Ashland University in Ohio. And she is a former elementary and middle-school principal.

Students are getting ready to head back to school next week. Some have already started classes.As teachers kick off the new school year, they may ask themselves, “Will I be able to reach that one struggling student? Will I make the difference they need?”MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Education who says teachers saved his life. Join Angela when she talks with John B. King Jr., who says the best teachers didn't just teach him subjects — they taught him that he mattered, that his voice had value and that his dreams were worth pursuing. Guest:John B. King Jr. is the chancellor of the State University of New York. He was secretary of the U.S. Department of Education during President Barack Obama's administration. He has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal and a college professor. He served as New York State Education Commissioner and was the president and CEO of the Education Trust, a national education civil rights organization. And he is the author of "Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.”

Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face — and here in Minnesota, it's among the highest in the nation.Infant care in the state averages nearly $1,900 a month — that's more than most families pay for a mortgage and is more than the cost of in-state tuition at some public colleges. And Minnesota isn't alone. In more than 40 states, parents say child care is the single biggest expense in their households. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with leaders in early childhood education and child care policy to help us understand what's behind these rising costs and what families are doing to make it work. Guests:Angela Clair is the director of early childhood services for the Wilder Child Development Center in St. Paul, an early childhood facility that provides care, education and family support to families across the Twin Cities. Clare Sanford serves as Government Relations Chair on the board of the Minnesota Child Care Association. She is also vice president of government & community relations for New Horizon Academy, a family-owned, Minnesota-based child care provider.    Here are some more resources that were mentioned during the show:Kids Count on Us CoalitionKids Count on Us Newsletter Sign Up

We've all been there — you get the invitation for dinner at a friend's place. Maybe it's a backyard barbecue, a holiday gathering or a spur-of-the-moment picnic.Because you're a thoughtful guest, you ask, “What can I bring?” And then you freeze. You wonder what you can pull off that everyone will love and will disappear from the table first.So, what will you bring?MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a cookbook author who shares recipes designed to travel well, taste amazing and win you the title of ‘best guest ever.'Guest:Casey Elsass is a food writer, recipe developer and cookbook author whose writing has appeared on Tasty, Epicurious, Food Network Kitchen, Delish, and Food52. His first solo cookbook is “What Can I Bring? Recipes to Help You Live Your Guest Life.” Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Do you feel like your phone is always in your hand, or that your laptop never really closes? Well, you aren't alone. More people are looking for ways to step back from constant notifications, endless scrolling and that feeling of always being “on.”  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about digital detoxing — what it means, why it's so hard to unplug and how taking a break from our screens can help us feel more present, focused and connected.Guests:  Erin Walsh is the co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute, a Minneapolis-based organization that helps families, schools and communities navigate the connection between child development, technology and relationships. She is also the author of “It's Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence.”  Tyler Rice is the co-founder and CEO of the Digital Wellness Institute, an educational and training organization that helps people and organizations build more mindful and balanced relationships with technology. He is also the author of “Tactical Disconnection,” a book about rethinking how we use technology in our daily lives. 

If you've heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might've nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about? Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it's shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation's slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?Guests:  Tish Jones is a poet, emcee and hip-hop theater artist from St. Paul. She's the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks, a St. Paul arts and culture organization that provides mentorships, workshops and other opportunities for artists and art leaders.Alayo Tripp is a linguist and cognitive scientist studying language development. They are also an assistant professor of computational language science at the University of Florida. Was there any slang you're curious about that we missed in the show? Check out the list below for more words and phrases.100 Current Slang Terms Teens and Gen Z Use Daily

Ten years ago, when you needed a ride across town or to the airport, you might have called a taxi. Now, you're more likely to open an app on your phone. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have been growing at breakneck speed. But the fast growth — and increased focus on profits — has changed the experience for some drivers and riders. It's also prompted some states, including Minnesota, to pass minimum wage guarantees for drivers. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how rideshare works and how it's changing. Guests:  Sergio Avedian is senior contributor for The Rideshare Guy, a driver advocacy blog and YouTube channel. He drives for multiple ridesharing and food delivery services in Los Angeles.Said Mohamed has been a rideshare driver for nine years and is a former taxi driver. Since moving to the Twin Cities from southern California three years ago, he's driven over 11,000 rides. He's also an organizer for SEIU Local 26, a union that wants to represent rideshare drivers.

This week, we're sharing an episode of a show we think you'll enjoy: “Worth It” from the Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media.We've got the inside scoop on why the Guthrie's “Cabaret” is getting rave reviews. Also, as “The Great Gatsby” turns 100, why is this novel with Minnesota roots worth another read? Plus, we'll tell you about the Culinary North Stars that are pushing the boundaries of the Twin Cities' dining scene.Read more about the Culinary North Stars, Gatsby's centennial, Gatsby remixes and the Guthrie's production of “Cabaret”.This week our guests are taste editor Nicole Hvidsten, general assignment reporter Zoë Jackson, interim books editor Chris Hewitt, theater critic Rohan Preston and digital food and culture producer Abby Sliva.To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe.Stay up to date with the Minnesota Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

When we think about what makes a strong community, it often comes down to one thing — people showing up for each other. Across Minnesota, thousands of volunteers are showing up every day — to stock food shelves, tutor students, plant community gardens, organize donation drives and more.And the way we serve is changing.Today, it's easier than ever to sign up for one-time events, find projects that line up with your skills or passions and even volunteer virtually from your computer.  MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about why volunteering matters, how it strengthens communities and how you can find opportunities that fit your interests and schedule. Guests: Niila Herbert is the executive director of the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.Melissa Wilson is the senior director of engagement at Greater Twin Cities United Way. She leads the United Way's Volunteer United program, which promotes volunteer opportunities and events.  

Do you get discouraged and overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Do you finish your days feeling like you didn't get anything done? Maybe it's time to think about how you manage your time. MPR News Host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how to reflect, set priorities, plan and create new habits so you can spend more time on what matters. Guests: Theresa Glomb is a professor of organizational behavior and chair of the Work and Organizations Department in the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She researches and speaks about how small changes at work can improve performance, meaning and well-being.  Anna Dearmon Kornick is a time management coach and public speaker based in New Orleans. Her podcast “It's About Time” has been downloaded nearly 1 million times since it was launched in 2019. She's also the author of “Time Management Essentials: The Tools You Need to Maximize Your Attention, Energy and Productivity.”  

From TikTok trends to Hollywood mergers, the media world is evolving fast. Most Americans — 83 percent of U.S. adults — use streaming services, according to the Pew Research Center.Social media is competing with traditional outlets for our attention and trust.  And mergers are reshaping who creates, distributes and profits from the content we watch, read and listen to.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a media analyst and a pop culture critic about how technology, business and culture are transforming the media landscape and what it means.Guests:Eric Deggans is TV critic, media analyst and guest host at National Public Radio. Next month, he begins teaching as the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. His book on how media outlets use racial issues to draw audiences is “Race-Baiter: How the Media Wields Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation.”Neal Justin is the pop culture critic for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He is also an adjunct instructor at the University of St. Thomas. 

If you've been on the fence about whether to get an electric vehicle, now might be a good time to buy or lease one. A federal tax credit that lowers the cost of EVs is set to expire at the end of September — much earlier than planned. The change is part of President Donald Trump's major tax and spending bill, which eliminated several incentives for electric vehicles. EVs have come a long way in the last few years. They made up nearly 8 percent of new cars sold last year in Minnesota and more than 100 electric vehicle models are now for sale in the U.S. (A side-by-side comparison of models can be found here.) MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how public funding changes could affect the shift to electric, if now is a good time to swap the pump for a plug, and how far you can really go on a charge. Guests: Jukka Kukkonen is the founder of Shift2Electric, a Minnesota-based electric vehicle consulting and training company. He's also an instructor at the University of St. Thomas where he teaches courses about the EV market and technologies.  Katelyn Bocklund is the facilitator of Drive Electric Minnesota, a coalition that works to make electric vehicles more mainstream and easier to use in Minnesota. She's also a senior program manager of transportation at the nonprofit policy organization Great Plains Institute.   

Youth sports can't happen without coaches and officials. But some are hanging up their whistles — not because of the players, but because of the parents. The sidelines have become a source of frequent criticism, confrontations and stress — driving some coaches and officials to walk away from the game entirely. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with two coaches about how they set expectations for parents, players, and fellow coaches — and what it takes to cool down when behavior off the field gets too heated. Guests:Hisham Sorour is the director of coaching and player development for Mankato United Soccer Club, which has teams for players who are 5 to 18 years old.Russ Turner is the director of The Training Institute at People Incorporated Mental Health Services. He is the head coach for boys' soccer at Cretin Durham-Hall High School, and a boys and girls coach at St. Paul Blackhawks Soccer Club.   A caller recommended the book, “My Mom Thinks She's My Volleyball Coach… But She's Not!” by Julia Cook.

Chances are, you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with ADHD. About one in 10 kids live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and among 14-year-old boys, that number jumps to nearly one in five.The commonly prescribed medications can make a big difference in behavior and self-esteem, but they don't always lead to better learning or performance in school.So, what are we getting right — and wrong — about ADHD? MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a journalist and a pediatrician about how researchers and clinicians are changing how they think about and treat ADHD.  And we want to hear from you, too. Does your child have a diagnosis of ADHD or were you diagnosed when you were young? What is your experience with stimulant medications? What else helps you manage symptoms?

This fall, a new wave of kindergarteners enters the classroom — most born in the early days of the pandemic. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the challenges they may face and how schools and parents can help them thrive.  Guests: Lauren Girard has been a kindergarten teacher for 15 years. She teaches at Overland Elementary School in Rochester, Minn. She is also the parent of a child born during the early months of the pandemic.Lelandra Ross is a lead specialist in early childhood education at Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul, Minn. She works with staff and parents to support early childhood family education, early childhood special education, three-year-old Head Start and pre-kindergarten programming. She has also been a pre-K teacher.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work — faster than many of us expected. From writing emails to screening job applications, AI tools are showing up in offices, warehouses and other workplaces. But are employers ready? How are they setting expectations and drawing ethical lines around using this powerful technology? MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the growing role of AI across different industries and how organizations are responding. Guests:James Holmberg is the co-founder of VILAS, an organization focused on helping businesses understand, navigate and explore using artificial intelligence. Eran Kahana is an attorney for Maslon LLP, a business law firm based in Minneapolis. He specializes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy and intellectual property law. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School.  Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the power of poetry with Junauda Petrus, the poet laureate for the city of Minneapolis. Junauda says poetry is “soul medicine” that can unite us in our shared humanity. Angela also hears from poet and performer, Tish Jones, about what poetry means to her.Guests:Junauda Petrus is the poet laureate for the city of Minneapolis. She is an author, playwright, filmmaker and co-founder of the experimental artist collective, Free Black Dirt. She is the author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winning young adult novel, “The Stars and the Blackness Between Them,” and the children's book, “Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers?” Tish Jones is a poet, performer and educator in St. Paul. She's also the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a Twin Cities rapper and mindfulness instructor who says yoga saved his life.

If you're single, you've probably heard it — or said it to yourself: Dating feels impossible right now.The numbers back it up. A Pew Research study found that nearly half of Americans say dating is harder than it was a decade ago.So, what's changed? Why is dating so difficult for so many people?Dating apps have transformed how we can meet, but it's not clear if they are helping or hurting. In the 1990s, nearly 20 percent of couples met in a bar or restaurant. Today that number is down to just 8 percent.MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had earlier this year with a dating coach and a therapist to help break down the challenges of modern dating — and provide some advice for what you can do to make it easier.Guests: Deanna Pelley is a public speaker, podcaster and mental health therapist with Emerge Therapy based in Minneapolis.Alex Merritt is a Minneapolis-based dating coach, known as the “Love Engineer.” Alex leads relationship workshops and does one-on-one advising on how to find love.  Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

From its origins in Black American communities to its influence on artists all over the world, jazz has always been about innovation, expression and connection. Here in Minnesota, one radio station has been keeping that spirit alive for more than 50 years — Jazz88 (KBEM-FM).Launched in 1970 as part of Minneapolis Public Schools, Jazz88 has been a hub for jazz lovers, educators and musicians, introducing generations to a timeless genre while adapting to changing times. MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation she had earlier this year with some of the voices behind Jazz88, as well as a musician who performs around the Twin Cities. They explored the station's impact, its evolution and the artists shaping jazz.  Guests: Sean McPherson is the music director and afternoon host of Jazz88 (KBEM-FM). Previously he was an on-air host for The Current, Minnesota Public Radio's alternative music station.  Emmanuel Hill is the executive producer of MPS Voices, a Jazz88 livestream focused on broadcasting student voices in Minneapolis Public Schools.  Eli Awada is a Twin Cities musician, pianist and keyboardist for the jazz collective Room3.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. 

Laurie Putnam is the superintendent of St. Cloud Public Schools, and the first woman to lead the district. Her husband, Aric Putnam, is a DFL state senator, representing District 14, which includes St. Cloud. Together, they're navigating politics, education, family life and the challenges of leading in the public eye. MPR News host Angela Davis continues her Power Pairs series with a conversation about how they support each other and why they picked careers that serve their community. Guests: Laurie Putnam is the superintendent of St. Cloud Public Schools.  Aric Putnam is a DFL state senator representing District 14, which includes St. Cloud and surrounding communities. Check out Angela's previous Power Pair conversations.  Do you know a Power Pair?We'd love to hear your ideas for Power Pairs to interview. Send us your suggestions.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed into law the major domestic policy bill that cuts about $1 trillion dollars from federal Medicaid spending over the next ten years. The changes to Medicaid are estimated to result in nearly 10 million more people going without health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.  Medicaid is the public insurance program that covers most health care and long-term care for 83 million low-income and disabled people in the United States. Nearly a quarter of Minnesota's residents are on the state's Medicaid program, which is known as Medical Assistance. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what this means for Minnesotans, including new work requirements and restrictions that will reduce funding for the program.  Guests: John Connolly is deputy commissioner and state Medicaid director for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.   Sue Abderholden is the executive director of NAMI Minnesota, the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Steve Grove's career spans journalism, public service and Big Tech.  He helped shape content at Google and YouTube, led Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development, and now serves as publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Grove about the future of media, the role of public service, the influence of technology and what it means to come home to the Midwest.Guest: Steve Grove is the CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune. He was commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development during Governor Tim Walz's first term. Before moving back to his home state, Steve built a career in Silicon Valley as an executive at Google and YouTube. He is the co-founder of Silicon North Stars — a nonprofit he started with his wife, Mary — to educate and inspire young Minnesotans to pursue careers in technology. He is also the author of the new book, "How I Found Myself in the Midwest." 

Retirement is often seen as the time to finally slow down, enjoy life and live off your years of savings. But that's not reality for many people.  More older Americans are entering retirement weighed down with debt in the form of mortgages, credit card balances, medical bills and even student loans.  MPR News host Angela Davis talks with guests about what's behind the trend of rising debt in retirement, what lies ahead and ideas for tackling it. Guests: Chris Farrell is the senior economics contributor at MPR News and Marketplace and author of the recent 12-part series on Marketplace and Next Avenue, Buy Now, Pay Later, about the debt burden of older Americans nearing and during retirement. Henry Rucker is associate director of Homeownership and Financial Coaching at Project for Pride in Living, a Minneapolis nonprofit organization that focuses on affordable housing and career readiness for low-income households.  

After a Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd, calls for justice were loud and urgent. Some community leaders began asking: How do we make real, lasting change — especially when it comes to racial and economic justice? That question sparked the creation of the Groundbreak Coalition — a multibillion-dollar effort to close the racial wealth gap by rethinking how we invest in homes, businesses, and communities. Listen to a conversation moderated by MPR News host Angela Davis about how a moment of crisis inspired a long-term strategy to build Black wealth — and why economic justice is essential to racial justice. The discussion was recorded at a national conference in Minneapolis organized by the Council on Foundations.Panelists:Tonya Allen is president of the McKnight Foundation whose leadership has helped shape a philanthropic vision rooted in equity and systemic change. She is also the chair of the Groundbreak Coalition. R.T. Rybak is the CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation and former mayor of Minneapolis. David Mortenson is the chairman of M.A. Mortenson Company — one of the nation's leading construction and real estate development firms. He also serves on the board of directors for the Mortenson Family Foundation. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.     Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.     

Many of us have an intuitive sense that spending some time outside is good for us — and in recent years, science is backing that up.  Whether it's going on a walk down a tree-lined street, splashing in a lake or just eating outside with a view of a garden, spending time in a natural setting can boost our mood.  And that's not all.Growing research shows that spending time in nature can lower blood pressure, improve attention and reduce symptoms of ADHD, prevent near sightedness and strengthen the immune system.MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with a health researcher and the director of a nature center about the healing power of the outdoors and ways to incorporate more nature into your summer.Guests: Cathy Jordan is a pediatric neuropsychologist and a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Her research interests focus on how environments, especially natural environments, shape children's physical and mental development and health. She is also a consulting research director for the Children & Nature Network based in St. Paul.Colleen Foehrenbacher is the executive director of Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro. The center is situated in 250 acres of restored prairie and mixed hardwood forest and runs a nature-based preschool, field trips for and other outdoor education programs for children, families and adults.  

Partisan polarization has long been a fact of political life in the United States. And it seems like politics is everywhere these days — at the dinner table, in the classroom and on every screen. That raises some big questions for parents. How do we talk to our kids about what's going on without passing along fear or cynicism? How do we raise thoughtful, respectful people amid divisive rhetoric?MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests explore how parents can talk with their kids about politics without anger, divisive rhetoric and polarization. Guests:  Lindsay Cormack is an associate professor of political science at the Stevens Institute of Technology. She is also the author of, “How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it's Up to You to Do It)”  Bill Doherty is a professor emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. He is also co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.

The way younger people get their news looks a lot different than it did a generation ago.  For many millennials and Gen Z, it's not about watching the 6 o'clock news or reading the headlines in the Sunday paper. Instead, it might be watching a quick video on TikTok, spotting a trending post on Instagram or listening to a favorite podcast on a commute. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about what's shaping the way young people stay informed, what holds their attention, what doesn't, and why it matters for the future. Guests: Anne Guttridge is a video producer for MPR News and part of Reverb — an MPR News initiative and reporting team focused on serving younger Minnesotans.Olivia Cordova Kramer is a high school student at the Breck School in Golden Valley. She was a newsroom intern at the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Lately, it seems like no matter where you drive in Minnesota, you run into road construction — lane closures, detours, backed-up traffic and a lot of orange cones. If you're wondering, “Why now? Why so many projects all at once?” — you're not alone. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests take a closer look at what's behind this busy construction season. Guests: Anne Meyer is the media relations coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Transportation.  Charles Carlson is with the Metropolitan Council. He serves as the executive director of Metropolitan Transportation Services. 

Have you been thinking about what your life might look like with less alcohol? Whether it's for health, mental clarity or out of just plain curiosity, more people are choosing to rethink why they drink alcohol. MPR News host Angela Davis explores what it means to be “sober curious.” Guests: Alexandra Zauner is the owner of Lucille's Bottle Shop, a St. Paul business that sells non-alcoholic drinks and organizes alcohol-free events for the sober and “sober curious.” Alyssa Heim stopped drinking five years ago at age 25 and now runs the Instagram page talkthemock where she shares non-alcoholic drink recipes and promotes a sober lifestyle.  

Teachers often talk about the summer slide — the setback many students experience in reading skills during the summer months. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three children's book authors for recommendations on great books to read this summer to keep kids' reading skills up and their imaginations alive. Guests:Shannon Gibney is an author and professor of English at Minneapolis College. The children's books she's written include “Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight” and “We Miss You, George Floyd.” She is also the co-author of “Where We Come From.” And she's written novels and young adult fiction, including “The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption,” “See No Color” and “Dream Country,” both of which won Minnesota Book Awards. Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre is a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She was a school counselor for 15 years and now works full time as an author and presenter. She received the Great Plains Emerging Tribal Writer's Award for her first children's book, “Pet'a Shows Misun the Light.” And she is the author of six other children's books, including “Thunder's Hair” and “We Are All Related.” Sarah Warren is an award-winning children's book author who worked as an early childhood educator for over 17 years. Her picture books include “Beyoncé: Shine Your Light,” “Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice,” “Everything a Drum” and “Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers.” Sarah is also co-founder of Picture Book Parade, an organization that promotes literacy and diverse local authors. Angela's guests and listeners recommended some of their favorite books: “Baby Monkey Private Eye” by Brian Selznick and David Serlin  “Llama Llama book series” by Anna Dewdney “The $66 Summer” by John Armistead “Humphrey Series” by Betty G. Birney “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls “Time of Wonder” and “Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey “Go, Dog. Go!“ by P.D. Eastman“Where the Wild Things Are“ by Maurice Sendak“Sisters,” “Smile,“ “Guts,“ graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier “How Full Is Your Bucket“ by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer “The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir“ and children's books by Kao Kalia Yang “Click Clack Moo“ by Doreen Cronin “Charlotte's Web“ by E.B. White“One Little Lot: The 1-2-3s of an Urban Garden“ by Diane C. Mullen Mindy Kim Book Series by Lyla Lee “Front Desk“ by Kelly Yang “Looking for Lucy“ by Emrys Current “The Rithmatist“ by Brandon Sanderson 

Young adults who recently graduated from college are facing a tough job market.The national unemployment rate among people age 22 to 27 with a degree is almost 6 percent, which is the highest it's been since the pandemic. Joblessness among young workers is also worse than the overall unemployment rate of around 4 percent. And, many young graduates are working in jobs that do not require a college degree. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about reasons why the job market is particularly hard right now for recent grads and what it takes to get a job if you're new to the workforce. Guests: Katie Jolicoeur is director of Career Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato.Chris Farrell is a senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.