New Beginnings - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota

We welcome back world-renowned public health expert Dr. Michael Osterholm. He's here to talk about a bold new project called the VIP — the Vaccine Integrity Project.In a time when trust is fragile, Dr. Osterholm is working to deliver clear, reliable guidance for our communities. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available…

Being a caregiver is one of the most meaningful—and most demanding—roles a person can take on. Right now, more than 600,000 Minnesotans are caring for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones. Cathy McCleer, State Director, AARP Minnesota is here to talk about the challenges caregivers face, and how AARP is working to support them. Freddie…

Fraud reached unprecedented levels in 2024 with a staggering $12.5 billion lost. It’s a shocking increase of more than 24% over 2023 nationwide. Cathy McLeer, State Director, AARP MN talks about the steps the agency is taking to protect consumers. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date: April 6th The Pandemic Clock is ticking, says Dr. Michael Osterholm, one of the world's foremost experts on infectious diseases and epidemiology. He serves as the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. He stresses the importance of being prepared. Freddie Bell’s new book,…

More than 17 million people died during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Dr. Michael Osterholm, one of the world's foremost experts on infectious diseases and epidemiology. He serves as the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota says we must be prepared for the next one. Freddie Bell’s new…

Original Air Date: March 16th Minnesota lawmakers are debating a bi-partisan bill called the Consumer Fraud Protection Fund. If passed the measure would pay back consumers who’ve been scammed and can’t get their money back. Cathy McLeer, Minnesota AARP State Director shares details with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is…

Cathy McLeer, Minnesota AARP State Director says AARP is equipped to help make sure your money lives as long as you do. They assist by helping you prepare for retirement and other issues that may come along. McLeer shares more ideas with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at…

Freddie Bell begins this week with some ideas on how to not only keep more of your hair, but some suggestions on how to solve the pesky aches and pains. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date: March 2nd Dr. Michael Osterholm highlights the growing challenge of vaccine skepticism and the critical role of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in restoring public confidence. He stresses the importance of clear, science-based communication, community engagement, and policy initiatives to counter misinformation and improve vaccine uptake. Freddie Bell’s…

Dr. Michael Osterholm emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild public trust in vaccines by addressing misinformation, enhancing transparency, and engaging communities with clear, science-based communication. He advocates for a proactive approach that prioritizes consistent messaging from trusted voices, ensuring people understand both the benefits and limitations of vaccines. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the…

In this timely episode of New Beginnings, Dr. Michael Osterholm shares critical updates on the current state of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and emerging COVID-19 variants. He offers insights into their trends, impacts on public health systems, and strategies for prevention. Dr. Osterholm emphasizes the importance of vaccination, effective treatments, and proactive public health…

Original Air Date: February 9th In this thought-provoking episode of New Beginnings, Dr. Michael Osterholm, a leading epidemiologist and global health authority, delves into the controversial presidential order to restrict communication between health agencies. Dr. Osterholm offers his expert analysis on how this directive could undermine public health transparency, disrupt interagency collaboration, and weaken the…

Original Air Date: February 2nd In this episode of New Beginnings, Dr. Michael Osterholm, renowned epidemiologist and global health expert, joins Freddie Bell to discuss the United States' decision to step back from global health leadership. Dr. Osterholm shares his critical insights on the implications of this shift, emphasizing its potential impact on international disease…

Original Air Date: January 26th Scammers steal billions of dollars from Americans each year. Losses are growing and new technology makes their criminal tactics harder to detect. The good news is that people aware of current scams are much less likely to be victimized and lose money. AARP State Director Cathy McCleer shares ideas on…

Original Air Date: January 19th There have been warnings about the potential for avian influenza to make a jump to humans. Dr. Michael Osterholm examines the threat. He is a renowned epidemiologist, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota, and one of the nation's leading voices…

Original Air Date: January 12th The number of hospitalizations and deaths due to Covid are down compared to previous years. Dr. Micahel Osterholm says the reduction isn’t enough for him to change his point of view about the next pandemic. Dr. Osterholm is a renowned epidemiologist, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and…

Original Air Date: January 5th What lesson did we learn from the pandemic? Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota and Director of The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy gives a review with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents Professor at the University of Minnesota and Director of The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy talks about concerns regarding the resurgence of COVID. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Joy can be sucked out of the season by people attempting to commit fraud. AARP officials share ideas on how to combat fraud, one person at a time. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Getting your Shingles shot can help to make your life easier, especially if you’re an older person. The Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy has more to say on this topic with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

While vaccines are important and can save lives, Dr. Michael Osterholm says it’s even more important that the public take advantage of them. Dr. Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy shares more with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

The outlook for health care this fall and winter is the focus on New Beginnings this weekend. Dr. Myriam Roby, Health Equity Clinical Outcomes Director, at Hennepin Health shares details with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date: November 24th We get a long range perspective for Covid 19 through the winter. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Regents professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy talks with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor, and the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, is reflective this week and shares a prescription and a bit of inspiration for all of us listening to New Beginnings. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Long Covid is still a concern. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor, and the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, tells Freddie Bell there are multiple types of Long Covid and research continues. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor, and the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, shares with Freddie Bell that Covid indicators are trending downward. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

The spread of COVID can be concerning as winter approaches. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy vaccinations are the key to protection. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Detecting COVID-19 in wastewater has emerged as an early warning system for tracking the virus. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy tells Freddie Bell how it works. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date, October 13 COVID-19 has disproportionately affected African American communities since the start of the pandemic. Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy shares plans to reduce disparity in communities of color regarding preventing COVID and health expanding healthcare outreach. Freddie Bell’s new…

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease, Research and Policy outlines steps to minimize the recent COVID surge. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Cathy McCleer, State Director for AARP shares details of a plan designed to limit out of pocket expenses for medications for certain groups of people. She shares the program's components with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

It seems as if new strains of Covid 19 are popping up with some regularity. Dr. Michael Osterholm, the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research explains. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date, September 1st Freddie Bell visits with Epidemiologist, Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research, Dr. Osterholm says free Covid testing Kits and more are returning under the Biden Administration. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date, September 22 There are certain challenges in the distribution and public acceptance of new vaccines, especially considering vaccine fatigue and misinformation. Dr. Micahel Osterhom shares his insights. He is an Epidemiologist and Director of the Center for Infectious DIsease and Policy Research. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available…

Original Air Date, September 15 Freddie Bell presents the Song of the Week, we hear from Terry Lewis of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Original Air Date, September 15 Fewer people are dying, experiencing Long Covid and serious illness due to Covid. The Director of the Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research, Dr. Michael Osterholm has details. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

It seems as if new strains of Covid 19 are popping up with some regularity. Dr. Michael Osterholm, the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research explains. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

AARP is at the Minnesota State Fair! Stop by the AARP Minnesota booth in the Education Building to get your questions answered about Social Security and play Plinko! Cathy McLeer, AARP MN State Director joins with Freddie Bell. She shares details about AARP MN’s history of advocacy and voter engagement. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words…

Original Air Date August 17th There are resources still available for people coping with COVID-19. They include the faith community, public health authorities, and the medical community. Freddie Bell discusses this topic with Dr. Myriam Roby, Health Equity Clinical Outcomes Director of Hennepin Healthcare. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at…

Covid cases can be more critical as varying strains of COVID-19 are circulating in the United States. Dr. Myriam Roby, Health Equity Clinical Outcomes Director of Hennepin Healthcare explains on New Beginnings. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

More and more COVID-19 cases are being reported. Dr. Myriam Roby, Health Equity Clinical Outcomes Director of Hennepin Healthcare shares details with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist, Regents Professor, and Director of The Center for Infectious Disease and Research says the cost of COVID testing for individuals is concerning. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Dr. Michael Osterholm, Epidemiologist and Director for the Center for Infectious Disease and Reach Policy, joins Freddie Bell. He explains the difference between outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334

Original Air Date: July 13th New versions of COVID-19 are still a concern as the virus continues mutating causing more sickness worldwide. University of Minnesota Regents Professor and Epidemiologist, Michael Osterholm, shares details with Freddie Bell. Freddie Bell’s new book, Words to the Wise is available at https://www.amazon.com/Words-Wise-Guide-Daily-Living/dp/B09LGRV334