TEN7 Podcast

SummaryAs a choir director, songwriter, musician and vocal coach, Mo Field is driven to use the power of music to change people's lives. She believes music can be a tool to help people shine, while also bringing them together. GuestMo FieldHighlights As a child, Mo Field's family moved a lot, but the constant that kept them connected and helped them connect with others was music. Mo had numerous jobs after high school ranging from being a sharpshooting instructor in the Air Force reserve to driving a truck, but her passion for music always lured her back. ADHD and autism made formal educational pursuits difficult for Mo growing up, but she was able to find alternative ways of educating herself, finding rich experiences to help her grow. As artistic director of the Great Northern Union chorus, Mo is focused on creating opportunities for people to come together and express themselves through singing.

SummaryGrowing up, Lynn Fellman was fascinated by art, color and science. Today she combines those passions creating art and writing stories that inspire and educate people about the human genome. GuestLynn FellmanHighlights An early fascination with color, and the emotional responses colors can bring about, compelled Lynn Fellman to pursue a career in art. After building a career as an artist and designer, she realized she needed to follow another passion as well, her love and fascination with science, particularly the genome. Lynn says we're just starting to understand the potential of genomics to impact human health and even our impact on the planet.  At the same time, Lynn says we need to be intentional about increasing diversity in this research, so the benefits can be equitably shared.

SummaryAfter years working as a journalist focused mainly on politics, Kyle Potter decided to use his talents in a different way. Now, as Executive Editor at Thrifty Traveler, he's writing articles that help people explore, connect, and find meaning with others around the world.GuestKyle PotterHighlights For Kyle Potter, success has always been about pursuing passions, whether it was playing soccer, being in a band, or finding his path as a journalist. In the age of social media, when everyone has a voice, Kyle says true journalism is perhaps more important than ever as a way to break through our echo chambers. When he joined Thrifty Traveler, Kyle says he was excited to use journalism in a new way, to educate and help people explore the world and come together. Kyle says one of the biggest challenges for the future will be creating more climate-friendly transportation, including sustainable methods of air travel.

SummaryWhether he's helping people understand what “Inbox Zero” really means, or he's pondering our impact on the globe, writer and podcaster Merlin Mann has dedicated himself to uncovering and sharing nuggets of wisdom. GuestMerlin MannHighlights Merlin Mann started a website called the Wisdom Project where he shares short “life lessons” that he has picked up along the way. One of Merlin's best-known articles is on the idea of “Inbox Zero,” but he says the real lesson of the article has been lost by many. Merlin says life gets much simpler when we distill our priorities down to what's really important.  Living in San Francisco has helped Merlin change his perspective on cars, walking, and biking, and how our choices impact the planet.

SummaryFor Dr. PZ Myers, spiders offer a way to unlock truth, meaning, and an appreciation for the diversity of life. Dr. Myers is a biologist at the University of Minnesota - Morris, where he studies spiders and inspires students to consider the wonders and questions that surround us. GuestDr. PZ MyersHighlights Dr. PZ Myers started out studying zebrafish, but switched to spiders because they're easy to collect and care for. As a young child his mother bought him a toy microscope and it spurred an obsession with nature that continues today.  While he sees hope in the way more people are accepting evolution today, Dr. Myers is concerned about efforts to use religion to distort or discredit science. Considering the brief time each of us is alive on earth, Dr. Myers is convinced the only way we can make a lasting difference is by doing good in the world.

SummaryGrowing up in India, Kamlika Chandla never considered the possibility that art could be both a passion and her career. After moving to America, her perspective changed as she found the courage to shift away from the corporate world to a life of creativity and creation.GuestKamlika ChandlaHighlights When she was growing up in India, Kamlika never harbored a desire to move west, but on a visit to Chicago she met the man she would marry and decided to give America a chance. Kamlika studied psychology and worked in the corporate world in leadership training and organization development before deciding to follow her passion for art.  Moving to America opened Kamlika's eyes to possibilities and the freedom to choose her own path, so she took the plunge to pursue a career as an artist. Today she is grateful for the opportunity to share a part of herself through her art, fostering connection with those around her.

SummaryGrowing up, Ashley Krohn never considered a career as a librarian, but the more she explored the world the more she realized her passion was to educate and inspire others. Now, as a school librarian, Ashley helps young people explore the universe to find their place in the world..GuestAshley KrohnHighlights After college, Ashley Krohn spent time traveling the world, which helped her discover her passion for education and helping kids explore. She sees libraries as a key resource to inspire kids while also helping them break out of their echo chambers to see other perspectives. Rather than asking kids what careers interest them, Ashley asks kids what problems they want to solve, or what role they want to play in the community.  Ashley's personal experiences with depression and anxiety have compelled her to speak out about the need for better mental health access in the United States.

SummaryNearly two decades ago, Amy Berman read an article that changed her life. A story about child abuse and HIV in Africa prompted her to start the Mother Bear Project. Today she has distributed nearly 200,000 handmade bears to kids in emerging nations affected by HIV/AIDS.GuestAmy BermanHighlights Amy grew up wanting to write children's books and she went to journalism school before she was inspired to go another direction. An article about child abuse and the ravages of HIV/AIDS in Africa prompted Amy to find some way to help.  Amy's non-profit, the Mother Bear Project, has distributed nearly 200,000 handmade bears to kids in developing countries impacted by HIV/AIDS. A core principle of Amy's effort is that the distribution of bears is unconditional, she wants the children to simply feel they are loved.

SummaryFor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, science is a way to open doors to the future. As a physicist and Vice Chancellor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Prof. Vilikazi is working to enhance our understanding of the universe and create a better future.GuestZeblon VilakaziHighlights Professor Vilakazi started out studying mechanical engineering but quickly transferred to physics, where he was more inspired by the potential for discovery. For Prof. Vilakazi, recent images from the James Webb telescope are a concrete example of the triumph of human ingenuity and our ability to solve complex problems. As Climate Change impacts the world, Prof. Vilakazi says we are challenged to make choices and changes to adapt and protect the future.   While our window on earth may be small, Prof. Vilakazi says we need to think beyond our own horizons to make the world a better place for generations to come.

SummaryAs a singer/songwriter, Jeremy Messersmith has taken a winding road to success. From working in tech support, to performing in coffee shops, to becoming a nationally acclaimed recording artist, Jeremy has forged his own path by being open to possibilities. GuestJeremy MessersmithHighlights Jeremy started out as a self described “nerd” doing tech support, and he says that computer interest still comes in handy as a musician. After moving to Minnesota to study music, his dreams of playing lead guitar in a rock band gave way to an interest in songwriting. In 2017, Jeremy did a form of open source music making by releasing an album as a songbook, encouraging others to sing and record the songs themselves. When he needs an artistic spark, Jeremy turns to boredom, cutting himself off from the world to force his mind to tap into creative ideas.

SummaryAs a TV and radio producer and a podcast host, Lindsay Guentzel is used to telling other people's stories. But recently, after her diagnosis with ADHD, she's been coming to terms with her own story, her own potential, and how she can make a difference in the world.GuestLindsay GuentzelHighlights Lindsay was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has been working hard to understand the impact it has had and how to manage it going forward. Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, Lindsay says she saw the benefits and problems of living in a secluded community.  As a college dropout, Lindsay has struggled with confidence as she's worked to build her career, but she's finally starting to understand what she brings to the table. Her podcast, Refocused with Lindsay Guentzel, brings new voices and perspectives to help people understand the world of ADHD.

SummaryFor Amy Spurling, the future of work is all about people. As CEO of Compt, Amy is helping companies reimagine the way they take care of their employees to create a more inclusive, more productive, happier workplace.GuestAmy SpurlingHighlights While workplaces have evolved, Amy says worker benefits have not evolved to meet the needs of all employees. After some time teaching English in Italy, Amy returned to the US to pursue marketing. She soon realized her passion was numbers and analytics. Through her work managing HR in various companies she learned the vital importance of People Ops, and the need for companies to manage people better. Amy sees opportunities for companies to embrace new work and social dynamics to strengthen teams and tap the vast potential of employees.

SummaryWhether he's bringing new life to great compositions, or he's helping an audience connect with the music in a meaningful way, orchestra conductor Lee Mills finds joy in creating moments of beauty.GuestLee MillsHighlights Growing up in a small town in Montana, Lee Mills never imagined a career in music until he went to college, where an advisor opened his eyes to the possibilities. While he liked playing instruments, Lee didn't love the hours of isolated practice time. When he tried conducting he discovered his true passion. Lee also studied physics in college, and he says there are a lot of similarities between the scientific world and the musical world. There is a great deal of competitive pressure in the conducting world, but Lee says when he is able to be part of a beautiful moment on stage, he realizes he's doing something that makes a difference.

SummaryAs a husband, father, and the founder of software boutique, OmbuLabs, Ernesto Tagwerker has many demands on his time. Fortunately, his experiences growing up in Buenos Aires, traveling, and starting his own businesses have taught him to value his time and to use it wisely.GuestErnesto TagwerkerHighlights Ernesto Tagwerker grew up in Buenos Aires in a time before the internet, with limited access to computers. Still, he felt an early spark to pursue computer programming as a career. Soon after college Ernesto started an agency with some college friends, building on an entrepreneurial drive that continues today. Ernesto's parents taught him the value of time and an understanding that you need to be protective of your time so you can focus on what's most important. As his studio, OmbuLabs, has grown, he has tried to loosen his grip on the work to concentrate on team culture, helping people thrive, and spending more time with his family.

SummaryFor Tolu Adeleye, opportunity is a gift to be nurtured and shared, and sports are a way to even the playing field for kids around the world. That's why he co-founded AJ Tennis Academy International, using tennis to help kids in emerging economies achieve their potential. GuestTolu AdeleyeHighlights While he was born in the U.S., Tolu Adeleye grew up in Nigeria. At the age of 15 he was given the choice to stay with his family or to move back to the U.S. and support himself. He chose to set out on his own. He co-founded the AJ Tennis Academy International with a goal to build a world class tennis academy in an emerging country, providing new opportunities for kids. A car accident a few years ago left Tolu with a significant brain injury from which he is still recovering, but he is still traveling and working toward his dream for the Academy. He is driven everyday by the idea that opportunity is all about inspiration and opening people's eyes to their own potential.

SummaryJeff Eaton has always been driven to find order in the complex, whether he was teaching himself programming skills or re-evaluating his relationship with faith and religion. Now, as Partner at Autogram, he's helping large companies make sense of their digital worlds. GuestJeff EatonHighlights As a kid, Jeff Eaton got interested in programming as a way to solve problems using Hypercard on his family's Mac computer. After high school, Jeff intended to go to college to study “new media” but a summer job at a marketing agency turned into a longer term job, and Jeff realized he was already doing the things he meant to study. A growing passion for open source and Drupal led Jeff to Lullabot, where he got to dive deeper into content strategy. On the side, Jeff co-hosts a podcast called Christian Rightcast, looking at the history and context of the Christian Right in America

SummaryEven as a kid, Sven Sundgaard was driven by curiosity. He noticed snow levels were declining in Minnesota and he wondered why. His curiosity led him to become a meteorologist and to dedicate himself to educating people about the need to live in harmony with the planet.GuestSven SundgaardHighlightsSven Sundgaard grew up ski jumping, which made him pay attention to the weather and declining snow levels. He learned to be curious about the world around him from his father, and his curiosity drove him to pursue science and meteorology.  As a broadcaster, Sven works to help people better understand weather and climate and what it means to live sustainably.  Sven believes if we understand our connection to the planet, humans will still make the right decisions for a better future.

SummaryFor Lindsi Gish, the key to success is unlocking potential. Whether it's creating moments of joy with her son, or helping shine light on the work of a non-profit through her agency, gish&co., Lindsi is focused on doing her part to make a difference in the world every day.   Guest Lindsi Gish, Owner of gish&co.Highlights Due to the massive expense of In Vitro Fertilization in the United States, Lindsi and her husband traveled to Barbados for IVF to conceive their baby boy, spending a month at a beach front VRBO getting treatments. In stressful times, Lindsi tries to focus on what she can control, such as working to bring a moment of joy to her son every day. She credits her success to teachers and bosses who saw talent in her and trusted her to rise to challenges, and she tries to do the same for others.  She founded gish&co. to use her talents to assist organizations that are doing good in the world, to help them accomplish their goals.

SummaryLong before he co-founded his executive search firm, Ballinger | Leafblad, Lars Leafblad had a passion for connection. From organizing a college alumni network to founding PollenMidwest, Lars has provided a guiding hand, bringing people together to make a difference in the world. GuestLars LeafbladHighlights Lars thought he wanted to be a doctor, but in college his passion for human connection guided him to a different path. A chance encounter with a panelist at an event opened his eyes to the world of executive search.  He started a side-gig newsletter about job opportunities called the “Lars-O-Festo” that became so popular it evolved into a non-profit: PollenMidwest. Lars has been open about struggles with anxiety and alcoholism, hoping to help others find healthy paths through their own challenges.

SummaryFor Wil Reynolds, success in business is about more than numbers. He wants to make a lasting impact. Through his company, Seer Interactive, and his work in the community, he tries to lift others up and create a future that will be brighter for generations to come.  Guest Wil ReynoldsHighlights As a kid, Wil broke the family computer and then fixed it before anyone found out, fueling confidence and a lasting love of technology. Wil started out on track to be a teacher but he grew frustrated by the lack of innovation in the classroom.  Data-driven work appeals to Wil, because it puts people on an equal playing field to prove the value of their work. As Seer has grown, Wil has focused on leaving a lasting legacy of impact on his team and on the surrounding community.

SUMMARYFor Kristen Womack, the journey to Microsoft started with a simple question, “Should we go east or west?” The answer took a post-high school Kristen to Portland, Oregon where she got her first chance to work with computers and where she was inspired to continue her education.GUEST Kristen WomackHIGHLIGHTS Kristen has always been curious about what lies over the horizon, leading her to take chances and forge her own path. After high school she took a job in a foundry to earn enough money to leave Wisconsin and venture into the world. Learning from her own mentors, Kristen has embraced the idea of “servitude leadership,” lifting people up to help them succeed.  Kristen carries the idea of servitude into the community, teaching her children the importance of lending a hand to people in need.

SUMMARYFrom his early days climbing trees in his backyard to his pioneering work as a polar explorer, Will Steger discusses the path that led him to be a leader in the battle to save our planet.GUEST Will StegerHIGHLIGHTS Will Steger grew up idolizing Huck Finn, and he internalized the character's desire to be an explorer and adventurer. Will's first groundbreaking expedition was to the North Pole, leading a team of eight people and 50 dogs on a journey many said couldn't be done.  For his expedition to Antarctica, Will put together an international team with members from the six most powerful countries on the planet to showcase cooperation and raise global awareness of the need to preserve the environment. An early advocate on environment issues, Will recently launched the Steger Center for Innovation and Leadership, aimed at bringing together thought leaders from around the world to address the climate crisis.  

SUMMARYTo mark the first episode of the rebranded podcast, ONE OF 8 BILLION, host Ivan Stegic tells his own origin story, how he found his way from South Africa to Minneapolis, and how he views his place in the Universe as both unique and connected to the rest of the world.GUESTIvan StegicHIGHLIGHTS The focus of ONE IN 8 BILLION will be on individual stories that shed light on how our diversity and uniqueness can also help bring us together. Podcast host Ivan Stegic's origin story started in South Africa under the Apartheid regime and led him to the United States as an immigrant. A Physicist by training, Ivan was drawn to Minnesota for an internship at Honeywell Technology Center and later a job at Imation. Ivan is now a business owner, a husband and father, and the host of this very podcast, seeking to shine a light on other stories from across our global community.

SUMMARYThe TEN7 Podcast is going on hiatus, we'll be back in the New Year with a new look to the show.GUESTIvan StegicHIGHLIGHTS- After 123 Episodes, The TEN7 Podcast is taking a short hiatus.- This is a natural evolution timed to coincide with the launch of our new website.- The podcast will return with a new name but the same commitment to storytelling.- We are passionate about finding unique voices and stories that speak both to our shared experiences and to the uniqueness each individual brings to the world. LINKS- Make Things That Matter - Subscribe to our newsletter  - The TEN7 Podcast archive- Global Population Charts - Our World in Data

Ethan Marcotte was the first to introduce the term “responsive web design” as he searched for ways to move away from static presentations toward sites that are more accessible and driven by user needs.

While the U.S. moves toward normalcy, South Africa is struggling with low vaccine rates and a rise in the Delta variant, fanning the flames of an already contentious political landscape.

A presentation at a conference in Paris led Eric Meyer into a new world as he dove into the early days of CSS and helped transform the way we interact with the web.

Ernesto Morales discusses how his past and his passions came together to create Studio Malagón, and how design can be a catalyst for creativity and community.

Matt Martin discusses his winding career path and what he has learned about taking chances and valuing the commodity of time.

In the last episode of a special five-part series, Terin Patel-Wilson, with special guest Tarra Simmons, talks about signs of hope and how the United States might finally be ready to seriously address criminal justice reform.

In the fourth of a special five-part series, Serena Chang, with special guest Tarra Simmons, discusses how human-centered design could lead to more effective criminal justice programs.

In the third of a special five-part series, Julia Dressel, with special guest Tarra Simmons, discusses how Recidiviz is confronting racism and bias in criminal justice data.

In the second of a special five-part series, Andrew Warren, with special guest Tarra Simmons, discusses how data might open new doors as states look to reform criminal justice systems.

In the first of a special five-part series, John Tilley, with special guest Tarra Simmons, shines a light on how the United States has become the global leader in mass incarceration.

Danny Sigelman discusses his musical journey from Minnesota to China and back again, and how he has found joy in exposing people to music.

Erica Hanna is driven by a belief that anyone can be a storyteller if they are given the tools and the confidence to let their voice be heard.

Health and wellness leader, Jennette Turner, discusses her journey, learning to make healthier and more rational food choices and helping others find what works for them.

Edouard Mathieu, from Our World in Data, says data can be a force for change as we address problems ranging from COVID to climate change.

Coleman Rollins tells how his startup company, Breathe99, went from Kickstarter failure to the cover of Time magazine.

For a while it felt like it would never happen, but 2020 did, finally, come to an end. Still, in the midst of a difficult year, we still managed to connect, listen and learn from a wide variety of interesting guests. This is a selection of just some of the conversations that educated and inspired us. Listen to the full podcasts if you like what you hear.

Gavin King discusses his evolution from computer programmer to renowned music innovator, DJ Aphrodite, and how he learned to trust that what makes him want to dance will make the world dance too.

The creator of STILL discusses her journey from aerospace engineering to artist, and how she learned the difference between a rich career and a rich life.

Loomly CEO, Thibaud Clément, discusses how international travel (and a candy store startup business) helped him understand the need for connection and collaboration, even in a digital world.

Bitstream and Clockwork founder, Chuck Hermes, talks about how saying “yes” to challenges helped him evolve from a musician, to a graphic designer for Prince, to a successful entrepreneur… and he takes a moment to geek out with Ivan over Kenji López-Alt.

Whitney and Ivan discuss how we need to bring intimacy to work, how Buddhist principles apply to people and companies, and how dignity might be more important than empathy right now.

Gareth van Onselen returns for another chat with Ivan about politics, COVID response and elections in South Africa and the U.S.

Clementine Jacoby tells us how her nonprofit, Recidiviz, is helping state governments make timely, data based decisions to reduce incarceration rates.

Food writer, cookbook author and restaurateur J. Kenji López-Alt discusses his science-based cooking, how the pandemic is changing restaurants and his “say yes” approach to life.

Bob Collins, a 27-year veteran of Minnesota public radio, talks about his career, how he discovers a good story, his love of baseball, and building airplanes in his retirement.

Waldo Jaquith talks about the challenges of promoting and implementing best practices for federal and state government procurement of custom software, including open source.

Rob Dalton, friend and colleague, talks about his long career in the advertising industry, his product line, his new book, and his current career as a “brand therapist.”