Podcasts about minnesotans

For decades, Minnesotans and Canadians have been friends and trading partners. But President Donald Trump's tariff policies have raised questions about the future of the relationship between Minnesotans and our neighbors to the north.MPR News host Angela Davis and Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace, drove up the North Shore and across the border to talk with Canadians living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. On the way, they talked with Minnesotans who live and work near the border, too.Check out their special, “Our Canada Connections” to hear how Canadians are talking about Americans and what they are doing differently. You'll also hear what some Minnesota business owners are noticing about the Canadian visitors they rely on for nearly a third of their business.

For decades, Minnesotans and Canadians have been friends and trading partners, easily moving and trading across our shared border. But President Donald Trump's tariff policies and calls for Canada to become the United States' 51st state have raised questions about Minnesotans relationship with our neighbors to the north. MPR News host Angela Davis and MPR News senior economics contributor Chris Farrell headed to Thunder Bay, Ontario to hear how people who live near the Minnesota-Canada border feel about tariffs and their impact on the relationship between our countries. Their special “Our Canada Connections” airs Monday at 9 a.m. Davis and Farrell joined Minnesota Now to share some of what they heard.

We all need a little help to get through life sometimes. From everyday questions to more complex problems, we're asking the experts to lend us a hand.Throughout the series Professional Help, we'll hear some direct advice, for us not-so-direct Minnesotans.For many adults, booking routine dentist appointments isn't always top of mind. Research shows the COVID-19 pandemic causes big interruptions in routine and preventative appointments, especially in dental care. According to a study by the Federal Reserve, it's also the type of health care people most frequently skip because they can't afford it. Cost isn't the only barrier, there's also a widespread dentist shortage and powerful emotions like fear, shame or anxiety that can make it difficult to get to the dentist. Minnesota Now producer Alanna Elder decided asked an expert for some advice on how to get back to the dentist. Our ask: Help me get back to the dentistOur expert: Dr. Shivan Nelson, dentist and dental director for Community Dental CareListen to more Professional Help segments here.

Transportation is electrifying, from electric vehicles on our roadways to electric boats on our waterways and everything in between. Minnesotans are looking to go electric, but are electric boats practical in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? Tune in to Fresh Energy's conversation with Shift2Electric's Jukka Kukkonen for a conversation about electric boats, the emissions impacts of traditional boating, and to get a look at how electric watercrafts are being used around the world, including examples of large ships, recreational boats, and smaller boats for everyday use. A few videos are played throughout the presentation, you can view them here: Candela: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=T61WMUlNFprNsNNw&t=1310Electric Hydrofoil: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=whyhQkyJ6lWcP9XM&t=1838ForSea: https://youtu.be/b7lH1_92tuk?si=zfA2_Rys9KOu7E-y&t=2093Fresh Energy's mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy. Learn about Fresh Energy's work and our bold "Vision 2030: Fresh Energy's Strategic Framework" at our website fresh-energy.org.Follow us on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshenergytoday/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/freshenergy.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/freshenergytodayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fresh-energy/

The number of international students in Minnesota whose visas have been revoked is growing. Some are taking legal action against the federal government. We talk to the lawyer representing two students who are suing to stay in the U.S. and study.A Twin Cities organization has been trying to close the reading gap among Black students for decades. We hear why they won't be deterred by threats to DEI programs. Plus, Minnesotans are gearing up for spring planting season, but that comes with warnings of invasive pests. Will those spring flowers get some April showers? Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner has the forecast. And Minnesota Women's Press is celebrating 40 years. We learn about the magazine's legacy.The Minnesota Music Minute was “by my side” by SoulFlower and “All Mine” by Sarah Morris was the Song of the Day.

We are less than a month away from the Real ID deadline. Starting May 7, you will need a special driver's license to board a plane, even if you are flying domestically. According to the Department of Vehicle Services, 60 percent of Minnesotans do not have a Real ID. And many are now rushing to the DMV. Several counties in the Twin Cities are reporting 3-4 hour waits. Getting a Real ID is a bit of a more complicated process than getting a driver's license. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini talked to Jody-Kay Peterson, the program director of driver services at Minnesota's Department of Public Safety, to answer your questions.

This Tax Day marks a shift in policy at the Internal Revenue Service, which is responsible for collecting federal taxes.  Earlier in April, the Trump administration announced an agreement which allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to ask the IRS for personal tax information of undocumented immigrants who are under criminal investigation. Several top IRS officials resigned following the announcement. Caleb Smith joined the show to break down what this means for undocumented Minnesotans. Smith is a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School's Tax Law Clinic.

The Legislature's spring recess is approaching and with about six weeks left in the session, many issues still unresolved.Housing is top of mind for many Minnesotans and lawmakers at the Capitol — whether to rewrite zoning standards statewide to encourage construction of more low-to-moderate cost housing. The issue has created some cross-party alliances, but the bills in front of lawmakers haven't satisfied all who have a stake in the decisions. MPR politics editor Brian Bakst talks with Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville, and the mayor of Prior Lake, Kirt Briggs, about the state's approach to affordable housing. Plus, Minneapolis city elections will be ones to watch this year as voters elect a city council and a mayor. MPR News reporter Cari Spencer recaps her visit to a recent DFL Caucus gathering. Guests: Sen. Lindsey Port, DFL-Burnsville and chair of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention CommitteeMayor Kirt Briggs, Prior LakeMPR News reporter Cari Spencer, who covers public safety and Minneapolis City Hall

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disparities within Minnesota's health care system that have existed for decades. Black, brown and Native Minnesotans died at a higher rate from the virus than their white neighbors, and it took them longer to get vaccinated.  As a result, health care and community leaders promised to renew their efforts to help all Minnesotans get access to quality, affordable care. Five years later, how's that going?North Star Journey Live, a event series from MPR News, took that question to Mandy's Coffee & Cafe in Red Wing on March 26 to get an honest assessment from community leaders who are doing the work every day. MPR News host Angela Davis talked with a county public health leader and the founder of a nonprofit clinic that's stepped into many of Minnesota's health care gaps. Together, they paint a picture of how health equity in rural communities has gotten better — and how they now fear it could get worse. Guests: Julie Malyon is the executive director and founder of CARE Clinic.Kristin Johnson is the deputy director of Goodhue County Health and Human Services.

Weather forecasts and climate research could be threatened by the recent Trump administration job cuts at federal agencies.The National Weather Service and its parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cut hundreds of jobs in late February. And NOAA is tasked with cutting an additional 10 percent of its workforce, according to PBS NewsHour. If those cuts move forward, nearly 20 percent of NOAA's 13,000-person workforce would be eliminated. Fewer workers could mean less data that meteorologists and climate researchers depend on to plan and keep people safe when severe weather hits.MPR News host Angela Davis and her guest talk about how this could affect Minnesotans. Guest: Paul Douglas is a meteorologist with 50 years of broadcast television and radio experience. He provides daily print and online weather services for the Minnesota Star Tribune. He's also worked at KARE 11 and WCCO in the Twin Cities. And he is the founder and president of Praedictix, a company that produces daily weather reports for web sites, newspapers, cable channels and TV broadcasters. 

Stocks took a nose dive Monday morning as higher U.S. tariffs triggered massive sell-offs. So what does this mean for your wallet? We answered that question with MPR News economics contributor Chris Farrell and a financial counselor.Food shelves around the country are scrambling in the face of federal funding cuts. We talked to one Twin Cities food shelf about how they are adapting.A new state agency is trying to learn more about the needs of queer Minnesotans through a survey that will be an in-depth look at the community for the first time in 30 years. Minnesota native Paige Bueckers won her first NCAA national title with University of Connecticut. We got the recap of that game and more with sports contributors Wally and Eric.Our Minnesota Music Minute was ‘Walk Home' by Bon Iver and our Song of the Day was ‘Magic Trick' by Orange Goodness.

Stocks plunged around the world Monday morning in response to a trade war and potential economic downturn. In the U.S., stocks zigzagged up and then back down again after a false report that President Donald Trump was considering hitting pause on his tariff plans. MPR's senior economics contributor Chris Farrell joined MPR News host Nina Moini to break down what all this turmoil could mean for Minnesotan's wallets. Shannon Doyle also joined Minnesota Now with advice on how individuals can respond to this financial moment. She's a financial education program manager with LSS Financial Counseling at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

One of the state's newest agencies is trying to learn more about the needs of queer people in Minnesota. Lawmakers created the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans in 2023. That's the same year the Legislature passed the trans refuge law, making the state a destination for people fleeing bans on gender affirming care and discrimination in other states. Through the end of May, the council is conducting a survey to guide its work in the future. It says it is the most comprehensive survey of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans in 30 years. Emma Watts, executive director of the council, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about what they hope to learn and how the agency will use the results.

State officials are voicing concern about delays in federal funding for energy assistance. And Minnesota 6th District Republican Representative Tom Emmer told constituents Wednesday night that Republicans are off to a great start in Washington with their control of Congress and the White House.Emmer, who is number three in GOP House leadership, held a telephone town hall. He defended federal budget and workforce cuts that have prompted protests against the Trump administration.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.After federal firings, officials worry about program that helps many Minnesotans pay for heatSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Today on the Advancing Nitrogen Smart Podcast we discuss nitrogen fertilizer management and surface water issues. When did we first become aware of nitrates appearing in surface water? What are some of the effects, and who is being affected? What are Minnesota's current nitrate-reduction strategy benchmarks - and are we on target to meet them? What are some of the challenges and success stories Minnesotans should know about? Which organizations can I contact if I'd like to become more involved? Guests:Brad Carlson, Extension educator and water quality specialist (Mankato)Dan Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)Additional resources:MPCA Nutrient Reduction StrategyNitrogen Best Management Practices (BMPs)HUC-8 WatershedsSoil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Minnesota---For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.Advancing Nitrogen Smart is proud to be supported by the farm families of Minnesota and their corn check-off investment through Minnesota Corn.

What do you get when you combine a tied state house, court challenges, political walkouts, and a looming budget crisis? A real-life political soap opera—and it's all happening in Minnesota. In this episode, host David From sits down with RaeAnna Lee, Legislative and Coalitions Director at Americans for Prosperity-Minnesota, to break down the chaos that's been unfolding at the Minnesota State Capitol. From a tied House and disputed elections to lawmakers refusing to show up—while still collecting their full salaries—this episode unpacks how political brinksmanship has cost taxpayers time, money, and trust. RaeAnna gives a behind-the-scenes look at how AFP is holding legislators accountable, what Minnesotans are saying about the dysfunction, and how a $6 billion deficit looms just months after a record $18 billion surplus was spent. If you care about transparency, responsible spending, and elected officials actually doing their jobs—this is a must-listen.

Jay Haapala, Associate State Director of Community Engagement for AARP Minnesota. He leads the charge in protecting older adults from scams through the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Jay and his team help Minnesotans spot fraud, stay informed, and recover when they've been targeted. He says the latest is the Toll Fee Scam!

Torey Van Oot from Axios joins Adam.

Dr. Roby breaks down the facts, shares the latest screening options, and explains how local resources are making screenings more accessible than ever. Whether you're 45 or approaching it, this conversation could save your life—or the life of someone you love.Listen now at KMOJFM.com or wherever you stream KMOJ.#ColorectalCancerAwareness #KMOJHealth #GetScreenedMN #FreddieBell #HennepinHealthcare #BlackHealthMatters

Vanity license plates let Minnesotans go beyond the standard "Land of 10,000 Lakes" motto to share their professions and passions. But who is in charge of approving applications for these plates and what criteria do they use? Tim Harlow joins host Erica Pearson to give a glimpse into the Driver and Vehicle Service's Special Plates Unit. LINKS: Who decides what's allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota?

In the United States, the right to dissent and speak freely is essential to democracy.  President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise of free speech. But under his administration some forms of speech and viewpoints carry harsh consequences. MPR News host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about who feels free to speak, who feels silenced and whether it's possible for everyone to be heard. It's part of the MPR News Talking Sense series helping Minnesotans have hard political conversations … better. Guests: Jane Kirtley is a professor of media ethics and law at the University of Minnesota where she directs the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law. She also served as executive director of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press for 14 years, practiced law and worked as a reporter.  Manu Meel is the CEO of BridgeUSA, a national organization that helps young people engage in respectful, productive dialogue and disagreement through its chapters on university campuses across the country.  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.     

A new partnership is helping Minnesotans get their college degrees, if for some reason they couldn't finish. Minneapolis College, St. Paul College and Metro State University are working with a ReUp Education, a national organization that helps reenroll people in college.  According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, the state of Minnesota has more than 600,000 residents who have some college but no credential.Greg Mellas, dean of Liberal and Fine Arts at St. Paul College, and Katy VanVliet, ReUp Education's senior vice president of Learner Services, joined Minnesota Now to share more about the program.

Since coming into office, President Donald Trump has prioritized drastically reducing the size and scope of the federal government. It's led to mass layoffs that have impacted Minnesotans and also funding cuts that trickle down to local agencies and nonprofits.  It's creating a lot of uncertainty and confusion amongst employees. To help Minnesotans cope with some of the anxiety from that, The National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota chapter, or NAMI Minnesota, is holding a workshop on Wednesday.  Melissa Conway is a licensed social worker with Minnesota Mental Health Clinics and will be leading the workshop. She joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about the state of federal employee mental health.

Wrong Sender and DNA Data Deletion! full 2125 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:40:47 +0000 QgcaZmZq0Bf3CKGqUCow4kKWGmhvLHwP news Adam and Jordana news Wrong Sender and DNA Data Deletion! Coming at the news of the day from very different perspectives, Adam & Jordana have candid, fun, and sometimes serious conversations about current events along with all the other daily things that impact Minnesotans. Weekday mornings 9a-noon on NewsTalk 830 WCCO. 2024 © 2022 Audacy, Inc. News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A

3-21 Adam and Jordana 11a hour

A growing number of Minnesotans can't find an affordable place to live.Along with the rest of the country, the state faces a worsening housing shortage. The shortage especially hurts people with lower incomes. Rents are rising, along with evictions. And a growing portion of low-income residents are paying more than a third of their income on rent. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talked about why building and maintaining affordable housing has become so expensive, and what we can do about it.

We all need a little help to get through life sometimes. From everyday questions to more complex problems, we're asking the experts to lend us a hand.Throughout the series Professional Help, we'll hear some direct advice, for us not-so-direct Minnesotans.Thursday marks the first day of spring, which means many Minnesotans may be opening their windows for the first time this year. With the spring season can come the urge to deep clean your home. But maintaining those decluttering and organizing habits throughout the year can be a difficult task.Minnesota Now producer Ellie Roth decided to ask an expert for tips on how to declutter and stay organized this spring.Our ask: Help us declutter and organize our homes this springOur professional: Melissa Klug, professional organizer and the owner of Home By ElevenListen to more Professional Help segments here.

This episode of The BS Show features Sports Illustrated's John Pluym, The Sports Professor Rick Horrow, Smart Start MN's Ed Cohen, an excerpt from "The JimBob Sports Jamboree," and psychic Ruth Lordan.

This week on Minnesota Native News, we cover the recent staff terminations at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and headlines affecting Indigenous communities in Minnesota.

We begin the hour discussing Akeley, IA and the beloved sauerkraut days, Monday holidays, Joshua Tree and much, much more with Mark Freie for Overrated, Underrated and Properly Rated and then Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins to talk about a special event this week in Saint Paul and how he and his team are meeting the needs of Minnesotans while also addressing the effects of what is happening in Washington D.C. Then Jason joins for the last few minutes to discuss the impending return of Chad to Minnesota!

On March 13, 2020, Gov. Tim Walz declared the COVID-19 pandemic a peacetime emergency. Unmasked and unaware of what was to come, Walz announced that day that cases had increased from nine to 14 from the previous day. That has turned into 1.9 million cases in Minnesota as counted by the health department. And the deaths of more than 17,000 Minnesotans.  The Minnesota Now team has spent the last month going out across the state and asking listeners and readers to share their story. 

Chris Egert is in for Chad today talking about the future of Gopher men's basketball after the firing of coach Ben Johnson to start the show. Later, we talk with Dr. Hemant Naikare from the U of M about his work testing milk from farms around the state for signs of bird flu. Plus, what do Minnesotans say is their favorite month of the year?

Thursday marks five years since Gov. Tim Walz declared a “peacetime emergency” and the state went into lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools moved to remote learning, bars and restaurants were shuttered and people were told to stay home. Nearly 17,000 Minnesotans have lost their lives to the virus. Former Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm led the state through the first two years of the pandemic. She frequently hosted the state's daily COVID press conferences. She joins MPR News host Nina Moini to reflect on the early days of the pandemic and her role in the Minnesota's COVID-19 response.

To slow a warming climate, Minnesota is changing where it gets electricity — shrinking the state's reliance on fossil fuels and expanding the use of renewable energy. Today, more than half of Minnesota's electricity comes from solar, wind and hydropower. But challenges remain.For the state to reach its ambitious goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, Minnesotans would need to embrace new ways of heating homes, traveling, powering the state's factories and much more. And now there are questions about how President Donald Trump's tariffs and opposition to wind and solar energy might affect an energy transition. MPR News has been exploring a transition to a carbon-free economy in the series Getting to Green. MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn talk about the progress toward green energy and what the future holds. Guests: Allen Gleckner is the executive lead for policy and programs at Fresh Energy, a St. Paul-based clean energy nonprofit that develops decarbonization strategies to advance the clean energy economy. He focuses on technical innovation and policies that will lead to clean energy in the electric system.  Gabriel Chan is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs where he focuses on science, technology and environmental policy. He co-directs the Center for Science Technology, and Environmental Policy and the Electric Cooperative Innovation Center. 

Just two days after President Trump imposed tariffs on most products from Canada and Mexico, he suspended many of them. The president has said tariffs can help stop fentanyl smuggling, support U.S. factories and increase revenue for the government. But his tariff threats have angered key U.S. trading partners, shaken the stock market and alarmed consumers.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about how President Trump's approach to tariffs could affect Minnesota businesses and consumers.Guest:Chris Farrell is senior economics contributor for MPR News and Marketplace.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.     

All Minnesota GOP lawmakers in Congress joined their fellow Republicans in voting for a budget framework that includes $2 trillion in spending cuts. While it doesn't specify the programs, Republicans have targeted Medicaid and food aid programs.Tribal leaders are asking members of Congress to address funding concerns and uphold federal government's treaty obligations to tribes. Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Fineday testified to a House Appropriations subcommittee Tuesday afternoon.A new report released Wednesday by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation found that nearly 60 percent of the state's total labor force and employment growth came from foreign-born workers from 2019 to 2023.Those stories and more in today's morning update. Hosted by Gracie Stockton.

Minnesotans have always been masters at innovating around our environment. When winter hits hard, we don't just survive - we get creative. We gave the world the walk behind snowblower, invented the first indoor shopping mall, and created miles of skyways to keep our cities connected when temperatures plummet.Today, we are adding another chapter to Minnesota's legacy of winter innovation by welcoming Gwen Daniels, creator of the NorSari. Like many great Minnesota inventions, the NorSari was born from that classic combination of necessity and creativity - her innovation helps people embrace outdoor living. NorSari was designed as 'The Wearable Blanket', but it works just as well as a fashionable and functional blanket or throw. Stay warm, stay dry, stay cozy and be stylish. Indoors or outdoors. NorSari has you covered.Whether you're walking the dog, sitting in the bleachers watching an event, working at your desk, kicking back at the campfire, or lounging at home, NorSari will keep you warm and cozy. We here at We Do This For Fun call NorSari “hygge-wear”- comfort, cozy, contentment.@norsari_shop

You didn't think we'd get through another Minnesota March without a doozy of a snowstorm, did you? Minnesotans across the state woke up Wednesday to several inches of cement-like snow on the ground. Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding Twin Cities region declared snow emergencies and southern Minnesota saw blizzard conditions.Gov. Tim Walz Wednesday morning authorized the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency winter storm operations and help rescue stranded drivers in Freeborn County. By noon, blowing snow was still causing problems on the roads in southern Minnesota. Several highways in the area were closed, including Interstate 90, and no travel was advised for most state highways in multiple southern Minnesota counties.MPR News host Nina Moini talked with MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner for a closer look at the storm and what's next. And Bryan Lillie, maintenance superintendent for MnDOT in south-central Minnesota, shares the latest on road conditions in his region.

President Donald Trump's plan to apply 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports is set to start Tuesday. He hopes to pressure the countries to stop the flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S. Mexico and Canada have vowed to retaliate by slapping their own tariffs on U.S. goods, setting the stage for a potential North American trade war. “Canada and the United States have had free trade for 35 years now and this will be the single most turbulent element of our trading relationship since 1989, so it's very worrying,” said Beth Richardson, the Consul General of Canada to the U.S. in Minneapolis.Richardson told Minnesota Now host Nina Moini that she's had business and agricultural associations calling her with concerns. She laid out three everyday impacts Minnesotans could see.

It's been more than a month since President Donald Trump took office. The president's executive orders since then have included cuts to funding that goes toward nonprofits and research facilities. The cuts highlight the complex financial relationship between the federal government, state agencies and nonprofits. Kris Norman, a professor and program director at Hamline University Center for Public Administration and Leadership, joined Minnesota Now to explain the nuts and bolts of federal government funding to state and nonprofit programs.

Are the products you use every day poisoning you? In this episode of Super Life, Darin Olien dives into phthalates, a class of toxic chemicals found in food packaging, personal care products, medical devices, and even children's toys. Despite mounting evidence linking phthalates to hormone disruption, infertility, obesity, and chronic illness, these chemicals remain largely unregulated in the United States. Darin breaks down why phthalates are everywhere, how they impact your body, and what you can do to protect yourself. He also highlights Minnesota's groundbreaking SF 188 bill, which aims to force food manufacturers to test and disclose phthalate contamination for the first time in U.S. history. If you care about your health, your family, and the toxic load in your daily life, this is a must-listen episode that will make you rethink what you're consuming. Government Responsibility in the Spread of Phthalates Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. Since the mid-20th century, they've been incorporated into countless consumer goods, from food packaging to personal care products. This widespread use is largely due to regulatory inaction and the prioritization of industrial interests over public health. In the United States, agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been slow to regulate phthalates, despite mounting evidence linking them to serious health issues. These include endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike Europe, which has banned certain phthalates in food packaging and children's products, the U.S. has often allowed industry self-regulation, leading to widespread contamination in consumer goods. The Industrial Agricultural Revolution and Processed Foods The post-World War II industrialization of food production significantly increased the use of phthalates. As food manufacturing scaled up, plastics became integral in packaging and processing equipment, leading to phthalate leaching into our food supply. Highly processed foods are particularly susceptible due to multiple points of plastic contact during production and storage. Studies have shown that individuals consuming more processed and fast foods have higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. Minnesota's Legislative Action: A Step Forward In January 2025, Minnesota State Senator Heather Gustafson introduced Senate File 188 (SF 188), a bill requiring food manufacturers to test their products for phthalates and publicly disclose the results. If passed, this legislation would be the first of its kind in the U.S., aiming to increase transparency and encourage manufacturers to reduce phthalate levels in their products. According to Senator Gustafson, "Minnesotans have the right to know whether the food they are eating and serving their families is contaminated with toxic phthalates. My bill will help consumers make healthier buying decisions and create a strong incentive for food manufacturers to get plastic chemicals out of our food."  advocacy.consumerreports.org Why This Matters This bill is crucial because it: Increases Transparency: For the first time, food companies would be required to test for and disclose phthalate levels, creating public awareness of the contamination problem. Encourages Stricter Regulations: Public disclosure could lead to consumer pressure for stronger nationwide bans and restrictions. Prioritizes Public Health: It challenges the longstanding prioritization of industry preferences over public health, acknowledging that chemical exposure is a public health crisis. Addresses Chronic Illness: With rising rates of metabolic disorders and hormone-related diseases linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, holding manufacturers accountable is a step toward reversing this trend. Products Commonly Containing Phthalates and Associated Health Risks Phthalates are pervasive in many consumer products. Here's a breakdown of common sources and the potential health implications: Personal Care Products: Items such as nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos often contain phthalates.  fda.gov Food Packaging and Processed Foods: Phthalates can leach into food from packaging materials and during processing. Diets high in dairy and meat have been associated with higher levels of phthalate exposure.  webmd.com Medical Devices: Some medical devices, including intravenous bags and tubing, contain phthalates to increase flexibility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Household Items: Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and certain furniture may contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org Children's Toys: Some toys, especially those made from flexible plastics, can contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org   Health Risks Associated with Phthalate Exposure Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Potential health effects include: Reproductive Issues: Exposure has been linked to reproductive problems, including reduced fertility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Developmental Problems: Prenatal exposure may lead to developmental issues in children.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Respiratory Issues: There is evidence suggesting a link between phthalate exposure and respiratory problems, such as asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Metabolic Effects: Some studies have associated phthalate exposure with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and obesity.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov   Steps to Reduce Phthalate Exposure To minimize exposure to phthalates: Choose Phthalate-Free Products: Opt for personal care items labeled as phthalate-free. Limit Processed Food Intake: Reducing consumption of processed foods can decrease phthalate exposure. Use Alternatives to Plastic: Whenever possible, choose glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials for food storage and household items. Stay Informed: Regularly check resources like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find products free from harmful chemicals. How You Can Take Action While Minnesota is leading the way, collective action is essential to drive nationwide change. Here are steps you can take: Support the Bill: If you're in Minnesota, contact your state legislators to express support for SF 188. You can find more information and track the bill's progress here. Sign Petitions: Look for petitions advocating for the reduction of phthalates in consumer products and add your voice. Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Consumer Reports and Clean Water Action, which are actively involved in this issue. Reduce Personal Exposure: Limit consumption of highly processed foods, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, and avoid products with "fragrance" listed as an ingredient, as it can be a source of phthalates. Active Petition to Support Minnesota's SF 188 As of now, there isn't a specific petition available for Minnesota's SF 188 bill. However, you can take proactive steps to support this legislation: Contact Legislators: Reach out to Minnesota state legislators to express your support for SF 188. Personalized messages can be impactful. Stay Informed: Monitor the bill's progress through the Minnesota Revisor's Office website. Conclusion Minnesota's initiative is a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of phthalate contamination. However, true accountability requires federal-level bans, a shift toward non-toxic alternatives, and a rethinking of industrial food production. By staying informed and taking action, we can collectively push for a healthier future.   Bibliography Consumer Reports. "Minnesota Senator Gustafson introduces bill to protect consumers from toxic plastic chemicals in food." January 21, 2025.  advocacy.consumerreports.org Food Safety Magazine. "Bill Introduced in Minnesota to Require Phthalate Testing for Packaged Foods." January 21, 2025.  food-safety.com Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. "SF 188 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025)."  revisor.mn.gov Food & Wine. "Minnesota Just Became the First State to Target Plastic Chemicals in Food." January 22, 2025.  foodandwine.com Thank you for joining us on "SuperLife with Darin Olien." Let's continue to strive for a healthier, more informed world.   Research Summaries: "Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health" Authors: Ying Wang, Hongjun Zhu, and Yanan Kannan Summary: This study discusses the widespread use of phthalates as endocrine disruptors and their detrimental effects on human health. It highlights that phthalates are present in numerous products that come into contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health" Authors: Giuseppe Latini, Valentina Del Vecchio, and Andrea Massaro Summary: This review examines the presence of phthalates in various foods and their potential health impacts, including their role in increasing the risk of developing allergies and asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products" Authors: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Summary: This article discusses how phthalates can leach into food from vinyl plastic equipment and materials, emphasizing the need for restrictions or bans due to associated health risks.  hsph.harvard.edu "Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data" Authors: Rolf U. Halden Summary: This review highlights epidemiological studies showing positive associations between the consumption of meats, discretionary fats, and dairy products with increased phthalate exposure.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com "Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure" Authors: Jessica T. Barson, John D. Meeker, and Kelly K. Ferguson Summary: This study investigates the relationship between personal care product usage and exposure to phthalates and BPA, finding significant associations that suggest these products are notable sources of exposure.  nature.com "What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?" Authors: National Center for Health Research Summary: This article provides an overview of phthalates as synthetic chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to add fragrance to products, discussing their role as endocrine disruptors and potential health effects, especially in young children.  center4research.org   Bibliography: Wang, Y., Zhu, H., & Kannan, Y. (2021). Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 1-8.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Latini, G., Del Vecchio, V., & Massaro, A. (2020). Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5655.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products.  hsph.harvard.edu Halden, R. U. (2014). Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data. Environmental Health, 13(1), 43.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com Barson, J. T., Meeker, J. D., & Ferguson, K. K. (2023). Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 33(1), 45-54.  nature.com National Center for Health Research. (2021). What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?.  center4research.org       What You'll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – The toxic truth hiding in your everyday products. (00:03:19) What Are Phthalates? – The chemicals making plastics flexible (and your health fragile). (00:04:24) How Phthalates Get into Your Body – Food, air, water, and even medical devices. (00:05:50) The Devastating Health Effects of Phthalates – Endocrine disruption, infertility, and metabolic disease. (00:07:45) Why the U.S. Fails to Regulate Phthalates – The FDA, EPA, and corporate influence. (00:10:14) Why Europe Banned Phthalates (and the U.S. Didn't) – A look at the regulatory failures. (00:12:38) The Connection Between Phthalates & Infertility – How they are lowering sperm counts and harming pregnancy. (00:15:10) Processed Foods & Fast Foods—A Phthalate Hotspot – Why eating out could be dosing you with toxins. (00:18:49) The Hidden Dangers in Medical Devices – Why even hospitals aren't safe. (00:21:20) Minnesota's Groundbreaking SF 188 Bill – Why this legislation could change everything. (00:24:30) How Phthalates Are Even in Your Children's Toys – The shocking reality parents need to know. (00:27:15) The Impact of Phthalates on Weight Gain & Diabetes – How they disrupt metabolism. (00:30:07) The Fight for Transparency in the Food Industry – What's being done to expose these chemicals. (00:33:12) How to Reduce Your Phthalate Exposure – Simple swaps to detox your home and body. (00:36:40) What You Can Do Today – Advocacy, petitions, and making informed choices. (00:40:12) The Call to Action – Why raising awareness is the key to change.     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "Phthalates are everywhere—but they don't have to be inside you. Awareness is power, and it's time to fight back against the toxic chemicals hiding in plain sight."

A new Minnesota history exhibit featuring the recorded voices of hundreds of LGBTQ+ Minnesotans kicked off its journey around the state Thursday. The exhibit, “We Live On: Stories of Radical Connection” is a first for the organization Telling Queer History, which has spent eleven years gathering Minnesotans for events to remember the past and create community. It also will be their last project. The organization is closing after it visits cities including Red Wing, Duluth and Moorhead this year. The founder of Telling Queer History, Rebecca Lawrence, joined Minnesota Now to reflect on Minnesota's colorful history and the exhibit.

02/20/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Erin Murphy, the Minnesota State Senate Majority Leader. Senator Murphy gives Joel and the listeners an update on the Minnesota legislature, specifically diving into the budget and rural versus urban Minnesotans. Joel also asks her thoughts on Senator Tina Smith announcing she will not run for reelection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maxx shares his thoughts on the new season of Love Is Blind which is made up of Minnesotans, the SNL 50th anniversary show was awesome, and some fun facts about the Warner Bros.

Maxx shares his thoughts on the new season of Love Is Blind which is made up of Minnesotans, the SNL 50th anniversary show was awesome, and some fun facts about the Warner Bros.

You've heard him on WCCO. You've seen him on the other WCCO. In this case "you" refers to Minnesotans, so if you're not one of those, please disregard this message. But please don't disregard his words of wisdom, nor his admiration of Tom. That last one is very important to us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real estate accounts for 18% GDP and each home sale generates two jobs. It's a top priority for state officials and business leaders across the country to build stable communities. In Minnesota, efforts to address inequity that keeps people locked out of the property market are well-advanced. Lee sits down to interview those directly involved.TranscriptPart 3 – Action and AccountabilityLT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: An apology is powerful. But in the same way that I think things like land acknowledgements are powerful. If you don't have policies and investments to back them up, then they're simply words.You're listening to Unlocking The Gates, Episode 3.My name is Lee Hawkins. I'm a journalist and the author of the book I AM NOBODY'S SLAVE: How Uncovering My Family's History Set Me Free.I investigated 400 years of my Black family's history—how enslavement and Jim Crow apartheid in my father's home state of Alabama, the Great Migration to St. Paul, and our move to the suburbs shaped us.Community and collaboration are at the heart of this story. I've shared deeply personal accounts, we've explored historical records, and everyone we've spoken to has generously offered their memories and perspectives.Jackie Berry is a Board Member at Minneapolis Area Realtors. She's been working to address the racial wealth gap in real estate. And she says;JACKIE BERRY: We need to do better. We have currently, I think it's around 76% of white families own homes, and it's somewhere around 25-26% for black families.If we're talking about Minnesota, in comparison to other states, we are one of the worst with that housing disparity gap. And so, it's interesting, because while we have, while we make progress and we bring in new programs or implement new policies to help with this gap, we're still not seeing too big of a movement quite yet.Jackie says there's a pretty clear reason for this.JACKIE BERRY: Racial covenants had a direct correlation with the wealth gap that we have here today. Okay, if you think about a family being excluded from home ownership, that means now they don't have the equity within their home to help make other moves for their family, whether it's putting money towards education or by helping someone else purchase a home or reducing debt in other areas in their life.Racial covenants were not just discriminatory clauses—they were systemic barriers that shaped housing markets and entrenched inequality.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN In my community of St Louis Park, there is, you know, there are several racial covenants. You know, our home does not have one, fortunately.Lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan is the highest ranking Native American female politician in the country. I asked her about her experience and how it informs her leadership.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: I can tell you that I never forget that I'm a kid who benefited from a section eight housing voucher, and that my family buying a home made a dent in that number of native homeowners in this state, and I take that really seriously,LEE HAWKINS: You know? And it's powerful, because I relate to you on that. You know, this series is about just that, about the way that the system worked for a group of people of color who were just doing what everyone else wants to do, is to achieve the American Dream for their children. And so I see you getting choked up a little bit about that. I relate to that, and that's what this series is about.Homeownership is more than a marker of personal achievement—it's a cornerstone of the U.S. economy.Real estate accounts for 18% of GDP, and each home sale generates two jobs. This is why state officials and business leaders continue to prioritize stable and thriving communities.Remember earlier in the series we spoke about some other influential men in the state who were involved in creating the housing disparity gap that we have today.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: I don't believe that that Thomas Frankson ever imagined that there would be an Ojibwe woman as lieutenant governor several, several years after he was in this role, and additionally, right? It's symbolic, but also representation without tangible results, right? Frankly, doesn't, doesn't matter. And so, I think acknowledging that history is powerful. I think it has to do with how we heal and move forward. And we can't get stuck there.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: Thorpe Brothers was very much a part of my childhood and sort of upbringing. But my own father, Frank Thorpe, was not part of the real estate business. He chose to do investments.This is Margaret Thorpe-Richards. Her grandfather is Samuel Thorpe. Head of Thorpe Brothers, the largest real estate firm in Minneapolis, which he helped establish in 1885. I asked her to share her memories.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: My uncle, my dad's brother, Sam Thorpe, the third, also followed in the Thorpe Brothers family business and he ran it until kind of that maybe the early 80s or mid 80s. But anyway, they sold off the residential to another big broker here, and then just kept commercial. While I was growing up you know I was aware about real estate but not actively involved.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: Both my grandfather and grandmother, they were very much, I don't know, white upper class, you know, I remember going to dinner at their house, they weren't very reachable, like personally, so I never really had a relationship with them, even though they lived two or three doors down. And that's kind of my recollection.LEE HAWKINS: Okay. And so, at that time, there was no indication that there was any racism in their hearts or anything like that.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: Oh, I don't know if I want to say that.Margaret's entry into the real estate business didn't happen in the way you might expect given her grandfather's outsized role in the industry.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: I went to my uncle Sam who was at the helm of Thorpe Brothers Real Estate it was still intact and he didn't see the opportunity or the talent that I had which I have to say I always have had I'm not going to be boastful but I'm really good at sales and so he never he never explored that and I think basically that was sexism.We didn't really have a great relationship. My father died early. He died when I was 18. So that also impacted things.It was my mother who's not the blood relative, Mary Thorpe Mies. She went into real estate during kind of the boom years of 2000. She said you need to come. She said, I'll help you get started." And we had a good long run for probably 10 years and then she retired, and I've been on my own until a year and a half ago when my oldest son Alexander joined me as my business partner. So now we're the Thorpe Richards team and he is essentially fifth generation realtor of the Thorpe family.The nature of her family's role in the origins of discriminatory housing policy is a recent discovery for Margaret and her two sons.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: I really didn't know about these covenants until it was 2019 when, and I was actually on the board of the Minneapolis Area Association of RealtorsI asked her how she felt when she found out.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: I was horrified. It felt shameful.I'm not going to fix anything, but I would like to show up in a way that says I think this was wrong and I'd like to help make it right.I felt like I needed to take some ownership. I also was a little worried about putting a stain on the Thorpe name by sort of speaking my truth or what I feel we have a huge family.So I was reluctant maybe to speak out against, you know, the wrongs. However, I've just been trying to do my job at educating and being welcoming and creating it as part of our mission that we want to, you know, serve those who have not been well -served and have been discriminated and who've had an economic hardship because of the way that things were.I can relate to what Margaret is saying here.MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: And that has proven to be challenging as well. I'm not gonna lie. I'm white. I'm not black. So, how do I sort of reach over to extend our expertise and services to a population that maybe wants to deal with somebody else who's looks like them or I don't know it's a tricky endeavor and we continue to try and do outreach.I went through a similar range of emotions and thoughts while writing my book and uncovering family secrets that some of my relatives would rather not to think about. It led to some difficult discussions. I asked her if she'd had those conversations with her family -MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: Mm -mm. This might be it, Lee. This could be the conversation. I feel like it's time to say something from my perspective. I have a platform, I have a voice, and I think it needs to be said and discussed and talked about,One thing that struck me in my conversation with Margaret is her advanced-level understanding of the issue. She mentioned the challenge of foundational Black Americans versus immigrants. Families who moved from the South looking for opportunities after World War one and two were most severely affected by these discriminatory policies.Here's Jackie Barry Director of Minneapolis Area Realtors;JACKIE BERRY: Between 1930 and 1960 and to me, this is a staggering statistic, less than 1% of all mortgages were granted to African Americans across the country. That truly speaks to having a lack of equity to pull out of any homes, to be able to increase wealth and help other family members.Efforts to address this are well-advanced here. Yet, lieutenant governor Flanagan is clear about how much more can and should be doneLT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: It's important to acknowledge and to provide folks with the resources needed to change and remove those covenants, which is a whole lot of paperwork, but I think is worth doing. And then figure out, how do we make these investments work? In partnership with community.I asked why the state has not issued an official apology for its role in pioneering structural housing discrimination and whether she sees any value in doing so.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: An apology is powerful. But in the same way that I think things like land acknowledgements are powerful. If you don't have policies and investments to back them up, then they're simply words. So I think the work that we have done during our administration, is one of the ways that we correct those wrongs, explicitly apologizing. I think could be something that is is powerful, and I don't want us to just get stuck there without doing the actual work the people expect of us.I wanted to understand what that work is –LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: I think when we increase home ownership rates within our communities, it's a benefit to the state as a whole,LEE HAWKINS: right, okay, so not necessarily going back and doing reparatory justice, but looking out into the future.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: But I think that is reparatory justice, okay, making those investments in communities that have been historically underserved, you know, partnering with nonprofits that are led by and for communities of color, that are trusted.I asked all three women for their thoughts on the pace of progress. Here's Margaret –MARGARET THORPE-RICHARDS: I don't see it changing very quickly. So I don't know how to sort of fuel that effort or movement. It seems like we talk about it a lot, yet the needle isn't moving.And Jackie -JACKIE BERRY: We need to increase our training and development. So in Minnesota, a realtor has to do um complete Fair Housing credits every two years, meaning that they're getting some type of education related to learning about housing discrimination and how to avoid it, how to represent clients equitably, understanding rules and regulations around fair housing.And lieutenant governor FlanaganLT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: Our legislation that we passed in 2023 was $150 million directed at first time homebuyers and black, indigenous and communities of color. We see that, I think, as a down payment right on the work needs to happen. The legislature is the most diverse legislature we've ever had, three black women who are elected to the Senate, the very first black women ever to serve. And I think we start to see the undoing of some of that injustice simply because there are more of us at the table.Communicating these complex policies and ideas is no easy task at the best of times. I was talking to the lieutenant governor shortly after the 2024 presidential election which delivered a stinging rebuke of the Democratic party and many of the social justice initiatives it champions.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: Listen, I'm a Native American woman named Peggy Flanagan, I've been doing this dance my entire life, right? And, you know. I also know that Minnesotans really care about their neighbors. They really care about their communities and the state, and frankly, people are sick and tired of being told that they have to hate their neighbor. We're over it.LEE HAWKINS: What do you say to them when they say that's woke and I'm tired of it. I'm fatigued. I didn't do anything, I didn't steal land, I didn't enslave people, and I'm feeling attacked.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: The biggest thing that we need to do right now, is just, is show up and like, listen and, you know, find those common values and common ground.LEE HAWKINS: And this doesn't have to be a partisan conversation.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: It does not, and frankly, it shouldn't be.LEE HAWKINS: Have you seen that kind of that kind of cooperation between the parties in Minnesota here with it's actually some of these reparations' measures could be doable.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: I don't know that they say reparations, but I would sayLEE HAWKINS: It's a very polarizing word to some extent.LT GOV PEGGY FLANAGAN: Everything that we do has to be grounded in relationshipsThroughout this series, we've explored the legacies of Frank and Marie Taurek, who embodied allyship and fairness by making land accessible to Black families. James and Frances Hughes, built on that opportunity, fostering collaboration within the Black community by creating pathways to homeownership.These families, in their own ways, represent the power of choice: to open doors, to challenge norms, and to plant seeds of progress.Their stories remind us that even within deeply flawed systems, individuals can make decisions that echo across generations. But as we reckon with the enduring impacts of housing discrimination and inequity, the question remains: In our time, what choices will we make to move forward—and who will they benefit?You've been listening to Unlocking the Gates: How the North led Housing Discrimination in America. A special series by Marketplace APM with research support from the Alicia Patterson Foundation and Mapping Prejudice. You've been listening to Unlocking the Gates: How the North led Housing Discrimination in America. A special series by APM Studios AND Marketplace APM with research support from the Alicia Patterson Foundation and Mapping Prejudice.Hosted and created by me, Lee Hawkins. Produced by Marcel Malekebu and Senior Producer, Meredith Garretson-Morbey. Our Sound Engineer is Gary O'Keefe.Kelly Silvera is Executive Producer.

Hour 3: The Lead story for today's DeRush-Hour Headlines - who owns the Timberwolves? Then on Page Two: where did all these new Minnesotans come from? And Dave Schwartz talks about the Timberwolves news and reacts to the Super Bowl.

On today's "DeRush-Hour Headlines"... The Lead: we've got a ruling in the Timberwolves ownership arbitration case - who owns the team? Then on Page Two: where'd all these new Minnesotans come from?

Kenny Olson and Amy Daniel look at why Minnesotans are so obsessed with talking about weather, even the introverts who don't want to talk to people at all. Kenny grills Amy about her radio background and then Amy tells the Soulman about a job he might be perfect for, living alone for $31,000 a year to watch out for fires. How long could you go without seeing people? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices