If the cloudy, rainy spring weather has you craving sunshine and thinking about scheduling a vacation next winter, consider joining me and other public radio listeners as we travel to Costa Rica in January 2027. This one is for you if you love nature. www.publicradiocustomtravel.org/trips/costa%...

The Science Museum of Minnesota is dealing with a drastic drop in the number of visitors, declining revenue & shrinking funding. Attendance is half of what it was in 2019 forcing the museum to eliminate summer camps & lay off employees. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Here’s what you need to know about spring allergies before they become a problem. Listen to this conversation on Minnesota Public Radio with two allergists who describe the symptoms, the causes and treatment options. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

What role does philanthropy play in shaping a community and responding to its needs? On Minnesota Public Radio I talked to Jen Ford Reedy, the president of the Bush Foundation about what Bush does for our region and her vision for the foundation. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Listen to a conversation on MPR News about how farmers are dealing with rising costs & economic uncertainty. My guests: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson and Megan Horsager, a farmer in Chippewa County. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

My latest MPR News Power Pair has been married 34 years. Brian Bruess is president of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Collegeville. Carol Bruess is known nationally for her research on relationships and communication. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

The video is now available of my conversation with faith leaders In MN about what they witnessed & how they responded during the surge of ICE agents. On MPR News listen to a rabbi, an imam, a pastor of a Lutheran church and a leader of an interfaith nonprofit reflect. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

When ICE agents surged into Minnesota in January, communities didn’t just face a legal issue. They faced a moral one. Tuesday at 9am on MPR News, listen as faith leaders who were on the front lines reflect on what happened. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Listen to a conversation on Minnesota Public Radio about how federal job cuts last year hit one group the hardest — Black women. Of the almost 300,000 federal jobs slashed in 2025, estimates show Black women make up a stunning 33 percent of those job cuts. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

An alarming conversation about the financial crisis that hospitals in Minnesota are facing. Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) is a prime example, but rural hospitals are struggling too. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

People who have been laid off called in to MPR News to describe how their mental health has been affected. Listen to my conversation with a therapist and a researcher who studies unemployment and job search trends. We talked about managing anger, uncertainty & shame. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Meet a Minnesotan who’s helping people build wealth through cooperatively-owned businesses. On Minnesota Public Radio I talked to Repa Mekha, the founder and CEO of Nexus Community Partners. You’ll be inspired by his story and the impact his work is having. Listen. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

I wanted to know how therapists are doing at a time when so many people are seeking mental health support. So I asked. Are they dealing with burnout? Listen to this conversation on Minnesota Public Radio. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

A new report on the status of women and girls in Minnesota shows we are still dealing with gender inequities, including a persistent wage gap. On average, MN women who work full-time all year make 81 cents for every dollar that men make. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

❄️ Snow keeps falling Sunday in the Twin Cities. Another 4–8 inches possible with 40–50 mph wind gusts causing blowing and drifting snow.

Have you had a colonoscopy? Have questions about colon cancer or rectal cancer? On MPR News listen to my conversation with two doctors and hear what callers shared about their experiences. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

What changes have you seen in Minnesota’s seasons and weather over time? Have you noticed winters are getting warmer and spring is getting wetter? On MPR News I talked about climate change with a climatologist and a climate journalist. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Before you buy a new or used car, listen to this conversation on Minnesota Public Radio. I talked to Joseph Yoon, a consumer insights analyst at Edmunds to get some advice and find out what’s changed in the last few years. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Is there a better way to address lower-level crimes committed by teenagers to help ensure they don't become repeat offenders? Offenses like theft. On MPR News, listen to a conversation about restorative justice. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

My journalism education at The University of Maryland prepared me for the newsrooms I would later work in across the nation. If you are able, make a donation to contribute to the education of future journalists. #GoTerps #MerrillMade #GivingDayUMD givingday.umd.edu/donate?campa...

Soon after my surgeries for breast cancer, a hospital dietitian recommended I prioritize getting enough protein into my daily diet. She said it would help my body heal. On MPR News I talked with two dietitians about the benefits of protein and the best sources. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Let’s talk about hunger. Minnesotans who are turning to food shelves because they are dealing with food insecurity called in to describe what led to their circumstances. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

The kids are not okay. Listen to day care center workers in MN describe what’s happening with young children, their parents & their co-workers because of the presence of ICE. On MPR News they shared how anxiety & fear are disrupting routines & affecting behavior. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Need a recommendation for a TV series or movie to watch? Listen to this conversation MPR News. Guests: Eric Deggans, TV and media critic at NPR, and Lily Osler, managing editor of the pop culture blog Episodes. Listeners called in with recommendations too. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Listen to what Minnesotans have to say about President Trump‘s State of the Union address. On MPR News, listeners called in & told me what stood out to them. Guests: Yohuru Williams of University of St. Thomas & Whitney Court of College of St. Benedict & St. John’s. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Go behind the scenes of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Listen to my conversation with the newspaper’s editor Kathleen Hennessey. She took over the top spot in May of last year. MPR News listeners called in with questions and comments. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Some people think of joy as an act of resistance. And many would agree that music is healing. Members of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus talked to me about the 45-year history of the group & their mission. And they shared some of their songs. Listen on MPR News. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Listen to Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham discuss the impact of proposed federal funding cuts to public health programs and infrastructure in Minnesota. $38 million is on the chopping block. Listen on @mprnews. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Former St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter talked to me about life after City Hall, what’s next for him, the impact of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota and fatherhood. Listen on @mprnews. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Nearly 1/3 of us say we sleep poorly or not enough 😴. And our 24/7 culture makes it tough to GET a good night’s sleep. My public radio series Call to Mind is working on a show about sleep! Do you have problems sleeping? How does it affect your mental health? 📩: [email protected]

It’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s not; what’s fact and what’s fiction. Here’s why. Listen to this conversation on @mprnews on the challenges of identifying misinformation. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Listen to Minnesotans describe how their mental health and daily activities are being affected by ICE operations across the state. I took phone calls during my live talk show on @MPRNews. Guests: therapist Dr. Corey Yeager & senior economics contributor Chris Farrell. www.mprnews.org/episode/2026...

Therapists joined me on MPR News to talk about how to process the anger, fear & grief we are experiencing after the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school & the long-term impact. A gun violence researcher discussed the warnings signs we shouldn’t ignore. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Therapists joined me on MPR News to talk about how to process the anger, fear & grief we are experiencing after the mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school & the long-term impact. A gun violence researcher discussed the warnings signs we shouldn’t ignore. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Senseless violence. What steps do we take to process grief, anger & fear in the aftermath of another mass shooting? Thursday at 9am on MPR News, I’ll talk with two therapists & a violence prevention researcher about the shootings at a Minneapolis Catholic school. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Have you heard of a sound bath? Wednesday morning at 9 on MPR News we’re talking about the traditions and science behind modern sound therapy and the power of good vibrations to calm our mind and body. I’ll talk with two sound practitioners. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

On MPR News former U.S. Secretary of Education John King joined me to talk about the power of teachers and his personal story of how teachers saved his life during a difficult childhood. He is speaking at a free community event Tuesday evening. Details in link. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Is there a teacher who made a big difference in your life? Tuesday at 9am on MPR News, I’ll talk to former U.S. Secretary of Education John King about the power of teachers and his personal story of how teachers saved his life during a difficult childhood. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Is there a teacher who made a big difference in your life? Tuesday at 9am on MPR News, I’ll talk to former U.S. Secretary of Education John King about the power of teachers & his personal story of how teachers saved his life during a difficult childhood. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Does the cost of child care make up a big part of your monthly expenses? On MPR News, I talked about why child care is so expensive, who's affected the most and what ideas are on the table for solutions. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Minnesota has the third highest average cost of infant child care in the country. Monday morning at 9 on MPR News, let’s talk about why child care is so expensive, who's affected the most, and what ideas are on the table for solutions. Call in. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Loved talking to cookbook author Casey Elsass about his new book “What Can I Bring?” Listen to our conversation on MPR News. Lots of listeners also shared suggestions on appetizers, side dishes and desserts to take to family gatherings and parties. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

You’re invited to the cookout or dinner party, and so now you ask “What can I bring?” Thursday morning at 9 on MPR News I’ll talk to cookbook author Casey Elsass, whose latest book is full of recipes for foods to bring and advice on how to be great guest. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Why can’t you put your phone down? Are you spending too much time on your laptop? Listen to this conversation on MPR News about doing a digital detox, taking steps to reduce your screen time. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Are you glued to your phone or laptop? Do you need a digital detox? Wednesday morning at 9 on MPR News we’ll talk about how to take a break from our screens and create strategies to unplug. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

I learned so much about the latest slang that teenagers and young adults are using today. No cap! You can too. Listen to this conversation on MPR News. My guests included a linguist and a poet. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Every generation has its slang, from words like “groovy” and “far out” to “lit” and “slay.” Tuesday morning at 9 on MPR News, I’ll talk to a linguist and a poet about the most popular slang in 2025. This show is going to be "straight fire." www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Listen to a conversation about what it's like to be an Uber or Lyft driver and the challenges they and their riders face in 2025. On MPR News we discussed the changes in ridesharing services since they started. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...

Monday at 9 am on MPR News we'll go behind the scenes of ridesharing & discuss how it’s changed over the years. I'll talk with Uber & Lyft drivers. My guests: Sergio Avedian, senior contributor for The Rideshare Guy, and Twin Cities rideshare driver Said Mohamed. www.mprnews.org/episode/2025...