Shows
Fluence ForumThe State of Energy in Minnesota: Reliability, Affordability, and the Path to 2040Energy policy has rapidly become a top issue for voters and businesses alike, and Minnesota stands at the forefront of this transition. In this episode of the Fluence Forum, host Blois Olson is joined by a panel of key energy leaders—Zack Grizickie (Great River Energy), Pete Wyckoff (MN Dept. of Commerce), and P.J. Martin (Xcel Energy)—to unpack the complex reality of powering the North Star State.As Minnesota moves to retire its coal fleet and accelerate toward carbon-free electricity by 2040, how do utilities balance ambitious climate goal...
2026-01-2636 minFluence ForumThe Future of Energy: Financing, Innovation, and InfrastructureIn this episode of the Fluence Forum, moderator Drew Christensen leads a high-level discussion on the financial and operational realities of Minnesota's energy transition.The panel features Kari Groth Swan (Executive Director, Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority) and Gregg Mast (Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota), who dive into the "green bank" model and how public-private partnerships are unlocking capital for clean energy projects. They explore how Minnesota is leveraging federal funds and state innovation to drive economic growth while meeting ambitious 2040 climate goals.Joining them is
2026-01-2636 minFluence ForumThe Legislative Leaders: Diverging Paths to a Common GoalIn the final session of the forum, Laura Bordelon (Minnesota Chamber of Commerce) moderates a candid and often sharp dialogue between two of the state's most influential energy legislators: Senator Nick Frentz (DFL), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee, and Representative Chris Swedzinski (R), Co-Chair of the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee.The conversation highlights the stark contrast in philosophy between the two parties. While Senator Frentz emphasizes that the transition to clean energy is now driven by economics—stating that "wind unsubsidized is now the lo...
2026-01-2634 minFluence ForumPolicy Considerations: Utilities, Co-ops, and Labor on the Path AheadIn this panel, moderator John Burns (Carnival Burns) gathers a diverse group of industry heavyweights to discuss the practical policy considerations facing Minnesota leaders. The conversation brings together the perspectives of an investor-owned utility, rural electric co-ops, and organized labor.Jim Pearson (Xcel Energy), Darrick Moe (Minnesota Rural Electric Association), and Lucas Franco (LIUNA) explore the critical intersection of policy and infrastructure. The group finds strong consensus on several major issues, most notably the need to lift Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear energy to ensure reliability and...
2026-01-2634 minFluence ForumLegislative Panel: Does Minnesota Need a New Plan?In this reaction-focused episode, host Blois Olson is joined by Mary Krinkie of the Minnesota Hospital Association to lead a deep-dive conversation with two of the state's most influential healthcare policymakers: Senator Matt Klein (DFL, District 53) and Representative Danny Nadeau (R, District 34A).As Minnesota navigates a shifting healthcare landscape marked by federal funding cuts and a rising number of legislative retirements, our guests debate a critical question: Does Minnesota need a new healthcare plan?.
2025-12-1843 minFluence ForumState of the Healthcare Market from All PerspectivesBlois Olson leads a critical discussion on the evolving relationship between Minnesota's healthcare payers and providers. As the industry faces mounting financial pressures and shifting care models, this episode examines how collaboration—and friction—between these two pillars is shaping the future of patient care. Blois is joined by Jeremy Drucker (Assistant Commissioner, MMB), Libby Callum (CEO, MNSure) and Tom Lindquist (CSO, Medica).
2025-12-1840 minFluence ForumWhat Can the State Do with Fewer Resources, Slower Growth, and Aging Population?Host Jim Schowalter is joined by Joe Schindler (VP of Finance, MN Hospital Association), Lucas Nesse (President/CEO, Minnesota Health Plans) and Anne Neu Brindley (Policy Director, Minnesota Business Partnership) to examine how Minnesota and other states are uniquely positioned to lead healthcare innovation in the face of federal uncertainty. The conversation explores the shifting dynamics between federal regulation and state-level enforcement, as well as the critical role of state funding in maintaining public health systems.
2025-12-1839 min
Fluence ForumThe Fragility of Rural HealthcareIn this episode, Blois Olson looks into why rural health care is struggling and what can be done to help rural Minnesotans with Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith (Associate Professor, UMN School of Public Health), Rhonda Kazik, DNP, RN, CENP, FAAN (Chief Nurse Executive, Essentia) and John Fox (Secretary and Treasurer, MN Ambulance Association & Director, Dodge Center Ambulance).
2025-12-1633 min