Shows
Explore Minnesota MoreCamp More! Tips, Tools & Hidden Gems for Minnesota CampingSend us a textCamping in Minnesota is more than just a summer tradition—it’s a way to reconnect with nature, unplug from the daily grind, and explore the breathtaking variety of landscapes our state has to offer.In this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we are joined by two expert guests to help you make the most of camping season.🎙️ Sarah Berhow, from the DNR Parks and Trails Division, shares statewide updates including:Major campground renovations and new openings funded by the Get Out MORE initiativeTools for findi...2025-06-051h 04
The Morning News with Vineeta SawkarWill Canadians boycott Minnesota this summer?Politics could impact travel plans for folks from Canada and other countries. Reaction from a listener from Canada along with the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, Lauren Bennett McGinty.
On the WCCO Morning News.2025-06-0509 min
Electric Ladies PodcastGreen Cement Is Changing How We Build – Marci Jenks, Eco Material Technologies “Our core business is harvesting and collecting the by-product from coal combustion plants historically, called fly ash. We introduce it into supplementary cementitious materials to create a Portland cement replacement. We are pushing for 20% and even 30% [replacement of traditional cement] and hopefully reaching 100% one day with our technologies that are still in development.” Marci Jenks on Electric Ladies Podcast We need infrastructure that’s safe, strong, durable and climate resilient. To build our cities, roads, bridges and more, 30 billion tonnes of concrete is poured around the world every year. If concrete and cement were a countr...2025-06-0332 min
Explore Minnesota MoreMinnesota Governor's Fishing Opener: The Economic Ripple Behind the Rod & ReelSend us a textIn this special episode of Explore Minnesota More, we cast a line into the deep connection between the Governor’s Fishing Opener and Minnesota’s outdoor economy. From a small bait fish farm in Staples to a bustling tackle counter in St. Paul, we explore how this annual tradition sparks economic activity across the state.You'll hear from:Barry Thoele, owner of Lincoln Bait, aquaculture advocate, and a veteran of the bait industry.Doug Staley, fishing department buyer at Joe’s Sporting Goods, who’s been helping...2025-05-2230 min
Adam and JordanaFishing drives the boat when it comes to tourism in MinnesotaMinnesota tourism commissioner Lauren Bennett McGinty joins Adam from the Fishing Opener.2025-05-0907 min
Explore Minnesota MoreSummer 2025 Preview + 10 Tips to Catch Monster WalleyeSend us a text🎧 Explore Minnesota More – Summer 2025 Preview & Walleye Wisdom Mini EpisodeSummer in Minnesota is calling—and Explore Minnesota More is answering with a season full of stories, history, and expert advice to help you make the most of it. In this quick-hit episode, we preview our exciting summer lineup and share ten top tips for walleye fishing just in time for the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener.🎙️ Upcoming Episodes Sneak Peek:🎣 Bait & Business: Hear from local bait and tackle shop owners about the economic powe...2025-05-0805 min
Explore Minnesota MoreTwo Paddles - The Story Behind Minnesota's Newest OpenerSend us a text🎙 Episode Summary: In this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we dip our paddles into a powerful conversation with Todd Foster and Scott Miller, co-founders of Two Paddles and the organizers behind the Great River Energy Minnesota Paddling Opener. What started as a friendship rooted in scout camp and boundary waters expeditions evolved into a passion for long-distance paddling—and ultimately, the creation of one of Minnesota’s most inclusive and exciting paddle events.Todd and Scott share their journey from a 2,000-mile epic paddle to Hudson Bay to setting Guinnes...2025-04-2434 min
Explore Minnesota MoreNorthland Dreams - Building Central Minnesota's Largest Bike Skills ParkSend us a textIn this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we sit down with Trevor Pumnea, Executive Director of the Northland Arboretum, to discuss one of the most exciting recreation projects in Central Minnesota—transforming a former landfill into the region’s largest bike skills park.Trevor shares his unconventional journey from building logging roads in Idaho to earning a PhD in Parks and Recreation, eventually leading efforts to revitalize the Brainerd-Baxter area through bold outdoor recreation projects. We dive deep into:🚲 The vision behind the bike pa...2025-04-1037 min
Explore Minnesota MoreBuilding a City of Adventure: Winona’s Outdoor Recreation RenaissanceSend us a text🎧 Listen in as we head to Winona, Minnesota — a vibrant river town that’s redefining what it means to invest in outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of community and economic development.In this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we sit down with three key figures who’ve helped transform Winona into a year-round outdoor destination:Scott Sherman, Mayor of WinonaPat Mutter, Executive Director of Visit WinonaEric Barnard, Outdoor recreation advocate, guide, and educatorHosted by Randolph Briley, Director...2025-03-2739 min
The UpswingJeff's Secret Weapon - Full ShowAI was announced to be coming to Yum Brands
TWO UP:
1. The tell all book about Facebook had come out
2. Greater Milwaukee Foundation received grant money that it would be giving to local businesses.
WTMJ host Jeff Sherman was joined on the phone by Dr. Monica Vasudev, allergist and immunologist at Aurora Healthcare to talk about allergy season and the difference between allergies and common cold.
-Next, Jeff asked Dr. Vasudev about treatment options.
Jeff Sherman was next joined by Lauren Bennett McGinty, director of Explore Minnesota and board chair for Great Lakes USA, to talk about tourism and funding...2025-03-1932 minThe UpswingAll ABout Great Lakes Travel with Lauren Bennett McGintyJeff Sherman was next joined by Lauren Bennett McGinty, director of Explore Minnesota and board chair for Great Lakes USA, to talk about tourism and funding for film production in Minnesota as it compared to Wisconsin and Great Lakes cruises.
Jeff asked Lauren to compare Minneapolis to Milwaukee, traveling to Canada, popular destinations, digital advertising2025-03-1910 min
Explore Minnesota MoreThe Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of RightsSend us a text🎙 The Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights🏞️🌿Episode Overview:In this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we sit down with Arielle Courtney from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Chrissy Dornon from the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet to explore the Minnesota Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights—a bold initiative ensuring that every child in the state has opportunities to experience and benefit from the outdoors.The conversation dives into: ✅ The origins and development of the Children’s Outdoo...2025-03-1334 min
Explore Minnesota MoreThe 10,000 Ice Anglers ProjectSend us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode, we dive into an ambitious and inspiring initiative: the 10,000 Ice Anglers Project. Our guests, Ray Ruiz and Karl Erickson, share their journey of bringing thousands of kids onto frozen lakes for their first ice-fishing experience. This initiative, which spans multiple communities and organizations, introduces children to the joys of outdoor recreation while teaching critical lessons about ice safety, conservation, and community collaboration.From engaging partnerships with schools and nonprofits to tackling logistical challenges like funding, transportation, and...2025-02-2734 min
Explore Minnesota MoreBuilding Sustainable Mountain Biking CommunitiesSend us a textIn this episode of Explore Minnesota More, John Cox and Marty Caivano discuss the International Mountain Biking Association(IMBA) Trail Labs program, which will come to Minnesota in 2025! The discussion covers mountain biking infrastructure, community engagement, and sustainable trail development.Key Points:IMBA's history dating back to the late 1980s in CaliforniaOverview of the Trail Labs program, which started in 2018 in Bentonville, ArkansasAnnouncement of new Trail Labs locations in Minnesota (Winona and Duluth)Discussion of different program components: Trail Labs FoundationsTrail Care SchoolsTrail Management SchoolsTrail Accelerator WorkshopsNo...2025-02-1331 min
Explore Minnesota MoreMaking the Minnesota Driftless Hiking TrailSend us a textMaking the Minnesota Driftless Hiking TrailEpisode Description Join us for a conversation about the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail (MDHT), an ambitious project to create the first long-distance hiking trail in Minnesota's Driftless Region. We speak with Marty Walsh (Lead Instigator) and Alexa Shapiro (Trail Director) about how this trail will connect communities, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, and celebrate the unique landscape of southeastern Minnesota. Guests Alexa Shapiro - Trail Director, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Marty Walsh - Lead Instigator, Minn...2025-01-3039 min
Explore Minnesota MorePassion, Perseverance, and Red Pepper Flakes: Starting and running an outdoor recreation business with Lloyd Vogel of Garage Grown GearSend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Lloyd Vogel, founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear, to explore the evolution of ultralight outdoor gear and the growth of his Minnesota-based company. From its humble beginnings in a basement to an 8,000-square-foot warehouse in Saint Paul, Garage Grown Gear has become a leader in the ultralight outdoor gear space by focusing on small, innovative manufacturers.Episode HighlightsLloyd's journey from "merman" and outdoor educator to retail entrepreneurThe origin story of Garage Grown Gear and its evolution from The Big...2025-01-1649 min
KFF Health News' 'What the Health?'New Year, New Congress, New Health AgendaHealth is unlikely to be a top priority for the new GOP-led 119th Congress and President-elect Donald Trump. But it’s likely to play a key supporting role, with an abortion bill already scheduled for debate in the Senate. Meanwhile, it’s unclear when and how the new Congress will deal with the bipartisan bills jettisoned from the previous Congress’ year-end omnibus measure — including a major deal to rein in the power of pharmacy benefit managers.In this “catch up on all the news you missed” episode, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Shefali Luthra of The 19th, and Laur...2025-01-0941 minExplore Minnesota MoreHappy New Year - Programming NoteSend us a textHappy New Year, Everyone! We have some fun months ahead of us skiing, skating, fishing, riding, boarding, and swimming in Minnesota's ice and snow (once the snow arrives, better late than never!).We don't have a full show this week, but listen in to learn more about what shows to expect over the coming months. Until next time, let's go out and Explore MN More!Credits: Producers: Randolph Briley & Cody Nelson Hosts: Sarah Strommen and Lauren Bennett McGintyOriginal Music by Andrew Haaheim and Al...2025-01-0904 min
Explore Minnesota MoreBy the Numbers: Understanding Minnesota's Outdoor Recreation EconomySend us a textIn this episode of Explore Minnesota More, Randolph and Chris Perkins discuss the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data on Minnesota's outdoor recreation economy. We explore what these numbers mean for Minnesota and why they matter.Featured GuestChris Perkins is Vice President of Programs for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Episode HighlightsMinnesota's outdoor recreation economy generated $13.5 billion in GDP (2.8% of state GDP) in 2023, up from $11.7 billion the previous yearThe sector supported 96,000 jobs across the stateMinnesota's 10.5% growth outpaced the national average o...2024-12-1943 min
Explore Minnesota MoreMinnesota, the Champagne of Gravel...Send us a text*Audio Disclaimer: Some gremlins have gotten into our host's microphones. The sound quality may be slightly less than perfect. We are working on tracking these gremlins down so we can provide you with the sound experience you deserve. Stay tuned!**USA Cycling Gravel National Championships Coming to La Crescent, MNIn this episode, Randolph sits down with Jeremiah Burish, Director of Sports Sales at Explore La Crosse, to discuss the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships coming to La Crescent, Minnesota in 2025 and 2026.Episode...2024-12-0536 min
Explore Minnesota MoreThe Upstream Trailer ProjectSend us a textThe Upstream Story Trailer ProjectGuest: Andy Goldman, Executive Director of Upstream MinnesotaEpisode OverviewIn this episode, we explore an innovative project aimed at collecting and sharing Minnesotans' stories about their connections to the outdoors. The Upstream Story Trailer Project uses a mobile recording studio to capture diverse perspectives on outdoor stewardship across the state.Key Topics Discussed:Introduction to Upstream Minnesota and its mission to build bridges between different communities through shared love of outdoor spacesThe...2024-11-2127 min
Explore Minnesota MoreMinnesota's Winter Kickoff: Inside the Nordic Ski OpenerSend us a textMinnesota Nordic Ski Opener 2024: Your Guide to Winter's Kickoff EventThe unofficial start to Minnesota's winter season kicks off at Elm Creek Park Reserve on December 7th, 2024, with the Minnesota Nordic Ski Opener. In our conversation with Three Rivers Park District staff Amanda Fong, Chelsea Remiger, and Grant Armour, we explored how this beloved event welcomes both newcomers and experienced skiers to the trails.A Celebration of Winter SportThe day begins at 8:00 AM with Skadi's Chase Race, named after the Norse...2024-11-0830 min
Explore Minnesota MoreHappy Halloween Programming NoteSend us a text🎃 BOO-tiful Listeners!Our podcast is taking a brief haunted holiday this week, but don't let that spook you – we're brewing up some spine-tingling stories about Minnesota's outdoor adventures that we'll share when we return next week!While our microphones gather cobwebs, here's a peek at the treats we're conjuring up for upcoming episodes:📱 Discover the mysterious Upstream Story Trailer Project, where digital tales meet wilderness trails🚲 Get ready for some wheel excitement as the Gravel Bike National Championships roll into La Crescent, MN⛷️ Chase away winter chills with our coverage of...2024-10-3101 min
Explore Minnesota MoreFrom Crop Edge to Cattail: Exploring Minnesota with Pheasants ForeverSend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Jared Wiklund, Director of Communications for Pheasants Forever, to discuss the organization's history, mission, and impact on conservation and hunting in Minnesota and beyond.Episode Highlights:- Pheasants Forever Origins: Founded in 1982 in response to habitat loss in Minnesota- Unique Organizational Model: Local chapters retain control over funds raised for conservation projects- Conservation Priorities: Public access, advocacy, and education- Collaboration: Partnerships with state agencies and other conservation groups- Governor's Pheasant Opener: A...2024-10-1735 min
Explore Minnesota MoreAdult Onset Hunting: The Best AfflictionSend us a textIt's Fall turkey season in Minnesota! In this episode, Keng Yang from Minnesota Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Nick Bancks from Trust for Public Land discuss their collaborative mentored turkey hunting program. The initiative aims to connect new hunters with public lands through hunting experiences. Participants complete hunter safety training and attend online classes covering turkey biology, public land access, hunting ethics, and conservation.The guests explore key motivations for new hunters, including connecting with food sources, family traditions, and understanding conservation. They emphasize the importance of public lands and...2024-10-0336 min
Explore Minnesota MoreCareers in Outdoor Recreation: The Photographic LifeSend us a textIn this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we kick off a special series focusing on unique careers in Minnesota's thriving outdoor recreation industry. We interview Jon Kreye, a talented photographer who has carved out a niche capturing the essence of Minnesota's beautiful cabins and short-term rentals in the Northwoods.Episode Highlights:Jon shares his journey from hobby photographer to professional, specializing in cabin and short-term rental photography.The importance of finding a niche that aligns with personal interests and passions in photography.Insights into the challenges of starting...2024-09-1933 min
Explore Minnesota MoreBeautiful Lake CitySend us a textJoin Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, as they dive into the excitement of the 2024 Governor's Fishing Opener in beautiful Lake City. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights for communities considering hosting this prestigious event in the future.Key highlights:Behind-the-scenes look at organizing the Fishing OpenerTips for community engagement and securing local supportImportance of early fundraising and sponsor outreachBalancing fishing activities with showcasing local attractionsThe lasting impact on tourism and community prideFeaturing...2024-09-0531 min
Explore Minnesota MoreSo Slow It Feels Fast: The Joyful Riders ClubSend us a textAre you a Minnesotan who loves both biking and joy? Well, do we have an episode for you!The Joyful Riders Club was founded by Mario Macaruso and Patrick Stephenson in Minneapolis-St. Paul and organizes monthly community bike rides focused on fostering connection, exploring the cities, and spreading joy. The rides are slow-paced, welcoming to all skill levels, and often feature themes or surprises like costume rides or DJ music. We had a chance to sit down with Mario and Patrick to learn more about the JRC. Ke...2024-08-2230 min
Explore Minnesota MoreTin Foil and Good Oil: Exploring the World of Wild Game CuisineSend us a textEpisode Summary:In this episode of Explore Minnesota More, hosts Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, explore the world of eating what you hunt. They are joined by special guests Mark Norquist, CEO of Modern Carnivore, and Lukas Leaf, Executive Director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters.Key Points Discussed:1. The benefits of eating wild game, including sustainability and personal satisfaction2. The importance of proper preparation and cooking techniques for wild game3. Accessibility challenges...2024-08-0847 min
Explore Minnesota MoreAscending Together: Inclusivity and Growth in Minnesota's Climbing CommunitySend us a textIn this episode of Explore Minnesota More, we delve into Minnesota's thriving world of rock climbing. Our guests, Sarah Vanderheiden, president of the Minnesota Climbing Cooperative, and Rodel Querubin, chair of the BIPOC Beta initiatives for the Twin Cities chapter of the American Alpine Club, share their experiences and insights into this rapidly growing sport. They discuss the unique community aspect of climbing, its mental and physical benefits, and the diverse opportunities available in Minnesota - from indoor gyms to outdoor crags. The conversation touches on the importance of inclusivity in c...2024-07-2545 min
Explore Minnesota More"I Want a World Cup in Minnesota..."Send us a textHow did an idea, born in the aftermath of an Olympic gold medal, become an event that would fight past COVID - and one of the most snow-deprived winters in Minnesota history - to become what Bill McKibben called "a storybook weekend like few others in the history of American endurance sport..."Listen and find out! Discover the thrilling world of Nordic skiing in Minnesota with special guests Deb Diggins, mother of Olympic gold medalist Jesse Diggins, and Claire Wilson, executive director of the Loppet Foundation. Learn about the...2024-07-1152 min
Explore Minnesota MoreMore Green Time, Less Screen Time: How Baztec is Transforming Communities Through AnglingSend us a text In this episode, we sit down with Ray Ruiz, founder and executive director of Baztec, an organization dedicated to introducing fishing and outdoor recreation to underserved communities in Minnesota. Ray shares his journey from growing up in Chicago to becoming a passionate angler and educator. He discusses the importance of family-centric approaches to outdoor recreation, the challenges of engaging diverse communities, and his vision for creating high school bass fishing teams. Ray emphasizes the value of building trust and getting uncomfortable when working with new communities. He also highlights the personal rewards of p...2024-06-2748 min
Explore Minnesota MoreBuilding CuyunaSend us a textIn the inaugural episode of Explore Minnesota More, hosts Lauren Bennett McGinty, Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, and Sarah Strommen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, delve into the remarkable transformation of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Once an abandoned mining region, Cuyuna has now become a premier outdoor recreation destination, thanks to the vision and hard work of the local community. Guests Aaron Hautala and Vern Lewis share their personal experiences and insights into the challenges and triumphs of Cuyuna's evolution. From the early efforts to create a...2024-06-1253 min
Growing DestinationsThe Business of Tourism with Lauren Bennett McGintyLauren Bennett McGinty is one of Minnesota's biggest cheerleaders. It's no surprise, since she heads up Explore Minnesota, the state's official tourism booster. Tourism is big business for Minnesota, with direct impact of more than $13 billion, and leisure and hospitality is the 4th largest industry for employment in the state. With increased competition, Lauren says it's time for Minnesota to up its game. Lauren shares her vision for Minnesota to be a top 10 destination and what it will take to get there. Explore Minnesota Tourism Experience Rochester, MN2023-03-1620 min
Film Ireland PodcastFilm Ireland Presents: Anna Rodgers & Shaun Dunne, Directors of How to Tell A SecretIn this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Anna Rodgers and Shaun Dunne about their film How to Tell A Secret.
A powerful examination of the experiences of people who are living with HIV in Ireland today, How to Tell A Secret is a hybrid documentary film that looks at social stigma and the art of telling your story.
Robbie Lawlor was diagnosed with HIV at 21 and became one of the youngest people to come out on Irish television. Enda McGrattan, also known as Veda, promised to keep their HIV status a secret for a decade but eventually broke...2022-12-0126 minFilm Ireland PodcastFilm Ireland Presents: Anna Rodgers & Shaun Dunne, Directors of How to Tell A SecretIn this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Anna Rodgers and Shaun Dunne about their film How to Tell A Secret.
A powerful examination of the experiences of people who are living with HIV in Ireland today, How to Tell A Secret is a hybrid documentary film that looks at social stigma and the art of telling your story.
Robbie Lawlor was diagnosed with HIV at 21 and became one of the youngest people to come out on Irish television. Enda McGrattan, also known as Veda, promised to keep their HIV status a secret for a decade but eventually broke...2022-12-0126 min
FOAMcast - An Emergency Medicine PodcastCOVIDcast: Mental Health and COVID-19We interrupt our normal FOAMcast episodes to bring you updates from COVID-19. *Our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly developing and this may be out of date in days/weeks. So, check back for updates/fact check what you hear* In this episode we discuss some of the mental health ramifications of COVID-19 and the lockdowns: US ED visits for mental health (Smalley et al) Mental health of children during lockdown Xie et al Psychological distress in US adults (McGinty et al) Mood and violence in Chinese interns (Li et...2020-06-1021 min
Break A WishBatarang 2We’ve done it again. Another special Batarang episode with all new scenes. Dare I say, silly-er than the last. I took twelve improv comedians, recorded improvised scenes over the internet, and then edited them into the short comedic radio plays you are about to experience.
Featuring:
Craig Scorgie
Kat Letwin
Griffin Toplitsky
Shannon Lahaie
Mithchell Rathgeb
Ryan Hughes
Grace Smith
Lauren McGinty
Anne McMaster
Dani Stover
Andrea Marston
Maddox Campbell
Brought to you By: The Sonar Network2020-06-0149 minBreak A WishThe Batarang – Bonus EpisodeThough Break A Wish isn’t an improv podcast, I do mostly have improvisers on as guests. With all the comedy theatres closed, many improvisers where itching to perform and I had an idea how we could make it happen. I took a group of eager volunteers, invited them into a web chat, and asked them to perform in pairs, with myself popping in sometimes if a third character is called for. We performed these scene and then I edited them, adding sound effects and trimming the internet delay. We now present those imposed scenes to you:
-R...2020-04-1737 min
Off The Menu08-24-19 - Off the MenuDara hosts a State Fair Beer show from the WCCO Fair booth. MNBeer.com journalist Ryan Tuenge helps co-host. Lauren Bennett McGinty (exec. dir., MN Craft Brewers Guild), Kevin P. Smith (U of M agronomy professor), and Mark Schiller (pres., MN Distillers Guild) join the show from the porch.2019-08-2535 min
The Minnesota BeerCastSurly Brewing | The Future of Growlers | All Pints North PreviewDrew and Schmitty chat with Ben from Surly about the latest releases from Surly Brewing. MN Craft Brewers Guild Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty gives a preview of All Pints North. The group also discusses the impact of small Minnesota breweries trying to grow while losing the ability to sell growlers. Join the Minnesota BeerCast […]
2019-07-2100 min
Let's Voltron: The Official Voltron PodcastRhys Darby (Coran) InterviewIn this podcast, we are proud to welcome the voice of Coran in Voltron Legendary Defender, Rhys Darby! Rhys is a man of many talents, and we talk about some of the things he is doing, other than playing Coran on Voltron Legendary Defender, and of course, we have lots of questions sent to us from Voltron fans around the world, that Rhys answers for you!
Rhys Darby rhys-ently announced that he has published a new children's book, in which he "did the words and the pictures," and it's published by Scholastic New Zealand. The book title...2018-09-071h 07