Food Freedom Radio

Laura Hedlund held a heartfelt celebration on this week’s show for the late former State Rep. Karen Clark, reflecting on her trailblazing work for environmental justice and urban farming. You’ll hear archival audio of Karen sharing her own vision, alongside a timely update from guest Dean Dovolis on the East Phillips neighborhood’s ongoing fight for the Roof Depot site.

Laura Hedlund welcomes eco-entrepreneurs Nora Schopper of Hello HiBar and Taylor Hall of Evergreen Collective to tackle the reality of a modern economy that often puts profit over the planet. Their chat breaks down the hidden environmental costs of single-use plastics, the challenges of navigating a disposable supply chain, and the power of becoming an intentional “pro-sumer.” The founders also detail the everyday mechanics of running sustainable businesses, highlighting practical household swaps like solid shampoo bars and local refill stations.

Laura Hedlund visits with Caroline Hallstrom, Laura Steinkopf, and Kate Guiney to explore how communities are teaming up to build resilient local food networks. You will hear the inspiring stories behind grassroots mutual aid projects like the Noko Rebel Gardeners and the We Feed Us program. The conversation wraps up with a preview of the upcoming Twin Cities Maker Fest and practical ways to get involved in supporting these neighborhood initiatives.

Laura Hedlund is joined by the Wild Farm Alliance’s Courtney Tchida to discuss how agricultural practices that embrace nature can benefit both humans and wildlife. They dive into the details of a bird-friendly farming exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair’s Eco Experience building while sharing simple ways backyard gardeners can support local ecosystems. They also cover the negative impacts of pesticide use on insect and bird populations alongside practical resources for tracking and supporting neighborhood pollinators.

Laura Hedlund chats with a lineup of local entrepreneurs who are building resilient businesses that prioritize both the planet and the economy. Windom Shields of GenH3 (https://www.genh3.co) explains a new method for producing green ammonia, and Chad Simons of Three Cricketeers (https://3cricketeers.com(opens in new tab)) shares the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating insects. Patrick Wylie patrick@bakersfieldflour.com details the process of milling local grains and provides information on Bakersfield Flour and Bread’s upcoming 10th-anniversary celebration.

Laura Hedlund sits down with Vincent Hackel of NSK-SD (https://www.nsk-sd.info/) to explore the cardiovascular benefits of a unique Japanese superfood. They dive into the science behind NSK-SD, a patented natural supplement derived from fermented soybeans that is designed to naturally improve blood flow. Vincent explains how his team isolates this specific enzyme from the traditional dish natto and breaks down who stands to benefit most from its circulation-boosting properties.

Laura Hedlund sits down with NBC’s The Voice star Manny Cabo and the passionate founders of the Slavic Experience festival for an inspiring chat about culture and connection. They dive into the unifying power of music, mouth-watering traditional foods, and embracing our diverse heritages. You’ll walk away feeling empowered to find your true voice and ready to celebrate community through the universal language of breaking bread together.

With one in five pollinators facing extinction, it’s time to rethink those endless stretches of concrete and Kentucky bluegrass. Host Laura Hedlund teams up with Megan Reich from Metro Blooms to chat about turning standard yards into lush, water-friendly native habitats. Get ready to dig into simple, rewarding ways to bring life back to your soil and create a beautiful sanctuary for local birds and bees.

Laura Hedlund sits down with Chef Lachelle Cunningham to uncover the deep ancestral roots of soul food and its vital role in community healing. The two dive into the powerful significance of Juneteenth, exploring the ongoing fight for agricultural equity and true food justice. By honoring historical struggles, they showcase the incredible resilience found in cooking, gathering, and reclaiming land to build an abundant, regenerative future.

#FoodFreedomRadio #LauraHedlund #LachelleCunningham #SoulFood #FoodJustice #Juneteenth #UrbanAgriculture #CommunityHealing #BlackFarmers #FoodSovereignty

Join Laura Hedlund and Laurie Fitz for a chat with the owners of Mastel’s Health Foods, a beloved local wellness staple since 1968. We’re diving deep into the wild world of natural supplements, women’s health, and the absolute importance of being your own best medical advocate. Tune in for an empowering conversation about building a trusting relationship with your body while supporting the local businesses that truly care about your community.

#FoodFreedomRadio #NaturalHealth #MastelsHealthFoods #WomensHealth #WellnessJourney #ShopLocal #HolisticHealing #SupplementSafety #HealthAdvocate #TwinCitiesWellness

After a relentless ten-year battle against city pollution, a group of stubborn utopians in Minneapolis finally secured the funding to turn an old warehouse into a massive indoor urban farm. Laura Hedlund chats with Dean Dovolis from the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute to hear the incredible grassroots story behind this hard-won community victory. Get ready to feel totally inspired by a neighborhood that united to fight for clean air, shared ownership, and real food sovereignty.

#FoodFreedom #UrbanFarming #EastPhillips #CommunityAction #Grassroots #FoodSovereignty #LauraHedlund #FoodJustice #Minneapolis #Sustainability

Lily Gross as a teenager wrote about Factory Farms, as a college student she studied declining bee population and today she is opening Minnesota’s first Farm Stop.  Radish Farm Stop sells only local food.    Laura talks about the intentional destruction of 420,000 Peach Trees in California and says humans need a new operational system -one aligned with the Earth and heart intelligence.    A new system that Lily Gross is helping to create  https://www.radishfarmstop.com

Join Laura Hedlund as she dives into the delicious world of the Farmers Kitchen + Bar, a Minneapolis gem that’s bringing the farm right to the heart of the city. She sits down with Gary Wertish from the Minnesota Farmers Union to chat about why supporting our local growers is about so much more than just a great meal—it’s about building a resilient, human-centered food system. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for the history of the Mill City district and a serious craving for some farm-fresh wild rice meatballs. Find more at: https://farmerskitchenandbar.com/

#FoodFreedomRadio #LocalEats #MinnesotaFarming #FarmToTable #MinneapolisFoodies #SustainableAg #FarmersUnion #MillCity #SupportLocal #EatFresh

Laura Hedlund digs into the idea that what we do to the earth, we ultimately do to ourselves, while highlighting some incredible local efforts to build a more resilient food system. Urban farmer Elyssa Eull of California Street Farms shares the realities of feeding a neighborhood from a tiny city plot, and Chef Lachelle Cunningham breaks down how food business incubation can lead to true community abundance. Between talks of CSAs and upcoming markets at George Floyd Square, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for authoring a brand-new economic story.

#FoodFreedom #UrbanFarming #LocalProduce #CommunityAbundance #HealthyRoots #SustainableLiving #MinneapolisEats #EcoEconomics #CSA #SupportLocal

Laura Hedlund welcomes James Kaechele from The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (https://www.ftpf.org) to discuss the “Fruitful Minnesota” initiative, a massive project planting 1,000 fruit and nut trees across the Twin Cities to provide fresh food and environmental benefits. We also hear from Clara Lewis at the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) (https://www.neon-mn.org/) about the grand opening of the NEON Collective Kitchens, a 25,000-square-foot incubator on West Broadway designed to empower local food entrepreneurs. This conversation highlights how urban orchards and professional kitchen spaces are working together to build generational wealth and food freedom in North Minneapolis and beyond.

#FoodFreedom #TwinCities #UrbanOrchard #FruitTrees #MinneapolisFood #NEONMN #CommunityKitchen #LocalFood #Sustainability #FoodEntrepreneurship

Laura Hedlund is joined fellow AM 950 host Philip Anthony of the Downright Upright Show to swap stories about their “lazy yards” and the magic of freezing garden raspberries for that perfect summer smoothie. They don’t shy away from the heavy stuff either, digging into how heart-centered economics and local farming can help fix a global food system that often feels like it’s losing its way. It’s a grounded, hopeful look at how we can protect our water, our soil, and each other through the simple power of community and conscious living.

#FoodFreedomRadio #LauraHedlund #HeartCenteredEconomics #LocalFood #SustainableGardening #MinnesotaLiving #RegenerativeAgriculture #CleanWater #CommunityResilience #GardeningTips

Laura Hedlund takes us behind the scenes of the “People Not Polluters” coalition to reveal why it might cost a staggering billion dollars a year to clean up Minnesota’s nitrate-contaminated water. She’s joined by Laura Schrieber of the Land Stewardship Project to explore the terrifying link between groundwater pollution and health, plus how the “Oat Mafia” is shaking up industrial ag with sustainable crop rotations. It’s an eye-opening conversation about reclaiming our food system, protecting our neighbors, and why diversifying what we grow is the secret to a resilient future.

#FoodFreedomRadio #LandStewardship #MinnesotaAgriculture #OatMafia #WaterQuality #SustainableFarming #CleanWater #PeopleNotPolluters #AgPolicy #SoilHealth

If you’ve ever felt like your kitchen cabinets are secretly judging you, Laura Hedlund and guest Colleen Waterston (host of Sorting Through Life Sundays at noon on AM950)  are here to tell you that it’s time to drop the shame. They dig into the emotional baggage we keep in our junk drawers and share why “pragmatic optimism” is the secret ingredient to a functional home. You’ll walk away with genius hacks for neurodivergent-friendly spaces and a reminder to give yourself a little grace while sorting through life.

#FoodFreedom #KitchenOrganization #DeclutterWithGrace #CleenWaterston #HomeOrganizingTips #SpaceBySpace #NeurodivergentLiving #KitchenHacks #MindfulLiving #OrganizedHome

Laura Hedlund sits down with James Beard Award-winning food writer Beth Dooley to chat about why perennial foods are the “pioneer saplings” of a brand-new kind of integral living economy. From the deep, earth-healing roots of Kernza to the satisfying crunch of local hazelnuts, they explore how shifting our agricultural focus can actually restore the planet. It’s a refreshing look at how regenerative farming isn’t just a technical buzzword—it’s a delicious and necessary way forward for all of us.

#FoodFreedomRadio #BethDooley #LauraHedlund #RegenerativeAgriculture #Kernza #PerennialFoods #SustainableEating #EcoFriendlyFood #NorthernHeartland #SoilHealth

Laura Hedlund sits down with agroecologist Liz Carlisle and Aubrey Streit Krug from The Land Institute to dive into their new book, Living Roots: The Promise of Perennial Agriculture. You’ll hear all about how switching from short-lived annual crops to deep-rooted perennials like Kernza and fruit trees can actually heal our soil while feeding our communities. It’s a beautiful look at how we can stop fighting nature and start growing a food system that actually lasts for generations. Learn more at: https://landinstitute.org/news/living-roots-the-promise-of-perennial-foods-book-launches-in-march-2026/

#FoodFreedomRadio #PerennialAgriculture #LivingRoots #SustainableFarming #LizCarlisle #AubreyStreitKrug #TheLandInstitute #RegenerativeAg #Kernza #EcoFriendlyEats

Laura Hedlund hosts a soulful roundtable discussion on how urban agriculture is literally planting the seeds of change across Minnesota. This episode features a deep dive with community heavyweights like Brett Olson, Michael Chaney, Britt Howell, Courtney Tchida, Dawn Lamm, Lane Brown, and farmer Jane Matayo Windsperger as they explore the intersection of food security, immigrant heritage, and economic abundance. From micro-grants to the “agency of the seed,” you’ll hear how these leaders are working together to renew both the countryside and the heart of the city.

Featured Organizations:

Renewing the Countryside (Brett Olson): https://www.renewingthecountryside.org

Project Sweetie Pie (Michael Chaney): https://www.projectsweetiepie.org/

BF50 Indigenous Health (Britt Howell): https://sites.google.com/macalester.edu/bf50-indigenous-health/home

Minnesota Seed Project (Courtney Tchida): https://mnseedproject.org/

Como Community Seed Library (Dawn Lamm): https://www.comoseedlibrary.org/

Central Neighborhood / Plant Grow Share (Lane Brown): https://thecentralneighborhood.com/plant-grow-share

#FoodFreedom #UrbanAg #LocalFoodHeroes #MNFarming #SustainableCommunities #SeedSaving #ProjectSweetiePie #RenewingTheCountryside #GrowYourOwn #CommunityResilience

Laura Hedlund sits down with Leena Pradhan-Nabzdyk, PhD, MBA—the CEO and co-founder of Canomiks and WhatToTrust.com—to pull back the curtain on the $60 billion supplement industry. They dive into how genomic science is being used to validate traditional Ayurvedic remedies like turmeric, helping you find products that actually do what they say. It’s an essential guide for anyone tired of wellness guesswork, blending ancient wisdom with the high-tech tools needed to verify quality and efficacy.

Find more at: https://www.whattotrust.com/ and https://www.canomiks.com/

#FoodFreedomRadio #SupplementScience #WellnessJourney #Ayurveda #HolisticHealth #Canomiks #WhatToTrust #HealthTech #Nutraceuticals #LauraHedlund

Laura Hedlund sits down with Lucas Rhoads, Monta Hayner, and Lori Cox to dig into the heavy reality of how neonicotinoids are poisoning our bees, birds, and even our drinking water. They explore the systemic nature of these toxins and the frustrating reasons they’re still everywhere in the U.S. while other parts of the world have already moved on. This is a must-listen if you’re ready to learn how we can push for a cleaner seed supply and protect the health of our communities and local trout streams.

#FoodFreedomRadio #Neonics #PollinatorProtection #CleanSeed #SustainableFarming #ProtectOurWater #EnvironmentalHealth #SaveTheBees #NRDC #TroutUnlimited

Laura is joined by Ayub (Yubi) Hassan of Blue Horn Tea and Bilal Madani of Crème Foods as they share their experiences as entrepreneurs navigating the social and economic landscape of Minneapolis. They discuss the deep connection between cultural heritage and community resilience, highlighting how Somali tea and Basque cheesecake serve as bridges for unity and local support.

#FoodFreedomRadio #BlueHornTea #CremeFoods #MinneapolisSmallBusiness #CommunityResilience #SupportLocal #BIPOCEntrepreneurs #TwinCitiesFood #CulturalHeritage #LocalResilience

Laura speaks with Teresa McCormick, the Executive Director of The Good Acre, to talk about how Minnesota’s largest non-profit food hub is shaking things up. Teresa explains their “farm to community” mission, which connects local farmers with schools and hospitals to ensure everyone gets a seat at the table with fresh, healthy food. We also dig into the challenges facing immigrant farmers today and why building an “anti-fragile” food system is the key to a stronger, more resilient Minneapolis.

#FoodFreedom #LocalFood #TheGoodAcre #SustainableFarming #CommunityHealth #MinnesotaAgriculture #FoodSecurity #SupportSmallFarmers #FoodEconomy #ResilientSystems

Laura Hedlund takes us inside Zion Community Church to meet the “brigade” of neighbors fighting a local humanitarian crisis with radical community love. You’ll hear how volunteers like Ryan and Kaylee are sourcing fresh produce from local farmers to pack hundreds of shelter-in-place kits for families terrified to leave their homes. It’s a moving reminder that even in the face of fear, we have the power to “re-enchant” our future and take care of one another.

#FoodFreedomRadio #CommunityCare #FoodJustice #Minnesota #MutualAid #LocalFarmers #PowerOfLove #Solidarity #EndHunger #TwinCities

Join Laura Hedlund as she explores the intricate connection between our microbiome, fermented foods, and overall well-being. Guest experts Andreas Gomez and Jonah Uyldert share their insights on how a healthy gut can bolster our physical and mental health.

#FoodFreedomRadio #Microbiome #GutHealth #Fermentation #HealthyEating #WellnessJourney #Probiotics #NatureLedGardening #HealthAndWellbeing #PodcastLife

Laura Hedlund explores the healing path of planetary health alongside Teddy Potter and Angelica Walton, moving from a culture of stress toward one of collective care. Together, they discuss how a planetary health diet and a shift in our core mindset can help us rebuild a more resilient and interconnected community.

#FoodFreedom #PlanetaryHealth #SustainableLiving #EnvironmentalJustice #WellnessJourney #CommunityCare #HealthyEating #Interconnectedness #MindfulLiving #EcoFriendly

In this final 2025 episode of Food Freedom Radio, Laura Hedlund interviews activist Robin Greenfield about his journey toward personal agency and radical sustainability. Greenfield discusses his lifestyle pledges, including living below the poverty line and foraging 100% of his food, while offering practical tips on wild fermentation, DIY green powders, and the importance of community-led reforestation.

#FoodFreedom #RobinGreenfield #Foraging #PersonalAgency #SustainableLiving #WildFermentation #CommunityGardening #NonviolentCommunication #EcoActivism #RegenerativeLiving

Host Laura Hedlund interviews Will Crombie of Organic Compound about building a resilient, community-focused food system through agroforestry and regenerative farming practices. Crombie shares his family’s journey transforming 42 acres into hazelnut and tree-range chicken production, advocating for local economic models over the industrial system.

#RegenerativeAgriculture #Agroforestry #OrganicCompound #WillCrombie #FoodSovereignty #Rewilding #RobinGreenfield #LocalFoodSystems #TreeRangeChicken #MinnesotaFarming

Host Laura Hedlund speaks with Curt Arens, Senior Editor of Nebraska Farmer, to discuss the economic and cultural repercussions of Tyson Foods closing its beef processing plant in Lexington, Nebraska. They examine the factors driving the closure, including drought and low cattle inventory, while analyzing how this impacts a town where the cattle population vastly outnumbers the residents. They also take a look at resilience in agriculture, highlighting the rise of rancher-owned facilities like Sustainable Beef and the growing trend of direct-to-consumer marketing.

#Nebraska #BeefIndustry #FamilyFarms #TysonFoods #AgricultureNews #RuralEconomy #CattleRanching #FoodSystems #DirectToConsumer #SustainableBeef

Laura Hedlund speaks with Michael Wright, Executive Director of Biomimetics International, to explore the exciting concept of the “Biosverse” and its potential for creating sustainable solutions by modeling nature’s 4-billion-year history of research and development. They discuss how systems thinking, biosensing, and embracing complexity can help solve huge challenges like plastics and pollution, leading to breakthroughs like Biosverse-compatible alternatives and circular economies.

#Biosverse #BiomimeticsInternational #BiosphereCompatible #GreenChemistry #SystemsThinking #CircularEconomy #SustainableSolutions #NatureInspired #ZeroWaste #FoodFreedomRadio

Laura has a lively discussion with filmmaker Graham Meriwether about the essence of food freedom, its profound connection to human nature, and his journey from poet to documentarian focused on agricultural solutions. They delve into the unspoken debates within the food freedom movement, highlighting the power of local food systems as a path to economic and personal well-being, rather than simply fighting against the existing dominant systems. You’ll also get details on Graham’s new movie, Who Will Feed Us, and inspiring examples of community-led food initiatives across the country.

#FoodFreedomRadio #GrahamMerryweather #WhoWillFeedUs #LocalFood #FoodSovereignty #WellBeingEconomy #CommunityOverCorporations #DecentralizedFood #RegenerativeFarming #FoodJustice

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Jorge Azevedo, CEO of Fermented Foods Holdings, to explore why humans are “more than 99% microbial” and how fermented foods support our gut health. Jorge discusses his company’s popular brands, including Bubbies, Wildbrine, and Flanagan Farm, and explains how true fermentation differs from pickling with vinegar. The conversation also digs into the vital connection between living soil and the final product, detailing an innovative practice of using leftover sauerkraut juice to regenerate the soil on their Wisconsin farms.

Host Laura Hedlund welcomes Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy for Consumer Reports, to discuss the battle for food safety and transparency. They expose a new, misleadingly named industry group (“Americans for Ingredient Transparency”) that is actively trying to block state-level laws that ban toxic chemicals in products like baby food. Brian also shares findings from Consumer Reports’ recent investigation into heavy metals, like lead, found in popular protein powders.

#FoodFreedomRadio #ConsumerReports #FoodSafety #IngredientTransparency #HeavyMetals #LeadInFood #BabyFood #ProteinPowder #FoodPolicy

Laura Hedlund welcomes Andrew Zimmern (four-time James Beard Award winner, TV personality, and chef) for a deeply engaging conversation on the complex intersection of food, sustainability, and non-violence. We explore Zimmern’s personal journey, the ethical dilemmas of the modern chef, and the surprising economic and moral implications of eliminating childhood hunger. Discover why food systems are crucial to global safety and learn more about Zimmern’s new book, The Blue Food Cookbook, and the vital importance of making conscious, compassionate food choices.

Laura Hedlund speaks with Allison Hohn, Executive Director at Naturally MN, about the impactful Food. Ag. Ideas conference that recently took place. Now in its eighth year, this must-attend gathering led by Naturally MN focused on the intersection of food and health, drawing attendees from Minnesota and beyond to explore how innovation is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness.

On this episode of *Food Freedom Radio*, host Laura Hedlund talks with Eric Sannerud about GrownBy (https://grownby.com), a farmer-owned platform that connects farmers directly with eaters. They discuss how this innovative tool supports local food systems, strengthens family farms, and makes it easier for consumers to access sustainable, fresh food. Tune in to learn how farmer-led solutions are reshaping the future of food.

This week Laura visits with Thom Petersen, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture. He shares experiencing Farm Aid 40held at the University of Minnesota on September 20, 2025.

This week Laura Hedlund was joined by chef Lachelle Cunningham.

On this episode of Food Freedom Radio, host Laura Hedlund talks with Sonja Trom Eayrs, author of Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, winner of the 2025 Midwest Book Award. They discuss how corporate agriculture has reshaped rural communities and what it means for the future of family farms and the environment.

On this episode of Food Freedom Radio, host Laura Hedlund is joined by MaryLynn Pulscher from Minneapolis Parks to talk about the annual Monarch Festival. They explore how the event celebrates monarch butterflies, their vital role in our ecosystem, and ways we can all help protect their habitat.

Is a 5th world possible? Host Laura Hedlund speaks with Rob Avis of 5thWorld.com to explore bold new ideas for reimagining our future. Together, they discuss the vision behind the “5th World,” what it means for our communities, and how we might create a more sustainable and connected way of living.

Former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie talks about the recent Minnesota Cooperative Summit

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by:

Michelle Shaw with Minneapolis Edible Boulevards https://www.minneapolisedibleboulevards.org/

Joe Vital with East Phillips Neighborhood Institute https://www.epnifarm.org/

This week, Aneta Toporowska Lennartson joins the show to talk about food, music, and family at the upcoming Slavic Experience, happening Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 at the ROC in St. Louis Park. From delicious food to fashion and culture, it’s a celebration you won’t want to miss. Learn more at slavicexperience.com.

Aneta also shares her journey as a multifaceted entrepreneur—running the delicious Pierogi2Gogi food truck (pierogi2gogi.com) and her legal practice at toporowskalaw.com.

The author of Feed Us with Trees: Nuts and the Future of Food; Minneapolis urban farmers Black Radish Minneapolis and the Land Stewardship Project join Laura to share stories of Noospheric economics (also known as Living Economics, Donut Economics, Human-driven economics, etc.) Links: https://www.theblackradishmpls.com https://landstewardshipproject.org https://elspethhay.com

President of the Minnesota Farmers Union Gary Wertish and Katie Marty with Co-Minnesota talk about the first ever Minnesota Cooperative Summit https://www.mncooperativesummit.org

This week’s episode is all about Nikkolette’s Macarons! Learn more at: https://www.nikkolettesmacarons.com/

In this episode, we explore the ideas of Otto Scharmer, author of Presencing and founder of the Presencing Institute. Scharmer grew up on a regenerative farm, where he first learned that soil is alive—a lesson that shaped his understanding of how humans interact with the world around them. He now applies that same insight to what he calls our “Social Soil”—the shared space we all influence through attention, intention, and agency.

Learn more at ottoscharmer.com and presencing.org.

This week Laura highlights Elderberry Cooperative with Organic Farmer with Dan Moe https://www.midwest-elderberry.coop/index.html  https://thefarmofmn.com/

This week Laura talks tarriff mayham with Ben Lilliston with https://www.iatp.org

This week with Laura it’s all about: Soil Health Education SHE – with Dr Suzie Haryanti Husain

World Water Day is March 22, Laura talks to water educator Mitchell LeGrand and executive director Doug Niemela with https://www.h2oforlifeschools.org

Deputy Commissioner at Minnesota Department of Agriculture Andrea Vaubel discusses the impact on Minnesota of the Federal government decision to cut $1 Billion dollars cuts in USDA aid

Joey Baird of Gardening with Joey and Holly is Laura’s guest this week. Check out Gardening with Joey and Holly every weekend on AM950

Emily Krekelberg Extension Educator & Michael Romanski, livestock farmer talk about the First-ever Ag for All Conference www.mda.state.mn.us/ag-all-conference-2025

Laura is joined by farmer and pastor Bryan Allen Demeritte today.

Laura highlights meat processing in Minnesota – how to help independents – https://bottleneckproject.weebly.com

Talking about the revitalization of oat farming in Minnesota and northern Iowa today.

Embodied Permaculture with Dan McTiernan of https://earthbound.fi/ Oxford 2024 Word of the Year was Brain Rot. Let’s envision a better word for 2025. Thrutopia – Not utopia or dystopia but Thrutopia. How do we get from where we are to where we want to be? First we need to be in our bodies. On today’s show we talk about Grounding, Attuning, Opening and Integration

Host Laura Hedlund talks about the winter solstice with Liz Johnson from Magus Books and Herbs and Steven who tells us about this winter solstice event: https://givebutter.com/qx1HCT

This week’s show features Eric Lee-Mäder author of The Milkweed Lands: An Epic Story of One Plant: Its Nature and Ecology and Christopher Stein with Twin Cities Eco-Rotary to talk about connections between Milkweed and Monarchs.

This week host Laura Hedlund highlights Cause Cart (https://cause-cart.com/)

To start the show Laura Hedlund is joined by Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, Soil & Environmental Chemistry proefessor at Kansas State. She is one of the world’s leading scientists in the fields of trace metal and nutrient chemistry in soils. Then Laura is joined by herbalist Liz Johnson from Magus Books and Herbs as they talk about herbs that can help you in these stressful times.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by Natalia Mendez, Director of Marketing and Communications at Seward Community Coop. They talk about how Seward Coop can help you prepare for Thanksgiving!

Music, Democracy and Freedom – a spiritual conversation as host Laura Hedlund talks about Bad Bunny and his impact on the election with three guests:

Stephen Adubato is contributor to The Bad Bunny Enigma: Culture, Resistance, and Uncertainty and a journalism fellow at COMPACT Magazine and a professor of philosophy in NYC.

Lee Hawkins is author of I Am Nobody’s Slave How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Freeand also the singer/songwriter ofHEAL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZC7NulTJPk

Musician and political activist Shea Hanson who wrote and performed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-l5_IkLd78  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGyePvMuxz4

Featured on this week’s show hosted by Laura Hedlund: The Metro Food Justice Network believes, “TOGETHER WE CAN MOVE AT THE SPEED OF TRUST” featuring the voices of DeVon Nolen, Allyson Green, Melvin Giles, Timothy Page, Sairoong Brunner and Lataijah Powell More info at: https://mfjn.org/

Laura Hedlund is joined by John Peterson of Ferndale Market, a 3rd generation family turkey farm that raises free range turkeys. Order your Thanksgiving turkey today at https://ferndalemarket.com/

Part 3 of 3 of our Democracy special hosted by Laura Hedlund features:

Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera  Executive Director for Common Cause Minnesota; Lilly Sasse Director of  We Choose Us Minnesota Action and Shea Hanson ACLU Let People vote and People Power talk about election integrity and lifting up free and fair elections.

In part 2 of 3 of our Democracy special series hosted by Laura Hedlund she speaks with Shea Hansen and Bruce Klopfleisch. Bruce hosts Politics Matters with Bruce Klopfleisch Sundays at 5 PM on AM950.

This is the first episode in our three part series on protecting Democracy and highlighting the history of elections in America. Each episode will feature a variety of guests to help guide you through our electoral process.

Laura Hedlund is joined by Calvin Manduna, Senior Trade Policy Analyst IATP Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. He talks about Climate Change and the Global food system  and a new report  https://www.iatp.org/climate-change-risks-food-trade.

Laura is joined by Jeannine Davison with https://amai.earth and Sue Marshall with https://netzro.us to tackle the problems of food waste, plastics and the climate crisis one cup at a time.

Katie Puffer talks about the Monarch Festival happening this weekend. Dr Abby Gold and Laura talk about the recent report saying the majority of American Baby and Toddlers fail international nutrition and labeling standards – www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2782

This week host Laura Hedlund speaks with Scott Gosnell, who translated On Magic by 16th century philosopher Giordano Bruno.

Description: Host Laura Hedlund plays back clips of the 2018 Governor’s forum hosted by the Farmers Union. It features then Congressman Tim Walz, a few months before he was elected Governor. Just before those clips, Laura also speaks with Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by Princess Titus, co-founder of Appetite for Change and co-author of the book Appetite for Change Soulful Recipes from a North Minneapolis Kitchen.

This week host Laura Hedlund talks about PFAS/forever chemicals with Jaydee Hanson, policy director for the Center for Food Safety

This week host Laura Hedlund is joined by Scott Elkins, executive director of the Land Stewardship project. They talk about their potluck taking place July 25 at their Minneapolis office and other topics! Learn more at landstewardshipproject.org.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by AM950 listener Judith Sims as they speak with Leila Philip who wrote the book Beaverland.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by Paul Lightfoot., General Manager of Patagonia Provisions. In the 2nd half of the show we welcome Jon Kreidler of Tattersall, a craft spirits distillery.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by Jim Embry who talks about Joy and Justice.

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by Michelle Bruhn, author at Forks in the Dirt (forksinthedirt.com)

Host Laura Hedlund is joined by President of the MN Farmers Union, Gary Wertish. Learn more at: https://mfu.org

Host Laura Hedlund highlights Project Sweetie Pie (https://www.projectsweetiepie.org/) with Catherine Fleming, Laura Orland and Parker Rechsteiner. Then Laura is joined by Liz Johnson of Magus Healing Center to talk about working with plants (https://www.magusbooks.com/healing_center.asp).

Brandon Klein and  Gia Vitali  talk about  https://unitedwetransform.com   an event Tuesday May 21 at  St Paul River Center

For this week’s show we talk about Seward Coop’s CSA Fair with three guests:

Natalia Mendez with https://seward.coop

Jacob Daniel Farms with https://jacobdanielfarms.square.site

Amber Kersting with https://www.farmertofarmer.org

This week host Laura Hedlund speaks with Jose Oliva, the campaign director of HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture and Labor Food Alliance). https://healfoodalliance.org/