Connections Radio

Laurie Fitz welcomes John Williams and Em Watson to explore the Native American Community Development Institute’s unique approach to civic engagement. Together, they unpack the “Art of Saving Democracy” toolkit and the “Making Voting a Tradition” program designed to empower Indigenous voters year-round. You’ll learn the history behind Native voting rights and ge...

Laurie Fitz chats with local organizers, artists and creators to explore the magic behind the upcoming St. Paul Art Crawl. From vibrant student showcases and Indigenous cultural hubs to intimate home galleries, you will get a sneak peek at the incredible variety of talent on display. The St. Paul Art Crawl is Oct. 16-18. Find more…

Guest host John Orenstein welcomes former Israeli diplomat and J Street executive Nadav Tamir for an engaging conversation on navigating the path toward peace in the Middle East. They unpack the internal dynamics of Israeli politics, the concept of a 23-state regional framework, and the broader impact of international diplomacy. Tamir offers his take on…

Guest host John Orenstein welcomes former Israeli diplomat and J Street executive Nadav Tamir for an engaging conversation on navigating the path toward peace in the Middle East. They unpack the internal dynamics of Israeli politics, the concept of a 23-state regional framework, and the broader impact of international diplomacy. Tamir offers his take on…

Host Laurie Fitz with co-host Pedra Lander, Senior Events Manager for the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, invites community guests Kelly Piet, Rock the Rez –  Slater, and Singer/Songwriter Tearra Oso to share the vibrant grassroots story behind the Powderhorn Park Porchfest. You’ll discover how a simple neighborhood idea blossomed into a massive celebration featuring multiple...

Laurie Fitz invites international law scholars Fionnuala Ní Aoláin and Philippe Sands to Connections Radio to untangle the complexities of protecting human rights during global crises. The discussion bridges major geopolitical events, from the fallout of the Iraq War to the Chagos Islands dispute, with the grassroots resilience of everyday citizens protesting right here in…

Laurie Fitz, Connections Radio Host, explores Abijah’s mission, values and stories with the founders Sally Jane Mixon and Dani Palmer.  Abijah Pairs off-track Thoroughbreds with clinical counselors , & the experiential nature of their model allows clients to bring what they learn in the paddock into their daily lives, creating lasting wellness    Abijah’s specializes in serving First Res...

Laurie Fitz catches up with Chris Candido and Suzanne Blum Grundyson to celebrate a decade of Stonewall Sports in the Twin Cities. The guests reflect on the history of the LGBTQIA+ organization, tracing its massive growth from a small kickball league into a welcoming local community of over 3,500 active players. Chris and Suzanne also…

Long before the national headlines of the 1960s, a transformative battle for civil rights was unfolding right in the streets of Minneapolis. Host Laurie Fitz sits down with author Samuel Freedman, former Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, and Buck Humphrey to uncover the gritty early career and lasting legacy of Hubert Humphrey. You will hear…

Laurie Fitz sits down with local filmmaker David Howell to discuss his upcoming documentary on the history of Tonka Toys. You will discover the deep Minnesota roots of these indestructible steel trucks, the blue-collar ingenuity of their original designers, and the passionate collectors keeping the brand’s legacy alive today. David also shares behind-the-scenes details of…

Laurie Fitz is joined by Catherine Bushman, Pedra Lander, Madison Rubenstein, and Nell Pierce to explore the beautiful intersection of community building and creativity at the upcoming 35th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair August 1 and 2. You’ll hear deeply personal stories about using art to navigate chronic illness, alongside a candid discussion on how generative…

Join host Laurie Fitz for a warm, welcoming conversation about building community through the shared love of geography, art, and fantastic beverages. Erikka and Sean Curran share the inspiring journey behind Violet Wine and Spirits, their inviting neighborhood shop in Northeast Minneapolis that feels more like a lively gathering space than a traditional retail store.…

Join host Laurie Fitz for a deeply moving tribute honoring the life, enduring light, and legacy of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Through heartfelt stories shared by her closest colleagues and friends, we celebrate the profound kindness and pragmatic leadership she brought to the state. Guests include US Representative Kelly Morrison, Minnesota State…

Janelle Erickson Senior Marketing & Recruitment Specialist  representing the Master’s in Strategic Communication Program at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota joins Laurie Fitz to discuss opportunities to go back to school and what the University of Minnesota can offer. Discussion included how advanced degrees serve as: * Catalysts for...

Join host Laurie Fitz for a moving conversation with renowned artist Laura Migliorino about the power of visual art to document our shared human experience. They dive deep into Laura’s Ghost Shoe project, a community-driven installation placing painted white shoes around the Twin Cities to mark locations of trauma and spark meaningful dialogue. You’ll hear…

This episode originally aired January 31, 2026: Host Laurie Fitz visits with MN DFL Voices from Greater Minnesota and the Metro to talk about issues, pros and cons, surrounding Data Centers. Drawing on research and wide-ranging conversations, our panelists include: Jonathon Rehlander – Minnesota House Candidate for 39A and Co-host for our Data Center discussion, Johnnie…

Host Laurie Fitz joins co-host Rick Bernardo as he visited The Phoenix Theater to interview Storydance Theatre founder, dancer, and director, Cia Sautter, along with Jewish Community Action’s Brandon Schorsch, their Combating Hate campaign organizer. We discuss Cia’s recent April Storydance Theatre production: “Finding Elijah—A Story Play on Finding Peace, Justice, and Hope.” In Jewish folklore,&#...

Laurie Fitz visits with the incredibly talented songwriter and advocate Joe Begalkie to dive into the beautiful ways music helps us celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Joined by music producer Mark Worple and nurse Kelly, the group shares the heartfelt story behind Joe’s song “Side by Side” and explains why shifting the focus from simple awareness…

Join Laurie Fitz as she explores the power of community art with the St. Paul Art Collective and their beautiful new “Draw Together” coloring book project. You’ll hear from local artists about why creating a space for kids to feel seen and safe is more important than ever. We’re also looking ahead to the 2026…

Laurie Fitz highlights March’s Women’s History Month by interviewing three leaders at Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Grete La-Vrenz, current President PRSA MN, is with Carmichael Lynch Relate her role is an integrated communications and public relations agency leader. Dr. Betsy Anderson, Immediate Past President, PRSA MN  — is an Associate Professor of Comm...

Host Laurie Fitz continues our series on Jewish Voices, Today’s show highlights UnXeptable a movement group  founded by Israeli expats here in the US who are standing up to save democracy and human rights in Israel. We are focusing on how ordinary citizens can come together and make a difference in the fight to preserve democracy – both here and in…