Connections Radio

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…

Host Laurie Fitz engages in conversations with Prime Productions about their World Premiere of ABUELITA – by Nathan Yungerberg –  and directed by Shay Cage – the show will be playing at the Capri Theatre March 14th through the 29th. More information can be found about the play at PrimeProds.org. ABUELITA is a great story and celebration!…

Laurie Fitz sits down with the team behind the Great American Think-off in New York Mills, Minnesota, to dive into the art of civil discourse. They’re tackling this year’s massive question—whether our constant pursuit of happiness is actually making us miserable—and chatting with past winners about how deep thinking can bring a community together. If…

Laurie Fitz and Co-host Rick Bernardo explore the work of the Liberia Career Pathways. Guests include Kenety Gee, Executive Director, Connector Judy Poss, and Board Members: Dr. John Wulu, Professor and retired from Government, Dr. Henry Taylor, retired medical school professor – John Hopkins, Tim Beacon – CEO of Medical Aid International and Emily Anderson…

Laurie Beth Fitz and Rick Bernardo join special guests for our “Love Letters to Minnesota” broadcast. Join us as we celebrate the artistry of Ali Daniels’ photo that touched the world, Kenety Gee’s immigrant perspective and grateful editorial in the Pioneer Press, organizer Danielle who encouraged a “love forward” to support the needs of our neighbors, Susan She...

As part of the Connections Radio “Jewish Voices Series” host Laurie Fitz joins Journalist Sheree Curry and Dr. Yohuru Williams – a distinguished University Chair and Professor of History & Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. The discussion includes Dr. Williams participation as a featured expert on the 2026…

As part of the Connections Radio “Jewish Voices Series” host Laurie Fitz joins Journalists Sheree Curry and Robin Washington for the 1st of 2 broadcasts on “Blacks and Jews”. This week’s focus –  “A Conversation on Truth, Freedom & Justice.”,Special thanks to Kit Bix for her work and support as Co-Producer of the Jewish Voices Series Sheree R. Curry with…

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 Forrest retired IUPAT Local 106 & SD7…

Host Laurie Fitz is joined by the fantabulous Philip Anthony, host of the Downright Upright Show airing Saturdays at 5 PM on AM950 and available anywhere on podcast.

Following last Saturday’s 1/10/26 broadcast, today hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo feature more community members and leaders discussing not only ICE’s recent shooting of a Minneapolis citizen and mother, but also ICE’s ongoing para-military occupation of the Twin Cities area and beyond. We discuss what the essence of connection might mean in the wake of a…

Connections Radio” hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo hear from community members about ICE’s recent shooting of Minneapolis citizen and mother, Renee Nicole Good. We discuss what the essence of connection might mean in the aftermath of her tragic death.

Laurie Fitz is joined by our Twin Cities writer/composer, musician, actor, producer, and educator, Brenda Varda. Together they explore in a provocative discussion …. how the meaning of “holding” can be thought of during the holidays as well as with our relationship to the world around us. “What are you holding on to?”