Fill To Capacity (Where Heart, Grit and Irreverent Humor Collide)

Send us Fan Mail Listen as Joan Vorderbruggen, a visionary force in public art and creative place-making reveals how art can revolutionize communities. Through Minnesota's beloved Dayton's holiday displays and the new Twin Cities Public TV (TPT) documentary "Remember the Magic," she weaves together cultural preservation, community transformation, and art's power to drive s...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting episode, Cheri Witt-Brown, a visionary leader, shares how she transformed Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity into a beacon of innovation and hope. Building has always been in her DNA—from childhood days on her dad’s construction sites to leading the charge on groundbreaking affordable housing solutions. A devastating 2013 flood in Northern Colorado became a turning...

Send us Fan Mail When the world spins out of control, how do you find your center? Join me for an 8-minute journey that turns a snow globe into a radical map for surviving chaos.  Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting episode, Laura Danielson, a seasoned immigration lawyer, confronts the global crisis of climate refugees.  She reveals how climate change is forcibly displacing millions, exposing critical weaknesses in current immigration policies.  From Haiti to Central America’s Dry Corridor and South Asia’s sinking coasts, Laura highlights the human stories behind the climate...

Send us Fan Mail In this deeply moving episode, we journey into the life and legacy of Judy Garland. As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, she traveled a road of uncertainty and danger, yet held fast to her core self. Joined by Judy Garland Museum’s Founding Director, John Kelsch, and Executive Director, Janie Heitz, we explore Garland’s life and story of resilience, heartbreak, and timeless courage tha...

Send us Fan Mail Journey into the heart of democracy with Michelle Witte, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Minnesota, as she reveals how this powerful engine of civic engagement shapes our future. From its suffrage movement roots—championed by trailblazers like Nellie Griswold Francis and generations of African American women activists—to today's pressing challenges, discov...

Send us Fan Mail Ever had a day when the universe seemed to be playing cosmic peek-a-boo? Buckle up, buttercup! Sophia Demas is here to spill the celestial tea on those "no way!" moments that are actually the universe's way of saying, "Psst, over here!" Sophia reveals how problem-solving, and spirituality link her diverse experiences - from her architectural work with Buck...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how opening your home to strangers from across the globe could change your life? Join Marlis Lambson as she shares 9 years of hosting international students, transforming her home into an eclectic hub of cultures, creativity, and deep connections.  Listen as she used zany strategies during the pandemic to create unforgettable virtual cultural exchange experiences for e...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how removing dams isn't just about freeing water—it's about liberating the very soul of our landscapes. Journey with Marty Holtgren, a visionary fisheries biologist and social scientist, as he delves into the revolutionary world of river restoration. From the historic reconnection of Michigan’s Maple River to global dam removal trends, Marty shares fascinating i...

Send us Fan Mail What does Boy George, Anthony Edwards and a beloved grandfather have to do with a young artist’s creative journey? Find out in this captivating episode with Taylor Rae Hillestad, a dynamic artist and graphic designer who blends vibrant colors and mixed media to create unforgettable portraits that resonate with both subject and viewer.  Taylor's journey is a testament to the p...

Send us Fan Mail Jump into the enchanting world of monarch butterflies—nature's neon nomads! In this episode, Professor Emilie Snell-Rood from University of Minnesota explores the captivating and fragile world of monarch butterflies. Tackling the critical challenges posed by climate change, drought, and pesticides, Emilie shares her deep expertise, personal stories, and actionable tips, showi...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the secrets of revolutionary forest management with Brian Huberty, a seasoned expert whose career spans from firefighting to pioneering digital mapping systems that monitor our planet’s landscapes. Brian unpacks how the Minnesota Forestry Association boosts forest management, fire safety, and carbon storage. We compare family forest ownership in Minnesota to international...

Send us Fan Mail In this riveting episode, Jennifer Awinda, shatters myths about dementia  and aging. As a senior living and dementia practitioner, she shares moving stories of her grandparent’s battles with dementia that brought her to this work. Jennifer's insights will help you clearly understand the differences between dementia and Alzheimer’s and learn essential advice for caregivers on...

Send us Fan Mail How do unexpected friends become our greatest healers? Join  Emily Couture, known to squirrel enthusiasts as Emily Gordon, where home for her is a bustling hub of both indoor and outdoor animal adventures, capturing hearts and sparking laughter across the digital landscape! Hear how Lily the squirrel profoundly impacted Emily during her recovery from brain surgery and opioid withd...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Laura Gabayan, a leader in ER medicine and wisdom research at UCLA, shares insights from her groundbreaking book "Common Wisdom." Born to Kurdish immigrants and having faced numerous life challenges herself, Dr. Gabayan embarked on a quest to understand the essence of wisdom by interviewing 60 individuals nominated as wise across No...

Send us Fan Mail In this gripping episode, Dr. Scott Kolbaba, a renowned physician, and author, takes us on a profound journey into the heart of teen mental health. With his work in an adolescent psych unit and personal experiences as a father of seven, Dr. Kolbaba exposes multifaceted challenges facing today's youth, from the relentless pressures of social media and bullying to overwhelming...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Joanne DiCamillo and Nikki Puzzo, founders of befree , an innovative adaptive clothing line designed for people with limited mobility share their unstoppable journey! Inspired by Nikki’s daughter Stella’s post-surgery needs, Joanne and Nikki transformed a simple idea, zipOns into a groundbreaking solution that offers comfort, ease, and dignity to those who need it...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Paul Gaines, talks of the wild beauty and daunting challenges of Alaska's mental health scene. In candid conversation, Paul recounts his work at the College of Visual Arts (St. Paul. MN) to becoming a Behavioral Health Director in Fairbanks. Alaska’s tough environment requires mental health professionals who can handle extreme seasons and the deep emotional i...

Send us Fan Mail Orna O’Reilly, accomplished interior designer shares her journey from Ireland to thrilling days in South Africa, where she queued 5 hours to vote for Nelson Mandela to perilous times dodging danger in Mozambique.  Once back in Ireland, she felt the irresistible pull to the place of her dreams: Italy. Her passion for Italian landscapes and culture reveals her decade-long affair wit...

Send us Fan Mail “ Never seen but always heard!”  Jump headfirst into the high-stakes world of 911 dispatch with Marlis X with who navigates rapid-fire decisions and vital communications. Discover the daily work of emergency dispatch, where  multitasking and calm coexist.  Marlis talks about the mental gymnastics required to balance incoming calls, coordinate with first responders, and provide lif...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Natalie Zett shares a riveting narrative where she goes from storyteller to conduit for the voices that time almost silenced. She scours ethnic and neighborhood newspapers, offering an intimate look into the lives of immigrant families. Her translations of  historical documents, reveal the rich, culturally diverse voices silenced by the Eastland Disaster and opens...

Send us Fan Mail El baile no es solo movimiento al ritmo de la música; es la celebración de Liz Pimentel-Gopal de la identidad cultural y la autoreinvención. Desde las vibrantes calles de México hasta el foco de la NBA, la historia de Liz es un vívido bis de la vida a más de 55 años. Este episodio rastrea su resiliente ritmo desde una recién encontrada identidad americana hasta romper estereotipos...

Send us Fan Mail Dance isn't just movement to music; it's Liz Pimentel-Gopal's celebration of cultural identity and self-reinvention. From Mexico's vibrant streets to the NBA's spotlight, Liz's story is a vivid encore of life at 55+. This episode traces her resilient beat from a newfound American identity to breaking stereotypes with the Golden State Warriors Hardwood...

Send us Fan Mail Objects that anchor us - do you have one? I’ve journeyed with an etched stone for 20+ years. It's been a silent guide through change, a puzzle in constancy, and a testament to life's irony. Joan of Arc Scroll Medal This brass alloy medal can be worn on a necklace, a keychain, dogtags, on a bag, or in your car. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a...

Send us Fan Mail Explore the wisdom, humor, and focus of strategic change-making with Shaun Floerke. As a judge, he shaped innovative specialty courts and programs fostering family unity within the legal system, but at the helm of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, he has shaped a proactive, compassionate outreach, highlighting the power of collective action and shared purpose. Forget...