Jearlyn Steele

On this edition of Center Stage, the following guests chat with Jearlyn: "The Chinese Lady" actress Katie Bradley Singer/musician/songwriter Jalan Crossland Star Tribune lead theatre critic Rohan Preston The Customers founder/singer/musician Ryan Sexton

Do you remember the PBS show “The Joy of Painting”?  For 11 years, painter Bob Ross showed up on our television screens to help us grow our artistic skills with his soothing voice, signature afro, and “happy little trees”.  Now, a Minneapolis-based company has ownership of the first painting ever created on the show…and they’ve put it on the market.  Modern Artifact president Ryan Nelson explains...

It's officially the season corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards.  For the family-owned Afton Apple Orchard, this means that the company’s annual Apple Festival starts next weekend.  How is business going in 2023?  And how much of an effect has the prolonged drought had on this year’s crop?  Assistant manager Sarah Parkos gives us an idea.

Afton Apple Orchards assistant manager Sarah Parkos previews the company's annual Apple Festival weekends. Modern Artifact president Ryan Nelson talks about how the business acquired the first painting created on the former PBS show "The Joy of Painting".

Last week marked a milestone in a local neighborhood’s comeback story.  Anthony Bradford recently became the first person to become a homeowner by using St. Paul’s Inheritance Fund, marking a milestone in the comeback story of the city's Rondo neighborhood.  St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter discusses the progress of this initiative.

Jearlyn talks about a historic game for one NFL team. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter gives us an update on a milestone for the city's Inheritance Fund.

It's a jam-packed edition of Center Stage.  Jearlyn invites the following guests on the show: Rising musician Yohannes Tona "Cookin'" production supervisor Kate Young Eun Park Star Tribune lead theatre critic Rohan Preston Jazz MN Orchestra music director Pete Whitman

This week, nearly 150,000 autoworkers hit the picket line, marking the latest high-profile strike of 2023.  The work stoppage from the United Auto Workers now sits next to stoppages in national industries and local business alike.  But is a historically busy year for strikes, or does it just seem that way with our 24-hour news cycle? University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee distinguished professor of Eco...

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee distinguished professor of Economics John S. Heywood discusses labor unions and the bevy of strikes happening this year.  After the conversation, Jearlyn opens up the phone lines to talk about the impact of unions.

What are the legal and political ramifications of this week's announcement of more indictments against Hunter Biden?  We ask local attorney and owner of the Caplan & Tamburino Law Firm Joe Tamburino to provide his legal expertise on the new charges.

Jearlyn looks into why some of us are feeling those ailments we had more often before COVID hit, as well as the latest on the new vaccine. Attorney Joe Tamburino goes through some of the ramifications of the latest indictments against Hunter Biden.

On the latest edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn sits down with the following guests: MSP Film programmer Craig Laurence Rice Renowned singer/musician Paul Peterson Renowned bassist/singer/songwriter Amy LeVere

While prices have dropped in 2023, the average amount of money to buy a home is still nearly $100,000 more now than it was at the start of the COVID pandemic.  Are there any good strategies that cities and states can provide so people can reach that goal of home ownership? Anne Mavity, executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, explains how the organization is trying to make affordab...

Sunday is World Suicide Prevention Day.  What signs should we look out for if our loved ones are struggling with mental issues?  NAMI Minnesota executive director Sue Abderholden joins the program for this difficult and important conversation.

NAMI Minnesota executive director Sue Abderholden talks about how we can help the number of suicides across our state diminish. Minnesota Housing Partnership executive director Anne Mavity describes how the group is looking to make affordable housing more available.

With Congress coming back from their Summer break, one of the urgent pieces of legislation up for debate is an extension of the Farm Bill.  Registered dietician Carolina Schneider explains how this will affect more than just the farming community.

Jearlyn wonders why there's so much vitriol against our current President. Registered dietician Carolina Schneider tells us why the Farm Bill will benefit those beyond the agricultural community.

On this edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn catches up with the following guests: Singer/songwriter Mae Simpson Legendary singer/actor/performer T Mychael Rambo

Earlier this week, the Biden administration proposed a rule that would raise the ceiling of salary eligibility to earn overtime pay.  The new maximum dollar amount where employees are allowed to make the extra money could affect millions of workers across various industries.  But would this increase be enough for today’s prices?  University of St. Thomas associate professor of economics Dr. Tyler...

As students head back to school, an emerging tool they can make use of is Artificial Intelligence.  There’s concern in some industries that A.I. is providing more problems than solutions.  Should teachers and parents have those same concerns? Award-winning teacher and curriculum coordinator Jon Fila tackles this in his new book, “Embracing AI: Beyond the Basics Strategies for Educational Transform...

Author and teaching expert Jon Fila explains how A.I. can be beneficial in the world of education. Dr. Tyler Schipper from the University of St. Thomas looks into a proposal to raise the ceiling for overtime pay eligibility.

Starting next week, the city of Anoka will try a first of its kind experiment in Minnesota.  For one month, it will establish a “Social District”, with opportunities for people to take alcoholic drinks from a specific bar outside to walk around a small, specified area of the city.  What are the benefits of this kind of initiative?  What are the pitfalls?  State Rep. Zack Stephenson explains the pr...

Jearlyn is back in the house!  She talks about her experience out at this year's State Fair. MN Rep. Zack Stephenson tells us about the upcoming "Social District" program in Anoka.

Space & Science writer Robert Zimmerman joins the show to discuss some of the latest news from the industry, including the efficiency problems governments have in advancing space travel and exploration.  Plus, he tells us about his new book, "Conscious Choice".

We're just days away from the 2023 Minnesota State Fair.  What should you look out for if you plan on going?  Spokesperson Maria Hayden joins the program to give us a rundown of the new foods, new attractions, Grandstand acts, and more.