KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Rose McGee joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie® and how storytelling continues to bring people together across cultures and communities. She reflects on the recent 30th anniversary production of her acclaimed play, Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story , which celebrates the history and enduring significance of Juneteenth throu...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala joins Chantel Sings to discuss AARP Minnesota’s 2026 Community Challenge grants, which are supporting 18 projects across the state that improve quality of life and help communities become more livable for residents of all ages. He highlights initiatives ranging from technology training for older adults and innovative home-sharing programs to safer streets, imp...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Dr. Barbara Hutchinson joins Chantel Sings to discuss ATTR-cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), a serious and progressive heart condition that is frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms often resemble normal aging or other forms of heart failure. She explains why common warning signs—including shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, irregular heartbeat,...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Dr. Janice M. Williams-Porter joins Freddie Bell to discuss the inspiration behind her new book, The Women’s Leadership Blueprint , and why effective leadership begins with self-awareness, clarity, and strong personal values. Drawing from more than three decades of experience in education and executive leadership, she shares practical strategies for helping women develop...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Floyd Jones joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of BackBlack and its work connecting Black-led nonprofits with funding, resources, and greater visibility. He highlights the impact of investing in organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and shares how BackBlack helped direct more than $11.5 million to Black-led nonprofits...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Damon Jenkins, Senior Vice President and Minnesota Regional Market President for First Independence Bank, joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to discuss the grand opening of the bank’s new St. Paul branch in the heart of the Frogtown and Rondo communities. As Minnesota’s first Black-owned bank and a Minority Depository Institution, First Independence Bank is expanding...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Reverend James Stacey, Minister of Unity South Twin Cities in Bloomington, joins Freddie Bell for the Community Builders Series to discuss the power of community building through service, compassion, and shared purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership, Rev. Stacey shares how the simple question, "How can we help?" has guided his congr...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Natalia Terfa joins Freddie Bell to discuss her new book, It All Counts . Drawing from her experiences as a pastor, writer, and community member, Terfa explores how ordinary moments, relationships, and daily choices can carry profound meaning, even when life feels overwhelming. She shares insights on cultivating hope, paying attention to what matters most, and finding pur...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Anika Robbins, Founder and CEO of the ANIKA Foundation, joins Chantel Sings to discuss Juneteenth Minnesota 2026: A Family Celebration, taking place June 19 at the Minnesota State Capitol. The free, family-friendly event commemorates the 160th anniversary of emancipation while celebrating Black history, culture, music, and community through live performances, educational...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, best-selling author, poet, and journalist Clint Smith joins Freddie Bell to discuss his acclaimed book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America and his upcoming appearance as the featured speaker at the Minnesota Humanities Center's Juneteenth Brunch. Smith reflects on why confronting the history of slavery is essential to understandi...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Helen Ferraro and Patrick Bass join Freddie Bell to discuss the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. The event brings together community organizations, local leaders, Black-owned businesses, artists, performers, and resource providers for an afternoon focused on empowerment, education, culture, and connection. Attendees can enjoy live music,...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kia Bratz, Manager of Marketing Events at Mystic Lake Hotel Casino, joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview The Great Midwest Rib Fest, taking place June 25–27 in Prior Lake. She discusses the family-friendly event featuring award-winning pitmasters from across the country, free live entertainment, food vendors, and the opportunity for attendees to vote for their...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Shawna Frazier and Fola Badwas join Chantel Sings to discuss The Next Chapter Home Tour , a special event designed to help individuals and families explore downsizing, right-sizing, and new construction options with confidence. Shawna explains why more homeowners are reconsidering what they need in a home and shares common questions people have about building new, financi...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and producer Leonard Searcy, alongside acclaimed producer Brenda Gilbert joins Freddie Bell to discuss MegaMiXer 2026 , a three-day event bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals from across film, television, music, sports, fashion, and media. Leonard shares how MegaMiXer was created to open doors, cre...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Minnesota Realtor Shawna Frazier joins Freddie Bell to discuss The Next Chapter Home Tour , a special event designed to help individuals and families explore downsizing, right-sizing, and new construction options with confidence. Shawna explains why more homeowners are reconsidering what they need in a home and shares common questions people have about building new, finan...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Basketball Hall of Famer & Big3 coach Nancy Lieberman and Prostate Cancer Foundation President & CEO Gina Carithers join Freddie Bell to discuss a powerful new partnership between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league aimed at saving lives through early prostate cancer detection. They explain the “Check the Box! Saving Lives Together...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Malik Rucker, founding Executive Director of V3 Sports, joined Freddie Bell for the "Community Builders Series" to discuss his North Minneapolis roots and the experiences that inspired his mission to invest in the community through health, wellness, and opportunity. A fifth-generation Northsider, Rucker reflected on the vision behind V3 Sports and how the organization has...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Reverend William Pierce and Sannia Eliza joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview the 3rd Annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota Pageant, celebrating Black excellence, leadership, and the historical significance of Juneteenth. They discussed the pageant’s continued growth, including the addition of Mister and Mr. Juneteenth divisions and new age categories, bringing tog...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, LaVina Branscomb joined Chantel Sings to share how her North Minneapolis roots and personal journey have shaped her work as a multimedia artist blending graphic design, painting, digital art, and community storytelling. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Branscomb turned to art as a source of healing and transformed that experience into a mission to spread joy, upl...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala of AARP Minnesota joined Chantel Sings to review key outcomes from the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and discuss bipartisan efforts to improve financial security and quality of life for older adults. Haapala highlighted new legislation banning cryptocurrency kiosks beginning August 1, citing their growing use in scams and the difficulty victims face recov...