Legacy Matters

Tonja Engen has made a name for herself in the food world. The author of “Tonja’s Table” , she loves taking the stress and confusion out of cooking for the average person. A self-taught cook, Tonja shares some of her favorite dishes with us and walks us down memory lane with stories of family and food. Take a peak at her tips and tricks in the kitchen on her blog or in her book . She’s in the heig...

Spooks and ghouls, ghosts and goblins! The crew welcomes horror movie buff and University of Minnesota undergrad Ellie Johnson to talk all things scary. Sarah and Jim were in their element as they welcomed Ellie into the fold to explore favorite horror movies, books and characters. Ellie certainly knows her film history, sharing historical context and influences that shape the horror genre today....

Lily Shaw is a community builder. We first met Lily during our 1 Million Cups Presentation in St Paul back in May, where she previously served as the Director of External Relations at the James J. Hill Center. Lily has since transitioned to the Director of Customer Experience for Startup Space , an app-based eco-system to help start-ups access what they need at the right stage. The topic of “respo...

Meeting Stephanie Hansen is like catching up with an old friend - one you may not have seen in forever but can instantly establish a running rapport with little effort. The crew welcomed Stephanie in to talk a little food (she is an expert, after all), the MN State Fair, revamping an old camper van, and some favorite Horror movies. Stephanie is a natural podcaster, hosting the Minnesota Makers pod...

For Round 2 of Legacy Matters LIVE, The Lighter and Darker Stories of Life, we welcomed back Musician/Singer/Songwriter Venus DeMars along with her wife Author/Poet Lynette Reini-Grandell . Both read excerpts from their upcoming memories, along with original works by Lynette and a musical performance by Venus. It was a real treat having both on stage with the team as we talked life-shaping events,...

Musician Molly Maher has an infectious warmth and charm that easily makes her a fast friend. The Legacy Matters crew welcomed her into the studio to discuss a little music, her history in St. Paul, and starting out in Dinkeytown in a guitar shop. She is a prolific singer/songwriter with her band Molly Maher and her Disbelievers . Molly also shares her important work with Project Koru , empowering...

Community builder Husniyah Dent Bradley joined Jim and Sam for a conversation about volunteerism and social advocacy in the Twin Cities. Husniyah has spent her educational and adult years being an active and engaged community member. From running for the Minnesota State House in Sam's district to mentoring young adults through various programs, Husniyah gives back in ways both big and small. —————...

Sam, Jim and Sarah regroup for a podcast with just the three of us. We talk a little Halloween, favorite candy and Fall activities, and mourn the loss of rock legends Eddie Money and Rick Ocasek . We also delve into Sam’s art thief capabilities while Sarah laments on her lack of ownership of a James Holmberg original. And, Sam’s handcrafted and handmade Wanigans . ————————————- Learn how the Andel...

You cannot be in a room with restaurateur/entrepreneur Kieran Folliard without laughing so hard your stomach hurts. His infectious charm, Irish wit, and ample stories make for one enjoyable podcast. Kieran shares some telling stories from his youth in Ireland, his transition to America and various successes with The Local, Kieran’s Pub and 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey , along with his latest venture -...

The Legacy Matters crew welcome prolific Singer/Songwriter Dan Israel into the studio. Just shy of the release of his 15th studio album, Social Media Anxiety Disorder , Dan shares his musical journey with deep roots in Minnesota. What particular challenges does a musician face in today’s climate and how do you stay true to your passion despite many obstacles in the way? With a true sense of purpos...

Punk legend Chris Osgood and his band The Suicide Commandos are music staples - one of a handful of seminal punk rock bands in the world. In our wide ranging conversation, Sam and Jim delve deeper into the many worlds of Chris - as wine importer and fly fisherman, among other pursuits. We also chat about his lasting impact on the arts, music and more. Join Jim and Sam as they are mesmerized by a t...

Part 2 of our chat with journalist, environmental activist, and investigative reporter Don Shelby . The Legacy Matters Podcast crew delves into Don as father and husband, his work for The Geoversiv Foundation to champion stewardship of the environment, and heirloom artifacts returned to their original homes. Don approaches each topic with his characteristic wit, charm and humor. We hope you enjoy!...

Journalist Don Shelby is a Minnesota Institution. His work for over 40 years as anchor, investigative reporter and environmental correspondent at WCCO-TV and WCCO-AM in the Twin Cities not only made him a household name, but a familiar face in living rooms across the Midwest. After retiring from WCCO, Don continued to pursue his passions, most recently as climate activist and environmental steward...

Singer, songwriter, trailblazer and founder of the band All the Pretty Horses , Venus DeMars joined the Legacy Matters crew to talk music, life and legacy. Authentic, real and endearing, Venus has forged a successful path ahead despite many challenges. Her life story will soon be chronicled in an upcoming memoir, “Trouble”, a work-in-progress glam-punk, trans-rock love story. We thoroughly enjoyed...

The crew welcomes John Pelant and Micky Alfano from the band Night Moves to the podcast. Fresh off recording their latest release “Can You Really Find Me?” , John and Micky share the adventures of studio recording in Texas and the ensuing van rides, random stories from shopping at Target, their favorite tequila, and European tour plans. We also tackle the impending question - are you Bob Seger fan...

Musician Paul Boblett is a man everyone seems to know. A long time fixture, he has deep roots in the MN music scene. His talents extend to the next generation, with daughter Faith Boblett currently enjoying her time in the spotlight (check out Episode 24 for our podcast with Faith! ). Join us as we chat with Paul and Faith about how they got their musical start, the joy of music, and Paul’s curren...

The Legacy Matters crew tackles the bigger issues in life with our guest Dr. Carl Trovall , Associate Professor - Richard J. Dinda professor of Lutheran Identity and Mission at the College of Arts and Sciences at Concordia University in Austin, Texas. How can we find greater meaning in our lives and what role does - or can - religion play? An avid reader, educator and philosopher, Carl tackles oth...

We are in the midst of the Minnesota State Fair and have a very special guest to mark this special occasion. The Legacy Matters crew welcomes photographer RJ Kern , chosen to create this year’s Commemorative Artwork for the Minnesota State Fair and creator of the “Best of the Best” series which chronicles the prize winning animals from 2018. RJ is the first photographer to achieve such honor and i...

Jenna Redfield from the Twin Cities Collective joins the crew to talk about marketing, self promotion and protecting the future from ourselves. How should a brand or small business best present themselves in today's digital age? We also delve into some fun stories uncovered from Jenna's genealogy search, made possible by modern technology. And, how she relishes acting as the family historian to bu...

A new twist on Legacy Matters today. Sam, Jim and Sarah sit down with author Lester Black to read excerpts from his short story, “Running Dry”, and discuss the stories overarching themes of love and loss. What constitutes truth and commitment in a marriage - and how do life’s unexpected moments shape the future of a couple? Heavy issues - and we by no means solve them - but are slowly and intricat...

Our live podcast from the 331 Club in NE Minneapolis, featuring guests Jess Filiaggi, Aaron Seymour and Lazerbeak sharing the lighter and darker stories of life. Our very first "live" podcast, we had a blast on stage at one of our favorite Twin Cities haunts - the 331 club - and a big thank you to all of those who came out to support us. Learn how the Andelin App helps preserve, prepare and share...

Laurie Lindeen came in to chat with the Legacy Matters crew about life, legacy and her transition from rocker to creative writing professor. Her seemingly lighthearted nature belies a sharp wit as she shares “adventures” of her youth and growing up in Madison WI. From a star on the famous First Avenue wall in Minneapolis for her all-women rock band, Zuzu's Petals, to turning her memoir - Petal Pus...

Lindsay Guentzel is a face - a voice - you all know. A seasoned radio veteran, you will recognize Lindsay from CBS Radio, Major League Baseball, KFAN, FOX Sports North and Minnesota United FC. She begins the next chapter in her career by exploring her love of food and creating welcoming spaces for people to celebrate. Lindsay and Jim also talk to joys of Crystal MN and all that the neighborhood ha...

How do we share our story today - our life legacy - in an age of transitory communication via jumbled platforms? If we are not being sold something, our information is being sold to someone. Honoring precious memories deserves a better home, thus sparking the creation of the Andelin App . The Legacy Matters crew formed with this goal in mind back in late 2017. How can we create a safe, private, be...

The Legacy Matters team welcomes singer, creative, owner and entrepreneur Amy Buchanan to the podcast to discuss life and legacy. Amy is the true definition of a “doer of things”. Owner of the fantastically whimsical curiosity and antique shop, The Center for Lost Objects , Amy has created a warm and welcoming space in the heart of St. Paul. Visitors to the store are treated to her first-hand know...