River Radio

Jim talks to Craig Fehrman , author of the new book “This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis and Clark,” about additional details he’s uncovered about this historic adventure (3:00). Gayle gets a fresh batch of summer book recommendations from Literary Fairy Godmother Pamela Klinger-Horn (28:30). Plus and update of local news (51:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Craig...

Gayle talks with Cameron Hewitt , travel guidebook writer for Rick Steves’ Europe, about his best tips for travelers heading into the busy season (3:00). Jim discusses environmentally-friendly yard and garden ideas with Angie Hong , coordinator of Minnesota’s East Metro Water Education Program (30:00). Plus an update of local news (50:30).  Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Came...

In a time when legal matters are at the forefront, Jim and Gayle welcome two of Minnesota’s most prominent legal figures. This show features conversations with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison about the follow-up to ICE’s Minnesota incursion and his office’s ongoing challenges to Trump administration actions (3:15); and U.S. District Judge John Tunheim , one of many federal judges at the c...

Gayle speaks with Stacy Smith , DNR Acquisition and Development Program Supervisor, about plans to address the inadvertent draining of Lake Alice in William O’Brien State Park (3:45). Jim discusses efforts to reverse a mining ban now in effect in the Superior National Forest, next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with Kevin Proescholdt , Conservation Director, Wilderness Watch (24:00)...

Gayle explores the lives of Minnesota residents who are afraid to leave their homes, speaking with a Latin American native who is reluctant to leave her Minnesota home (3:30). Jim talks to Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about threats to a free and fair election in November (13:30). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Maria, immigrant in Minnesota  Steve Simon, Minnesota...

River Radio’s focus turns local this week. Jim talks with Dr. Curtis Windham , Executive Director, Marine Village School (1:45). Gayle learns about what it takes to put on Christ Lutheran Church’s Swedish (Lutefisk) Dinner from Cheryl Reinitz (24:00) and Mark Rossi (34:15). Plus a news update (46:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Dr. Curtis Windham, Executive Director, Mari...

In this special episode, Jim and Gayle explore the rapid escalation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities across Minnesota. Guests include St. Paul City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim detailing what’s happening in her area of the city (3:00); Washington County Board Commissioners Fran Miron and Bethany Cox talking about ICE activities in our area (20:00); and immigration at...

Jim talks to Paris-based journalist Julia Belluz , co-author of “Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes Us and Harms Us" (1:40); Gayle talks to recently retired Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema about his fascinating life reviewing food and restaurants (23:00). Also included is an update of local news (51:45). Matt Quast is technical director.  This Week’s Guests Jul...

Jim talks to author Jack El-Hai about his book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” the basis of the current movie NUREMNERG (3:00); Gayle gets a list of holiday book recommendations from local literary fairy godmother Pamela Klinger-Horn (28:00). Also included is an update of local news (51:00). Matt Quast is technical director.  This Week’s Guests Jack El-Hai, Author , The Nazi and the Psychiatrist...

Jim and Gayle update the local environmental scene, including the latest on the status of Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park after the lake’s unintentional draining in August. Guests include DNR Resource and Asset Management Official Kelli Bruns (2:30); Greg Seitz , founder of the weekly online newsletter and email St. Croix 360 (17:30); and Laurie Schneider , Founder and Program Director, P...

Jim and Gayle welcome longtime Minnesota Star Tribune political reporter and columnist, and River Radio political roundtable member Lori Sturdevant for an extended discussion. They talk about her newest book, Martin Sabo: The Making of the Modern Legislature . The conversation continues with Lori’s take on the current political environment. Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guest Lori...

Gayle speaks with author David Hakensen about his new book, HER PLACE IN THE WOODS: THE LIFE OF HELEN HOOVER (3:30). Jim discusses the state of the farm economy today with agricultural journalist Brian DeVoer of the Land Stewardship Project (25:00). Plus, an update of local news (47:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests David Hakensen, Author, Her Place in The Woods: The Life o...

Gayle speaks with Valley Bookseller's Pamela Klinger-Horn about her top choices for summer reads across all genres (2:00). Jim interviews author Jack Fairweather about his new book, THE PROSECUTOR, detailing the the story of a gay, Jewish judge who survived the Nazis and made it his mission to force his countrymen to confront their complicity in the genocide (22:30). We also receive an update...

Jim welcomes back U.S. District Judge and St. Croix Valley resident, Hon. John Tunheim, to discuss the federal courts’ amplified role in today’s political environment (2:30). Gayle talks with Rosie Peters, Dakota poet, author, storyteller, activist and business owner about her life’s journey (25:00). Plus an update of local news (51:30). Matt Quast is Technical Director.  This Week’s Guests Hon. J...

Jim discusses the shaky state of the economy and markets with Chris Farrell , senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Ross Levin of Accredited Investors Wealth Management (2:00). Gayle explores the safety net’s future with Nancy Altman , Founder and President of Social Security Works (28:00). Plus an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is Technical Director.  This Week’s Guests Chris...

Gayle talks with Pennsylvania resident Grant Grissom about his full-page ad in the Sunday New York Times asking President Trump to resign (2:30). Jim discusses the first months of the second Trump administration with roundtable guests Lori Sturdevant of the Star Tribune; political veteran Doug Kelley ; and national political editor Brian Gruis (20:00). Plus an update of local news (53:00). Matt Qu...

Host Jim Maher discusses the state of the Russia-Ukraine war and the changing geopolitical landscape with Slate’s national security columnist Fred Kaplan (2:00). Host Gayle Knutson explores the Guthrie Theater’s new production of Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP with local actor Monette Magrath , one of the show’s stars (30:00). Also included is an update of local news (50:00). Matt Quast is techni...

Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher welcome Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for an extended conversation about legal action by Ellison and other state Attorneys General against the Trump administration and current threats to America’s constitutional order (4:00). Also included is an update of local news (44:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guest Keith Ellison, Minnesota At...

Host Gayle Knutson speaks with guidebook author and PBS travel guide  Rick Steves about his travel adventures before he became famous, documented in Rick’s new book, “On The Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer (4:00). Host Jim Maher speaks with Ann Fourt, author and American expat living in Ecuador, about the ins and outs of moving to a different country (23:00)....

Host Jim Maher speaks with scientist Kris Hansen to learn more about 3M's mishandling and deception of "forever chemicals" like PFAS (3:45). Host Gayle Knutson finds out more about Washington County's new environmental center, a place for area residents to drop hazardous waste, from Adam Frederick, engineering program supervisor (27:00). Also included is an update of local news...

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson explore what lies ahead as the Trump administration pursues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Guests include Twin Cities immigration attorney Marc Prokosch (3:00) about how the process works today and what changes may lie ahead; and Mexican immigrant Juventino Meza (24:30), who shares his experiences as a participant in the Deferred Action for Childhood Ar...

With the holidays approaching, hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson focus on books. Jim speaks with John Vaillant , author of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist for general nonfiction, Fire Weather, an account of a tragic massive Canadian wildfire and the potential consequences resulting from climate change (4:15). Gayle sits down again with Valley Bookseller’s Pamela Klinger-Horn to talk about her top...

The replay of a live two-hour River Radio election night special. Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson provided results on local races. Lori Sturdevant of the Minnesota Star Tribune and River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis provided analysis of state and national races. Also included were interviews with Marine on St. Croix Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis, and newly-elected Marine City Council membe...

Host Gayle Knutson talks with filmmaker Mary Mazzio about her documentary, BAD RIVER, dealing with challenges to an existing Enbridge oil pipeline on tribal lands near Lake Superior (4:00). BAD RIVER screens at Marine Documentary Night on November 7. Also, host Jim Maher speaks with Peg Furshong and Sarah Mooradian of CURE, a rural-based Minnesota grass-roots environmental organization opposing th...

Host Jim Maher conducts a conversation with the political roundtable, including Minnesota Star Tribune contributor Lori Sturdevant , River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis and Doug Kelley , former chief of staff to Sen. Dave Durenberger and one-time Republican candidate for Governor. (3:00). Host Gayle Knutson talks with Mindy Godding, a certified professional organizer, about managing...