AM 950

This episode originally aired October 5, 2026:

On this episode of Boldly Challenging Ableism, host Katrina Simons speaks with artist and self-advocate Thomas Robinson. Thomas shares his journey as a leader in disability advocacy and how art plays a role in amplifying his voice. Their conversation highlights the power of self-advocacy and the importance of challenging ableism in everyday life.

In part two of our conversation with YIMBY director and housing advocate Leora Tanjuatco Ross, we dig deeper into the U.S. housing shortage and focus on the power of individual action. This episode shows how a single person can make a meaningful impact in the push for more housing. Links below will help you get started.

Check us out at therecollab.com

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Firstly, check out YIMBY’s Website for all YIMBY info and to become a member for access to chat with other advocates.

At Twin Cities YIMBY you can find information on how to take action—such as contacting officials and signing petitions—as well as details on local meetings and events.

Find a Saint Paul City Council Meeting to attend, apply to be on a board or committee, and view previous/upcoming meeting minutes HERE.

Find a Minneapolis City Council Meeting to attend, apply to be on a board or committee, and view previous/upcoming meeting minutes HERE.

ZAZZLE/YIMBY SWAG!!:

Legalize Housing T-shirt

As a refresher:

YIMBY: “Yes-In-My-Backyard”

A movement that advocates for increased housing development. Supporters favor higher-density housing in urban areas as a way to address housing shortages. Those who identify as YIMBYs support relaxed zoning regulations and the construction of more compact housing to promote walkable cities and improved public services.

NIMBY: “Not-In-My-Backyard”

This opposing stance to YIMBY resists new development in one’s own neighborhood.

Zoning:

Zoning is a set of regulations drafted at the federal level that defines what may be built on a specific parcel of land. These rules determine, for example, how many residential units are allowed per acre and the permitted size or height of buildings. This helps cities manage growth and land use.

~More about Zoning Here

What are ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and a JADUs (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit)?:

Both are smaller, independent housing units situated on the same property as a primary home and intended to increase housing availability/provide greater residential flexibility.

Extras:

Leora’s Substack

Read How Burrowing Owls Lead to Vomiting Anarchists (Or SF’s Housing Crisis Explained):

You can also find the book on google books or via Amazon.

REC Bog

What does Legalize Housing Mean?

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Matt Berna @ TruStone Home Mortgage

Ben Feldman @ Active Insurance Solutions

REC’s website

Find REC on YouTube

Philip speaks with Minnesota Rep. Nathan Coulter, who represents District 51B, which encompasses a majority of eastern Bloomington, Minnesota. On this episode we discuss his political platform and his forthcoming campaign.

NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents in Minneapolis which is why it was not discussed.

Andi Otto, Rina Heisel, and Kelsey Alto confront the heavy reality of recent violence and federal enforcement actions impacting the Minnesota community. They announce the cancellation of the Halfway to Pride celebration to prioritize safety while doubling down on essential mutual aid efforts like the Pride Cultural Arts Center food pantry. The conversation centers on the enduring power of queer joy as an act of resistance and the vital need for neighbors to protect one another through vigilance and shared resources.

#TwinCitiesPride #MinnesotaStrong #MutualAid #QueerJoy #CommunitySafety #PrideAmplified #StandWithMinnesota #HumanRights #Vigilance #Advocacy

This week’s Big Story covers the terrifying ICE raids sweeping the Twin Cities and my concerns regarding the Supreme Court’s recent arguments on transgender student athletes. For the Big Interview, I speak with Becky and Monique, two courageous activists from Carver County who detail how they successfully rallied their community to stop the local Sheriff from signing a contract to house ICE detainees. In News Bites, I report on the Trump administration launching Title IX investigations into schools supporting trans athletes and a massive $45 million donation from MacKenzie Scott to The Trevor Project. Finally, in Random Acts, I reflect on recent speaking engagements and the palpable fear mixed with solidarity I witnessed at a local Spanish Immersion school.

#TransRights #ICERaids #CarverCounty #SCOTUS #LGBTQ #GrassrootsActivism #TitleIX #TrevorProject #Minnesota #TheIllegalTransWoman

In this episode, Caddy and Sarah navigate the challenges of finding hope and calm amidst a chaotic and uncertain world. They share personal strategies for managing stress, from watching Hallmark movies to simply being grateful for “having a glass,” whether it’s half-full or half-empty. With humor and heart, they encourage you to lean on their recovery tools, support their community, and remember that even in the darkest storms, love remains stronger than the wind.

#recoveryrevolution #minnesotarecovery #findinghope #selfcare #communitysupport #recoveryispossible #hallmarkmovies #mentalhealthawareness #staystrong #youareloved

Thjis week Bruce discusses the continued fallout from the murder of Renee Good, the state’s response, and another upcoming potential federal government shutdown in Washington.

Colleen Waterston is joined by productivity coach Ellen Faye to help us move past mid-January resolution guilt and start using our time more intentionally. They dive into why “one size fits all” advice usually fails and how understanding your personal wiring—from your sleep schedule to your personality type—is the real secret to getting things done. From the 80/20 rule to tackling those projects you’ve been sitting on for months, this conversation is all about finding a workflow that actually feels good.

#SortingThroughLife #EllenFaye #ProductivityTips #IntentionalLiving #AM950 #MinnesotaRadio #TimeManagement #ProfessionalOrganizer #GoalSetting #MindfulLiving

Elizabeth Siebenaler, Founder of Pep In My Step, joins host Ken Haglind on “Living Healthy and Aging Well” radio show to share how she’s using her background in physical therapy to provide in-home personal training specifically designed for the senior population. During her years of providing home health physical therapy, Elizabeth witnessed a desperately unmet need for effective, affordable, and ongoing fitness services for older adults—leading her to create Pep In My Step. Skeletal muscle does far more than simply move the body, playing a critical role in overall health and longevity in ways many people don’t realize. Whether you’re homebound, in assisted living, or active and wanting to keep your independence and strength for years to come, Pep In My Step’s personalized services will optimize your health and quality of life. 

For more information visit PepSeniorFitness.com, or call 651-621-9589.

Following last Saturday’s 1/10/26 broadcast, today hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo feature more community members and leaders discussing not only ICE’s recent shooting of a Minneapolis citizen and mother, but also ICE’s ongoing para-military occupation of the Twin Cities area and beyond. We discuss what the essence of connection might mean in the wake of a tragic death and current traumatic times—with Alex Trevino, Rev. Trish Vanni, Rev. Doug Pagitt, and Anthony Signorelli.