AM 950

Bill Corbett is a former writer for MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 and also a performer on the show, providing the voice of the robot Crow (v.2.0) and playing various other strange characters — including the all-powerful but clueless alien The Observer (a.k.a. “Brain Guy”).

Corbett is also a screenwriter and playwright. Corbett’s screenplay STARSHIP DAVE, co-written with Rob Greenberg, was made into the movie MEET DAVE starring Eddie Murphy, released by 20th Century Fox. His plays have been produced internationally. Corbett’s comedy THE BIG SLAM has been produced at numerous theaters across the U.S., including Woolly Mammoth in Washington, D.C.; ACT in Seattle; and actor Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea, Michigan. Other plays include HATE MAIL, THE STUFF OF DREAMS, and his comic book holiday mashup SUPER-POWERED-REVENGE CHRISTMAS #1.

Laurie Fitz invites international law scholars Fionnuala Ní Aoláin and Philippe Sands to Connections Radio to untangle the complexities of protecting human rights during global crises. The discussion bridges major geopolitical events, from the fallout of the Iraq War to the Chagos Islands dispute, with the grassroots resilience of everyday citizens protesting right here in Minnesota. They also explore how literature and storytelling can powerfully communicate the human realities of these conflicts when traditional courts and legal frameworks fall short.

Paul Metsa invites filmmakers Greg Mitchell and Lynn Goldfarb to the show to unpack the making of their recent documentary. The conversation traces the historical crossroads where the lives and works of folk singer Woody Guthrie and author John Steinbeck intersected during the Great Depression. They share the logistical realities of securing archival footage and producing historical films without outside funding.

To start this week’s show, I discuss my recent “Trans 101” workshop for the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and address a right-wing hit piece by Alpha News attacking my inclusivity work. I also share my thoughts on a conservative legal center labeling my training “abhorrent.” Later, I am joined by journalist and author Julie Kliegman to discuss her new book exploring the life of transgender tennis pioneer Renée Richards, including Renée’s groundbreaking fight to compete in the 1977 US Open and her complex legacy in today’s trans sports debate. Finally, I wrap up the episode with some positive news bites, covering Senator Ed Markey’s primary victory in Massachusetts and a crucial federal court ruling protecting transgender athletes in California.

Laura Hedlund visits with Caroline Hallstrom, Laura Steinkopf, and Kate Guiney to explore how communities are teaming up to build resilient local food networks. You will hear the inspiring stories behind grassroots mutual aid projects like the Noko Rebel Gardeners and the We Feed Us program. The conversation wraps up with a preview of the upcoming Twin Cities Maker Fest and practical ways to get involved in supporting these neighborhood initiatives.

You can be excellent at what you do and still be overlooked.

Why? Because expertise that cannot be found, understood, trusted, or referred has limited leverage.

In this episode of the *Do Different Better Show*, Y. Elaine Rasmussen explores reputation and visibility as strategic assets. You’ll learn how credibility reduces risk, why being known is different from being strategically known, and how to make your work easier to understand, hire, fund, and recommend.

This is not about becoming internet-famous.

It is about becoming visible enough that the right people know what you do—and credible enough that they trust you to do it.

Step into the Zen Lab with Busshō Lahn for an inviting look at mindfulness and the human experience. You’ll practice a simple guided breathing exercise and hear the unexpectedly funny story of how Busshō bought his very first meditation cushion. We wrap up with practical resources like a hand-washing ritual to help anchor your daily routine.

Philip, Austin, and Matt swap their favorite deep-fried memories and crowd-dodging strategies from the Minnesota State Fair. They also share a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton’s legacy of advocacy, though fans will be relieved to know the country legend is actually still alive and well despite the premature memorial. They close with a look at recent political maneuvers impacting mail-in ballots and a reminder for listeners to secure their votes early.

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp kick off September’s Recovery Month with an inside look at the upcoming Walk for Recovery. They dig into the value of peer-to-peer services for navigating substance use disorder while highlighting the massive network of local organizations supporting the community. You’ll also get a practical rundown of the September 12th gathering at the Minnesota State Capitol, covering everything from the food truck lineup to the bouncy house rules. Learn more at: https://www.minnesotarecovery.org/walk/