Minnesota ranks No. 1 in the nation for funding of the arts - 'The Legacy Fund' also funds waters and wildlife preservation, joining land and culture together in a joint effort to protect and share what makes our state so special. I take a peak into Bemidji's Watermark Art Center with Executive Director Lori Forshee-Donnay to learn more about how small towns are showcasing big art.

I head deep into the heart of the Chippewa National Forest with Matt Breuer of North Country Guides in search of the elusive Morel Mushroom. With the music of song birds singing all around us as we pause during our hunt, Matt shares info on how and where to find Morels, his opinion on why people are so secretive about their patches and debunks some of those wives tales.

What is Between Two Paddles Podcast

"I Interview the founder of Big Foot Days in Remer, MN. Marc Ruyak claims that Remer is the home of big foot and has even trademarked it so. Is he just trying to cash in on the business or is he a true believer? You might be surprised. Listen in to hear the history behind why Remer, MN, truly is the home of Big Foot."

Part 2 - Professor, Author and Cultural Teacher Dr. Anton Treuer speaks to the recent ruling by administrative law judge Anne O'Reilly: either replace line 3 in its current location (across the Leech Lake Reservation) or do nothing.

Line 3 Pipeline Replacement - how much do you know? The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will decide in June whether or not to allow Enbridge the necessary permits to begin construction. It's a hot topic in the northland and we were curious about some things; who will it affect? How much oil do we really use? What are the alternative energy sources? How many jobs might it provide?

So we turned to professor, author and cultural teacher Anton Treuer to help shed light on some of these questions.

Photo: Sign marking the pipeline on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation in Bena, Minnesota. Credit: Kim Shelton

Who knew the World Champion fastest beaver skinner lives right here in Minnesota? I meet up with Kay Bachman in her home over a cup of coffee as she tells the story of how it all came to be.