Connections Radio

Laurie Fitz catches up with Chris Candido and Suzanne Blum Grundyson to celebrate a decade of Stonewall Sports in the Twin Cities. The guests reflect on the history of the LGBTQIA+ organization, tracing its massive growth from a small kickball league into a welcoming local community of over 3,500 active players. Chris and Suzanne also share event details for their upcoming anniversary gala on September 26th at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Gala dinner and dancing tickets are available through September 1st. Dance party only tickets available through September 24th. AM950 & The Gaily Show are event sponsor Tickets available through Stonewalltwincities.org and navigate to the 10th anniversary gala tab to buy your tickets today,

Long before the national headlines of the 1960s, a transformative battle for civil rights was unfolding right in the streets of Minneapolis. Host Laurie Fitz sits down with author Samuel Freedman, former Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, and Buck Humphrey to uncover the gritty early career and lasting legacy of Hubert Humphrey. You will hear personal family anecdotes alongside historical analysis connecting past victories against local bigotry to today’s ongoing struggles for human rights.

Laurie Fitz sits down with local filmmaker David Howell to discuss his upcoming documentary on the history of Tonka Toys. You will discover the deep Minnesota roots of these indestructible steel trucks, the blue-collar ingenuity of their original designers, and the passionate collectors keeping the brand’s legacy alive today. David also shares behind-the-scenes details of the independent filmmaking process and explains how fans can contribute their own childhood memories to the ongoing project.

Laurie Fitz is joined by Catherine Bushman, Pedra Lander, Madison Rubenstein, and Nell Pierce to explore the beautiful intersection of community building and creativity at the upcoming 35th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair August 1 and 2. You’ll hear deeply personal stories about using art to navigate chronic illness, alongside a candid discussion on how generative AI is impacting the livelihoods of working creatives. They also highlight the interactive art activities available at the fair and the ongoing effort to keep creative spaces accessible to everyone. Learn more about the Powderhorn Art Fair and plan your visit at: https://www.powderhornartfair.com/

Join host Laurie Fitz for a warm, welcoming conversation about building community through the shared love of geography, art, and fantastic beverages. Erikka and Sean Curran share the inspiring journey behind Violet Wine and Spirits, their inviting neighborhood shop in Northeast Minneapolis that feels more like a lively gathering space than a traditional retail store. Pour yourself a glass and discover how a simple bottle of bubbly can spark connections, demystify the wine world, and turn strangers into fast friends.

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Join host Laurie Fitz for a deeply moving tribute honoring the life, enduring light, and legacy of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Through heartfelt stories shared by her closest colleagues and friends, we celebrate the profound kindness and pragmatic leadership she brought to the state. Guests include US Representative Kelly Morrison, Minnesota State Representative Patty Acomb and DFL House Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson. Listen as we honor a truly remarkable public servant whose vision for a better community continues to inspire us all.

Janelle Erickson Senior Marketing & Recruitment Specialist  representing the Master’s in Strategic Communication Program at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the

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Join host Laurie Fitz for a moving conversation with renowned artist Laura Migliorino about the power of visual art to document our shared human experience. They dive deep into Laura’s Ghost Shoe project, a community-driven installation placing painted white shoes around the Twin Cities to mark locations of trauma and spark meaningful dialogue. You’ll hear incredible stories about how public art projects not only honor those we’ve lost but also challenge us to build a more connected and compassionate community.

#ConnectionsRadio #LaurieFitz #LauraMigliorino #ArtAsRemembrance #GhostShoeProject #PublicArt #TwinCitiesArt #SocialPracticeArt #CommunityHealing #MinnesotaArtists