Connections Radio

Laurie Fitz visits with the incredibly talented songwriter and advocate Joe Begalkie to dive into the beautiful ways music helps us celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. Joined by music producer Mark Worple and nurse Kelly, the group shares the heartfelt story behind Joe’s song “Side by Side” and explains why shifting the focus from simple awareness to true acceptance is so vital. From Joe’s award-winning journey in Nashville to his hands-on work training local police in Red Wing, you’ll hear how these deep connections are breaking down stigmas and building a much more inclusive community for everyone.

#AutismAcceptanceMonth #ConnectionsRadio #JoeBegalkie #SideBySide #MusicHeals #Neurodiversity #RedWingMN #LaurieFitz #AutismAdvocacy #CommunityConnections

Join Laurie Fitz as she explores the power of community art with the St. Paul Art Collective and their beautiful new “Draw Together” coloring book project. You’ll hear from local artists about why creating a space for kids to feel seen and safe is more important than ever. We’re also looking ahead to the 2026 St. Paul Art Crawl, so mark your calendars for three full weekends of local talent and inspiration! April 10–12 for Wards 1, 3, and 4; April 17–19 for Ward 2; and April 24–26 to explore Wards 5, 6, and 7. Learn more at: https://stpaulartcollective.org/spac-spring-art-crawl-2026/

#StPaulArtCollective #DrawTogether #MinnesotaArtists #CommunityArt #ArtCrawl2026 #SupportLocalArt #LaurieFitz #ConnectionsRadio #ArtHealing #StPaulMN

Laurie Fitz highlights March’s Women’s History Month by interviewing three leaders at Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Grete La-Vrenz, current President PRSA MN, is with Carmichael Lynch Relate her role is an integrated communications and public relations agency leader. Dr. Betsy Anderson, Immediate Past President, PRSA MN  — is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Bethel University. And Emily Tackaberry, President Elect PRSA MN , serves as Director of Global Corporate Communications at Boston Scientific. Together we explore the journey of leadership and the role of mentorship. For more information on Minnesota PRSA – go to MinnesotaPRSA.org

We are grateful for the efforts of Kit Bix, our producer of the Jewish Voices series. Laurie is joined by Co-host John Orenstein who is Co-Chair of J Street Minnesota and our guests include Offir Gutelzon Co-founder of UnXeptable and David Meyers who is a member of the UnXeptable Leadership Team. For more information on this group and their goals  go to https://www.unxeptable.org/

Host Laurie Fitz engages in conversations with Prime Productions about their World Premiere of ABUELITA – by Nathan Yungerberg –  and directed by Shay Cage – the show will be playing at the Capri Theatre March 14th through the 29th. More information can be found about the play at PrimeProds.org. ABUELITA is a great story and celebration! A story of love, community and belonging. Listen in for insights shared by the playwright Nathan Yungerberg, director Sha Cage and actors:  Skyler Seiler, Gabi Del Moral, King Jackson, Mary Gant, Adlyn Carreras, & Pedro R. Bayon.

Laurie Fitz sits down with the team behind the Great American Think-off in New York Mills, Minnesota, to dive into the art of civil discourse. They’re tackling this year’s massive question—whether our constant pursuit of happiness is actually making us miserable—and chatting with past winners about how deep thinking can bring a community together. If you’ve got an opinion on the American experiment and want to sharpen your debate skills, listen in to find out how you can submit your own essay before the April deadline.

#ConnectionsRadio #GreatAmericanThinkOff #CivilDiscourse #NewYorkMills #PursuitOfHappiness #MinnesotaCulture #PhilosophyDebate #CommunityConversation #CriticalThinking #LaurieFitz

Laurie Fitz and Co-host Rick Bernardo explore the work of the Liberia Career Pathways. Guests include Kenety Gee, Executive Director, Connector Judy Poss, and Board Members: Dr. John Wulu, Professor and retired from Government, Dr. Henry Taylor, retired medical school professor – John Hopkins, Tim Beacon – CEO of Medical Aid International and Emily Anderson – Vice President and Municipal Services Manager at Halff Engineering. Liberia Career Pathways is an initiative designed to bridge gaps in the nation’s education and workforce systems by providing students with career exploration, mentorship, and in-school clubs. It aims to align education with economic needs in sectors like healthcare and education. For more information on Liberia Career Pathways go to https://liberiacareerpathways.org/

Laurie Beth Fitz and Rick Bernardo join special guests for our “Love Letters to Minnesota” broadcast. Join us as we celebrate the artistry of Ali Daniels’ photo that touched the world, Kenety Gee’s immigrant perspective and grateful editorial in the Pioneer Press, organizer Danielle who encouraged a “love forward” to support the needs of our neighbors, Susan Shehata who shared insights into the process of working through community trauma, Terry Gips who shares about sustainability and our future generation’s commitment, and Minnesota-raised Sandra Thomas, now living in Atlanta, shares about her journey of Civil Rights awareness and her growing-ever appreciation for the incredible Minnesotan spirit to stand up to power and do what’s right. This show brings inspiring people, heartening actions, and life-giving energies shining light in our MN winter. – www.SusanShehata.com / www.AforS.org / www.LiberiaCareerPathways.org / Music from www.TimSparks.com and www.BruceSpringsteen.net

As part of the Connections Radio “Jewish Voices Series” host Laurie Fitz joins Journalist Sheree Curry and Dr. Yohuru Williams – a distinguished University Chair and Professor of History & Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. The discussion includes Dr. Williams participation as a featured expert on the 2026 PBS special Black & Jewish America: An Interwoven History – airing in February 2026. The program also delves into Dr. Williams’ own work and perspective of Black- Jewish relationships historically starting from the Civil Rights era and then moving onto the question of where things stand today and potentially the future. Special thanks to Kit Bis as Co-Producer of the “Jewish Voices Series”.

As part of the Connections Radio “Jewish Voices Series” host Laurie Fitz joins Journalists Sheree Curry and Robin Washington for the 1st of 2 broadcasts on “Blacks and Jews”. This week’s focus –  “A Conversation on Truth, Freedom & Justice.”,Special thanks to Kit Bix for her work and support as Co-Producer of the Jewish Voices Series

Sheree R. Curry with Laurie Fitz and Kit Bix welcome Robin Washington to Connections Radio.