For nearly four decades, MPR News reporter Dan Gunderson told stories that remind us how much meaning can be found in everyday life. He’s covered floods and farming, faith and politics, the changing landscape of rural communities — and the people who live there.  

But what’s made Dan’s work so memorable isn’t just what he’s covered. It’s how he’s covered it — with patience, curiosity, and a deep respect for the people he meets along the way. 

Now, after 38 years with MPR News, Dan is retiring. At an event in Moorhead in late October, MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talked with Gunderson about storytelling, some of the people he’s met over the years and what he’s discovered about Minnesota along the way. 

Guest:

• Dan Gunderson is a reporter based in Moorhead. He covers general news for a wide swath of western Minnesota and eastern North Dakota with a focus on the environment, agriculture and Indian Country. He has reported for MPR News since 1987.

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  2025 Dan Gunderson, longtime MPR journalist and master Minnesota storyteller, retires
  
  


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  2025 Minnesota minister rediscovers his faith among people in need
  
  


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  2025 In this west-central Minnesota town, fiddle jams draw players from ages 3 to 86
  
  


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  2025 Minnesota woman on a quest to preserve stories of disappearing towns
  
  


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  2025 ‘Loon lady’ turns passion into action to protect Minnesota’s iconic bird
  
  


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  2011 Researchers investigating movement of black bears into new habitats
  
  


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  2007 Moorhead orchestra students rock
  
  


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  2001 The land of the dancing tractors
  
  

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.