This beautiful show was recorded live in December 2025, just prior to the surge escalating here is MN – Minnesota’s delightful First Lady Gwen Walz shares her love of teaching and the students who nurtured her, the transformational experiences that propelled Gwen and her husband Tim into a life of politics AND “the call” from Kamala Harris that unleashed a whirlwind 90 days of stump speeches, rallies and dog parks. Musical guest Chastity Brown brings us powerful songs that express anger for love’s sake, that break through the walls we’ve built around ourselves and that ultimately implore us to just Say It. Rev. Ingrid Rasmussen embodies grace as she answers the call to step up as a leader both for the community during the immigration raids and for a growing clergy coalition calling for an end to weapons of war in our neighborhoods. Zippy Laske and violinist DGS perform a stunning new song that underscores the Power of One. Sue Scott and actor Melissa Denton celebrate the strong shoulders we’re standing on. And the audience helps us sing about this little light.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode 45 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Melissa Denton & Sue Scott
• Written by Sue Scott, Melissa Denton & Zippy Laske
• Special Guest is MN First Lady Gwen Walz
• Guest contributor is Rev. Ingrid Rasmussen
• Musical guest is Chastity Brown
• Original songs: “Golden,” “Sing to the Walls” and “Say It,” music & lyrics by Chastity Brown
• “Voice of Reason” music & Lyrics by Zippy Laske & violinist DGS.
• Holiday Medley performance and arrangement by DGS
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Volunteers are Susanne Egli, Carolyn Denton & Doug Anderson 
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Guest research by Marisa Helms
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode 45 opening: Excerpt from “Trouble” music and lyrics by Jonatha Brooke with backup vocals by Laurie Flanigan Hegge.  From our September 2025 show, Episode 44.
• The “Give Back” opportunity for this show, chosen by our guest Gwen Walz, is the 2026 Special Olympics happening here in MN in June. 2026specialolympicsusagames.org 

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Sheila O’Connor’s book, “The Evidence of V: A Novel in Fragments, Facts and Fictions,” is inspired by her search to find the story about her unknown grandmother who was incarcerated in Sauk Centre, MN in 1935 with the sole transgression of being pregnant at 15. Not only did Sheila unearth family secrets that now make sense, but she also discovered a world in which young pregnant girls were treated as criminals, shamed into silence and erased from history.  Musical guest singer/songwriter Jonatha Brooke & playwright Laurie Flanigan Hegge were first introduced by my husband, Ron Peluso, recently retired as the long-time Artistic Director of the History Theatre. Struck by Sheila’s work, he asked if Jonatha and Laurie would be interested in collaborating on a musical bringing to life Sheila’s quest for the truth about V and so many girls like her.  Though they had never met, they immediately bonded through their shared love of Sheila’s commitment to find the evidence of V. We hear songs from their powerful musical that gives V a voice.  Autumn Mason, a doula with the Minnesota Prison Doula Project was originally a client personally experiencing the trauma of incarceration, family separation and prison birth. She shares insights into what is possible now for supporting incarcerated parents.  Plus, reflecting on the rounding up of immigrants, Silvia Pontaza imagines Emma Lazarus’ poem in Spanish and Zippy Laske, with host Sue Scott, brings us an updated “Dear Mitch,” a letter to all the older white guys in power.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #44 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Laurie Flanigan Hegge, Silvia Pontaza, Zippy Laske & Sue Scott
• Written by Sue Scott & Zippy Laske
• Special Guest is Sheila O’Connor
• Guest contributor is Autumn Mason
• Musical guest is Jonatha Brooke with playwright Laurie Flanigan Hegge
• Original songs: “Hymn of Days,” “Matrons of the Wayward,” “Trouble,” “Bastard Nation,” “Solitary,” “Kindness of 15,” “Waltz for June,” “I’ll Take it From Here,” and “Shadows in the Water,” music & lyrics by Jonatha Brooke.  Book by Laurie Flanigan Hegge
• “Dear Mitch” music & Lyrics by Zippy Laske. Spoken word segments written by Sue Scott
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by Lexi Carlson
• Volunteer is Carolyn Denton 
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode #44 opening: Excerpt from “Love Yourself” music and lyrics by Amanda Grace with Tiffany Strande on violin.  From our July 2025 show
• The “Give Back” opportunity for this show, chosen by our guest Sheila O’Connor, is the Minnesota Prison Doula Project.  https://www.mnprisondoulaproject.org/

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In this high-powered show, our special guest Peggy Flanagan, MN’s rock star Lt. Gov. and now US Senate candidate, is a native advocate and bridge builder with resiliency in her bones, who is running to change the system from the inside out. Our buddy, comedian Paula Poundstone is championing solo protesting, responsible flossing and nourishing her rescue cat, Larry, one kibble at a time. Musical guest Amanda Grace shares powerful original songs reminding us that rainbow skies are just behind the clouds, goodness is out there, and that ultimately, we’re all we need. Tiffany Strande joins her on violin. Plus, Silvia Pontaza & Sue Scott cheer on our heroes: teachers, DEI proponents, flood rescuers and Melissa Hortman. LFG!

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #43 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Silvia Pontaza & Sue Scott
• Written by Silvia Pontaza & Sue Scott
• Special Guest is Peggy Flanagan
• Comedian guest is Paula Poundstone
• Musical guest is Amanda Grace with Tiffany Strande joining her on violin
• Original songs: “Give Me Away,” “Rainbow Skies,” “Love Yourself,” “Some Goodness” and “All We Need,” music and lyrics by Amanda Grace 
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by Lexi Carlson
• Volunteers are Carolyn Denton & Doug Anderson
• Guest research by Marisa Helms
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode #43 opening: Excerpt from “It’s Personal” music and lyrics by Zippy Laske from March 2025 show.
• The “Give Back” opportunity for this show, chosen by our guest Peggy Flanagan, is Division of Indian Work.  https://www.diw-mn.org/

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Special guest Marlene Johnson, Minnesota’s first female Lt. Gov., shares navigating her trail blazing life in politics, honing her leadership skills in non-profits and adapting to deep personal challenges, one pivot at a time. Musical guests Follow the Firefly with Phala Tracy on harp, Natalie Nowytski on bass & Scott Keever on guitar, bring us a powerful song honoring Ukraine through a great grandmother’s poem + songs and musical haikus celebrating female strength, autonomy & hot flashes. Aamera Siddiqui tells her story detailing the oh so many “perks of being a diversity hire.” Zippy Laske reminds us, via a stunning new song, that what is happening now is personal. AND Dae Yang & Sue Scott decide that the resistance will be best dressed in hoodies.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #42 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Dae Yang, Zippy Laske & Sue Scott
• Written by Dae Yang, Zippy Laske & Sue Scott
• Special Guest is Marlene Johnson
• Musical guest is Follow the Firefly with Phala Tracy on harp and vocals, Natalie Nowytski on bass and vocals & Scott Keever on guitar.
• Guest Storyteller is Aamera Siddiqui
• Original songs: “Syniv Shukajut” (They Search for Their Sons) Ukrainian, music and lyrics by Natalie Nowytski.  “Inescapable Ridiculous Self,” “Inferno,” “Two Songs Written 20 Years Apart” and “Alone is Better Than Wrong” music and lyrics by Phala Tracy.
• Traditional Bulgarian song: “Liljano, Mome” (Liljana, Young Maiden)
• Original songs: “Guilty by Assumption” and “It’s Personal” music and lyrics by Zippy Laske
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by volunteers Susanne Egli & Doug Anderson
• Guest research by Marisa Helms
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode #42 opening: Excerpt from “7.951 Billion People” music and lyrics by Keri Noble from our December 2024 show.

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Our special guest Sarah Stoesz spent 21 years as the President & CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. She shares her decades long advocacy for women’s rights and reproductive freedom, which started personally and became profound. Musical guest Keri Noble blows us away with original songs that are powerful, gritty and strong. Storyteller Melisa Castino Reid navigates life caring for her daughter Rachel with dedicated riders of the “Bus of Hope.” And Dae Yang, Sue Scott & members of the audience explore what is bringing them strength during this very uncertain time.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #41 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Dae Yang and Sue Scott
• Written by Dae Yang and Sue Scott
• Special Guest is Sarah Stoesz
• Musical guest is Keri Noble
• Guest Storyteller is Melissa Castino Reid
• Original songs: “Hurricane”, “7.951 Billion People” and “Stronger” music and lyrics by Keri Noble
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by Susanne Egli
• Guest research by Marisa Helms
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode #41 opening: Excerpt from “Hand-in-Hand” by Zippy Laske from our October 2024 show.

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We are rallying with Hope and Joy to put this Woman in the White House with this music-filled evening full of motivation to Get Out the VOTE! Special guest, social and political documentarian Mary Beth Yarrow, shares her life’s journey that begins with jumping down a rabbit hole in 1968 for her uncle Gene McCarthy’s run for president and coming out a changed person. Musical guest Rachel Kurtz lets queer kids know that they’re all right with her in light of the anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. Originally from Arizona, Jaspar Lepak sings a passionate plea to her home state to stand up and fight for her and vote for reproductive freedom for all. Zippy Laske has a powerful message for her young daughters in her heart-filled, “Hand in Hand.” Kennadi Hurst brings us to our feet in Tim Levy’s new song “JOY” written just for us for this upcoming election AND Kennadi implores us that NOW is the time to put a woman in charge! Plus, Silvia Pontaza & Sue Scott remind us that when women show up, shit happens! So Please VOTE!

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #40 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Silvia Pontaza and Sue Scott
• Written by Sue Scott
• Special Guest is Mary Beth Yarrow
• Musical guests are Rachel Kurtz, Jaspar Lepak and Kennadi Hurst with Timothy Levy.
• Original songs: “Gay Kids” and “Lioness” by Rachel Kurtz. “Arizona” by Jaspar Lepak. “Hand-in-Hand” by Zippy Laske. “The Ballad of the ERA” By Sue Scott & Jaspar Lepak. 
• “Joy” was commissioned by IODW and written by Timothy Levy. Performed by Kennadi Hurst & cast.
• “Put a Woman in Charge” by Keb Mo’, Beth Nielsen Chapman & John Lewis Parker. Synchronization License granted by: Kevin Moore, Kebnote Music (BMI) c/o Concord Music Group, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Songs of Prismlight Music c/o Karen Schauben Publishing Administration and John Lewis Parker (BMI) c/o Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc.
• Thank you to ERAMN, Women’s March MN, UnRestrict MN & Gender Justice for sharing their Get-out-the-Vote goals on this show!
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by Jared Johnson
• Production assistance by Beth Desotelle & Terry Lynn Carlson
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell
• Episode #40 opening: Excerpt from “Peter” by Katy Vernon with Paul Odegaard on trumpet, performed on our June 2024 show.

The post Ep. 40 Rallying to Win – LIVE – guests Mary Beth Yarrow, Rachel Kurtz, Jaspar Lepak & Kennadi Hurst with Tim Levy! appeared first on Island of Discarded Women live show & podcast.

Special guest Rose McGee, founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie, shares her life changing journey of offering comfort by delivering sweet potato pies to those affected by trauma around the country. Katy Vernon and her female powered band, Favourite Girl, empower and rock us! Plus, Katy sings personally about the mother she lost at 12 and her older brother who knows she’s still there. Storyteller Jen Santoro Rotty, with a new song by Katy, shares a powerful story of adoption, discovery and belonging. AND Shanan Custer & Sue Scott honor, celebrate and recapture flags!

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #39 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Shanan Custer and Sue Scott
• Written by Shanan and Sue
• Special Guest is Rose McGee
• Musical guest is Katy Vernon and her band Favourite Girl: Allie Pikala – guitar, Barb Brynstad – bass, Alsye Emanuel – drums, Paul Odegaard – trumpet and Katy Vernon – vocals & ukulele.
• Guest Storyteller is Jen Santoro Rotty
• Original songs “Favourite Girl,” “Over and Over,” “Peter,” “Song for Jen” and “Shine,” music & lyrics by Katy Vernon.
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by Lexi Carlson
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Live show volunteers Susanne Egli & Doug Anderson
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell

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Special guest Mary Tjosvold, award-winning humanitarian and businesswoman, creates communities wherever she goes and credits the strong women in her life with inspiring her to walk through doors. Musical guest Yemi Love, shares her journey from Nigerian recording star, to life in Minnesota spreading love through every gorgeous song. Guest storyteller Stacey Dinner-Levin wishes caregivers could be seen as she navigates life with her adult autistic son. Dae Yang & Sue Scott, with a beautiful new song by Zippy Laske, celebrate the women who’ve encouraged them to take their hands off the handlebars.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #38 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Dae Yang, Zippy Laske and Sue Scott
• Written by Dae, Zippy and Sue
• Special Guest is Mary M. Tjosvold
• Musical guest is Yemi Love with Spencer Bradley on guitar
• Guest Storyteller is Stacey Dinner-Levin
• Original songs “Can you Love Me” and “Do You See Me,” music & lyrics by Yemi Love.
• Original song, “Spread Love” by Timothy Levy
• Original song “Strong Women” music and lyrics by Zippy Laske
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production assistance by Kate Sandvik
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Live show volunteer Doug Anderson
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell

To view Geordy Levin’s artwork, click this link for his shop at Redbubble.com:

https://www.redbubble.com/people/staceydl/shop

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Alison Young, the blissful hiker, seeks out the natural world for healing and finds beauty in thriving one magnificent trail at a time. Katie Dahl shares songs that are “terrifyingly personal” and learns that there is unexpected communion in acceptance.  Mary Shaffer searches for a spark of joy at a craft fair and discovers a life-changing truth spoken by her ancestors. Dae appreciates her grandmother for the gift of the soothing sounds of cooking. Silvia is grateful for the pain that has shaped who she is today. Sue realizes that a blanket of protection for her garden beds is more than just a metaphor for her life.  And Zippy makes a commitment to sobriety and brings us a powerful new song celebrating the joys that flower into something brave and beautiful.

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #37 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Dae Yang, Silvia Pontaza, Zippy Laske and Sue Scott
• Written by Dae, Silvia, Zippy and Sue
• Special Guest is Alison Young
• Musical guest is Katie Dahl
• Guest Storyteller is Mary Shaffer
• Original songs “Since I Was Eight” “Sacristy” and “The Northeast Corner” music & lyrics by Katie Dahl.
• Original song “Unexpected Joy” music and lyrics by Zippy Laske
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Erica Cook
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Photos by Bonni Allen
• Live show volunteers Susanne Egli & Carolyn Denton
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell

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Special guest, Mary Kunesh, the first Indigenous woman elected to the MN Senate, shares the personal side of her life that has informed her tireless efforts to make change. Musical guest Jaspar Lepak honors a childhood friend, wishes she had grown up with rock music and celebrates how strong she felt after giving birth. Shanan Custer’s discovery that she is a relation to General George, brings her mother’s Indigenous identity full circle. Dae Yang knows her infant child will follow her dreams with a big bright heart. Silvia Pontaza wants to be as happy as her father-in-law. Zippy Laske wonders in a new song if possibilities can take flight. And Sue Scott sees so much strength in an all-female city council, a 27-year-old Somali mayor named Nadia and the equality of the ERA.  

UPDATE: Jaspar Lepak and I wrote and performed “The Ballad of ERA” which can be heard in this show. Since we recorded the show in December the wording of the MN ERA bill has been rewritten to include: “…pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and reproductive freedom.” The bill is making its way through the legislative session right now!

• Island of Discarded Women Episode #36 was directed and produced by Sue Scott
• Cast: Shanan Custer, Dae Yang, Silvia Pontaza, Zippy Laske and Sue Scott
• Written by Shanan, Dae, Silvia, Zippy and Sue
• Special Guest is Mary Kunesh
• Musical guest is Jaspar Lepak
• Original songs “Queens of the Desert Sun,” “Why Should the Devil Get All the Good Tunes” and “So Strong” music & lyrics by Jaspar Lepak.
• Original song “Taking Flight” music and lyrics by Zippy Laske
• Original song “The Ballad of the ERA” music by Jaspar Lepak, lyrics by Sue Scott & Jaspar Lepak
• Opening excerpt: “Release and Be Free” music and lyrics by Kelley Hunt 
• Live Real-Time Captioning by Marsha Busson
• Live Audio Engineering by John Robinson
• Production Assistance by Kate Sandvik
• Photos by Kathy Tauer
• Live show volunteer Carolyn Denton
• Mixed & Edited by Sue Scott
• Mastered by Tony Axtell

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