With the holidays in full swing, some people have difficulties joining in on the holiday joy.  For people suffering from depression or mental health issues, this time of year can be hard on them.  What can be done, and what can we do, to help everyone stay mentally healthy into the New Year?  Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, talk through this with us.

Jearlyn spends some time discussing Cyber Monday deals, Hallmark movies, and the importance of kindness during the holiday season.

Sue Aberholden of NAMI MN gives us some ideas of how to help yourself and others suffering from depression during the holiday season.

On this pre-Holiday edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn talks to the following guests:

• “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” choreographer Linda Talcott Lee
• Star Tribune lead theatre critic Rohan Preston
• "A Christmas In Ochopee" artistic director Rhiana Yazzie and playwright Montana Cypress

As Native American Heritage Month continues, an exhibit over at The Minneapolis Institute of Art is celebrating the work of Indigenous photographers.  “In Our Hands” co-curator Jill Ahlberg Yohe tells us what we'll see when encountering the exhibit at the museum.

This week, Ramsey County started what they hope will be a new place to keep the area clear of hazardous materials.  The groundbreaking ceremony is only the beginning for the proposed multi-million dollar facility that will become a “one-stop shop” for disposal and recycling.  County Public Health Deputy Director Rae Eden Frank talks about the upcoming facility and how it will help the community.

Rae Eden Frank from the Ramsey County Public Health department describes what their Environmental Service Center will provide for residents.

Curator Jill Ahlberg Yohe tells us what we'll see in the ongoing M.I.A. exhibit "In Our Hands".

There haven’t been a lot of great headlines for the “Big 3” American automakers lately.  For two of them, though, a local company has provided a slight bright spot in the news.  Last week, GM & Stellantis announced they would provide a substantial investment in a Minneapolis-based company for the development of Clean Earth Magnets that could be used in electric vehicles.  Tom Grainger of Niron Magnetics joins the program to explain these advancements.

Jearlyn opens the show by gushing over the Christmas lights she's seeing on Hennepin Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis.  Plus, how do you know the age of a bar?

Tom Grainger of Niron Magnetics discusses the recent announcement of an investment given to the local company by 2 of America's biggest automakers.

On this edition of Center Stage, Jearlyn dives into the Arts world with the following guests:

• "Company" actress Judy McClane
• Rhythmically Speaking Dance artistic and executive director Erinn Liebhard
• Star Tribune lead theatre critic Rohan Preston
• "I Am Betty" director Maija Garcia

The holiday shopping season is about to hit its peak.  If you haven’t started yet and are starting to dread the crowds at the big box stores, why not head to one of the historic downtown districts in your area?  Freelance writer and photographer Lisa Meyers McClintick joins the show to highlight some of these destinations.