KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Mikeya Griffin joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to celebrate one year since Golden Thyme Restaurant reopened under the leadership of Rondo Community Land Trust. A proud “Rondo baby,” Griffin reflects on the importance of preserving culturally significant spaces that serve as anchors for community connection, history, and economic opportunity. She discusses the legacy of Golden Thyme’s original founders and how the restaurant continues to bring neighbors together through food, music, and events that celebrate the spirit of the Rondo neighborhood. The conversation also highlights Rondo CLT’s broader mission to support local businesses, expand housing opportunities, and ensure community assets remain rooted in the neighborhood for future generations. Listeners will also hear about upcoming programming at Golden Thyme, including R&B nights, Sunday suppers, game nights, open mic events, and other summer community gatherings.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Liz Schwab joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to explain why public interest in data centers is rapidly increasing as digital technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and online services become more central to everyday life. Representing Google's global infrastructure and energy team, she discusses the real-world purpose of data centers and clears up common misconceptions about how they operate and support modern communication, business, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Schwab also highlights the economic benefits these facilities can bring to local communities, including jobs, infrastructure investment, and partnerships with local stakeholders. The conversation explores how sustainable, energy-efficient digital infrastructure is being developed to meet growing technological demands while creating long-term community impact. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Esther Agbaje joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to provide an inside look at the final days of the Minnesota legislative session, highlighting key priorities, ongoing negotiations, and what residents can expect before adjournment. She reflects on the fast-paced session, sharing progress made on housing, taxes, and community investments, while also outlining what major issues remain unresolved. A major focus of the conversation is the future of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), where Rep. Agbaje discusses her proposed “Ballpark” funding solution and the urgency of bipartisan action to preserve this critical safety-net hospital. She also breaks down elements of the newly passed housing package, including rental assistance and pilot programs aimed at expanding housing stability and homeownership education. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community engagement, collaboration across party lines, and long-term solutions that support Minnesotans statewide. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss how Minnesotans, especially older adults, can prepare for severe weather season as storms, floods, and emergencies become more likely. Representing AARP Minnesota, he highlights the unique vulnerabilities many older residents face, including mobility challenges, healthcare needs, and limited access to resources during disasters. He shares practical steps families can take now, from building emergency kits and securing important documents to signing up for local alerts and connecting with organizations like American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Haapala also warns about the surge of scams that often follow disasters, including fake contractors, impersonators, and fraudulent charities targeting vulnerable populations. The conversation emphasizes staying informed, taking small preparedness steps, and remaining cautious to protect both safety and finances during emergencies.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Daren Johnson joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to highlight how learning continues beyond the school year through extended learning programs at Minneapolis Public Schools. He explains opportunities for K-8 students, including after-school programs like STEM, GEMS/GISE, and Discovery & Learning, which focus on academic enrichment and hands-on experiences. Johnson also discusses Summer Scholars Academies and the Summer Fast Track Academy for 9th graders, which includes cultural learning and field trips. For high school students, he outlines the importance of summer credit recovery programs, especially for those needing to stay on track for graduation. The conversation emphasizes flexible, engaging ways for students to continue learning, build skills, and prepare for the upcoming school year. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, G. Phillip Shoultz, III joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to discuss VocalEssence’s season finale concert, “Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices,” happening May 3 at Ordway Concert Hall. He shares how the performance brings together music, dance, and storytelling from cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, reflecting the diverse traditions that shape American music. The event features a wide range of performers, including drummers, dancers, puppetry artists, and more than 100 singers, creating a vibrant, immersive experience. Shoultz highlights the importance of community-centered art and how shared singing can inspire connection and creativity across generations. Listeners also hear about pre-concert festivities, including cultural activities and live performances that extend the celebration beyond the stage.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jennifer Bordon joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to talk about “Let’s Roll MPS,” a free, community bike ride happening May 6 on the Northside to celebrate National Bike to School Day. She explains how the event brings together students, families, and community members to promote active living, connection, and healthy habits, while also highlighting the importance of volunteer support. Jennifer shares details about the five-mile ride, safety tips for participants, and the post-ride celebration featuring nutritious food. She also discusses how Minneapolis Public Schools is expanding bike education through programs like Walk!Bike!Fun! and partnerships that have helped students collectively ride tens of thousands of miles. The conversation emphasizes building community, encouraging physical activity, and making biking accessible and fun for all.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Rep. Esther Agbaje about ongoing efforts at the State Capitol to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. She outlines key proposals, including restrictions on assault weapons, bans on high-capacity magazines, and measures addressing emerging threats like untraceable “ghost guns.” While many Minnesotans support these policies, she explains that political divisions and a closely split legislature have made progress difficult. Rep. Agbaje also highlights solutions that are already working, such as red flag laws, and emphasizes the need for greater investment in community violence intervention and victim services to create safer communities.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Liam Green about the mission of Every Meal and its efforts to address child hunger across Minnesota. He explains how the organization provides weekend food support to students experiencing food insecurity, ensuring they have access to meals outside of school days. The conversation highlights the program’s roots in Minneapolis Public Schools and its growth to serve hundreds of schools statewide. Green also shares how volunteers play a vital role in this work and encourages listeners to get involved during Volunteer Appreciation Month and beyond. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell talks with Londell McMillan, the co-owner & co-manager of the Prince estate as well as the co-owner of Paisley Park. McMillan spoke bout the energy at Paisley Park on yesterday, which marked ten years since Prince's passing. He also spoke about the recent release of Prince's version of With This Tear, which was recorded back in 1991. On the subject of music, McMillan also spoke about the extensive library of unreleased music and also how he decides to release it. Lastly, he closed with speaking about the legacy and impact of Paisley Park and how to keep that connection to the community going for the next generation.