KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings speak with Jay Haapala about the spike in IRS imposter scams during tax season. He explains how criminals pose as IRS agents through voicemails, texts, and emails to demand payment, steal personal information, or gain access to devices and financial accounts. Haapala outlines common red flags—including requests for payment by gift cards or cryptocurrency—and reminds listeners that the IRS does not initiate contact in these ways. He also highlights protective tools like the IRS Identity Protection PIN program and encourages people to stay informed through AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to avoid becoming victims. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell welcomes Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams to share an encouraging message to the Minneapolis Public Schools community following several challenging months. She thanks families and supporters for rallying around students while highlighting continued flexibility with online learning and the inspiring resilience shown across the district. The conversation spotlights achievements including Teacher of the Year nominees, new Student School Board representatives, Future City finalists, student-athlete successes, and Roosevelt High School’s National Unified Champion recognition. Dr. Sayles-Adams also previews upcoming events like the District Spelling Bee, underscoring the pride and momentum building throughout MPS. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings welcome Christine Tucci Osorio back for another “Chat with Christine” to discuss how things are evolving in District 622. She shares that the community is calmer after last month’s heightened ICE activity, while the district continues outreach, monitoring resources, and providing support such as supervision and food delivery for affected families. Looking ahead, Osorio emphasizes the importance of getting students fully reengaged in school and focusing on academic recovery. She closes with a positive note, wishing listeners a Happy Lunar New Year and highlighting celebrations within the district’s Chinese Immersion program. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings speak with G. Phillip Shoultz, III as he discusses the upcoming WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals concert taking place February 22 at Northrop, highlighting its role in celebrating Black History Month through powerful choral performance. He explains how the WITNESS project honors Black contributions to American arts and why this year’s focus on spirituals is especially meaningful. The conversation explores how spirituals, created by enslaved Americans, carried messages of hope and resilience that later fueled the Civil Rights movement. Shoultz also reflects on the music’s continued relevance today, noting its resonance within Twin Cities communities seeking unity and shared humanity. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Chantel Sings speaks with Tephanie Delaney as she shares how her two decades in entertainment and brand strategy led to the creation of UNBX TV, a platform designed to prioritize community, participation, and creator ownership. She explains how the ecosystem differs from traditional streaming models by focusing on collaboration rather than algorithms and competition. Tephanie also unpacks the meaning behind “Stream Outside the Box” and how it encourages creators to rethink how they share and monetize their work. The conversation highlights her broader mission of building cultural marketplaces where creatives can grow together and sustain long-term impact. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Chantel Sings speak with Dr. Andrew Bergersen about a community event offering free PSA testing through the Minnesota Urology Foundation. He explains how the simple blood test helps screen for prostate cancer, a disease that affects 1 in 8 men and disproportionately impacts Black men, who face significantly higher diagnosis and mortality rates. Dr. Bergersen outlines who should consider screening—men over 50 and Black men over 45—and what participants can expect, including results mailed within a few days. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early detection and accessible community health resources.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings welcome Alexis Love to discuss her work in Career & Technical Education (CTE) at Minneapolis Public Schools and her vision for the future of public safety. Love shares how her background in law enforcement and ministry shaped her belief that public safety should center on servant leadership, empathy, and “noble character.” She outlines the wide range of CTE pathways available across MPS, from healthcare and public safety to skilled trades, IT, engineering, and media arts, preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand careers. The conversation also highlights student success stories, rising enrollment among girls, and how families can explore CTE programs that offer hands-on learning and even articulated college credit.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with public history researcher Jeremiah Ellis about his Minnesota Historical Society–published article, The Overlooked Legacy: Black Women of the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant. Ellis shares the powerful stories of the “Black Rosies” who worked at the New Brighton plant during World War II, breaking racial and gender barriers while helping power the war effort. The conversation highlights how these women moved beyond domestic work into skilled and leadership roles, despite facing discrimination and danger, and how their economic gains helped strengthen Minnesota’s Black middle class. Ellis also explains why these stories were erased for decades and how reclaiming them reshapes our understanding of history, justice, and the foundations of today’s civil rights movements.