Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation with Twin Cities author and illustrator Cori Doerrfeld. We'll dive into her artistic journey, explore her inspirations, and get a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process. Plus, we'll chat about her latest book, "Nellie's Big Splash.”

Guest: Cori Doerrfeld, author and illustrator

Book: "Nellie's Big Splash"Some of the links are affiliate links

Nellie’s Big Splash  https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9780593856291

The Rabbit Listened  https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9780735229358

Tyler Page https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781250758330

St. Olaf https://wp.stolaf.edu/

MCAD https://www.mcad.edu/

Minnesota State Fair https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/50-things-to-do-at-the-minnesota-state-fair/  Fried Pickle https://www.mnstatefair.org/vendor/3089.1/

  Giant Slide https://www.mnstatefair.org/location/giant-slide/

  Fine Arts Building https://www.mnstatefair.org/location/fine-arts-center/

Lake Nokomis https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/lake-nokomis-main-beach-sandy-fun-for-everyone/

Lake Harriet https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/lake-harriet-park/

Sledding Hills https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-sledding-hills-guide/

North Shore  https://northshorevisitor.com/

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/6-twin-cities-metro-area-minnesota-state-parks/

Minnesota KidLit https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bookhounds-author-directory/

Sea Salt Eatery https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/minnehaha-regional-park/

Minnehaha Falls https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/minnehaha-regional-park/

Juicy Lucy’s at Matt’s Bar https://mattsbar.com/

Owamni Restaurant https://owamni.com/

Lake Harriet Rose Gardens https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/public-flower-gardens/

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9780062682826

Wild Rumpus https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/wild-rumpus-books-minneapolis/

Red Balloon Bookshop  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/red-balloon-bookshop/

In this episode, we’re joined by the hilarious and oh-so-relatable Lauren Midwest—aka Lauren Trefethren—all the way from Fargo, ND! If you’re not already following her on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, you’re missing out on some of the most spot-on (and laugh-out-loud funny) takes on Midwest life.

Whether you grew up in a small town or just want a humorous crash course in Midwest culture, Lauren’s content is a must. Join us as we chat about life, nostalgia, and all the quirks that make the Midwest feel like home.

Tune in and get ready to feel seen! 🎙️✨

Lauren Midwest

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmidwest/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauren.midwest

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenMidwest

Vikings: https://www.vikings.com/

Twins: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/family-twins-games-on-the-cheap/

Timberwolves: https://www.nba.com/timberwolves

Wild: https://www.nhl.com/wild/

Mall of America: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/mall-of-america-family-guide/

Build  A Bear:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/build-bear-workshop/

LEGO:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/lego-imagination-center/

Hyland Lake Park Reserve:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/hyland-lake-park-reserve/

Central Park, Maple Grove:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/central-park-maple-grove/

Elm Creek Park Reserve: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/elm-creek-park-reserve-maple-grove/

Itasca State Park:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/itasca-state-park-park-rapids/

Medora, ND:  https://discovermedora.com/

Teddy Roosevelt National Park: https://www.nps.gov/thro/

International Peace Gardens: https://peacegarden.com/

North Dakota:https://www.ndtourism.com/

Kevin Michael Wesson, the talented puppeteer behind 'Leonardo in A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster,' joins the Let’s Go Do Fun Stuff Show! He shares all about this fun and engaging production, playing at Children’s Theatre Company through March 9 on the Cargill Stage.The show is a delightful 45-minute experience, perfect for kids ages 3 and up (yes, even adults will love it!). Tune in to hear Kevin talk about the magic of puppetry and his adventures in Minnesota!Children’s Theatre Company: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/childrens-theatre-company/Manual Cinema https://manualcinema.com/work/leonardo-a-wonderful-show-about-a-terrible-monsterMo Willems https://mowillemsworkshop.com/catalog/books/collection/leonardo-the-terrible-monster Kennedy Center https://www.kennedy-center.org/Metro Transit https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/public-transit/Eat Street https://eatstreetcrossing.com/In the Heart of the Beast https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/heart-beast-mask-puppet-theatre/Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival https://chicagopuppetfest.org/

Jeremiah Gamble is one half of the creative genius behind Bucket Brigade Theater (the other half is his wife Vanessa Gamble).  On January 31, 2025, ‘Til Death–their long running Valentine’s Day show–opens at Art House North.  In their 13th year of this show, hilarity ensues.  

Learn more about Bucket Brigade, ‘Til Death, and Minnesota favorites from this Minnesota native.

Bucket Brigade Theater https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/bucket-brigade-saint-paul/

‘Til Death https://www.bucketbrigadetheater.com/shows/til-death/

Art House North https://www.arthousenorth.com/

Jeremiah Gamble https://www.instagram.com/jgamblepoetry/

Vanessa Gamble https://www.instagram.com/theaterforthethirsty/

Minnehaha Academy https://www.minnehahaacademy.net/

Brake Bread Bakery https://www.brakebread.com/

Springboard for the Arts  https://springboardforthearts.org/

Nathan and Stephanie Cousins 

Anna and Damian Leverett 

West 7th Neighborhood St. Paul https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/west-7th-street/

Duluth https://visitduluth.com/

Hinckley https://hinckleymn.com/

Rochester https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/

Winona https://visitwinona.com/

Grand Marais https://www.visitcookcounty.com/places-to-visit/grand-marais/

Minnesota State Fair https://www.mnstatefair.org/

Poncho Dog https://www.mnstatefair.org/vendor/3077.1/

1919 Root Beer https://www.mnstatefair.org/vendor/3195.1/

Sweet Martha’s https://www.mnstatefair.org/about-the-fair/time-lapse-videos/sweet-marthas/

Dario in the North Loop Minneapolis https://www.dariorestaurant.com/

North Shore https://northshorevisitor.com/

Crooked Creek Retreat https://www.crooked-creek-retreat.com/

Ten Thousand Things Theater https://tenthousandthings.org/

Lake Superior  https://www.lsmma.com/

Silverwood Park https://www.threeriversparks.org/location/silverwood-park

Family Fun Twin Cities https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/
Family Fun Twin Cities Email https://family-fun-twin-cities.kit.com/a2d19d7d7e

An interview with Matt Eicheldinger!  What a great way to start the new year. 

We talk a lot about what he’s got cookin’ and what he loves about the Twin Cities. (Some of these links are affiliate links.  Learn more about it here.)

Links to what we discussed. 

The Day Nora Ate the Sun https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781524888718

Sticky Notes https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781524894351

Matt Sprouts and the Search for the Chompy Whompers: https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9781524894801

PBS  https://www.pbs.org/

American Library Association https://www.ala.org/

Trisha Speed Shaskan https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bookhounds-author-directory/trisha-speed-shaskan/

Stephen Shaskan https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bookhounds-author-directory/stephen-shaskan/

Mychal Threets https://www.instagram.com/mychal3ts/

Jason Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/jasonreynolds83/

Bill Watterson –Calvin and Hobbes https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9780836218053

The Giver https://bookshop.org/a/4766/9780544336261

Minnesota and Twin Cities Links

9 Mile Creek https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/nine-mile-creek-regional-trail/

Minnesota River https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/landing/

Minnesota River Bottoms Trail:  https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/6126495/minnesota-river-bottoms-lyndale-ave-to-bloomington-ferry-rd

Moir  Park https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/moircentral-park/

Bloomington  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/bloomington-family-fun/

Three Rivers Park District:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/three-rivers-park-system/

Hyland Lake Park https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/hyland-lake-park-reserve/

Carver Park Reserve https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/carver-park-reserve/

Lowry Nature Center https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/twin-cities-parks/lowry-nature-center/

Victoria https://www.victoriamn.gov/

Twin Cities Bakeries: Still waiting to hear back from Matt

St. Croix Falls–right across the river from Taylors Falls–is a gem of a small town within driving distance from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Twin Cities.  In this episode of Let’s Go Do Fun Stuff, Gianna sits down with Kirk Anderson, the current mayor of St. Croix Falls to discuss what this bustling little town has to offer for family fun, outdoor activities, and town festivals.. 

Kirk and Gianna have been friends since 1996. It was fun to get a tour of town and learn all about what the community has to share.  We talk about the following:

History of St. Croix Valley 

Outdoor Activities 

Kid Friendly Attractions

Links: 

St. Croix Valley:  https://thestcroixvalley.com/

Wannigan Days: https://thestcroixvalley.com/wannigan-days/

Interstate Park :  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/interstate

Paddleboats: https://thestcroixvalley.com/shop/boat-tours/

Trails: https://thestcroixvalley.com/outdoor/hike/

  Ice Age Trail:  https://thestcroixvalley.com/ice-age-trail-hiking-trails/

 Bike Trails: https://thestcroixvalley.com/rail-to-trail-bike-trails/

Polk County: https://www.polkcountywi.gov/ 

Polk County Fair:  https://polkcountyfair.com/

National Scenic Riverway:  https://www.nps.gov/sacn/index.htm

Fawn Doe Rosa: https://www.fawndoerosa.com/ 

Mount Croix: Kart and Putt:  https://mtcroixkartputt.com/

In 2005, Bob Medcraft–a TV and video producer by trade–decided to try his hand at retail toy sales.  He  loved model trains and had been  known for years by his friends’ kids as Choo Choo Bob.  So it just made sense to put it all together and create a tailor-made space for kids and adults alike to enjoy trains together.

Hours: Mondays and Fridays 10 am-1 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-5 pmAlso open to private rentals. 

Story Time with Engineer Paul 

Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 am 

Live Music with Rob Stokes 

Saturdays at 11 am

Links: 

Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/choo-choo-bobs-train-store-2/

Union Depot: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/union-depot/

Minneapolis–and Children’s Theatre in particular– is  excited to host the world premiere of the international show Moya by Zip Zap Circus of Cape Town South Africa..  For 7 weeks, Children’s Theatre UnitedHealth Group Stage will be transformed into the streets of Cape Town–but circus-style.  I was invited to sit down with Brent van Rensburg who is co-founder with his wife and the COO of Zip Zap Circus.  We had a delightful conversation about the work that Zip Zap is doing and what you can expect when you see Moya. Playing through Oct 20, 2024.

LinksZip Zap    https://www.zip-zap.org/

Moya    https://www.zip-zap.org/our-programmes/moya/

Freshly Ground    https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Josh-Hawks-Band-100067345874659/

Children’s Theatre:  https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/directory/childrens-theatre-company/