Main Street

By Ashley Thornberg, Craig Blumenshine

Society & Culture

What's Main Street about?

Listen for interviews with authors, artists, and newsmakers that tell the story of our region.

Email us: [email protected]

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Main Street episodes:

04.25.2024
Summer Travel; Rural Newspapers; News with Dave; The Movies with Matt
Explore summer road trips with Alicia Underlee Nelson; rural journalism; this week's news with Dave Thompson; and Matt Olien's review of 'Housekeeping for Beginners'.
04.24.2024
Matthew Shepard; Republican Gov Debate Review; Tom Isern; Prairie Plates
Matthew Shepard's legacy explored at Concordia; ND Republican Gubernatorial debate reviewed; Tom Isern discusses 'book showers' in ND; Prairie Plates features wings.
04.23.2024
Shedding Perfectionism & Embracing "Good Enough;" Civility, Part 3
There's high standards. And then there's perfectionism. A chat w/ Intuitive Business Coach Michelle Vasicek. Audience members ask questions of a Concordia College Panel.
04.22.2024
Earth Day - The Catch: Of Cod and Country
Today is Earth Day and, in this Main Street, we hear "The Catch: Of Cod and Country" about how one of the Arctic’s most valuable fisheries—cod—is being impacted.
04.18.2024
Weather with John Wheeler; FM Symphony Orchestra; News and "Civil War"
John Harris interviews WDAY meteorologist John Wheeler; FM Symphony Orchestra's last 23-24 Concert; news with Dave Thompson and Matt Olien reviews "Civil War."
04.17.2024
Assistive Technology; Gov. Debate Preview; Steaks on Prairie Plates
Assistive tech boosts independence, lending library tour. Tips for buying/preparing steak in Prairie Plates. Preview of Rep. Gubernatorial debate next Tuesday.
04.16.2024
Civility Part 2; New School Lunch Guidelines; Book Showers
Concordia College panel on civility with ex-ND Senator Heitkamp, ex-Gov. Schafer. USDA's new school meal standards and Isern revisits 1913 Canton's book shower tradition.
04.15.2024
Legacy & Espionage: The Odnes Saga and Spy Parenting
Explore the Odnes family's trials during the depression and learn how spy techniques can enhance parenting in this intriguing dual-themed episode.
04.11.2024
The Ethics of Lying ~ News Discussion ~ Matt Olien Reviews Wicked Little Letters
In next Sunday's episode of "WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life" UND philosophy professor Jack Weinstein visits with former FBI Agent Luke William Hunt on the topic of "Police and the Ethics of Lying." Today we explore that topic with...
04.10.2024
Learning About Asian Cultures ~ Prairie Plates: Burgers ~ Curling in Hazen
"Know Your Culture - Indonesia" is an event showcasing Indonesian heritage. It's coming to the Morton Mandan Public Library on Thursday, April 11. ~ Rick Gion joins us for another edition of Prairie Plates. Today he discusses what goes in...
04.09.2024
Managing Diabetes ~ Civil Political Conversations
Medicare has decided to cover weight loss drugs for patients with heart disease to reduce future health risks, while still not covering obesity medications for chronic weight management alone, a stance the American Diabetes Association hopes to change to better...
04.08.2024
Digital Transformation: Dakota Digital Review ~ The Eclipse!
Editor Patrick McCloskey and the Dakota Digital Review. And Dr. Jared Marquis of UND on measuring the upper atmosphere during the solar eclipse.
04.04.2024
Enchanted Games League; Gray Fox; News and Movie review with Matt
Chloé Valdary promotes empathy through gaming; Dave Hoffman studies gray fox decline; Dave Thompson reviews news; Matt Olien critiques "Ghostbusters Frozen Empire."
04.03.2024
Brachman picked by NPR's "From the Top"; UND Aerospace; Fargo Police & Fire
Adam Brachman, a Davies High senior, picked for NPR's "From the Top." Fargo's police and fire recruitment drive. UND Aerospace Daytours and activities on April 6, 2024.
04.02.2024
Dyslexia and Haley's Hope; Concordia College Supply Chain Major
Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse's supply chain impact. Kari Bucholz founds Haley's Hope for dyslexia. Tom Isern revisits Johnson County War, highlighting skewed narratives.
04.01.2024
Dakota Film Festival, "We Ride With Her," Colorectal Cancer, Farmers
Dakota Film Festival; "We Ride With Her" film; rising colorectal cancer in young adults; new U.S. farmers are discussed; light-hearted April Fools' segments.
03.28.2024
Travel with Alicia Underlee Nelson, Baseball, Movies and the News
Travel tips for "staycations" between spring break and summer. A bizarre baseball trick in Williamsport. Dave Thompson reviews news, while Matt Olien critiques "Immaculate."
03.27.2024
Philosophical Currents - Gossip; Gray Fox; Prairie Plates; Tom Isern
Discussion on gossip's role amid Catherine Middleton's health news; study of a gray fox by Iowa researchers to address population decline; Prairie Plates and Tom Isern
03.26.2024
Women's History Month, State Historical Society, and Minot Curling
John Harris visits with Dr. Michelle Lelwica. Bill Peterson, Director of the State Historical Society of ND, and Great American Folk Show and Curling in Minot.
03.25.2024
Brad Hawk, ND Indian Commission; Eclipse; Enjoy Spring!
Brad Hawk, Exec. Dir, ND Indian Affairs Commission, Living on Earth - Solar Eclipse, Natural North Dakota: Get out and Enjoy Spring!
03.21.2024
America's Hidden Surrogacy, Tom Isern, Dave Thompson and Matt Olien
Explore surrogacy secrets, PFAS in farms, Plains Folk Essay - historical speculators, Dave Thompson's news review, and Matt Olien reviews the movie "One Life."
03.20.2024
Fargo Film Debut, Pie Day Feast & "It's Right For Me," Alice Loesch
Toby & Ben's Fargo film premiere, Rick's pie & ice cream spree, and Alice Loesch's journey to "It's Right For Me."
03.19.2024
Poetry Voices, Fargo Film, Toby Keith Tribute: A Cultural Showcase
Exploring North Dakota's Poetry Out Loud, Part Two, Fargo Film Festival insights, and Toby Keith's patriotic legacy, blending arts and culture in a vibrant showcase.
03.18.2024
"Show HER The Money" Film, ND Employment for Seniors
Show Her The Money explores women's venture capital challenges; a Plains Folk Essay about historic land speculation; culinary dreams and senior employment training.
03.14.2024
HealthTech Insights: AI Psychiatry, News, and Matt reviews "Cabrini"
Join Dr. Jodi Halpern as she delves into AI's role in mental health. Plus, catch up on the latest news with Dave and Matt's "Cabrini" review.
03.13.2024
Medora Musical: A Timeless Tradition Renewed
Experience the revamped Medora Musical celebrating tradition with modern twists. Plus, delve into prairie "pis" and Sleepy Hollow's artistic journey.
03.12.2024
Poetry & Strings: North Dakota's Poetry Out Loud; FM Symphony Orchestra
The art of poetry - North Dakota's young poets in Poetry Out Loud. And, prepare for the FM Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks 4: The Four Seasons of Vietnam and Tchaikovsky
03.11.2024
WWII Hero Rolf Slen's Tales (Part 2) & Analyzing the Presidential Race
Explore WWII navigator Rolf Slen's 40 missions and delve into the 2024 Presidential race's dynamics with historian Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane.
03.07.2024
WWII Hero Rolf Slen's Tales, Dune Part 2 Review & Dave's News Digest
99-year-old WWII vet Rolf Slen shares his story from the Fargo Air Museum, Matt reviews 'Dune: Part 2', and Dave Thompson rounds up the latest news from around the state.
03.06.2024
Scott Nelson & Masters of the Air; Prairie Plates & ND Curling
Scott Nelson and WWII aviator art with ties to Masters of the Air; Prairie Plates and Irish food; and curling's ND roots at the Bismarck Curling Club.
03.05.2024
WHY Preview "Luck"; Democrats Hold Primary; Isern: "Chinese Laundries"
WHY Show preview show covers exploring luck's impact. The show airs Sunday. Also, ND Democratic Primary, Chinese laundries' history, & the electoral college is discussed.
03.04.2024
Grants for Youth Behavioral Health; Improbable State A Basketball Run
ND HHS offers grants for community-based, culturally responsive behavioral health services & young Tanner Mosser's Historic Prep Basketball Coaching Success
02.29.2024
Youth Sports, 'A Taste of Things' Review, News Insights
Youth Sports with NDSU's Dr. Brad Strand, 'A Taste of Things' Review by Matt Olien, News Insights with Dave Thompson
02.28.2024
STEM Empowerment: VCSU's INSTEM Program Unites Native American Youth
Explore VCSU's INSTEM, Native American students with STEM education; Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and the power of historical storytelling; fish fries on Prairie Plates.
02.27.2024
Shelbie Witte: UND's New Dean of Education; Satire in Politics
Shelbie Witte is named UND's new Dean, bringing her innovative vision to enhance education. Philosophical Currents looks at satire in politics and women veterinarians.
02.27.2024
Legos, Politics, and Plains Heroism: Diverse American Narratives
Dive into Lego film-making with Kristian Stenslie, explore the ND Republican Caucus, and honor Minnie Freeman's heroism in an essay by Tom Isern.
02.22.2024
Northern Narratives, Isern: McMurtry to Foley; News and 'Wonka'
"Northern Narratives" and "Northern Focus," Plains Folks Essay from Tom Isern: McMurtry and Foley, plus news with Dave Thompson and Matt Olein reviews "Wonka."
02.21.2024
Beto O'Rourke Talks Voting in Minot; Exploring Jan 6th in 'War Games'
Beto O'Rourke visits Minot to discuss voting rights, amid reflections on Jan 6th in 'War Games' and a taste of Prairie Plates with Rick Gion's soup journey.
02.20.2024
Black History Month: Arts Roundtable with Matalda, Carlson, & Olien
Exploring African contributions in the arts, join filmmaker Zeapoe Matalda, Dr. Greg Carlson, and critic Matt Olien in our Black History Month round-table.
02.19.2024
Presidents' Legacy: Insights, Current Race & Roosevelt Library Update
Explore the history of President's Day, the legacy of U.S. Presidents with experts Dr.Cullinane and Steve Peck; and the latest on the Theodore Roosevelt Library.
02.15.2024
Chai Moto: East African Spice Trade & Artisan Teas; News and Movies
02.14.2024
VR Education Boost & Cultural Insights in North Dakota w/ Lura, Isern
VR headsets enhance ND education, Black History Month art showcased, historical "sham battle" explored, and winter wildlife breeding highlight.
02.13.2024
Valentine's Insights: Dr. Futris & Dr. Werner-Wilson on Love
Experts Dr. Ted Futris & Dr. Ron Werner-Wilson discuss the essence of Valentine's Day, revealing the science behind love and how to foster healthy relationships.
02.12.2024
The Distinction Between Brain and Mind; Podcast for women in N. Dak.
Neuroscience reveals mind complexities; Dr. Abraham talks creativity at Concordia College. Melinda Padilla Lynch creates a network for N. Dak. women with a new podcast.
02.08.2024
Jasmin 24/7: Community Child Care, News & 'Nyad' Movie Review
Diving into Jasmin Day Care's 24-hour expansion with VP Mohamed Hussein, engaging in weekly news review with Dave Thompson, and Matt Olien's insightful review of 'Nyad.'
02.07.2024
Freedom, Food, & Floods: Prisons, Dishes, and Developments Uncovered
Jack Russell Weinstein explores prison abolition debates, dive into hotdish culture, and get updates on the $3B FM flood project in our dynamic discussions and reports.
02.06.2024
Recalling Peter Schickele-PDQ Bach's Legacy; Travel; Plains Folk Essay
Tribute to composer Peter Schickele, his PDQ Bach persona, Fargo roots; and a Plains Folk essay. Travel tips from Alicia Underlee Nelson on the April 8 solar eclipse.
02.05.2024
Aging: Dr. Holloway's Insights, True Crime Fascination - Tony Tilton
Explore Dr. Holloway's and UND's geriatric education program and Tony Tilton's take on true crime's allure with Prairie Public's Danielle Webster.
02.01.2024
Team ND at World Snow Sculpting; PBS Stars; Tom Isern; Matt Olien
Team ND defends their title in Wisconsin, insights from world snow sculpting. Plus, Dr. Tom Isern's essay, a warm family sky show, and a Godzilla movie review.
01.31.2024
New Beginnings: Ann Alquist; Rick Gion with Prairie Plates
Ann Alquist, our new Director of Radio, discusses a new era at Prairie Public. Dive into the world of chocolate with Prairie Plates with Rick Gion.

What's Main Street about?

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Main Street episodes:

Summer Travel; Rural Newspapers; News with Dave; The Movies with Matt

Matthew Shepard; Republican Gov Debate Review; Tom Isern; Prairie Plates

Shedding Perfectionism & Embracing "Good Enough;" Civility, Part 3

Earth Day - The Catch: Of Cod and Country

Weather with John Wheeler; FM Symphony Orchestra; News and "Civil War"

Assistive Technology; Gov. Debate Preview; Steaks on Prairie Plates

Civility Part 2; New School Lunch Guidelines; Book Showers

Legacy & Espionage: The Odnes Saga and Spy Parenting

The Ethics of Lying ~ News Discussion ~ Matt Olien Reviews Wicked Little Letters

Learning About Asian Cultures ~ Prairie Plates: Burgers ~ Curling in Hazen

Managing Diabetes ~ Civil Political Conversations

Digital Transformation: Dakota Digital Review ~ The Eclipse!

Enchanted Games League; Gray Fox; News and Movie review with Matt

Brachman picked by NPR's "From the Top"; UND Aerospace; Fargo Police & Fire

Dyslexia and Haley's Hope; Concordia College Supply Chain Major

Dakota Film Festival, "We Ride With Her," Colorectal Cancer, Farmers

Travel with Alicia Underlee Nelson, Baseball, Movies and the News

Philosophical Currents - Gossip; Gray Fox; Prairie Plates; Tom Isern

Women's History Month, State Historical Society, and Minot Curling

Brad Hawk, ND Indian Commission; Eclipse; Enjoy Spring!

America's Hidden Surrogacy, Tom Isern, Dave Thompson and Matt Olien

Fargo Film Debut, Pie Day Feast & "It's Right For Me," Alice Loesch

Poetry Voices, Fargo Film, Toby Keith Tribute: A Cultural Showcase

"Show HER The Money" Film, ND Employment for Seniors

HealthTech Insights: AI Psychiatry, News, and Matt reviews "Cabrini"

Medora Musical: A Timeless Tradition Renewed

Poetry & Strings: North Dakota's Poetry Out Loud; FM Symphony Orchestra

WWII Hero Rolf Slen's Tales (Part 2) & Analyzing the Presidential Race

WWII Hero Rolf Slen's Tales, Dune Part 2 Review & Dave's News Digest

Scott Nelson & Masters of the Air; Prairie Plates & ND Curling

WHY Preview "Luck"; Democrats Hold Primary; Isern: "Chinese Laundries"

Grants for Youth Behavioral Health; Improbable State A Basketball Run

Youth Sports, 'A Taste of Things' Review, News Insights

STEM Empowerment: VCSU's INSTEM Program Unites Native American Youth

Shelbie Witte: UND's New Dean of Education; Satire in Politics

Legos, Politics, and Plains Heroism: Diverse American Narratives

Northern Narratives, Isern: McMurtry to Foley; News and 'Wonka'

Beto O'Rourke Talks Voting in Minot; Exploring Jan 6th in 'War Games'

Black History Month: Arts Roundtable with Matalda, Carlson, & Olien

Presidents' Legacy: Insights, Current Race & Roosevelt Library Update

Chai Moto: East African Spice Trade & Artisan Teas; News and Movies

VR Education Boost & Cultural Insights in North Dakota w/ Lura, Isern

Valentine's Insights: Dr. Futris & Dr. Werner-Wilson on Love

The Distinction Between Brain and Mind; Podcast for women in N. Dak.

Jasmin 24/7: Community Child Care, News & 'Nyad' Movie Review

Freedom, Food, & Floods: Prisons, Dishes, and Developments Uncovered

Recalling Peter Schickele-PDQ Bach's Legacy; Travel; Plains Folk Essay

Aging: Dr. Holloway's Insights, True Crime Fascination - Tony Tilton

Team ND at World Snow Sculpting; PBS Stars; Tom Isern; Matt Olien

New Beginnings: Ann Alquist; Rick Gion with Prairie Plates

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