Main Street

Tuesday, December 21, 2021 – We may think of Santa as a somewhat modern American invention, but the legend draws on many ancient traditions. We visit with Tom Jerman, the author of Santa Claus Worldwide: A History of St. Nicholas and Other Holiday Gift-Bringers. ~~~ Sue Balcom is here for Main Street Eats to talk Christmas traditions. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews West Side Story & The Real Charlie Chaplin.

Monday, December 20, 2021 - a favorite conversation from this past September in advance of a screening of “Walking the Good Red Road: Nicholas Black Elk’s Journey to Sainthood.” We spoke with the producer of the documentary, Sister Judith Zielinski.

Based on true events as Lucille Ball and Ricky Ricardo face personal and professional hurdles.

Today we re-air guest host Rick Collin’s visits with Nathaniel Philbrick, the author of “Travels With George, in Search of Washington and His Legacy.” In the fall of 1789, George Washington, six months into his presidency, set out on the first of four road trips as he attempted to unite the states into a single nation. To research the story, Philbrick retraced Washington’s route.

Friday, December 17, 2021 – 2021 marks the 75th anniversary of the classic Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” One of the featured actors in the film was four year old Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey. Today we share a conversation with her that we originally aired in November of last year, after a visit to Bismarck was cancelled due to the pandemic. ~~~ Communities across the Midwest are tempting new residents with cash and free land. Harvest Public Media’s Elizabeth Rembert reports mixed success and some lessons learned about relocation incentives. ~~~ Dave Thompson is here for our weekly news chat. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Being the Ricardos.”

Thursday, December 16, 2021 – “The Brotherhood” by Tim Kevin Doyle of Fargo puts you in the middle of a centuries-old fight as Irish freedom fighters oppose English oppression. Doyle, a former railroad engineer, brings that conflict into 1970s North Dakota as Irish activists use drug smuggling on trains to support the fight. Doyle takes the reader on a trip that includes fast trains, fast times and fast women. ~~~ NDSU history professor Tom Isern expands on the popularity of oysters in the region in a Plains Folk essay titled “Oyster Crackers.” ~~~ In an episode of Natural North Dakota, Chuck Lura discusses conifers in winter. ~~~ Sue Balcom is here with some gift ideas for foodies.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021 – The year 2020 was unlike any other in America, and among the kids who suffered were the student-athletes who had to give up a year of competition in high school and college. Forum Communications sports writer Jeff Kolpack has been covering their stories and he realized the theme deserved to be documented as a book. The result is COVID Kids. He joins us to discuss how the pandemic affected kids, parents and coaches. More than a medical problem, the pandemic has also been a lifestyle issue. ~~~ The Community Violence Intervention Center recently released a special publication about the work being done in greater Grand Forks to end interpersonal violence. The book, “Two-Generation Guardians,” features community leaders and partners who have contributed to the effort. Joining us is the book’s author, CVIC president and CEO Coiya Tompkins.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 – President George Washington died on this date 222 years ago. Today we share a story of the late president as guest host Rick Collin visits with Nathaniel Philbrick, the author of “Travels With George, in Search of Washington and His Legacy.” In the fall of 1789, George Washington, six months into his presidency, set out on the first of four road trips as he attempted to unite the states into a single nation. To research the story, Philbrick retraced Washington’s route.

Monday, December 13, 2021 – ‘Tis the season to talk about books! Looking for a good winter read? Or a gift idea? Book lover Carol Kapaun Ratchenski guest hosts in a conversation with book seller Josie Danz about new titles and old. ~~~ For most Native American artists, Art is also culture. While it’s true that art can be used to express joy, or feelings of internal and social conflicts, art can also be medicine - used as a tool for healing from such conflict. Native American communities have struggled with the conflict of “invisibility,” and a native American artist cooperative in the Bismarck Mandan area is tackling that issue by putting native artists first. Contributor Alicia Hegland-Thorpe explains.

Sunday, December 12, 2021 – Jack Russell Weinstein previews his monthly episode of “Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life.” This month he visits with Andrew Seidel about the separation of church and state. ~~~ Sara Watson joins us to talk about her new cookbook, “Cabin Chef.” It explores recipes inspired by the four seasons. ~~~ Matt Oline reviews “House of Gucci,” a film loosely based on events involving the real murder of Maurizio Gucci and the downfall of the Gucci family.