Main Street

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - With NPR celebrating 50 years, and radio on Prairie Public celebrating 40 years, we’re delighted to visit with Lisa Napoli, the author of “Susan, Linda, Nina & Cokie: The Extraordinary Story of the Founding Mothers of NPR.”

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - "Where are you from?" It's a normal question when it's about geography. But in the case of John David Berdahl, it was more about his headspace. Berdahl is autistic. He's asked that question so much, he started a podcast and web series to talk about Asperger's syndrome and neurodiversity. He joins us, along with his neurodivergent friend and web series guest, Heather Zinger. ~~~ In an excerpt from the Conversations on Healthcare Podcast, we hear from renowned writer, environmentalist and climate activist Bill McKibben, whose seminal 1989 book “The End of Nature” was among the first to warn of the climate crisis. He says if we don't pass President Biden’s reconciliation bill, which has the most sweeping climate change legislation ever proposed in the US, "we won't get another chance."

Monday, September 20, 2021 - Today we feature a conversation from the latest One Book One ND online event with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich, author/poet Debra Marquart, and their mentor and poet Mark Vinz in a conversation about connection, friendship, writing, and so much more! It’s moderated by Tayo Basquiat, a professor of Philosophy at Bismarck State College.

Sunday, September 19, 2021 - We discuss "TR's Western Friends" with historian Duane Jundt and Roosevelt scholar Clay Jenkinson. It’s a preview of the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt Symposium on the theme “Western Scenes, Western Friends.” ~~~The Mediterranean diet is one of the most healthful, delicious ways of eating on the planet, but how can we apply these dietary principles here in the Midwest? A new book offers some answers. Here to discuss “Midwest Mediterranean” are two of the contributors, Megan Myrdal and Peter Schultz.

Friday, September 17 - A recent Kids Count report argues that the state could benefit by considering child care a form of infrastructure that can be good for the economy. Here to discuss the report and the need are Xanna Burg, Kids Count coordinator for North Dakota; and Jessica Haak, board member with the North Dakota Women’s Network. ~~~ Dave Thompson provides a deeper dive into some of the week’s biggest news stories. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “The Card Counter,” starring Oscar Isaac.

Thursday, September 16, 2021 - Andrew Clark is the chief archaeologist for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. He joins us to preview his upcoming presentation at the Heritage Center about a book he co-authored titled "Archaeological Perspectives on Warfare on the Great Plains." ~~~ Chuck Lura shares a Natural North Dakota essay about Impatiens, which are also known as jewelweed, or touch-me-nots. ~~~ Eliza Blue shares a Postcard from the Prairie. ~~~ Sue Balcom is here for a discussion of Savory pies and sweet desserts using garden vegetables.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - We discuss "TR's Western Friends" with historian Duane Jundt and Roosevelt scholar Clay Jenkinson. It’s a preview of the upcoming Theodore Roosevelt Symposium on the theme “Western Scenes, Western Friends.” ~~~ Blood plasma is in short supply. Here to discuss the situation in North Dakota, the uses for plasma, and how to donate is Jennifer Bredahl, regional director for Vitalant Blood Donation.

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - “The Butterfly Effect” is a documentary by Minnesota filmmaker Deb Wallwork. It’s airing September 23rd on Prairie Public. It’s humorous and lyrical as it features portraits of rural people who are saving the monarch butterfly, one milkweed at a time. Deb is originally from the Fargo area, and she joins us for a preview. ~~~ Horticulturist Ron Smith is along with an eye toward fall, and dare we even say winter?

Monday, September 13, 2021 - The Mediterranean diet is one of the most healthful, delicious ways of eating on the planet, but how can we apply these dietary principles here in the Midwest? A new book offers some answers. Here to discuss “Midwest Mediterranean” are two of the contributors, Megan Myrdal and Peter Schultz. ~~~ The International Day of Listening is coming up. Here to discuss the importance of listening is the founder of the event, Sheila Bentley.

Sunday, September 12, 2021 - A Song for Liv is the latest book from photographer and retired professor Wayne Gudmundson. It explores his family’s roots from Iceland to North Dakota. ~~~ Sue Balcom is here for this week’s episode of Main Street Eats. Today she’s talking about hummingbirds.~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” the latest superhero film based on Marvel Comics.