Minnesota Circle

In this episode we speak with Debbie Witschen, mother of Dylan Witschen. She shares  the incredible journey of how Dylan, a young healthy football player from Anoka was playing on the field one day, and having brain surgery the next. Debbie tells us about the life-changing impact that St. Jude made, not only for her son but her entire family. The care, services, treatment, lack of a bill and overall experience at St. Jude was so profound that Dylan asked his Mom to fundraise for them as one of his last wishes. Get to know Dylan, a young man wise beyond his years and learn how YOU can help join the fight to end childhood cancer. 

Watch the full interview via YouTube HERE.
Donate to St. Jude via our fundraiser HERE.

Learn more about the Dylan Witschen Foundation HERE.

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In Episode 54 we speak with Susan Elwer from Spoonful Apparel. Susan speaks with us all about how the vision for her company was born, how the company operates, and their mission. She has been able to accomplish so much, feeding over 128,000 hungry children,  and has a goal of to make that 200,000 by the end of 2021.  Spoonful Apparel donates 50% of their profits to organizations around the United States that provide meals to children. You can look and feel good when you purchase from them! Visit their website today to see all of their beautiful and inspiring shirt designs!  You won't be disappointed! 

"My vision for Spoonful Apparel started with an idea to create apparel with messages that inspire, encourage and motivate – and ultimately start a new conversation.

After staying home 11 years to raise my girls I decided to rejoin the workforce in 2014. My search led me to school district 279, where I worked as a teacher’s assistant in a preschool room in Maple Grove, MN for four years. In 2016, while working in our classroom, I met a 4-year-old boy who had gone the first three months of the school year without a lunch – this broke my heart.  He became the inspiration for the mission behind Spoonful Apparel.

I believe that we are all here for a unique purpose, and through that purpose, to make the world a better place. Spoonful Apparel gives 50% of our profits to help fight child hunger because we believe children deserve better.

I was born and raised in Minnesota, and currently live in the northwest suburbs with my biggest fan & husband of 26 years (Eric), two girls (Sydney - 18, Reese - 13), and our black lab Josie. If you stop over for a visit, you’ll likely find me in the kitchen pursuing two of my other passions, cooking and baking."

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In episode 53 we spoke with Dr. Artika Tyner from Planting People Growing Justice. She has worked as a civil rights attorney for 15 years, written multiple books, runs a non-profit and so much more! She shines a light on the hope that exists for our future and is finding creative ways to combat racial injustice through her books, classes and speaking engagements. She is a powerhouse of knowledge and we could have talked to her for hours! This is an episode not to miss! Learn more about Dr. Artika Tyner HERE.  Featuring the song "Vanishing" by local musician Amanda B. Perry.

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, lawyer, author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. She is committed to training students to serve as social justice engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom. In recognition of her leadership and service, she is the recipient of more than two dozen awards that include: Women in Business, American Small Business Champion, International Educator Citizen, and American Bar Association Difference Makers.

She has been featured in a variety of media outlets. She is a prolific, award-winning author of adult and children’s books that includes: Amazing Africa: A to Z and The Leader’s Journey: A Guide to Discovering the Leader Within. She serves as a global citizen by supporting education, entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership initiatives in Africa. Dr. Tyner is the founder of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, a nonprofit organization committed to promoting literacy and diversity in books.

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On this episode we speak with Nicoshia Wynn the Founder and Executive Director of Relentless Academy. Relentless Academy is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math, Art, Reading, Technology) programming which includes music and financial literacy instruction for underserved youth. For more information, or to register your child, visit their website. 

Nicoshia has always had a love and passion for youth, art, and education. She grew up  in Milwaukee and attended arts schools, a thriving boys and girls club (Sherman Park),  played basketball, and loves music. Over the years, Nicoshia has demonstrated  excellence in service. She has mentored youth, developed youth mentoring programs,  supervised youth summer and after school programs, volunteered for programs  involving underserved youth, and has coached girls’ basketball camps and high school  programs.  

She is a singer, songwriter, recording artist and has worked in various capacities in  ministry with various denominations and organizations as a Consultant, Executive  Pastor, Worship Pastor, and as a Youth Pastor.  

Professionally, Nicoshia has over 20 years of experience working in higher education,  K-12 education and corporate in various capacities in human resources, consulting,  leadership and organizational development, and equity, diversity and inclusion. She is  currently working as a SR. Human Resources Consultant at Allianz Life of North  America.  

She obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of  Minnesota-Duluth as well as her Masters in Management degree from The College of  St. Scholastica. She is married and has three beautiful children. She resides in the Twin  Cities and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 

Featuring music by Nicoshia Wynn with her song "Relentless Worship."

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In episode 51 we speak with Zede from Grand Risings Farm, a brand new farm in Minnesota. Zede combines her passion for fighting injustice with providing healthy food options to those who have none through her farm and social justice initiatives. Zede shares how the farm began, how you can become involved and why this work is so important.  Learn more about Grand Risings Farm HERE. Featuring the song "Ultraviolet" by local musician Swallows.

Zedé is a rural farmer, organizer, and herbalist where she roots all of her work in the liberation of Black and Indigenous lives. She is a passionate advocate for justice and equity within farming, and educating others on natural living and learning to honor the land we live on.

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In this episode we speak with Shannon Foreman from Forethought Planning and the THRIVE For[e]ward podcast. Shannon is a Generational Wealthcare Strategist and helps empower people to take ownership of their money and to live a life aligned with their values. Listen in as we discuss many important topics such as women and money, types of financial professionals, debt to investing steps, and sustainable investing.
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Did you know we offer classes from Minnesotans? Our next class will be in April. The host will discuss how to travel and explore MN on a budget. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. 

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In episode 49 we spoke with Rev. Carl Johnson, the founder of Storehouse Grocers. He has a goal to end food insecurity around the US and has made the Daytons Bluff neighborhood in St. Paul his current focus. Carl shared how it all started with just a few volunteers, what the realities of hunger looks like in St. Paul, and why he decided to create a grocery store that is affordable and easily accessible to all. Carl also shared about the many other ways he is helping curb hunger in the neighborhood such as serving free hot meals and more. Carl has a magnetic personality and will inspire you to find ways to fight hunger in your own local community as well. Learn more about Storehouse Grocers HERE. Featuring the song "September" by local musician Lanue.

Rev. Carl Johnson moved to the Twin Cities in fall of 2016. He made connections in the neighborhood by volunteering in Dayton’s Bluff Elementary school and recruiting volunteers to serve Dayton’s Bluff Elementary and Recreation Center in various capacities. He also started a community garden at no cost to the recreation center for teaching neighborhood kids how to grow vegetables. Reverend Johnson primary motivation was to end everyday hunger. Rev Johnson has held neighborhood specific block parties and seasonal events to uplift the neighborhood.

Carl has a mission to abolish food insecurity in major cities starting with St.paul believing that race and economic justice are tied to food. Carl’s extensive knowledge of black culture and structures of identities in the black community has propelled his work with racial injustice. Carl often engages in circles and individuals cross-culturally to see communities work in unity.

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During this episode we speak with Sophie from RAD (Rethinking the American Dream) Tiny Home. Sophie and her husband live in Duluth, Minnesota in a tiny home they built themselves. We had so much fun talking all about the Tiny House Movement, tiny home living, and sustainable practices that can easily fit into you life.  Featuring the song "Chicago Love" by Shadhidi.

Visit @RADTINYHOME on Instagram or their website to learn more.


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In episode 47 we spoke with Flora from Corage Dolls. Flora is passionate about providing diverse dolls especially for those in under represented communities. Flora shared her story of how the spark grew after watching a documentary in High School and how she has incorporated doll research in many different aspects over the years. Flora will introduce you to the character Aaliyah and inspire you by showing how one person can make a difference on so many. Learn more about Corage Dolls HERE.  Featuring the song "Infamous Entertainers" by local musicians Space Hug.

Flora Ekpe-Idang is the founder and CEO of Corage Dolls, a multicultural doll and book company that helps to elevate, educate, and encourage girls of color to be unstoppable. Flora’s inspiration for Corage Dolls came from her experience watching the documentary “Girl Like Me”  and learning about the lasting impact that the lack of positive diverse representation in media and products had on Black children. Corage Dolls was created to celebrate authentic, black beauty, to educate and inspire children to learn about diverse careers and to build a sense of sistership among girls, families, and advocates for the empowerment of girls of color.
 
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In this episode we speak with Paul McGuire Grimes from Paul’s Trip to the Movies. What started out as a love for movies as a kid, and later a movie review blog, has turned into Paul reviewing movies for Twin Cities Live and MyTalk 107.1. He also has the opportunity to speak with some incredible actors and actresses. Listen in as we discuss the movie review process, some of the top movies to stream next, and what some of the celebrities Paul has interviewed had to say. 

Twitter/Instagram: @PaulsMovieTrip
Facebook: Paul's Trip to the Movies
Website: www.paulstriptothemovies.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkr1ZQeohWekWEizT5Q5Bw

"Paul McGuire Grimes is a Minneapolis-based film critic and entertainment reporter and is a member of the Critics Choice Association and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. He runs his website and accompanying YouTube channel "Paul's Trip to the Movies"  and is the resident film critic for KSTP-TV's "Twin Cities Live"  "The Colleen & Bradley Show" on My Talk 107.1, and "Read Talk with Roshini" on WCCO Radio. He has had the great fortune to interview a variety of Oscar and Emmy winning actors like Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, just to name a few. "
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