Stories in Life. On the Radio with Mark and Joe.

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Wine is not just a drink, it is geology, agriculture, family history, and a thousand small decisions that end up in your glass. We sit down with Tamra Lindahl, a certified sommelier and Costco wine steward in Minnesota, to hear how a 20-year career as a flight attendant turned into a deep passion for wine education, terroir, and the people who do the hard work in vineyards and cellars. Her story is a reminder that “wine culture” is not about status, it is about curiosity and respect. 

We get practical fast: how sommeliers train their palate with sensory “muscle memory,” how to recognize classic markers like oak and buttery Chardonnay, and why your nose usually tells the truth when a wine is off. Tamra also breaks down what most shoppers miss when they buy wine, including how reading the label front and back can reveal single-vineyard clues, vintage details, and even why a bottle’s price suddenly drops. If you want better wine pairing choices without overspending, her approach is simple: learn your preferences, try new grapes, and focus on place. 

We also dig into underrated wine regions and high-value picks, from Washington and Oregon to Portugal’s rising profile, Vino Verde, Spain, and Chile. Along the way, Tamra shares what she has learned about organic vineyard practices, the realities of growing grapes in tough climates, and the trends changing the wine industry right now, from orange wine to spritzes and more experimental aging. If you enjoy wine tasting, sommelier tips, and budget-friendly wine shopping, you will walk away with concrete next steps and a longer list of bottles to try. 

Subscribe, share this conversation with a fellow wine lover, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What region or grape are you exploring next?

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Lake Superior is not just cold, it’s demanding. The weather can turn fast, the waves hit differently than the ocean, and a shipwreck that felt “familiar” a decade ago may have collapsed into something sharp, dark, and dangerous today. We sit down with Stephen B. Daniel, an accomplished diver, author, illustrator, photographer, and maritime expert who has logged 530+ dives and brought countless wrecks to the surface through detailed underwater sketches and diver-friendly maps. 

We get practical about Lake Superior scuba diving safety: how Stephen plans a wreck dive, why dry suit layering matters, what good buoyancy control protects, and how depth changes everything from bottom time to decompression risk. He shares stories from standout dives like the SS America and describes what makes a wreck beautiful and what makes it a trap when storms shift structure and visibility drops. 

Then we zoom out to shipwreck preservation and Great Lakes maritime history. Stephen explains the difference between documented and undocumented wrecks, why laws like the Abandoned Shipwreck Act exist, and why “take pictures, leave bubbles” is more than a slogan. We also explore underwater photogrammetry and 3D shipwreck models that let non-divers experience these sites, track how wrecks change over time, and protect the past without removing it from the lake. 

If you care about shipwreck diving, boating safety, or the hidden history off Lake Superior’s North Shore, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share the episode with a friend who loves the Great Lakes, and leave a review, then tell us: should shipwrecks be treated as underwater museums?

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Click here to send a message. We love to hear from our listeners! Send us a text message and share your feedback

What would you learn if you crossed international borders with only a 26-liter backpack and a belief that most people are kind? We sit down with friend Dean Fromm, a Colorado based traveler who’s visited 109 countries, to unpack how light gear, slow plans, and open eyes can turn the world into a classroom. From Ecuador’s Amazon, where a landslide an innovative act of collective problem-solving, to nights in Beirut under rolling blackouts, Dean shows how generosity often lives where our news cycles don’t look.

We dig into practicals—e-visas, passports, research routines, and why maps reveal more than roads. Dean chooses regions and builds trips around terrain, history, and the people he meets along the way. He makes the case for the Middle East and Asia as welcoming, life-affirming places, sharing vivid stories from Lebanon, Armenia, and an unforgettable solo entry into Gaza in the mid-90s that led to two days of hospitality from people with very little to spare. It’s not a blind faith; it’s a risk-aware posture shaped by real mishaps like a fall near Lake Baikal that turned into a lesson on resilience, recovery, and listening to your limits.

If you’ve ever wondered how to travel with intention, Dean’s playbook is simple and demanding: pack less, stay longer, talk to strangers, and let maps guide your understanding of why cities exist where they do. Let local food, markets, and music become your syllabus. Say yes when your gut says yes, and keep your boundaries when it doesn’t. You’ll come home with fewer certainties and a deeper, steadier confidence in people—and in your own ability to navigate the unknown.

Enjoy the conversation, then share it with a friend who needs a nudge to book that first trip. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: where did a stranger’s kindness change your route?

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What happens when you strip away the complexities of modern life and spend five months walking 2,650 miles through some of America's most breathtaking landscapes? Mary and Jason Kosch did exactly that when they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to Canada, and their journey reveals profound insights about human capability, resilience, and the transformative power of simplicity.

The young couple from Bend, Oregon shares how a simple spark of inspiration from YouTube videos evolved into three years of planning before they finally hit the trail in April 2022. Their adventure carried them through five distinct sections—from the scorching deserts of Southern California to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, through the wildfire season of Northern California and Oregon, and finally to the challenging peaks of Washington. Along the way, they formed deep bonds with fellow hikers from over 30 countries, creating what they call "trail families" who supported each other through extreme challenges, including a harrowing night of 70-80 mph winds that collapsed their tent.

What stands out most from their experience is the beautiful simplicity that emerges when life is reduced to its essentials. "Normal life is way more stressful than getting up and just walking all day, eating, drinking water, and then sleeping," Mary and Jason reflect. This freedom from constant notifications, emails, and looming to-do lists allowed for a mental reset that has continued to influence their post-trail lives. They've structured their current lifestyle around access to trails and outdoor experiences, embracing a "simpler is better" philosophy after experiencing the freedom of carrying only what fits in their backpacks.

For anyone contemplating their own seemingly impossible adventure, Mary and Jason offer encouraging wisdom: "We're so capable of doing things that feel very unattainable. 2,650 miles seems like a ton, but absolutely people can do that." Their journey stands as powerful testament to what humans can accomplish with determination, proper planning, and the courage to take that first step. What adventure is calling you?

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Death often reveals what truly matters in life. When our friend Gary Anderson passed unexpectedly last October, we found ourselves reflecting on the extraordinary power of enduring friendship and its ability to shape our lives in profound ways.

This special episode brings together the voices of Gary's longtime friends to celebrate a life well-lived through stories, laughter, music, and shared memories. From high school connections to sailing adventures on Lake Superior that spanned decades, we explore the qualities that made Gary such a treasured friend – his protective nature, problem-solving abilities, sense of adventure, and gift for bringing people together.

Music flows throughout this tribute, serving as both backdrop and vehicle for memory. Friends recall sailing trips where Van Morrison provided the soundtrack to their "heaven on earth" moments – those perfect instances of togetherness where nothing exists beyond friendship, conversation, and natural beauty. Through these recollections, we witness how friendship helps navigate life's unpredictable waters, with Gary's expertise as a sailor mirroring his approach to relationships – prioritizing safety, enjoying the journey, and weathering storms together.

The heart of this episode lies in its gentle reminder about life's fragility and the importance of expressing appreciation for our friends while we can. As one friend reflects, "When you lose somebody that you've spent such quality time with... waking up to another day is such a gift." This perspective invites you to consider your own friendships – how you're nurturing them, what you contribute, and whether you're making sufficient time for these vital connections.

Listen to this celebration of friendship, then reach out to someone important in your life. Like a muscle needing regular exercise, friendships require attention to remain strong. Who in your world deserves to hear "I love you, man" before the boat comes in?

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Superintendent Laurie Putnam shares her inspiring vision for public education, emphasizing hope, truth, unity and growth in the St. Cloud Area Schools District. Through candid discussions on leadership challenges, the importance of diverse representation, and an innovative community school model, she highlights the imperative to rethink success metrics in education with a commitment to schools as a place for developing a stronger community. 

• Focus on hope as a cornerstone of leadership, 
• Importance of listening to educators on the front lines, 
• Addressing community representation within school staff, 
• Implementation of a community school model for comprehensive support of students and staff, 
• Advocating for new methods for assessment of academic performance across Minnesota, 
• Emphasis on self-care and resilience for educators, and 
• Call to action for collaborative conversations on the future of education.

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Explore the future of with Dr. Lorin Robinson, a distinguished journalist and author, as he unveils the real-world strategies needed to combat the relentless march of global warming. Dr. Robinson, who has spent years dissecting the complexities of climate change, provides a sobering look at the current state of our environment in his latest work, "Surviving the Warming: Strategies for Americans." This episode promises to arm listeners with valuable insights into the alarming rise of greenhouse gas emissions and the pressing need for renewable energy solutions, all while equipping families with actionable steps to respond to the inevitable challenges we face.

We envision a wave of climate migration reminiscent of the Dust Bowl era. And as we turn our focus to collective action, we challenge the role of consumer culture in hindering environmental sustainability. This episode is more than just a discussion; it's a rallying cry for personal and collective responsibility, inviting listeners to engage with their communities, governments, and corporations to forge a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Finding genuine male friendships and expressing emotions can be a complex journey, especially when faced with societal expectations. Join us for a heart-to-heart conversation with our lifelong friend, Neil J Meyer, as we break down the intricate dynamics of male companionship at different life stages. Neil's candid reflections illuminate the stark differences between male and female support systems, and how his early family experiences shaped his quest for emotional connection. Together, we revisit pivotal moments from our youth and underscore the transformative power of having male friends who share our journeys and vulnerabilities.

Grief and personal struggles often feel insurmountable when faced alone, but friendships and support groups can be a lifeline. Listen to our stories from joining men’s groups and counseling programs that helped us navigate life’s toughest times. These shared experiences not only provided relief but also forge lifelong bonds. Additionally, exploring the support offered by Al-Anon and similar groups reveals how essential community and communication are for emotional growth and resilience. We dive into the importance of seeking help to gain fresh perspectives, all while steering clear of the pitfalls of self-pity.

Breaking free from traditional norms, we explore how authenticity and unconditional love redefine male friendships and family dynamics. Reflecting on the barriers men face in expressing affection, we discuss the importance of modeling healthy relationships for future generations. Through our conversation, we emphasize the power of self-acceptance and authenticity, and how letting go of societal pressures changes our narratives. 

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