Minnesota Community: Recent Episodes
Kool 108 (KQQL-FM)
“Minnesota Community” is a half-hour public affairs program featuring local community organizations in the Twin Cities and the State of Minnesota. MC airs weekly on iHeart Radio stations in the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Eau Claire. It is hosted by Samantha Sansevere.
Sam is joined by Wendy Blackshaw, President & Chief Executive Officer Minnesota Sports and Events. They discuss upcoming NCAA women's events and how Minneapolis is hosting the Final Four. They also discuss the positive impact that hosting events like the NCAA Women's Final Four has on the Twin Cities and surrounding communities.
Sam is joined by Kelly from Tiny Dino Buds, a Minnesota-based bearded dragon rescue. They work to rehab bearded dragons, address any medical needs they may have, rehome them with new families once healthy, provide animal therapy to individuals that need it, and provide educational in-school demonstrations. You can learn more about the incredible work they are doing here: https://tinydinobuds.org/
Mary Sansevere from the Enchanted Hollow Foundation joins Sam to discuss their mission and an upcoming event on September 16th at St. Michael Cinema. The Enchanted Hollow Foundation works to rescue and rehab horses in need, provide scholarships for underprivileged youth and individuals with special needs to be able to participate in equestrian activities, and provide educational opportunities for those in the horse community.
Sam features a conversation that Stan Teikala had with Billy and Bob on FAN Outdoors to raise awareness for the impact on the local environment due to recent wildfires in Northern Minnesota.
Sam features a special guest from Heading Home Corps, a new AmeriCorps program in Minnesota. Heading Home Corps focuses on supporting people who are experiencing homelessness by navigating resources and connecting people with additional supports in order to help them secure safe and stable housing.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has heavily impacted the air quality in Minnesota, and Stan Teikala has more insight on how it is impacting the wildlife in the area. Sam features a conversation he had with the guys on FAN Outdoors about the topic.
Charles Krause from Krause Holsteins joins Sam to discuss an upcoming event in the Wright County area at a local dairy farm. Later, she features a conversation with the US Surgeon General about the Delta Variant.
Sam is joined by a representative from AmeriCorps to highlight their new program, Emerging Educators.
Sam is joined by a representative from AmeriCorps to discuss opportunities within their tutoring programs.
Wildlife expert and photographer Stan Teikala shares information about the cicadas coming to the region this summer.
Sam shares information on various incentives offered by the state of Minnesota to motivate people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Sam is joined by a special guest to feature Today's Harvest, a free market that provides fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items that they rescue each day from local grocery stores, farms, and other partners.
If you have experienced hardship due to the pandemic and need assistance to pay your rent or utility bills, you may be eligible for COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance. Sam features a Minnesota state program called "Rent Help MN."
Sam is joined by Reverend Tim Christopher to discuss the remarkable work that his organization does for people in need within the communities around the Twin Cities.
Sam shares audio and information from the COVID-19 briefing done by Governor Tim Walz and top MDH officials held on the first Monday following the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Sam features a conversation with Stan Teikala about wildlife conservation in MN - particularly flying squirrels within the state.
Sam shares audio and information from Governor Tim Walz's latest press briefing where he announced Executive Order 20-99, which imposes restrictions in Minnesota over the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Sam shares information on the new COVID-19 restrictions announced by Governor Tim Walz on November 10th, 2020.
Sam is joined by Julie Orlando to discuss Hope4Youth, a nonprofit organization located in Minnesota that provides pathways to end youth homelessness in our communities.
Sam shares audio and information from the October 26th MDH briefing about the latest COVID-19 data within the state.
Sam chats with Carolyn Smallwood from Way To Grow about MN kindergarten enrollments being down during the pandemic.
Sam shares information from MDH on COVID-19 testing around the state. She also features Dana Helstrom from Team Tucker to discuss her son's legacy and the efforts that her organization put in to help children suffering from illnesses.
Sam features a conversation with Stan Teikala about Minnesota bird migration and conservation.
Dr. Jeff Kegarise joins Sam to discuss the impact of increased screen time for students due to more students turning to e-learning in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, Minute Clinic Physicians Assistant Rebecca Hooper shares information about the seasonal flu shot and how it may be able to boost your immune system to help protect against COVID-19.
Many students -- from grade school to graduate school -- are turning to e-learning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even prior to the coronavirus outbreak, online classes were already gaining in popularity. Brian Martucci from Money Crashers joins Sam Sansevere to discuss the pros and cons of doing classes online. See Brian's article on the topic here: https://www.moneycrashers.com/take-online-college-classes/
Karla Blomberg and Chris McArdle join Sam to share a compelling story about Chris's son, Brice, and how Wishes & More helped them to have a very special experience with their son. Karla also explains how Wishes & More helps many other children and families in very difficult times.
Sam dives into the details laid out in Executive Order 20-81 and shares audio from the press conference where Governor Walz announced the order.
Sam shares information released by Minnesota health and education officials about the guidance laying out plans for Minnesota schools reopening in fall 2020. She also plays audio from the press conference where the guidance was announced and chats with Christine Lees, the Dakota County Disease Prevention & Control and Emergency Preparedness & Response Supervisor.
Sam explains why the agriculture industry in Minnesota was hit especially hard by COVID-19 related shutdowns. Later, she chats with the founder of Farm Direct MN, Sazzy Calhoun, about how that resource is helping connect food producers and consumers directly so that they can still make a living despite many distributors and processing plants experiencing COVID-19 related shutdowns or restrictions.
Sam highlights a couple of organizations that are working hard to help the Twin Cities rebuild following unrest that led to the destruction of many essential establishments like grocery stores and pharmacies. ShayCares founder Shay Webbie shares her vision for supporting, nourishing, strengthening and celebrating the St. Paul community through the leadership and volunteers of ShayCares that work together to run a pop up food self to provide anyone in need with essential items. Sam also chats with Colleen Moriarty from Hunger Solutions about various resources for people in the Twin Cities to help them find food.
Kirstyn Sansom from Kelly Services joins Sam to offer insight and hope following record breaking unemployment numbers both locally and Nationally. She also offers tips and advice for anyone on the job hunt in Minnesota during this global pandemic.
Sam highlights two organizations that are working hard to provide important resources to seniors and individuals impacted by Alzheimer's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. First she chats with Chuck Fuschillo from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, and later she's joined by Damon Kenton, the founder and director of Community Healthcare Services.
Former Viking Chad Greenway joins Sam in-studio to discuss the programs and events that make up his Lead the Way Foundation, including a great event they have coming up to support moms at the TendHer Heart Luncheon.
Margaret Hall, the Co-Founder & CEO of GreenLight Fund, chats with Sam about the launch of GreenLight Twin Cities and the positive impact that their organization hopes to make on the community.
Jon Justice, co-host of Justice & Drew on Twin Cities News Talk and author of the EMBARK series, joins Sam to share the story of his heart defect in honor of American Heart Month.
The Minnesota Legislative Session kicked off on February 11th, and Brian McDaniel joins Sam in-studio to explain the issues that are expected to be major focuses at the capitol during this session.
Sam is joined by Dr. Mark Schleiss, a professor at the University of Minnesota and investigator for the Institute for Virology, to discuss the risks of the novel Coronavirus potentially making its way to Minnesota.
Sam is joined by two Physicians Assistants to discuss heart health, making healthy choices, and the importance of staying on top of knowing things like your blood pressure and cholesterol. Later, she highlights a conversation from Overtime with Carly Zucker about Alexandra House.
Sam is joined by Jaime Gee, the founder and sole proprietor of RejektBMX, to discuss his organization's mission to make a difference in the lives of children through bike donations.
Sam chats with Amanda Casey from Trafficking Justice, an organization focused on abolishing sexual exploitation and trafficking in Minnesota.
Sam chats with Northern Lakes Vaulters about their program, the impact it has on some disadvantaged youth that get involved in it, and their scholarship opportunities.
Sam chats with Kirstyn Sansom about the current job market in the Twin Cities and how it might have an impact on anybody who might have quitting their job at the top of their New Years Resolutions list, as well as some advice for those considering a career shake-up for 2020.
Sam is joined in-studio by Mark and Cheryl Felton to discuss his great new organization, All The Way Home, Inc., which is focused on reaching out to special operations veterans and offering great opportunities for outdoor adventures that help them experience new hobbies and foster new connections with other veterans.
Sam chats with Deborah Delisle about the graduation rates in the Twin Cities and how the culture that kids grow up in can have an impact on those numbers. Later, she features a conversation on the issue of youth vaping and the banning of certain vape products around the Twin Cities.
Sam is joined by Mike Clark from Toys 4 Military Kids to discuss their great mission and the importance of supporting military families during the holidays. Later, a veterinarian shares the dangers of grass awns and how they can be fatal to dogs.
Cathy Maes and Grant Boeler join Sam to discuss the need for hunger relief around Minnesota, as well as the 2019 Walk to End Hunger event coming up on November 28th. Later in the show, Sam chats with Bolder Options president Darrel Thompson about the organization's mission, mentorship program, and how it makes an impact on many communities around Minnesota.
Sam is joined by Kirstyn Sansom to discuss job opportunities for veterans in the Twin Cities, as well as Michael Lester to discuss scholarship opportunities for military and veteran spouses.
Sam chats with Michelle Aytay, a Walgreens Pharmacist, about the importance of getting your flu shot. Later, she features a conversation from FAN Outdoors about a mission called "No Child Left Inside."
Sam features a conversation from FAN Outdoors about the importance of preserving the boundary waters.
Randi Prebil, the Executive Director at Hearts & Hammers, chats with Sam about their mission. Hearts & Hammers is a local Minnesota non-profit organization with the mission to provide exterior home improvement assistance for low-income Senior Citizens, Disabled Adults, and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces or their Surviving Spouse so that they may continue living independently.
Sam chats with Patti Robinson, the founder and CEO of Project Delta. Project Delta is dedicated to the pairing of veterans with rescue/shelter dogs to create service dog teams to lessen the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST) and physical disabilities that are the result of active service.
Sam is joined by Kirstyn Sansom from Kelly Services Minneapolis to discuss job opportunities around the Twin Cities.
Sam features an interview from The Minnesota Beercast that highlighted an organization called "Witch Hunt" that works to foster equality within the craft beer brewing community and to creates beer education opportunities for all skill levels.
Sam chats with Tim Schober and Anaa Jibicho from the Boys & Girls Clubs about the Boys & Girls Clubs, the impact they're making on youth in the community, and the impact that it made on Anaa's life.
Sam chats with Jacob Ryg from Davey Tree about Tree Check Month and what you should look for when checking your trees for invasive species. Later, she chats with a Physicians Assistant from MinuteClinic about important health tips and vaccination information for kids heading in to the new school year.
Laura Dizon and Dr. Lisa Lovelace join Sam to discuss Shout Out Loud, the 2nd Annual Benefit for Suicide Prevention and Awareness happening in St. Louis Park on October 5th. Go to ShoutOutLoudMN.com for more information.
Sam chats with Mark Bott about children's safety, privacy, and Operation Kidsafe opening up a location in Minnesota. Later, we hear from Senator Eric Pratt about bipartisan legislation in the works to protect workers in Minnesota from wage theft.
Alana Stimes, Director of the Minnesota Opportunity Corp and Minnesota Recovery Corp, and Kyla Olson, a Recovery Corp Navigator, join Sam Sansevere to discuss these great programs and their need for more full-time navigators.
Sam Sansevere chats with former collegiate athlete and current sports broadcaster Lea B. Olsen about her platform, Rethink The Win, and the culture around youth sports.
Sam is joined by Rebecca Hooper from Minute Clinic to share some tips on major summertime ailments. Later, Sam also has a great conversation with Mike Schoonover from the Patrick Schoonover Heart Foundation.
Michelle Jirik and Darcy Rose from the Prior Lake Rotary join Sam to discuss the Lakefront Music Fest. Sam also chats with Rebecca Hooper, a MinuteClinic Nurse Practitioner, about protecting yourself from sun exposure.
In partnership with Allstate and Memorial Blood Centers, Heather Kinney joins Sam on Twin Cities Community to raise awareness for the urgent need of blood donations.
Breanna's Gift is an arts program for children with cancer and other serious illnesses, and Cindy Uldrich joined Sam to share their amazing mission and raise awareness for the work that they do.
Drew Lee from Twin Cities News Talk and Chris Hawkey from The Powertrip Morning Show travel to Kuwait with Serving Our Troops to talk to members of the 34th Infantry division of the Minnesota National Guard who are currently deployed at Camp Arifjan.
A new exhibit is open at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. The exhibit is in partnership with the Somali Museum of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
PRISM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1970 by folks who were concerned about local hungry and homeless families.
Independent, long-term care, memory care, care suites, assisted living, rehabilitation, affordable housing and more in Minnesota.
Learn about Hammer Residence here in the Twin Cities. Also, become a member of Sons of Norway in St. Cloud, MN.
Open Arms is a nonprofit that cooks and delivers free, nutritious meals to people living with life-threatening illnesses in the Twin Cities.
Dress of Success helps women achieve economic independence/
Project Diva is a coaching and mentoring organization for young black women and girls in grades 1-12.
Camp Odayin provides fun, safe and supportive camp experiences for young people with heart disease. The White Bear Lake Food Shelf talks about March being Minnesota Foodshare Month.
At Girls on the Run they inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event.
If You Need Diapers. The Diaper Bank of Minnesota works with agencies throughout the Twin Cities to provide diapers to families in need. If you are in need of clean diapers for your little infant or toddler, one of these agencies may be able to help.
Out of a desire to help young people and their community recognize the value of youth, the Minneapolis Jaycees Charitable Foundation channeled their resources toward youth development programs.
It is the mission of We Can Ride to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities or special needs through equine (horse) assisted activities.