Real Talk with Roshini: Recent Episodes
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Roshini is a strategic communication and crisis coach to C-Suite executives and a mainstage speaker. She’s hosted REAL Talk with Roshini on News Talk 830 WCCO since 2012 and Discover Minnesota with Roshini on Facebook since December 2020.
Roshini is a licensed attorney and former TV reporter called upon by media across the US for commentary about crisis management, leadership, political strategy, and PR blunders. She’s conducted thousands of interviews during more than 25 years in broadcasting. Roshini is a legal analyst for Court TV; a political analyst for KNUS Denver and WJR Detroit; and a success coach for Twin Cities Live on KSTP-TV in Minneapolis.
Her book, Communicate That!, is in its third edition.
Roshini shares her Top 9 Insights from hosting REAL Talk with Roshini for 9 years. Listen for some shout-outs to former guests and find out about two of her talk show host inspirations.
Hot topics with this media panel of Minnesota journalist celebrities. WCCO TV anchor Heather Brown gets into back-to-school headlines with masks and vaccination requirements. KARE 11 anchor Rena Sarigianopoulos talks about unemployment vs. job openings. KSTP’s chief political reporter Tom Hauser brings us up to date on the Minnesota governor’s race. These three have joined Roshini multiple times over nine years and have some questions for her on this final show.
Minnesota’s political landscape has changed in the past decade. Roshini’s regular political contributor Brian McClung and regular legal contributor Steve Silton break down the trends and what they mean for Minnesota's future.
Elizabeth and Kelcey are busy working moms you see on TV five days a week. Kelcey has run 32 marathons, including the Boston marathon seven times. Elizabeth features family, planting, and cooking in her Best to the Nest podcast. Both are together on this final REAL Talk with Roshini on WCCO Radio to share inspiration for all of life’s journeys.
Congressman Tom Emmer has been coming on REAL Talk with Roshini since he ran for office in 2014. Always one to speak his mind, whether or not Roshini or listeners agree with him. He gives us an update from Washington DC about what Minnesotans need to know when it comes to their jobs, COVID aid and restrictions, plus the latest hit the Republican party has taken in Minnesota.
Rogers native and former KARE TV reporter, Joe Fryer anchors Morning News Now on NBC News Now online and is a correspondent for The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and MSNBC. A longtime friend of Roshini's since both worked as reporters at WTVF in Nashville, Joe previews 9-11 Anniversary coverage and Broadway reopening.
Ali Kaplan of Twin Cities Business, Frank Vascellaro of WCCO TV, and Courtney Godfrey of Fox 9 cover how real people take in real headlines. Guests on REAL Talk with Roshini individually over the years, they're together here for the first time and give a reality check about covering news in a polarized society, how COVID impacts their work, and where to look for hope. Plus, their favorite cocktails, what they'd be doing if not newsies, and some final messages for Roshini.
Former Viking and Super Bowl Champ Matt Birk is turning his attention to mental health and kids. With a daily average of 5400 teen suicide attempts in the US, Matt says “kids are hurting, and this is a critical opportunity” to help them. Pursuit Academy will bring a mental health tool to kids in 4th grade. He shares how this 5-minute-a-day tool can be added to any curriculum. Matt also gives Roshini his thoughts about her winding down the show.
The Shakopee Mdewakaton Sioux Community will be the first tribal government to have an exhibit at the MN State Fair. Learn more as Roshini talks with Rebecca Crooks-Stratton, Secretary Treasurer of the Shakopee Mdewakaton Sioux Community.
International Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 31. The city of Hastings is hosting a citywide event recognizing this day on Aug. 30. Roshini talks with Bridgette Norring and Rep. David Baker who each lost a child to a drug overdose.
Steve Thomson is in for Roshini this week. Hamline University Professor David Schultz joins Steve for two segments. The two discuss President Biden sending 5,000 troops to Afghanistan, a the lawsuit coming from a gun owners' group, suing the Minnesota State Fair and Ramsey County, demanding that permit holders be allowed to carry handguns on the fairgrounds during this year's fair. Steve and Professor Schultz discuss those two topics and the latest headlines in politics.
Roshini puts her crisis coach lens on the Andrew Cuomo crisis in New York and analyzes why he's gotta go. Then, she shares gratitude with listeners and guests as REAL Talk with Roshini celebrates 9 years this month. She shared why she'll sunset the show on September 5th in light of a growing workload with her business, Roshini Multi-Media, Inc.
320 million people around the world suffer from rare diseases. Fifty percent are children. The Wild’s Matt Dumba is lending his name to #ShareYourRare, a new campaign from Columbus Children’s Foundation that works to bring gene therapies to kids with ultra-rare diseases. He shares how being godfather to a sweet little boy has really shined the light on helping kids. Plus, he gives us a preview of the Wild’s upcoming season.
Electric vehicles are getting more attention after President Biden announced new emission standards and several automakers are shooting for getting half of all auto sales as electric vehicles by 2030. Greater Minnesota Auto Dealers Association President Scott Lambert gives us a reality check on whether these goals are reachable. He also shares the fight he and many Minnesota colleagues are taking to Governor Tim Walz to reverse Walz's decision to follow California rules.
He represented Minnesota for nine years in the US Senate before being forced to resign by his own party. Al Franken got very real with Roshini about why he's still a Democrat even after his party turned on him in 2018. He shared his work on getting a national popular vote, due process in the Governor Andrew Cuomo crisis, and previewed his national tour, which kicks off September 18th.
Travel & Leisure Magazine came out with the best ice cream shop in each state. Roshini has the scoop on where to go in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Listeners wonder what happened to the Dakotas and share their own tasty pics.
Our entertainment guru Paul McGuire Grimes reviews Ted Lasso season two and Jungle Cruise with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Plus, he shares why the surge of streaming content is great for viewers.
The Minneapolis Convention Center had 400 cancellations in 2020. Now, it’s getting ready to welcome back its first big conference Aug 5th through 8th. CEO Melvin Tennant previews how the Convention Center is welcoming business back and what hospitality looks like in downtown Minneapolis as workers return, but labor is hard to find amidst safety and COVID issues.
Olympian Eli Bremer competed in Beijing 2008 and is covering the Tokyo 2020 Games for NBC. We hear his take on the latest record-breaker in swimming from Kaylee McKeown, whether a new rule for athletes to protest is changing the face of competition, and what to expect for the rest of these Games. Plus, why he Eli is weighing a run for United States Senate.
Senator Tina Smith just called out Major League Baseball and the San Diego Padres demanding it reverse the decision that would move Minnesota jobs to China when MLB and its teams have received billions in taxpayer stadium subsidies. Plus, she talks about COVID latest and what she’s doing to help support fetal alcohol syndrome disorder services.
Governor Walz and the Minnesota DFL want Rep John Thompson to resign. Roshini shares crisis management angles on this controversy, thoughts about what Minnesotans deserve from their leaders, and takes listener feedback
Is it time to sell your home? Cahill Financial Advisors Kevin O'Laughlin joins Roshini with advice.
Pay for name, image likeness is a hot topic in college athletics. U of MN Deputy Athletic Director Julie Manning shares what this could mean. Also, find out whether any Gopher eliminated athletics will return.
Roshini shares what it's like living one mile from Uptown Minneapolis as it's under siege by violence and reaction by city leaders to that violence. Two callers shared emotional reaction about their own real-life damage the violence is having on their lives and businesses.
Work-place changes and employer rules because of COVID-19 are creating questions, anxiety, and possible lawsuits. Some people are even quitting their jobs instead of returning. University of Minnesota Law School Professor Emeritus Steve Befort is a national voice on labor and employment law. He shares insight for employers and employees on back-to-the-office rules, hybrid work situations, and working from home.
Love for the outdoors inspired by Kylie Bearse to launch Approachable Outdoors where she shares hikes she loves. In doing so, the KDVR meteorologist shares how getting outside made a difference for her mental health journey. She advocates for others with her beginner-friendly guide to hiking and outdoor adventures.
Freedom and fireworks on the nation's birthday. Roshini hears from a listener about a special immigrant story and shares her own coming from Sri Lanka as a toddler.
With so many rough headlines about crime, politics, economic strife, the stress can seem insurmountable. Life Coach Mike James helps work through mental and emotional blocks to get us to freedom from some of the self-made cages of control we create.
Representative Tom Emmer has updates from DC about infrastructure, inflation, and COVID Relief. Plus, what’s his favorite "America" story.
Roshini shares insight about the Derek Chauvin sentencing and what next layers in the legal narrative could bring.
Nancy is based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This Chinese-American water medium artist was almost not born because she was conceived during China’s 1-child policy. Her mother bravely left the country when 3 months pregnant to give birth. Nancy previews her new exhibit, The Audacity to be Asian in Rural America. Find out more about her backstory and art in Episode #22 of Discover Minnesota with Roshini on Facebook.
Gilah Mashaal is the owner of Needle & Skein. Needle & Skein will be featured in a September Vogue Knitting spread for the We Wear Rowan campaign. She takes us behind the scenes of the June 28th shoot in Minneapolis with the Vogue Magazine team. Models will wear Gilah’s designs made from Rowan Yarns. Lori Anne of Lili Salon Spa in Galleria Edina will style the models’ hair.
We celebrate dads as Roshini takes listener texts and honors her brother, husband, late father and stepfather on Father's Day 2021.
Aaron Holm is the Founder of Wiggle Your Toes. He joins Roshini alongside Fox 9 reporter Courtney Godfrey. Aaron lost both legs in a horrific accident in 2007. He started Wiggle Your Toes from his hospital bed and was home to his three kids after 19 days in the hospital. Within 48 hours of Courtney Godfrey’s boat accident that took one of her legs, Aaron was in her hospital room ready to help. Now, Courtney serves on the board of Wiggle Your Toes and advocates for other amputees. Both share why losing limbs does NOT mean giving up on life.
Utepils re-introduces traditional beers in a modern way. Co-founder and father of four, Jeff McClure, shares this Minneapolis growth story of going from five to 38 employees in under five years and why they’re selling an experience. Meaning of Utepils = having your first beers with friends after a long dark winter.
Chef Justin Sutherland is opening a new chicken restaurant... Side Chick. Learn more #baddestbirdontheblock.
Minneapolis Chamber CEO Jonathan Weinhagen shares how Minneapolis are welcoming workers and visitors back to downtown and how he sees safety issues affecting outcomes.
Minnesota was named an inaugural franchise home of the new USLW League. The Minnesota team will announce a community ownership drive in the fall of 2021.
Co-founder Andrea Yoch previews the team and the opening summer 2022 season.
Roshini talks public health crisis with Dr. Sally Berryman. Dr. Berryman is an internist and Chair of the Health and Public Policy Committee for the MN Chapter of the American College of Physicians. Her work focuses on why gun violence is a public health crisis that leads to any victim’s death and has ripple effects on those close to the victim and the community at large. Minnesota ACP works on gun violence prevention, legislative advocacy, and research on gun violence.
Lisa Clemons is the Founder of A Mother’s Love Initiative. Her organization’s motto: You save the mother, you save the child. You save the father, you save the family. You save the family, you save the community. Lisa’s work is dedicated to empowering Black women, Black mothers, Black daughters through mentoring, boots on the ground outreach, and education about why mothers are the key to change.
Lynne Torgerson is a 2nd Amendment and Gun Rights Attorney. Lynne shares the state of gun laws today and how guns get into the wrong hands. Who gets arrested and what exactly leads to conviction?
Roshini asks why people are willing to protest when law enforcement does its job but aren't as angry when innocent children are killed by gun violence. Plus, listeners weigh in on guns and safety.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day, so we end with some Memorial Day reflections. Roshini pays tribute to our honorable servicemen and women and shares Memorial Day messages from others, as we honor the women and men that sacrificed so much for us.
We have a violence epidemic. Too many shootings continue to plague our state and our nation. What is it going to take for us to not have to read these same headlines over and over and over? Roshini opens up with this discussion.
Operation Safety Now is a grassroots movement of local residents advocating for common-sense public safety measures and qualified office holders. The group wants to oust several members of the Minneapolis City Council in the 2021 Elections and is endorsing non-incumbents in multiple Minneapolis wards.
After overcoming several personal life-changing moments and surviving no client engagement for her business over 13 months during COVID, NParallel CEO Megan Diamond shares advice about resilience and why she says “humanness transcends all else… race, gender, economics.”
Based in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, 7 Generation Games wants to close the math gap for all children in school. CEO Maria Burns Ortiz explains how their nearly 50,000 active users in schools and homes across the US are improving math scores.
How can we heal the discord in political and civic discourse? Majority in the Middle is a new organization that wants to spread the word about programs that work and find NEW solutions for problems that continue to plague our communities. Roshini is joined by former tv journalist & board member of Majority in the Middle Kim Insley and Shannon Watson, Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. The three of them discuss how we can heal our civic and political culture.
Roshini is fed up, fired up, and has a lot to say about the unnecessary killings of children in Minneapolis and shootings across the city. When will leaders of all stripes wake up? Roshini has thoughts and takes your calls.
It's become a hot topic over the past few days. Governor Walz announced this past Thursday that the state will lift it's mask mandate. Some cities disagreed with lifting the mandate, including Minneapolis and St. Paul. This has caused some confusion and some disagreement. Roshini gives her thoughts and responds to listeners.
Keni Thacker founded 100 Roses from Concrete to be a platform where people of color in the advertising industry could connect, collaborate, & grow. He hopes it can help move people into the upper echelon in his industry and be an inclusion model for other industries
Food insecurity in Minnesota and across the US is now 1 in 4 kids. Summer meal delivery programs are a vital resource for children who depend on school meals during the school year. Pandemic-challenged schools need help. Cub Foods partners with GenYouth to raise funds and awareness. “May Days to Feed Hungry Kids” runs through May 31st in all 80 CUB locations. Shoppers can either round up their totals at the register or donate $1, $3, or $5.
The largest consumer show in the Upper Midwest is on at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds through May 23rd. Greater Metropolitan Automobile Dealers Association President Scott Lambert talks about why electric vehicles aren’t as hot in Minnesota and shares what is hot at this year’s show.
Alfrieda Baldwin, wife, mother, grandmother & a TakeCharge MN Volunteer. Afrieda is working on opening a K-8 micro-school in the Twin Cities and wants to restore the Black community’s cultural roots of faith, family, and education.
Oredola Taylor is Co-founder of The Exodus Minnesota and TakeCharge MN Volunteer. This mother of 3 sons became frustrated with St. Paul Public Schools and what she calls a push to lower academic and behavioral standards. She co-founded The Exodus Minnesota in 2016 with four other Black moms to promote excellence in education and showcase how it provides a path out of poverty.
Alfrieda and Oredola join Roshini to share how they, along with other mothers, are taking action to overcome education Issues.
The first female commissioner of Minnesota’s DNR, Sarah Strommen, talks 2021 fishing opener and the DNR’s work to make public lands more inclusive.
Since today is Mother's Day, of course we had to do some Mother's Day shout outs. We hear from Heather Brown's family, Lindsay Whalen has a message for coach Cheryl Reeves, and WCCO's own Jordana Greene joins Roshini.
It's finally starting to feel like spring and summer is just around the corner! What fun activities are awaiting for you? Roshini gives some ideas for some summer fun in some cool places.
New York Mills' Great American Think Off Finalists announced. Roshini shares how you can see them debate. This year’s question: What’s More Important: To Win or Play by the Rules.
We are in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Mustafah Akyol talks about this religious holiday’s purpose and breaks down some myths of Islam perpetuated by news headlines. Plus, he challenges hardcore religious types to become more tolerant in his new book: Reopening Muslim Minds: A Return to Reason, Freedom and Tolerance.
About a third of US workers say they’ll quit their jobs if forced to return to the office. Robert Half’s Jim Kwapick breaks down the results of this latest survey and talks about the balance between employee desires and employers being able to stay in business. Plus, why communication is so important.
All eyes were on Minneapolis this week as the Derek Chauvin verdict came in, bringing one chapter to a close. Now, it’s up to Minnesotans to heal wounds of the last 11 months and some other much older problems.
Attorney Andy Brehm warns against treating politics like a spectator blood sport. He shares a report card on some local leaders and gets into why compromise is needed to defend freedom. The former press secretary to Senator Norm Coleman says the Left has “weaponized the issue of racism,” and the Right has “become too comfortable with conspiracy theories and dishonesty.”
Senator Melisa Franzen shares latest moves by the Minnesota Legislature toward new law for public safety. Where are the sticking points as Minnesota Legislature is in its last few weeks of session?
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joins Roshini to share his thoughts on how he'll help St. Paul and the State of Minnesota rebuild and move towards solutions.
Roshini talks with Hennepin County Commissioner Chris LaTondresse and gets his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict, the statement that was put out after the verdict, why messaging is important and more.
Roshini talks with retired Minnesota Federal JudgeJames Rosenbau and gets his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict, what stood out about the trial, what could be next and more.
Roshini talks with the CEO from the Center for Economic Inclusion Tawanna Black and gets her reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict and more.
Roshini talks with Attorney Mike Bryant from Bradshaw and Bryant and gets his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict, what stood out about the trial, what could be next and more.
Roshini talks with use of force expert Joe and former Golden Valley Officer Joe Dutton and gets his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict, what tactics he felt were appropriate, being a witness in trials like this and more.
Roshini talks with the CEO of the Sanneh Foundation Tony Sanneh and gets his reaction to the Derek Chauvin verdict, why people don't want to be police officers, serving the community and more.
Music journalist Andrea Swensson honors the life and work of Prince and shares her new article for Artful Living Magazine about his iconic Cloud Guitar.
We remember the show-stopping guitar solo from Prince at the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and take listener calls about dealing with facts over feelings.
Family therapist Todd Mulliken shares advice for listening to one another during tumultuous times and how to create safe spaces for families, kids, and the community.
Lots of emotions running high around the Twin Cities. Roshini shares thoughts about Prince ahead of his 5-year death anniversary on April 21st, facts in the Brooklyn Center shooting, and final stages in the Derek Chauvin trial. Plus, listener calls and texts.
Will Derek Chauvin take the stand in his trial for murder? Defense Attorney Ryan Pacyga shares his take and walks us through the reasonable doubt standard, what happens if the jury isn't unanimous in any decision, and strengths and challenges for both prosecution and defense.
Indeed Brewing CEO Tom Whisenand shares why he wants Minnesotans to Free the Growler. The Alliance of Minnesota Craft Brewers says the state is penalizing breweries for being successful and wants to prevent them from going out of business or moving to Wisconsin.
The thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Minnesota teams have a lot of prideful moments locally and on the national stage. We get into highlights and take your calls.
Are current headlines exhausting you? Roshini shares legal angles on the first week of witness testimony in the Derek Chauvin trial and how to take in future witnesses. We also talk the new election law in Georgia, and open the phone lines for listener thoughts.
SapSap is a culinary startup that features traditional Laotian dishes fused with “Wisconsin fat kid palate,” according to head chef and founder Alex Hanesakda. He’s a Laotian refugee whose father fought alongside US troops in the Vietnam War. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, he came to Burlington, Wisconsin, with his family. Pursuing the American dream meant feeding others. Alex shares how he’s continuing the tradition and helping veterans at the same time. Plus, a new line of SapSap products hits grocery shelves this year.
The Minnesota Wild played the Vegas Golden Knights Saturday and came back to win 2-1 in the third period. They’re currently third in the NHL West. President Matt Majka shares what’s ahead for fans at games and what to expect in the last month of regular season play.
Twins Today is a new Twins show that launched today on 830 WCCO. Host Derek Wetmore shares a preview of his exclusive interviews from the Club House and Twins of days gone by. Plus, some opening commentary from Roshini, including some March Madness and other sports talk.
This week's Winning Moment, Filmmakers Lindsey Seavert & Maribeth Romslo. These two amazing women combined their powers to produce Shining a Light, a new podcast series featuring Minnesota’s top female CEOs and Presidents. The series chronicles lessons in resilience.
So many sports, such little time. We talk NCAA March Madness , new Gophers Men's Basketball coach, high school state tournaments, Wild hockey, Twins baseball, and athletes getting paid as the US Supreme Court gets ready to hear arguments from the NCAA on March 31st.
Ann Friedman is the Founder & CEO of Planet Word Museum. Seven years in the making, and Planet Word in DC lived a short-life in 2020 due to COVID. It kept up its mission of bringing language arts to people all over the world and is set to re-open on April 1st. Ann Friedman takes us inside to the place that tries to unite humanity through the power of words.
Opening statements in the Derek Chauvin trial are Monday. Judge Kevin Burke shares insight about what each side will highlight and what happens with the alternate jurors and juror sequestration.
University of Minnesota Duluth Athletic Director Josh Berlo joins Roshini to celebrate his school's historic win over the University of North Dakota this weekend. Luke Mylymok scored the game-winner for the Bulldogs in the 5th overtime period to give UMD the victory over UND 3-2 in what became the longest game in NCAA hockey tournament history.
How will the latest bills in Congress affect real Americans? Representative Tom Emmer has an update and talks about his reintroduction of his Community OutPost Act to help law enforcement improve relationships with residents. Plus, we get a preview of his Town Hall on March 31st.
Roshini marks the historic UMD Men's Hockey win in 5 overtimes by opening the phone lines and celebrating the sportsmanship of both teams in the longest game in NCAA Hockey Tourney history.
This week's Winning Moment, Minnesota Twins Chief Business Officer Laura Day. Laura Day calls herself an introvert who has no trouble chatting people up. She’s combined her love of business and sport as a trailblazer in Major League Baseball. When she started with the Twins in 1991, she could count on one hand the number of women executives in baseball. We talk work-life integration, amplifying female voices, and her favorite Twins players as we celebrate kick-ass women during Women’s History Month.
Former Viking & Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page joins Roshini along with Mike McFadden, who sits on the Board of Directors for Our Children MN. Justice Alan Page and Mr. McFadden are advocates for quality public education for all Minnesota children through a constitutional amendment. The House Educational Policy Committee heard it March 8th. Our Children MN starts a Week of Action Monday, March 22nd. Their goal is to get Minnesota Legislature to put the Page Amendment on the November ballot.
Earl Gray is the Attorney for defendant Thomas Lane. Thomas Lane, the former Minneapolis Police Officer is being charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. Mr. Gray watched the Chauvin trial jury selection with even more interest than most of us. Now that 13 jurors have been seated, and Judge Cahill ruled against changing venue and for including May 2019 video, Earl Gray shares how these rulings and this trial’s outcome might affect his client’s trial in August.
Rebecca Jarvis is a Chief Business, Economy, & Technology Correspondent for ABC. Rebecca is a Minnesota native and she joins Roshini to discuss her new feature GameStopped. The feature chronicles the game-changing craze over GameStop. It’s streaming on Hulu. Rebecca takes us inside and shares effects on the market and investors.
Jeff Johnson is the Executive Director for Can Do Canines. He joins Real Talk alongside Tony, who is a trainer for the organization. Can Do Canines brings former inmates into the raising and training of service dogs for adults and kids with disabilities such as hearing loss, seizure disorders, Type 1 Diabetes, and childhood autism. Jeff and Tony talk about their work and share a preview of a virtual event on May 11th.
On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Roshini shares thoughts from her perspective as an Asian American and talks with listeners about their observations and experiences.
John Cosgrove is a native of North Ireland and wants to make sure you celebrate what he calls the most important holiday of the year, St. Patrick's Day. He shares ways to celebrate with social distance, in-person, and has a free Pub Quiz on St Patrick’s Eve you can join.
Pam Borton joins Roshini for this week's Winning Moment. Pam talk's Golden Gophers Basketball, Richard Pitino, his future with the Gopher program, and NCAA March Madness. Plus, how her transition off the court into a new world of coaching led her to write her new book about resilience titled The Crooked Rim.
George Parry is a former state and federal prosecutor. George joined REAL Talk with Roshini in September 2020 and shared how he didn’t think any of the officers should be charged in the death of George Floyd. Now that the third-degree murder charge is part of the trial and jury selection is underway, the former Philadelphia prosecutor is back with insight about exculpatory evidence, trial strategy, and juror safety.