The Roadhouse

Used for centuries to fight illness, the elderberry’s reputation as an effective home remedy for colds and flu have been borne out by numerous scientific studies.

Susannah Shmurak, founder of HealthyGreenSavvy, has authored a new book, "Everything Elderberry." This book is for everyone from novices to advanced herbalists and contains everything you need to know to source elderberries and make the most potent and delicious natural remedies and treats. Ann spoke with Susannah about the book.

The Superior Hiking Trail is right in our backyard and now there's a new guide book out should you want to hike the trail in one go.

Ann spoke with the book's author Annie Nelson about what inspired the book, and some of the information contained in it.

The Superior Hiking Trail Association, based in Two Harbors, has a new executive director, Lisa Luokkala. She began working with the Association last month. Will spoke with Lisa about how things are going this summer, and what she hopes to do in her new role.

Many people are turning to lakes and beaches in Minnesota for recreation this summer as a way to have fun outside and be safe. Some have wondered, though, if the COVID virus can be found on Lake Superior beaches. (Short answer: not so far.) Ann spoke with two scientists who have been studying that very thing—Dr. Richard Melvin, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, and Dr. John Downing, of Minnesota Sea Grant. For real-time updates on their research, see www.parkpointbeach.org.

William Durbin is an author and former teacher. He lives on Lake Vermilion in northeast Minnesota. 

Ann spoke with William about his latest book,"The Journal of Otto Peltonen: A Finnish Immigrant Story."
 

Researchers on a new study have founds that solitary activities like fishing, hunting, or even exploring outdoors can help kids become closer to nature.  Will spoke with one of the researchers, Rachel Szczytko, to learn more.
 

Cook County musician Kenna Rose joins Ann and Will on Roadhouse for a live outdoor performance.

Award-winning photographer Layne Kennedy dropped by The Roadhouse.  Layne spoke with Ann about how he was able to teach a recent class on photography at North House Folk School and also about his interest in bowl turning.

As awareness of systemic racism grows, so does the realization that the environmental movement, in particular, is not very diverse.

Will spoke with Ambika Chawla, a freelance journalist who recently wrote an article for Ensia Magazine on this subject, about how environmental groups might create genuine diversity.
 

Jerry Vandiver (guitar), Caitlin Evanson (fiddle), and Jay Gustafson (harmonica) joined Ann and Will for another outside performance on the air.