The Roadhouse

Local musician & songwriter Leah Thomas is well-known for her distinctive voice, killer accordion and clever lyrics, and has played with and fronted many groups, including the SplinterTones. Her talent was recognized by the SongDoor 2017 International Songwriting Competition, with an honorable mention for her song "Slick Back," which was recorded by the SplinterTones for their 2017 release "SplinterTones II." Leah joined Jay to talk about her songwriting process, including the inspiration she gets from travel. 

Jazz guitarist Briand Morrison stopped by The Roadhouse on his way to a gig at Bluefin Bay in Tofte. He shared his smooth jazz music, as well as some very interesting conversation about music, math, and more. You can learn more about Briand and his music and schedule here. 

By studying wild rice in lakes and streams, a team of researchers led by the U of MN has discovered harmful effects of sulfate in waterways, on wild rice as well as other species. One of the lead researchers, Amy Myrbo, joined Tracy to explain what sulfates and sulfides are, why they're harmful, and much more. You can learn more about this topic on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's website. 

Shane Loeffler is a grad student in the Earth Science department at the U of MN, as well as a Finland, Minn. native. He recently came up with a mobile phone app called Flyover Country, that tells you about the world below you along the path of your flight. Shane chatted with Dave about Flyover Country, what it does, and how it works. You can learn more wherever you get apps for your phone.

A few of our favorite musical guests, Rich Mattson & the Northstars, stopped by Studio A to share some cosmic folk and chat about what they're up to recently at Sparta Sound. The band is Rich, vocals & guitar; Germaine Gemberling, vocals & guitar; and Kyle Westrick, bass. You can learn more about them here. 

Offshore wind projects on the Great Lakes have been discussed for years, and the first one will likely happen soon, on Lake Erie. Andy Balaskovitz, a freelance reporter in Michigan, joined Dave to chat about the pros, cons and challenges of offshore wind. You can read Andy's full article about it here. 

Sean Sherman is an Oglala Lakota chef and founder of The Sioux Chef. His new cookbook, "The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen," shares award-winning recipes, stories and wisdom, and was named one of the best cookbooks of 2017 by NPR, Smithsonian Magazine, and more. Jay spoke recently with Sean about his book and his work. 

One of our favorite musical guests, Jim McGowan, stopped by Studio A for the last show of 2017. He shared delightful music to start your new year off right. 

It's that time of year when many of us plan to eat better, exercise more, lose weight, watch TV less...the list goes on. Prof. Chris Wharton of Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions has a surprising suggestion: Change as many things as you can all at once. Tracy talked with Prof. Wharton about his ideas and why they might just work. A few websites he suggests: 
www.mrmoneymustache.com
www.familypedals.com/
www.loveandmatrimoney.com/

Gail Francis is an author and outdoor enthusiast based in Duluth.  Her book, "Bliss(ters): How I Walked From Mexico to Canada One Summer," chronicles her adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail.  CJ Heithoff chatted with Gail to learn more.