The Roadhouse

Engineering students at the U of MN took a classic science experiment a bit further to win a $25,000 prize and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Student and rocket team leader Kevin Schrader joined Dave to share the story of winning the Bayer-Big Ten Alka Rocket Challenge with a super-lightweight rocket, powered by fizzy tablets. 

Just in time! Christopher Clem, Butterball Turkey Talk Line expert, joined Dave to talk all things turkey--thawing, stuffing, portion size per person, and much more. You can find lots more info on their website, or call the hotline (til Dec. 24) at 1-800-288-8372. They've got live chat and texting service, too.

Local faves the Plucked Up String Band (Will Moore, bass; Matt Nesheim, banjo; Elliot Noyce, mandolin; Amanda Hand, guitar; Bill Hansen, dobro) joined the Roadhouse crew during membership drive to up the energy and get people pledging. Go to their new website here for more info, including upcoming performances.

Dr. Mark Seeley, a leader in Minnesota's climate community and a regular guest on MPR, stopped by Studio A during membership drive. He was in town for the Lake Superior Storm Festival weekend. Mark talked with CJ about our unusual November, predictions for the coming winter, and much more. You can find his WeatherTalk blog here. 

One of our favorite solo artists, Jim McGowan, stopped by Studio A during membership drive to chat and play. 

Kao Kalia Yang is an author, teacher, and public speaker who's written two books about her Hmong family's experiences in Laos, Thailand, and the U.S. She joined Ann Possis to share how she approaches her writing. Kalia will be in Grand Marais this week to teach and present at the North Shore Readers & Writers Festival. WTIP will broadcast a panel discussion she's on, Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the library, on writing about charged topics. Jay Andersen will moderate the event. 

Bill Hansen, active community leader and former longtime owner of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, spent two weeks in Kenya recently with his son, Adam. He dropped by Studio A to share his adventures.

Isabelle Groc is an environmental writer and conservation photographer based in Vancouver. She recently wrote an article for Ensia about working dogs that help preserve endangered species and other wildlife. CJ Heithoff chatted with Isabelle to learn more.

Local band Brothers in Arms made their Roadhouse debut, and rocked the house! The band is: Joe Peterson, drums; Drew Heinonen, guitar; Jim Miller, guitar; and Jonathan Steckelberg, bass. 

Lars Hasselblad-Torres, a Vermont writer, artist and educator, is making a road trip across the country to find out what regular people have to say about democracy and about making our country 'a more perfect union'. Dave caught up with him somewhere near the West Coast to learn more about his project, "Search for America," and what he's finding so far. You can follow his trip and blog here.