The Roadhouse

Cliff Jacobson is one of North America's most respected outdoors writers, wilderness guides, and consultants, and author of more than a dozen top-selling books on camping and canoeing. He's a featured teacher and speaker at the first-ever Boundary Waters Expo June 12-14 at Seagull Lake. He joined Dick recently to chat about what he'll cover at the expo, and lots more. His motto: "Skills are more important than things."

A new study released by the MN Pollution Control Agency confirms that lakes and streams across Minnesota are contaminated by endocrine-disrupting compounds, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic ingredients. The study's author, environmental scientist Mark Ferrey of the MPCA, joined Dave TerSteeg June 5 to explain. You can learn more at www.pca.state.mn.us.

Local guitarist and songwriter Pete Kavanaugh stopped by Studio A May 29 with new material and great stories. You can learn more about Pete's music and performance schedule here.

The Pavek Museum of Broadcasting focuses on the history of radio and TV broadcasting, especially in Minnesota. Steve Raymer, managing director of the museum since its founding in 1988, joined Buck May 29 to talk about how the museum got started, what they collect, and their educational programs as well. Did you know that in the early 1900s, the radio station on the U of MN campus broadcasted football in Morse code? 

A new app called iFish Forever allows anglers to anonymously share their catch info, in support of cutting-edge research and responsible management. Prof. Paul Venturelli of the U of MN department of fisheries, wildlife, and conservation biology, helped create the app. He spoke with Dick May 29 about how it works and why it will help the DNR and other entities make better decisions.

Memorial Day weekend offered several opportunities to hear Chris Gillis (keyboard), Gordon Thorne (guitar) and Randy Sabien (fiddle) play around Cook County. They stopped by The Roadhouse Friday night for a preview with chat, laugh, and great, happy music. 

Chris Gillis stopped by The Roadhouse May 22 to talk about a new museum exhibit, "Music From the Tip o' The Arrowhead," that just opened at the Cook County Historical Society. It covers everything from town hall polkas to jazz bands to church chorales.

Chel Anderson is a botanist and plant ecologist who has lived and worked on the North Shore since 1974; you might know her as the North Woods Naturalist on WTIP. She's just written, with Heidi Fischer, an amazing comprehensive environmental history of the North Shore. It's titled "North Shore: A Natural History of Minnesota's Superior Coast." She spoke with Ann Possis May 22 about deciding to write the book, the processes and time involved, and what they hope to convey about this remarkable place in our world. You can learn more about the book here.

Dick & Buck welcomed Ginstrings to The Roadhouse May 15 for fast-paced music with wonderful harmony. Ginstrings are: Matt Blake, bass; Gavin Haskin, mandolin; Eli Bentley, dobro; Jon Miller, guitar. Learn more at ginstrings.com or www.facebook.com/Ginstrings.

Ever buy something that didn't make you as happy as you thought it would? If so, you're not alone. Dr. Ryan Howell, associate professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, chatted with Buck May 15 about how your consumer choices affect your happiness. Dr. Howell is the co-founder of BeyondThePurchase.org, where you can learn more about these ideas and your own behavior.