The Roadhouse

Flying these days can be stressful and not very fun. But the folks at San Francisco International Airport are doing something about that with the Wag Brigade, a program that puts trained dogs in the terminals to make flying more enjoyable. Christopher Birch, director of guest experience at the airport, talked with Dick May 16 about the program and how it's helping travelers to be happier campers. You can learn more about the Wag Brigade here.

Mae Davenport, associate professor in the department of forest resources at the U of MN, has just received a grant to help North Shore community leasers and our area's tourism-based industry better understand the vulnerabilities, risks, and opportunities a changing climate could bring to our region. She'll be working specifically with organizations and people in Grand Marais, Lutsen, and Finland. Buck spoke with her May 9 to learn more about the project and why it's important.

It's pretty cold and icy for fishing opener this year...local fishing guide Kelly Shepard joined Buck May 9 to talk about ice-out conditions, fishing prospects, and looking ahead to summer. You can learn more about Kelly's guide service here.

Robert Zink's new book, "The Three-Minute Outdoorsman," distills the latest news from the world of science & nature into three-minute tidbits of interesting information for the regular reader. He chatted with Dave TerSteeg May 9 about the book, and tells some great, quirky stories. Did you know that chickadees in our neck of the woods are smarter than most? Can you guess why? Take a listen.

Rep. Jim Oberstar, who represented the Eighth congressional district in Minnesota for 36 years, died last week at age 79. Lee Munnich, director of the national Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the Humphrey School of Public Afffairs in Minneapolis, joined Dave TerSteeg May 9 to talk about Mr. Oberstar and his legacy in transportation. There are a few fun personal stories here, as well.

Mark Hansen, one of the founders of North House Folk School, has had a life-long interest in microhousing--homes smaller than 100 square feet.  He joined Buck May 2 to talk about both the philosophy and the practical aspects of tiny house construction and living, as well as lots of other interesting topics, including 'how much is enough?' Mark custom builds  small structures from his workshop in Grand Marais.

Buck spoke May 2 with Adam Scher, senior curator at the MN Historical Society, about their new exhibit, "Toys of the '50s, '60s & '70s," opening May 24 at the MN History Center in St. Paul. You'll recognize many favorites as well as a few you haven't heard of...like the Johnny Horizon Environmental Test Kit? Many of the toys have Minnesota connections. Listen, have fun and learn a few things all at once.

Dave TerSteeg spoke May 2 with Dr. Marily Oppezzo, adjunct professor at Santa Clara University and author of a study published recently by the American Psychological Association. Her research shows that when a task requires some imagination, taking a walk may lead to more creative thinking than sitting does. Learn about how and why walking might help you generate more ideas. You can read the full study here.

Buck turned the tables on Roadhouse producer Ann Possis in this conversation about her recent long-distance (102 miles) walk in England. Ann hiked the Cotswold Way, one of 15 national trails in that country. Read more about those trails here.

Buck & Ann welcomed the Joe Paulik Band (Joe Paulik, Jessi Nicholson, John Mianowski & Derek Smith) to The Roadhouse Apr. 25 to play a few tunes and talk about the second annual Cook County Ramble, coming up May 2 at 7 p.m. at Cascade Lodge Pub.