Main Street

Friday, April 30, 2021 - In our Journalists Roundtable for April with news director Dave Thompson, we’re joined by special guests Matt Von Pinnon of the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, and Renee Jean, assistant managing editor of the Williston Herald. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Saint Maud,” a psychological horror film written and directed by Rose Glass in her feature directorial debut.

Thursday, April 29, 2021 - Fargo author and retired trauma surgeon Robert Chambers comes from a long line of strong women. That's why he likes writing about them. His second novel, Kimberly, is about a Navy SEAL whose desire to serve her country followed a terrorist attack. ~~~ Sue Balcom’s topic on this week’s installment of Main Street Eats will make your eyes water and open your sinuses -- horseradish.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - New York Times bestselling author Blaine Harden discusses  one of the most persistent "alternative facts" in American history about a missionary, a tribe, a massacre, and a myth that shaped the American West. His his new book, “Murder at the Mission,” exposes the hucksterism and self-interest at the root of American myth-making, and of the problems that can arise when history is told only by the victors. ~~~ Bill Thomas joins us with highlights from this year’s Poetry Out Loud competition in North Dakota.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 - We speak with recycling expert Jennie Romer, author of Can I Recycle This? A Guide to Better Recycling and How to Reduce Single-Use. ~~~ We learn about Project Find Safe from project director Vanessa Rovig of the North Dakota Center For Persons with Disabilities at Minot State. The project seeks to reduce injuries and death among individuals who may be at risk if they wander. The program works in tandem with Project Lifesaver, where individuals wear a small transmitter that allows emergency responders to locate them.

Monday, April 26, 2021 - UND philosophy professor Jack Weinstein joins us for another episode of “Philosophical Currents,” when we look at current issues through a philosophical lens. This month's topic involves the racially-charged events in Minneapolis, and how watching them from afar changes our experience of them and what they mean to us. ~~~ On Jack’s last episode of “WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life,” his guest spoke of using philosophy to help women cope with issues arising from motherhood. That prompted Jack to suggest we visit with one of his former students, Ashley Decker, who has embarked on a similar mission to help women. Her business is called Trauma Informed Coaching.

Sunday, April 25, 2021 - Dave Thompson starts us off with a news update. ~~~ "A Native Nancy Drew." That's what author Angeline Boulley always wanted in a young adult thriller. And that's who she created in Daunis Firekeeper, a determined teen who reluctantly joins forces with the FBI to investigate a pervasive meth ring. We visit about Boullley's first novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, which has already been optioned for a Netflix series. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Godzilla vs. Kong” and makes his Oscar predictions. The Academy Award ceremony is tonight.

Friday, April 23, 2021 - Self-compassion is the relationship we have with ourselves. It decreases anxiety and depression, and increases overall mental health. Melissa Dahl is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She’ll be presenting on self-compassion at an upcoming Chamber event, where she’ll discuss the role of self-compassion in the workplace. ~~~ Tom Isern shares a Plains Folk essay, “A Cloud in the West.” ~~~ News director Dave Thompson is here for our weekly news chat. ~~~ Matt Olien reviews “Godzilla vs. Kong” and has a few Oscar predictions.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 - "A Native Nancy Drew." That's what author Angeline Boulley always wanted in a young adult thriller. And that's who she created in Daunis Firekeeper, a determined teen who reluctantly joins forces with the FBI to investigate a pervasive meth ring. We visit about Boulley's first novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, which has already been optioned for a Netflix series. ~~~ Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, so we thought we’d share an essay from Wendy Welch, the author of “The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap: A Memoir of Friendship, Community, and the Uncommon Pleasure of a Good Book.” Her book explores what it means to open an independent bookstore at a time when physical books seem to be disappearing. Allison Quantz reports.

Monday, April 19, 2021 - The television documentary 'American Oz', airs tonight on PBS. It explores the life of author L. Frank Baum, including the time he spent in Dakota Territory. We visit with filmmaker Randall MacLowry. ~~~ Midwest Murder is a podcast that dives into the Midwest’s most famous murder cases, and what laws might have changed because of those crimes. The show’s going on tour with stops across North Dakota. We visit with host Jonah Lantto and researcher ShaunAnne Tangney.