Best U of M Extension Center for Community Vitality Podcasts (2025)

1
Vital Connections On Air: Wakeup Minnesota with Ms. Victoria McWane-Creek on Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 43:52

2y ago43:52

43:52

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Vital Connections On Air: Wakeup Minnesota with Dr. Gloria Gonzalez-Morales on Oppressive Civility 1:05:19

2y ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Topic: Oppressive Civility Dr. Gloria Gonzalez-Morales University of Minnesota Extension page with additional information and resources: https://extension.umn.edu/vital-connections-air/wakeup-minnesota-dr-gloria-gonzalez-morales-oppressive-civilityBy University of Minnesota Extension - Leadership and Civic Engagement

1
Advancing women’s leadership in rural Minnesota 34:39

2+ y ago34:39

34:39

Even as more women step into leadership roles, much work remains to reach true gender equity in workplaces, local government bodies, and other community spaces. In this episode of Vital Connections On Air, we talk to Teresa Kittridge, founder of 100 Rural Women. Listen as she shares the work she's doing to amplify women’s voices and support their l…

1
Tourism and its impact on communities 45:58

2+ y ago45:58

45:58

The tourism industry can be a critical catalyst to help communities develop economically and demographically. While the impact of COVID-19 will linger for years to come, businesses and community organizations across Minnesota have proven resilient in the face of fluctuating demand, workforce shortages, climate changes, and other issues. During this…

1
Boarding Schools and American Indian Education 44:56

3+ y ago44:56

44:56

Join us for a conversation about the legacy of the Boarding School Era and it's impact on tribal land dispossession, and long standing influence on American Indian education.By Jason Todd Schlender

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MIIN: Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network 30:42

4y ago30:42

30:42

Join us for a conversation with Dustin Burnette as he shares the story of his leadership journey and his efforts in creating an indigenous immersion network that will provide curricula, training, resources, essential support to tribes in the great lakes region and many more topics on the lastest episode of Indigenized Connections On-Air.…

1
Indigepreneurship and the Kwepack 40:25

4y ago40:25

40:25

Join us for a conversation with Sarah Agaton Howes as she shares stories about resilience, heart ache, and perseverance and how it influenced her life journey. Sarah shares her strategies to fuel indigenous entrepreneurship and many more topics on the latest episode of Indigenized Connections On-Air.…

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency 45:03

4y ago45:03

45:03

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Anton Treuer as he shares stories about resilience and how it influenced his leadership journey, his relationship with tribal elders, his take on overall wellness, and his COVID-19 response. Anton shares the latest strategies on Indigenous language revitalization initiatives and many more topics on the latest epi…

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Justice McKeig 41:31

4y ago41:31

41:31

Join us for a conversation with Justice Anne McKeig as she shares stories about resiliency and how it influenced her leadership journey, COVID-19 response, virtual learning issues and many more topics on the lastest episode of Indigenized Connections On-Air.By Jason Schlender

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency 46:11

4+ y ago46:11

46:11

Join us for a conversation with Joe Nayquonabe, Jr., CEO and Chair of the board of directors of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, about his stories of resiliency which influenced his leadership journey, his take on the COVID-19 pandemic, and more topics on this episode of Indigenized Connections On-Air.…

1
Special Episode 07: Festivals and events during a pandemic 18:55

4+ y ago18:55

18:55

Festivals and events around the state and country have seen many changes in 2020. Whether it is canceling a community festival or creating a virtual event there are many challenges for organizers. Xinyi (Lisa) Qian discusses what organizers and community members can do to weather the storm. In this special series we are looking back on webinars and…

1
Special Episode 06: Minnesota tourism during the pandemic 19:06

4+ y ago19:06

19:06

The tourism industry has been impacted by the pandemic. Today we hear from Xinyi (Lisa) Qian from the University of Minnesota Extension Tourism Center on the state of Minnesota’s tourism sector and how they are looking towards recovery. In this special series we are looking back on webinars and articles shared early during the pandemic and how that…

1
Leadership in a Crisis 23:33

4+ y ago23:33

23:33

Links from the episode: To learn more about the Grand Portage tribal response to the COVID-19 Pandemic please visit: http://grandportage.com Minnesota Indian Affairs Council:https://mn.gov/indianaffairs/ To learn more about Leadership and Civic Engagement go to https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/leadership-and-civic-engagement where yo…

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Navigating Change 32:33

5y ago32:33

32:33

Join us for a conversation with Lower Sioux Indian Community President Robert Larsen. President talks about the impact of COVID-19 on his tribal community, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the legacy of leadership in his family, and many more topics in this episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.…

1
Special Episode 05: Exploring emotions during a pandemic 14:06

5y ago14:06

14:06

As we transition to more social lives and face some of the losses of pattern and routine we may be dealing with new emotions. Join in my conversation with Lori Rothstein and Denise Stromme as we discuss change, emotional agility, and strategies to help us overcome the overwhelm. In this special series we are looking back on webinars and articles sh…

1
Special Episode 04: Focusing on what you can choose 14:41

5y ago14:41

14:41

It is common to hear from people that they are feeling overwhelmed as we face the issues that are in front of us. Join in my conversation with Lori Rothstein and Denise Stromme as we discuss why we continue to experience these feelings and how we can find ways to calm our minds. In this special series we are looking back on webinars and articles sh…

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Navigating Change 24:16

5y ago24:16

24:16

By Jason Schlender

1
Special Episode 03: Impacts on Retail 15:34

5y ago15:34

15:34

Covid-19 has impacted businesses differently. Some are flourishing during this time and others are trying to figure out how they will keep the doors open. These challenges also look different for new business owners compared to those who were thinking about retirement. Join a conversation with Brigid Tuck and Neil Linscheid as they discuss the impa…

1
Special Episode 02: Navigating Change 21:09

5y ago21:09

21:09

Our world is constantly changing; now more than ever before. Community leaders are being forced to not only navigate their own responses to change but also identify strategies to help those around them. Jody Horntvedt and Toby Spanier reflect on the assumptions and stages of change and also discuss strategies for leaders to help themselves and thei…

1
Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency 56:36

5y ago56:36

56:36

In our inaugural episode we focus on the leadership journey and resiliency of tribal leaders as well as discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their daily lives and tribal communities. Join us for a conversation with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Tribal Liaison, Bradley Harrington, Jr. (Nazhike-awaasang) as he takes us through h…

1
Special Episode 01: Economists on the Economy 18:50

5y ago18:50

18:50

Today, the dial is moving; businesses are opening. What do communities do to support business now? Look deeper to figure out who's affected. Double down on supporting local businesses. Be reliable customers. Join our conversation with Brigid Tuck and Neil Linscheid as they share these thoughts and more. In this special series we are looking back on…

1
Episode 25: Rural-Urban Workforce Opportunities 35:22

5y ago35:22

35:22

Minnesota has a problem that doesn’t exist in many states; a diverse economy that has grown during challenging times. This economy requires workers in both rural and urban areas. Kelly Asche, Research Associate with the Center for Rural Policy Development joins us to discuss the current challenges and opportunities that exist in the area of workfor…

1
Episode 24: Rural-Urban Economic Interdependencies 25:49

5+ y ago25:49

25:49

Many people assume that the economies of rural and urban communities look very different. Surprisingly, there are many similarities. Brigid Tuck joins us to discuss what economics look like in both rural and urban Minnesota, and how they actually support each others’ success.

1
Episode 23: REM for REV 32:54

5+ y ago32:54

32:54

Evaluation doesn’t have to be a paper survey. In this episode Scott Chazdon and Pam Bishop share how Ripple Effects Mapping has allowed Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures evaluate their efforts in a unique way and better understand their communities along the way. Guests: Scott Chazdon, Evaluation Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension, Center f…

1
Episode 22: REVing for Entrepreneurship 34:58

6y ago34:58

34:58

Entrepreneurship is not a new concept, but it’s a piece of economic development that is often overlooked. In this episode, Don Macke and Pam Bishop describe how the Energizing Entrepreneurial Communities Framework is being used with six southern Minnesota communities involved in the Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures program. Guests: Don Macke, Entrepr…

1
Episode 21: Conversations Change Campbell 31:29

6y ago31:29

31:29

Bringing your community together for conversations can be an intimidating task. DeAnn Loll and Shana Klindt, members of the community of Campbell, share their experience leading four conversations in their community. Hear how they led their community through a series of conversations that led to big change; both in community appearance and communit…

1
Episode 20: Community Conversations 38:50

6+ y ago38:50

38:50

People are looking for ways to come together. Many times, one of the best ways to get people together and talking is around an issue or idea to better a community. Jody Horntvedt, leadership and civic engagement educator for University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality joins us to talk about strategies to start and support heal…

1
Episode 19: Engaged in Nature 45:19

6+ y ago45:19

45:19

Involved citizens are not always those that are running for office; sometimes they are hunting out invasive weeds. That is the case for Dana Boyle, Stephanie Wong, and John Woodworth who have used their common bond of caring about the Tamarack Nature Preserve. Hear their story of engaging public entities and other citizens to protect and promote th…

1
Episode 18: Civic Engagement 101 42:32

6+ y ago42:32

42:32

Civic engagement is a phrase that we hear from time to time, but what does it really mean? Lisa Hinz and Beth Kallestad, Extension educators with University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality discuss the meaning of civic engagement, best practices in working with others, and resources to help you become involved. Guests: Lisa Hi…

1
Episode 17: Key Workforce Issues 39:55

6+ y ago39:55

39:55

University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality hosted a workforce symposium to bring together researchers and practitioners across Extension and the University. This symposium encouraged those in attendance to explore the topic of workforce and consider how we might come together to better learn about and serve the people of Minn…

1
Episode 16: Workforce Wrap Up - It's the people 51:42

6+ y ago51:42

51:42

University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality hosted a workforce symposium to bring together researchers and practitioners across Extension and the University. This symposium encouraged those in attendance to explore the topic of workforce and consider how we might come together to better learn about and serve the people of Minn…

1
Episode 15: Making Business Succession Planning Successful 29:01

7y ago29:01

29:01

The idea of business succession planning can create a sense of fear for business owners and communities. Sharing of resources and building supportive relationships can help calm those fears and encourage success. Cathy Enerson, Community and Business Development Specialist and Economic Development Director, joins us for this episode to discuss how …

1
Episode 14: Understanding Rural Business Succession 39:10

7y ago39:10

39:10

Selling a business is not the same as selling a house. There are a unique set of factors that owners, potential buyers, and communities must consider as small businesses change hands. Liz Templin, Extension educator in community economics, discusses how business owners and buyers can prepare for this transition and how communities can help.…

1
Episode 13: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce 43:55

7y ago43:55

43:55

Our business community is on the front line of addressing workforce issues. This includes working to create welcoming environments for newcomers, tapping into under utilized pockets of workers in our state, and addressing issues at a political level to help all Minnesotans. Bill Blazar, Senior Vice President for Public Affairs and Business Developm…

1
Episode 12: Minnesota's Changing Workforce 38:47

7y ago38:47

38:47

Minnesota’s workforce is changing. Our workers are aging and new workers are often newcomers, not just to our community but to our country. Ryan Allen, Associate Professor at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, joins us for this episode to discuss the impact of immigrants on Minnesota’s workforce and what it means for our future.…

1
Episode 11: Glenwood Studies Housing 39:48

7+ y ago39:48

39:48

Workforce housing is at a premium in many communities throughout Minnesota. It is crucial for communities to have quality workforce housing to recruit new community members and retain those who are already there. In today’s episode we learn about the housing study conducted in Glenwood, Minnesota and how understanding the needs of the individuals w…

1
Episode 10: Working to Address the Childcare Shortage 31:56

7+ y ago31:56

31:56

Communities are getting creative in how they work to understand and address childcare shortages. Greg Wagner from the West Central Initiative shares steps they are taking to increase childcare capacity in communities. Through the use of their Forgivable Childcare Loan Fund, home-based childcare providers in West Central Minnesota are able to start …

1
Episode 9: Minnesota's Childcare Crisis 33:38

7+ y ago33:38

33:38

Minnesota is experiencing a childcare crisis and it directly impacts our workforce. Marnie Werner, Director of Research for the Center for Rural Policy and Development, joins us for this episode to better understand the issue and how it varies across the state. She shares insights from research she led on the topic for the Center. “There is a short…

1
Episode 8: Manufacturing in Minnesota 35:22

7+ y ago35:22

35:22

We continue exploring Minnesota’s economy and its workforce in this episode as we meet Bob Kill, President and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota. Enterprise Minnesota is a consulting organization that helps manufacturing companies become efficient and helps them to grow. Their team of thirty-four individuals provides services throughout the state that he…

1
Episode 7: Make It Litchfield Update 21:45

7+ y ago21:45

21:45

In this episode we catch up with Judy Hulterstrom and David Krueger who are part of the Make It Litchfield program and hear about their next steps. This episode is a follow up to Episode 2: Make It Litchfield.

1
Episode 6: Minnesota's Workforce 25:03

7+ y ago25:03

25:03

There are challenges with Minnesota’s workforce. We hear about them every day. Baby boomers are retiring. The workforce is shrinking. Immigrants add workers, but there is no clear path to an effective immigration policy. There are mismatches between where the jobs are and where the people are. The good news is that these challenges have brought out…

1
Episode 5: Minnesota's Economy 101 35:49

7+ y ago35:49

35:49

Laura Kalmbokidis, Ph. D., is an Extension Economist, Professor of Applied Economics at University of Minnesota, and Minnesota’s State Economist. She joins us for this episode of Vital Connections on Air to help us learn more about Minnesota’s global economy. She shares that our economy continues to grow and is supported by a strong and dedicated w…

1
Episode 4: ReGen 35:31

7+ y ago35:31

35:31

People are drawn to communities for many different reasons and choose to stay for a variety of reason. It is often the social roots, the connections that are made to others and a community, that keep people in an area. Social roots need to be developed and nurtured. One organization that is working to help people grow their social roots on Minnesot…

1
Episode 3: The Leadership Gap 22:33

7+ y ago22:33

22:33

Communities are seeing less people coming forward to serve in leadership roles. The reality is that there are less leaders in smaller communities not because people aren’t coming forward to lead but because there are so many groups that need to be led! Ben Winchester, Senior Research Fellow for University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Communi…

1
Episode 2: Make it Litchfield 26:56

8y ago26:56

26:56

Communities have the power to tell their own story. Litchfield, MN has been working to create a narrative the reflects their community and tells a story that is optimistic and focused on the future. Judy Hulterstrum and David Krueger will share how they have implemented a program called Make It Litchfield that has brought together the entire commun…

1
Episode 1: It's Not Your Grandpa's Rural 21:43

8y ago21:43

21:43

We often hear that small, rural communities are disappearing. Ben Winchester, Senior Research Fellow for U of M Extension’s Center for Community Vitality, joins us to tell us what is actually happening. According to his research they are, in reality, strong and attracting new people every year. We talk about trends in migration and how to change th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

U Of M Extension Center For Community Vitality Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen