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There’s a reason compasses always point north. The North Star State is the land of 10,000 possibilities. That’s where the Minnesota Star Tribune comes in. Each week, the people who know our state inside and out will reach into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, the events worth your time – and money. We’re cutting a path through the woods. Come follow us.
22 Episodes
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It turns out invasive goldfish in a metro lake make a nice snack for the less picky animals at the zoo. Less work flexibility means more working moms are making big life changes. Plus, we find out if the 40th annual Farm Aid concert really does help farmers. And this year a famous son joins the lineup. Read more about discarded pet goldfish in Lake Cornelia, women leaving the workforce and everything you need to know about attending (or viewing) Farm Aid 2025. This week our guests are intern Sofia Barnett, economic reporter Emma Nelson, and business reporter Brooks Johnson. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Palmer’s Bar is closing after an incredible 119-year run. There’s no replacement but we’ve got some ideas for your new favorite dive bar hangout. Workers are heading back to downtown Minneapolis, and our food team has the ultimate food and drink guide! Plus, we ask the burning question: are campfires still worth it? Read more about bars that might stand in for Palmer’s, eating in downtown Minneapolis and the debate about campfires. This week our guests are music critic Chris Riemenschneider, food and drink reporter Joy Summers, and freelance writer Tim Gihring. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two Star Tribune photographers share the stories behind the images they took after the shooting at Annunciation school. Plus, why the biggest fans of the young adult romance series “The Summer I Turned Pretty” are also the least likely. And music critic Jon Bream shares some star-studded stories as he celebrates his 50-year career writing about the world’s most famous musicians. View some of Rich and Liz’s photos from the Annunciation School shooting here, read more about “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and check out Jon Bream’s music criticism. This week our guests are photojournalists Richard Tsong-Taatarii and Liz Flores, columnist Laura Yuen, digital designer Anna Boone and music critic Jon Bream. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesday, a shooting at Annunciation Church rocked Minneapolis. Two children were killed, 18 people were injured and an entire community was shaken. Two experts share advice on how caregivers can find support and offer the words to process this violence with children of all ages. We hear from Jenny Britton from Washburn Center for Children and Matt Witham from Gillette Children’s. Find more resources here: Washburn Center for Children: Steps to take when your child is experiencing a trauma-related emergency The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After the Recent Shooting “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst This week our co-host is columnist Laura Yuen. Read her column here. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe.Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We dive into one big story this week. A particular set of religious teachings from Evangelical Christianity shaped Vance Boelter’s life. We find out more about the beliefs that may have fueled his alleged crimes: the assassination of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, the murder of her husband and their dog and the shooting of Minn. state representative John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Read more about Vance Boelter’s religious background. This week our guests are investigative reporters Jeffrey Meitrodt and Sarah Nelson. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Minnesota’s lakes are a source of pride, but does your favorite lake make the grade? There’s a new way for you to check out the stats on lakes around the state. As recreational cannabis expands, we’ve got some best practices for staying safe while getting high. Plus, a beloved novel by Kate DiCamillo celebrates a milestone. Read more about consuming cannabis safely. Get tickets to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “Because of Winn-Dixie.” This week our guests are environmental reporter Greg Stanley, photojournalist Anthony Soufflé, general assignment reporter Elliot Hughes, and interim books editor Chris Hewitt. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This year we’ve all been dealing with unhealthy air, but summer camps and the kids who attend them have been facing extra challenges. How are they coping and is this the new normal? We talk to one Boundary Waters newbie and one veteran about their trials and triumphs in Minnesota’s wilderness crown jewel. Plus, a unique new wedding venue in North St. Paul, and it might tell us a little something about wedding trends in general. Read more about the hot, smoky, rainy summer, going to the Boundary Waters for the first time and the Garter Toss wedding chapel. This week our guests are built environment reporter Greta Kaul, breaking news intern Anna Sago, general assignment reporter Alex Chhith, Minneapolis reporter Susan Du and features reporter Rachel Hutton. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we're sharing a show we think you'll like: MPR News with Angela Davis is MPR News’ daily live call-in show and podcast. The show features conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state is changing, Monday – Thursday at 9 a.m. Hosted by award-winning journalist, Angela Davis, the show is currently in its sixth year. You can listen to the show on-air, online at mprnews.org/angela-davis or wherever you listen to podcasts. To get all the book recommendations from this episode, visit: https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2025/07/08/inspiring-young-readers-kids-authors-on-books-that-connectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recreational marijuana has been legal in Minnesota for two years now. We’ve got an update on where things stand. People are getting pumped up about inflatable watercrafts. We’ll talk about how these inflatables became game changers for lake life. Plus, wild rice harvests have been diminishing, and there’s a fierce debate over how to respond. What you need to know about the battle over Minnesota’s state grain. Read more about inflatable watercraft, wild rice and Mark Boswell’s personal essay about wild ricing. This week our guests are audience editor Matt DeLong, outdoors reporter Bob Timmons and North Central Minnesota reporter Kim Hyatt. Update: In this week’s episode, it was mistakenly stated that there was a prophecy about wild rice among the Ojibwe and Dakota people. We have updated the audio and removed the error. This was a prophecy among the Ojibwe, not the Dakota. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Going to the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival this weekend? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know. People are using buy-now-pay-later to afford things like groceries – but at what cost? Plus, Mendota Heights neighbors are battling a bird colony polluting their lake with poo. But a solution to this crappy situation is proving difficult. Read more about Minnesota Yacht Club, buy-now-pay-later loans, and Lake Augusta. This week our guests are music critic Chris Riemenschneider, business reporter Bill Lukitsch and south metro reporter Eva Herscowitz. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’ve got the inside scoop on why the Guthrie’s “Cabaret” is one of their best productions in years. “The Great Gatsby” turns 100 – is it worth another read? Plus, we’ll tell you about the Culinary North Stars that are pushing the boundaries of the Twin Cities’ dining scene. Read more about the Culinary North Stars, Gatsby’s centennial, Gatsby remixes and the Guthrie’s production of “Cabaret”. This week our guests are taste editor Nicole Hvidsten, general assignment reporter Zoë Jackson, interim books editor Chris Hewitt, theater critic Rohan Preston and digital food and culture producer Abby Sliva. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Fourth of July weekend, our music critic breaks down the best concert venues in town and takes us backstage at a Dylan concert. We’ll tell you where to stay cool with cotton candy-topped beverages and help you find a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard route through the Twin Cities’ most interesting waters. Read more about the best concert venues, gourmet cotton candy, and paddling urban lakes and rivers. This week our reporters are music critic Jon Bream, food and drink reporter Joy Summers, and built environment reporter Greta Kaul. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It’s Pride weekend, and there are 10,000 ways to celebrate - our team has your weekend plans on lock. We’ll get you caught up on local women’s rugby just in time for the championship final this weekend. The story of the closure (and reopening) of 19 Bar is a window into the history of an important gayborhood in Minneapolis. We’ll tell you about it. Plus, what it’s like to walk Minneapolis from the tippity top to the very bottom. This week our reporters are general assignment reporter Zoë Jackson, medical technology reporter Victor Stefanescu, sports intern Shelby Swanson, and digital food and culture producer Abby Sliva. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Happy Pride Month! We’ll hear stories from an online map that’s documenting stories of LGBTQ and Two Spirit people in Greater Minnesota. Grandma’s Marathon is this weekend and we’ll take a closer look at the one hill runners will have to face to finish. We’ll show you the line between legal and illegal e-bikes. And, we’ll get the inside scoop on the clawcade craze. Are we OK with these little casinos for kids? Read more about the Greater MN queer history map, Lemon Drop Hill, e-bikes, and clawcades. This week our reporters are columnist Laura Yuen, Duluth reporter Christa Lawler, outdoors reporter Bob Timmons, and visual art reporter Alicia Eler. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our food expert shares her insider’s guide to the best food in downtown St. Paul – morning, noon and night. The job market is hard for everyone right now, but especially for recent college grads. We’ll get the full picture of what’s going on. Plus, we’ll tell you about a new place in southern Minnesota that uncovers a fascinating piece of Dakota history. Read more about what to eat in downtown St. Paul, unemployment among college grads and a groundbreaking archaeological find in Southern Minnesota. This week our reporters are food and drink reporter Joy Summers, economic reporter Emma Nelson and Rochester reporter Trey Mewes. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We’re talking about some of the best ways to kick off a great summer. It’s the unofficial Prince Week in Minnesota, but the celebrations are legit. We’ll be your guide to the purple festivities. The state health department has cracked down on unlicensed pools and hot tubs, so what does that mean for your pool party plans? Plus, why a thousand people visit a 20-ft pencil every June and the winning Minnesota women’s sports teams to watch this summer. Read more about unofficial Prince Week, unlicensed rental pools, Lake of the Isles giant pencil, and Minneapolis’ women’s sports plans. This week our guests are features reporter Rachel Hutton, deputy sports editor Naila-Jean Meyers, visual art critic and reporter Alicia Eler, and music critic Jon Bream. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’re a fan of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” or just a tasty drink enjoyer, we’ll give you the deets on where to find a dirty soda. Tensions between the US and Canada spill over into a bike race in Grand Marais, and a couple of local $10 cereal brands are flying off the shelves. Plus, an amphitheater near St. Cloud worth checking out for summertime jams. Read more about dirty sodas, cereal upstarts, a dip in Canadian tourism and the Ledge Amphitheater. This week our guests are taste editor Nicole Hvidsten, business reporter Brooks Johnson, Duluth reporter Christa Lawler and music critic Jon Bream. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the mood for a drive? Before you head out on your next road trip - we find a couple places worth stopping for. We’ve got the essential guide for casual Timberwolves fans and we find out what’s stinking up some northern lakeshores. Plus five years later, the facts of George Floyd’s murder remain the same, but some are changing the story. We’ll find out more. Read more about the Timberwolves bandwagon, piles of carp, best tourist traps, and revisionist history. This week our guests are sports editor Ryan Kostecka, features reporter Rachel Hutton, outdoor reporter Alex Chhith, Minneapolis crime and policing reporter Andy Mannix and breaking news, crime and corrections reporter Liz Sawyer. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether you kayak, canoe or paddleboard - or you want to - we’ll hear the best paddling routes to try in the Twin Cities metro. There’s a new show about a real-life Minnesota woman-cowboy-detective from the 1800s. Plus, why you should think “salvage” for home remodeling and the cost to raise a kid here. Read more about “Whoa, Nellie!,” our ultimate paddling guide, salvaging for your home and how much it costs to raise a kid in Minnesota. This week our guests are built environment reporter Greta Kaul, theater critic Rohan Preston, Hennepin County reporter Christopher Magan and editor Emma Nelson. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Spring weather is here and we’re ready for it. Our expert foodie shares her tips for enjoying restaurant patio season, including how to do it on a budget. We’ve got a handful of reasons why Detroit Lakes is worth a look this summer. Plus, fishing drama and the pros/cons of being a human guinea pig, for science. Read more about the best restaurant patios in the Twin Cities, where to eat in Duluth, fishing tech controversy, a tech-free fishing spot and joining research trials. This week our guests are Features Reporter Richard Chin, Food and Drink Reporter Joy Summers, Outdoors Reporter Tony Kennedy and Travel Editor Simon Peter Groebner. You can follow Aaron Brown on X, Bluesky and Facebook at @minnesotabrown. To support “Worth It” and the important work of the Minnesota Star Tribune, subscribe today by visiting Startribune.com/WorthItToSubscribe. Stay up to date with the Star Tribune at @startribune on TikTok, Bluesky, X, Facebook, and Instagram. Lemonada Media is on X, Facebook and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows: lemonadamedia.com/sponsors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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