MPR News with Angela Davis

Carla Vernón didn’t think she’d go into business.She was inspired to do good in the world by a father who emigrated from Panama to become a college math professor and by her mother who was one of the real-life “Hidden Figures,” the Black women mathematicians who helped develop the U.S. space program.After studying ecology and biology at Princeton, she worked for a nature conservation nonprofit organization and as a U.S. Senate staffer. Then, she decided she could have a bigger impact from within corporate America.Today, she’s CEO of The Honest Company, which sells baby, skincare, bath and beauty products. And she’s one of the first Afro-Latina chief executives of a publicly traded company. Before that, she was a vice president at Amazon and spent more than two decades at General Mills, rising to division president of its natural and organic business.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Vernón about the experiences that shaped her and what it means to be a corporate leader while staying true to yourself.Guest: Carla Vernón has been CEO of The Honest Company since January 2023. She previously spent two years as the vice president of Consumables Categories at Amazon. Before that, she spent more than two decades in various leadership positions at General Mills, most recently serving as the operating unit president of the Natural and Organic Division. She holds an undergraduate degree from Princeton and a master’s degree in business administration from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas.This show was previously scheduled to air in July, but was rescheduled due to breaking news.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

In August 1934, Cecil E. Newman founded the Minneapolis Spokesman in the midst of the Great Depression and 30 years before the Civil Rights Act. A few years later, he founded a second newspaper called the St. Paul Recorder. He used his role as a newspaper publisher to fight racial discrimination and earned the attention of every major politician, including Hubert H. Humphrey.The two papers merged about 25 years ago. And last month, the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder celebrated its 90th anniversary. It’s the longest running Black-owned and family-owned news outlet in the state.Guests:Tracey Williams-Dillard is publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, founded in 1934 by Cecil E. Newman. She is the granddaughter of the late Cecil and Launa Newman.Al Brown is the assignment editor at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first — and possibly only — debate in Philadelphia, less than two months before election day. While it was the second presidential debate of the 2024 campaign, it was Harris’ first. She became the democratic nominee for president after President Biden ended his reelection bid following his June debate performance.Polls show an incredibly tight race with just five percent of voters undecided. And while 90 percent of voters in a recent The New York Times/Siena College poll said they know just about everything they need to know about Trump, only 71 percent said they know everything they need to know about Harris. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the issues the candidates debated and what policies voters learned more about.

How do we restore trust in civic institutions and nurture a renewed sense of possibility in a shared future? That was the central question animating the Rural Voice community discussion MPR News host Kerri Miller led at the Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing on Thursday. She was joined by political scientist and Minnesota native Brian Klaas, who set the stage by describing the bleak realities of the political landscape in America right now. People feel disempowered and divided. Trust in institutions is low. Democracy feels fragile. But the citizens of Red Wing believe there is hope. They shared stories from their own community of how real problems have been solved, despite political differences. They talked through some of the obstacles, like how to be more inclusive and how to deal with the constant drumbeat of negativity in online spaces. And Klaas gave examples of how citizen assemblies — a relatively new process to this country — can break through the partisan gridlock. Rural Voice: How to Build More Civic-Minded CommunitiesThis is the second Rural Voice conversation of the 2024 season, which launched at the Minnesota State Fair. Rural Voice is a series of town halls hosted by Miller about the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural America.

Earlier this year, the state legislature passed a law that requires all school districts and charter schools in Minnesota to implement a student cell phone policy by the middle of next March.As districts work to develop student cell phone policies, there are different ideas about what’s the best approach. Should schools ban cell phones completely during the academic day? Or, should they say students are not allowed to use them in classrooms or while classes are in session, but they can use them during passing times and while at lunch?MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talked about how best to handle cell phones in schools.

Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your political convictions and a friendship? Or that you had to hide what you really believe to protect your marriage or other family ties?Talking Sense is an MPR News election year project to help Minnesotans maintain their relationships and have those hard political conversations better.MPR News reporter and Talking Sense lead correspondent Catharine Richert explores how people can stay connected with family and friends, even when they disagree about politics. Richert talks with two therapists and a married couple who have worked hard to stay curious, respectful and loving after they voted for different presidential candidates in the 2020 election. Guests: Bill Doherty is co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics. He’s also a marriage and family therapist and professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota.Corey Yeager is a marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in family social science. After spending five years as a therapist for the Detroit Pistons, Yeager now runs his own therapy and consulting business, Harmony Road. He also continues to work as a life coach and therapist with professional athletes.Barbara Thomas is a retired diplomat and COO of Braver Angels and serves as Braver Angels ambassador in Minnesota. She is in a politically mixed marriage with Rick Hotchner.Rick Hotchner is a retired CIA executive manager and operations officer, who grew up in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. In addition to his work as a Braver Angels ambassador, he serves on the advisory boards of two companies and does pro bono work for a variety of other causes.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.   Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Being a parent has always been a mix of joy and worry. But these days, it’s the worries that seem to be growing.  Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to the dangerous levels of stress facing parents and others who care for young children.He called the state of their mental health a public health concern.Almost half of parents with children age 18 or younger in a recent study from the American Psychological Association say that on most days their stress is completely overwhelming. A quarter of adults who don’t have children under age 18 report daily overwhelming stress.Money and time demands have been a strain on previous generations of parents. But today’s parents are also trying to protect kids from increased violence, the downsides of social media, a youth mental health crisis and what Murthy has called an “epidemic of loneliness.”MPR News host Angela Davis talked about why the stress has ratcheted up for parents and what can be done by individuals and through policies to better support families.

More than a quarter of Minnesota’s middle and high school students miss at least ten percent of the school year — which is about 18 days. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about chronic absenteeism — why it matters, who it impacts and what we can do to boost school attendance. Guests:Kent Pekel, superintendent of Rochester Public Schools. He is also the former president and CEO of the Search Institute, a nonprofit that promotes positive youth development and advances equity through research and practical solutions. Jim Davnie, executive director of Minnesota Alliance With Youth, a statewide nonprofit that provides AmeriCorps programs focused on youth mentoring and support. He served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for 22 years and is a former middle school social studies teacher.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

The third season of Rural Voice kicked off at the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, Aug. 26. It was a steamy day, but it didn’t discourage rural change makers who gathered at the MPR booth for a lively and hopeful town hall with moderator Kerri Miller. The question before them: How is rural Minnesota changing, and how are rural communities thriving in the midst of it? Rural Voice at the Minnesota State Fair Participants included Northland Foundation CEO Tony Sertich, who emphasized that rural communities no longer need “jobs, jobs, jobs” but “workers, workers, workers.” Teresa Kittredge from 100 Rural Women talked about the importance of mentorship in rural communities, especially when it comes to leadership paths for women. Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist at the University of Minnesota, discussed the implications of a “brain gain” in rural areas, instead of a “brain drain.” Senator Rob Kupec, DFL-Moorhead, stressed the desperate need for housing, a point everyone agreed on, including Kitty Mayo, editor at Lake County Press. Scott Marquardt, president of the Southwest Initiative Foundation, shared his excitement over the potential for renewable energy and innovation in rural parts of Minnesota.Other urgent issues mentioned: the need for more robust child care in rural areas, the importance of mental health services and fresh ways to welcome newcomers.If you are rural living, rural loving or just “rural curious,” you don’t want to miss this conversation at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2. And then get involved. Miller is taking Rural Voice on the road in September. She’ll be in Red Wing on Sept. 5 to talk about how to build civic-minded communities; Detroit Lakes on Sept. 9 to discuss sustainable agriculture; and Worthington on Sept. 19 to consider how rural communities thrive when immigrants put down roots. Register online to attend.

Join Angela Davis at the Minnesota State Fair for a North Star Journey Live recording to celebrate the music, the man and the mischief of James “Cornbread” Harris. Cornbread is now 97 years old, which means he’s been playing his beloved piano at gigs all over the Twin Cities for more than 70 years. Music journalist Andrea Swensson recently released a book chronicling Cornbread’s remarkable life. “Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs and Salvation of Cornbread Harris” recounts Minnesota music history — like what happened when Cornbread’s band, the Augie Garcia Quintet, opened for Elvis, and how Cornbread’s musical stylings helped create the Minneapolis Sound. The 'Deeper Blues' of Cornbread Harris But it also touches on a more personal story: Cornbread’s reunification with son and music producer Jimmy Jam after decades years of estrangement, which was largely made possible by Swensson as she researched her book and became a fixture in Cornbread’s life. Don’t miss the fun, the stories and the music from this North Star Journey Live conversation, recorded Monday, Aug. 26, with Cornbread, Swensson and special guests at the Minnesota State Fair. And if you want more Cornbread, check out the “Anthology“ of essential Cornbread hits that Swensson put together, in both digital and vinyl form. Guests:Cornbread Harris is a legendary musician, whose career spans more than 70 years in the Minnesota music scene. He still plays a weekly gig at Palmer’s Bar each Sunday night. Andrea Swensson is a journalist with a passion for music. Formerly a DJ at MPR’s The Current, these days Swensson hosts the official Prince podcast, does deep dives into the Minneapolis music scene and writes books. Her latest is “Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs and Salvation of Cornbread Harris.” Jayanthi Rajasa is multidisciplinary artist and archivist songstress in the Twin Cities. North Star Journey Live (formerly known as In Focus) is a live event series and reoccurring topic on MPR News with Angela Davis centered around what Minnesota’s diverse communities need to thrive.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation

Addiction was seen as a moral failing in 1949 when what’s now the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation opened its sanctuary for alcoholic men in Center City, Minn. In the 75 years since then, much has been learned about what leaves people vulnerable to substance use disorders. At least some of the stigma connected to addiction has lifted. And, there’s more understanding about what helps people through addiction — including medications and a strong community. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Hazelden’s CEO Dr. Joseph Lee as the organization marks its 75th anniversary about how treatment and attitudes toward addiction have changed and about how people can get help today.Guest: Dr. Joseph Lee is the president and chief executive officer of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation based in Center City, Minn. He’s a child and adult psychiatrist and board certified in addiction medicine. He previously served as medical director for the organization’s National Youth Continuum. He’s also the author of “Recovering My Kid: Parenting Young Adults in Treatment and Beyond,” a practical guide for parental leadership in times of crisis.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

Cutting taxes on tips may sound like a good idea, but many economists don’t love it. Earlier this summer, former President Trump proposed eliminating federal taxes on tips. A few weeks ago, Vice President Harris said if elected, she would also seek to end taxes on tipped income for service and hospitality workers like servers, bartenders and barbers. While tips are considered taxable income, cash tips for restaurant workers and others have gone largely unreported. But, that has changed with the proliferation of credit cards and mobile payment options.On Tuesday, MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about why the idea may not help and could actually hurt most tipped workers. Guests:Chris Farrell, MPR’s senior economics contributor.Timothy Taylor, economist and managing editor of the “Journal of Economic Perspectives,” a quarterly academic journal produced at Macalester College and published by the American Economic Association. 

It’s back to school time. Over the last year, campuses across the U.S. became the center of protests. At some schools, that led to peaceful discourse. Others saw unrest and police intervention. MPR News host Kerri Miller talked with three higher education leaders at Macalester College. You’ll hear their plans for the new academic year and how they see their role fostering civic-mindedness in their students. Guests:Rebecca Bergman, president of Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSuzanne Rivera, president of Macalester CollegeRob Vischer, president of the University of St. Thomas

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the key takeaways from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago—including Wednesday night’s speech by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.The week started with a surprise early appearance by Vice President Kamala Harris. In very brief remarks, the vice president thanked President Joe Biden for his “historic leadership” and “lifetime of service.”Harris and Biden embraced after his almost hour-long speech late on Monday night as he capped over 50 years in elected office as senator, vice president and president and passed the torch to Harris. She will formally accept the Democratic party’s nomination for the presidency on Thursday night. Guests:Brian Bakst, MPR News politics editor Abou Amara, political analyst and Twin Cities attorneyDana Ferguson, senior politics reporter for MPR NewsClay Masters, senior politics reporter for MPR News Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.   

College students are starting to head back to school this month, and along with a laptop and maybe posters and a dorm fridge, many young people also are bringing mental health struggles to campus. About one out of every five college students experience what mental health professionals call “serious psychological distress,” according to this past spring’s National College Health Assessment which has surveyed students twice a year since 2000. Half of students say they’re lonely. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the rise in mental illness on campus and how college students can build skills for better mental health. Guests: Mia Nosanow is a psychologist who spent 20 years at Macalester College counseling students one-on-one and in groups. She’s the author of “The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health: Essential Wellness Strategies for Flourishing in College.”Cecilia Bloomquist is a licensed social worker and associate director of mental health services at Boynton Health, the campus health system at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

In 2020, Minnesota broke a record when 79.9 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots in the general election and has led the nation in voter turnout three of the last four years.  In 2022, Maine, Oregon and Wisconsin beat us for the top spot — they were all above 60 percent voter turnout, while Minnesota was at 59 percent.So, what can we expect to happen this year? What’s in the works to try to help Minnesota reclaim the top spot as the number one state for voter turnout? And what are election officials doing to ensure the election system is fair?  MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests explore what we know about who votes, who is less likely to vote — and why — and what you can do to boost voter turnout this election year. Guests:Steve Simon is Minnesota’s Secretary of State. His department partners with township, city and county officials to organize elections on behalf of Minnesota’s nearly four million eligible voters, and to ensure that the election system is fair. In July, he was named President of the National Association of Secretaries of State. Brian Fullman is a lead organizer with ISAIAH and Faith in Minnesota, where he directs the work for the Barbershop and Black Congregation Cooperative. He works with the nonprofit partnership, We Choose Us — a multiracial faith-based nonprofit that aims to deliver a caring economy for all of us to thrive and a multiracial democracy that represents every community in the state of Minnesota. 

Barbers are people of many talents. They need to have a range of skills to serve customers with different hair textures, facial shapes and style choices. But at its core, being a barber is about much more than just cutting men’s hair.Being able to make conversation is also important — whether it’s light-hearted banter or just being a good listener. For a lot of men, the barbershop is where you go to take your mind off work, talk sports and de-stress.MPR News host Angela Davis takes a peek behind the scenes of the barbershop. She talks with three barbers who understand their work is not just about the haircut. It’s about the connection. These pros don’t just hold the clippers — they help create a space where everyone feels like family.Guests:  Bilal Saleem is the owner of Mr. B’s Barbershop in the downtown St. Paul skyway. He has been cutting hair for more than 30 years.Teto Wilson is the founder and owner of Wilson’s Image Barbers & Stylists in north Minneapolis. His other businesses include Image Renewal Organics, an all-natural skin and haircare line, and the Image 73 Apparel line.Josh Kirkpatrick is the owner of Capitol Barbers, a barbershop that caters to many government workers in St. Paul, and Waconia Barbers. He has been cutting hair for 20 years and was also a barber instructor at Minneapolis Community & Technical College.

MPR News host Angela Davis takes a peek behind the scenes of our favorite movies, television shows and live theater productions.Sound design immerses us in a story. It can make us feel things.Who could forget the whir of the light sabers in the “Star Wars” movies?Or the swish and swirl of the water in “Finding Nemo” that made you feel like you were in the ocean with Nemo, Dory and Marlin?Her guests are the creative masterminds behind sounds in movies and live productions. Some of which you might even recognize.They’re both based in the Twin Cities.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, we’ve lost about half of the state’s natural shorelines. And researchers say natural shoreline continues to disappear at an alarming rate.  When we lose natural lakeshore, it affects the lakes we love. Mowed shorelines allow seven to nine times more pollutants to enter the lake than one with native plants.’ MPR News Host Angela Davis and her guests explore what we can do to prevent shoreline erosion, improve water quality and create more habitat for wildlife.Jeff Forester, executive director of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates Dorothy Whitmer, co-chair of the Lake Steward Committee of the Gull Chain of Lakes Association in north central MinnesotaAre you a lake steward? Take the quiz to find out. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.   

If the business model of local news needs an overhaul, what can the journalists who work inside the system do to change it? Listen to part two in our Report for America conversation about the state of local news. Our first conversation was with local and national philanthropy leaders who want to build new ways for local news to thrive.This time, the focus is entirely on Minnesota. During an evening event on July 18 at the Weisman Art Museum, host Angela Davis talked with news leaders from across Minnesota about the challenges and opportunities for journalists in the current media landscape. Together, they highlight the need for fresh business models, for a workforce that better reflects the communities it serves, and for a collaborative, instead of a competitive, approach among Minnesota newsrooms. Guests:Chao Xiong, managing editor of Sahan JournalSteve Grove, CEO and publisher of the Star TribuneNora Hertel, founder and executive director of Project OptimistChelsey Perkins, news director at KAXEGeorgia Fort, independent journalistSubscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.