River Radio

News and information featuring interviews with prominent newsmakers from Minnesota, across the U.S. and the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hosted by Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson, with technical director Matt Quast.

December 13, 2025 – The food show

Jim talks to Paris-based journalist Julia Belluz, co-author of “Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes Us and Harms Us" (1:40); Gayle talks to recently retired Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema about his fascinating life reviewing food and restaurants (23:00). Also included is an update of local news (51:45). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Julia Belluz, Journalist and Co-Author, Food Intelligence Julia’s NYT Op-Ed, “The French Secret...

12-13
56:39

November 22, 2025 – The holiday book show

Jim talks to author Jack El-Hai about his book, “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” the basis of the current movie NUREMNERG (3:00); Gayle gets a list of holiday book recommendations from local literary fairy godmother Pamela Klinger-Horn (28:00). Also included is an update of local news (51:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Jack El-Hai, Author, The Nazi and the Psychiatrist Jack’s original article that led to the book Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller &n...

11-22
55:22

November 8, 2025 – A local environmental update

Jim and Gayle update the local environmental scene, including the latest on the status of Lake Alice at William O’Brien State Park after the lake’s unintentional draining in August. Guests include DNR Resource and Asset Management Official Kelli Bruns (2:30); Greg Seitz, founder of the weekly online newsletter and email St. Croix 360 (17:30); and Laurie Schneider, Founder and Program Director, Pollinator Friendly Alliance (34:00). Also included is an update of local news (52:00). Matt Quast i...

11-08
56:59

October 18, 2025 – Journalist Lori Sturdevant on the legacy of former Congressman Martin Sabo and the state of politics today.

Jim and Gayle welcome longtime Minnesota Star Tribune political reporter and columnist, and River Radio political roundtable member Lori Sturdevant for an extended discussion. They talk about her newest book, Martin Sabo: The Making of the Modern Legislature. The conversation continues with Lori’s take on the current political environment. Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guest Lori Sturdevant, Political Columnist, Author, Martin Sabo, The Making of the Modern Legislature Email u...

10-18
45:47

October 11, 2025 – Minnesota’s forgotten bestselling nature writer and the state of today’s farm economy.isode

Gayle speaks with author David Hakensen about his new book, HER PLACE IN THE WOODS: THE LIFE OF HELEN HOOVER (3:30). Jim discusses the state of the farm economy today with agricultural journalist Brian DeVoer of the Land Stewardship Project (25:00). Plus, an update of local news (47:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests David Hakensen, Author, Her Place in The Woods: The Life of Helen Hoover Brian DeVore, Managing Editor, Land Stewardship Project Email us: riverradio@marin...

10-11
50:09

May 17, 2025 – The Summer Book Show

Gayle speaks with Valley Bookseller's Pamela Klinger-Horn about her top choices for summer reads across all genres (2:00). Jim interviews author Jack Fairweather about his new book, THE PROSECUTOR, detailing the the story of a gay, Jewish judge who survived the Nazis and made it his mission to force his countrymen to confront their complicity in the genocide (22:30). We also receive an update from Susan Rodsjo on the state of the Scandia Heritage Alliance's ambitious Water Tower Barn Project ...

05-17
01:00:28

May 3, 2025 – Going Local

Jim welcomes back U.S. District Judge and St. Croix Valley resident, Hon. John Tunheim, to discuss the federal courts’ amplified role in today’s political environment (2:30). Gayle talks with Rosie Peters, Dakota poet, author, storyteller, activist and business owner about her life’s journey (25:00). Plus an update of local news (51:30). Matt Quast is Technical Director. This Week’s Guests Hon. John Tunheim, U.S. District Judge, District of Minnesota Rosetta Peters, Dakota Poet, Writer ...

05-03
54:42

April 19, 2025 – Money Talk

Jim discusses the shaky state of the economy and markets with Chris Farrell, senior economics contributor for Marketplace and Ross Levin of Accredited Investors Wealth Management (2:00). Gayle explores the safety net’s future with Nancy Altman, Founder and President of Social Security Works (28:00). Plus an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is Technical Director. This Week’s Guests Chris Farrell, Marketplace and MPR Ross Levin, Accredited Investors Wealth Management &n...

04-19
51:59

March 29, 2025 –A Former Republican’s plea for President Trump to resign, plus River Radio’s political roundtable.

Gayle talks with Pennsylvania resident Grant Grissom about his full-page ad in the Sunday New York Times asking President Trump to resign (2:30). Jim discusses the first months of the second Trump administration with roundtable guests Lori Sturdevant of the Star Tribune; political veteran Doug Kelley; and national political editor Brian Gruis (20:00). Plus an update of local news (53:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Grant Grissom, New York Times ad author Lori S...

03-29
56:12

March 15, 2025 – The new global world order with Fred Kaplan of Slate Magazine; Local Actor Monette McGrath on the Guthrie Theater’s “The Mousetrap.”

Host Jim Maher discusses the state of the Russia-Ukraine war and the changing geopolitical landscape with Slate’s national security columnist Fred Kaplan (2:00). Host Gayle Knutson explores the Guthrie Theater’s new production of Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP with local actor Monette Magrath, one of the show’s stars (30:00). Also included is an update of local news (50:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Fred Kaplan, National Security Columnist, Slate Monette Magrath, ...

03-15
54:27

February 22, 2025 – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison – On the Legal Frontlines Against the Trump Administration

Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher welcome Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for an extended conversation about legal action by Ellison and other state Attorneys General against the Trump administration and current threats to America’s constitutional order (4:00). Also included is an update of local news (44:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guest Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General Email us: riverradio@marinecommunitylibrary.org Government Links: City...

02-22
47:27

February 1, 2025 – PBS’ Rick Steves on how it all started; Author Ann Fourt on making the leap to expat life.

Host Gayle Knutson speaks with guidebook author and PBS travel guide Rick Steves about his travel adventures before he became famous, documented in Rick’s new book, “On The Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer (4:00). Host Jim Maher speaks with Ann Fourt, author and American expat living in Ecuador, about the ins and outs of moving to a different country (23:00). Plus, an update on local news (46:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests R...

02-01
49:47

January 18, 2025 – The Wrong and Right Ways to Deal with Hazardous Materials

Host Jim Maher speaks with scientist Kris Hansen to learn more about 3M's mishandling and deception of "forever chemicals" like PFAS (3:45). Host Gayle Knutson finds out more about Washington County's new environmental center, a place for area residents to drop hazardous waste, from Adam Frederick, engineering program supervisor (27:00). Also included is an update of local news (48:30). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Kris Hansen, scientist, Savanna Science Consulting Ad...

01-18
52:16

Dec. 14, 2024 – Trump's Next War on Immigrants

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson explore what lies ahead as the Trump administration pursues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Guests include Twin Cities immigration attorney Marc Prokosch (3:00) about how the process works today and what changes may lie ahead; and Mexican immigrant Juventino Meza (24:30), who shares his experiences as a participant in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Also included is an update on local news (43:00). Matt Quast is technical ...

12-14
47:28

November 23, 2024 – The Fall/Winter Book Show

With the holidays approaching, hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson focus on books. Jim speaks with John Vaillant, author of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist for general nonfiction, Fire Weather, an account of a tragic massive Canadian wildfire and the potential consequences resulting from climate change (4:15). Gayle sits down again with Valley Bookseller’s Pamela Klinger-Horn to talk about her top book choices for this holiday season across many genres (27:00). Plus an update of local news (50...

11-23
55:48

November 5, 2024 - Election Night Coverage

The replay of a live two-hour River Radio election night special. Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson provided results on local races. Lori Sturdevant of the Minnesota Star Tribune and River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis provided analysis of state and national races. Also included were interviews with Marine on St. Croix Mayor Kevin Nyenhuis, and newly-elected Marine City Council member John Goodfellow. The show's intermission features the song, "Waiting," by The Suburbs. Matt Qua...

11-06
02:01:09

November 2, 2024 – Pipeline Predicaments, Old and New.

Host Gayle Knutson talks with filmmaker Mary Mazzio about her documentary, BAD RIVER, dealing with challenges to an existing Enbridge oil pipeline on tribal lands near Lake Superior (4:00). BAD RIVER screens at Marine Documentary Night on November 7. Also, host Jim Maher speaks with Peg Furshong and Sarah Mooradian of CURE, a rural-based Minnesota grass-roots environmental organization opposing the development of new Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage pipelines around the Midwest (22:00)....

11-02
48:40

October 19, 2024 – Assessing the 2024 Election; Decluttering your life.

Host Jim Maher conducts a conversation with the political roundtable, including Minnesota Star Tribune contributor Lori Sturdevant, River Radio national political editor Brian Gruis and Doug Kelley, former chief of staff to Sen. Dave Durenberger and one-time Republican candidate for Governor. (3:00). Host Gayle Knutson talks with Mindy Godding, a certified professional organizer, about managing your possessions (29:00). Also included is an update of local news (53:30). Matt Quast is technical...

10-19
57:29

October 5, 2024 – An Election Under the Microscope; A Surprising Source of Support for Olympic Gold Medal U.S. Gymnasts.

Host Jim Maher speaks with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon about the pressure facing election officials as November approaches and how the state is preparing for it (5:00). Host Gayle Knutson talks with former Marine resident Dennis Reynolds, a therapy dog handler, on how his dogs helped U.S. Olympic gymnasts this past summer (25:30). Also included is the latest local news (42:00). Matt Quast is technical director. This Week’s Guests Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State Dennis ...

10-05
46:23

September 21, 2024 – Did NAFTA lead to MAGA?, and The St. Croix River’s Turtle Mystery Solved.

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson kick off Season 6 of River Radio, speaking with Dan Kaufman, contributing writer, The New York Times and The New Yorker, on how NAFTA helped our neighboring state of Wisconsin transitioned from its progressive heritage to become a key swing state won by Donald Trump in the 2016 election (4:00); and Greg Seitz, writer and founder, St. Croix 360, about developments on the river, including the discovery of dead turtles (25:30). Also included is the latest on the...

09-21
54:42

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