Voices of Upstream

In this episode, Andy speaks with Edric Funk, the group vice president of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation at The Toro Company. Andy and Edric talk about how Edric's love for the outdoors shaped his role today and how his company is helping protect Minnesota's natural places.

In this episode, Andy speaks with Peggy Callahan, Executive Director of the Wildlife Science Center about one her passion for one of Minnesota's most controversial and notorious predators: wolves.

In this episode, Tim Dordell and Kirk Ballard show Andy around their cabin, talk about preserving Minnesotan White Pines and what it means to be a responsible cabin owner.

In this episode, Andy and Karla Patrick, one of Upstream's 2023 Unsung Caretakers talk about her giving garden and how being outdoors can benefit both your health and resilience. You can help recognize the people who take care of Minnesota's natural places. Learn more about how you can nominate a 2024 Unsung Caretaker here.

In this episode, Andy and Ashleigh Harris, an Upstream Unsung Caretaker discuss how caring for place can literally start in your own backyard.

In this episode, Andy speaks with Sam VanWechel-Meyer just ahead of a trash dash challenge, a community cleanup effort in Fergus Falls. VanWechel-Meyer is one of Upstream's Unsung Caretakers but also works as a Community Development Specialist for https://wcif.org/.

In this episode, Andy takes a break from speaking with Unsung Caretakers and has a conversation with Elizabeth Wente. Wente is an old friend of Upstream's who helped identify the uniquely Minnesotan narratives about caring for our natural places.

In this episode, Andy speaks with Dr. Roxanne Biidabinokwe Gould, associate professor of Indigenous education in the College of Education at University of Minnesota, Duluth. Dr. Gould is of Grand Traverse Band Odawa/Ojibwe heritage and in addition to her work at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she serves on the governing council for Makoce Ikikcupi, a land justice recovery program.

In the first episode of Voices of Upstream season three, Andy speaks with unsung caretaker Angelina Amerigo, better known as Miss Minnesota 2023. Amerigo is recognized as an unsung caretaker who started the One Bottle, One Straw, One Bag at a Time initiative.

Andy joins Minnesota Farm Bureau’s Carolyn Olsen at Farm Fest to talk about agriculture, stewardship and organics, and what member organizations like Minnesota Farm Bureau is doing to share sustainable farming practices.

Andy finds a quiet part of Tamarack Nature Center to talk to Dani Prados and Margo Gray about their experience as Upstream Artist Fellows, and how they find inspiration for their creativity outdoors. Edited by Ellie Lin.

Andy sits down in the kitchen of esteemed Minnesota CookBook author and farm to table OG Beth Dooley.  They talk about how food and care for our place is so closely tied. Edited by Ellie Lin.

Join Andy and Henry LaBounta, one of this year's Upstream's Unsung Caretakers as they discuss his work caring for Lake of the Isles and the new preventative measures he's taking to reduce pollution in waters across the state.

In this episode, Andy speaks to Heather Boschke, an artist and author about birding, acceptable levels of camping and unlocking your full potential.

In this episode, Andy talks to Katie Nyberg, the Executive Director of the Great River Passage Conservancy. On the banks of the Mississippi River, the two discuss the presence the river has in St. Paul, the beauty of a summer cabin trip and how stewardship can be empowered by community.

In this episode, Andy talked with Instagram influencer @shantastic.life about hiking in Minnesota. She delves into how to get outside as a beginning hiker, her outreach efforts to get women hiking and Leave No Trace.

Andy talks to Aaron Hebeisen, an avid hunter and member of Backcountry Hungers and Anglers.

Foiled by the rain, Andy speaks to Minnesota's very own travel influencer Expedition Kristen on Zoom about Minnesota's hidden gems, how travelers can care for natural places and her dog, Ole.

Andy joins the illustrious Kieran Folliard at his Northeast Minneapolis Food Building to talk about community, whiskey and sustainably sourcing the food we need to thrive.

Even on the coldest days, Lake Superior is something to behold.  Andy sits down with Divya Maiya, Upstream Organizing Committee member and  Executive Director of South Asian Arts and Theater House from Grand Marais to talk about how this ex-pat appreciates the season and how finding joy in winter helps her love our natural places.  From flash mobs on frozen lakes to skiing in a sari, Divya shares how she loves to be outside, and how SAATH is making their events and gatherings sustainable. Music by Austin Moffa. Edited by Ellie Lin.