Connections gives us the chance to examine a wider perspective that may just inspire us to DO something!
Engaging conversations will explore both the celebrations of living as well as the challenges we face—stories of who Twin Citians are, what we think about, and what we get out and “do” is the heart of our show. Woven into these stories may be possible innovative solutions, we may address our disconnects, find new ways of looking at our questions, or we may just take time to enjoy who we are and the wonderful ways we are connected. Our show is mostly Twin Cities based, although we do occasionally host national and international guests.
Thought leaders, artists, educators, nonprofit advocates, scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizers, politicians, business innovators . . . are just a sampling of the guests you may hear when listening to Connections Radio.
Listen in, join the conversation and “get connected”.
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Connections gives us the chance to examine a wider perspective that may just inspire us to DO something!
Engaging conversations will explore both the celebrations of living as well as the challenges we face—stories of who Twin Citians are, what we think about, and what we get out and “do” is the heart of our show. Woven into these stories may be possible innovative solutions, we may address our disconnects, find new ways of looking at our questions, or we may just take time to enjoy who we are and the wonderful ways we are connected. Our show is mostly Twin Cities based, although we do occasionally host national and international guests.
Thought leaders, artists, educators, nonprofit advocates, scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizers, politicians, business innovators . . . are just a sampling of the guests you may hear when listening to Connections Radio.
Listen in, join the conversation and “get connected”.
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with writer/composer, musician, actor, producer, and educator (composition, critical thinking, and arts development), Brenda Varda. Back in February she visited with others from Phoenix Theater's production of "Stolen Focus," the script for which she wrote. Besides hearing samples from her wonderful music, we'll discuss not only her myriad roles of creativity as she connects science and the arts, but also humor's and satire's deeper heart. - www.BrendaVarda.com • www.youtube.com/@BrendaVarda
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo speak with callers around the Twin Cities and the country about “We the People,” as today’s “No Kings” rallies for democracy will be the largest national protests in history against fascism and for our communities. - www.IndivisibleTwinCities.org • wwwIndivisible.org
Laurie Fitz visits with Prime Production’s artistic directors—Alison Edwards and Shelli Place—along with cast members Elizabeth Desotelle, Kurt Schulz, Terry Lynn Carlson, Bob Malos, Erik Steen, and Alison Edwards and about their coming Twin Cities premier of “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday," by acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl. Hear about this fantastical dramedy that follows five adult siblings navigating the loss of their father, their childhood memories, and their evolving sense of self as they age. - www.PrimeProds.org • www.PrimeProds.org/for-peter-pan-on-her-70th-birthday
Host Laurie Fitz continues her Jewish Voices series, featuring J Street senior operating officer and foreign policy expert Ilan Goldenberg, along with co-host John Orenstein and co-producer Kit Bix.
Laurie has John Rossakis Owner and Head Trainer From Paw and Order is back on Connections Radio. Today's topic will discuss dog breeds and what is right for your family and home. John discusses the Dog's training and welcoming them into their forever home.
Paw and Order website https://www.pawandorder.com/
Contact phone (612) 518-0954
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with musician, community activist, and international troubadour, Larry Long. We hear about the debut of his "Tractorcade 1979" documentary at Farm Aid 2025, new songs such as “I Don't Believe In Violence," the recent June's "No Kings" rally at the MN Capitol, and his newly re-released album, "Living In A Rich Man's World.” - www.LarryLong.org • www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eWO2YeiUuQ • www.FarmAid.org
Laurie Fitz with Rick Bernardo visit vocalist, tribute artist (Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga), voice instructor, teacher, and athlete, Melody Mendis. We hear about the joy she brings to and from each of these life endeavors—and tools she uses to overcome barriers to that kind of inspirational life. (For more on her book in process, send name, email, and preference of digital or paper book to: MelodyMendis@gmail.com) - www.MelodyMendisMusic.com / www.MelodyasBarbra.wordpress.com
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit again with Alliance for Sustainability President and Co-Founder, Terry Gips. After last week we had explored the Alliance for Sustainability's coming series of events at the MN State Fair on Aug. 21 and 30, today we hear more about their ongoing work to champion sustainability that's ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. We also explore how we might mark and maintain our moral north star amidst collective ongoing challenges to the good of all. - www.AforS.org
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Alliance for Sustainability President and Co-Founder, Terry Gips. We explore the Alliance for Sustainability's coming series of events at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 21 and 30—and their ongoing work to champion sustainability that's ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. - www.AforS.org
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Paw and Order Twin Cities dog trainer, John Rossakis, about connecting with our pets—dogs in particular. We review the various breeds of dogs and gain insights into how our relationships with them can grow for the good of all. - www.PawandOrder.com/twin-cities
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with playwright and Walking Shadow Theatre Company's artistic director, John Heimbuch—broadcasting live from the Twin Cities Pride Festival in Minneapolis's Loring Park. We discuss their recent debut of "Mae West and the Trial of Sex," how it relates to recent modern social trials, plus upcoming Walking Shadow productions. - #TCPride • www.WalkingShadow.org • www.JohnHeimbuch.com
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with artist/songwriter/producer, Patrick Adams, as well as Rock the Cause Records CEO, Scotty Herold. We celebrate the joy of connection through music as they take us on a journey through styles and sounds—from smooth R&B/Soul to Memphis/Soul to Funk and Gospel—accompanied by stories and connections deep and wide. - www.PatrickAdamsMuzic.com
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with singer-songwriter and performer, Cassandra Cole. Crafting her own blend of Midwestern alternative soul, her debut 2022 album was “Steps.” In April that year as we visited Rock the Cause Record’s CEO, Scott Herold, "Connections Radio" featured a song from that album, “Upside Down.” For this broadcast, we'll explore with her yet more of her great music, her current song, "Wednesdays," and what else for her is musically simmering. Cassandra Cole’s music dives deep into the trials and tribulations of her life—highlighting themes of love, mental health, and perseverance, while conveying an intimate sense of hope, strength, and bravery. - https://CassandraColeMusic.com • www.youtube.com/@CassandraColeMusic
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo join Susan Hart Gaines to discuss her new book: "Prioritize Your Self-Care: Reclaiming Your Path to an Extraordinary Life” (2025 New York, Aviva Publishing). Susan is a certified life coach at Wild Hart Coaching, founder and owner of Embody Minneapolis, and a previous "Connections Radio" guest. In our culture, taking care of ourselves can be challenging. Everything else can seem more important—yet without the foundation of our own care, nothing else works well or it breaks down. Susan spreads this message for being self-care warriors : "You matter. Your care matters. This book is the reminder.” - www.WildHartCoaching.com • https://a.co/d/7Vi0SM1 (hardcover) • https://a.co/d/hf2w9F0 (Kindle)
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with songwriter Joe Bigalke, who's thrilled to release worldwide his recent single, “No Matter Where You Are,” on Rock the Cause Records—whose CEO Scott Herold joins us along with producer Mark Woerpel. (Co-written with 3-time Grammy nominated songwriter, Jamie Floyd, the new song features vocalist Brooke Elizabeth.) We hear a number of Joe's beautiful recordings—exploring how they came to be with the creative forces behind Joe Bigalke Music. - www.JoeBigalkeMusic.com • www.iRocktheCause.org • https://MarkWoerpelMusic.homesteadcloud.com
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit a 4th time with University of Connecticut's Professor of English, well-known author, and humorist, Gina Barreca. (Rick sought her out years ago after seeing her book on women, academia, and humor: "They Used to Call Me Snow White... But I Drifted.”) Our broadcast follows the 4th book in her edited “Fast Women” series: "Fast Famous Women: 75 Essays of Flash Nonfiction" (Woodhall Press). Her book about 75 famous women—written by 75 great authors—is a delight with insights about women, fame, and our culture at large. Our conversations with Gina about significant subjects are always a blast. - www.GinaBarreca.com • www.WoodhallPress.com
Hosts Laurie Fitz, Mia Roberts, and Rick Bernardo visit with Nara Logics' CEO and Board Member, Jana Eggers, for this 2nd broadcast following our 3/1/25 show about AI: In the people-centric restaurant industry, how is AI impacting the business today and how will it in the future? Most every one of us has experience on various sides of the restaurant table. If you want to begin coming to grips with AI—its past, its implications, and its future possibilities—now's your chance. - www.NaraLogics.com • www.ChooseRestaurants.com
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Nara Logics' CEO and Board Member, Jana Eggers, for "What the Heck Is A.I.?" If you want to begin coming to grips with AI—its past and its future implications—now's your chance. With over 30 years of technology and leadership experience from Intuit, Lycos, American Airlines, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and startups that you’ve never heard of, Jana is a frequent speaker, writer, and mentor on AI and startups. (She is also a marathoner and an Ironman.) - www.NaraLogics.com
Connections gives us the chance to examine a wider perspective that may just inspire us to DO something!
Engaging conversations will explore both the celebrations of living as well as the challenges we face—stories of who Twin Citians are, what we think about, and what we get out and “do” is the heart of our show. Woven into these stories may be possible innovative solutions, we may address our disconnects, find new ways of looking at our questions, or we may just take time to enjoy who we are and the wonderful ways we are connected. Our show is mostly Twin Cities based, although we do occasionally host national and international guests.
Thought leaders, artists, educators, nonprofit advocates, scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizers, politicians, business innovators . . . are just a sampling of the guests you may hear when listening to Connections Radio.
Listen in, join the conversation and “get connected”.
