It’s not the summer she planned. Anna Tanski heads up Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau that welcomes more than six million visitors to Duluth every year. When COVID came to Minnesota, it hit the hospitality industry hard. Anna joins us for a frank discussion of what that means for Duluth, and why you might want to put the city on your destination list this summer.
Own Your Wow: Roshini Rajkumar
Roshini Rajkumar is a crisis and executive coach, WCCO Radio host, mainstage speaker and licensed attorney. While Roshini is often in the spotlight, she is quick to shine it on others, by teaching people how to “Own Your Wow" - something we could all use a bit more of. At a time when it seems so much is out of our control, Roshini tells us how to look within, and start showcasing our own, personal brand. Note: this podcast was recorded in April.
Clouds: Laura Sobiech
Before he lost his life to a rare bone cancer in 2013, Zach Sobiech, a Stillwater teenager, launched a song, “Clouds” that climbed the charts and launched a movement. To date, the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund has raised more than $2 million for research to beat the disease. Laura Sobiech’s book detailing her son and her family’s story has now been made into a movie, set to stream on the Disney+ channel this fall. Laura Sobiech spoke with us about her son, his legacy, and how his story continues to help others today.
Zooming In: 3 Women
Welcome to Season Three, in which we learn how to do a podcast via Zoom. First things first. How are you… really?
Ask the OB-GYN: Dr. Annelise Swigert
Annelise Swigert, MD is a Mpls/St. Paul Magazine Top Doctor and an OB-GYN at Southdale ObGyn in Edina. She’s a proud mama of two teenagers, one of whom is on the National Teen Council for Planned Parenthood.
Dr. Swigert has seen it all in her 20 years of practice (we swear she started when she was ten). We couldn’t resist asking: What’s going on down there? Dr. Swigert set us straight on more than a few myths about female bodies of every age.
Minnesota Winemaker: Matt Scott
Matt Scott has been making wine for more than 15 years, both on the West Coast and here in Minnesota. As general manager of winemaking and viticulture at 7 Vines Vineyard, he’s making a name for himself as an award-winning winemaker. In this episode, he dishes on his favorite Minnesota wine grapes and the starring role the University of Minnesota is playing in our growing wine industry.
Fearless Woman: Amy Koch
She was Minnesota’s first female senate majority leader only to resign her position after a scandal over an affair was revealed at the Capitol. But Amy Koch didn't hide. Instead, she rose to new heights as a public speaker, crisis management professional and lobbyist, as well as a frequent guest on Almanac and co-host of the wildly popular Wrong About Everything podcast. Amy's sense of wit, fun and adventure spill through the microphone in this week's episode, as does her inside knowledge of the Minnesota political landscape. She shares some insights as we approach the legislative session and teaches us all how to rise above challenges and find our best self.
Haute Mama: Sheletta Brundidge
You’ve heard Sheletta Brundidge on WCCO radio where she’s a producer and a contributor. You may have taken in her podcast, Two Haute Mamas, with co-creator Lindy Vincent. If you follow Twin Cities social media, you’ve certainly seen her on Twitter.
Sheletta is also mom to four children, three of whom are on the autism spectrum. We met up with Sheletta at Bardo in Northeast Minneapolis, where she talked about what it was like when her youngest son was nearly dropped from his therapy program because he wasn’t making any progress.
And that’s when a miracle happened. Sheletta shares real stories every day, and her family is central to many of them. She’s a breath of fresh air, and she made our evening. She’ll bring a smile to your face, too, even as she makes us think about some pretty harsh realities.
Change the Outcome: Colleen Ronnei
In this episode, a critical conversation about the devastating impact of opioid addiction. Colleen Ronnei shares the story of losing her college-aged son to this epidemic and her resolve to reverse this tragic trend. Learn about her organization, Change the Outcome, as well as where you can find resources and help through the state of Minnesota.
Wines of the Holidays: Maureen McKenna
Wine. We love it. Do you? Did you know Minnesota is home to an award-winning vineyard? Three Women and a Bottle of Wine is schooled this week by Maureen McKenna, a world-class sommelier from 7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood, located a little west of Stillwater. McKenna discusses the award-winning wines produced at 7 Vines, delves into the storied history of the vineyard – which sits on land owned, until recently, by the family of James J. Hill, and she gives some thoughts on which wine might be a great option for your holiday gathering.
Finally, a fun fact! 7 Vines recently submitted its wine in the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Festival. Results will be released Dec. 16. Check out the 7 Vines website for results.
Bucket List: Linda Bendt
Dreaming of a winter getaway? Linda Bendt, owner of Pique Travel in Excelsior, shares tips to turn that dream into a reality. Find out about her innovative way to create a custom travel experience, her must-see recommendations and her tricks for traveling on the cheap.
Bonus episode: The Holidays
Kim, Lynn and Julie chat about the holidays, how to survive them… and their love of Lizzo.
Pro Chef Tips for the Holidays: Bardo's Remy Pettus
Critically acclaimed Twin Cities chef, restaurateur and caterer, Remy Pettus dishes up some delicious ways to prepare poultry, beef and more. Hear the story behind the name of his restaurant, Bardo, and why he thinks it’s important to pay it forward.
Best Advice
It’s our LAST EPISODE of Season One. What a journey it has been. As a special bonus, we’re sharing some solicited advice, on how to live your best life, from a number of the guests you’ve heard from this summer. You won’t want to miss this one. Thanks for listening!
Tipsy Pies: Sara Hayden
Who doesn’t love a cocktail? And who doesn’t love pie? When the two join together, the result is amazing, and Sara’s Tipsy Pies is an example of that amazingness. Sara Hayden herself is also amazing. Mom of five, including a child with special needs and triplets, she wanted to start a little business. The results have been stunning, and she’s now a fan favorite at the Minnesota State Fair. In this episode, Sara discusses her adventures and provides blunt inspiration that applies to almost everyone.
Creativity Guru: Leah Dussault
A veteran art teacher talks about an unsettling trend that is surfacing in her classroom: a growing number of students who simply don’t know where to start when presented with a blank sheet of paper. Why is this happening? And why is it so important for both kids AND adults to take time to be creative? Leah Dussault shares her thoughts, and she also talks about her new venture to help working professionals access their untapped creativity to potentially improve their careers. Sit back and enjoy!
Money Maverick: Nicole Middendorf
She’s a single mom who just made a very big move. Nicole Middendorf is more than a financial advisor, she’s part-relationship counselor, part-mentor, boss-lady and full of great advice. In this episode, we take our show on the road to Nicole’s new building in Minnetonka, learn about when risk can pay off, and who she thinks should pay on the first date.
The Professor and the Eggroll Queen
What happens when an immigrant entrepreneur partners with a political pundit and Hamline University Professor? The Eggroll Queen Café. Learn how Mai Vang built a life in this country, raised a family and then completely lost her hearing— all the while building an egg roll empire. Her business partner, Hamline University political science professor David Schultz, tells us why he’s one of Mai’s biggest fans— and why women are the key to the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Choosing Joy: Roxane Battle
Roxane Battle is a former TV journalist who found herself at a crossroads one day: her job, which was secure, but about to turn into something no journalist wanted, or her sanity and the flexibility she craved to parent her son. It took Roxane on a journey she’s still exploring as a public speaker and author of Pockets of Joy.
A Deeper Dive: Immigration
Immigration is once again dominating the headlines. In this special edition of Three Women and A Bottle of Wine, we take a deeper dive into this complex issue with Mitchell Hamline law professor Ana Pottratz Acosta. How did we get here? What’s the solution? How can people with differing views on the issue find common ground? We discuss those questions and much more. Thanks to Finnegans Brew Co. for hosting us for this episode.
