Vikings reporters Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker of the Star Tribune are bringing all you football enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the purple. Consider this podcast to be similar to any Vikings season: full of ups and downs, but never boring.
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Star Tribune prep reporters David La Vaque and James Paulsen are bringing all you Minnesota high school sports enthusiasts another way to stay connected to the action.
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What do you wonder about the people, places and culture of Minnesota? Listen to our community-driven reporting project, which invites listeners to ask questions that our newsroom researches and answers.
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Listening to the "Playing Politics" podcast from the Star Tribune and WCCO Radio is like taking a seat at the Editorial Board table and hearing an informed and opinionated weekly discussion of all things political in Minnesota and the nation. "Playing Politics" features WCCO’s Chad Hartman and the Star Tribune’s John Rash in addition to editorial writer Patricia Lopez and columnists Lori Sturdevant and D.J. Tice – award-winning journalists who bring varied perspectives to the issues of the day.
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The justASK Podcast Part of The HIVE Collective
Dr. Heather Quaile, DNP,WHNP-BC & Jackie Piasta MSN, WHNP-BC
#justASK is a healthcare podcast that is dedicated to providing evidenced-based information by a multidisciplinary team of women’s health experts in order for individuals to make informed and optimal healthcare decisions and to learn and understand the issues around surround women throughout the lifespan. We provide answers to the questions you may not know how to ask by interviewing experts in nursing, medicine, sexual health and wellness. Your co-host Dr. Heather Quaile is a leading Women’ ...
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Vikings OTAs begin with focus on QB J.J. McCarthy and a retooled defense
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40:06Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker return from the first spring practice open to reporters and discuss QB J.J. McCarthy's development, where the new guys are fitting in, and what position battles should be getting the most attention this summer.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Why are there two seafood plants in the small Minnesota town of Motley?
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18:34The small Minnesota town of Motley, despite being so far from the ocean, is home to seafood plants that process millions of pounds of imitation crab. More than 500 people work in the seafood business there. It all began with a business called Morey's Seafood. Reporter Brooks Johnson joined host Erica Pearson to share Morey's fascinating origin stor…
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Would Justin Jefferson really play flag football for Team USA?
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41:36
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41:36Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest from NFL league meetings in Eagan, Minn., where the "Tush Push" was defended, Justin Jefferson was allowed to play flag football (will he?), and a halftime show was teased for a Christmas game (the Vikings play on Christmas).By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media. Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth …
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We’re excited to introduce Worth It, a new show from The Minnesota Star Tribune and Lemonada Media.Each week, editor Nicole Norfleet and columnist Aaron Brown are joined by people who know Minnesota inside and out – reaching into the spaces you might not know to share the stories worth your attention, the places worth a look, and the events worth y…
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Vikings' 2025 schedule offers big challenges on main stages
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42:09
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42:09Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the twists and turns of the Vikings' 2025 schedule that includes a frequent spotlight on quarterback J.J. McCarthy's team through seven nationally-televised games. What are the schedule quirks to know? They also open a listener mailbag and answer your questions about always playing in Seattle, …
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Which Vikings rookies have clearest paths to contribute?
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30:49
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30:49Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they saw and heard from the first day of a three-day Vikings rookie minicamp this weekend. That begs the question: which rookies from a small five-man class have the clearest paths to contribute right away?By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo
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17:08Como Zoo in St. Paul is more than 120 years old, and was the metro area's primary zoo for many decades. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the origins of the zoo, and how it has changed over the years. LINKS: How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zooBy Star Tribune
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J.J. McCarthy talks about being QB1, Andrew Van Ginkel signs extension
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55:06
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55:06Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during his first local media appearance since last season. What did he have to say about taking over a 14-win team? What did his teammates say? They also delve into Andrew Van Ginkel's new contract, Josh Metellus' case for a new deal, and m…
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Vikings' 2025 draft class included five picks, a new QB, and a clear priority
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39:42
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39:42Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break down the Vikings' 2025 draft class from first-round guard Donovan Jackson through sixth-round tight end Gavin Bartholomew. Oh, and they do not forget new Vikings QB Sam Howell, who arrives as the most experienced option on the roster. But this offseason has been all about QB J.J. McCarthy anyway.…
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Vikings stick and pick guard Donovan Jackson in NFL Draft's first round
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22:39
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22:39Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from Vikings headquarters in Eagan, where they drafted the franchise's first opening-round guard since 1988. Just don't ask Emily who that Hall of Famer was nearly 40 years ago.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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The NFC North mock draft you didn't know you needed
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49:49
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49:49Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker put on their general manager caps and each take over a team in the NFC North for a division-wide mock draft. What can only be described as perfection ensues. Make sure you check out the Star Tribune's YouTube channel for the video.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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What’s the smallest town in Minnesota with a mayor?
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21:28
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21:28Just under 6,000 people in Minnesota live in a town with a population under 100, according to the state demographer. The dynamics of Minnesota's smallest cities are an interesting facet of rural life in the state. Reporters Kim Hyatt and JP Lawrence joined host Eric Roper to discuss their visits to Funkley and Kinbrae. LINKS: What’s the smallest to…
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Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah talks impact over need in the NFL Draft, plus our final position previews
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40:14Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker react to Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's annual pre-draft press conference, in which he discussed his draft philosophies, impact vs. need, and their current four-pick allotment that would be the smallest class in franchise history. They also wrap up their position previews with groups that…
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Will the Vikings keep prioritizing the offensive and defensive lines? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 2
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41:10On this episode of the Access Vikings podcast, Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the many intriguing options available in the trenches during this year's NFL Draft. What are some of the best fits in the first round on each side? What about in later rounds? And what does the current depth chart tell us about what direction they'…
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Which do the Vikings need more, a cornerback or safety? Pre-Draft Position Preview Pt. 1
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34:37Emily Leiker and Ben Goessling discuss a handful of defensive back prospects in this year's NFL Draft who'd be good fits for the Vikings, including potential first rounders and those who might still be on the board further in the draft. Plus, they briefly go down tangents on the Vikings' comp pick outlook for 2026 and who could replace Cam Bynum's …
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Kevin O’Connell respects Aaron Rodgers but affirms his belief in J.J. McCarthy
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24:39
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24:39In his first public comments to local reporters about the Vikings’ QB situation, O’Connell on Monday addressed the team’s interest in Rodgers and his communication with McCarthy about it. Star Tribune Vikings writers Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker break it all down.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Who decides what’s allowed on a vanity plate in Minnesota?
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14:13Vanity license plates let Minnesotans go beyond the standard "Land of 10,000 Lakes" motto to share their professions and passions. But who is in charge of approving applications for these plates and what criteria do they use? Tim Harlow joins host Erica Pearson to give a glimpse into the Driver and Vehicle Service’s Special Plates Unit. LINKS: Who …
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Indianapolis Star's Joel Erickson talks Will Fries, Ryan Kelly, Cam Bynum and Daniel Jones
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23:23
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23:23The Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer is joined by Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson to discuss the Vikings and Colts swapping players this offseason. Why was new Vikings center Ryan Kelly available after nine years with the Colts? How did new Vikings guard Will Fries go from seventh-round pick to $17 million per year starter? And how do Cam Byn…
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Takeaways from Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's free agency chat
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59:35Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss what they heard from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during his post-free agency news conference with local reporters. What did he have to say about J.J. McCarthy? Aaron Rodgers? His own contract situation? They also discuss the annual NFL rule proposals and take listener questions.…
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Vikings and Aaron Rodgers drama, free agent intros, listener questions and more
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48:08
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48:08Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' non-pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, their backup quarterback situation, new coaches, and new players getting introduced to local reporters. They also open the mailbag to answer some of your questions.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Why is the loon Minnesota’s state bird? It almost didn’t happen.
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12:13Minnesota's love of loons is everywhere these days, from license plates to our pro soccer team's nickname. But it took decades for lawmakers to make the loon our state bird. The goldfinch and scarlet tanager are among the others that nearly took the title instead. Kevin Duchschere joins host Erica Pearson to discuss the surprising history of how th…
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Ed Ingram, Garrett Bradbury on the move as Vikings remain in QB market
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54:55
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54:55Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings trading away guard Ed Ingram, trying to trade center Garrett Bradbury, and the state of their current search for a veteran quarterback to pair with J.J. McCarthy.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy and double down on O-line, D-line adds
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33:11
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33:11Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the flurry of Vikings moves from Monday night into Tuesday morning, including the re-signing of cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and the addition of new linemen in guard Will Fries and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (and potentially Javon Hargrave). Daniel Jones left for the Colts. What does that m…
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Sam Darnold leaves for Seattle as Vikings add Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly
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40:59
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40:59Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the first day of NFL free agency from a Vikings perspective. What do they make of Sam Darnold's fit and contract with the Seahawks? What does that mean at QB in Minnesota? There appears to be a new starting center despite Garrett Bradbury remaining on the roster. And what about safety Camryn By…
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Vikings opt against tagging Sam Darnold, but contract talks are ongoing
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43:21
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43:21Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' decision not to franchise tag Sam Darnold, who is cleared to become a free agent on March 12. That is unless he agrees to a new deal with the Vikings beforehand. What are the Vikings' options otherwise? What does that mean for J.J. McCarthy? And what will the team prioritize in fre…
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Why did the Excelsior Amusement Park on Lake Minnetonka close?
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18:36
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18:36Many Minnesotans have memories of visiting Excelsior Amusement Park on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. The popular theme park operated from the 1920s to the 1970s. Today, it is the site of condominiums and Maynard's restaurant. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss this once-prominent local attraction. LINKS: Why did the Excelsior Amusement…
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Vikings takeaways from the NFL Scouting Combine
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46:08
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46:08Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from a random corner of the Indiana Convention Center where they and hundreds of other media members fight to stake out corners of the building to record content for the modern age. What's going to happen with Sam Darnold? What about Byron Murphy Jr.? What are the positions of need from thi…
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Will the Vikings use the franchise tag on Sam Darnold?
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53:31
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53:31Andrew Krammer is joined by Purple Insider's Matthew Coller to discuss the two-week franchise tag window and whether the Vikings will use it on quarterback Sam Darnold or cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (Editor's note: After recording, news broke that the Vikings agreed to push back Murphy's void date, making him ineligible for the franchise tag). Plus…
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What happened at the Super Bowl ... and what comes next for the Vikings?
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43:38
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43:38Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker have you covered on the latest edition of the podcast.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America?
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19:37Ski jumping originated in Norway, but its American story begins in Minnesota in the late 1800s. It has since become an enduring part of the winter Olympics. Erica Pearson joins host Eric Roper to discuss the long history of ski jumping in Minnesota. LINKS: How did Minnesota become the birthplace of ski jumping in America?…
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From O'Connell to Jared Allen, how the Vikings' busy night unfolded at NFL Honors
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37:48
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37:48Star Tribune writer and Pro Football Hall of Fame selector Mark Craig joins Andrew Krammer from New Orleans, where the Vikings had a busy night at the annual NFL Honors ceremony prior to the Super Bowl. Craig discusses his voting for all NFL awards, including O'Connell's winning case and an interesting Defensive Player of the Year ballot, as well a…
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It's Super Bowl week! Let's talk Vikings quarterbacks and trade targets
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42:32Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker begin Super Bowl week by talking about Vikings quarterbacks, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's contract, and more. They also open the mailbag to answer your questions about trade targets like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp, as well as a what-if with Kirk Cousins.…
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Brian Flores' HC options run dry, plus Super Bowl and Vikings free agency thoughts
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49:49
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49:49Andrew Krammer, Michael Rand and Emily Leiker discuss defensive coordinator Brian Flores not being hired in this head coaching cycle, his relatively older depth chart on defense, plus takeaways from this year's playoffs and thoughts on pending Vikings free agents. There are a few among their many free agents who could be coveted elsewhere.…
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Aesthetics and Women's Health with Katie Allen PA-C
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32:31Katie Allen is a Physician Assistants (PA-C) at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville. In her capacity, Katie works closely with the surgeons during a wide range of surgical procedures as well as injecting fillers and BOTOX®. She also performs nipple tattooing procedures for breast cancer patients after they have had a mastectomy and breast reconstru…
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What’s the coldest Minnesota has ever been?
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12:17
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12:17On the coldest day recorded in Minnesota history, two towns hoped that their official thermometer would give the lowest reading. It was Feb 2, 1996, and news reporters from around the state gathered in Tower and Embarrass. When one town prevailed, a man hammered nails with a frozen banana to celebrate. Casey Darnell joins host Erica Pearson to talk…
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Vikings, Kevin O'Connell agree to contract extension: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah next?
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40:16
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40:16Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings extending head coach Kevin O'Connell, the chances of defensive coordinator Brian Flores sticking around, the dominant(?) NFC North going 0-3 in the playoffs, the fallout for both the Lions and Bears after Chicago hired Ben Johnson, and more.…
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Vikings mailbag: Coaching changes? Distance from a Super Bowl? Darnold's end?
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32:41
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32:41Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about coaching changes, how far the Vikings are from being contenders, how game planning factored into Sam Darnold's disappointing end, safety Cam Bynum's free agency, positions that are better off entering 2025, and more.…
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Introducing "Ghost of a Chance" - Episode 1
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31:31
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31:31We are excited to give Curious Minnesota listeners a preview of the Minnesota Star Tribune's first narrative podcast, "Ghost of a Chance." The six-episode series is reported by Eric Roper and produced by Melissa Townsend, with new episodes appearing every Monday. At its core, the show is about following your curiosity into Minnesota history. You ca…
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Vikings' Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell say they're keeping 'good options' open at quarterback
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37:10
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37:10Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker discuss the season-ending press conferences by Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell. Quarterbacks dominated the roughly 40 combined minutes with both. What's their plan with Sam Darnold? Where's J.J. McCarthy in his recovery? Are they committed to either at this po…
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Empowering Midlife Health with Cynthia Thurlow, NP
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57:02
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57:02In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner and renowned women’s health expert. Cynthia is passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health, particularly when it comes to fasting, hormonal health, and overall wellness. She shares her expertise on how women can navigate midlife health changes…
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Vikings' 14-win season ends with another dud from Sam Darnold
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23:43
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23:43Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 27-9 loss to the L.A. Rams in the NFC's wild-card round on Monday night, when quarterback Sam Darnold didn't give them much of a chance in another big game. How does this affect the Vikings outlook at quarterback this offseason? How far away is this team from being a real contender? W…
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Vikings mailbag: Brian Flores' HC interviews? Daniel Jones as QB2? Silver linings?
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33:25
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33:25Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores' head coaching interviews, quarterback Sam Darnold, the offensive line, quarterback Daniel Jones as QB2, whether the loss could be good for them, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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What happened to Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America?
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12:23
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12:23Many Minnesotans are still nostalgic for the Mall of America's original theme park: Camp Snoopy. They remember details like the giant red dog bowl where groups met up, the Snoopy bounce house and the whimsical fountain. Greta Kaul joins host Erica Pearson to explain why Peanuts left the mall in 2006 and how the park eventually became Nickelodeon Un…
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Vikings, Sam Darnold could both use this playoff win on résumé
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26:14
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26:14Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Michael Rand preview Monday night's playoff game against the Rams, including quarterback Sam Darnold's confidence and consistency, L.A.'s young defense, receiver Puka Nacua's impact, and what this game means in the bigger picture of judging the 2024 season.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings, Sam Darnold lay an egg in biggest game of regular season at Detroit
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23:15
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23:15DETROIT -- Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Jim Souhan recap the Vikings' 31-9 loss to the Lions at Ford Field, where their hopes of clinching a division title, a first-round bye, and establishing their dominance in the NFC were left in tatters. What do we make of Sam Darnold's no-show? The lack of consistent protection? What about the approach on…
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Vikings mailbag: Health in the playoffs, takeaways, Flores, scout teams, and more
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24:13
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24:13Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about health in the playoffs, takeaways, the future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, big game emotions, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings head to Detroit to take back the NFC North, earn No. 1 seed
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31:03
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31:03Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer, and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (14-2) and Lions (14-2) at Ford Field, where the NFC's No. 1 seed and NFC North champion will be decided. They discuss how they're proceeding with quarterback Sam Darnold, who has just one regular season game left under contract, and how well this Vikings defe…
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Vikings dismantle Packers, set up a win-for-the-No. 1-seed game at Detroit
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24:59
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24:59Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers from U.S. Bank Stadium, where they talked to players and coaches afterward about what exactly happened between the 20-3 lead to another fourth-quarter rally by Packers quarterback Jordan Love. But it fell short again. And the Vikings were victorious... ag…
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Vikings mailbag: Which playoff foe do you want? Ivan Pace's return? Future at running back?
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21:03
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21:03Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the playoffs, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., running back Aaron Jones and 2025, the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and youth vs. experience in the postseason.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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