Best Prairie Publics Broadcast Podcasts (2025)

1
Baldwin Farms 4:08

17h ago4:08

4:08

Having spent a fair bit of time in Ellendale over the years, I always wondered about the history of that elegant insertion in the business district, with its triple-arch facade, known as the Baldwin Building. I knew there had to be a story there.By Tom Isern

1
Male and Female (Dioecious) Trees 2:47

24h ago2:47

2:47

We seldom give plant sex much consideration, but some species of flowering plants produce flowers with both male and female reproductive structures in the same flower (perfect flowers). Most of the plants you are familiar with are in that category. Other species produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant.…

1
April 25: The Great American Desert 2:58

3d ago2:58

2:58

General Stephen H. Long was truly a renaissance man. He was a civil engineer, a soldier, an explorer, a surveyor, and an inventor. He made advances in the development of steam locomotives with his new designs. He taught mathematics at West Point. And although his career as an explorer was relatively short-lived, he covered over 26,000 miles in five…

1
Flight Paths and Pasque Blooms: Drones, News, History & Film 49:56

2d ago49:56

49:56

Drone racing takes flight, Tom Isern reflects on the pasque flower, Dave reviews the news, and Matt dives into The Ballad of Wallis Island.

1
The Ballad of Wallis Island 10:16

2d ago10:16

10:16

Matt loves The Ballad of Wallis Island, where a cartographer sent to update maps uncovers secrets, a tight-knit community, and truths that challenge his past. "It sticks the landing."

1
April 24: Settling the West 2:55

4d ago2:55

2:55

In the early 1800s, the government had to figure out what to do with people already claiming land in the West. On this date in 1820, Congress passed the Land Act, allowing settlers to purchase the land they had claimed. They could buy 160 acres at $1.25 per acre. The Land Act made it possible for people of modest means to purchase land and settle d…

1
Coffee & Dreams: Dex Dutton and Dr. Moen & the Fargo Marathon 48:43

3d ago48:43

48:43

Dex Dutton brews up stories of coffee and community, plus a preview of the high-energy Fargo Marathon with Dr. Andrew Moen, celebrating 21 years this May.

1
April 23: Sheriff Rickert and the Trouble with Trimble 2:50

5d ago2:50

2:50

In April of 1904, Wahpeton had four newspapers, each with its own political slant. At the time, J.A. Rickert was a prominent figure in Richland County. He’d served as County Commissioner, County Treasurer, County Sheriff, and President of the Board of Education. Rickert owned a significant amount of property and was known for his success in both fa…

1
Summer Travel, Tribal Lamprey Efforts, and ND Ethics Under Review 50:06

4d ago50:06

50:06

Explore summer travel tips, tribal efforts to save the lamprey, and how North Dakota’s Ethics Commission is being tested in the wake of a former senator’s sentencing.

1
April 22: Small hands, big lives 2:26

6d ago2:26

2:26

On this date in 1911, The Bismarck Tribune reported an incident involving a 4-year-old boy in Jamestown. The child, Johnny, was playing with other small boys when he slipped and fell into an abandoned well. A passerby saw Johnny and rushed to help, managing to pull him out. Despite falling around 20 feet, Johnny was uninjured aside from some cuts a…

1
Reflections on Pope Francis & Earth Day Voices from Valley City 49:19

5d ago49:19

49:19

Monsignor Shea reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy of compassion and inclusion. Plus, a preview of Valley City’s Earth Day events with environmental advocates.

1
April 21: Music Teacher Martha Hook 2:54

7d ago2:54

2:54

During this week in 1996, Roosevelt Elementary School in Fargo, North Dakota, celebrated its 75th anniversary. Among the honored guests was one of the school’s most beloved retired teachers: 91-year-old music instructor Martha Hook.By Trista Raezer-Stursa

1
1889 3:49

8d ago3:49

3:49

The year 1889 is so full of meaning in the history of the Great Plains. To Samuel Western (that’s his real name, seriously), it connotes the writing of constitutions, five of them, all in the Great Northwest — North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho — as authorized by Congress in the Omnibus Bill of 1889. He writes about them in his…

1
The sounds of the season 2:35

8d ago2:35

2:35

Spring is often punctuated by a series of new sights and sounds as winter gives way to summer. It seems like each new sighting of a bird, for example, is duly noted and announced to others. Sighting the first robin of the season is probably the best example, but don’t forget to pay attention to the many other varied sounds of spring.…

1
April 18: A Most Important Matter 2:41

10d ago2:41

2:41

Voters today take for granted their right to elect their United States Senators. Americans have been directly electing their Senators for over a hundred years, but it wasn’t always this way. Our Founding Fathers believed that allowing state legislatures to elect Senators would strengthen the bond between the federal and state governments. Article I…

1
Bob Trevino Likes It 10:29

9d ago10:29

10:29

Film critic Matt Olien reviews Bob Trevino Likes It, a poignant 2024 comedy-drama

1
Farming Futures, Food Fights, ND News & Father Figures at the Movies 49:50

9d ago49:50

49:50

From evolving farm practices to SNAP food debates, news of the region and a heartfelt film review, today’s show offers insight, advocacy, and a story of unexpected connection.

1
April 17: Blaze Orange For Hunters 3:00

11d ago3:00

3:00

Deer hunters need to see clearly and aim accurately to bring home the big bucks. But they also need to follow basic gun safety rules to avoid harming themselves or other hunters.By Dr. Steve Hoffbeck

1
Supper Clubs, Prairie Art & Driftless Living: Stories of Place & Passion 50:02

10d ago50:02

50:02

Nikki Berglund, Guy Nelson, and Tamara Dean share stories of food, art, and nature—celebrating resilience, creativity, and connection to place.

1
April 16: A Hidden Gem 2:54

12d ago2:54

2:54

In 1872, European Americans founded a modest settlement at what was called Missouri Crossing. It got its name because the Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the river there on their journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The settlers named their new community Edwinton, after Edwin Ferry Johnson, an engineer with the Northern Pacific Railroad. L…

1
Dakota Digital, Dam Removal & Dinner Table Challenges 49:46

12d ago49:46

49:46

Emerging tech, river restoration, local food cuts, and key ND legislation—this episode explores regional changes shaping our environment, schools, and society.

1
April 15: Senator McCumber and Wahpeton Indian School 3:03

13d ago3:03

3:03

A tattered mansion on 8th Street, which still stands today, was once the home of U.S. Senator Porter J. McCumber of Wahpeton. Five blocks north of the old silk-stocking block is the Wahpeton Indian School, now known as the Circle of Nations.By Lise Erdrich

1
Autism, Art, Water & History: Stories of Insight and Acceptance 49:33

13d ago49:33

49:33

Explore autism acceptance, creative connection at the Plains Art Museum, water news, and a forgotten health crisis in North Dakota with Dr. Tom Isern.

1
April 14: Air Ship 3:01

14d ago3:01

3:01

On this date in 1897, an 'air ship' was spotted in the skies across eastern North Dakota. The Larimore Pioneer in Grand Forks County reported eyewitness accounts of the event. Three men in particular—Chief Clerk W.A. Willian, Agent J. McNaught, and Janitor Chris Johnson—shared their observations. They said the object was first seen shortly before 1…

1
Philosophy and Fashion 1:10:27

14d ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Jack sits down with Gwenda-lin Grewal, philosopher and writer, to explore the unexpected intersections between philosophy and fashion. They explore how style reflects deeper questions about identity, perception, and the human condition, and consider the ways in which clothing can serve as both personal expression and philosophical inquiry.…

1
The Pasque 4:36

16d ago4:36

4:36

This sort of notice appeared ritually in the newspapers of the settler society on the northern plains sometime in April — I quote from the Griggs County Courier Democrat, 29 April 1909: "The pasque flower or prairie crocus, the first flower of spring, is showing its head above ground."By Tom Isern

1
The ominous future for butterflies 2:55

16d ago2:55

2:55

If you grew up in or before the 1950s or 1960s, butterflies were likely a common sight during the summer months, including monarchs, painted ladies, red admirals, swallowtails, blues, whites, sulphurs, and mourning cloaks. Many kids even had butterfly collections. That is not the case these days. Things have changed, and not in a good way.…

1
April 11: Wind Incidents and Advantages 2:37

17d ago2:37

2:37

"It wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the wind!" Many a North Dakotan has lamented the state’s well-known whirlwinds—and for good reason. North Dakota is relatively flat, with few natural formations to block the wind. So, it’s no surprise that the weather has been a topic of interest in newspapers since the region became a state.…

1
Food as Medicine, News Recap, Snow White Review & Arctic Shifts 49:56

17d ago49:56

49:56

Food as medicine, news highlights, a review of Disney’s new Snow White, and how climate change is shifting wildlife patterns in the Arctic.

1
Snow White 9:17

17d ago9:17

9:17

Matt reviews Disney’s 2025 "Snow White," where Rachel Zegler’s Snow White, aided by bandit Jonathan, battles the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) to reclaim her kingdom.

1
April 10: Summer Never Came 2:42

18d ago2:42

2:42

Mount Tambora is a volcanic mountain in Indonesia. It may be hard to imagine how an eruption there could affect the Great Plains, especially from so far away on the other side of the world. But on this date in 1815, it did exactly that. The eruption began on April 5, with small tremors hinting at a major event. Then, on the evening of April 10, a c…

1
Thaikota 49:48

18d ago49:48

49:48

Erik and Rick visit owners and chefs, TJ and Gina, at ThaiKota in Fargo. They share their journey from Thailand to North Dakota while serving some of the best dishes from Thailand.

1
April 9: The Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act 2:59

19d ago2:59

2:59

No proposed tariff has ever been universally popular among all Americans. In the early 1900s, a tariff proposal highlighted the tensions between differing interests. Many Americans supported tariffs to discourage monopolies from raising prices. Industrialists believed tariffs on foreign products would protect their business interests. However, a ta…

1
The Tell 50:03

19d ago50:03

50:03

Erik Deatherage presents The Tell, a live storytelling event from downtown Fargo with Cody Schuler. This episode includes personal tales shared by local storytellers Becky Blenkush, Cara Cody Braun, Thomas Kvamme, and Beth Renner, each bringing their unique perspective to the stage.

1
April 8: Making an Escape 2:32

20d ago2:32

2:32

Wildfires have historically played an important role in the ecology of the Great Plains. Fires on the plains help remove accumulated litter, stimulate native grass growth, and slow the spread of invasive plants.By Carole Butcher

1
Poetry Out Loud 49:55

20d ago49:55

49:55

Prairie Public's Erik Deatherage sits down with Bill Thomas to discuss the inspiring Poetry Out Loud program, focusing on its influence on students and the art of performance poetry. The poems were read by Joanie McCormack, Sawyer Wilhelmi, Leah Hochalter, and DeLainis Kroh.

1
April 7: Forest Week 2:33

21d ago2:33

2:33

In the United States, Arbor Day originated in Nebraska. As settlers moved west, they were struck by the lack of trees. Newspaper editor Julius Morton used his platform to stress the importance of trees. His message resonated with readers. In 1872, he proposed a day dedicated to planting trees, and Arbor Day was born.…

1
The Trachoma Outbreak 4:17

23d ago4:17

4:17

There was a certain irony in the determination of immigration authorities and aroused citizens of the early twentieth century to turn back immigrants at Ellis Island on account of the eye disease, trachoma. It was true that many Germans from Russia and others arrived with telltale granules of the disease under their eyelids. But it was also true th…

1
Finding a deer shed is a treasured experience 2:40

23d ago2:40

2:40

It is officially spring. The spring equinox, you may recall, occurred back on March 20. And if your senses seem to have been dulled a little over the winter months, getting out in nature can help give them a boost. Consider going for a walk through the woods, grassland, or other places to soak up what nature has to offer in the spring. And while yo…

1
April 4: A Storm to Remember: “Hannah” Hammers the State 3:07

24d ago3:07

3:07

April is a time of optimism as the region thaws, and thoughts turn to planting and warmer weather. However, it’s also a deceptive time, as the last gasps of winter can still wreak havoc, surprising those who believe the snow is finished. March and April storms have earned their place in residents' memories, like the March 1966 blizzard. But the 199…

1
Rural News Publications 49:53

24d ago49:53

49:53

Prairie Public's Ann Alquist interviews two rural reporters to discuss legislative issues and the health of their publicans.

1
April 3: A Senseless Tragedy 2:20

25d ago2:20

2:20

George Haneckeyk was born in Denmark in 1886 and came to North Dakota in 1910. In 1916, he had a run-in with the law when he attacked and tried to kill a girl in Minot. He was found guilty and sentenced to three and a half years in prison. After being discharged in 1918, he opened a painting shop in Bismarck. It seemed he had changed. He was a quie…

1
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 49:49

25d ago49:49

49:49

1
April 2: American Farmer 2:45

26d ago2:45

2:45

North Dakota Agricultural College opened on January 3, 1892, with 123 students. Farmers were initially skeptical that "college boys" could help them improve their farms. However, they were pleasantly surprised as professors took students out into the field to consult with farmers through the extension service, offering in-person courses and consult…

1
Black Bag 8:06

26d ago8:06

8:06

Matt reviews Black Bag, where agent George Woodhouse must choose between loyalty to his country or his wife, who's suspected of being a traitor.

1
The High Cost of Not Listening, Smuggled Dreams, Migrating Birds, and Buffalo Restoration — Stories of Connection, Survival, and the Power of Paying Attention 49:54

26d ago49:54

49:54

Explore the power of listening, a daring border crossing, saving migratory birds, and restoring buffalo to Indigenous lands.

1
Legal Analysis on The Ray Holmberg Sentencing and Plains Folk 50:25

26d ago50:25

50:25

1
April 1: April Fools' Day! 2:24

27d ago2:24

2:24

April Fools' Day has been around for centuries, with pranks and practical jokes ending in the cry of “April Fool!” Many historians trace its origins to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.By Carole Butcher

1
March 31: Out Like a Lamb — Farmer Subdues Presumed Madman 2:31

28d ago2:31

2:31

On this date in 1909, an incredible story was going to press. The Wahpeton Times reported that Farmer Olson, who lived three miles north of Jamestown, had spotted a man skipping across his fields in a hurry. Olson had never seen anyone so far off the beaten path and gleeful outside of hunting season. He concluded it must be the patient who had esca…

1
What is hantavirus? 2:52

30d ago2:52

2:52

Most everyone has heard the news of the tragic passing of two-time Academy Award winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife (Betsy Arakawa). His wife, you may recall, died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Hantavirus exists in North Dakota, and a reminder of the virus and disease might be helpful and timely.…

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