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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Terry Sauer Podcasts
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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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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J.J. McCarthy cleared to start final game of Vikings season
44:30
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44:30Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return for his final start of a roller coaster 2025 season. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about the future of the offensive line and quarterback positions. This week's Flashback Friday segment goes back to a ridiculous 2016 game in Chicago that…
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J.J. McCarthy, Brian Flores and Vikings-Packers regular season finale
27:31
27:31
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27:31Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's regular season finale between the Vikings (8-8) and Packers (9-6-1). Quarterback J.J. McCarthy appears on track to play again. What can he gain from his 10th NFL start? What else is there to play for in this game? They discuss the financial incentives and other reasons that could motiv…
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Vikings defense wallops Lions offense for season sweep of Detroit
22:12
22:12
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22:12Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker emerge from the postgame locker room at U.S. Bank Stadium to break down the Vikings' 23-10 win over the Detroit Lions. They discuss safety Harrison Smith's emotion in what could be his penultimate game, the defense's dominance over the Lions this season, running back Aaron Jones gutting through injury,…
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Debating the Vikings' All-Quarter Century Team from Culpepper to Cousins
50:42
50:42
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50:42A panel of Minnesota Star Tribune sportswriters -- Ben Goessling, Mark Craig and Andrew Krammer -- selected their All-Quarter Century Team for the Vikings from the past 25 years (2001-2025). They came up with three different quarterbacks and head coaches among other variations. What are the merits from Daunte Culpepper to Brett Favre to Kirk Cousin…
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Max Brosmer to start for Vikings vs. Lions with J.J. McCarthy on the mend
21:12
21:12
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21:12Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the news that quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his throwing hand in New York, meaning rookie Max Brosmer gets another start on Christmas Day against the Detroit Lions. They also debut the listener voicemail that will allow you another avenue to leave us questions.…
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How did Minnesota become home to the world's first shopping mall?
15:46
15:46
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15:46Southdale in Edina became the first fully enclosed shopping mall in the world when it opened in 1956. Its architect had a vision to thwart the cold and create an indoor town square where it was always 75 degrees. Southdale spawned thousands of suburban shopping malls across the country, shaping an era of American life. Host Erica Pearson makes a vi…
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J.J. McCarthy injures throwing hand in Vikings win at New York
19:29
19:29
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19:29Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 16-13 win over the New York Giants from MetLife Stadium.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Christian Darrisaw's season ends on injured reserve; Vikings mailbag
46:36
46:36
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46:36Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss left tackle Christian Darrisaw's move to injured reserve and his trying season. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about guards Donovan Jackson and Will Fires, Jonathan Greenard's absence, and more. Ben Goessling joins for Flashback Friday on the 'Mutiny on the Fox River,' or that time in 20…
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Vikings, J.J. McCarthy get another golden opportunity in New York
42:13
42:13
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42:13Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker regroup to recap the Vikings' 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys and preview the upcoming game against the listless New York Giants (2-12). What stood out about J.J. McCarthy's second straight positive start? Why may it continue in New York? What's the latest with injuries to Jonathan Greenard and Josh …
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Flashback Tuesday: Minneapolis Miracle memories
32:12
32:12
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32:12Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker break out their flashback Friday segment into an episode because it's about 2017's Minneapolis Miracle. Emily asks Ben and Andrew what they recall about covering that game, the dynamic between receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, the plays that have since been forgotten, and more.…
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Vikings mailbag: Brian Flores' future? 2026 quarterbacks?
39:38
39:38
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39:38Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about defensive coordinator Brian Flores, veteran quarterbacks in 2026, and more. This week's Flashback Friday segment goes back to a 2018 game against the Rams. The game helped usher in the reign of a young L.A. coach that would ultimately mentor Kevi…
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Vikings, J.J. McCarthy take momentum on the road to Dallas on Sunday night
36:11
36:11
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36:11Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday night's game between the Vikings (5-8) and Cowboys (6-6-1) by discussing the "pure progression" QB reads that have Kurt Warner at odds with the way the Vikings are coaching J.J. McCarthy. They then get into the matchups with Dallas on both sides of the ball and end with Joe Flacco having…
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How did Mayor Hubert Humphrey change Minneapolis?
20:53
20:53
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20:53Hubert Humphrey was Minneapolis' mayor before he headed to the U.S. Senate and White House. Reporter Eleanor Hildebrandt talks with host Erica Pearson about how his time as mayor shaped the city.By Star Tribune
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Vikings, J.J. McCarthy get confidence-building win over Commanders
23:42
23:42
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23:42Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 31-0 rout of the Washington Commanders from U.S. Bank Stadium, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy got his first home win with his most complete performance to date. What went into McCarthy's improvement? How did the defense limit another opposing quarterback? And what importance do the …
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J.J. McCarthy vs. Jayden Daniels on Sunday; plus a Vikings mailbag
34:17
34:17
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34:17Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss who's in and who's out for Sunday's Vikings-Commanders game, headlined by the return of 2024's No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. That means it's Daniels vs. a struggling J.J. McCarthy, who may have his full O-line back together again. Then they open the mailbag and answer your questions about …
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Vikings simplify approach with J.J. McCarthy as Adam Thielen taps out
28:59
28:59
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28:59Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's Vikings-Commanders game. First they discuss receiver Adam Thielen asking for his release and joining Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Then they get into what the coaching staff is doing to get more out of J.J. McCarthy for now.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings' offensive struggles continue in shutout loss at Seattle
24:31
24:31
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24:31Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker talk through the Vikings' 26-0 loss against the Seahawks at Lumen Field. They unpack Max Brosmer's first start, Justin Jefferson's low production -- and decision not to talk postgame -- and where the Vikings defense held up.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings mailbag: J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer and looking ahead to 2026
36:44
36:44
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36:44Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' quarterback situation and open the mailbag to answer your questions that include: Should J.J. McCarthy keep playing this year? How can Max Brosmer's play on Sunday affect the rest of the season? What approach should the team take in the 2026 offseason?…
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Will Max Brosmer make his first Vikings start against Sam Darnold's Seahawks?
23:29
23:29
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23:29Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer preview Sunday's game in Seattle, where the reeling Vikings may be starting undrafted rookie quarterback Max Brosmer for the first time. Oh yeah, old friend Sam Darnold will be on the other sideline. What to expect from Darnold? Brosmer? Where does this leave J.J. McCarthy's development? Who will be available along …
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Why do so many spam calls come from Norwood Young America, MN?
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13:25
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13:25Your phone rings. It’s a number you don’t recognize, but it’s a Minnesota area code. The caller ID location reads Norwood Young America. If you’ve gotten these spam calls, you’re not alone. Casey Darnell shares the likely story behind the calls with host Erica Pearson. Plus: Is Norwood Young America really home to Minnesota's oldest summer festival…
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Vikings look listless by end of 23-6 drubbing in Green Bay
20:58
20:58
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20:58Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from the mezzanine level of Lambeau Field, where you will hear the trash getting taken out during this episode. On the field, coach Kevin O'Connell, quarterback J.J. McCarthy and an otherwise veteran team seem to have run out of answers for 2025. The defense has only been able to do so much…
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Vikings mailbag: Center Ryan Kelly's return, J.J. McCarthy's development, and Justin Jefferson's patience
49:24
49:24
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49:24Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the final ins and outs before Sunday's game at Lambeau Field. They also open the mailbag and answer your Vikings-related questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development, receiver Justin Jefferson's patience, the offensive line, and more. This week's flashback Friday includes a look back…
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J.J. McCarthy needs time, but the Vikings don't have much left in 2025
25:44
25:44
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25:44Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview the Vikings' annual trip to Lambeau Field on Sunday. They discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development with seven games left on the schedule, how the kick coverage mishap is emblematic of a larger issue, the lack of takeaways by a talented defense, and what kind of team they're facing in the…
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J.J. McCarthy's growing pains continue in Vikings loss to Bears
22:39
22:39
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22:39Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 19-17 loss to the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium, where fans became restless with quarterback J.J. McCarthy's growing pains. What did coach Kevin O'Connell say afterward? They also discuss another strong defensive showing, safety Harrison Smith's 200th regular season game, and the highs and lows of spe…
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Vikings mailbag: Ryan Kelly's return, Dallas Turner's costly lesson and more
33:30
33:30
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33:30Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your questions about how players choose their helmets, center Ryan Kelly's return, edge rusher Dallas Turner's costly lesson about sacking quarterbacks, the false start problem, a rookie we haven't heard from in a while, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings, J.J. McCarthy seek cohesion at home against surging Bears
25:50
25:50
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25:50Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's game between the Vikings (4-5) and Bears (6-3), who have won six of their last seven games. Will the offense find cohesion with J.J. McCarthy at U.S. Bank Stadium? How do they match up against the Bears defense? When will center Ryan Kelly return? The Vikings defense appears to have fo…
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Lake Superior’s most famous shipwrecks have dramatic tales to tell
19:00
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19:00The Edmund Fitzgerald went down 50 years ago on Nov. 10, 1977. The ore carrier simply vanished from the surface of Lake Superior. It was an ominous ending — mysterious and tragic, too. Hundreds of other vessels have sunk in the big lake, and shipwreck hunters still work to find their watery resting places. Guest Christa Lawler shares some of Lake S…
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Penalties, turnovers too much for Vikings offense to overcome vs. Ravens
24:25
24:25
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24:25Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 27-19 loss to the Ravens on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, where an inconsistent offense was often penalized and turnover prone. What issues continued for quarterback J.J. McCarthy? How did an impressive defensive performance eventually fall apart? What did players and coach Kevin O'Co…
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J.J. McCarthy's alter ego and a Vikings mailbag on the trade deadline, Asante Samuel Jr., and more
30:35
30:35
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30:35Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's alter ego and the final injury statuses ahead of Vikings-Ravens on Sunday. They then open the mailbag and answer your questions about the red zone success, free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., the trade deadline, arm wrestling contests, and more.…
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Lamar Jackson, J.J. McCarthy, and the Vikings' defensive staying power
33:31
33:31
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33:31Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Sunday's Vikings-Ravens game through the lens of defending quarterback Lamar Jackson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ongoing development. They discuss the Vikings' struggles against mobile quarterbacks, outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel's return, and more.…
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Vikings, J.J. McCarthy deliver much-needed win over Lions at Ford Field
23:07
23:07
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23:07Ben Goessling and Andrew Krammer recap the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions from Ford Field, where quarterback J.J. McCarthy navigated another road win in the NFC North, the defense got back to its winning ways, kick returner Myles Price made a difference, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Andrew Van Ginkel to return in Detroit? Vikings mailbag on Hockenson, QBs, and more
39:55
39:55
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39:55Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss who's in, who's out, and what's still not known ahead of Sunday in Detroit. They then open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about the quarterbacks, tight end T.J. Hockenson, safety Harrison Smith, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Carson Wentz defends decision to play as J.J. McCarthy takes Vikings' reins
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26:37
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26:37Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz playing through a torn labrum in his left shoulder, quarterback J.J. McCarthy returning to the starting lineup, and they break the news that Sunday is a tough, tough assignment in Detroit.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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What happened to Minnesota's original Zombie Pub Crawl?
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17:00At its peak, an estimated 35,000 rotting Minnesotans participated in the annual Zombie Pub Crawl, founded 20 years ago. The event grew large enough to set a world record for the largest amount of people dressed as zombies. Then the festival seemed to have its own apocalypse. Our guest is columnist Laura Yuen. Still curious? Read more at the Minneso…
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Dud in Los Angeles leaves reeling Vikings with lingering questions on offense and defense
20:43
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20:43Ben Goessling and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 37-10 loss to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday Night Football, including Carson Wentz struggling as he played through pain and what's ahead for the Vikings at quarterback. They also discuss who returned to action, who left the game early and the Chargers tearing up the Vikings defense.…
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J.J. McCarthy's return to wait at least another week as Vikings to start Carson Wentz in L.A.
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32:56
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32:56Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker preview Thursday night's game against the Chargers, leading with the decision to start Carson Wentz as J.J. McCarthy's recovery continues. They also discuss the potential return of a team captain, Aaron Jones, and how the Vikings offense and defense match up against the 4-3 Chargers. Did the Vikings ju…
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Carson Wentz's turnovers, Eagles' big plays sink Vikings' chances of upsetting Super Bowl champs
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25:31
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25:31Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 28-22 loss to the Eagles from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the defense let Jalen Hurts run around and find open receivers downfield. What to make of quarterback Carson Wentz's roller coaster performance? What about the uncharacteristic explosive passes allowed? How did a rookie get picke…
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Carson Wentz to start again; Vikings mailbag on J.J. McCarthy and returning players
27:57
27:57
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27:57Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback Carson Wentz's fourth straight start on Sunday against his former team. They also open the mailbag and answer your questions about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's practice time, which returning players will make the biggest impacts, and advice on traveling to Minnesota for a game.…
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Vikings' J.J. McCarthy returns to practice; will Carson Wentz face his former team?
29:23
29:23
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29:23Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss quarterback J.J. McCarthy's return to practice, his ongoing recovery from a high ankle sprain, his development and what it all means for Sunday's game against the Eagles. Will Carson Wentz face his former team? They also discuss two key defenders returning to practice this week and another, Dal…
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Curious Minnesota goes on a bit of a bar crawl through history. We look into which of the state’s historic watering holes is really Minnesota’s oldest. The question is trickier than you might think.By Star Tribune
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Vikings mailbag: Help on the way? Measuring success? Must-watch games?
1:09:31
1:09:31
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1:09:31Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss which players are expected to return after the bye week. Then they open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about measuring success this season, the run defense, linebacker Ivan Pace's year so far, Blake Brandel's play at center, receiver Jordan Addison's future, and more. They also f…
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Jordan Addison seals Vikings' win over Browns to close out international trip
26:15
26:15
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26:15Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' 21-17 win over the Browns in London, which was capped by a 12-yard touchdown caught by Jordan Addison. They also discuss Cam Akers' single snap at quarterback, Quinshon Judkins' 100-yard game against the Vikings defense and what looks to have happened on Will Reichard's missed fiel…
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Vikings fly O-line help to London, Browns name Dillon Gabriel starter
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41:18Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the latest updates on a number of Vikings injuries, including a handful across the O-line that required the Vikings to fly out added practice support to London. Plus, they chat about key personnel for the Browns, who named rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel their starter for Week 5.…
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What’s the story of Pipestone National Monument?
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19:03For thousands of years, Native Americans have quarried a sacred, soft red rock from a patch of Minnesota prairie. The site is now Pipestone National Monument. Reporter Jp Lawrence joins host Erica Pearson to share the story of this special place.By Star Tribune
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Carson Wentz's two interceptions loom in Vikings' loss to Steelers in Dublin
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39:24Ben Goessling joins from Dublin as the Access Vikings crew, including Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker, break down Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Why did a play clock have a key role at the end of the loss? They also discuss the unrelenting O-line injuries, quarterback Carson Wentz's performance, the defense's inability to force Aar…
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Jordan Addison returns from suspension as Vikings prepare to head abroad
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27:47
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27:47Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss Vikings injuries entering Week 4, in which the Vikings head overseas to play the Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, and wide receiver Jordan Addison's return to practice after serving his 3-game suspension stemming from a drunken driving arrest in July 2024. Plus, they continue the discussion of the Vikings' quarte…
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Isaiah Rodgers, Vikings defense show up big in rout of Bengals
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24:18
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24:18Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker recap the Vikings' 48-10 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals, starting with cornerback Isaiah Rodgers' history-making performance. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and safety Harrison Smith returned and made immediate impacts. Kicker Will Reichard just set a franchise record. It's the rebound performance …
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Vikings mailbag: Harrison Smith's absence? Cam Akers' return? Quicker pass plays?
24:25
24:25
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24:25Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker open the mailbag and answer your Vikings questions about safety Harrison Smith's absence and how that has affected the defense, running back Cam Akers' annual return to Minnesota, the philosophies of Kevin O'Connell's offense, and more.By Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker
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Vikings turn to QB Carson Wentz with J.J. McCarthy in walking boot
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32:01
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32:01Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker discuss the Vikings' pivot to quarterback Carson Wentz, who joined the team Aug. 24, amid quarterback J.J. McCarthy's ankle injury. What to expect from Wentz against the Bengals on Sunday? Who will be protecting Wentz along the offensive line? And what do history lessons tell us about what this season …
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Vikings offense comes up empty in home opener loss to Falcons
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28:49
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28:49Ben Goessling, Andrew Krammer and Emily Leiker come to you from U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings lost the home opener, 22-6, to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. What to make of the listless showing from quarterback J.J. McCarthy and company? What about the mounting injuries and unrelenting pressure in the pocket? What to make of the defensi…
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