Best KMSU Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
How to prepare for Climate Disasters 9-11-2025 24:04

Play Pause

18h ago24:04

24:04

Sept. 11, 2025 - Climate disasters are no longer a distant threat - we are bombarded by fire, floods, heat and storms that are hitting harder and more often. Dr. Robert Macnee, a climate strategist and author of "The Resilience Advantage: A Small Business Guide to Preparing for Floods, Heatwaves, Wildfires, and Other Climate Disasters," talks about…

1
Mankato Zero Waste Day in the Park 9-10-2025 29:11

3h ago29:11

29:11

Sept. 10, 2025 - Mankato Zero Waste is hosting its second "Mankato Zero Waste in the Park" on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m. at Sibley Park, Mankato. Jane Dow and Sue Hytjan discuss what you can learn at the event and activities you can participate in such as the clothing swap, have your clothes repaired by volunteer seamstresses, bring…

1
Climate Change Creates Ocean Warming, and that Affects us All 9-03-2025 16:19

5d ago16:19

16:19

September 4, 2025 - The Midwest may be far from the coasts, but the impact of climate change warming our oceans affects us all. Martin Smith, a professor of environmental economics at Duke University explains the importance of Climate Change Policy.By KMSU

1
Environmental and Energy Consequences of AI Data Centers 8-21-2025 28:04

1M ago28:04

28:04

August 21, 2025 - Developers have proposed at least 11 large-scale AI data centers in Minnesota, with North Mankato listed as one of the possible sites. Center for Environmental Advocacy representatives have filed a lawsuit because of a concern for a lack of transparency in the process and the potential harm the centers may have to our natural reso…

1
Forever Chemicals, aka PFAs, are killing us 8-14-2025 28:00

1M ago28:00

28:00

August 14, 2025 - A panel of scientists discusses the forever and everywhere chemicals known as PFAs which are harming our environment and our health. Panelists include: Dr. Alissa Corner, Environmental Sociologist, Whitman College; Dr Carla Ng, Environmental Engineer, University of Pittsburgh; and Dr. Julia Varshavsky, professor of Environmental H…

1
EPA Rolling Back Key Climate Change Findings 8-07-2025 21:28

2M ago21:28

21:28

Aug. 7, 2025 - EPA officials say the Trump administration would revoke the scientific determination that underpins the government's legal authority to combat climate change. David Doniger, a senior attorney and strategist with the Natural Resources Defense Council explains how this will derail ongoing federal climate efforts and cause irreparable h…

1
Save the Bees - What You Can Do 7-31-2025 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

July 31, 2025 - Bees are crucial for the environment and food production due to their role as pollinators. However, many are perishing because of declining habitat and use of pesticides. University of Minnesota Bee-Squad Program Director Jessica Helgen discusses the fascinating lives of bees; their importance and how we can all play a role in savin…

1
Replacing Plastic with Plant-based Material 7-24-2025 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

July 24, 2025- Production of plastics is expected to triple by 2060. Plastics have been proven to be harmful to our health, and one company is replacing plastic with plants. Lauren McDougal, Head of Marketing at PlantSwitch, discusses how the company is using plant waste to create products that have the qualities of plastic, but are compostable and…

1
Save the Boundary Waters in Mankato 7-10-2025 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

July 10, 2025 - Save the Boundary Waters is the largest conservation organization in Minnesota that focuses on protecting and preserving the Boundary Waters and greater Quetico-Superior Region. Ingrid Lyons, Director of the organization discusses the group's outreach efforts, including a visit to Mankato on July 10, 2025.…

1
Save the Kasota Prairie 07-03-2025 21:39

3M ago21:39

21:39

July 3, 2025 - Minnesota once had 18 million acres of prairie. But today, only about one-percent of native prairie remains in the state. Learn about "Save the Kasota Prairie", a local organization which is dedicated to preserving one of the country's last native prairie lands. Long-time SKP member Eric Steinmetz shares the history of the group and …

1
What is Eco Grief? with Dheepa Maturi 6-26-2025 21:30

3M ago21:30

21:30

June 26, 2025 - What is ecological grief? An American Psychological Association study found that two-thirds of adults are experiencing anxiety related to species, climate, and landscape loss. Author Dheepa Maturi debuted her eco-thriller novel "108" addresses what many are feeling in this environmentally-conscious in an action-packed thriller. It w…

1
Styrofoam Recycling Event 6-20-2025 29:03

3M ago29:03

29:03

June 20, 2025 - Styrofoam poses dangers to both human health and the environment. It's a non-biodegradable material that can leach harmful chemicals, particularly when heated, and contributes significantly to landfill waste. Jane Dow and Betty Winkworth, with Mankato Zero Waste, talk about an upcoming Styrofoam recycling event and what we all can d…

1
How Do We Clean Up Minnesota's Most Impaired River? 6-12-2025 25:16

3M ago25:16

25:16

June 12, 2025 - The 17th Minnesota River Congress takes place Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at the Kato Ballroom. Mankato. Scott Sparlin, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, discusses the importance of the event for citizens to have input on the future of the state's most impaired river, the Minnesota River.…

1
What the 2025 MN Legislative Session means for Climate and Energy Policy 6-05-2025 22:35

3M ago22:35

22:35

June 6, 2025 - This year's 2025 Legislative session was unlike any in recent memory. Brynn Kirsling, Fresh Energy Director of of Legislation and Grass Roots Advocacy discussed what it means for climate and energy policy.By KMSU

1
Neonics: the Toxic Truth. There are Safer Alternatives 5-29-2025 28:33

4M ago28:33

28:33

May 29, 2025 - The world's most widely used insecticides, "Neonics", are killing more than just the bees. They are harming the health of all living things - and are used on farms, lawns, gardens, golf courses and more. Lucas Rhoads, Senior Project Attorney with Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund - Wildlife Division, says the use of these…

1
Mankato Climate Action Plan 5-21-2025 22:38

4M ago22:38

22:38

May 22, 2025 - The City of Mankato is nearing completion of its first Climate Action Plan. Rick Baird, Mankato Environmental Sustainability Coordinator discusses the process for creating the plan, shares some of the ideas put forth, and explains how you can provide additional feedback for plan which will be continually updated.…

1
New Izaak Walton League in Mankato 5-15-2025 23:18

4M ago23:18

23:18

May 16, 2025 - A Minnesota family is planning on honoring their son's legacy through the Izaak Walton League. Kiora Matthews, Climate Impact Coordinator with AmeriCorp is the Vice President of the new group and has worked with Jack Loso's family to start a brand new chapter in the Mankato area. The group is hosting its first event this June.…

1
New Sustainability Course Offered at MSU 5-01-2025 28:01

5M ago28:01

28:01

May 1, 2025 - The College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato is adding a Sustainability Course to its MBA program. College of Business faculty, Dr. Brenda Flannery discusses the importance of this new course to discuss sustainability in business companies and their impact on the environment or society. In addition to driving social …

1
Volunteers Needed to Monitor Area Waters 4-17-2025 22:45

5M ago22:45

22:45

April 17, 2025 - Do you need an excuse to get out on the lake? Or to spend some time on a nearby waterway? The MPCA is searching for volunteers who want to do just that by being a Water Monitor. MPCA Volunteer Water Monitoring Program Coordinator, Waverly Reibel, explains how you can be a part in helping improve the quality of water in our state wh…

1
Electric Vehicle Market hits Milestone in US, 1-16-2025 27:34

5M ago27:34

27:34

Jan. 16, 2025 More than 100 Electric Vehicle models are now available in the U. S. market. Jukka Kukkonen, Chief EV Educator and Strategist with Shift2Electric, discusses how far the EV technology has grown and improved: with better range, new features, and vehicles for everyday lifestyles. For more info, see EVinfoList.com.…

1
Getting Youth Involved in the Environmental Movement 4-10-2025 32:10

5M ago32:10

32:10

April 10, 2025 - Less than 1% of native prairie and savanna ecosystems exist today. That's why Kim Musser, co-director of the Minnesota State Mankato Water Resource Center and Henry Panoswitch, founder of Prairie Enthusiasts have developed a stewardship program to get youth involved in nature to protect our natural heritage.…

1
Light Pollution Impact on Climate and our Health 3-27-2025 16:53

6M ago16:53

16:53

March 26, 2025 - Eighty-percent of Americans can't see the Milky Way from their backyards due to light pollution. Astronomer Dr. James Lowenthal at Smith College talks about how it affects our health, our climate, wildlife and all aspects of our lives in negative ways. He discusses solutions and how we can all make a difference.…

1
The Future of Southern MN Lakes Conference 3-20-2025 25:46

6M ago25:46

25:46

March 20, 2025 - The third annual Lakes Conference is set to bring water expertise and inspiration to lake stewards on March 20-21, 2025. ISG Water Business Unit Leader, Julie Blackburn, discusses common lake misconceptions, and how the conference is designed to empower lakes residents and stakeholders with practical tools and knowledge for managin…

1
Rapidan Dam Failure Leads to River Research 3-13-2025 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

March 13, 2025 - In June 2024, the Rapidan Dam suffered catastrophic failure when floodwaters tore around the west end of the dam, eating away the shoreline and sending a century's worth of sediment stored behind the structure down the river. Dr. Phil Larson, co-director of Minnesota State Mankato's Earth Systems Laboratory, and MSU alum Dr. Zach H…

1
Red Jacket Mine Proposal Withdrawn 3-10-2025 10:05

6M ago10:05

10:05

March 12, 2025 - A permit application to mine sand and gravel on land immediately adjacent to one of the Mankato area's newest and largest parks has been withdrawn following a flood of opposition. Community effort led by Charles Eltonga, who started a petition which helped to save the park from mining, was a success.…

1
Excel Energy's Carbon-free plans 3-6-2025 23:55

7M ago23:55

23:55

March 6, 2025 - Xcel Energy says it will go carbon-free earlier than anticipated. Bria Shea, regional VP of planning and policy discusses what is included in the new Xcel plan which was recently approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.By KMSU

1
Climate Change in the Trump Era 2-27-2025 21:53

7M ago21:53

21:53

Feb. 27, 2025 What is happening with climate change in the Trump era? Peter Prengaman, global news director for the Associated Press' Climate and Environmental team discusses Trump's new climate policies and what they mean for climate journalism over the next four years.By KMSU

1
The Nature of Oaks with Douglas Tallamy 2-20-25 27:16

7M ago27:16

27:16

Feb. 20, 2025 "The Nature of Oaks" by Doug Tallamy is considered a highly important book because it sheds light on the crucial ecological role oak trees play in the environment, highlighting their vital function as a keystone species that supports a vast array of wildlife, and advocating for their protection and planting in our landscapes.…

1
Climate Change - A Global Crisis with MNSU's Paul Prew 2-06-2025 26:15

8M ago26:15

26:15

Feb. 6, 2025 - MNSU Urban Studies Professor Dr. Paul Prew’s research and personal interests revolve around the growing concerns regarding the destruction of our environment. KMSU's Karen Wright talks with Prew about how we can understand this global crisis in the capitalist world-system and what we, as individuals, can do to make a difference.…

1
The Landfills are filling up: Where should our waste go? 1-09-2025 25:18

8M ago25:18

25:18

January 9, 2024 The Blue Earth County Property & Environmental Resources/Waste & Recycling Division is seeking public input on proposed changes to its County Solid Waste Management Plan. Mark Manderfeld and Taylor Piotter discuss how you can learn about, and have input into this Plan at an upcoming Open House on Jan. 21, 2025.…

1
Harvesting the Power of Volcanoes 12-19-2024 25:32

9M ago25:32

25:32

Dec. 19, 2024 Magma Power, LLC, is pioneering energy technology to harvest the power of volcanoes for renewable energy. Magma Power CEO, Levi Connor, spoke with KMSU's Karen Wright about the proprietary system designed to safely, efficiently and cost effectively extract geothermal energy from magma reservoirs.…

1
New Type of Long Lasting Battery, Toby Bond, researcher at Canadian Light Source 12-12-2024 32:04

9M ago32:04

32:04

Dec. 12, 2024 - Toby Bond is a Senior Scientist at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), Canada’s national synchrotron facility, where he specializes in x-ray imaging of batteries and fuel cells for companies doing industrial R&D. Bond says what’s most exciting about the research is that it suggests we may be near the point where the battery is no longe…

1
Witnessing Climate Change in one of America's Last Wild Places 12-05-2024 25:26

10M ago25:26

25:26

Dec. 4, 2024 Author and Explorer, Jonathan Waterman, has witnessed first-hand the effects of climate change in one of America's last wild places - the Arctic. His recently published book, "Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis," draws from his life's most profound journeys over the past 40 years. Despite the unfolding clim…

1
COP-29 with J. Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy in Azerbaijan 11-21-2024 28:22

10M ago28:22

28:22

Nov. 21, 2024 Fresh Energy's J. Hamilton Drake represented Minnesota at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan this past week. She witnessed the historic 2015 Paris Agreement in support of the global response to the threat of climate change, and has attended nine COP summits. She shares her insights with KMSU's Karen Wright for "Every Day is Earth Da…

1
AP Climate & Environmental News Director, Peter Prengeman, reports from COP29 in Azerbaijan, Nov. 14, 2024 27:49

10M ago27:49

27:49

Nov. 14, 2024 Global Climate and Environmental News Director, Peter Prengaman, leads the Associated Press global climate and environment team. Prengaman was at the COP29 Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan when KMSU's Karen Wright talked with him about how U.s. President-elect Donald Trump's win last week will affect international efforts to combat clim…

1
Young People Making A Difference in the Environment with Luke Drummer 11-07-2024 22:58

11M ago22:58

22:58

Nov. 7, 2024 Recent college graduate, Luke Drummer of Mankato, is hoping to make a difference and improve the environment. He is a member of the Conservation Corp of Minnesota and Iowa. Learn about how he is having an impact in the communities of Eagle Lake and Lake Crystal.By KMSU

1
Environmental Justice with Michael Wilson Becerril 10-31-2024 29:42

11M ago29:42

29:42

Oct. 31, 2024 The Living Earth Center is hosting its 19th Annual Earth Conference - From Extraction to Regeneration: The Future We Create. One of the keynote speakers of the event, Michael Wilson Becerril, who is an activist scholar specialized in Environmental Justice, spoke with KMSU's Karen Wright about the consequences of extraction on both the…

1
The Blue Plate: A Food Lovers Guide to Climate Change by Mark Easter 10242024 30:36

11M ago30:36

30:36

Oct. 24, 2024 More than a quarter of the dangerous climate-heating greenhouse gas emissions produced around the world today come from food. Mark Easter, Senior Research Associate at the Natural Resources Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University and author of "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Change" talks about his research on t…

1
The Path to Restoring Our Atmosphere with Rob Jackson 10-17-2024 27:19

11M ago27:19

27:19

Oct. 17, 2024 KMSU's Karen Wright talks with one of the world's leading climate scientists, Rob Jackson, who is Chair of the Global Carbon Project, a senior fellow at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, and author of "Into the Clear Blue Sky: The Path to Restoring Our Atmosphere."…

1
Cold Weather Rule and Winter Weatherization 10-10-2024 28:13

11M ago28:13

28:13

Oct. 10, 2024 If you can't pay your heating bill this winter, your energy can be disconnected. Minnesota Valley Action Council provides assistance for those who need extra help with their energy bills and home weatherization. Brianna Parr-Baker and Emily Holicky explain available resources.By KMSU

1
No Scrap Left Behind: Ending Food Waste 10-3-2024 28:46

12M ago28:46

28:46

October 3, 2024 The environmental and economic impact of food waste is substantial, and author Teralyn Pilgrim, a Zero-Waste Food advocate describes how we can all make a difference in her new book, No Scrap Left Behind: My Life without Food Waste.By KMSU

1
Eagle Lake to Create Climate Resiliency Plan 9-26-2024 22:17

12M ago22:17

22:17

Sept. 26, 2024 The city of Eagle Lake received a grant to create a Resiliency Plan. City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland explains what that means and how the community will be involved in making the city more climate-friendly.By KMSU

1
The Power and Importance of SWCD's 9-19-2024 29:27

1y ago29:27

29:27

Sept. 19, 2024 What is SWCD and why should I care? You may see SWCD Supervisor listed on your ballot when you vote, and you just check a box without knowing what you're voting for. Emily Minge, Political Organizer with Land Stewardship Action, explains the power of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and how they use your tax dollars to promote s…

1
How School Buses Are Harming Our Kids 8 - 15 - 2024 17:34

1y ago17:34

17:34

August 15, 2024 Emissions from diesel vehicles are harmful for all of us. Dr. Sara Adar, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at University of Michigan talks about why young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of diesel exhaust and what can be done about it.By KMSU

1
Could Rust Make Batteries More Efficient? with Dr. Johna Leddy 9-04-2024 22:13

1y ago22:13

22:13

Sept. 4, 2024 Dr. Johnna Leddy, a researcher at U of Iowa holds 32 U.S. patents and studies how electrochemistry will change the energy distribution of the planet. Leddy is the keynote speaker for the 34th Leonard Ford Lectureship at MNSU and explains how her research looks at solutions to lower environmental loads and energy costs through chemistr…

1
Zero Waste Day at Sibley Park on Sept. 8, 2024 32:00

1y ago32:00

32:00

Aug. 29, 2024 Zero Waste Day in the Park is Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at Sibley Park Pavilion, Mankato, noon - 3 p.m. The event is free and includes a clothing swap and repair, electronics recycling and repair, info about recycling, composting, reusing, etc. plus free food, live music and face painting. Jane Dow and Betty Winkworth of Mankato Zero Wast…

1
BAG-NADO! Join the Eco-Experience at the MN State Fair 8 - 22 - 2024 24:48

1y ago24:48

24:48

August 22, 2024 The Eco-Experience is back for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. MPCA Communications Specialist Steve Mikkelson discusses the new displays ranging from a giant plastic bag-nado, new electric vehicle options, to solutions for Climate Change.By KMSU

1
Rampant Consumerism: The Sultan of Garbage 8-8-2024 20:45

1y ago20:45

20:45

Aug. 8, 2024 Brian Belefant has written a fictional novella called, The Sultan of Garbage" which has parallel lessons to what is happening with consumerism in our world today. Belefant, a former ad agency writer and creator discusses how his attitudes have changed with protecting our world vs. promoting what he describes as "crap".…

1
Journalists Talk on Climate with Peter Prengaman from the AP 8-012024 29:07

1y ago29:07

29:07

Aug. 1, 2024 Peter Prengaman, Global Climate and Environment News Director of the Associate Press (AP) talks with KMSU's Karen Wright about how climate policy is being covered (and ignored) by influential leaders and what we can do to be heard.By KMSU

1
Local Foods Week with Sabri Fair 7-25-2024 34:17

1y ago34:17

34:17

July 25, 2024 - During the week of July 22-28, visit one of the participating restaurants to enjoy delicious food and celebrate the partnerships between Region Nine’s farmers and restaurants. Sabri Fair, Reg. 9 Dev. Commission Environmental and Sustainability Planner talks about this event dedicated to highlighting the variety of products available…