Connections Radio

Connections Radio

Connections gives us the chance to examine a wider perspective that may just inspire us to DO something! Engaging conversations will explore both the celebrations of living as well as the challenges we face—stories of who Twin Citians are, what we think about, and what we get out and “do” is the heart of our show. Woven into these stories may be possible innovative solutions, we may address our disconnects, find new ways of looking at our questions, or we may just take time to enjoy who we are and the wonderful ways we are connected. Our show is mostly Twin Cities based, although we do occasionally host national and international guests. Thought leaders, artists, educators, nonprofit advocates, scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizers, politicians, business innovators . . . are just a sampling of the guests you may hear when listening to Connections Radio. Listen in, join the conversation and “get connected”.

Episodes

January 24, 2026 49 mins
Host Laurie Fitz is joined by the fantabulous Philip Anthony, host of the Downright Upright Show airing Saturdays at 5 PM on AM950 and available anywhere on podcast.
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Following last Saturday’s 1/10/26 broadcast, today hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo feature more community members and leaders discussing not only ICE’s recent shooting of a Minneapolis citizen and mother, but also ICE’s ongoing para-military occupation of the Twin Cities area and beyond. We discuss what the essence of connection might mean in the wake of a…
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January 10, 2026 45 mins
Connections Radio” hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo hear from community members about ICE’s recent shooting of Minneapolis citizen and mother, Renee Nicole Good. We discuss what the essence of connection might mean in the aftermath of her tragic death.
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Laurie Fitz is joined by our Twin Cities writer/composer, musician, actor, producer, and educator, Brenda Varda. Together they explore in a provocative discussion …. how the meaning of “holding” can be thought of during the holidays as well as with our relationship to the world around us. “What are you holding on to?”
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Host Laurie Fitz visits with Western Communities Action Network—WeCAN—a community nonprofit serving Western Hennepin County individuals and families in need since 1989. They empower and equip individuals and families to reach stability and self-sufficiency. From emergency assistance, to food support, to helping clients with job skills, WeCAN is in existence to help, support and inspire.…
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Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit a 5th time with University of Connecticut’s Professor of English, well-known author, and humorist, Gina Barreca. (Rick sought her out years ago after seeing her book on women, academia, and humor: “They Used to Call Me Snow White… But I Drifted.”) Our broadcast follows her newest book, “Gina School,” as she opens…
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Host Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Rev. Dr. Trish Sullivan Vanni, a priest from Charis Community, Minnesota’s first Ecumenical Catholic Church. We discuss Catholic Church and wider church history, along with women and their place in that evolving landscape. – www.CharisECC.org
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October 25, 2025 43 mins
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with writer/composer, musician, actor, producer, and educator (composition, critical thinking, and arts development), Brenda Varda. Back in February she visited with others from Phoenix Theater’s production of “Stolen Focus,” the script for which she wrote. Besides hearing samples from her wonderful music, we’ll discuss not only her myriad roles…
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Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo speak with callers around the Twin Cities and the country about “We the People,” as today’s “No Kings” rallies for democracy will be the largest national protests in history against fascism and for our communities. – www.IndivisibleTwinCities.org • wwwIndivisible.org
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October 4, 2025 43 mins
Laurie Fitz visits with Prime Production’s artistic directors—Alison Edwards and Shelli Place—along with cast members Elizabeth Desotelle, Kurt Schulz, Terry Lynn Carlson, Bob Malos, Erik Steen, and Alison Edwards and about their coming Twin Cities premier of “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday,” by acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl. Hear about this fantastical dramedy that…
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September 27, 2025 45 mins
Host Laurie Fitz continues her Jewish Voices series, featuring J Street senior operating officer and foreign policy expert Ilan Goldenberg, along with co-host John Orenstein and co-producer Kit Bix.
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September 20, 2025 43 mins
Laurie has John Rossakis Owner and Head Trainer From Paw and Order is back on Connections Radio. Today’s topic will discuss dog breeds and what is right for your family and home. John discusses the Dog’s training and welcoming them into their forever home. Paw and Order website https://www.pawandorder.com/ Contact phone (612) 518-0954
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September 13, 2025 43 mins
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with musician, community activist, and international troubadour, Larry Long. We hear about the debut of his “Tractorcade 1979″ documentary at Farm Aid 2025, new songs such as “I Don’t Believe In Violence,” the recent June’s “No Kings” rally at the MN Capitol, and his newly re-released album, “Living In A Rich Man’s World.” – www.LarryLon...
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Laurie Fitz with Rick Bernardo visit vocalist, tribute artist (Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga), voice instructor, teacher, and athlete, Melody Mendis. We hear about the joy she brings to and from each of these life endeavors—and tools she uses to overcome barriers to that kind of inspirational life. (For more on her book in process, send name, email,…
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August 2, 2025 43 mins
Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit again with Alliance for Sustainability President and Co-Founder, Terry Gips. After last week we had explored the Alliance for Sustainability’s coming series of events at the MN State Fair on Aug. 21 and 30, today we hear more about their ongoing work to champion sustainability that’s ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. We…
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Hosts Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Alliance for Sustainability President and Co-Founder, Terry Gips. We explore the Alliance for Sustainability’s coming series of events at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 21 and 30—and their ongoing work to champion sustainability that’s ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and humane. – www.AforS.org
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July 19, 2025 43 mins
Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with Paw and Order Twin Cities dog trainer, John Rossakis, about connecting with our pets—dogs in particular. We review the various breeds of dogs and gain insights into how our relationships with them can grow for the good of all. – www.PawandOrder.com/twin-cities
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Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with playwright and Walking Shadow Theatre Company’s artistic director, John Heimbuch—broadcasting live from the Twin Cities Pride Festival in Minneapolis’s Loring Park. We discuss their recent debut of “Mae West and the Trial of Sex,” how it relates to recent modern social trials, plus upcoming Walking Shadow productions. –…
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Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with artist/songwriter/producer, Patrick Adams, as well as Rock the Cause Records CEO, Scotty Herold. We celebrate the joy of connection through music as they take us on a journey through styles and sounds—from smooth R&B/Soul to Memphis/Soul to Funk and Gospel—accompanied by stories and connections deep and wide. – www.PatrickAdamsMuzic.com
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Laurie Fitz and Rick Bernardo visit with singer-songwriter and performer, Cassandra Cole. Crafting her own blend of Midwestern alternative soul, her debut 2022 album was “Steps.” In April that year as we visited Rock the Cause Record’s CEO, Scott Herold, “Connections Radio” featured a song from that album, “Upside Down.” For this broadcast, we’ll explore with her yet…
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