Guests Quinn Swanson, Executive Director of HDT, and Michelle Hoefs, Program Coordinator at HDT, join to preview this Saturday’s Back to Basics event. With over 60 workshops and 55+ vendor booths, this well-attended event is a must for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of the outdoors and sustainable living. They share what to expect, who the event is perfect for, and why it’s become a staple in the community year after year.

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Guest Becky Hale joins us to preview the 11th annual Choose Your Happy event, happening Saturday, February 7th at the Brainerd American Legion. Becky shares what attendees can expect... food vendors, raffles, and plenty of chances to win prizes- plus how this popular event continues to grow year after year.

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Guests are Mark Persons, Vietnam Veteran and Webmaster for the Brainerd VFW, and Eusebia “Chappy” Rios, Chaplain at the Brainerd VFW, to talk about Four Chaplains Day. They share the history and meaning behind the observance, the powerful story of unity and sacrifice it represents, and how the Brainerd VFW honors the legacy of the Four Chaplains locally.

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Guests are Sheena Ziegler, Event Chair, Andrey Jay, Brainerd Jaycees President, and Matt Rhoda, Co-Chair, with a full contestant rundown for the 36th Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. They cover everything you need to know before you hit the ice, including slot limits and entry info, parking and shuttle details, tickets, bait and rule reminders, and key tips to help anglers avoid surprises on the big day.

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Guests are Lori Scharenbroich, Athena Awards Advisory Board member, and Sarah Kinkeade, Athena Awards Committee Chair. They explain the mission and impact of the Athena Awards platform, preview an upcoming Business After Hours networking event, and share details on the 2026 Athena Awards celebration happening May 4th at Maddens.

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Guests are Captain Adam Fulton and LT Karla Beierman from the Minnesota State Patrol with a 2025 year-end review, a look at recent snowplow crashes across the state, and practical tips drivers can use to avoid close calls on winter roads. They also preview safety planning for the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, share what to do if you’re stranded in extreme cold, and break down the must-have items everyone should keep packed in their vehicle during winter travel.

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Melissa Barrick, District Manager for the Crow Wing Soil & Water Conservation District, joins the podcast to share details on the 2026 Tree and Plant Sale and how you can take part. She explains the district’s goal of helping plant 1,000,000 trees, and highlights what’s available this year- including a wide variety of trees, shrubs, plants, and seed mixes. Whether you’re looking to improve wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, enhance your shoreline, or simply add beauty to your property, this sale offers something for everyone.

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Guests Kim Strange, Foundation Coordinator and Food Service Manager, and Lanaya Percfield, Open Arms Coordinator and Peer Support Manager, join to discuss the vital services provided by Lighthouse Beginnings and Open Arms. They share insight into current needs, including general food items, day-to-day household supplies, volunteer support, and funding challenges resulting from the recent federal funding freeze. The conversation highlights how community involvement plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families served by these programs.

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