Best Lake Forest Politics Podcasts (2024)

1
A Conversation with Lake Forest College President Jill Baren 40:48

8h ago40:48

40:48

Dr. Jill M. Baren. In July of 2022, Dr. Baren was appointed the fourteenth president of Lake Forest College. Lake Forest College was founded in 1857 and is home to nearly 1600 students. Last year the Wall Street Journal rated Lake Forest College the top liberal arts college in the Midwest. Dr. Baren is a medical doctor, educator, and researcher, wh…

1
Climate change a factor in spread of bird flu that's keeping birthing cows out of State Fair 4:42

1h ago4:42

4:42

The State Fair gates are open – but there’s a noticeable absence in the Miracle of Birth Center: birthing cows and newborn calves. It’s all due to the spread of avian flu, also known as bird flu or H5N1. So how serious is the spread of avian flu, and what does climate change have to do with the spread of viruses between species? Izzy Ross is a clim…

1
Woman takes French oil company to court for mother’s death 5:43

4h ago5:43

5:43

Recent abundant levels of rainfall across the state have pulled Minnesota out of drought for the first time since June 2022. Will this rainfall pattern continue? And how are Minnesota’s precipitation swings a symptom of climate change? Kenneth Blumenfeld with the Minnesota State Climatology Office talks about recent rainfall across the state and ex…

1
The planet’s temperature inches closer to a ‘tipping point’ 5:01

19d ago5:01

5:01

Scientists are concerned that Earth’s temperature rise is accelerating, and certain factors known as “tipping points” could speed up the process. What will that mean for the planet and what can be done to keep the planet warming at a fast pace? Andrew Freedman wrote about the new study for Axios and explains the research behind the warming climate …

1
A Conversation with Lake Forest Caucus President Joe Oriti 46:28

22d ago46:28

46:28

Joe and Tim talk about the Caucus, bylaw modernization and restoring trust within the community.Joe is the current president of the Lake Forest Caucus. He has lived in Lake Forest since 2015 with his wife and four children. Joe previously served as Caucus Vice President, Treasurer, and on numerous subcommittees, leading searches for elected and app…

1
Researchers plant ‘climate-smart’ trees from the south to save forests up north 4:53

1M ago4:53

4:53

Climate change is putting stress on the traditional spruce and pines in Minnesota’s northern forests — and there’s real concern about their future. So, researchers are planting trees from the southern parts of our state in hopes of saving our northern forests. It’s called assisted migration and University of Minnesota professor Julie Etterson is st…

1
MPCA meteorologist keeps eye on wildfire smoke heading to Minnesota 4:39

1M ago4:39

4:39

An increasing number of wildfires in Canada and the western U.S. is pumping smoke toward Minnesota. But how much smoke will reach Minnesota? And how do meteorologists forecast wildfire smoke events and trends across the state? The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s supervisory meteorologist Matt Taraldsen talks about the wildfire smoke that sulli…

1
Midwest transportation systems feel the brunt of climate change 4:37

1M ago4:37

4:37

Flash floods and extreme temperatures — both heat and cold — are having a negative impact on infrastructure across the Midwest. These extreme weather swings take a toll on roads, bridges and railroads, leading to headaches for travel and daily commutes. Kiley Price wrote about the threat for Inside Climate News and joined MPR News meteorologist Pau…

1
Dams across the Midwest are aging, putting them at risk from the effects of climate change 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

Climate change-enhanced rainfall events threaten nearly 92,000 dams across the U.S. and many are over 100 years old — including dams in Minnesota. Climate reporter Kristoffer Tigue wrote about aging dams and the risk for extreme rainfall for Inside Climate News. Tigue joined MPR News meteorologist Paul Huttner to explain how extreme weather events …

1
A Conversation with Executive Director of Ragdale Paul Sacaridiz 43:28

2M ago43:28

43:28

Paul Sacaridiz is the Executive Director of Ragdale located here in Lake Forest. Ragdale is a nonprofit artist community located on the former country estate of Arts & Crafts architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and his wife, poet and playwright, Frances Wells Shaw. Each year it offers 150 residencies and fellowships to creative professionals of all typ…

1
Lakes could help harness large amounts of clean energy from the sun using floating solar panels 4:32

2M ago4:32

4:32

Lakes are a part of Minnesota’s Identity. While the thousands of lakes are cherished for their recreational accessibility across the state, some of those pristine bodies of water could — one day — help generate a vast amount of clean energy through solar power. Matt Simon wrote about floating solar panels for Grist. Simon talked to MPR News meteoro…

1
How do you define clean energy? Minnesota climate group working on answer 4:35

2M ago4:35

4:35

Last year, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law requiring the state’s electrical utilities to transition to 100 percent carbon-free energy sources by 2040. That means replacing power sources that produce carbon dioxide such as coal and natural gas with renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and biomass. But how do you define “carbon-fr…

1
Drought-free, but for how long? How climate change affects dry and wet trends in Minnesota 5:21

3M ago5:21

5:21

Recent abundant levels of rainfall across the state have pulled Minnesota out of drought for the first time since June 2022. Will this rainfall pattern continue? And how are Minnesota’s precipitation swings a symptom of climate change? Kenneth Blumenfeld with the Minnesota State Climatology Office talks about recent rainfall across the state and ex…

1
What to know about Minnesota's new e-bike rebate program 4:12

3M ago4:12

4:12

Looking to buy a new e-bike? Well, the Minnesota Department of Revenue has a new rebate program to help with the costs. Assistant Commissioner Sarah Bronson from the Department of Revenue talks through details of the program and how to apply.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Lawmakers pass much needed permitting reforms for clean energy projects as session wraps 4:20

3M ago4:20

4:20

The 2024 Minnesota Legislature session is a wrap. So, what got done this year with climate progress in Minnesota? Walker Orenstein is a reporter for the Star Tribune. He says the changes to the permitting process for clean energy projects passed by lawmakers is a major step forward.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
The impact of building codes on climate change 4:41

4M ago4:41

4:41

Heating and cooling our homes and buildings in Minnesota contribute about 40 percent of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions. What opportunity exists to reduce our carbon footprint by updating our building codes? MPR News correspondent Dan Kraker wrote about that recently and shared his key takeaways.…

1
A Conversation with Executive Director of the Lake Forest Library Ishwar Laxminarayan 43:46

4M ago43:46

43:46

Mr. Laximinarayan became the Executive Director of the Lake Forest Library on May 1, 2023. He has previously worked at libraries across India and the United States and has most recently worked for a consulting firm that assists libraries in strategic planning, community engagement, and marketing. Ishwar has been active in local, state, regional, an…

1
A U of M scientist is using leaf glow to better track climate change 4:27

4M ago4:27

4:27

A scientist at the University of Minnesota may have found a better way to track the effects of climate change on Arctic and boreal regions like northern Minnesota where temperatures are rising at some of the fastest rates in the world. Rui Cheng, a professor in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Minnesota,…

1
Report shows Minnesota is leading the way in clean energy transition 5:08

4M ago5:08

5:08

Renewable energy sources provided 33 percent of Minnesota’s electricity last year, which is 10 percent higher than the national average according to a new report. So, what’s next for Minnesota’s clean energy transition? Amelia Cerling Hennes, managing director of public affairs for Clean Energy Economy MN, shared more about the state’s clean energy…

1
CNN chief climate correspondent on finding hope in a world of climate change 4:39

4M ago4:39

4:39

“I’m sorry we broke the sea and sky and shortened the wings of the nightingale. I’m sorry that the Great Barrier Reef is no longer great, that we value Amazon much more than the Amazon.” Those are the words of CNN’s chief climate correspondent Bill Weir from his new book called “Life as We Know It (Can Be).” He wrote it as a letter to his 4-year-ol…

1
As hurricanes get more powerful, some scientists suggest a new category six 4:45

5M ago4:45

4:45

Hurricanes are getting so strong that some scientists say we should add a Category 6 to the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. That’s out of a recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences looking at the link between stronger hurricanes and climate change. Senior Climate Reporter Andrew Freedman wrote about it for Axios.…

1
Climate denialism mapped to geography and political affiliation 5:03

5M ago5:03

5:03

A recent study shows nearly 15 percent of Americans “do not believe in climate change.” So, what drives climate denialism in the U.S.? Joshua Newell is a professor and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems. He was one of the authors of this research and broke down his findings.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Red and blue pitches for electric vehicles? 4:28

5M ago4:28

4:28

Electric vehicle dealers right here in Minnesota are using different strategies to convince prospective buyers from different political affiliations.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
A Conversation with Caucus President Chris Benes - Chris and Tim discuss the Caucus election, the CPA Amendment and the mission of the Lake Forest Caucus 38:44

5M ago38:44

38:44

Chris has lived in Lake Forest since 2011 with his wife and two sons. Born and raised in Chicago, Chris graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Computer Science. He has spent his career in the telecommunications and technology industries. Founded in 1935, the mission of the Lake Forest Caucus is to recommend qualified citizens to serve in L…

1
New study shows climate change is already affecting food prices 4:45

5M ago4:45

4:45

A new paper shows increasing global average temperatures and more intense and frequent heat waves are already driving up the prices of food and other goods. To talk more about climate change and inflation is the lead author of that research, Maximilian Kotz with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany.…

1
A Conversation with Lake Forest Author and Documentary Filmmaker - Susan L. Kelsey 26:48

5M ago26:48

26:48

Susan has authored four historical books: Downtown Lake Forest, West Lake Forest, Legendary Locals of Lake Forest and Billy Caldwell (1780-1841) Chicago and the Great Lakes Trail. Previously, Susan was the Economic Development Officer for the City of Lake Forest for ten years where she worked with commercial property owners to recruit businesses to…

1
Record-breaking ocean temperatures 4:47

5M ago4:47

4:47

Earth’s oceans have been reaching record-warm temperatures. Every day for the last 12 months. What is happening? How much is climate change driving the temperature spike? And how concerned are climate scientists? University of St. Thomas Professor John Abraham, one of the world’s leading ocean temperature researchers, talks about it.…

1
Superintendent Dr. Matt Montgomery and D115 School Board President John Noble Address Recent Accusations 1:00:02

6M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

Matthew Montgomery, Superintendent of Districts 115 and 67 and John Noble, President of the District 115 School Board. Dr. Montgomery and Mr. Noble first appeared on this podcast last November. We’re having them back today to catch up on recent events at Lake Forest High School.By John Noble, Tim Finnegan, Dr. Matthew Montgomery

1
The green energy gridlock at the Capitol 4:39

6M ago4:39

4:39

More than 25 percent of Minnesota’s electricity now comes from renewable sources like wind and solar. Despite the progress and growth of green energy, there’s still a backlog of projects waiting approval is slowing the growth of clean energy in Minnesota. A new proposed bill being considered by the state would streamline the permitting process. Rep…

1
Helping At Risk Families In Lake County - Anne McAveeney, Paula Turelli and Peggy Talbot 1:00:10

6M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Paula Turelli serves as the Executive Director of Mother’s Trust Foundation, which offers immediate aid to low-income children in Lake County during crises. Peggy Talbot, an early supporter and former Board Chair of Beacon Place in Waukegan, IL, champions programs fostering academic growth, better health, and skill-building for children and familie…

1
Forecasting a record-breaking winter 4:38

6M ago4:38

4:38

Minnesota’s warmest winter on record was literally off the charts in several metrics. Just how unique was this winter? And how is our shifting climate impacting our daily weather forecasts? Pete Boulay is with the Minnesota State Climatologist Office. He keeps track of weather and climate records around Minnesota.…

1
Legendary Sports Writer, Sports Editor, Author, and Player - Rick Telander 1:03:24

6M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

Rick has written for newspapers and magazines as varied as Esquire, National Wildlife, Premiere, TV Guide, Playboy, Men’s Journal, PTA Magazine, American Libraries, Baseball Digest, Outside, and others. In 1972, Sports Illustrated published his first national article. It was about the jolt of being done with football, and being forced to, as Kansas…

1
What an unseasonably warm winter will mean for farmers this year 4:55

6M ago4:55

4:55

The warmest winter on record has also brought some of the lowest snow cover on record to much of Minnesota. What does the lack of snow mean for Minnesota’s soils and farmers this year? Jeff Strock is a professor with the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center.By Minnesota Public Radio

1
Climate scientist Michael Mann wins defamation lawsuit against conservative bloggers 4:26

6M ago4:26

4:26

Well-known climate scientist Michael Mann recently won a million-dollar lawsuit against conservative bloggers. Mann alleged that he was defamed by the bloggers who said the climatologist “molested and tortured data.” So what precedent could this case set? Leigh Currie, the Director of Strategic Litigation with the Minnesota Center for Environmental…

1
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, One of the Country’s Most Influential Experts on Stress 39:10

7M ago39:10

39:10

Dr. E, as she’s known by audiences around the world, is a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and coach. She helps people identify how critical moments of high stress, what she refers to as “The Red Zone”, is shaping their behaviors, decisions, health, and overall performance. Dr. E has helped teams at many Fortune 500 companies unleash performan…

1
Super current El Niño and climate change hit the Galapagos Islands 4:52

7M ago4:52

4:52

Locals in the Galapagos say climate change and the current Super El Niño could be affecting the marine life and climate there. The Galapagos Islands sit on the Equator in the eastern Pacific Ocean, just west of Ecuador at the confluence of three major ocean currents. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard just returned from the islands on a trip where he…

1
Lake Forest Native and Acclaimed Artist - Mark McMahon 41:50

7M ago41:50

41:50

Mark McMahon is a lifetime resident of Lake Forest. To say he comes from a creative family would be a massive understatement. His father Franklin was a globally recognized artist and his mother a writer. Five of his eight siblings pursued art professionally in various forms. His wife Carolyn and children Elise and Drew are also professional artists…

1
New ‘green bank’ for climate projects set to launch this year 4:19

7M ago4:19

4:19

Minnesota’s first-ever “green bank” launches this year. The Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority will distribute funding for green energy and other climate-friendly projects. The first projects from the $45 million pool could be funded early this summer. For more on the green bank is Pete Klein, interim executive director for the Minnesot…

1
Report pushes for more EPA regulations of carbon capture projects 4:46

7M ago4:46

4:46

A proposed carbon capture pipeline across the Midwest by Summit Carbon Solutions is awaiting approval from Iowa and other states. Minnesota approved the permit for it last year. The five-state, $5.5 billion pipeline system would capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants and send it to North Dakota for underground storage. As more places, including…

1
Data confirm trend of warming global temperatures in last ten years 5:02

7M ago5:02

5:02

Last year was by far the warmest year on record globally. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and European datasets all confirm the numbers. That means the 10 warmest years on record globally are the past 10 years. How do climate scientists explain this unprecedented warm…

1
Take a tour of a fully electric and energy efficient home 5:38

8M ago5:38

5:38

Minnesota officials have set an ambitious goal for the state to be carbon-neutral by 2050. And our Getting to Green series has been digging deep into stories of the clean energy transition. What opportunities and obstacles lie on the path to reach a carbon neutral Minnesota milestone? MPR News correspondents Dan Kraker and Kirsti Marohn guest hoste…

1
Northfield's new housing development tackles homelessness, poverty and climate change 4:58

8M ago4:58

4:58

A housing project that tackles homelessness, poverty, and climate change all in one. That’s the goal of Hillcrest Village in Northfield, Minnesota. It’s an emergency shelter and supportive housing development – powered entirely by the sun. Scott Wopata is Executive Director at Community Action Center, which was behind the project.…

1
On Topic with Lake Forest for Transparency 52:50

8M ago52:50

52:50

Jennifer Karras has lived in Lake Forest for 22 years. She has held senior marketing positions for several organizations, including most recently at Guggenheim Partners. Jennifer is a former Ward One alderman and has served as president of DPM’s APT, Chairman of CROYA, and executive member of LFHS Foundation and LFHS Boosters. She is the founder of…

1
Minneapolis looks to fund climate action through minor hike in gas and energy bills 5:26

9M ago5:26

5:26

Anyone getting gas and electricity service in Minneapolis will see an estimated one dollar increase in their bills come next year. The money from the slight hike is meant to go towards helping people weatherize their homes and programs to reduce carbon emissions. It’s a part of the city’s Climate Legacy Initiative and officials say it will raise an…

1
St. John's student reflects on experience at COP28 4:53

9M ago4:53

4:53

The United Nations 28th global climate conference, also known as COP28, just wrapped up in Dubai. And this year a group of 20 students from the College of St. Benedict and Saint John’s University got to observe the heated discussions about climate change and fossil fuels. Finn Dolezal was a part of that group. He’s a sophomore majoring in economics…

1
U of M scientist advocates for developing countries at global climate summit 4:55

9M ago4:55

4:55

A major focus of this year’s global climate summit, COP28 or the Conference of the Parties, is the Loss and Damage Fund which was established at last year’s conference. The idea behind it is for developed nations to financially compensate developing countries dealing with the harmful — and very costly — impacts of climate change. On the first day o…

1
U.S. report includes calls for Indigenous leadership and self-determination to fight climate change 4:56

9M ago4:56

4:56

The fifth National Climate Assessment came out last week. It’s an important report that lays out the impacts of climate change across the U.S. In it this year is a chapter on the specific ways climate change affects indigenous communities — and why indigenous leadership and self-determination are essential for addressing the climate crisis. One of …

1
Minnesota initiative looks to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel 4:29

10M ago4:29

4:29

10 percent of U.S. transportation greenhouse gas emissions come from plane travel according to the Environmental Protection Agency. But a first-of-its kind initiative is looking to slash those numbers by creating a hub to scale the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Estimates show that SAF can reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of fl…

1
Dr. Matthew Montgomery, Dr. Jennifer Hermes and Mr. John Noble Part 2 44:50

10M ago44:50

44:50

Dr. Matthew Montgomery began his career at the Waterloo School District in Atwater, Ohio, first as a science teacher, and later, as principal of Waterloo Middle School and Waterloo High School. In July 2013 he became Superintendent of the Waterloo School District. Two years later Dr. Montgomery became Superintendent of the Revere School District in…

1
Dr. Matthew Montgomery, Dr. Jennifer Hermes and Mr. John Noble Part 1 40:12

10M ago40:12

40:12

Dr. Matthew Montgomery began his career at the Waterloo School District in Atwater, Ohio, first as a science teacher, and later, as principal of Waterloo Middle School and Waterloo High School. In July 2013 he became Superintendent of the Waterloo School District. Two years later Dr. Montgomery became Superintendent of the Revere School District in…

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