Best Prairie Public Broadcasting Podcasts (2024)

1
July 5: Colonel Lounsberry’s Big Scoop 3:01

3h ago3:01

3:01

After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Colonel Clement Lounsberry moved west. He entered journalism as a writer for the Minneapolis Tribune, but he had something else in mind - establishing a newspaper wherever the Northern Pacific Railroad crossed the Missouri River. That plan became a reality in 1873 when the first issue of the Bis…

1
July 4th: Unsung Heroes of the American Revolution 53:00

20m ago53:00

53:00

Shelley M. Johnson's Fourth of July documentary highlights unsung Revolutionary War heroes, including marginalized groups, with period music and professional narrators.

1
July 4: Independence Day 2:44

3h ago2:44

2:44

North Dakota has a lively history of local Independence Day celebrations. Here is a sampling of the Fourth of July from way back when.By Jack Dura

1
Prairie Composting; Matt Olien's Movie Review; Dave Thompson & The News 49:59

11h ago49:59

49:59

In the US, 92B pounds of food are wasted annually. Prairie Compost Services picks up food scraps and delivers compost. Also, Dave Thompson's news review and Matt Olien's movie review.

1
July 3: A Monster Menagerie of Rare and Costly Animals 2:34

1d ago2:34

2:34

The Wild West was not nearly as wild as it is portrayed in books, movies, and television. Life on the frontier was hard work, and that in turn created a need for entertainment, and there was no shortage of ways for people to spend their time and money.By Carole Butcher

1
Horizon: An American Saga Chapter One 9:00

1d ago9:00

9:00

"Horizon: An American Saga Chapter One" is a Western drama by Kevin Costner, chronicling settlers' challenges during the American frontier expansion. Matt didn't like the movie.

1
The Bike Riders 8:38

1d ago8:38

8:38

"The Bike Riders" is a gritty 1960s drama about a Midwestern motorcycle club's rise, exploring themes of brotherhood, rebellion, and loyalty through its members' perspectives.

1
Bush Fellow Fred Edwards; Opera in Maddock, ND; 3 poems from Studio 47 49:59

1d ago49:59

49:59

Fred Edwards, a new Bush Fellow: The Harriman Building, constructed in 1905 is Maddock's Opera House. Studio 47: Poetry that wows Patrick Hicks at Studio 47.

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July 2: Teachings of Our Elders - Identity Crisis 3:01

2d ago3:01

3:01

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we'll listen to Dennis Fox, Jr. Enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation, discuss identity crisis.

1
PBS Kids Writers; Tom Isern: A 1924 book; Ari Shapiro and 'The Mole.' 52:59

2d ago52:59

52:59

NPR's Ari Shapiro hosts the new season of "The Mole." Winners of the PBS Kids Writers Contest, a revived 1924 North Dakota poetry book, and Chuck Lura's plant strategies.

1
July 1: Alf Paulson of Crosby 3:11

3d ago3:11

3:11

Alf Paulson had the great adventure of his life in 1945.By Dr. Steve Hoffbeck

1
Cottonwood Trees 2:56

5d ago2:56

2:56

If the cottonwoods in your area have not started releasing their cotton, they will be soon. It is that time of year!By Chuck Lura

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June 28: International Peace Garden’s Floral Clock 2:25

6d ago2:25

2:25

On this date in 1966, Bismarck Tribune readers learned of the latest addition to the Peace Garden: a large clock gifted from the Bulova Watch Company. But not just any clock – its face is made of flowers.By Jack Dura

1
Anything But Typical; News Review; Critique of 'The Bike Riders' 50:00

6d ago50:00

50:00

Anything But Typical: An event with John David Berdahl, neurodivergent and neurotypical brains welcome. Dave Thompson news review. Matt Olien reviews The Bike Riders.

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June 27: The North American Bison Discovery Center 2:48

7d ago2:48

2:48

Millions of bison once called the Great Plains home. They were an essential element of the ecosystem. They were also essential to Native Americans and frontiersmen for who depended on them for food, shelter, and clothing. The bison became an icon of the west even as railroads began to cross the plains and an influx of hunters nearly wiped them out.…

1
Presidential Debate Preview; July 4th Foods; Zandbroz Variety 49:59

8d ago49:59

49:59

A preview Thursday's Presidential Debate with Dr. Michael Patrick Cullinane. A farewell to Zandbroz Variety in Fargo and a festive 4th of July spread on Prairie Plates.

1
June 26: Accused of Land Fraud 2:44

8d ago2:44

2:44

The Homestead Act of 1862 opened the American West to settlement. Newcomers could claim 160 acres after living on it for five years, paying only a small fee for the land. Along with attracting settlers, the promise of nearly free land attracted speculators who gobbled up large tracts of land and then sold it at an inflated price.…

1
Ritchison - New State Climatologist; Baumgarten on disgraced Sen. Holmberg 49:59

8d ago49:59

49:59

Daryl Ritchison becomes ND state climatologist. Forum reporter April Baumgarten on Sen. Holmberg's plea deal. Chuck Lura and the International Peace Garden.

1
June 25: Lightning Death 2:32

9d ago2:32

2:32

Settlers in the Dakotas faced many challenges as they crossed the plains. There were the financial pressures as they attempted to forge a living from the prairie soils, and of course the extreme weather conditions, with a great range in both temperature and weather patterns. The state’s record high and low temps occurred in the same year, 1936. The…

1
Summer Travel; Jewish Community Relations; Tom Isern 49:59

9d ago49:59

49:59

Beat the heat with Alicia Underlee Nelson and her son Eli's summer tips. Steve Hunegs talks with John Harris on Prairie Pulse and Tom Isern reflects on ND history.

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June 24: Teachings of Our Elders - Dennis Fox, Jr. on Art 2:59

10d ago2:59

2:59

North Dakota Native American Essential Understanding number six is about Native contributions. It states: "Native people continue to contribute to all levels of society, from local to global, in diverse fields, including medicine, science, government, education, economics, art, music, and many more."…

1
Seeing yellow-headed blackbirds in North Dakota 2:56

12d ago2:56

2:56

If you spend time around marshes during the summer months you are likely to become familiar with the yellow-headed blackbird. The name of this bird is quite descriptive, but it is occasionally referred to (with tongue firmly in cheek) as a “black bodied yellow bird.”

1
A Background of Forest and Farm 4:33

12d ago4:33

4:33

Coming home from the Midwestern History Conference, changing trains in Chicago, laying over a few hours at a fourth-floor table in the downtown Harold Washington Library, writing this essay. I am quite certain I am in the midwest. Dawn tomorrow morning I’ll ride the Empire Builder into the Red River Valley and alight in Fargo. At that point I will …

1
June 21: Babies Born in Cars 2:31

13d ago2:31

2:31

On this date in 1913, back when women still gave birth at home and few owned cars, the front-page news that a woman gave birth in a car must have been quite shocking.By Trista Raezer-Stursa

1
June 22 Writers Workshop; News Review; and Matt Olien's Film Critique 49:58

13d ago49:58

49:58

Moorhead Friends Writing Group's workshop on June 22, Stenson discusses his book Sins of the Mother. Dave Thompson reviews news and Matt Olien reviews I Saw the TV Glow.

1
June 20: Beach Steam Laundry 2:49

15d ago2:49

2:49

The townsite of Beach was established when the Northern Pacific Railroad built a section house there in 1881. However, it wasn’t until 1900 when settlement really started to happen.By Sarah Walker

1
Juneteenth 49:55

14d ago49:55

49:55

Our Juneteenth Special features Fred Gray on being MLK's lawyer, Willie James Jennings on racism's origins, and James Lawson on non-violent protest in the civil rights movement.

1
June 19: Our One Great Hope 2:46

15d ago2:46

2:46

At the end of the Civil War, the country began waking up to the realities of recovery. Railroads and bridges had been destroyed. Farms had been wiped out. Disabled veterans were unable to support themselves and widows and orphans had been left behind. President Lincoln had promised to care for “those who have borne the burden, his widow and orphans…

1
New Book Explores Masculinity; Rick Gion on Healthy Summer Eating 50:00

15d ago50:00

50:00

Anton Treuer's first novel, Where Wolves Don't Die, explores masculinity, nature, family secrets, and race. Prairie Plates covers healthy summer foods.

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June 18: Richland County Courthouse 2:46

17d ago2:46

2:46

The Dakota Territory legislature created Richland County on January 4th, 1873. It was named for Morgan T. Rich. In 1869, Rich settled on the site of what would become the city of Wahpeton. Wahpeton serves as the county seat of Richland County, tucked along the Red River in the southeastern corner of North Dakota.…

1
Women as Pastoral Leaders; Young Authors; Music From our Childhood; Tom Isern 49:59

17d ago49:59

49:59

Pastor Danni Dunasky on women priests, youth author Lindsey Undlin, Tom Isern's "The Justice Book" essay, and Melanie Popejoy interviewed by Tom Brosseau.

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June 17: Teachings of Our Elders - Frances Cree's story of the sweat lodge 2:44

18d ago2:44

2:44

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we'll listen to JT Shining Oneside, enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa Nation, as she shares Frances Cree's story of the sweat lodge.

1
International Peace Garden 2:37

19d ago2:37

2:37

I encourage you to consider a trip to the International Peace Garden this summer. There is much to see and do there, including exploring a little Natural North Dakota and Manitoba in the Turtle Mountain aspen forest.By Chuck Lura

1
The Rise of Regional Studies 4:19

20d ago4:19

4:19

When in 1950 Dean Ernst Giesecke proposed an Institute for Regional Studies at North Dakota Agricultural College, not many people had a clear idea what he was talking about. President Hultz went along, though, and on 8 March 1950, the state board concurred, establishing the institute as a program of the School of Applied Arts & Sciences.…

1
"Songs of Earth" 6:18

20d ago6:18

6:18

Matt Olien is Prairie Public's movie critic. Today he reviews "Songs of Earth."

1
"Coup de Chance" 6:28

20d ago6:28

6:28

Matt Olien is Prairie Public's movie critic. Today he reviews Woody Allen's Coup de Chance.

1
June 14: Aurickarees Find Refuge 2:40

21d ago2:40

2:40

On this date in 1824, the St. Louis Enquirer reported the latest news about Arikara refugees from the previous year's conflict.By Andrew Alexis Varvel

1
U.S. - Canada Regional Relations; News; Movies; Poetry and Butterflies 50:20

21d ago50:20

50:20

Matt Olien and Canadian Consul General Beth Richardson. Butterfly breeders aid habitat preservation. Dave Thompson reviews news. Matt Olien reviews "Songs of Earth." Pádraig Ó Tuama explores identity and conflict.

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June 13: Devils Lake Macaroni Festival 3:00

22d ago3:00

3:00

The heart of durum wheat country in the state has been in a 90-mile radius around Devils Lake, which annually produced about 90% of the U.S. total. From durum wheat kernels comes macaroni, egg noodles and spaghetti. Back in 1955, Devils Lake celebrated ‘all things macaroni’ at its Macaroni Festival, and June 13 was the final day of the event.…

1
NDCA Jessica Christy; 32nd MO River Bluegrass Festival; Prairie Plates 49:59

21d ago49:59

49:59

NDCA's new director, Jessica Christy, shares her vision. Common Nighthawks at ballgames, Missouri River Bluegrass Festival preview, and Prairie Plates' unique sausage.

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June 12: Teachings of Our Elders - Debbie Petra on Turtle Mountain culture 2:50

23d ago2:50

2:50

In this episode of Dakota Datebook, we'll listen to Debbie Petra, enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa Nation, as she talks about the culture of the Turtle Mountain people.

1
Live Tales; Isern Essay; and Wayne Salter, HHS Commissioner 50:00

22d ago50:00

50:00

We explore live local storytelling with Stacy Nicholson and Laurie Baker, hear Tom Isern's Plains Folk essay, and discuss health initiatives with HHS Commissioner Wayne Salter.

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June 11: Governor Sorlie’s open door policy 2:40

24d ago2:40

2:40

Leading up to the June 11 primary, we've been celebrating democracy in North Dakota history. Today, we learn about Arthur G. Sorlie, of Grand Forks, who was endorsed by the Nonpartisan League to become governor in 1924.By Sarah Walker

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Dr. John Ikerd - Future of Family Farming; ND Sec. of State Michael Howe 49:57

23d ago49:57

49:57

Insights on food, farming, and community with Dr. John Ikerd at the Barnes County Historical Society's 150th celebration. ND Sec. of State Michael Howe on the primaries.

1
ALERT ... refresh for "Is America's Democracy Failing" 0:42

24d ago0:42

0:42

If you haven't already listened to the June episode, you may need to refresh your download to get the long version. The shorter broadcast version was initially posted.

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June 10: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 3:02

25d ago3:02

3:02

Leading up to the June 11 primary, we're celebrating democracy in North Dakota history. Today, we learn about the Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction.By Sarah Walker

1
“Is America’s Democracy Failing?” 1:17:09

26d ago1:17:09

1:17:09

Jack visits with Adam Lovett, the author of "Democratic Failures and the Ethics of Democracy." (University of Pennsylvania Press) Lovett is a lecturer at Australian Catholic University in the School of Philosophy.

1
Identifying and treating poison ivy and skunk spray 2:36

27d ago2:36

2:36

Summer is upon us! It seems that every year, questions come up on how to identify poison ivy, and what to do if a dog has been sprayed by a skunk. A little reminder of identification of poison ivy and treatment of skunk spray might be helpful.By Chuck Lura

1
The Regional Project 4:05

27d ago4:05

4:05

In 1949 a new dean arrived to head up the School of Applied Arts & Sciences at North Dakota Agricultural College, one not from the customary midwestern lineage for NDAC appointments. The press said he was “a native Texan,” but his name didn’t sound like it: Gustav Ernst Giesecke.By Tom Isern

1
Weinstein on Democracy; Isern on Regional Studies; News and Movies 49:59

27d ago49:59

49:59

Jack Weinstein on democracy, Tom Isern on regional studies, news review by Dave Thompson, and Matt Olien's review of Woody Allen's "Coup de Chance."

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