These Are Your Neighbors

Bismarck Human Relations Committee

5.0 (2)
Society & Culture
Updated Monthly

These Are Your Neighbors is a podcast hosted by Thea Jorgensen and Sargianna Wutzke who are members of the City of Bismarck’s Human Relations Committee. Through conversations with diverse change-makers in the community, the podcast hopes to strengthen inclusivity amongst the Bismarck community, by encouraging others to get to know their neighbor.

2d ago

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 90 - Tony Auckland

Tony Aukland has been in Information Technology for 30 years. He is employed by the ND Information Technology Department and has served many roles including Email Admin, Desktop support, Server Administration, Unified Communications, AI, and Cybersecurity. The first in the state to serve as cyber analyst for the North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center. Tony is now the state’s Technology Outreach, Awareness, and Education Director, he has several certifications in Cybersecurity and IT, and claims three hometowns, Valley City, Reynolds, and Devils Lake. A graduate of Valley City State University with degrees in Math Education and Computer Science. He recently received an MBA from the University of Mary and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Tony also adjuncts at the University of Mary and Bismarck State College. In June of 2026, Tony was elected to the Bismarck Public School Board. He is a Scout leader, Motorcycle Enthusiast, and Community Supporter. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his wife, Donna, their three children, and Bailey, the Black Lab Wonder.
Sep 8

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 89 - Ethan Hoepfner

Ethan Hoepfner, LBSW, is a school social worker at Bismarck High School, a foster parent, and an MSW student focused on macro practice and leadership. His work lives at the intersection of schools, behavioral health, families, and community systems, where he helps connect students to the relationships, supports, and services they need to move forward. Ethan’s approach is relational, strengths-based, and grounded in brain-based approaches, including the Neurosequential Model. He is passionate about developmental relationships from the Search Institute, systems of care, and helping adults better understand what young people need, especially students carrying high levels of need, stress, or risk. Ethan has spent 12 years as a social worker and nearly 19 years supporting youth in school, community, and residential settings, beginning as a mentor with Youthworks while he was still at the high school where he currently works. Those experiences continue to shape how he shows up for students, families, educators, and community partners. At the center of Ethan’s work is a belief that every person deserves to feel seen, known, and like they belong. His purpose is to give people permission to be vulnerable, authentic, and human, because connection changes what becomes possible. Whether he is working one-on-one with a student or helping build stronger systems of support, Ethan tries to show up in the hardest moments with one core belief: if our systems do not feel human to the people using them, then we are missing it.
Aug 25

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 88 - Greg Zenker

Greg Zenker is a lifelong Bismarck resident, community leader, and business professional with decades of experience in the construction and mechanical contracting industry. He is a Partner at Northern Plains Heating and Air.A graduate of St. Mary's Central High School and the University of Mary, Greg was first elected to the Bismarck City Commission in 2018 and has served until 2026.Beyond public service, Greg has been actively involved in his community as a youth sports coach, Greg and his wife of almost 31 years , Stephanie, are the proud parents of four children: Zachary, Jessica, Benjamin, and Jonathan.
Aug 11

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 87 - Steve Lipp

Steve Lipp is the President & CEO, of North Dakota Community Foundation. He is a lifelong North Dakota resident who currently lives in Bismarck. Born andraised in Minot, he is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic School and went on to earn aBachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from Minot State University, followed bya doctoral degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic. While at Minot State, Steve distinguished himself as a standout wrestler, earning All-American honors twice and later being inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall ofFame. His passion for athletics and competition has remained a consistent threadthroughout his life. Professionally, Steve spent more than 20 years as the owner and operator ofChiropractic Health & Wellness in Minot, building a respected practice and serving hiscommunity. In 2015, he transitioned into nonprofit leadership as Executive Director ofthe Bishop Ryan Catholic School Foundation, where he led a successful $5.5 millionendowment campaign. During that same period, he also served as the varsity boyshead wrestling coach, guiding the Lions to top-five finishes in the state Class Btournament in each of his five years. From 2020 to 2022, Steve served as Director of Development for the Minot StateUniversity Foundation, where he played a key role in advancing a $60 million capitalcampaign. After relocating to Bismarck in the fall of 2022 to be closer to several of hisgrandchildren, he briefly returned to chiropractic practice with Active Life Chiropracticbefore stepping into his current role as President and CEO of the North DakotaCommunity Foundation. The foundation, a 50-year-old public 501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization, manages more than 1,200 funds, supports 72 community foundationsacross the state, and oversees assets approaching $200 million. Steve and his wife of 36 years, Trini, a legal analyst with MDU Resources, have built astrong family foundation of their own. Together, they have three adult children and eightgrandchildren, with another on the way. Outside of his professional and communitycommitments, Steve is an avid golfer and dedicated sports fan.
Jul 29

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 86 - Matt Fern

Matt Fern is a filmmaker, media producer, and marketing strategist based in North Dakota. He has produced award-winning work for nonprofits, government, education, and corporate clients which include adidas, Macy’s, CNN, Travel Channel, and Comcast. He created the online series Daily Dakotan and wrote/directed/edited the feature documentary Fighting Over Sioux; he also produces the Plain Talk podcast as well as the investigative podcast The $740,000 Question. Additionally, he serves as President of Film North Dakota, a member-driven 501(c)(4) nonprofit advancing North Dakota’s film, television, and media industry through advocacy, collaboration, and education.
Jul 14

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 85 - Denise Fettig-Loftesnes

Denise Fettig-Loftesnes serves as Development Director at Dream Center Bismarck, where she leads fundraising and community engagement efforts to ensure individuals and families have consistent access to food, support, and stability. Through its daily meal program and on-site resources, the Dream Center serves hundreds of neighbors each day, 365 days a year. Denise brings a diverse background in nonprofit leadership and public service. She previously served as Resource Development Director at Missouri Slope Areawide United Way and Event Coordinator at the Age Well Center. She spent 14 years living in Japan, including 10 years as a civilian Special Staff Family Readiness Officer for the Commanding General of the III Marine Expeditionary Force, and has lived throughout the United States since the age of 24. In 2021, she returned to Bismarck, North Dakota, to care for her parents following their dementia diagnoses, an experience that continues to shape her work and advocacy. She is the Founder and Director of the Bismarck Memory Café, a monthly gathering that provides connection, education, and support for those living with memory loss and their care partners. Denise serves as a Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association and is an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, where she advocates for legislation, shares personal stories to influence policy, engages in social media advocacy, and supports policy campaigns that improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. She also serves on the Human Relations Committee for the City of Bismarck. In recognition of her impact, Denise was named the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recipient - AARP’s most prestigious volunteer honor -and a 2026 Scheels Hidden Hometown Hero Finalist. She is passionate about building strong partnerships that create meaningful, lasting change in her community.
Jun 30

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 84 - Miranda Klatt

Miranda Klatt is a passionate advocate for mental health, community connection, and accessible wellness. With a background rooted in fitness and a deep commitment to helping others, she has dedicated her work to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from prioritizing their well-being. As the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on providing access to exercise services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, Miranda believes that movement is more than physical—it is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal growth. Her organization works to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent people from experiencing the benefits of supportive, health-centered communities. Through her leadership, Miranda continues to build partnerships, create opportunities, and inspire others to view wellness through a more inclusive and compassionate lens. Her mission is simple yet impactful: to make community, movement, and mental health support accessible to all.
Jun 16

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 83 - Mary Soucie

Mary Soucie began the duties of State Librarian on January 6, 2014. Mary moved here from Illinois, where she was born and raised. She received her undergraduate degree from Illinois State with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Minor in Reading. Later, Mary went on to receive her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in Illinois.Mary’s passion for libraries started young. She began volunteering at the library at the age of 12, and by 18 was leading story time. She also spent school breaks volunteering at her local library. Mary’s passion for libraries is in her blood; her mother was a reference librarian for 19 years. Prior to joining the North Dakota State Library Team, Mary has worked in public and school libraries; as the Youth Services Consultant for a Regional Library System; and was also an adjunct professor at a community college teaching Reader’s Advisory and Adult Programs. She has served as a trustee for both a public library and an Illinois Regional Library System. Mary has served on the boards of several library associations at the state, regional and national levels. She has served in many volunteer capacities, both within the library community and her own community. Mary believes that libraries serve as community centers,connecting all the parts of the community that they serve.

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

These Are Your Neighbors is a podcast hosted by Thea Jorgensen and Sargianna Wutzke who are members of the City of Bismarck’s Human Relations Committee. Through conversations with diverse change-makers in the community, the podcast hopes to strengthen inclusivity amongst the Bismarck community, by encouraging others to get to know their neighbor.

Creator

Bismarck Human Relations Committee
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

90
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright Dakota Media Access
Show Website

These Are Your Neighbors