100 Rural Women

Teresa Kittridge
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Weekly

Join host Teresa Kittridge as she sets out to interview 100 women doing amazing things for our rural communities. Throughout her career, Teresa worked in the legislature, served in local elected office, children’s book publishing, the renewable energy industry, and rural public policy development, in addition to pursuing a graduate degree in organizational leadership. In all this time, Teresa was often the only woman in a room full of powerful men. She saw the importance in women being in positions of leadership, while supporting and inspiring one another. She has since dedicated her life to building 100 Rural Women, a nonprofit based in Minnesota. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation, and the world. Our mission with this podcast is to highlight the amazing women making a difference in our rural communities & inspiring others to take leadership in theirs. Tune in each week as we give these amazing women they spotlight they deserve. Visit 100ruralwomen.org for more info

  1. 4d ago ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode#1: US Senate Candidate Peggy Flanagan joins 100 Rural Women & Their Stories with KAXE

    🎙️ Bonus Episode #1: US Senate Candidate Peggy Flanagan joins 100 Rural Women & Their Stories with KAXE's “Communities We Call Home" Series is live! This week, 100 Rural Women & Their Stories, in partnership with KAXE’s Communities We Call Home series, features Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor and candidate for U.S. Senate. Peggy shares how growing up surrounded by influential women, especially her mother, shaped her commitment to public service and advocating for working families. Throughout the episode, Peggy reflects on challenges facing rural Minnesota, including access to affordable healthcare, childcare, food assistance, and good-paying jobs. She emphasizes the importance of listening to rural communities, investing in local infrastructure, and creating opportunities for people to build a future wherever they call home. She also shares her vision for a stronger Minnesota, highlighting the power of women’s leadership, community collaboration, and caring for our neighbors. (We reached out to the four major-party women candidates for MN U.S. Senate and Governor, and will release as they are recorded). Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday! Click the link in our bio to listen on your favorite streaming platform. 🔗 Listen to here: https://100ruralwomen.org/bonus-episode-1-peggy-flanagan/ #100RuralWomen #RuralWomen #KAXE #CommunitiesWeCallHome #RuralMinnesota #USSenate #WomensLeadership #PublicService #CommunityEngagement #WorkingFamilies #CivicEngagement #WomenSupportingWomen

  2. Oct 21

    Episode #28: Karen Tolkkinen - The Stories That Connect Us: The Heart of a Rural Columnist

    🎙️ Episode 28 : "The Stories That Connect Us: The Heart of a Rural Columnist" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live! This week, we’re featuring Karen Tolkkinen, a greater Minnesota columnist for the Star Tribune. Karen shares her journey as a lifelong writer and journalist, reflecting on her experiences covering rural communities and the diverse stories of people across the United States. In her episode, Karen discusses the importance of listening to rural women, supporting young rural families, and creating meaningful connections within our communities. She also reflects on navigating criticism, learning from different perspectives, and finding ways to stay grounded amid the stress and challenges of everyday life. Karen encourages women to trust their instincts, embrace their capabilities, and never sell themselves short. She reminds us that we are all capable of more than we may realize and that building connections with others can help us feel less isolated and more supported, no matter where we live. Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms. 🔗Listen to Episode 28 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-28-karen-tolkkinen/ #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #Community #Press #RuralLife #Mentorship #MNStarTribune #Columnist

  3. Oct 14

    Episode#27: Melanie Hazelip - Know Your Power at the Ballot Box

    🎙️ Episode 27 : "Leading Voter Outreach: Know Your Power at the Ballot Box" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live! This week, we're featuring Melanie Hazelip, Voter Outreach Director with the Minnesota Secretary of State's office. She shares her journey from a preschool teacher to grassroots organizing and voter education. Throughout her episode, Melanie reflects on the lessons she has learned about herself, the value of service, and the importance of voting. She emphasizes how community can encourage voter participation and why every vote counts. Ultimately, Melanie emphasizes the importance of trusting yourself, embracing your confidence, and never being afraid to take up space. Through her advice, she encourages women to recognize their own leadership potential and reminds us that empowering the next generation begins with teaching young girls to believe in themselves, trust their abilities, and confidently pursue their goals.  Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms. 🔗Listen to Episode 27 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-27-melanie-hazelip/ #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #PubicService #Mentorship #VoterRegistration #VOTE #MNSecretaryofState

  4. Oct 7

    Episode #26: Kathy Tunheim - Stepping Up to Lead: A Life of Business, Public & Community Service

    🎙️ Episode 26: “Stepping Up to Lead: A Life of Business, Public & Community Service” of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories is LIVE! This week, we’re featuring Kathy Tunheim, who shares her journey growing up in small towns across Minnesota and building a remarkable career as CEO of Tunheim, a public relations agency she has led for more than 36 years. Throughout the episode, Kathy reflects on the influential women who shaped her life, the importance of staying engaged in your community, and the many ways individuals can help strengthen rural communities. She shares thoughtful perspectives on public education, healthcare, collaboration among communities, and creative approaches to keeping rural communities vibrant, connected, and engaged. Kathy also offers wisdom for women at every stage of life: embrace possibilities, stay open to change, trust your own agency, and remember that there is no single formula for building a meaningful life or career. Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday. Click the link in our bio to listen on your favorite streaming platform. 🔗 Listen to Episode 26: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-26-kathy-tunheim #100RuralWomen #RuralWomen #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenInLeadership #CommunityEngagement #RuralCommunities #PublicService #BusinessLeadership #CommunityLeadership #Mentorship #LocalVoices #ChangeMakers #WomenEmpowerment #Healthcare #Education #Podcast

  5. Sep 30

    Episode #25: Shelly Muñoz, Rural Education Leader, Author, and Horse Lover

    🎙️ Episode 25: Shelly Muñoz, Rural Education Leader, Author, and Horse Lover of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories is LIVE! This week, we’re featuring Shelly Muñoz, a rural education advocate, author, and horse lover. Shelly shares her journey growing up between rural and urban communities and building a career centered on STEM, education, policy, and leadership. We talk about rural education funding, the upcoming vote on the Minnesota Permanent School Fund constitutional amendment, and what it means for rural students and communities. Shelly also reflects on the people who shaped her journey, her family’s connection to Minnesota, finding your own voice, embracing different perspectives, and creating meaningful opportunities for others. Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms. 🔗Listen to Episode 25 here:https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-25-shelly-munoz #100RuralWomen #RuralWomen #RuralEducation #EducationAdvocate #WomenInSTEM #STEM #RuralMinnesota #WomenSupportWomen #HumphreySchool #ProjectReach #CivicMentorship #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #ChangeMakers #Podcasts #Empowerment

  6. Sep 23

    Episode #24: Whitney Kimball Coe - Loving Rural People and Places, Finding Her Calling

    🎙️ Episode 24: Whitney Kimball Coe — Loving Rural People and Places, Finding Her Calling of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories is LIVE! This week, we feature Whitney Kimball Coe, a rural advocate, community leader, mom, wife, daughter, granddaughter, and supporter of so many. Soon to be ordained as an Episcopal Priest, her journey has taken her from growing up in East Tennessee, to leadership with Rural Assembly, to Yale Divinity School, and back home to Tennessee to serve her community through ministry. Whitney shares lessons she has carried with her from women like her grandmother and Dolly Parton, and what it means to embrace an unexpected—and sometimes nonlinear—journey while always caring deeply about people along the way. She reflects on making major life changes, the importance of family, listening to the people around you, finding ways to stay hopeful, and creating space for women to lead. 💬 Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you. Connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday. Click the link in our bio to listen on your favorite streaming platform. 🔗 Listen to Episode 24 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-24-whitney-kimball-coe/ #100RuralWomen #RuralWomen #RuralLeadership #WomenInLeadership #RuralAssembly #CenterForRuralStrategies #CommunityLeadership #RuralCommunities #CommunityDevelopment #WomenSupportingWomen #EpiscopalPriest #YaleDivinitySchool #RuralStories #Podcast

  7. Sep 16

    Episode #23: Syd Bauer - Building Social Safety Webs and Community in Morris, Minnesota

    🎙️ Episode 23 : "Building Social Safety Webs and Community in Morris, Minnesota" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live! In this week’s episode, Syd Bauer joins 100 Rural Women guest hosts and summer interns Rijula Shrestha and Nani Mahkuk-Guaman to talk about building community in small-town Morris, Minnesota. Syd reflects on how her mother broke a cycle of generational trauma and what choosing a “slower lifestyle” means for her today. She shares her idea of a “social safety web” and how a disability justice lens has reshaped the way she hosts, gathers, and cares for the people around her. She also reflects on six years as an election judge and what it has taught her about democracy, trust, and knowing your neighbors. Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms. 🔗Listen to Episode 23 here:https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-23-syd-bauer/ #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #CommunityFoundations #MorrisMN #DisabilityJustice

  8. Sep 9

    Episode #22: Megan Torgerson - The Power of Reframing Rural Through Storytelling

    🎙️ Episode 22 : "The Power of Reframing Rural Through Storytelling" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live! In this week’s episode, Megan Torgerson, founder and producer of Reframing Rural—recently named “Best Podcast of the Year” by the Best of the West Media Awards—shares her journey from growing up on a wheat farm and cattle ranch in Montana to becoming a storyteller, podcaster, and mother. Megan reflects on lessons from her grandmother, a Slovakian refugee, and the double standards she experienced growing up. She talks about curiosity, building community across geographic and cultural divides, and the courage to address topics rural communities often leave unspoken. She also shares her experience navigating motherhood and a look ahead at Season Five of Reframing Rural, focused on rural motherhood. Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at teresa@100ruralwomen.org. 📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday - on your favorite streaming platforms. 🔗Listen to Episode 22 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-22-megan-torgerson/ #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #CommunityFoundations #Mondak #ReframingRural "

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Trailer

About

Join host Teresa Kittridge as she sets out to interview 100 women doing amazing things for our rural communities. Throughout her career, Teresa worked in the legislature, served in local elected office, children’s book publishing, the renewable energy industry, and rural public policy development, in addition to pursuing a graduate degree in organizational leadership. In all this time, Teresa was often the only woman in a room full of powerful men. She saw the importance in women being in positions of leadership, while supporting and inspiring one another. She has since dedicated her life to building 100 Rural Women, a nonprofit based in Minnesota. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation, and the world. Our mission with this podcast is to highlight the amazing women making a difference in our rural communities & inspiring others to take leadership in theirs. Tune in each week as we give these amazing women they spotlight they deserve. Visit 100ruralwomen.org for more info

Information

  • Creator
    Teresa Kittridge
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Teresa Kittridge
  • Show Website
    100 Rural Women

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