KFAI's MinneCulture KFAI

For a few short years, St. Paul was the Blue Cheese Capital of the World. In the season finale of season 6, producer Tony Williams takes us on a tour through the secret history of moldy cheese in Minnesota — a story full of twists and turns including libidinous sheep farmers, Nazis, and cave explorers. Grab some crackers and join us!Support for MinneCulture on KFAI has been provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Mother Alfred Moes was an immigrant from Luxembourg, a woman religious, and the founder of two Franciscan congregations. She was also the first person to advocate for the hospital in Rochester that would become Mayo Clinic. While her visionary leadership proved essential to the founding of St. Mary's Hospital, her strong influence often put her in conflict with church leadership. KFAI's Julie Censullo tells the story.

A series of wildfires made headlines across Minnesota during the drought-plagued summer of 2021. Among them was the massive Greenwood Fire. This wildfire burned nearly 27,000 acres and led in part to the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. And while some view them simply as destructive forces of nature, wildfires played a significant role in shaping what are considered today to be some of the most stunning landscapes across the most visited wilderness area in the nation. Historically speaking, across the 1854 Ceded Territory, which includes all of Superior National Forest and the BWCA, indigenous people have, for generations, engaged in the practice of intentionally lighting smaller, controlled fires with the intent of a specific outcome. These types of fires, commonly referred to as a process of ‘cultural burning,’ were set with specific outcomes in mind, including food, clothing, canoe making and other means of living with the land through the use of fire. In this audio feature, producer Joe Friedrichs explores the history of fire in the Boundary Waters, and why a team of researchers are currently trying to learn from the past to help create a better future for the forests of this remote wilderness.

Meridel LeSueur was a writer and activist whose influence has long shaped the Twin Cities' populist movements. Although the McCarthy era blacklist attempted to squash her distinctive, creative voice, she was later embraced by the countercultural wave of the 1960s and 70s, particularly the feminist movement. KFAI’s Sheila Regan talks to LeSueur’s family, those inspired by her, and scholars to explore the significance of the 20th century rabble rouser. Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

From about 2006 to 2013, the moose population in northeastern Minnesota dropped dramatically, from almost 9,000 animals to about 2,700. And no one knew why.Dr. Seth Moore began searching for answers, working with a team at the Grand Portage Trust Lands Agency. They started collaring moose, tracking them to find their killers. And they discovered that among all predators, one loomed largest. Researchers hope as more people learn about moose, they'll be motivated to protect them — before it's too late.Video of moose suffering from brainworm: https://youtu.be/-_MxDcY_osw (https://youtu.be/-_MxDcY_osw)Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

When you think about the industrial revolution you may think of trains, factories, and assembly lines. The image of billowing smoke and giant machines cranking away may pop into your head. But the industrial revolution was not confined to just factories and trolleys — it seeped out into all areas of life during the early 1900s. And none were as visible and flashy as the amusement parks of the day. Two of Minnesota's amusement parks tell the story of the second industrial revolution, Wildwood out in White Bear Lake and Wonderland smack dab in the middle of South Minneapolis. Reporter Matthew Schneeman looked into how Minnesotans ran towards, and away from, the future over one hundred years ago.Support for MinneCulture on KFAI is provided by the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund