58 episodes

News and information featuring interviews with prominent newsmakers from Minnesota, across the U.S. and the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hosted by Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson, with technical director Matt Quast.

River Radio Jim Maher & Gayle Knutson

    • News
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

News and information featuring interviews with prominent newsmakers from Minnesota, across the U.S. and the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hosted by Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson, with technical director Matt Quast.

    May 13, 2023 – From Hunter Gatherers to Artificial Intelligence

    May 13, 2023 – From Hunter Gatherers to Artificial Intelligence

    Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher speak to wild food enthusiast and educator Carson Gross, who shares his expertise on how to forage for mushrooms (4:30); and David Nguyen of the University of Minnesota's Technological Leadership Institute on the possibilities and potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence (35:45). Jim and Gayle also share follow-up insights from many of this past season's guests on recent developments related to their areas of expertise (23:30), and Gayle has an update of local news (53:00). Matt Quast is technical director.

    This Week’s Guests
    David H. Nguyen, PhD, Edson Spencer Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Technological Leadership Institute, University of Minnesota
     Carson Gross, Mushroom, Wild Food Enthusiast and Educator 
    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
    City of Stillwater
    Events
    Marine Plant Trade – Call 651-433-2485 or email laurelsmith361@gmail.com
    Marine Forest Management Plan – call Wendy Ward – 651-301-0633
    Scandia Gravel Bed Tree Nursery – call Tom Furey – 612-723-8451
    Scandia Heritage Alliance Mondale Boat Cruise
    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library
    St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
    Call 1-800-PARK-TIP
    Farmaste 
    Scandia Farmer’s Market

    • 58 min
    April 29, 2023 - Mother Earth – Globally and Locally

    April 29, 2023 - Mother Earth – Globally and Locally

    Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk with world-renowned journalist and environmental advocate Bill McKibben about the state of climate change and what can be done from here (5:00), and William O’Brien State Park Supervisor Wayne Boerner about the impact of river flooding and construction plans at the park (26:00). Plus, an update on local news (43:15). Matt Quast is technical director.

    This Week’s Guests
    Bill McKibben, journalist and environmental advocate
    Third Act
    Wayne Boerner, manager, William O’Brien State Park
    William O’Brien Management Plan
    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
    Article links:
    Bill McKibben – Climate Change is the Legacy of People over the age of 60 (The Guardian)
    Bill McKibben – This Simple Math Problem Could Be the Key to Solving Our Climate Crisis (Rolling Stone)
    St. Croix 360 – New members of Wisconsin town board revoke factory farm rules
     
    Events
    Library Presentation on Greenland – Replay
    Marine Village School Taco Fundraiser
    Gammelgarden Opening Weekend
    Public meeting on Osceola Bridge work
    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library

    • 48 min
    April 15, 2023 – Rollin’ Up AND Down the River; From Russia With Haste

    April 15, 2023 – Rollin’ Up AND Down the River; From Russia With Haste

    Co-hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk to Minnesota native Aaron Bogott, a longtime Russia resident who fled the country after the war began, about his experiences and impressions of the situation in Russia (5:00) and Ryan Ramaley, captain of the Taylors Falls Queen excursion paddleboat as we go for a ride on the river (31:00). Also featured is an in-depth story on late-breaking developments in the River Grove school situation (23:30) and other local news (43:30). Matt Quast is Technical Director.

    This Week’s Guests
    Aaron Bogott, Minnesota native who fled Russia
    Ryan Ramaley, Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
    651-465-6315
    Email) info@taylorsfallsboat.com
    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
    Events
    Wild Rivers Conservancy Open Water Celebration

    Jim and Gayle Library presentation on Biking in Europe
    https://www.midwestmtn.com/outdoor-adventure-expos/

    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library
    National Park Service closures
    National Park Service Facebook Updates

    • 48 min
    April 1, 2023 – Trippin' and Trekkin'

    April 1, 2023 – Trippin' and Trekkin'

    Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson speak with Dr. Dennis McKenna, ethnopharmacologist, on the potential therapeutic uses of psychedelics (5:00); and Kyle Potter, Executive Editor, Thrifty Traveler, with advice for the upcoming traveling season (32:30). Plus an update of local news (51:30). Matt Quast is technical director. 

    This Week’s Guests
    Dennis McKenna, McKenna Academy
    ESPD Event
    Heffter Research Institute
    Hoasca Project
    Kyle Potter, Executive Editor, ThriftyTraveler.com
    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
    Articles
    Rick Reilly Commentary on Iowa’s Caitlin Clark
    Update on hog production facility in Burnett County
    American Library Association on Book Bans
    Events
    Marine Volunteer Fair – Contact Linda Tibbetts
    Scandia Marine Lions Service Project Sampler Day
    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library
    Northwoods Humane Society

    • 55 min
    March 18, 2023 – Keeping a Watchful Eye on Sacred Treasures – The St. Croix River and Social Security

    March 18, 2023 – Keeping a Watchful Eye on Sacred Treasures – The St. Croix River and Social Security

    Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher speak to Craig Hansen, National Park Service Superintendent of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway about the latest on the river as spring approaches (4:30); and Nancy Altman, Co-Founder and President of Social Security Works, about how to save and improve the Social Security system (25:00). Plus,  an update of local news (49:00). Matt Quast is Technical Director.

    This Week’s Guests
    Craig Hansen, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
    Report activity to 1-800-PARK-TIP
    Nancy Altman, Social Security Works

    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
     
    Events
    Breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Scandia
    Art Reach St. Croix Roz Chast Opening Night
    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library 
    Marine Village School

    MarineZine submissions
    mmsuggins@gmail.com

    • 53 min
    March 4, 2023 - Preserving our American Idyll

    March 4, 2023 - Preserving our American Idyll

    Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson speak to Greg Seitz, founder and editor of the St. Croix 360 newsletter, about news happening up and down the river (6:00); musician John Gorka about his upcoming Marine Library benefit concert (23:00); and Polk County, Wisconsin farm owner/operator Lisa Doerr about the threat of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) (33:00). Gayle also has an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is technical director.

    This Week’s Guests
    Greg Seitz, St. Croix 360
    John Gorka, Singer/Songwriter
    Lisa Doerr, Northern Lakes Farm
    Know CAFOs website

    Government Links:
    City of Marine on St. Croix
    City of Scandia
    May Township
    Washington County
    Entertainment Links
    Highlight Reel of Jessie Diggins World Championship Run
    Events
    Jim & Gayle Biking Presentation Replay  
    John Gorka Concert for Marine Community Library
    Business/Organization Links:
    Marine Community Library 
    Science Museum Artist at Pine Needles Program
    Marine Mills Folk School

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
6 Ratings

6 Ratings

Billbiter ,

The Podcast that Punches Above its Weight

For a show that is ostensibly about local matters in the St. Croix Valley, River Radio consistently brings in a broad range of guests (often with high profiles) and thoughtfully ties local and state concerns to those of the nation and the world. Listening live via the Marine Community Library’s site is a great way to spend an hour on a Saturday morning — that way, you can participate in their live polls — but having it available in podcast form is a welcome option!

DMorales123 ,

Informative and down to earth

Gayle and Jim are marvelous show hosts. I very much enjoy the mix of global scale stories and small town charm. They always invite very engaging guests to speak about a variety of topics. Love being able to hear this show during my Saturday afternoons.

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