Episodes
Aug. 3, 2026
The world tour podcast
Let us take you on an adventure. First, we'll swing by Highway 12. We won't stay for long, because it sucks and we hate it. Then we'll go to the far off land of Saudi Arabia and see what they're doing with Paramount Plus. Next, the mythical Chinee Land, which does not exist except in some woman's imagination. Finally, we'll speak a bit of EspaƱol. This time it's the words that don't exist, except for in Ethan's imagination. Topics: Construction on Highway 12 Minneapolis protests are getting s...
July 31, 2026
Tim Slagle on how to spend your last $20,001
Remember when we talked about the lumber exchange building selling for a dollar? Technically, that's not entirely accurate. Not that the truth is any better, really. And speaking of the truth, you probably also remember us talking about stand-up comedy being the last bastion of free speech. After podcasts, of course. We're a much newer genre, but we still feel like we deserve the bulk of the credit. Topics: Crowd work taking over comedy sets The lumber exchange building is worthless Tim's Dr...
July 31, 2026
Philip Wise probably would have enjoyed Spiderman: Brand New Day
For the first half of this episode we remember Philly Dawg and reminisce about the Vikings of yore. And by "yore" I mean the 60s and 70s. Not like yore yore. The second half is spent wondering how Brand New Day seems to be on track to make infinity dollars even while everyone is constantly talking about having superhero fatigue. Topics: We miss Philip Wise Minnesota Vikings of the past Spiderman: Brand New Day
July 31, 2026
Jimmy Francis witnesses the Twins miracle
Something happened with the Twins yesterday. I won't spoil it, but apparently it's the first time it's happened in the MLB in 40 years. And wouldn't you know it, Jimmy is in studio and was present for it. He's also the mayor of South Saint Paul, so he can weigh in on the hacking going on in Minnesota. Topics: The Twins had a historic play yesterday Minnesota municipal water systems got hacked by what is apparently Iran Pearson closed down its Saint Paul factory
July 29, 2026
Mike DeRosier tours the globe, and you're invited
You've probably heard our Heart of the North ads. You may have even seen the episode when Mike called in from home. But have you ever seen him in person? After today, you still won't have, but we will. Live through us vicariously as Mike enters the studio and talks about going to Hawaii, Canada, Ireland, and more. A lot more. Visit https://www.heartofthenorthtours.com/ to learn more!
July 29, 2026
Fernando Alessandri writes about what superspies do in the retirement home
We always hear about the exploits of fictional spies - jetting around the country, womanizing, shooting people, and whatnot. Sometimes we hear about their origins. Life as a young pre-spy. But what about after? What happens when a spy turns 80 and his memory maybe doesn't work so great anymore? Agent Bigglesby, that's what. Check out his book at https://jamesprochester.com/. No, that's not a mistake or a typo. This guest was booked using PodMatch! Interested in being a guest on the show? Reach...
July 29, 2026
Nickels, dimes, and yen
Gas is expensive again. Cars are also expensive, largely due to dealership fees and taxes. Driving in general seems barely worth it. You don't need to drive to go to Tokyo, though, and with the yen as weak as it is the whole country is cheap. You do need to fly, but let the airlines worry about jet fuel prices. Topics: Gas prices are high Buying a car is an unpleasant experience Tokyo Disneyland is nice and cheap
July 27, 2026
Ellen Heuer's shoes do, in fact, talk
Ellen is a foley artist with decades in the industry. What's foley? We're glad you asked, because that's what we talk about the entire episode. We're in the podcasting business, which means spending a lot of time agonizing over audio, so we're in a somewhat adjacent field. We find it all very interesting. Hopefully, so do you. You can find Ellen's book If These Shoes Could Talk at her website, https://ellenheuerfoleyartist.com, or on Amazon. This guest was booked using PodMatch! Interested in ...
July 27, 2026
It's hot, the Twins are not
Bob calls in from his car to let us know that he doesn't think the Twins will win a world series ever again. Or something to that effect, anyway. Those women's teams though, they're sweeping. No wonder everyone wants to join them. And I mean everyone. Topics: It's really hot out Minnesota Twins/Vikings are bad Women's sports are good MyGenderDolls in Minnesota schools Transgender athletes Alex almost dies to an errant hammer
July 27, 2026
Why are movies so long and expensive?
Do we really need everything to be a 3 hour blockbuster that costs $250,000,000 to make? I say no. Hollywood disagrees. Except for Avatar Studios. They know how to put out a good, reasonably non-bloated film. Topics: Andy saw Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender Movies continue to be too long Carly Simon's numerous health issues The Rails to Trails parade Gabriel Langton almost broke his neck at the Commonwealth Games
July 24, 2026
KP Anderson makes his semi-annual pilgrimage back to Minnesota
KP has been coming on our show since nearly the first moment. His brother Joe also pops in from time to time. Today we're without Joe, but with plenty of stories about the Anderson family. We also ask why everyone is so hateful, because if we ask it enough we might one day get an answer.
July 24, 2026
Motor City is bringing back the silent film
Okay, it's not literally silent, but it does have very little dialogue. Next to none. Certainly less than the Evil Dead reboot, which is both wordier and gorier than Motor City. Sadly, the camp has left Hollywood for now, so both films take themselves quite seriously. At least they're not preaching at us. Topics: Tim's Buffalo Bill action figure How a moment from two months ago can go viral Motor City is all action, few words Evil Dead Burn is extremely gory and not at all funny Teddy Roos...
July 24, 2026
Talk shows are bad, Jimothy is not
There's a new sensation sweeping the nation. No, it's not talk shows. They say Kimmel is building, but not like Jimothy the Raccoon. Next week we'll have moved onto the next thing, but though his reign will be as short as his spine, he'll always be remembered. Topics: Conan O'Brien's new hair Talk shows are still bad Jimothy the Raccoon Early flights are also bad Ethan has infinite energy Alex went to the Guthrie Why does nostalgic food taste so bad now? Letterman's Stupid Human Tricks
July 23, 2026
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July 22, 2026
Kira Hartley Klinger is a fabric warrior and jewel master
People are always selling their old stuff. Maybe someone in the family died, maybe it's spring cleaning, maybe the kids are off to college. You probably knew that you can get things for cheap this way, but did you know that you can make it a full time business? Buy what's valuable low, sell it high. That's what Kira does. She's also an author, because apparently spending a thousand hours a week on Etsy isn't enough to keep her occupied. Me, I'll be taking a nap. If you're looking for some of Ki...
July 22, 2026
Everything is pickles this year at the fair
The State Fair is fast approaching, and the new foods have been announced. It's a lot of pickles. And sugar. And fat. Those last two shouldn't surprise you, but the pickle thing we didn't see coming. Make sure to save your dill dough - fair food isn't cheap. We also touch on microdramas, the latest craze why not. Topics: Neal Schon's letter to Jonathan Cain Microdramas are like regular dramas but more micro Every road is closed in Minnesota right now State Fair experiences and foods
July 22, 2026
We've gone viral courtesy of Jonathan Cain
Two months ago, we had Jonathan Cain on our show. He mentioned Bruce Springsteen and Robert DeNiro, and more or less told them to shut up and focus on their craft. Yesterday, that moment was suddenly picked up by dozens of news outlets and is everywhere on the internet. Why? We have no idea. Not that we're complaining. At the very least, it's fun "engaging" with our "fans". Topics: Jonathan Cain/Bruce Springsteen viral moment Toy Story 5 was good Anna Vocino as Mrs. Potato Head Howard Stern...
July 20, 2026
Anna Vocino, voice of Mrs. Potato Head and inventor of ranch dust
Anna is back, and this time instead of focusing entirely on what it's like trying to eat food that won't make you feel gross, we also discuss Anna's newfound fame as Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story 5. She's also been doing World of Warcraft for 22 years, but don't tell her that. Topics: Anna as Mrs. Potato Head Getting into the voiceover field AI voices and actors are taking over Eat Happy Kitchen's ranch dust is tasty Navigating ingredients labels with food sensitivities shouldn't be this h...
July 20, 2026
Sage's Minnesota sports update
Sage Rasmussen joins us (in a mask made out of printer paper) to give the update on what's what in the sports world. Afterward, our internet starts crapping out again, so Bob flexes his new Starlink connection. Is satellite internet the future? Topics: Minnesota sports NFL salary caps Mamdani's rap name Starlink Sid Hartman stories
July 20, 2026
We're all about the respect
Have you noticed how crazy people get on planes these days? Or how people keep trying to blow up government buildings? Or how celebrities keep slapping each other? I know what it is: a lack of respect. For example, when you go to Japan, try not to take any videos of yourself with a corpse. Very disrespectful. Topics: Incendiary device detonated at NYC federal building People don't tend to live at their workplaces Flight attendant is a hard job The World Cup halftime show existed, and was ve...
July 17, 2026
Bring back the Fairness Doctrine, abolish Daylight Saving
The Fairness Doctrine was done away with in the 80s, and we continue to feel the sting. Or at least, we assume we do. It's possible the news would suck just as bad with it as without. You know what else sucks? Having to change our clocks twice a year. Apparently we're this close to that being federally struck, although states still have the option to be jackasses about it. Here's hoping Minnesota won't. (They will.)
July 17, 2026
The Odyssey: is it a bunch of smoke?
Canada is on fire yet again, and pouring smoke into America. What can I say. It's their national pastime. America's national pastime, on the other hand, is remaking movies over and over. The latest remake is The Odyssey, which has been mired in controversy since it was announced. But is it good? Tim and Mike saw it. You'll have to ask them.
July 17, 2026
The afternoon zoo podcast
Today's show is all about animals. We've got dogs and cats in studio. We've got footage of an elephant. We talk about The Littlest Hobo, assuming any of you know what that is. We also talk about a man who breached the Today Show building and freaked out for a while. He's not an animal, but it was worth mentioning nonetheless.
July 15, 2026
Tony Stephens: producer, blind sailor, and Helen Keller expert
Tony was born with poor vision and lost what remained by 15. He is now the assistant vice president of communications at the America Foundation for the Blind, a producer and voice talent for the new documentary Possibilities, and an expert on the life of Helen Keller. He also sails. Like, on an actual boat. If you want to figure out how he manages that, you'll just have to listen to this episode.