Author: Benji Nichols of Inspire(d) Media

Five plus years ago Eric Sovern left his job in the “corporate bike world” to pursue opening Cardboard Robot – a brick and mortar store that sells “Supplies to make things”.

He and his wife Shannon (and son Jack) have built an epic destination for beautiful things that help you create more beautiful things – think high quality blank stationary, model and science kits for kids (of all ages!), art supplies, high quality writing utensils, rockets, 3D printed doodads, and so much more.

What would Decorah and the region be without Cardboard Robot?

We’d be much less fun, that’s for sure. 

Join us for a conversation with Eric as we cover:

– Finding your way to living in Decorah.

– Starting a business in a rural small town. 

– Loving Retail (Yes!). 

– The Theory of Miniatures (You’ll have to listen…).

– Why Salt Water Fish Aquariums are rad, but will rule your life. 

– How to support your rad rural downtown. 

– Going through the Goldman Sachs 10ksb Program
(Find our podcast on 10ksb here!)

– So much more.

Find Cardboard Robot on Instagram here.

A huge thank you to Eric Sovern and Shannon Horton of Cardboard Robot for all they bring to downtown Decorah and our region.

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram @indicative_of_drumming

 

Gail Bolson Magnuson started Agora Arts in downtown Decorah in 1992 with 33 regional artists represented in a gallery and artist workshop space. 30+ Years later, and a couple of moves, Agora still represents American Handcraft (and beyond) by over 200 artists, in a beautiful, welcoming retail space. On this episode we talk life paths, retail, starting a business, and keeping rural downtown main streets alive.

Gail (right) and her shop crew.
(Photo Courtesy Agora Arts)

Gail comes from four generations of NE Iowans, and grew up around the intergenerational family business – SB Bolson & Sons Painting and Wallpapering –  artists and entrepreneurs in their right, of high end, award winning painting and papering in both commercial and residential settings.

Gail – second from left, as part of an International Women’s Day Panel at Luther College 2023.

Gail had an interest in art from a young age, exploring many mediums, and having key influences along the way like retired Decorah Community School District Teacher Elizabeth Lorentzen, and Luther College fiber arts instructor Kate Martinson. Luther would also be how Gail found her husband Karl, and an amazing peer group that were a wave of creative and entrepreneurial young adults that chose to stay and make Decorah home in the late 1980s and 90s. 

Gail and husband Karl
(Photo courtesy of Charlie Langton)

Agora continues into it’s fourth decade in business, now in it’s fourth location at 102 W. Water Street in Downtown Decorah (just next to the Hotel Winneshiek). Gail features the work of over 200 artisans including; jewelry, pottery, glass work, prints, cards, mugs and ceramic, as well as gifts specifically curated for gentlemen, and generally beautiful things to brighten anyone’s day.

Many thanks to Gail for taking time to share her story – and for all that she has provided our region for three decades and counting!

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

 

Decorah Native Kelly Ludeking might best be known as an “Ironmonger” – but his path as a professional artist is one of key mentors and moments. Join us on this show to learn more about Kelly’s work, and the 20^th Anniversary of the Down on the Farm Iron Pour located in Decorah, Iowa, and the many adventures of Kelly and his wife Diane.

Down on the Farm Iron our – 20^th Anniversary 2023!

From Kelly’s website:

“Did you know my middle initial, the meat in the sandwich of KRL, stands for Renaissance? It doesn’t, actually, but it might as well. This one word best sums up my approach to life as a sculptor, fabricator & metal arts instructor. I reimagine the use of materials in order to realize solutions to challenging goals or problems. I renew interest in metal both as an industrial staple that shapes the world around us as well as its artistic influence, reshaping the world within us. I reignite the spark of creativity, curiosity & ingenuity in my students, expanding their horizons to new possibilities within metal arts & industry.

Growing up on a midwestern dairy & hog farm created a very real need to invent & reinvent tools and repair machinery in order to keep our livelihood moving in the right direction. I spent so much time with animals & machinery that I began to see one in the other: a tractor seat becomes a face for a gargoyle sculpture; a fuel tank becomes the body for a life-sized elephant sculpture; a garbage shoot becomes the body for a bull dog sculpture.”

Iron Pours are an amazing community event, bringing artists together from across the country (and world!) to share their creative forces using one of the most primitive, but captivating artistic art forms in human history. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of “Down on the Farm” 2023!

Down On the Farm Iron Pour takes place over a week, where you can arrive early, work in the sand studio, be part of or take in an all Iron art show, help create community, and be a part of the main event on Saturday night. Find all the details and how to plug in by visiting the DOTF Website!

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

 

Mike Bollinger and Katie Prochaska have an incredible story of connection to Decorah, Luther College, and the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE). As Mike settles into his roll as Executive Director of SSE, the almost 50 year-old organization looks to set its course well into the future of sharing heirloom seeds with all.

From the SSE Website:

“In the last century or so, the world has lost 75% of its edible plant varieties. That might be hard to perceive when many of us have enough food on our plates, but consider this: According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, only five cereal grains make up 60% of our calories. A system that depends so heavily on so few crops is quite fragile.”

From growing up in South Dakota, to meeting his future wife (Katie) at Luther College, adventures in West Africa through the Peace Corps, and finding their way back to Decorah (and SSE – more than once!), Mike’s authentic connections and genuine care for “hands in the dirt” agriculture are the real deal. He and Katie still own River Root Farm, which they created to grow quality vegetables and food in our region, and was also key to helping grow SSE’s national plant sales business.

Seed Savers Exchange stewards Americaʼs culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.

 

As co-founder of an agricultural solutions company, Mike has also provided support to SSE on greenhouse design and organic production practices. Mike not only has a practical understanding of organic and sustainable growing practices, but he has also dedicated years of service as an active member on the board of directors for organizations focusing on farmer education services and local and regional food systems. We are so appreciative that Mike took time to tell us his story on this episode.

Seed Savers Exchange was founded in Missouri in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, with seeds brought by Grandpa Ott’s parents from Bavaria when they immigrated to Iowa in 1884. Diane and Kent went on to form a network of gardeners interested in preserving heirloom varieties and sharing seeds. Today, with 13,000 members and 20,000 plant varieties, Seed Savers Exchange makes its home on 890 scenic acres in Winneshiek County, Iowa, at Heritage Farm.

Learn More about the Seed Savers Exchange here, including the return of SSE’s annual summer events, special offerings, and more.

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

 

 

Cindy Goodner
Development Director – Seed Savers Exchange
VP of the Decorah School Board

On today’s show we talk with Cindy Goodner, Development Director for Seed Savers Exchange, and Vice President of the Decorah Community School District Board. Cindy is a nonprofit fundraising professional and holds a passion for helping people find joy in their philanthropic support. Raised on a 4-generation family farm in the Decorah area and often assisting both her mother and grandmother in the garden, she feels a close connection with the land and historic varieties at Seed Savers Exchange. She joined the development and membership team at Seed Savers Exchange in 2014.

Cindy’s early professional and volunteer experiences led to her current positions via multiple board and fundraising experiences. Her husband followed professional opportunities back to NE Iowa, where Cindy found her calling at Seed Savers – having served 8+ years for the incredible nonprofit, and continuing to further the work of Seed Savers missions.

Join us as we talk about philanthropy, why anyone should run for public offices and boards, and the perfect Saturday in the Driftless!

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

Welcome to Spring 2023! 

The “Spring 2023” Issue of Inspire(d) is out on stands (and online) now! The amazing Aryn Henning Nichols and I always enjoy running down the new issues, kibitzing in general, and laughing about whatever we can (because, gee-gosh-golly we could all use a good laugh.) 

Our featured theme of “You Are Here” ties in nicely to cover artist, and MIBA Independent Book Store Map creator Kevin Cannon’s artwork and our feature story on all things Independent Book Sellers (have we mentioned we LOVE book stores?!) 

The stoke is real for spring around HQ – read Aryn’s entire editors letter by clicking here, and thanks for listening to the show! If you have ideas for other folks you’d like to hear on “Rhymes With…” feel free to drop Benji a message here. 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

Many in the region know Molly Gallagher from her decade+ of teaching Iyengar Yoga (CIYT) in Decorah. But many may not know that Molly is a certified mediator – someone that, as a neutral third party, helps facilitate conversations to help find meaningful agreements. From court appointed cases, to intergenerational discussions, find out more about what this means on today’s show!

The Mediator’s role, as a neutral third party, is to help support each person throughout their conversation during mediation, and allow individuals more control over the outcome of their decisions, and can help to save money in legal fees. Mediation is an opportunity for an enhanced conversation about issues that clients want or need to discuss. The process of mediation can help clients gain clarity about themselves, their situation, and each other. It may also allow them an opportunity to arrive at a mutually agreed upon decision.

Molly mediates in the following areas: divorce, family, parenting disputes, business disputes, workplace conflict, real estate affairs, farm succession planning, and more.

Mediation is completely confidential, can save time and money, and fosters lasting and meaningful agreements. Let go of the stress and anxiety of seeing a person you’re in conflict with, or the potential of a lawsuit, so you can move on with your life

Contact Molly at: 319-270-4592

https://mollygallaghermediation.com/

(This is the third show in a short series focused around Eagle Bluff and Fillmore County in SE Minnesota. To hear about Eagle Bluff Outdoor Environmental Learning Center Click Here. To hear our show about the MN Driftless Hiking Trail project Click Here. Thanks for listening!)

On this episode of “Rhymes With…” we feature Alayna Sobieniak and Lance Prado – owners and operators of the Root River Rod Company in Lanesboro, MN. (Alayna also works at Eagle Bluff in their outdoor pre-school program!). 

The story of the Root River Rod Co starts where any good fly shop starts – with the founder and past owner Steve Sobieniak (Alayna’s Dad). We tell Steve’s story on this show, partly as a memorial to a really kind and fun fisherman and a world class split bamboo rod builder. An aggressive form of cancer took Steve to the great streams of the beyond in September of 2022, but his family is carrying on his legacy. 

Alayna, Lance, and baby Finn (held in the pic above by Adelyn) joined us to record this show on site at Eagle Bluff in the late winter of 2023. Their young family is continuing on the legacy and community that Steve built through Root River Rod Co by continuing to offer a fantastic selection of fly fishing gear, tying supplies, guiding and float services, and bamboo rod specialties. 

Find them on Parkway Avenue North in downtown Lanesboro – just across from Pedal Pushers and the High Court Pub – and tell them we sent you!

Root River Rod Co – https://rootriverrodco.com/

Facebook / Instagram

RRRCo also has a great YouTube Channel – check it out here!

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is a concept for a 100 mile foot path running through the incredible scenery of SE Minnesota from Chatfield, MN to the Mississippi River. “Chief Instigator” of this project, Marty Walsh, joins us for a conversation about the vision and history of the project, and where things are headed (currently in the spring of 2023). 

A group of volunteers are currently working with state, county, and private landowners to acquire access to properties that will allow the through-hiking style trail to traverse the hills and valleys of the region for human powered users. The backcountry style hiking trail is inspired by the Appalachian Tail, Superior Hiking Trail, Ice Age Trail, and others, providing opportunities to share the region at a human scale with all.

Find out more about the project on this show, and how to get involved or donate by visiting https://www.mndriftlesshikingtrail.org

Find the project on social media:

Facebook /  Instagram / Twitter

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming

Eagle Bluff is an environmental learning center, serving people of all ages, just outside of Lanesboro, MN. Join us for a conversation with Executive Director Colleen Foehrenbacher to learn all about how this amazing place came about (decades ago – shiitake mushrooms! Haha!), and all that is does to serve youth to seniors in our region. 

Eagle Bluff operates with the guiding principle of “Connecting People to nature through education & transformative outdoor experiences” – and we love that! From educational field trips and overnight school camps, to summer (and Winter!) camps and programs for students AND families – this amazing center helps put people in the outdoors.

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As a year-round environmental learning center, they provide accredited education programs & outdoor adventures to over 16,000 children, adults, and families each year.

Through hands-on learning in nature, Eagle Bluff aims to give people experiences that inspire them to become lifelong stewards of the environment by:
– Fostering a sense of respect, stewardship and community
– Imparting life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving
– Increasing environmental awareness & academic literacy
– Promoting positive outdoor experiences
– Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

The Center offers beautiful, modern, indoor lodging, high ropes courses, an awesome indoor climbing wall, a full modern dining facility, and their Discovery Center space for presentations like “Dinner on the Bluff” and more.

Dinner on the Bluff is one of our favorite ways to get a “taste” of Eagle Bluff. This Winter/Spring series makes presentations by outdoor connected speakers through a dinner and presentation format that makes for a great night out! Show up early for a walk around before fellowship and beverages, enjoy a dinner, followed by a short walk down to the Discovery Center for desert and presentation.

(Check out upcoming dates still in 2023; March 25 with Doug Duren speaking about Sharing the Land, and April 22 with Bill & Mary Bailey presenting “A Farm, a Forest, a Little Blue Bird, and the Future or What Happens When a Forester Marries a Bluebirder”.)

We’re also huge fans of the “Become an Outdoor Family” camp series, open climbing dates, Halloween High Ropes offerings and more – check it all out!

 

“Rhymes With Decorah” is a companion project of Inspire(d) Media.

Original music heard in this podcast performed and recorded by Nick Zielinski of Decorah. Find him on Instagram, Patreon, TikTok and more @indicative_of_drumming