Category: Podcasts

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

 

Oneota Film Festival – March 2-5, 2023

On this episode of “Rhymes With Decorah” we welcome Oneota Film Festival Creative Director Elise Skellenger, and Board President Nancy Sojka. Join us as we talk about everything from the early inspiration of the festival (shout out Kyrl and Walter!) to special additions and regional showings for the 2023 OFF. 

OFF Creative Director Elise Skellenger

 

OFF Board President Nancy Sojka

Held among the spectacular rivers and bluffs of the Driftless Region in Northeast Iowa, the Oneota Film Festival brings compelling, innovative, and inspiring films and filmmakers to Decorah from around the globe. Through films that illuminate the human condition, OFF aims to engage a large and diverse audience in the critical issues of our time. 

 

We are so happy to have this awesome community festival continue to bring amazing film culture to NE Iowa. Find the 2023 Festival schedule, volunteer opportunities and all the Festival info at the following link. We hope you enjoy this interview – and will be inspired to help support the Oneota Film Festival!

 

“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

Maryna (Bazylevych) Nading has been a professor at Luther College since 2010, focusing on the topics of medical anthropology, body and health, and post-socialism. She was born in Ukraine and first visited the US while participating in English studies programs as a young adult. Those roots lead to her eventual return to the US in higher education. Maryna’s work now supports students in Anthropology studies as well as Luther College’s Global Health Major.

From growing up in urban Khmelnytskyi Ukraine (living with a great dane!) to making her way to Indiana, graduate work in upstate New York, and eventually to Luther College – Maryna’s story is rich and meaningful. Much of Maryna’s family and many friends are still living in present day Ukraine, and living through the Russian invasion and ongoing war. 

In the Spring of 2022, Maryna helped Luther College Students organize “The Ride for Ukraine” fundraiser, a 75-mile bike ride from Rochester, Minn., to Decorah. Luther Graduate (’22) Anita Tamang organized the event with the help of Luther College (’23) Souk Sengsaisouk ’23. The event raised  $7,000. for an oncology clinic where Maryna’s mother works.

(Photo courtesy of Anita Tamang and Souksakhone Sengsaisouk)
Anita Tamang (‘22, left), Professor Maryna Bazylevych Nading (middle) and
Souksakhone Sengsaisouk (‘23, right) organized a 75-mile bike ride in order to advocate for peace in the country of Ukraine.

A benefit concert was also organized in the Fall of 2022 with several Luther College Faculty and community members including Brooke Joyce, Decorah Middle School orchestra members, and more. The concert featured music about or from Ukraine, and also raised over $2,000. for another localized organization in Ukraine. 

Nading continues to speak with family and friends in Ukraine on a regular basis, and also help connect resources. Her parents both work in health care, and while her hometown has generally not yet been in the immediate high-danger areas of attacks, the influx of those fleeing the war torn regions have been very real. Shortages of many basics exist, while power and cell services are frequently lost as attacks occur in close by regions. She continues to connect with on-the-ground organizations that are supporting the Ukrainian efforts. 

Nading translated a piece from a friend that was run in the Des Moines Register in March of 2022 that gives many glimpses into the day to day life in Ukraine. 

If you would like to connect with Maryna or help by donating funds to on-the-ground, grass roots organizations, please feel free to contact her at: bazyma01@luther.edu

 

 

Nick Zielinski is a Decorahan, a drummer, and musical improviser with Mid Western roots. Nick’s work also provides all of the music for this podcast!

Growing up with a parent who was also a Methodist Pastor, Nick found himself living in multiple different communities through his early years, but finding percussion and drums became a consistent focus. Nick found himself following many of the traditional paths of orchestral and classical training – but also knew he wanted to explore more of the “edges” around improvisation and styles. It was his time in Ann Arbor Michigan that allowed a path further into this world – which would shape his creative process and many partnerships.

Eventually landing in the Minneapolis / St. Paul region, Nick had several formative years getting to take in the rich and diverse scene that continues to come out of this Midwest beacon. Nick studied with other improvisers like drummer Dave King of the Bad Plus, and continued forming groups and partnerships like the Banzat Trio, ARP of the Covenant, and more.

All of the original music that you hear on the “Rhymes With” podcast is the creative work of Nick. One of the world’s that he has dove deep into since moving to Decorah in 2021 has been creating, programming, and playing electronic elements with his drumming and percussion work. These “little robot friends” are a collection of technology that continues to expand and open doors and windows into new worlds of improvisation.

But don’t take our word for it – listen to the show to check it all out.

Nick also teaches Drum, improvisation, and electronic music lessons, and can be contacted through his website.

Don’t miss the ArtHaus “Improvisers Orchestra” series that runs once a month all Spring long. Check out the details for events in February, March, April, and May 2023 by clicking here.

 

“Rhymes With…” (Decorah!?) is back for another season, featuring stories about communities you love, from people you trust! 

 

Jump in as Aryn and Benji (that’s me!) shake out how 2022 ended on a high note, and where we’re headed in 2023. Themes, stories, and series ahoy… 

 

One of the wildest things that happened at the end of 2022 was that we were featured on a national broadcast of Marketplace (Business News) on NPR. The “My Economy” segment features Aryn and Benji telling their story – which aired to a national audience on December 30, 2022. Click here to listen!

 

Read Aryn’s column “Looking Back / Looking Forward”  (It’s worth it!)

 

Check out the Iowa Writers Substack.

 

We have some big plans for the show in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep tabs on upcoming shows wherever you like to listen to podcasts. You can leave a review or rating on iTunes as well, which helps the show get to a larger audience. 

Visit all things Inspire(d) by clicking here!

To close out our first season of “Rhymes With Decorah” we’re featuring a conversation with Decorah Community Food Pantry director Matt Tapscott and President of the DCFP Board Steven Zittergruen. This incredible resource, based in Decorah, is a faith-based, non-profit charity organization, serving thousands of clients who need food and other basic essentials each year in NE Iowa.

Find out how to access the Decorah Food Pantry Here. (Or call 563-202-0872)

Learn how to donate to the Decorah Community Food Pantry by clicking here.
Or Mail a check donation to*:

Decorah Community Food Pantry
PO Box 26
Decorah, IA 52101

(*Monetary donations are by far the most impactful way to support the organization, as they are able to multiply those donations in bulk purchasing, but staple food donations are always welcome, including; Pasta, Peanut Butter, Flour, Cooking Oil, Sugar, Cereal, Butter, etc. Unopened toiletry and sanitary items are also always welcome donations.)

The Decorah Community Food Pantry offers high quality food for clients at no charge, 5 days a week from their location at 110 Railroad Street (on the “back” side of the Spectrum Network building). The volunteer-driven organization operates through the support and structure of more than 20 area faith communities that have combined forces over the years to provide this incredible regional resource.

The organization originally started as a ministry of First Lutheran Church in 1996 and has grown leaps and bounds since through a collective effort. In 2017 the Food Pantry was incorporated as an independent 501C3 non-profit organization, with a full board of directors who share the mission of eradicating hunger and food-access issues in our Community.

We are very grateful not only to Matt and Steven for taking the time for this conversation, but for all of the volunteers, visionaries, and businesses that support this valuable community resource.

 

“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

 

“Winter 2022-2023” Inspire(d) – Cover Art by Diane Knight of Whalan, MN.

Aryn Henning Nichols and host Benji Nichols run down the “Winter 2022-2023” issue of Inspire(d) Magazine on this episode of “Rhymes With Decorah”. Join us for a fun half hour highlighting the articles that are keeping us inspired this winter, as well as a few other sidetracks along the way!

From Aryn’s Editor’s Letter in the “Winter” issue:

“Lagom. It’s a Swedish word meaning “just the right amount.” “Not too much, not too little.” “Just enough.” The Swedish proverb “Lagom är bäst” literally means “the right amount is best,” and is also translated as “enough is as good as a feast.” Enough is as good as a feast! Leave it to the Scandinavians to have just the right phrase to encompass my feelings for this winter.
In a time and world where the mantra is so often more, more, more, I encourage you, this season, to say, “Better, not more.” Make choices that count – shop local, show up for your community, be present with your loved ones. Define what’s enough for you.
A lot about defining enough is being creative with your resources.”

Read the whole piece here – as well as the whole “Winter” issue online, or find it at your favorite location across the region. 

We are truly excited to share this issue’s stories with you, and hope that they provide a sense of community and inspiration to you this winter season. 

In this issue, you’ll find: 

The Tlou House: Finding Joy in Decorah

Seamus Schwaba + Sugarloaf Theatre 

Community Builders:

– Diane Knight – MN Artist
– Shaundel Spivey – Co Founder of BLACK La Crosse
– Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley  – Let’s Shine Coffee

Mental Health: Defining Enough + Hierarchy of Needs

Great-horned Owl

Sum Biz: Gabi Masek + Wildcrafted Acupuncture & Herbs

Chinese Winter Wellness Tips 

Dream Boards

Probit: Hazel Grotegut

and more!

 

Thank You for listening – and thank you for being Inspire(d)!
Want to support our work?
Become a member or give a gift membership to Inspire(d)!

 

“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

Decorah Nordic Dancers, Photo: Erika Skogg

Erika Skogg is a National Geographic Explorer, documenting and sharing culture through the lens of photography. Born and raised in Green Bay (WI), Erika is a recipient of National Geographic’s Early Career Grant which fueled her photography project documenting Scandinavian-American culture.

Through this cultural preservation project, Erika also hopes to encourage others to become more interested in their family’s genealogy and immigration stories, fostering an appreciation for the myriad of unique sub-cultures within the U.S. with renewed understanding and respect of the continued immigration stories of today.

Photo: Erika Skogg

Erika’s early career began with outdoor guiding on the white waters of Colorado, and mountains of Big Sky, Montana as a Ski Instructor. Graduating from Montana State University with a degree in photography, Erika blended her love of the outdoors and guiding with her photography education to join National Geographic Expeditions designing and guiding photography trips around the world. 

Photo: Erika Skogg

She has led photography workshops in Morocco and Cuba with National Geographic Expeditions, on board National Geographic/Lindblad ships through the Arctic and Alaska, and has led National Geographic Student Expeditions through Tanzania, Iceland, Tuscany, Peru, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Ecuador & The Galapagos. 

The “Scandinavian American” exhibit at Vesterheim depicts the lifestyle, celebrations, and traditions of Americans of Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish ancestry in the communities of Decorah, Iowa; Hancock, Michigan; Ephraim, Wisconsin; Pequot Lakes, Minnesota; and Lindsborg, Kansas. The stunning collection of unique and personal photographs captures modern takes on the traditions that have been preserved by generations of families that identify with Scandinavian immigration.

“Tusen Takk” to Erika for making time to talk with us for this show while she was in Decorah in the late fall of 2022. 

See more about the Vesterheim Exhibit here.

Visit www.erikaskogg.com to see more about Erika’s work and international travels.

Erika with Decorah resident and local artist Norma Wangsness

(If you missed one of our earliest episodes – #5, click here to hear Helping Services Director – Carson Egglang!)

Ben Krouse-Gagne is the Director of Community Engagement with Helping Services, and as part of that work also helps coordinate all of the efforts that equal the annual Holiday Lights! Located at Decorah’s Pulpit Rock Campground, the drive-through show features over 80 displays nightly from Thanksgiving to Christmas night.

Holiday lights is one of the largest fundraising events to support the work of Helping Services, who provide resources to the 8 county area of NE Iowa. Since 1973, the organization has providedd everything from substance and drug use prevention, domestic abuse resources, opportunities for new parents, youth mentoring programs, and much more.

Through the past 18 years, Holiday lights has engaged the region with a special opportunities to help usher in the Holidays. Each year on the night before Thanksgiving, the campground is open to walking traffic only, and also features special entertainment, soup, cookies, hot cocoa, and more. As part of Holiday Lights there is also an annual fireworks show (Friday, Dec. 9 at 6:30pm in 2022!) that takes place near the Decorah High School football stadium. The lights are then open every night from Thanksgiving to Christmas for drive through from 5pm-9pm.

Over 400 volunteers each year help make this community effort come to life in support of Helping Services. Find out more on today’s show – and find out more at www.helpingservices.org or 563-387-1720 for more details!

 

“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