Chel Anderson is a botanist and plant ecologist who has lived and worked on the North Shore since 1974; you might know her as the North Woods Naturalist on WTIP. She's just written, with Heidi Fischer, an amazing comprehensive environmental history of the North Shore. It's titled "North Shore: A Natural History of Minnesota's Superior Coast." She spoke with Ann Possis May 22 about deciding to write the book, the processes and time involved, and what they hope to convey about this remarkable place in our world. You can learn more about the book here.

Dick & Buck welcomed Ginstrings to The Roadhouse May 15 for fast-paced music with wonderful harmony. Ginstrings are: Matt Blake, bass; Gavin Haskin, mandolin; Eli Bentley, dobro; Jon Miller, guitar. Learn more at ginstrings.com or www.facebook.com/Ginstrings.

Ever buy something that didn't make you as happy as you thought it would? If so, you're not alone. Dr. Ryan Howell, associate professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, chatted with Buck May 15 about how your consumer choices affect your happiness. Dr. Howell is the co-founder of BeyondThePurchase.org, where you can learn more about these ideas and your own behavior.

Burt Neuborne, a civil liberties specialist who has argued many cases before the Supreme Court, believes the Court has misinterpreted the original intent of the First Amendment by not considering it within the text of the Bill of Rights as a whole. He spoke with Dick May 15 about this idea, which is explained in his new book, "Madison's Music: On Reading the First Amendment." 

DNT outdoors editor Sam Cook joined us from the road, on his way to the Governor's Fishing Opener on Lake Vermilion. He and Buck chatted about the opener and Sam shared some great stories from seasons past. You can find Sam's outdoors reporting here.

What do these three words, inch, deal and peg, have in common? You might be able to answer more quickly if you've been spending time outdoors--it turns out that time in nature can actually enhance your brain function. Dr. Frank Ferraro, a psychology professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University, has been studying this phenomenon right here in the BWCAW. He talked with Dick May 8 about his research and what he found. Oh, the answer to that question? Square.

Journalist and MPR host Cathy Wurzer and educator Bruce Kramer embarked on a series of broadcast conversations as Bruce dealt with ALS, about how facing death can transform one's outlook on life. "We Know How This Ends: Living While Dying," is the remarkable book that came out of these conversations and their resulting friendship. Cathy spoke with Buck recently about getting to know Bruce at the same time she struggled with her own losses, including her father's decline into dementia. Click here for the archived conversations between Cathy and Bruce. You can learn more about the book here.

Last week Gov. Dayton ordered the MN DNR to stop the practice of radio-collaring moose, citing reports that collaring has caused the abandonment of some calves as well as the deaths of some adults. Marshall Helmberger, editor of the Ely Timberjay, has done a great deal of investigation and reporting on the issue. He joined Ann Possis May 1 to explain. You can read the Timberjay here.

Just five lakes contain more than half of the Earth's liquid surface fresh water. Dr. Robert Sterner, director of the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) at UMD, has been giving public talks about the 'outsized' role large lakes play in our lives. He spoke with Ann Possis May 1. You can learn  more about the work of the LLO here. 

Mark Seeley, climatologist, meteorologist, and MPR commentator, is just out with the revised edition of his best-selling book, "Minnesota Weather Almanac," full of both facts and fun information about weather history. He chatted with Buck May 1 about the book and all things weather.