With this summer’s severe drought, fire danger, and the frequent haze and smoke from nearby wildfires, we were intrigued to learn that someone has been looking into the mental health impacts of it all. Dr. David Eisenman, professor of medicine and public health, and director of the UCLA Center for Public Health and Disasters, in Los Angeles, joined Dave to tell us about his research into just that.

Norway and other Scandinavian countries often rank the highest in happiness surveys, but why is that?  Author Eric Dregni attempts to answer that question with the comic travelogue "For the Love of Cod."  Brian was joined by Eric to learn more about the book.

Roadhouse regular Jim McGowan joined us in the studio to play a few songs and chat with Brian and Dave.

Cook County musician Kenna Rose joined Dave and Julie for a live in-studio performance.

The Rich Lewis Band hails from the Twin Cities and combines rock, blues, R&B, and soul into their eclectic sound.  Lewis and several of the other members have been playing together, and with other notable Minnesota musicians, for over 50 years.

The group joined Dave and Julie on the back porch during a weekend playing at the Gunflint Tavern.

The Josh Cleveland Band joined the Roadhouse crew for an outdoor performance during our Rock Steady membership drive.

During our Rock Steady membership drive, we thought we’d look into the topic of stacking rocks, or making cairns. Kurt Mead, interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park, joined Brian to discuss the ongoing debate.

After losing a year of the Minnesota State Fair to COVID, the fair is on track to open again this summer as usual. And of course, that means…new foods! Nikki Hines is the person that books the food vendors for the fair.  She joined Julie to give us a preview of what we can expect.

WTIP's The Roadhouse is supported in part by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Favorite local musician Pete K joined The Roadhouse for our first live in-studio music session in more than a year! You can learn more about Pete's music and schedule here.

WTIP's The Roadhouse is supported in part by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Mark Seeley is a longtime climatologist and commentator on MPR. He joined Brian on The Roadhouse to talk about the drought conditions across Minnesota and if any relief could be on the way this summer.

WTIP's The Roadhouse is supported in part by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.