The Sheletta Show

Representative Peggy Scott joins the Sheletta Show to talk about a bill she’s championing to help address social media use and consequences for minors. Representative Scott talks about being inspired and protective of her grandchildren after finding out more about the negative health consequences for minors using social media. She even wonders if she should’ve let her children use it when it was coming on to the scene in the late 2000’s. The bill doesn’t target content itself but rather the design of the platforms. The bill hasn’t had a hearing in the Senate yet and Rep. Scott...

St. Paul is hosting the flagship No Kings rally at the Capitol this afternoon. Tens of thousands are expected to attend and we have boots and mics on the ground to keep you updated! Kelly Grady will be joining us at the top of each hour LIVE from the Capitol to tell us what she’s seeing, hearing and experiencing amidst our community. Overall theme of the rally at the moment, Kelly says its all about showing up today and more importantly showing up at the polls. Sheletta asks how the crowd has changed over the course of the afternoon, Ke...

The full second hour of The Sheletta Show for March 28th, 2026. Guests include Kelly Grady, Tammy Ebert and Adrianna Willis.

Adrianna Willis is the visionary CEO and Founder of Mind the Crown, a company dedicated to empowering women, particularly within Black and Brown communities, through mental wellness and self-care. Her products are available now at the Rondo Exchange Incubator. The Rondo Exchange provides affordable lease space for artists and creative entrepreneurs while supporting folks after Operation Metro Surge. It is located at 856 Selby Ave. Adrianna shares news about her cancer diagnosis and how the Rondo Exchange is what Mind the Crown is all about and what it means to her to be part of “something so great”. Sheletta asks her how...

Kids living with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the rest of the population. As we know this issue is near and dear to Sheletta’s heart. Tammy Ebert is the owner and visionary behind SwimPossible. Sheletta and Tammy discuss how invaluable raising awareness about this issue is and what they do at SwimPossible to help educate and prepare swimmers for an experience in the water. Tammy talks a bit on the one on one approach they take at SwimPossible SwimPossible provides safe, calming, and fun lessons that are customized for students who need a personalized ap...

St. Paul is hosting the flagship No Kings rally at the Capitol this afternoon. Tens of thousands are expected to attend and we have boots and mics on the ground to keep you updated! Kelly is embedded in the crowd at the Capitol and reports that people from the march have started to arrive for the rally itself. Kelly shares some of the signs she’s seeing in the crowd. She details some community groups she’s seen perform and be present. Sheletta asks about the safety measures being taken to keep people safe as they exercise their first amendment righ

The full first hour of The Sheletta Show for March 28th, 2026. Guests include Kelly Grady and Brian McDaniel.

Brian McDaniel returns to the Sheletta Show after picking up a cold call from Sheletta on the No Kings rally taking place today. He explains his thoughts on why people are showing out today and modern advocacy. He says this protest is different in nature from other historical civil rights protests. In their second segment, Brian details what he’s heard from some of his friends that he’s visiting with in Florida and how Minnesota has been covered in their local news over the last few months. Sheletta asks Brian what he will teach students in his history classes abou...

St. Paul is hosting the flagship No Kings Rally at the Capitol this afternoon. Tens of thousands are expected to attend and we have boots and mics on the ground to keep you updated! Kelly Grady will be joining us at the top of each hour LIVE from the Capitol to tell us what she’s seeing, hearing and experiencing amidst our community. Sheletta asks about what the feel is amongst the people at the Capitol. Kelly shares some of the people she’s bumped into at the No Kings Rally. Sheletta also asks about the agenda for the afternoon and...

The full third hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday, March 21st. Guests include Mandy Slag, Tou Saik and Steve Thomson. Catch Sheletta's op-ed on Tina Knowles' gumbo in Houston https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/letters/article/tina-knowles-gumbo-rodeo-beyonce-22087944.php?utm_source=marketing&utm_medium=copy-url-link&utm_campaign=article-share&hash=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaG91c3RvbmNocm9uaWNsZS5jb20vb3Bpbmlvbi9sZXR0ZXJzL2FydGljbGUvdGluYS1rbm93bGVzLWd1bWJvLXJvZGVvLWJleW9uY2UtMjIwODc5NDQucGhw&time=MTc3NDExMTM2MzgzOA%3D%3D&rid=OWQxMjY3NjktZTllZi00MTdiLWI1ZDgtYzU4ODMxZmNiODU3&sharecount=MQ%3D%3D

Sheletta’s favorite part of the show is when Steve Thomson shows up. They discuss Gopher Women’s hoops and their not so pretty win over Green Bay last night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He previews their next opponent, Ole Miss but says the Gophers can’t start slow like they did against Green Bay. They also chat about the WNBA’s new CBA and what that means for women’s basketball and athletes everywhere.

Hmong Artists Host Benefit Concert Fundraiser to Support Community Members Impacted by Immigration Enforcement Surge Tou Saik joins to promote a concert event that’s fundraising for families impacted by Operation Metro Surge. The event also features art from talented community members and a space to help heal divisions. The concert starts at 5pm tonight at the Pan Asian Center North! https://panasiancenter.com/

It’s National Poison Control Week! Mandy Slag has been pounding the pavement this week raising awareness about poison control. They discuss that this increased awareness is especially important now that cannabis is legal in Minnesota. Make sure you keep those gummies away from food areas and curious children! Sheletta asks when one calls 911 vs when to call the poison control number. https://mnpoison.org/ Call 1-800-222-1222 for non-judgemental HELP

The full second hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday, March 21st. Guests include Jen Polzin and Dr. Beth Olson.

Dr. Beth Olson is a Professor of Communication at the University of Houston. Sheletta is a former student of hers and Dr. Olson had great impact on her life as a journalist and a woman. Sheletta asks about her thoughts about the allegations against men like Cesar Chavez who is accused of sexually abusing young women and minors. They discuss the impact of women coming forward with their stories of abuse on the public and the women themselves.

Jen Polzin is the CEO at Tubman. Tubman helps people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds who have experienced relationship violence, sexual exploitation, homelessness, mental and chemical health challenges, and other trauma. Jen returns to the Sheletta Show to promote Tubman’s 17th annual Starlight Soirée while celebrating their 50th year serving our community. Jen says that she’s most proud of how people have stepped up and stood with survivors amidst policy changes, budget cuts and Operation Metro Surge in the last few months. She describes a massive effort to meet the needs of so many with caref...

The full first hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday, March 21st. Guests include Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega and Robert Harper

Robert Harper is Senior Manager of Community Empowerment at Mortenson Construction. He joins Sheletta to talk about his new position at Mortenson Construction and who/what he focuses on during his day to day. Sheletta asks him about his history with the Capital Pathways Program at the Citizens League and the impact it has had on so many people starting out their lives. Robert speaks to the importance in supporting Capital Pathways and fostering supportive relationships for young people in effort to improve civic culture and more diverse representation. The event is on April 16th! https://citizensleague.org/civiccelebration2026/ The...

Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega represents District 65B in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She confirms her plans to be at the No Kings Rally that is scheduled for March 28th in St. Paul. Rep. Pérez-Vega shares her thoughts on the citizens of Minneapolis and St. Paul receiving the JFK Profile in Courage Award. She and Sheletta talk about what our community has been through and how Minnesota has been the example for people across the country. In their second segment, Rep. Pérez-Vega talks about learning about the allegations against Cesar Chavez who is accused of sexually abus...

The full third hour of The Sheletta Show for March 7th, 2026. Guests include Rep. Patty Acomb, Sara Hollie and Steve Thomson.

Sheletta’s favorite part of the show is when Steve Thomson shows up. His phone is coming in loud and clear for Women’s History Month. He and Sheletta talk about the state they leave their house in before embarking on travel. Steve tries to explain how the NFL salary cap works as Sheletta asks about Justin Jefferson restructuring his contract. Steve also gives some advice in purchasing a new computer.

Sara Hollie is the Director of Hennepin County Public Health and she joins Sheletta to talk about a new initiative called Operation Reconnect. Sara says its a coordinated response to make sure that Hennepin County community members have access to services. Sara notes that Operation Metro Surge may be ending but the need for multilayered support will not. To find the support you need, follow the link below! https://www.hennepincounty.gov/government/projects-initiatives/emergencies/county-federal-response

Rep. Patty Acomb joins the Sheletta Show to talk about how she introduced legislation to rename the Community Solar Program for the late Speaker Emerita, and former Energy Committee chair, Melissa Hortman. Rep. Patty explains what still needs to be done process wise to make this happen. Sheletta asked where this idea came from, Rep. Patty says Melissa herself authored the law that put the program in place. Rep. Patty shares her stories in knowing and working with Melissa Hortman including serving on the “Wisdom Caucus”. Sheletta asks how serving her district has changed since she started in 2018, Rep. Patty says...

The full second hour of The Sheletta Show for March 7th, 2026. Guests include Dr. La Juana Whitmore and Monique Linder.

Monique Linder from OMG Digital Media Solutions joins the Sheletta Show. Monique talks about how she's worried about young people in her community and how their program at the Innovation Lab provides creative and literal safety for young artists in music, theater, art, production, etc. Sheletta asks how people can get involved with the program which includes working on a the film “The Allegory of the making of America”. https://omgmediasolutions.com/innovation-lab-2026/ OMG Digital Media Solutions is a media, entertainment and technology consulting firm that Monique started in 2014. OMG strives to empower communities through its OMGsims, social constructs rooted in t...

Dr. La Juana Whitmore is the new Executive Director of the FINNNOVATION Institute. Sheletta asks about how she came to be in her position. Dr. Whitmore speaks to her involvement in the FINNOVATION Lab the last few years, what she did working for Target and how she immersed herself in Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as she built her own business, La Juana Whitmore Consulting. Sheletta asks what her goals are in the Executive Director position. La Juana speaks to growing the FINNOVATION Institute’s brand and network beyond Minnesota.

The full first hour of The Sheletta Show for March 7th. 2026. Guests include Yolanda Pierson and Kristi Piehl.

Kristi Piehl is the CEO of Media Minefield and close friend of The Sheletta Show. It’s been a minute since we’ve talked to Kristi but she HAD to come on to address the McDonalds CEO apprehensively eating his own product which has sparked social media responses from some of their direct competitors. Kristi offers a hot take on the situation which shouldn’t surprise us given her expertise in media, branding and social media. Kristi is adamant in emphasizing authenticity when shaping and communicating your brand. In their second segment they talk about Kristi’s book, Flip Your Script a...

Yolanda Person is a close friend of the show and joins Sheletta again today to be celebrated! Last month she was named President and CEO of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce. This month she was selected to be one of the 2026 Women in Business honorees by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Yolanda speaks to how much it means to be chosen to represent her community and shares the impact her grandmother had on her life. Sheletta talks about how blessed they are to be recognized after generations of Black women and their contributions being purposely forgotten.

The full third hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday February 28th, 2026. Guests include Dr. Quint Lester and Allie Carey.

Allie Carey from Steve Rummler Hope Network joins the Sheletta Show to talk about saving lives and reducing stigma for people who use drugs. Allie talks about what they do at the Steve Rummler Hope Network, all the products/services they offer and how they educate people and spaces. She emphasizes that someone’s survival often depends on others knowing what to do. Whether it's providing test strips to check for fentanyl or training people how to act when they see someone in distress, the Steve Rummler Hope Network is an accessible way for you to get involved in supporting th...

Dr. Quintarias Lester is known as “The Joyful Dentist” at his Hilltop Dental practice in Maplewood. He is a frequent guest of the Sheletta Show and we had to get him on for the last day of Children’s Dental Health Month! Dr. Lester speaks to the necessity of developing good oral hygiene early in a person’s life. That includes check ups! Sheletta asks about what he does to connect with teenagers and how he convinces them to get in the dentist chair. Sheletta also asks about Dr. Lester working with children with special needs, Dr. Lester speaks to meeting...

The full second hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday February 28th, 2026. Guests include Roxanne Battle, Teresa Steinmetz. Lindsey also shares some stories and details about her trip to Australia.

Theresa Steinmetz joins Sheletta to talk about the Minnesota Warm Line. Things are heavy in this world and in our community. When things seem too big to deal with on your own you can Call/Text/Chat with a peer support specialist in Minnesota who can connect you with resources but also just be someone to talk to. Calling the Warm Line is free. Sheletta asks how a typical call goes and what to expect when calling. Call 651 288 0400, open 7 days a week, 9am-9pm Text the word SUPPORT 8511 https://namimn.org/peer-to-peer-warmlines/

Roxanne Battle is the VP of Communications at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. She is also the author of “Pockets of Joy”, a book that has been in Sheletta’s bag for weeks. Roxanne is down at the Authors of Minnesota Day at Black Garnet Books which is so packed that Roxanne had to hide in a service closet to do our interview in a quiet place. Sheletta and Roxanne discuss how she found herself involved, what her book means ten years after it was published and how she doesn’t see enough of Sheletta. https://roxanebattle.com/

The full first hour of The Sheletta Show for Saturday February 28th, 2026. Guests include Brian McDaniel, John Barnes and Kayla Chapman.

Kayla Chapman joins the Sheletta Show to share some details regarding the Hennepin County Lead Hazard Reduction Program. People can apply to get their residence tested and if lead is found for grants up to 15,000 to help fix those lead paint hazards. Kayla shares that homes built before 1978 are especially vulnerable. Call 612 543 4182 for more details and see if your household qualifies!

John Barnes is world-renowned sculptor and professor at Dillard University in New Orleans. God or fate or boarding pass people brought Sheletta and John together on a plane. Sheletta has decided to create a new awards commission called the “Shimmy” in effort to recognize and honor the Sounds of Blackness after the Grammys decided not to. John is the man who brought Sheletta’s vision to life. John discusses his beginnings in life and art, how he developed as an artist, who shaped his path and his position at Dillard University.

Brian McDaniel was down at the capitol with Sheletta earlier this week advocating for the growing number of those in need as programs and services continue to be cut. Sheletta asks Brian to get deep on his company, Momentum Advocacy, and what they do and why they do it. Brian explains that they understand how to navigate the system and make connections with those in power to have important conversations. In their second segment, Sheletta and Brian discuss the impossibility of separating business from politics or really anything from politics for that matter. Brian R. McDaniel is an attorney, college...

Looking for something new to discover? Artist Martha Bird may be able to guide you to take up basketry. She previews her lecture next Saturday at the U of M Arboretum.