KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Anika Robbins, Founder and CEO of the ANIKA Foundation, joins Chantel Sings to discuss Juneteenth Minnesota 2026: A Family Celebration, taking place June 19 at the Minnesota State Capitol. The free, family-friendly event commemorates the 160th anniversary of emancipation while celebrating Black history, culture, music, and community through live performances, educational resources, food, art, and entrepreneurship. Robbins highlights performances by Billboard-charting R&B artist Raheem DeVaughn, local musicians, and the event’s recognition of community leaders through the Community Griot Awards. The conversation also explores the importance of Juneteenth, the impact of scholarship opportunities for students an...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, best-selling author, poet, and journalist Clint Smith joins Freddie Bell to discuss his acclaimed book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America and his upcoming appearance as the featured speaker at the Minnesota Humanities Center's Juneteenth Brunch. Smith reflects on why confronting the history of slavery is essential to understanding the United States today, how communities can build a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, and why efforts to erase African American history are ultimately unsuccessful. The conversation explores the power of storytelling, historical memory...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Helen Ferraro and Patrick Bass join Freddie Bell to discuss the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration at Centennial Lakes Park in Edina. The event brings together community organizations, local leaders, Black-owned businesses, artists, performers, and resource providers for an afternoon focused on empowerment, education, culture, and connection. Attendees can enjoy live music, dance, spoken word performances, youth activities, book giveaways, interactive art experiences, and more than 30 community resource tables. Organized through partnerships between the Anti-Racism Collective, the Joint Community Police Partnership Liaison, the Cities of Edina and Richfield, and numerous community volunteers, the celebration honors the...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kia Bratz, Manager of Marketing Events at Mystic Lake Hotel Casino, joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview The Great Midwest Rib Fest, taking place June 25–27 in Prior Lake. She discusses the family-friendly event featuring award-winning pitmasters from across the country, free live entertainment, food vendors, and the opportunity for attendees to vote for their favorite ribs. Kia also highlights the growing rivalry between Minnesota-based Just North of Memphis BBQ and Carolina BBQ, two family-connected teams competing for top honors. The conversation includes details about the World Rib Eating Championship, cash prizes for co...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Shawna Frazier and Fola Badwas join Chantel Sings to discuss The Next Chapter Home Tour, a special event designed to help individuals and families explore downsizing, right-sizing, and new construction options with confidence. Shawna explains why more homeowners are reconsidering what they need in a home and shares common questions people have about building new, financing options, and builder incentives available in today’s market. Listeners will also hear practical advice about what to know before selling one home and buying another, along with how touring multiple communities in one day can provide clarity—even...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and producer Leonard Searcy, alongside acclaimed producer Brenda Gilbert joins Freddie Bell to discuss MegaMiXer 2026, a three-day event bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals from across film, television, music, sports, fashion, and media. Leonard shares how MegaMiXer was created to open doors, create opportunities, and showcase Minnesota’s untapped creative talent while giving attendees direct access to industry leaders and decision-makers. Brenda reflects on her remarkable journey co-founding BRON Studios, producing award-winning films, and her upcoming fireside chat, “Peaks & Perils: Founding Your Production Company,” where she’ll discuss the highs, c...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Minnesota Realtor Shawna Frazier joins Freddie Bell to discuss The Next Chapter Home Tour, a special event designed to help individuals and families explore downsizing, right-sizing, and new construction options with confidence. Shawna explains why more homeowners are reconsidering what they need in a home and shares common questions people have about building new, financing options, and builder incentives available in today’s market. Listeners will also hear practical advice about what to know before selling one home and buying another, along with how touring multiple communities in one day can provide clarity—even for...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Basketball Hall of Famer & Big3 coach Nancy Lieberman and Prostate Cancer Foundation President & CEO Gina Carithers join Freddie Bell to discuss a powerful new partnership between the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Ice Cube’s BIG3 basketball league aimed at saving lives through early prostate cancer detection. They explain the “Check the Box! Saving Lives Together” campaign, which encourages men—especially Black men who face significantly higher risks—to take three simple steps: talk to a doctor, take a PSA blood test, and learn their PSA score. The conversation highlights the urgent need for awareness, the role s...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Malik Rucker, founding Executive Director of V3 Sports, joined Freddie Bell for the "Community Builders Series" to discuss his North Minneapolis roots and the experiences that inspired his mission to invest in the community through health, wellness, and opportunity. A fifth-generation Northsider, Rucker reflected on the vision behind V3 Sports and how the organization has grown from a one-person operation into a major nonprofit serving families through fitness, aquatics, youth programming, and education. He explained that V3’s mission extends far beyond athletics, focusing on building healthier communities, creating access, and strengthening economic empowerment th...

William Pierce and Sannia Eliza joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview the 3rd Annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota Pageant, celebrating Black excellence, leadership, and the historical significance of Juneteenth. They discussed the pageant’s continued growth, including the addition of Mister and Mr. Juneteenth divisions and new age categories, bringing together more than 30 contestants competing for scholarships, awards, and opportunities for personal development. The conversation highlighted how the nonprofit pageant program goes beyond competition by offering mentorship, financial literacy, healthy lifestyle education, networking, and career exposure designed to empower Black youth and adults across generations. Listeners also learned ab...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, LaVina Branscomb joined Chantel Sings to share how her North Minneapolis roots and personal journey have shaped her work as a multimedia artist blending graphic design, painting, digital art, and community storytelling. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Branscomb turned to art as a source of healing and transformed that experience into a mission to spread joy, uplift others, and celebrate community voices. She discussed her participation in The People’s Artist competition, a national showcase recognizing artists who use creativity to inspire healing, connection, and social impact, with the winner receiving a $25,000 pr...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala of AARP Minnesota joined Chantel Sings to review key outcomes from the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and discuss bipartisan efforts to improve financial security and quality of life for older adults. Haapala highlighted new legislation banning cryptocurrency kiosks beginning August 1, citing their growing use in scams and the difficulty victims face recovering stolen funds. He also discussed the expansion of Attorney General restitution funds for fraud victims, updates to Medicare coverage options for Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions, and strengthened protections for residents in assisted living, nursing facilities, and homeowners associations. Throughout the conversation...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview a series of Juneteenth events designed to celebrate African American history, culture, and community while reflecting on the nation’s continued pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Lindsey highlighted signature events including a Juneteenth Brunch and Community Conversation featuring bestselling author Clint Smith, Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy with Black chefs and music from VocalEssence, the 30th anniversary performance of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story, and a documentary screening of The Making of America. He di...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to spotlight a season of celebration across Minneapolis Public Schools, highlighting the accomplishments of students, educators, and athletic teams. She congratulated music educators Lesley Earles and Laurie Meyers for being named quarterfinalists for the 2027 Grammy Educator of the Year Award and recognized the district’s 2026 Athena Award winners for excellence in athletics and leadership. Dr. Sayles-Adams also celebrated championship moments for Anthony Middle School girls flag football, Roosevelt High School’s adapted bowling team, and Southwest High School’s Unified soccer team, while applauding Olson...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, bdifferent joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss his new single, Done Looking 4 Love, dropping May 29, and the inspiration behind his latest music. He reflects on how Minneapolis has become a second home since 2020, sharing how the city embraced his early performances and played a role in his artistic growth. The conversation highlights his upcoming headline show, which features a carefully curated lineup of Minneapolis talent and reflects his commitment to supporting and investing in the local music community. bdifferent also talks about the growing national attention around his career, including support from...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Chief Joe Dotseth joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss his vision for public safety across the Twin Cities transit system and how the Metro Transit Police Department is taking a whole-community approach to policing. He explains how beat policing, neighborhood engagement, and partnerships with social service organizations are helping improve safety while connecting riders experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges to support. Dotseth also highlights outreach efforts, including the Northside Community Engagement Team and initiatives designed to build trust between law enforcement and the communities Metro Transit serves. The conversation explores...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Leslie E. Redmond joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to reflect on the significance of the sixth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and why preserving truth and collective memory remains essential in this moment. She discusses Win Back’s annual Day of Remembrance, which brings together civic leaders, families, and community members to honor Floyd’s legacy through healing, reflection, and action. Redmond previews this year’s events, including the Yellow Flower Ceremony at George Floyd Square, scholarship presentations for local youth, and a historic conversation featuring representatives from the families of George Floyd and Emme...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Marquita W. Stephens joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss her historic leadership as the first female President & CEO of Urban League Twin Cities and how the organization is responding to today’s political and economic climate. She shares how Urban League Twin Cities continues to provide critical workforce services, helping individuals gain skills, secure employment, and build long-term stability. Stephens also highlights the organization’s family stabilization efforts, designed to support families navigating economic uncertainty and systemic barriers. The conversation explores the importance of investing in youth development, including the need for cont...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Principal Erik Hensel joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to celebrate a major milestone as Emerson Dual Language Elementary School marks 100 years as a cornerstone of the Loring Park community. He shares the history of Emerson’s Spanish immersion program, one of the oldest in Minnesota, and explains how the school’s dual language model helps students build bilingual skills, cultural awareness, and academic success. Hensel gives listeners a preview of the Emerson Centennial Celebration on May 29, featuring student performances, cultural dance groups, food, and opportunities for the community to reconnect and share memories. The...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kevin Lindsey joins Freddie Bell to discuss what festivals reveal about Minnesota’s identity and why communities across the state are eager to gather, celebrate, and share traditions. He explains how the Minnesota Humanities Center’s festival grants support events that preserve stories, food, music, and cultural heritage while creating opportunities for neighbors to connect and learn from one another. Lindsey highlights the strong demand for funding, with applicants requesting more than $14 million this year, underscoring the value Minnesotans place on joyful, community-centered experiences. The conversation also explores the economic and cultural impact of fest...

James Burroughs joins Freddie Bell to discuss the important work happening at Children’s Minnesota and the organization’s ongoing commitment to improving the health and well-being of children and families across the region. He shares how his leadership role connects equity and inclusion efforts with advocacy, government affairs, and community partnerships to address social determinants of health. The conversation also highlights how Children’s Minnesota is strengthening organizational culture, supporting patient quality initiatives, and building deeper relationships with the communities it serves. Burroughs explains how new executive leadership roles are helping drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term impact for Minnes...

Terace Johnson joins KMOJ to discuss The Great Minnesota Career Expo, a major workforce development event designed to connect Minnesotans with career pathways, employers, and hands-on industry experiences. Hosted by Spotlight Staffing, the expo will take place May 21 at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront and features interactive demonstrations in aviation, skilled trades, culinary arts, retail, and agriculture. Johnson explains that the event is more than a traditional job fair—it’s focused on building community partnerships, expanding workforce opportunities, and helping people discover high-growth careers, including entry-level positions starting at $60,000 or more with no prior experience required. She also disc...

Christine Tucci Osorio joins Freddie Bell for another “Chat with Christine,” sharing updates on the many end-of-year celebrations and student achievements happening across North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District 622. She highlights the AVID program and explains how it helps students build academic skills, strengthen college and career readiness, and create meaningful connections throughout high school. Tucci Osorio also discusses the importance of grades and credit completion as the school year wraps up, encouraging students and families to stay engaged and finish strong. The conversation closes with information about summer learning opportunities, including Freedom School, designed to help students continue growing acad...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Yee Yang joins Freddie Bell to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and discuss this year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” Representing Minneapolis Public Schools, Yang highlights the rich diversity and cultural contributions of AANHPI communities both locally and nationwide. The conversation includes a discussion of Hmong American Day on May 14 and the historical significance of the Hmong community’s journey to the United States following the Vietnam War. Yang also previews MPS Hmong Heritage Night at the Davis Center, featuring food, performances, cultural activities, and opportunities for fami...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Mikeya Griffin joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to celebrate one year since Golden Thyme Restaurant reopened under the leadership of Rondo Community Land Trust. A proud “Rondo baby,” Griffin reflects on the importance of preserving culturally significant spaces that serve as anchors for community connection, history, and economic opportunity. She discusses the legacy of Golden Thyme’s original founders and how the restaurant continues to bring neighbors together through food, music, and events that celebrate the spirit of the Rondo neighborhood. The conversation also highlights Rondo CLT’s broader mission to support local business...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Liz Schwab joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to explain why public interest in data centers is rapidly increasing as digital technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and online services become more central to everyday life. Representing Google's global infrastructure and energy team, she discusses the real-world purpose of data centers and clears up common misconceptions about how they operate and support modern communication, business, healthcare, education, and entertainment. Schwab also highlights the economic benefits these facilities can bring to local communities, including jobs, infrastructure investment, and partnerships with local stakeholders. The conversation explores how...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Esther Agbaje joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to provide an inside look at the final days of the Minnesota legislative session, highlighting key priorities, ongoing negotiations, and what residents can expect before adjournment. She reflects on the fast-paced session, sharing progress made on housing, taxes, and community investments, while also outlining what major issues remain unresolved. A major focus of the conversation is the future of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), where Rep. Agbaje discusses her proposed “Ballpark” funding solution and the urgency of bipartisan action to preserve this critical safety-net hospital. She also...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss how Minnesotans, especially older adults, can prepare for severe weather season as storms, floods, and emergencies become more likely. Representing AARP Minnesota, he highlights the unique vulnerabilities many older residents face, including mobility challenges, healthcare needs, and limited access to resources during disasters. He shares practical steps families can take now, from building emergency kits and securing important documents to signing up for local alerts and connecting with organizations like American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Haapala also warns about the surge of...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Daren Johnson joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to highlight how learning continues beyond the school year through extended learning programs at Minneapolis Public Schools. He explains opportunities for K-8 students, including after-school programs like STEM, GEMS/GISE, and Discovery & Learning, which focus on academic enrichment and hands-on experiences. Johnson also discusses Summer Scholars Academies and the Summer Fast Track Academy for 9th graders, which includes cultural learning and field trips. For high school students, he outlines the importance of summer credit recovery programs, especially for those needing to stay on track for graduation. The...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, G. Phillip Shoultz, III joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to discuss VocalEssence’s season finale concert, “Global Rhythms, Joyful Voices,” happening May 3 at Ordway Concert Hall. He shares how the performance brings together music, dance, and storytelling from cultures across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, reflecting the diverse traditions that shape American music. The event features a wide range of performers, including drummers, dancers, puppetry artists, and more than 100 singers, creating a vibrant, immersive experience. Shoultz highlights the importance of community-centered art and how shared singing can inspire connection and creativity across generations. Listeners also h...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jennifer Bordon joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to talk about “Let’s Roll MPS,” a free, community bike ride happening May 6 on the Northside to celebrate National Bike to School Day. She explains how the event brings together students, families, and community members to promote active living, connection, and healthy habits, while also highlighting the importance of volunteer support. Jennifer shares details about the five-mile ride, safety tips for participants, and the post-ride celebration featuring nutritious food. She also discusses how Minneapolis Public Schools is expanding bike education through programs like Walk!Bike!Fun! and pa...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Rep. Esther Agbaje about ongoing efforts at the State Capitol to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation. She outlines key proposals, including restrictions on assault weapons, bans on high-capacity magazines, and measures addressing emerging threats like untraceable “ghost guns.” While many Minnesotans support these policies, she explains that political divisions and a closely split legislature have made progress difficult. Rep. Agbaje also highlights solutions that are already working, such as red flag laws, and emphasizes the need for greater investment in community violence intervention and victim services to create safer comm...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Liam Green about the mission of Every Meal and its efforts to address child hunger across Minnesota. He explains how the organization provides weekend food support to students experiencing food insecurity, ensuring they have access to meals outside of school days. The conversation highlights the program’s roots in Minneapolis Public Schools and its growth to serve hundreds of schools statewide. Green also shares how volunteers play a vital role in this work and encourages listeners to get involved during Volunteer Appreciation Month and beyond. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell talks with Londell McMillan, the co-owner of Paisley Park. McMillan spoke bout the energy at Paisley Park on yesterday, which marked ten years since Prince's passing. He also spoke about the recent release of Prince's version of With This Tear, which was recorded back in 1991. On the subject of music, McMillan also spoke about the extensive library of unreleased music and also how he decides to release it. Lastly, he closed with speaking about the legacy and impact of Paisley Park and how to keep that connection to the community going for...