The Global Grit Experience

In this episode, Dr. Judi Roux shares about the environmental impacts of fast fashion and clothing waste and how she's embraced creative upcycling to make a difference.

Judi Roux, Ed.D has been an educator for over 30 years. As the founder of tROUXly treasures, she's combining her experience and enthusiasm for environmental sustainability with her passion for yarn crafting. She does this by repurposing clothing memories and sharing those skills with other crafters. She teaches t-shirt yarn cutting and crocheting classes at various educational venues around Duluth and the north shore of Lake Superior.

RESOURCES<...

Guest Cedar Walters talks about the harms of plastics in our bodies and the environment in this episode and shares tactics to reduce plastic use.

Cedar Walters is Senior Director of Community Programs at West Central Initiative (WCI), where she leads community initiatives and connects people and communities with resources that support sustainability and resilience. In 2025 and 2026 she organized and supported eight community screenings of the Plastic People documentary, which led to the formation of a Beyond Plastics local chapter in west central Minnesota. Prior to joining WCI, Cedar worked at a county recycling facility for six...

What does voting for the environment mean? How can we find our way through political hype? How do we listen to candidates more critically?

My guest today is Dave Homans. Dave is a retired physician who serves as Citizen Climate Lobby’s Co-Coordinator for the state of Minnesota. He is active in lobbying our elected representatives to promote policies that will mitigate climate warming.

Resources

In this episode I give a little background of how I got into video, capturing stories around the world, and eventually, here, as a podcaster and host of The Global Grit Experience.

Examples of videos mentioned in the podcast

Volkswagen ID.4 Road Trip - What Fuels You- Ep.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ85tn5HDJ0

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Soul Pursuits Ep.1 - https://youtu.be/mlRZ-lckRWs?si=_CAeZTq5fLGZhxHd

Soul of of the Western Balkans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahpRDIo87n0&list=PLbXm1PcDvCSe...

How do we as humans balance our self-interest drive with environmental sustainability. There’s no easy answer but it’s definitely worth pondering, talking about, and hopefully acting on for the future of our natural world (and us). My guest today is Dr. Dennis Jacobs, retired physics professor, pilot, aeronautical engineer, sustainability educator, and author of multiple books.

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Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I SO appreciate you!

How do you make stuff happen - like saving a beautiful area from development and creating instead an amazing nature-based park that the locals, wildlife, and tourists love? Let’s find out in this episode with guest, Polly Andersen. Polly’s love of nature led her to champion the Wannigan Regional Park in her hometown of Frazee, MN.

Resources

https://wanniganpark.com/

Follow The Global Grit Experience:

Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience

Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience

Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com

Thanks for listening and being a part of The...

Honey bees! In this episode I chat with Sawyer Gilsdorf, professional beekeeper with Björn’s Colorado Honey in Boulder, Colorado (and my awesome nephew) to learn what’s involved with beekeeping year round in colder winter climates. And, of course, learn some amazing honey bee fun facts and their intricate matriarchal society.

Resources:

Björns Colorado Honey

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Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience

Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com

Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appr...

Emilia Skogen fell in love with birds at a young age and has been working with them ever since. In today's episode, I talk with her about why she's specifically working with three bird species in Minnesota and what conservation for them looks like through forestry management. Emilia is a Minnesota Public Lands Conservation Forester with the American Bird Conservancy.

RESOURCES

https://abcbirds.org/

https://abcbirds.org/ways-to-give/

https://abcbirds.org/get-involved/

Outdoor Heritage Fund work - Details about the three bird species Emilia works with, where...

In this episode I hit the North Country Trail with Matt Davis, the Regional Trail Coordinator for MN, ND and WI for the nonprofit, North Country Trail Association. We talk about this beautiful 5,000 mile trail, why public lands are important (in SO many ways), how they’re being taken away, sold, and at risk, and what we can do to stop this attack.

Matt also shares a few summer tips to keep us safe and comfy hiking.

Resources

North Country Trail Association: northcountrytrail.org

Sierra Club: https://www.sierraclub.org/issues/en...

Minnesota's AQI hit record highs recently during the wildfires making it feel apocalyptic with smoky, brown skies, evacuated homes, and air quality that made it dangerous and painful to breathe.

Erika sits down in the midst of it with guest Julia Frost Nerbonne, Executive Director of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light to talk about what it was like experiencing climate chaos firsthand and what diverse faiths are doing together to move forward with climate solutions. This conversation is real, inspiring, and hopeful.

Resources:

www.mnipl.org

Julia@mnipl.org

651.301.8195

Erika sits down and talks with farmer Cody Kurowski at his Sower’s Harvest Farm in Fergus Falls, MN to find out what got him into farming, why he’s going the chemical-free route, and how you farm year-round in a frigid winter state like Minnesota.

Resources:

Sower’s Harvest Farm

https://www.sowersharvestfarm.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sowersharvestfarm/

https://www.instagram.com/sowersharvestfarm/

Summer Veggie Recipes:

https://pinchofyum.com/summer-produce-recipes

https://www.bakedbymelissa.com/blogs/recipes/farm-stand-salad

https://www.homech...

What's different with a food co-op and can we really trust the organic food label? Erika talks with farmer and Manna Food Co-op General Manager, Ryan Pesch. Ryan started Lida Farm near Pelican Rapids, MN in 2004 and brings unique perspectives as a farmer, business person, and healthy foods advocate that is relevant wherever you live. Ryan refers to it as the good food movement in today's episode.

Resources:

https://mannafoodcoop.com/

Follow The Global Grit Experience:

Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience

Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience

Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com

Thanks...

Love frogs? Toads? Kelly sure does and shares with us why.

In today’s episode, Erika talks with Interpretive Park Ranger of 30 years, Kelly Blackledge to learn some fun facts about frogs, their sounds, how they survive in winter, and how they're doing out there.

Resources:

Frog & Toad Opera

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/frogs_toads/opera.html

Record your sightings on HerpMapper

https://www.herpmapper.org/

Minnesota Frog Watch

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering/frogtoad_survey/index.ht...

It's crazy how many toxic and hazardous 'cleaning' supplies we use in our homes. There's a better way.

In today’s episode, Erika sits down with former Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Sandy Gunderson to talk about alternative cleaning supplies that are easy to make, better for us and the environment, and will save us lots of money. Cha-Ching!

DIY Ways-TO-Clean-Green Resources:

https://greenamerica.org/ways-to-clean-green

https://homesteadingfamily.com/homemade-cleaning-recipes/

https://dakotavalleyrecyclingmn.gov/green-cleaners

https://islandgreenliving.org/non-toxic-cleaning/

Follow The Global Grit Experience:

Instagram: @th...

For this episode, I’ve invited Dr. Karen Branden back on the show to talk about a topic that’s been bugging me.

Why do we as humans often not speak up and challenge things that we know, at least deep down, are wrong?

It’s frustrating as hell why so many people in power are doing this, but how can we, our little spread out, but collective selves around the planet do things differently to make a difference? A recent podcast guest calls it having micro-courage and that intrigued me.

In this episod...

Jim Goodman, the owner of Bob’s Cabins in Two Harbors, MN has done what I think is very unusual in today’s world. He’s not bulldozing down a quaint getaway but instead restoring it AND building in energy efficiency and renewable energy to make it more affordable for guests to have extended stays.

Having worked for most of his life in the energy field, Jim says its about ethics to pursue renewable energy and energy efficiency because it makes economic sense. He calls it the sweet spot…doing good and saving money. Jim's perspective and tactics...

I've been hearing people saying lately how much they hate bugs or are scared of certain bugs and I’m like, I gotta do an episode on bugs…because we need bugs and they’re really so intricate and amazing. And, because I think it would be fun to learn a little bit more about them.

My guest today is Jessica Wyn Miller. She’s an environmental entomologist and insect advocate. She’s the owner of Dragons Wynd that shares the wonder and fascination of the insects and the services they provide in our own yards and environmen...

Today we’re talking about planting for pollinators! A few years ago I received a Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat grant through a MN statewide education program called Blue Thumb which is part of the nonprofit, Metro Blooms based in Minneapolis. Metro Blooms partners with communities and folks to create outdoor spaces that’s good for the water and land like installing rain gardens that filter and clean water and native plantings the provide habitat for pollinators.

With the grant, I started my first pollinator garden which has been addictive and now has transformed a once entirely mowe...

Sawyer Gilsdorf learned a few lessons on his snowy New Year's Day hike in the Colorado Rockies.

With declining natural shorelines from development, loon numbers have been hurting. People like my guest Mark Backes on Big Fish Lake in Minnesota are building loon nests to help them out. Hear what goes into making a loon nest, the success they're having, and some fun loon facts along the way.

The loon calls you'll hear are recorded on Gull Lake from a friend of mine and Minnesota's 'Loon Lady', Sheila Johnston.

Resources:

https://www.facebook.com/TheLoonLady/

https://www.nationallooncenter.org/

We are at a critical time when many of our public and sacred lands across the U.S. are being threatened.

Political decisions, like the recent, totally disgusting vote passed to undo protections that block copper mining in the Boundary Water’s watershed, are at risk of setting precedents for other wilderness areas, like Utah's Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument. We need to stand together, across state lines for wilderness protection.

Today’s Guest is Chris Riccardo, the Midwest organizer with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). Hear about what's happening with the Grand Staircase- Esca...

This was a Mother's Day of divine intervention.

Today’s episode on the challenge of balancing technology or screen time for the kids in our lives I think is really relatable to so many of us. But, how is this related to the Global Grit Experience that's about nature and the outdoors? Well, when kids and teenagers would rather be looking at a screen inside than doing something outside, we’re losing that important connection to nature and the outdoors in our kids.

My guest today is FABULOUS to give us some info and tips (without shame) on how to help us with the ever chan...

Yowza that was a real blow with the recent Senate’s vote to overturn a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. Argh! That vote from the House and then the Senate means voiding the protection of 225,000 acres in the Superior National Forest allowing the advancement to Twin Metals sulfide-ore copper mining upstream of the Boundary Waters wilderness near Ely, MN.

This isn’t just about the Boundary Waters. These kinds of votes can set a precedent for other protected areas as well in the U.S.

I’m just so disgusted as I know m...

This story is about a film shoot in Honduras, a lost dad, and a local. Sometimes intuition is everything.

I love adventure stories! If you have one, message me to be a guest on my podcast @theglobalgritexperience.

Hugs!

Today’s guest is Hallie Pond from Pine River, MN. I asked her to be a guest because I don’t know about you, but I can get so damn angry and frustrated with things going on in the world….and with our fellow human beings, who some, I’m confident we can all agree, are real shits.

But, anger builds conflict and conflict can start to break down communication. And, what we need now more than ever is clear, honest, bold communication.

Hallie Pond is the founder of Truespace Consulting. She helps people connect more aut...

Scott is SO INSPIRING! Man, he in his signature black cowboy hat has been making serious headway for nature in southwest Minnesota.

I’ve been to his land, got to walk among his restored prairie and soak in the quiet, see all sorts of wild flowers and watch more fireflies at night than I’ve seen since I was a kid.

Scott Rall runs his own business by day and is a conservationist every other second of his life. He’s a 30-year volunteer for Pheasants Forever, was awarded the Hero of Conservation Award by Field...

Kelly Blackledge knows her birds! She's so much fun to talk with, especially this time of year during spring migration as the woods, wetlands, lakes and bird feeders start getting busy baby. And, beautifully noisy! It's SO much fun hearing the first sandhill crane of the year, or the loon, or so many other birds we all love.

Kelly has over 30 years' experience as an Interpretive Park Ranger and a degree in Animal Ecology. She helps coordinate her local Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, is a volunteer for the Minnesota loon watcher survey, and you’ll be ab...

A scuba debacle with my little brother.

If you have an adventure story, message me on FB or IG! It would be fun to share it.

Thanks for being a part of the Global Grit Experience!

Today’s guest is another kick ass and inspiring person I wanted to share with you. I recorded this episode before I even had a podcast. I love her grit and wanted to share her perspective as a teenager on climate action.

Myiesha Antoni is an 18 year-old dual enrollment senior in high school and getting her associates degree. Dang girl. She’s from Henning Minnesota and lobbied for climate action in Washington, DC with Citizens Climate Lobby.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization with nationwide and international chapters.

L...

My guest today is Jim Etzel from Hackensack, Minnesota. He’s the owner of Earth is Our Home Environmental Solutions. He’s all about having healthy soils to have healthy food and a healthy world. I met Jim at a recent community event through West Central Initiative and learned about his passion for composting….but not your typical composting. Yep, today, we’re having what he calls, the poop talk.

"It's like baking cookies. You gotta get the recipe right. You gotta get the ingredients right. It breaks this material down from the ‘ew’ to topsoil." Jim Etzel

...

We're asked to make calls, write letters, sign petitions, protest…to make our voices heard to the higher ups in congress. But does it matter? Do our efforts actually ever make it up the food chain to make a difference?

I invited Ben Anderson to give us a little insight into this.

Ben has worked for three members of congress from Minnesota, the US House Committee on Agriculture, and at the US Department of Agriculture.

He shares what he thinks works, matters, and is most effective.

There's no better time than NOW to freshen up our skills on being grounded, centered and living our authentic lives, especially when everything is cray-cray and some of us are about to go off the rails (if we haven't already). I feel 'ya.

I’m big into mental health and I’m super excited about my guest, Tessa Wolden, whose going to give us some good tips on how to manage today's roller coaster(s) and tap into nature and the outdoors to help.

Tessa is a Board Certified Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Coun...

The rise of populism is wreaking havoc on the environment. Developing critical thinking is...well...critical, as well as challenging our world views.

This was kind of a deep dive that I absolutely loved. I learned so much from Dennis in this episode. Dennis Jacobs is a retired physics professor, pilot, and aeronautical engineer. He’s the author of multiple books including The Search for Science and From McEnergy to EcoEnergy, America’s Transition to Sustainable Energy, cowritten with Sociology Professor and wife, Dr. Karen Branden (also a prior podcast guest). He and Karen built and live in a...

Sometimes it's fun to just hear some outdoor adventure stories. This short story was an adventures with my dad.

Van and his wife Sue built a net-zero energy home 12 miles out of Alexandria, MN. As much as I wanted to know how they did it, it was why they did it that intrigued me.

Dr. Van Gooch is a retired professor of Biology from the University of Minnesota at Morris, where he taught for 35 years. After retirement, he and Sue set themselves to this challenge.

And, even if building a net-zero home isn’t in your cards, Van has good tips on what we can each do to save energy and money in where we...

I find it interesting why we do the things we do. And, why we feel compelled to play nicey-nice when it comes to talking about the environment and climate action. I get it. No one, including myself, wants to be beaten over the head with anything, especially 'shoulds', 'coulds' or major ass guilt trips. But yet, we want to take action and action can sometimes be SO damn overwhelming and frustrating. Especially when we don't see the results we want fast enough or even sometimes, at all.

Today’s guest, Dr. Karen Branden, is going to give us...

Today, we’re talking with Pastor Beth Monke. I wanted to talk with Beth to hear about climate action from a religious or spiritual perspective. Beth is a Pastor at the Grove Lake Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota AND she’s a climate activist! Whoop! Whoop! Beth is the Citizen's Climate Lobby (CCL) co-leader for the Fergus Falls, MN chapter. Beth has a lot of depth and wisdom you'll love to hear.

Citizen's Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan organization that empowers every day people (like you and me) to work together on climate policy. There are 420+ chap...

Dacia Dauner built an outdoor nature school in Bemidji, MN. Picture a combo of a twenty something below winter and kids in cozy yurts for classrooms…. and you have Apple Blossom Nature School. She (and the kids and other teachers) have GRiT!

Dacia Dauner is the founder of Apple Blossom Village, a micro-school that provides nature-based programs for kids, families and the community year round.

One of the biggest things we can do for the outdoor places we love and a world we want to see where nature is priority and not a commodity is to get engaged politically, learn about and support environmental candidates and VOTE for the environment. Speaking up, standing up and voting for nature takes GRiT… but like I say, nature deserves our grit, right? Let’s learn a few tips on what we can do and how we can get involved when we really don't want to, but we know we have to. It doesn't have to be painful.