Executive Director of the Living Earth Center Laura Marsala joins us to talk about her work and the mission of the organization. The Living Earth Center provides access to land for local growers to grow produce of cultural significance that is otherwise unavailable. Along with providing space for folks to garden and grow crops they work to deliver food to organizations that deal with families facing hunger like the Backpack Food program and the Echo food shelf. Laura also lets us know about some of the programming and community building that happens through the organization from solstice celebrations to open mics and even hosting conversations about bike polo and vampire novels. You can find out more information at: https://www.livingearthcentermn.org/

Artists, Brothers and Business owners Alex and Justin Ek talk about their decision to close their joint business venture 108 Alchemy in Old Town Mankato. We learn about the challenges and lessons learned as well as well as covering some of the impacts the storefront has had on the Old Town landscape. The Brothers also share some insights into their own artistic philosophies and ideas as to where their creative energy might flow next.

Singer songwriter and multi instrumentalist Beret Finken joins us to talk about her journey as a musician, her upcoming album "Change with the Seasons" that is currently in the middle of a kickstarter campaign and her love for video game and theatre.

Illustrator and musician Kat Baumann joins us to talk about her work as a freelance artist. Kat just finished working on a four issue comic Ben Mortara which follows the archeological adventures of a globetrotting Professor Ben Mortara, we learn about her processes as an illustrator as well as some insights into the industry itself. Kat also talks about her work as a vocalist performing with Joe Tougas and the Associates as well as a troupe in the renaissance festival. You can follow Kat at the following ⁠katbaumann.com⁠ ⁠twitter.com/kat_baumann⁠ ⁠instagram.com/katbaumanncomics⁠ ⁠tumblr.com/katbaumann⁠

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredibly talented Josh Madson, a photographer, director, and cinematographer with a passion for community engagement. Join us as we explore Josh's latest project, set to launch as part of an upcoming festival right here in our own community. Josh will be offering free portrait sessions to the people of Mankato, capturing their unique personalities and stories through his lens. These captivating portraits will then be showcased at the renowned Coffee Hag, a local hub for creativity and community gathering. We delve into Josh's motivation behind this inspiring endeavor, uncovering the transformative power of art and its ability to foster connection and belonging within a community. Through his lens, Josh aims to highlight the diverse faces and stories that make Mankato such a vibrant place to live. During our conversation, we'll explore the creative process behind capturing these portraits, Josh's approach to storytelling through photography, and the impact he hopes to achieve through this project. We'll also touch on the role of art in fostering community engagement and the importance of showcasing local talent. Whether you're a photography enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone passionate about building a stronger community, this episode of the TF Cast is not to be missed. Join us as we sit down with Josh Madson and explore the intersection of art, community, and the power of a single portrait. Get ready to be inspired and discover the beauty that lies within our own backyard. http://www.joshmadson.com/

Vocalist Cara Lucille joins us to talk about her experience in the 2022 Minnesota Original Music Festival Band Challenge as well as her role as an organizer in the upcoming event this year. The 48 hour band challenge drafts participants into teams tasked with preforming 2 covers and 1 original song in front of a panel of judges for a chance to perform on the main stage at the MNOMF along with other prizes. You can find more information about the band challenge and performances at mnomf.com

Entertainer Mollie Fischer joins us to talk about her role as a performer in Skitzo Fonik, we learn about her work in the band as well as some insights into her journey as a musician and entertainer. Mollie also shares some stories from her time working on cruise ships.If you want to catch Skitzo Fonik in the Mankato area they will be playing a show with production by Triple Falls on June 2nd 2023 at the Mankato Brewery.

Photographers Emily Stark, Fede Sagolpa and Bailey Burg join the TF team to talk about Music in Focus a photography exhibit organized by Emily Stark featuring works from the entire group's coverage of the Mankato music scene. We learn a little bit about everyones background in photography, connection to the music scene and workflow as we come together around this exhibit that will be shown in the 410 project from June 2nd-17th.

Artist Shelley Caldwell joins us to talk about "Inversion" her upcoming installation at the 410 project in Mankato, MN. She shares some insights into what has gone into her new works and what separates them from past work. Shelley also shares some of her thoughts on creative practices and work as an artist. You can catch Inversion May 12th-27th at the 410 and be sure to follow Shelley on IG @scald_art

Rodolfo, Deisy and Ruben of Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER) join us to talk about their ongoing projects and their newly opened office in Mankato. We have the opportunity to learn about the history, research and impacts of an organization with over 30 years of work in the region. You can find out more at about hacer at: https://hacer-mn.org/

Organizers Megan Schnitker, Alex Ek and Megan Hoogland join us to talk about MANIFEST community centered art fair presented by Mahkato Revitalization Project and MWAC unifying the Indigenous Art Fair with the Post Holiday Extravaganza. MANIFEST will feature live music, outdoor art booths, an art raffle/silent auction from 12pm to 3:30pm, food, kids activities, & Indigenous centered classes presented by MRP. We learn about the educators, performers, activities and vendors you will encounter during the event as well as some background information about the organizers. MANIFEST is taking place May 13th at the Blue Earth County Library starting at noon for more information check out the MANIFEST event on facebook or @manifest_mankato on IG.

Executive Director of the Carnegie Art Center Charlie Leftridge joins us to talk about his position at the center, their connection to the community, value of historic venues and to fill us in on some of the services the Carnegie offers. We also learn a little about Charlies history in arts advocacy as well as a little about his work as a musician and composer.

Distillers Jace and Sarah share their passion for producing whiskey, gin and rum, we have the opportunity to try some of their cocktails, explore the distillery and learn about how the products are made. Black Frost is a northern terroir distillery focusing on whiskey, you can visit their cocktail lounge in New Ulm, Minnesota at 201 1st st. N or find out more information at blackfrostdistilling.com

Artist Markus Bean joins us to talk about Mystic Wild, his first solo show that will be installed in the 410 Project April 21st-May 6th as well as his participation in the Mankato Art Crawl. We learn about his journey as an artist, his connection to nature, spiritual life as a norse practitioner and connection to the southern Minnesota region.

Artist and Designer Jenna Freimuth joins us to talk about her experience installing and showing "Lady to Lady" a cooperative show with Theresa Crozier at the 410 project. We also learn about her work as a fiber artist as part of The Wondermakers Collective as well as some insights into her creative process and marketing as a digital artist. Check her work out at the links below. Portfolio: www.jennafreimuth.com Email: jennafreimuth@gmail.com Instagram: @jennafreimuth Wondermakers Collective: https://thewondermakerscollective.com/

Michael Callahan joins us to talk about his study and practice of magic & comedy spanning over twenty years in the region. We learn how some tricks are designed as well as some anecdotes from his time working as a professional magician. If you want to check out a performance Michael he is featured on Quick Wits Ep.3 | Michael Callahan

Musician, educator and producer Luke Smith joins us to talk about his musical projects ranging from singer songwriter to hip hop, instrumental and low fi. He also shares his experiences in the Mankato music scene as a university student, performer and guitar teacher.

Film maker Ryan Sturgis, owner of True Facade Pictures a media company who has been active in the Mankato area for over a decade joins us to talk about his experiences working in the film industry in Mankato as well as on both coasts. Ryan shares with us some of his motivations for getting into the industry, his love of storytelling, how he brings those passions to the work he does in documentary film making as well as marketing as well as telling a few stories from along the way.

Artist, educator and executive director of the 410 Project Dana Sikkila joins us again to update us on the 410. We learn about the upcoming juried art show as well as having an in depth conversation about her experiences working with incarcerated artists. She also shares some insights into what we can expect to see from some of her personal art projects in the coming months.

Musician Calvin Porter joins us to talk about Bejalvin his cybergrind duo with childhood friend Jacob and their new album Bejible. We also learn about his experiences as a Music Industry Major at MSU Mankato as well as his DJ project DJ CR4IG. You can check out the music at bejalvin.com or Calvin on instagram at @djcr4ig

Holly and Nicholas introduce us to "The Lectern Series" a community education project that allows people to speak at length sharing their knowledge and experiences. These speeches are live streamed and followed by a Q&A session. We learn about the origins of the event, the history of the lectern itself and gain insights into the personal philosophy that motivated Nicholas and Holly to pursue the project. https://thelecternseries.com/