JJ Meets World

Today we hang out with Megan Myrdal, Annie Wood & Gia Rassier from Food of the North, whose mission is to celebrate, connect and empower our local food community! Topics include common myths about expiration dates, the importance of portion control, reducing food waste, the connection between food and family, and much more! To learn more about Food of the North visit www.foodofthenorth.com! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Our good friend Greg Carlson is back to give us a preview of the 2020 Film Festival, which is celebrating its 20th year! For more information on the festival, visit www.fargofilmfestival.org!

In today's episode of JJ Meets World, our guest is Fargo City Commissioner John Strand! In this wide-ranging conversation, John talks about growing up without role models in the gay community, buying the High Plains Reader right before the flood of 1997, his dreams and ambitions for his civil service, and so much more! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is our good friend Sarah Schaan, who we've known since high school! Sarah talks about what it's like balancing being a new mom with her nursing career, college roommates, wedding day stresses, and so much more! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com

Today's guest is entrepreneur and performer Randy Long! We do a deep dive into his businesses The Entertainment Company, Santa Magic, and The Pix Squad, and also Randy's work history doing clowning, balloon animals, singing telegrams, dinner theatre, and much more! For more episodes, or to find out how you can help support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Time to pull out your Sega Genesis and hook up your CRT TV! In this episode, the JJMW crew does a deep dive into the new movie Sonic the Hedgehog starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, and Tika Sumpter. Spoilers galore! For more episodes, or to find out how you can help support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is Jon Micheels Leiseth, the director of Theatre B's latest production The Roommate by Jen Silverman. We discuss a wide range of topics, including Jon's vision of the play, the trials, and tribulations of co-habitation, how introverts recharge, and Jon's work as a Deacon with the ELCA! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com! Tickets to The Roommate can be purchased at www.theatreb.org.

In today's Valentine's Day Special, we welcome back podcaster and self-care mentor Randi Kay for some improv, music, and storytelling! We get the latest on her wildly successful podcast The Simple Self Care Podcast, more stories from knowing JJ in high school, and we end the show with a musical performance by Randi! For more episodes, or to learn how you can support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com! For more information on Randi check out her website at www.naturallyrandikay.com!

Today's guest is audio-engineer and musician Phil Kerr! We talk with Phil about his passion for guitars, his opinions on the state of his industry, and everything you need to know about moving a house! For more episodes, or to learn how you can support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is Tucker's dad Bill Lucas! We talk about his career as an educator, working as a touring theatre actor, embarrassing moments in parenting, and more! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is cinematographer and video producer Kerry Shelton! We have a fantastic conversation about the world of video work, some of the crazier filming events of his life, making a viral Doritos commercial, and his advice to folks starting their careers in media production! For more JJ Meets World, or to help support the podcast, check out www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is Tom Jennings, who works as a newsman for KFGO! We talk about why he decided to move to Fargo, his time in radio over the past seven years, and his opinions on Mormonism after leaving the Mormon church. For more episodes or to find out how you can support our podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is musician and business owner Deb Jenkins! Topics covered include her time going to school in Guam, her careers in nursing and music, founding the Celebration of Women and their Music event, and how she became someone who loved to cook! For more episodes, or to support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com. Deb Jenkins Official Website - www.debjenkins.com

Today's guest is botanist Dr. Christopher Davenport, and we chat with the good doctor about all things green! Highlights include future technologies and photosynthesis, variations in plant mutations, the ultimate fate of our bee colonies, and why we should consider growing plants in space! For more episodes, or to help support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com.

Today's guests Scottie Knollin and Greg Carlson are the co-founders of the North Dakota Film Society, which was created in 2019 to promote film education, preservation, criticism, and exhibition. We talk about the formation of the society, advocating for films that don't make it to smaller markets, and exposing people to other cultures through filmmaking. Plus, tips on bee-keeping! For more episodes, or to find out how you can support this podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Our good friend Amber Noel Parsons from Midwest Mud returns to the podcast, and teaches JJ how to make a beer stein out of clay! They talk about learning lessons through failure, the types of clays that can be used in ceramics, and life living in a loose language household! For more episodes, or to help support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

Today's guest is Dr. David Wintersteen, who is a professor and the Director of Theatre at Concordia College. We cover a ton of topics with David, including his first acting gig, working outdoors in the Grand Tetons, staying healthy, making art for work, and the most important skills that every director should have. For more episodes, or to help support the podcast, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

The EPIC CONCLUSION of The Butterslide Saga. Starring host J.J. Gordon, with return guests Britta Ann, Jason Jacobson, and Phil Godel! Part 1 - http://jjmeetsworld.libsyn.com/128-air-dd-1 Part 2 - http://jjmeetsworld.libsyn.com/134-the-butterslide-battle Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

In our first new episode of 2020, we hang out with Patrick Kasper, creator of the popular exercise and motivational program Positive Motion! We chat about dancing with the Gaspers, hosting a morning radio show in the Cayman Islands, and his new original musical Purple Rhymes With Orange! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

The JJMW crew reflects back on the people we met and the conversations we had in the year 2019! Plus we announce our new website, merch shop, and episode release schedule for 2020! To help support the podcast, or to find more episodes, visit www.jjmeetsworld.com!

It's our 2019 2-Hour Christmas Special Bonanza Extravaganza! We decided to spend Christmas with some of our previous guests! Featuring the music of Jessica Vines and Conor Lee, with special guests CJ Schnase, Sally Jacobson, Greg Carlson, and Krissy & Arlo Skajewski! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is filmmaker and film professor Kyja K-Nelson! We talk about her experimental film work, film-watching snack preferences, Curling, and her membership in the notorious Fargo Street Hawks. No false metal. Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is radio personality Chase Miller, who has worked in sports broadcasting for over a decade! Topics of conversation include athlete name pronunciations, the annoyances of guitars at parties, and the differences between marching band and pep band. Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is David Wilhelmi, who is an expert on stagecraft, stage combat, Dungeons and Dragons, and so much more! We talk about growing up in California, how he met his wife, life working on a cruise ship, and some tips and tricks when it comes to theatre tech! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is longtime local TV personality and President and CEO of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, Charley Johnson! We talk about his interests playing guitar and banjo, his past life as a roadie for Neil Diamond, and why people should consider our neck of the woods for their next vacation! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

In today's episode, our guest is Lisa Richter Meyers, part-owner of Dempseys Public House, Wurst Bier Hall, and Beer and Fish Company! We chat about the trials and tribulations of restaurant and bar ownership, her favorite menu items, and plans for the future! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is author Blaine Cook. We do a deep dive into Blaine's writing process for his novel "The Nearby Resident", plus some good tangents on reading, hunting, and self-publishing! And in the intro, we experiment with our own take on ASMR! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is Disney expert Scott Ecker, who guides us through a deep discussion about the House of Mouse! We go over company history, obscure bits of trivia, animation stories and technology, and so much more! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is Lucas Beneke, who works as the IT guy at JJ's day job! We talk about technology, butchering meat, Magic the Gathering, and more! Also, we dream of an ideal version of the John Travolta Box Set (or JTBS for short). Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is our buddy Shannon Wiedman, who talks about her battle with cancer over the past year. We also have a lot of laughs chatting about pickles, weird Halloween costumes, hospital fridge etiquette, alien abductions and more! This episode is best summed up by a quote from Shannon's blog, which you can read more of at www.crushing-cancer.com. "So there it is, I have cancer. It sucks, but you better believe I'm still going to laugh with you and make you smile, because that's what I do. Sometimes it's a little awkward and uncomfortable, but laughing and smiling through this is the only way I know how to do it."

It's the return of our favorite Burning Man aficionado Mike Ressl! We talk about how Burning Man 2019 went down, plus some deep Jurassic Park discussions and JJ dreams about starting his own pumpkin patch! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is Ryan Dahl, bass player for the band Go Murphy! Besides chatting about Ryan's music, most of this episode is devoted to an epic adventure to Cuba Ryan took (on a tiny sailboat) almost twenty years ago! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is the Founder of Do Good Better Consulting, Patrick Kirby! We chat with Patrick about his new book Fundraise Awesomer, what it takes to balance his work and family life, and approaching the difficult task of fundraising in the world of non-profits! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is Mayor Johnathan Judd of Moorhead, Minnesota! We discuss his first year in office, how he fell in love with this community, and his day job working as a public defense attorney! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is filmmaker and educator Raymond Rea! Topics of conversation include Raymond's preference for shooting on 16mm film, the challenges faced by filmmakers of the past, and learning about the federal government's suspicions that Raymond's grandfather might've been an Italian spy! Raymond's work can be found at www.densityoverduration.com or on Vimeo at vimeo.com/user7577041 Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is author and retired educator Patrick Rieder. His new book, available on Amazon, details the exploits of Asil Silverwood and his crew after waking up from cryogenic sleep in the Sirius star system. We talk about the process of writing, why science fiction rules, life as an educator, and what made Pat decide to take up writing in retirement! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld Sirius-ly by Patrick Rieder is available now on Amazon! www.amazon.com/SIRIUS-ly-Patrick-Rieder-ebook/dp/B07SKZT3DH

In today's episode, we chat with thespian and liquor-store manager Evan Christie! Topics include the proper way to cook a steak, expressing oneself through theatre, the challenges of Shakespeare, and Evan's stubborn adherence to aged technologies! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today we chat with Katie O'Keefe-Hale about living a hockey lifestyle, her new documentary about the US women's Olympic hockey team, her time as a divorce mediator for the North Dakota Supreme Court, rating systems for Vegas buffets, and some helpful strategies for giving your teenager the puberty talk! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

It's Part Two of our Dungeons & Dragons campaign (continued from Episode 128)! Our adventurers, played by Britta Nelson, Jason Jacobson, and Phil Godel, attack Butterslide the Orc in a battle for the ages! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

The JJMW crew joins special returning guests Britta Ann and Phil Godel for a live commentary recording at the Century Theater of The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, starring everyone's favorite fat-suit wearing SNL alum Eddie Murphy! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

If you've grown up in the FM area, you're familiar with this voice. Today's guest is Mr. Steve Poitras, known throughout the region on television, radio, and in theatre! This episode has it all: Shakespeare, local history, fart jokes, you name it! Plus, JJ reveals something dark and personal in the intro that connects to Showbiz animatronic animals. Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's episode was recorded live on location at The Red River Zoo, during a guided tour by Executive Director Sally Jacobson! On our adventure, we meet porcupines, eagles, saki monkeys, takins, wolves, and the zoo's most famous resident escape artist, Sheffield the Red Panda! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A! Today's guest is CJ Schnase, proprietor of Replay Games Fargo. We chat about the life of a game designer, Billy Mitchel's fall from grace, games as a service, the resurgent world of RGB gaming, and much more! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

While wearing a VR headset, JJ chats with returning guest Mike Ressl about the current state of virtual reality, proprietary technologies, ethical concerns, the horizon of real-life applications, and popular trends! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Open those Doritos, put on your wizard hat, and prepare to roll dice! JJ brings in his regular Dungeons & Dragons group (previous guests Phil Godel, Britta Nelson & Jason Jacobson) for a JJ Meets World exclusive campaign! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Ever heard of somebody retiring four different times? You're about to! Today on JJ Meets World we chat with Pastor Dale Emery of Hillsboro United Parish, who has been working as a pastor for the last 59 years! We talk about how he felt called to serve his church, some best practices for sermon writing, theories on the dwindling size of small-town congregations, and incorporating humor into church service. Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Mix yourself some dranks and listen to these pranks! Returning guest Kevin Kennedy chats with the JJMW crew about the myriad of classic school pranks he's run into during this educational career. Plus JJ and Tucker confront JJ's past as a teacher's pet! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is Sajid Ghauri, who is the President and CEO at Network & Technology Solutions Inc! Sajid talks about moving to the United States from Pakistan, building friendships through dance, the genesis of his work ethic, and the ever-fluctuating landscape that is technology! Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

This episode features JJ's high school theatre teacher and surrogate mother Gwen Stark! We talk about Gwen's life growing up, finding her passion for theatre and teaching, why a high school theatre feels like home, and the trials and tribulations of the many teenagers she has taught over the years. Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! http://www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld

Today's guest is the president of the Red River American Theatre Organ Society, Ryan Hardy! We do a deep dive into the history of the unit orchestra, how to maintain the organ's arsenal of instruments, and getting a new generation excited about the Mighty Wurlitzer! We also get frequent musical interludes performed by Ryan himself, and JJ and Tucker talk about the future of the podcast! For more information about the American Theatre Organ Society, visit www.atos.org, or for the Red River chapter visit www.rratos.org. To see more of Ryan's work, visit his YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/Magicalapple97 Help us keep the lights on by donating to our Patreon! www.patreon.com/jjmeetsworld