Community-focused podcasts
Join us for Vital Connections On Air, a free podcast from University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality. We explore the trends and topics important to Minnesota communities and their leaders.
You'll hear about research from the University of Minnesota and Extension, as well as inspiring stories from local communities and organizations.
Podcast episodes
Episode 19: Engaged with nature
What does being an involved citizen mean? It isn't always about running for office. Hear from community members who helped protect and promote a hidden nature spot in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Episode 18: Civic engagement 101
What does civic engagement mean? Listen to Extension educators discuss its meaning and share best practices for working with others and tools to get involved.
Episode 17: Key workforce issues
How do we address Minnesota's workforce issues? Listen to speakers from the University of Minnesota and Extension share their insight on the labor market.
Episode 16: Workforce wrap up - it’s the people
How can we create a vibrant Minnesota workforce? Listen to a variety of speakers share insight on workforce issues and how to prepare and help those affected.
Episode 15: Making business succession planning successful
How do you plan for a successful business transition? Sharing resources and building supportive relationships can help. In this episode, hear how Spring Valley, Minnesota created a program that helps business owners.
Episode 14: Understanding rural small business succession
Selling a small business is not the same as selling a house. Listen as we discuss how business owners and buyers can prepare for this transition and how communities can help.
Episode 13: The importance of immigrants to Minnesota's businesses
Minnesota's business community is on the front line of addressing workforce issues. Listen as we explore what is happening and how companies are supporting immigrants and immigration policy.
Episode 12: Minnesota's changing workforce
Minnesota's workforce is changing. Our workers are aging and new employees are often newcomers to our country. Listen as we discuss the impact of immigrants in our labor market.
Episode 11: Glenwood's housing study results
Many communities in Minnesota face workforce housing issues. Listen as we talk about Glenwood's housing study and how understanding existing workers' needs helps them plan for the future.
Episode 10: Working to address the child care shortage
Communities are getting creative in how they work to understand and address child care shortages. Hear Greg Wagner from the West Central Initiative as he shares steps they are taking to increase child care capacity.
Stay informed
Never miss a Vital Connections On Air episode. Subscribe or listen to new episodes from the following:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS with a feed reader
Read our Vital Connections newsletter for community-focused articles and podcast information — sign up now.