Access To Democracy

Caregivers, whether career professionals or family members, fill critical and demanding roles in our society. Author, Speaker, and Trainer Nancy Poland, joins host Bill Raker, to talk about her personal experiences as a family caregiver.

She emphasizes the need and the benefits for caregivers to seek and receive care for themselves. In her books and speaking engagements, Nancy shares what she learned from her own situation and offers encouragement, advice and assistance to those caring for others.

If you are, or will be, responsible for the well-being of another person, you’ll find this interview relevant.

Retired Mayo Clinic physician, Dr. Geoff Thompson, debuts on “Access to Democracy” with interviews about medical and health care topics.

In this interview, Dr. Thompson interviews Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist and obesity expert. Dr. Collazo-Clavell was chosen by her peers at Mayo to serve as president of the Mayo staff of physicians.

Dr. Collazo-Clavell shares her insights and experience in helping patients working to control their weight and to avoid some of the many health care complications that can result from obesity, such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and other challenges.

America’s population is aging. Shifting demographics is, and will continue, impacting community infrastructures. How must we, and can we, meet the needs of the growing number of older citizens?

Jay Haapala, Associate State Director, Community Engagement, AARP Minnesota, talks with host Bill Raker, about what the challenges are and how the “Livable Communities” initiative helps identify, design, and deliver workable solutions.

From this enlightening discussion, learn how you can become engaged with your community and make a difference for people of all ages.

Host Holly Jenkins interviews
Steve Francisco, the Co-Producer of “Access to Democracy” about his recent 20-day visit to Southeast Asia. In February and March of this year, Steve and his wife, Bonnie, toured Singapore, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

In this interview, Steve shares some of his favorite photos from 11th century Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat in Cambodia along with beautiful photos of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Hanoi.

Vietnam is emerging from a difficult history of colonial occupation and war to becoming one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing economies in Asia. Come along as we visit the other side of the world.

Eagan Fire Chief Hugo Searle, returns to “Access to Democracy” with host Steve Francisco to discuss his adventures growing up in Wales and Africa, his mountain-climbing experiences, including two treks to the top of Mount Everest, and his lengthy career as a firefighter.

Early in his life, Hugo knew he was “made” to be a firefighter. Chief Searle led Eagan’s transition from a part-time on-call fire department to a full-time department.

The Chief reviews steps that homeowners and renters can take to reduce the risk of fire, including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and the storage of hazardous materials. Chief Searle reminds us just how quickly fires can spread and the importance of safely evacuating and calling for help.

Finally, the Chief offers his advice to those who may be considering a career as a firefighter or EMT.