Access To Democracy

Defying Dementia Through Music
How does music affect people — patients and caregivers — coping with dementia? Guest Eyeleen Braaten, talks with host Bill Raker, about the “miraculous” impact music has on the human brain. Eyeleen shares how the non-profit “Giving Voice Chorus” came about and what the mission is for this extraordinary organization. She explains how the organization works to support and empower families and individuals impacted by dementia. You’ll find the benefits and successes of “Giving Voice Chorus” surprising, uplifting and inspiring! Learn more at givingvoicechorus.org

In this edition of the program, we learn about Humanistic Judaism, as guest Rabbi Eva Cohen, talks with host Bill Raker.

Rabbi Eva shares her personal journey of why and how she prepared to be the leader of the Or Emet Congregation. She explains what it’s like for her and her family to be the first Humanistic Rabbi in Minnesota. You’ll enjoy her story for it being both interesting and inspiring.

More information about Humanistic Judaism, Or Emet Congregation, and Rabbi Eva is available at info@oremet.org and 612-787-7812.

Journalist and Author Dane Smith, returns to our program with host Steve Francisco to complete a three-part interview about his MinnPost series, “Reappraising the ‘Good Life’ in Minnesota.”

The series was inspired by a Time magazine cover story in 1973 highlighting Minnesota’s national leadership in education, health care, environmental protection, and social justice.

Dane observes that while Minnesota continues to score highly in many quality of life indicators, there has been some slippage, particularly for people of color who now constitute nearly a quarter of the state’s population. Dane shares his recommendations for a “To Do” list in several key areas of concern.

While it will not be easy, Dane expresses his hope that Minnesota will continue to embrace its legacy of maintaining an egalitarian culture for all Minnesotans.

In this interesting interview, Professor Richard Logan, joins host Steve Francisco to discuss his experiences as a teacher in Kenya during Kenya’s formative post-independence years in the early 1970s.

With degrees from Harvard and the University of Chicago, Richard developed an insatiable appetite for international travel and learning about life in village Africa. Richard describes himself as a cultural anthropologist who was inspired by his students and many other people he met in Africa, including a Masai tribal elder.

Professor Logan presents several examples of African art work and explains his admiration for the strong social bonds of tribal communities. He also explains why he believes that there are lessons from African village life that would benefit American and Western societies.

Top 20 hits DJ on FM radio, TV “weather girl”, and TV news anchor, are some of the roles guest Peachy Galindez talks about with host Bill Raker. During her broadcasting career in her home country, Peachy was a member of the news team that covered President George W. Bush’s visit to the Philippines. She is also a contributor to live storytelling/reading shows in Minneapolis called “Listen to Your Mother.” You’ll enjoy Peachy’s sharing her experiences.