Show Descriptions

Almanac is Twin Cities Public Television's weekly public affairs program hosted by Eric Eskola and Cathy Wurzer. Visit the Almanac web site at: http://tpt.org/almanac

A group of community volunteers in McGregor, MN help area seniors continue living in their homes with independence and dignity.

ANYONE AND EVERYONE tells the stories of families from Utah to North ANYONE AND EVERYONE tells the stories of families from Utah to North Carolina and Wyoming to New York, all connected by a common thread - Carolina and Wyoming to New York, all connected by a common thread - a gay child. This poignant and often heartbreaking documentary by a gay child. This poignant and often heartbreaking documentary by first-time filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz (also the parent of a gay son) first-time filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz (also the parent of a gay son) depicts families representing a wide range of religions, depicts families representing a wide range of religions, nationalities and political leanings. During the film, parents of nationalities and political leanings. During the film, parents of homosexual teens and young adults eloquently recall their initial homosexual teens and young adults eloquently recall their initial reactions to their child's coming-out and their sometimes difficult reactions to their child's coming-out and their sometimes difficult journeys to acceptance. Some showed unconditional support; others journeys to acceptance. Some showed unconditional support; others struggled with their child's sexual orientation, either fearing struggled with their child's sexual orientation, either fearing alienation from their extended family, their church or community or alienation from their extended family, their church or community or failing to understand the universal nature of homosexuality. failing to understand the universal nature of homosexuality.

Author and historian Taner Akçam discusses research topics related to his book “A Shameful Act”. Co-produced with U of M Institute for Advanced Study.

"BelAhdan" is a variety talk show concerning Middle Eastern issues and perspectives. Visit the Belahdan web site.

The Big Band era of jazz as shown through rare film clips from the Bob DeFlores Collection, co-produced with Normandale Community College.

A panel of experts discuss issues facing those in search of housing. Co-produced with the Minneapolis Foundation.

Treating violence committed by young people as a matter of public health. Co-produced with the Minneapolis Foundation.

A documentary describing the impact the Chicago/Lake Sears building in Minneapolis has on the surrounding community. Redevelopment of the former Sears building and the site around it - now known as Midtown Exchange - comprises Minnesota's largest public/private rehabilitation project. People living in the building's shadow, former Sears employees, past customers, future private and corporate occupants, government officials and law enforcement officers will tell their part of the story. Co-produced with Happy Accident Productions.

Capitol Report is a weekly public affairs program produced by Senate Media Services.
Visit www.senate.mn/media to view other Senate Media Services programming.

A son or daughter “coming out” to their family may spark fear and confusion. Real stories prove pride can happen. Co-production with OutFront MN.

A towering international figure who rose from Gdanks's shipyards to lead Poland's Solidarity movement and later Poland, after the fall of communism, for which Solidarity was largely credited.

Creativity and the arts play a more significant role in vital aging than most people know. Co-Produced with the MN Creative Arts and Aging Network.

Robots, earth movers and modern medicine use Fluid Power to create change. Co-produced with the University of Minnesota.

Do Not Go Gently celebrates the lives, work and wisdom of three remarkable artists who have maintained their creative productivity well into their golden years. Their stories illustrate the role of creativity and art in contributing to a long, happy, healthy and vibrant life. Narrated by famed newsman (and nonagenarian) Walter Cronkite, Do Not Go Gently follows 82-year-old quilter Arlonzia Pettway, 90-year-old ballet dancer Frederic Franklin and 109-year-old composer Leo Ornstein through a typical day to illuminate their experiences as part of America's fastest-growing age group - men and women 85 and older. Do Not Go Gently uncovers the science of lifelong creativity through interviews with gerontologist Dr. Gene Cohen, whose groundbreaking work provides a deeper understanding of the aging brain. The program also documents the importance of creative outlets to elders with Alzheimer's disease and other age-related disabilities.

Emergency and Community Health Outreach (ECHO)
Public Health advisories and emergency alerts for Minnesota's refugee and immigrant populations are presented in six languages; Spanish, Vietnamese, Hmong, Lao, Khmer and Somali

To view archived Echo programs, visit the Echo partner page.

Betty Shanahan (Society of Women Engineers) discusses ways to further the advancement of STEM education. Co-produced with MN High Tech Association.

DEATH OF THE DREAM: FARMHOUSES IN THE HEARTLAND examines Minnesota's agricultural roots through the abandoned farmhouses that dot its landscape. Inspired by photographer and essayist William Gabler's book of classic farmhouses, Death of the Dream, the one-hour program explores the state's rural past and a vanishing lifestyle. Narrated by actress Linda Kelsey, the program features poets Robert Bly and Leo Dangel, and writers Bill Holm and Paul Gruchow. The documentary also features stunning photography and stories from historians, farm experts and people who lived "The Dream" of life on the farm.

Author and former CEO Bill George asks prominent leaders for their personal stories of inner strength in this Minnesota Channel Production.

The leading edge of fluid power research, and its future as a significant source of energy. Co-Produced with the National Fluid Power Association.

Food donations that consider cultural needs truly matter to people's physical and emotional health. Co-production with Neighborhood House.

This music based program is a fusion of Bollywood video hits, Punjabi & Bhangra music as well as nostalgic golden oldies from the Indian subcontinent.

Getting There engages those 50+ in the issues, opportunities and community resources for vital living. Co-produced with AARP and MN Board on Aging.

Host Jan Smaby leads an ensemble cast of those older than 50 as they explore the ways in which they’re staying involved and inspired. Don’t be surprised to find out about skydiving and baseball tours. We’ll meet some folks who are taking the time to mentor young people and a little later the Granny Basketball team takes to the court to battle a squad of teenagers.

A program about impaired waters and their impact on economic development. Co-produced w/League of Minnesota Cities.

A co-production with the Minnesota Historical Society showcases the 2007 award-winning videos about Minnesotans during WWII.

A backstage and beyond tour of the Guthrie Theater's new building. Co-produced with the Guthrie Theater.

This program is an examination of the history of mosquito control in Minnesota. Co-produced with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.

A look into the tragedy of a more common problem than you'd think, the trafficking of humans. Co-produced with Civil Society.

If a Road Runs Through It is a documentary examining the fast developing and environmentally unique Avon Hills region of Central Minnesota. Through the lives and stories of long time residents Bob Rassier, the Monks and Nuns of Saint John's Abbey and Saint Benedicts Monastery, and three generations of the Schellinger family, this documentary looks at a unique Minnesota region in transition. With an eye toward the future, the community of Avon Hills struggles to preserve the fabric of a once rural landscape of farms, wetlands and forests in the face of the ever expanding suburbanization and development.

With stunning photography, a musical score inspired by the landscape and the quietly passionate stories of local residents, If a Road Runs Through it captures the fragile beauty of one the last intact natural areas in Central Minnesota.

This program focuses on how national immigration policy affect Minnesota. Scheduled panelists include: U.S. Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ), Yvonne Cheung Ho, president and CEO Minority Economic Development Association, and Stanley S. Hubbard, president and CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc.

Lunch on the Run - Every day without fail, the dabbawalas run a daily marathon through the crowded streets of Bombay to deliver more than 400,000 home-cooked meals to thousands of workers all over the city. An error rate of less than one in six million has earned this organized but largely illiterate group a Six Sigma designation from Forbes magazine. Join the dubbawallas as they deliver lunch on the run! Scene but not Heard - Go behind the scenes with one of today's most beloved Bollywood stars - who's almost never on camera! Still in her twenties, playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan has sung thousands of songs for Bollywood screen actors, making her voice just as famous as her counterparts' face! Suketu Mehta Explores Bombay's Underground - Unpeel the layers of India's most cosmopolitan city with Pulitzer Prize nominated Suketu Mehta, author of Maximum City - Bombay Lost and Found. The prodigious writer reveals how he learned the secrets of everyone from Bollywood bigwigs to key political players - and why he's not afraid to share. Konkan Cooking on the Beach - With a pristine Konkan beach as its backdrop, this segment is a treat for all senses as Chef Mitra shares the history of the flavorful food in this coastal region, and shows us how to prepare his favorite Konkan recipes!

Carlson School of Management continues their series of influential women in business.

Inside the Boardroom is a rare glimpse into the experiences that shape the leaders of America's companies. Beginning with a one-on-one conversation with Marilyn Carlson Nelson and moving to a panel discussion that involves other thought leaders. This program features Linda Alvadaro, President and CEO of Alvarado Construction. Her Denver-based company has completed Invesco Field at Mile High, Denver International Airport and the Colorado Convention Center. A pioneer on several fronts, Alvarado made history in 1991 when she became the first Hispanic to own part of a major-league baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies.

Experts discuss health issues affecting Minnesota's soldiers.

Experts paint the backdrop needed to understand health issues confronting MN veterans. Co-produced with Health Partners IME.

A television program (in English) that systematically introduces traditional chinese culture and discusses current affairs in chinese-speaking countries and regions.

A look at the Minnesota Supreme Court and how some of its decisions have affected Minnesotans’ lives. Co-produced w/the MN Supreme Court.

An informational talk show about the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community.

Ann DeGroot Executive Director of the largest GLBTA advocacy organization talks about the change in the GLBTA Community over her 20 years with the organization.
{produced by Michael John Smith}

A discussion on the impact nutrient loading of Lake Minnetonka will have on the future of this treasured Minnesota lake.

Wakanheza shows you how to reach out and help children, youth and families in moments of stress. Co-produced by Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health.

Living in poverty has catch-22’s that make saving and getting past the day-to-day struggles hard. Co-produced with Northwest Area Foundation.

Christine Todd Whitman former Governor of New Jersey and author of “It’s My Party Too” speaks in Minnesota. Co-produced with the MN Women’s Campaign Fund.

Twin Cities youth, with the help of several media organizations, find their voice and tell their stories. Co-production with Youth Media Network.

A look behind the scenes at the world premiere of The Minnesota Opera’s creation of The Grapes of Wrath. Co-produced with The Minnesota Opera

Former health commissioner Jan Malcolm leads a panel of national experts, exploring the impact of social, economic and environmental influences on health. Co-produced with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN Foundation

A look to the past and into the future of one of the Metro areas biggest summer celebrations. Co-produced with Plymouth Civic League.

The sesquicentennial musical history of Minnesota written by Fairmont native Warren Nelson. Co-Produced w/Big Top Chautauqua and MN Shows.

A backstage look at a play based on Vietnam War draft resisters and their trials, co-produced by University Theatre at the U of M and History Theatre.

The documentary explores dynamics between police and diverse, immigrant communities. A unique multicultural outreach process emerging out of the Police departments of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park provides the forum for interaction and understanding between law enforcement staff and new Americans. This first in a planned series of programs supported by Hennepin County explores how even a routine traffic stop can lead to conflict because of cultural and communication barriers.

This documentary of North America's most beautiful duck gives a glimpse of the historical record and shows why at the turn of the twentieth century wood ducks had declined so dramatically that they were thought to be extinct. See how conservationists and sportsmen worked together to bring them back and witness the life cycle of this uniquely American species, including one of the most fascinating wonders of the natural world, the "leap of life"; which before the wide spread use of man-made nest boxes was witnessed by few humans.

A panel of experts with healthy heart information for women, children & men of all ethnicities.

We can save children in our communities from the ongoing tragedies of sexual abuse. Co-production with Natl Assoc to Prevent Sexual Abuse of Children.

Scholars, Economists & State Leaders engage in a discussion on where Minnesota should best invest in its students. Co produced with Growth & Justice.

More fun than an operating manual, "Tech Talk" is a TV show designed for those who want to learn more about the digital technology we encounter in our everyday lives. It is 30 minutes long and is developed and produced by the University of Minnesota. Host Susan McKinnell and her guest experts talk about things like digital cameras and broken computers, plus show things like, how to use a digital camera, how pixels effect screen displays, and what a toasted hard drive looks like. Visit the Tech Talk web site. for episode descriptions and air dates.

Trial lawyers, investigators, and reporters who worked on the Zacarias Moussaoui case discuss the complexities of trying terrorists in federal court. Co-produced with William Mitchell College of Law.

The arts unite kids from all cultures every year at the Ordway’s annual Children’s Festival in downtown St. Paul. Co-produced w/the Ordway.

Spend a day in the life of two children who share their triumphs and tragedies in hopes of diminishing cultural differences.

This is part of the Educate to Eliminate Discrimination initiative of the MN Department of Human Rights.

This is My Home
Two children who share in hopes of diminishing cultural differences. (Coproduced with MN Dept of Human Rights)

An original stage production addressing the growing problem of meth addiction among young gay males. Co-produced w/the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

Produced in Duluth by WDSE-TV, Venture North has been telling the stories of Northland residents and their home towns for 23 seasons.

"Vietnamese News" is a weekly program in the Vietnamese language produced by the Vietnamese Broadcasting of Minnesota (VBM). Its main purpose is to preserve the Vietnamese language and culture and to help the 20,000 Vietnamese living in Minnesota adapt to the new environment and systems.