Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 56: Tara Martini and Making Healthy Changes in Our Lives

This week Andi and Rina are joined by the always inspiring Tara Martini of Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness Collective. We’ll discuss healthy approaches to making changes in our lives and what we can do if some people in our lives aren’t as supportive as we’d like them to be.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 55: Target, DEI and Pride

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel talk about an issue that’s been on a lot of minds: Target and DEI. Target is a Minnesota based company that’s been a staple at the Twin Cities Pride Festival, but this year, will not be returning. We’ll talk about what that means and so much more, including what…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 54: Hannah Edwards of Transforming Families

This week we check in with Hannah Edwards, the executive director of Transforming Families. We’ll talk about Transforming Families’ mission, the real impact they’re having on families and how they’re growing with their new location in Rochester.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 52: Healthy Approaches to New Years Resolutions

This week’s theme is mental health for the new year. Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Tara Martini from Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness to discuss healthy approaches to New Years resolutions as we manage stress during these uncertain political times.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 51: Previewing 2025 Programming

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by TC Pride’s director of programming, Kelsey Alto, to talk about the great TC Pride programming coming up in 2025. Some of those include halfway to Pride, book fairs, job fairs, festivals and more!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 50: Year in Review for 2024

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Twin Cities Pride’s volunteer coordinator Anne Kraus as we have our 2024 year in review. We’ll discuss the huge growth in Pride’s events, what some of our favorite events were, what we learned about expansion and how you can get involved.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 49: Jorge Sanchez of the International Gay Rodeo Association

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Jorge Sanchez of The International Gay Rodeo Association.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 48: Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet of Queerspace Collective

This week Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet from the youth mentorship organization Queerspace Collective, as she makes her second appearance on the show!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 47: Pride Cultural Art Center

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel discuss Twin Cities Pride’s latest adventure, the Pride Cultural Art Center (PCAC). With help from the Minneapolis Arts & Cultural Affairs Department, PCAC will be bringing back the gay-borhood. We’ll talk about how the new space will be used and how you can be part of it.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 46: Carver County Pride

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Darcie Baumann and Sarah Hempel, board members for Carver County Pride. They talk about how Pride got started in Carver County and the southwest metro area.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 45: Dr. Kade Goepferd

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kade Goepferd, Chief Education Officer and the Medical Director of Children’s Minnesota Gender Health Program. They talk about the impact of the 2024 elections on our LGBTQ youth and how caregivers can support them.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 45: Dr. Kade Goepferd

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kade Goepferd, Chief Education Officer and the Medical Director of Children’s Minnesota Gender Health Program. They talk about the impact of the 2024 elections on our LGBTQ youth and how caregivers can support them.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 44: Post-Election Special

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel discuss heading out of this election season and how it’s impacting the LGBTQ community. There are ways for us to get involved in building community, and Twin Cities Pride will be a part of it!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 43: Arnold Dahl-Wooley

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Arnold Dahl-Wooley, a two-spirit activist and enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. They talk how he is building community in the Bemidji area, including the opening of a new community space.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 42: Jimmy Luckey, Board Chair of Twin Cities Pride

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Jimmy Luckey, board chair at Twin Cities Pride. They talk about how Jimmy got involved with Twin Cities Pride, some of his favorite ways they’re creating community and where he’d like to to see Twin Cities Pride go in the future.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 41: Tara Raisanen

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel welcome back to the show Tara Raisanen from Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness Collective (https://www.becomingtogethermn.com/). They discuss school stress and the ways you can help young people cope with their daily struggles. From peer pressure, social media, and feeling comfortable to express who they are, we’ll cover it all.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 40: Kelsey Alto on TC Pride’s Fall Festivities

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kelsey Alto, Director of Programming at Twin Cities Pride. They talk about the festive programming coming up this fall to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community including Trunk-Or-Treat, Rainbow Feast and more!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 39: Dejon Campbell and Alexis with Family Equity

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel get to know Dejon Campbell and Alexis with Family Equity. They are planning a huge Midwest family fun weekend this October and we’d like to share all the details with you. Pizza parties, donuts and drag and making connections with other community families. It’s all happening this month! Listen…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 38: Queerspace Collective

Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Nicki Hangsleben and Jess Pierce from Queerspace Collective, dynamic Twin Cities non profit that has a lot of exciting programming to talk about. Some of that programming includes youth mentorship, adult training sessions and a new community center.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 37: Twin Cities in Motion and the Rainbow Mile Cheer Zone

This week Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Dean Orton and Allison Greenlee from Twin Cities in Motion. Twin Cities Pride is partnering with Twin Cities in Motion for the Rainbow Mile Cheer Zone at the Twin Cities Marathon. They share all the great things Twin Cities in Motion is doing.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 36: Author/Journalist Nico Lang

Hosts ANdi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by author and journalist Nico Lang. Their work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Esquire, Time Magazine and more. Nico talks about their new book, American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 35: Minnesota People of Color Pride

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by LaTonya Noble, executive director of Minnesota People of Color Pride (POC Pride). We’ll learn about the history of POC Pride, some of their upcoming events and other the great work they’re doing.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 34: Dave and Hannah Edwards

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Dave and Hannah Edwards as we talk about the amazing work they’re doing for the LGBTQ+ community. We highlight Dave’s new book, Gender Inclusive Schools, and catch up with Hannah, the executive director of Transforming Families.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 33: Dr. Kade Goepferd on Back to School Time

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Dr. Kade Goepferd, chief education officer and medical director at the Gender Heath program at Children’s Minnesota. They talk about what Dr. Dr. Goepferd has been hearing from young people as we gear up for back to school, how caregivers can help young people and how…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 32: Kimmy Hull and Sam Koshiol-Wright of Sequeerity

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kimmy Hull and Sam Koshiol-Wright of Sequeerity, a de-escalation team right here in the Twin Cities.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 31: Coping with Stress During Back to School Time

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel talk about back to school stress and how we can help the young people in our lives. They’re joined by Tara Raisanen from Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness Collective (https://www.becomingtogethermn.com/) to discuss what creates the back to school drama and ways to help young people cope during…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 29: Upcoming Fall Programming at TC Pride

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Kelsey Alto, director of programming with Twin Cities Pride. They talk about programming this fall including fall fest, the career resource and job fair and their amazing trunk or treat!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 28: Telling Queer History

This week hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by two guest with the organization Telling Queer History: Rebecca Lawrence, executive director and Lucinda Pepper – Development, Communications, and Archives Manager.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 27: Recovery in the LGBTQ Community

This week we feature a special crossover episode with the show/podcast Redefining Recovery, as the crews from both shows discuss the importance of recovery from addiction within the LGBTQ+ community.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 26: Live from Pride!

Andi and Rina are joined by Philip Anthony of the Downright Upright Show and JP Der Boghossian of This Queer Book Saved My Life and the Gaily Show for this special live broadcast from Loring Park.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 25: Entertainment at this Year’s Pride

Join us we chat with Darcie Baumann, our Entertainment Manager at Twin Cities Pride. We’ll talk about what’s coming up, how our entertainment line up comes together, and why we have the best entertainers in the world.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 24: Planning Your Celebration at Pride

Join us as we visit with Cory Hilden, our Director of Logistics at Twin Cities Pride. With our festival just 2 weeks away we will help you plan your Pride Celebration with all the new and exciting things happening, all about safety, and tips on Transportation.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 23: Minnesota Lynx President of Business Operations, Carley Knox

Hosts Andi Otto and Rina Heisel are joined by Minnesota Lynx President of Business Operations, Carley Knox.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 22: Pride Month Programming/Events

Join us this Saturday at 3pm as we visit with Kelsey Alto, our Director of Programming. Kelsey will tell us all about the great programming coming up in June to celebrate Pride Month! From Cheers to Pride, Family Fun Day, and a youth night—there’s more to do than just the festival.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 20: M Health Fairview

Join us as we meet a few team members from M Health Fairview, and we’ll hear how M Health Fairview is leading the way for equitable health care in Minnesota. From creating a welcoming atmosphere for all patients, the benefits of workplace ERGs, and why it’s important to have a presence at our Pride festival.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 19: Rainbow Health and Executive Director, Jeremy Hanson Willis

Join us as we get to know Jeremy Hanson Willis, Executive Director of Rainbow Health. Rainbow Health is doing an amazing amount of work here in the Twin Cities trying to make health care more accessible to all, from helping folks navigate the health care system, providing mental health care, working to end HIV, and…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 18: Queen on the Scene, Quinn Kathner-Tucker

Join us as we get to know Quinn Kathner-Tucker, owner of Queen on the Scene. We will be talking about how Queen on the Scene was actually started because of an experience that the owner had at Twin Cities Pride. And from there, why it’s a good idea to include vendors at Pride festivals who…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 17: Meet TC Pride Volunteer Manager, Anne Kraus

Join us as we get to know Anne Kraus, Volunteer Coordinator at Twin Cities PRIDE. Learn why our volunteers are so important to our mission. We will be discussing the different ways you can step up and support the community by volunteering, why volunteering is so important, and even some great perks you never thought…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 16: Zaylore Stout & How Woke are You?

Join us as we welcome back to the program, attorney and author Zaylore Stout. We’re going to visit with Zaylore about a presentation he’s been delivering across the country titled, How Woke Are You? It’s been getting quite the reception, and we’re going to talk all about it.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 15: Minnesota LGBTQ+ Community Legend Julie Daffyd

Join us this Saturday at 3pm as we get to know Julie Daffyd, a legend in the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ community. Julie not only attended the very first Pride here in Minnesota, but she has also been a long-time volunteer. Julie is also a Minnesota transgender pioneer and will share a bit about that experience…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 14: Stonewall Sports

Join us as we talk to Suzanne Blum Grundyson and Eric Cottrell from Stonewall Sports Twin Cities. We’ll talk about what Stonewall Sports has been up to, like their tournament coming up here in the Twin Cities, and also how to get involved even if you have never played a sport before. And why staying…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 13: Queerspace Collective

Join us as we talk to Anne Sutkowi-Hemstreet from the youth mentorship organization Queerspace Collective. We’ll talk about the work they are doing, all the different ways they are creating spaces for our youth, and of course—how you can get involved.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 12: The #LGB without the T and Q Movement

This week hosts Andi and Rina discuss a difficult topic: The #LGB without the T and Q social media movement.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 11: Artist Nell Triggs

Join us we get to know Nell Triggs, artist and friend of Twin Cities Pride. We’re going to talk about Nell’s artwork, her distinct style and inspiration, how you can find your art community, and the Artists in Residency Program offered by Twin Cities Pride.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 10: Michelle Gunderson on Volunteering with TC Pride

Join us as we talk to one of our friends and long-time volunteers here at Twin Cities Pride, Michelle Gunderson! We’ll discuss how Michelle got involved in volunteering 15 years ago, how it has impacted her, and get some great advice on how to be a supportive ally.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 9: Mental Health Care and LGBTQ+ Youth

Join us as we talk about LGBTQ+ youth and mental health care in the community. Ryan Fouts from Reclaim will join us as we talk about everything from the special challenges youth are facing, ideas for self-care, to how seek out the right care for you or a loved one.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 8: Mental Health Care and The LGBTQ+ Community

Join us as we talk about mental health awareness and care in the LGBTQ+ community with Becky McNattin, the owner and president of Becoming Together Therapy and Wellness Collective. We’ll talk about everything from self-care, to how seek out the right care for you or a loved one. https://www.becomingtogethermn.com/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ shapes-of-us-becky-mcnattin/1144114300

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 7: Christopher Straub – Artist, Fashion Designer, and Children’s Author

Join us for a conversation with the multi-talented Christopher Straub: artist, fashion designer, and children’s author. We’ll talk about Christopher’s books, the inspiration behind his writing, where you can meet Christopher in-person—and of course, his experience as a contestant on Project Runway!

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 6: Hannah Edwards with Transforming Families

Join us as we visit with Hannah Edwards, the executive director of Transforming Families. We will discuss the mission of Transforming Families and the huge impact the organization are making on the community, as well as Hannah’s personal connection to the organization. We’ll also talk about Transforming Families is evolving due to the recent passage…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 5: Power to People Stage and Our Space Project

On this episode, join us as we talk to Rox Anderson, producer of the Twin Cities Pride – Power to People stage. Rox is also Executive Director of the Our Space project: a mission to create a queer community center, right here in the Twin Cities area.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 2: Kat Rohn of OutFront Minnesota

With the Minnesota Legislative session just a few weeks away, we thought it would be great to talk to Kat Rohn, Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota, one of the state’s most recognizable LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations. Learn what to watch for and how you can get involved.

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified – Ep. 1: Get to Know Andi Otto, Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride

Allow us to introduce ourselves! On our very first program, we’ll get to know the Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride, Andi Otto, and hear all about Andi’s vision to grow TC Pride into an org that serves the LGBTQIA+ community all year long (not just in June). And who better to interview Andi than…

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Twin Cities Pride Amplified Debuts Sat., Jan. 6!

Twin Cities Pride Amplified is a program dedicated to all things LGBTQIA+ community, both here in the Twin Cities area, and beyond. Hosted by TC Pride’s Executive Director Andi Otto and Executive Assistant Rina Heisel, no topic is off limits as we discuss queer rights, culture, health, and events taking place around the metro area.…

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