Searching for Service
Luis Carranza – District 5340 Governor Nominee 2025-2026
Luis joined the show this week to talk about his Rotary Journey. He shared how important Rotary was to him personally and how he is giving back. Luis also talked about the importance of the vocational aspect of rotary and how that can help bring in new members. Luis is the District 5340 Governor Nominee…
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Read MoreTim Conners – Eden Praire AM Rotary
Tim Conners joins the show this week to talk about his passion for the environment, his Rotary story, Eden Prairie Eco Expo and to give an update on the Lake Street progress. He shared that things are moving fast at the city level in Minneapolis regarding the 3rd precinct building and shared how you can…
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Read MoreEd Marek and Jeff Thiemann Braver Angels
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann joined the show today to talk about Braver Angels. Braver Angels is a citizen organization that was started in 2016 to bring liberals and conservatives together to counteract the political polarization and restore the social fabric in American Society. Jeff and Ed share about the work, training and events that…
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Read MoreLloyd Campbell – 2023-24 Assistant Rotary Coordinator
Lloyd Campbell joins the show and shares how he helped launch Searching for Service, where he was inspired to develope the podcast, and what he hopes to see in the future of the podcast. He also talks about his current roll in Rotary, how he grew through rotary ranks and how others can get involved.
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Read MoreTroy Fritz -Summertime by George
Troy joins the show and shared the story about how the St. Cloud Rotary club started Summer Time by George concert series, when the concert series will be this summer, and announces the lineup for this summer. Troy also talked about how their rotary club worked with the city to redevelop park and how they…
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Read MoreMike Pfeiffer – Founder of CyberFyfe LLC
Mike joins the show today to talk about cyber security and shared some great tips to help everyone increase their own personal cyber security. He also talked about how he got involved in service and his journey to becoming a Rotarian.
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Read MoreNatasha Grad – Rotaract President
Natasha Grad joins us on the show to talk about her journey and passion to spread the information about Mental Health. She is courageous in sharing her personal story about being in pageants and using her platform to talk about Mental Health. Below are some of the resources she shared for anyone dealing with Mental…
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Read MoreRebecca Rothney – Founder of Pack for a Purpose
Rebecca joined the show to talk about Pack For Purpose a non profit that informs travelers about the extra supplies they can bring to help the people in the area they are taveling to. She shares how easy it is to have an impact on the places you visit by simply packing extra supplies you…
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Read MoreNancy Economou – Founder/CEO Watts of Love
Nancy joined us to talk about founding and running Watts of Love. She talked about how she started the non-profit and ran into road bumps along the way as her organization has now impacted over 800,000+ lives across the world. She was truly inspirational with her message to keep try and never quit because the…
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Read MoreSharon Bloodworth- Incoming District Governor 5950 24-25
Incoming District 5950 Governor for July 2024-June 2025 Sharon Bloodworth joined the show today and inspired us as she talk about her long passion about being the next District Governor. She also talked about as a Minnesota transplant how important Rotary has been how she developed life long friends here. Sharon leads the largest woman…
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Read MoreLeif Hagen- District Governor Nominee Designated
Leif Hagen District Governor Nominee Designated joins us to talk about his long time as a rotarian, being a club president and starting Minnesota Pride Rotary Club. He also talk about his path and process from being chosen Nominee Designated to becoming the District Governor in a few year. Pride Rotary Club meets the 2nd…
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Read MoreTom Gump with Matt McNeil – February 6, 2024
Tom Gump goes above and beyond for our community. If you’re involved in Rotary and are from Edina, Rotary District 5950 or anywhere in Minnesota, you might know that the name Tom Gump is synonymous with Rotary International. Embracing Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” Gump has taken on increasing leadership roles since joining Edina…
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Read MoreDeb McCaslin – Girl’s Empowerment Rotary Project in Zimbabwe
Deb came on the show to talk about the project that she and her club have been working on Girl’s Empowerment Rotary Project in Zimbabwe. They are working with Schools in Zimbabwe and providing them with sewing machines and the means to make washable, reusable sanitary pads. Deb shares some great stories about her life…
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Read MoreTom Gump- Aid to Rotary International 24-25 President
Tom Gump joins the show for the 3rd time to talk to us about his work as the air to Rotary International President Elect Stephanie Urchick. Tom tells us about the newly announced theme for her year and the story behind that. He also shares some stories about the work they have already been doing…
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Read MoreAlexa Rundquist District 5950 Executive Director
Alexa joined on the show to talk about how to better understand Rotary’s structure above the club level and how you can get involved. She also shared a great insite about the sucess her Rotary Club had creating an event to drive new memberships that we had to learn more about. Rotary Elevating Impact Together…
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Read MoreHosts Joe Kirk and Chad Larson – 1 year of Rotary Membership
Hosts Joe and Chad dive into Chad’s experience through his first year as Rotarian. They talked about the value and postives from the first year as well as some things that Chad is still needs to learn. Rotary Elevating Impact Together – Friends Funds Fest Event Website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50084/events/elevating-impact-together-friendship-funds-fest
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Read MoreAlan Anderson- Rotary Climate Action Team (RCAT)
Alan joined us today to talk about The Rotary Climate Action Team. He shared his passion for creating and making a difference trying to combat Climate change. Alan takes us through how he was inspired to create The Climate Action Team with his club and how that has grown. He also shared some great information…
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Read MoreEncore Presentation: Brian Gower – World Vision United States Sr. Director for Foundations & Partnerships
This episode originally aired September 24, 2023: Brian Gower discusses the partnership of World Vision and Rotary, the history of that and then Projects of Scale.
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Read MoreEncore Presentation: Nate Miller of Sleep In Heavenly Peace
This episode is a special encore presentation: Nate shares the story about how he got involved in making beds for children that don’t have beds. His path to growing the chapter and stories of the impact the organization is having. You can see more about the story in videos on the Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/SHPbeds/. Nate…
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Read MoreBernis Cunningham – Executive Director and Founder of Planting Change
Bernis Executive Director and Founder of Planting Change Foundation Joins us today to talk about the work his orginization is doing in Nicaragua and how Rotary has been supporting that work. Bernis shares what drove him and how the orginization was started. Listen to hear stories about the impact Planting Change is having, their future…
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Read MoreValerie Vidal – President and CEO of Meta House
President and CEO of Meta House Valerie Vidal joins us to talk about the work Meta House is doing to support women find sobriety while trying to keep their family together. She talks about her journy to becoming the President and CEO as well as shares some touching stories about the people they are helping.…
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Read MoreBrian Singer – Executive Director Project Zawadi
Brian joins us on the show to talk about Project Zawadi and Access 2 Tanzania. Brian shared his journey to starting the non profit Project Zawadi and then the Access 2 Tanzania business to support workers in Tanzania. He shares stories about the impact they are having and how the model they created is expanding…
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Read MoreMary Brindle- Camp Enterprise
Mary joined the show today to talk about Camp Enterprise. Camp Enterprise is a 3 day camp for high school students and brings them together in small groups to work on a common case study. They work with Entrepreneur mentors during their journey as they learn together. Find out more https://www.campenterprise.org/
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Read MoreErica Gweyn- The Rotary International WASH Focus Manager
Erica joins us today to talk about one of the Rotary International’s 7 main causes Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene(WASH). As the focus manager of the WASH program Erica talks about what work is being done around the world related to WASH and how Rotary is continuing this mission. She shares some great stories and…
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Read MoreKate Van Slyck – Peace Corps
Kate Van Slyck joins the show today to talk about her expierience with the Peace Corp. She shares some great stories about the impact of the work. We also talked about Rotaty’s connection.
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Read MoreShawn Hanson- The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes
Shawn Hanson with The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes join us on the show to talk about how the program is helping support people dealing with hunger in their community. She shares how they source and get their highly nutritious food out to families. Listen in to hear touching stories about the impact they are…
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Read MoreMike Deluca – Rotary Global Traveler Club
Mike joined us today to talk about one of the newest and fastest growing clubs in Rotary the Global Traveler Club. We talk about how the club formed and grew so fast. Mike shared some of service trips they have done and all the upcoming trips the club has in the next year and a…
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Read MoreLeslie Pitt – Executive Director Project Lolo
Leslie Pitt with Project Lolo joined to share the impact her orginization is having on children in Africa that are amputees. She shared some touchign stories and educated us on tough battle childred born with a disability have. Find more stories about the work they are doing and how you can support the orginization https://projectlologlobal.org/.
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Read MoreAlexa Rundquist Executive Director District 5950 – Minnetonka Rotary Club Member
Alexa Rundquist executive director District 5950, she shares her journey into Rotary and the incredible impact Rotary has had on her life. She also talks about how she supports the clubs in the district and the District Governors each year.
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Read MoreErin Bagniewski – Africa Strong Executive Director
Erin spoke to us today about her journey to becoming the executive director of Africa Strong (https://africastrong.org) and her path to Rotary. Africa Strong along with along with 6 other female led non profits that work to support women in Africa are having a fundraiser Friday October 13th. Find out more and how to support…
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Read MoreTami Hedrick – Executive Director, External Engagement of MATTER
Tami was on the show to discuss MATTER and their organization. MATTERBox and their work around the world globally. MATTER – bringing together the best companies, experts, problem solvers, and above all, doers to launch projects that improve communities.
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Read MoreBrian Gower -World Vision United States Sr. Director for Foundations & Partnerships
Brian Gower discusses the partnership of World Vision and Rotary, the history of that and then Projects of Scale.
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Read MoreKyle Haugen- Rotary Club of Prior Lake, MN
Kyle Haugen from the Prior Lake Rotary club joins us today to talk about the impact his roatary club and Rotary’s polio vaccination program is having. Kyle shares some impactful stories about the work being done.
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Read MoreSearching for Service with Jon Cermin – Media Production Professional
Jon Cermin joins us today to talk about his efforts to support Ukrainians get drones because they are able to use them to clear mine fields more safely and efficiently. He shared with us that in the USA a lot of drones will no longer be legal to use come September 16th 2023 because of…
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Read MoreJonathan Palmer of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
Jonathan Palmer Executive Director with Hallie Q. Brown Community center joins us on this weeks show to talk about the mission, history and growth of the center. Jonathan talks about the volunteer oppurtunies that are needed at the center. He also shares some touching stories about the impact they are having daily on people’s lives…
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Read MoreSearching for Service with Patricia McCleese – New District Governor 5960
Patricia McCleese New District Governor 5960 Joins the show today and shares her vision as she embarks on her year as distict Governor. She also shared her Rotary story and some of her favorite service projects she has been a part of over the years. Check out the district link and Conference of Clubs event…
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Read MoreBill Tobin
Kim Lorenz – Rotarian, Author and World Visions Partners
Today we talked with Kim Lorenz Rotarian and Author of Tireless: Key Principles That Drive Success Beyond Business School. He shares how Rotary impacted his life and some of the major projects he has been a part of. He tells us about his involvement in World Visions and breaks down what World Visions is.
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Read MoreTerry Ziegler- Polio Eradication Update Newsletter Editor
Today we interviewed Terry Ziegler, past President Rotary Club of West U in Houston Texas, Polio Eradication update Newsletter Editor, and Book of the World – Second Wind Foundtation Trustee. He talks about his years of work in rotary and shares some good stroies. Terry also talks about his roll as the editor of the…
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Read MoreStephanie Urchick- President of Rotary International 2024-2025
On the show this week we had the honor of talking with Stephanie Urchick who will be the 2nd ever female President of Rotary International in 2024 and 2025. Stephanie tells us how she got started in Rotary and her path to becoming the 2nd elected Female President of Rotary International. She shared her goals…
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Read MoreLuke Pinneo – Business Connect
This week we talked to Luke Pinneo from Business Connect. We learn about how Rotary impacted him and Business connect. We also talked to him about what Business Connect does and the impact they are having. Luke shared some great stories and experiences.
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Read MoreWade Nomura- Host of We Are Rotary TV and District 5240 Governor
Our guest today is Wade Nomura. We talked to Wade about a number roles and programs he has been involved in over the years with Rotary. Wade tells us about how he started and is the host of a Rotary TV show that highlights the great work Rotary is doing. He also talked about his…
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Read MoreMike Tikkanen – KARA
This week we talked to Mike Tikkanen the Founder and Keynote Speaker for KARA – Kids At Risk Action. Link to his book: https://www.invisiblechildren.org/our-book/
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Read MoreMargaret Ganyo Executuve Direction of Children First
This week we interviewed Margaret Ganyo Executuve Direction of Children First about the work they are doing with Children. Children First’s vision is that all kids in St. Louis Park get the care and support they need to grow up happy, healthy and successful in a thriving community. Find out more https://children-first.org/
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Read MoreSteve May – Edina Morningside Rotary Past President
Guest Steve May joined us to talk about how Rotary stepped up when they were called to support new Afghanistan refugees as they were arriving. We learn about Rotary’s role in supporting them. Steve talked about how he and other Rotarians had to listen and learn before they could know what they could do to…
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Read MoreWilliam McNally- Executive Director with Harvest Pack
This week we interview William McNally Executive director of Harvest Pack. William share how he got inspired to create the non-profit to help people in the USA and in other countries get healthy food. We also discuss how Rotary has helped support the organization. William also shares how people can support the mission through service…
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Read MoreNate Miller of Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Nate shares the story about how he got involved in making beds for children that don’t have beds. His path to growing the chapter and stories of the impact the organization is having. You can see more about the story in videos on the Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/SHPbeds/. Nate also talked about how people can get involved. …
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Read MoreMeg Gammage-Tucker, PhD, CFRE CEO of National Eagle Center
We interviewed Meg Gammage-Tucker the CEO of the National Eagle Center. She talked about her path to becoming the CEO at the National Eagle Center, her previous work and how the Eagle Center connects with Rotary. She also shares information, history and how they are expanding the National Eagle Center currently. To learn more about…
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Read MoreSteve Johnson head of our Rotary Global Grant District 5950
On this week’s show we spoke with Steven Johnson about Rotary Global grant program. Steve gives us some history of rotary and great data on how the grant programs impacts. Navigator ranks The Rotary Foundation in the top 10 in the world for efficient use of contributions. To learn more visit your districts Global Grant…
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Read MoreJim Nelson Interview about the Rotary Honduras Service Trip
On this show we interview Jim Nelson from the City of Lakes Rotary club and former district governor of 5950. Jim just got back from a recent service trip to Honduras. He talks about how they were able to leverage their fundraising to support great sustainable projects in Honduras. He explains how water is vital…
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Read MoreSutton McGraw
Sutton McGraw from Edina Noon Rotary club joins the show this week to talk about her recent service trip with her Rotary Club to Guatemala. She shares great stories about her experience and the impact she saw from the service they provided. They went down to Guatemala to assemble and provide water filters to places…
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Read MoreJohn Bodette
This week we interviewed John Bodette from Rotary Club of St. Cloud about PreK 4 Success and The Summertime by George free concert series. John share stories and information about how his club launch and grew PreK 4 Success. You can learn more about this program here: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50084/page/prek-for-success John also talked about The Summertime by…
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Read MoreSuzanne Kochevar
On this week’s show we interview Rotarian Suzanne Kochevar about Rotary Community Core @ Lake Street. After the murder of George Floyd, civil unrest and destruction of businesses in Minneapolis/St. Paul’s diverse Lake Street community created a difficult situation for Lake Street Business Owners. Rotary stepped in to help them get back to business, despite…
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