Election cycles are often filled with hyperbole that makes your eyes roll and grim forecasts that make your stomach turn. But as Tim Walz has recently emerged on the global stage, a new way of looking at the world’s problems is gaining in popularity. What if kindness and politeness are our true superpowers?
In breaking down Coach Walz’s larger than life presence as American’s new favorite dad, it’s time to revisit the concept of “Minnesota Nice”. While stereotypes are rarely useful, in this case, it does give us pause. If Americans treated each other the way Minnesotans do, could we finally see an end to the divisive and polarizing politics that have plagued us for decades?
As Governor, Walz has shown us what “feel good” policies can mean in real world applications. In March 2023, he signed a bill ensuring free breakfast and lunch for all school age students, regardless of their family’s income. It was a hit to say the least. But can these concepts work on a national scale?
The best way to understand the Gopher State is to hear from the folks who have pushed at least one neighbor’s car out of a snowbank. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is having its time in the spotlight for one simple reason: being nice is cool again.
Here are the top 3 speakers with Minnesota roots. Their talks are both progressive and endearingly timeless. Your audience will leave with a little more sunshine in their world view…even if the thermometer says 10 below.
Speakers with Minnesota Roots
John Moe has been a staple of public radio since 2001. After joining MPR, he became well known for his dry wit and deft hosting ability. His popular radio variety show Wits aired nationally from 2010 to 2015. From there, John turned his attention to the world of podcasting. He has developed a unique voice in the space of mental health. His first podcast, “The Hilarious World of Depression” spawned a best selling book and won the Webby Award for Best Comedy Podcast in 2017. Most recently, he has hosted “Depresh Mode” a podcast that features long form interviews with public figures sharing stories about their own mental health journeys. In true Minnesota fashion, he has taken the pain from an incredible personal loss and transformed it into art aimed to heal our collective souls.
Dessa first captured our attention as part of the Minneapolis Hip Hop Collective Doomtree. From there, she has moved forward as a solo artist, spoken word performer, writer, and podcast host. Her work is as richly nuanced and diverse as her home state. Her music has appeared on “The Hamilton Mixtape” and the Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary “RBG”. She has collaborated with Minnesota businesses to develop her own ice cream flavors as well as an exceptional line of whiskies. Dessa brings a tsunami of creativity to the stage. She is frequently hired by major corporations, including General Mills and US Bank, to find ways to encourage greater creativity. In her newest talk, Dessa invites us to explore new metrics for measuring success. When we examine the motives in our professional lives, what if we start with the simple question “What’s your win?”
Sam Schedler is one of the brightest stars on TikTok today. At the start of the COVID19 pandemic, he worked as a nurse by day and a unique content creator by night. His pure Midwest sense of humor shone through whether working out material for his stand-up comedy, baking ambitious cakes, or humanizing his journey of coming out. In the darkest days of the pandemic, Sam was a source of light for millions online. Whether he is interviewing llamas at the Minnesota State Fair for MPR, or trying to figure out the difference between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning”, Sam knows life can be hard, but taking ourselves too seriously will just make it harder. Or as he puts it much more succinctly… “soo la voo.”