Access to Democracy Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:00:01 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2628850 en-us © 2026 Access to Democracy yes b8717c30-7450-5f6f-a0f5-43cc2a1781e3 Eagan Television episodic false Since 1999, Access to Democracy has been a staple of Minnesota television. The program has featured more than 2,000 half-hour interviews with politicians, legislators, judges, academics, athletes, public figures, and everyday residents. Guests often share their expertise and debate with the host.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Eagan Television https://storage.buzzsprout.com/nnfyv9j3thbehi5qmjczeyr5iay3?.jpg Access to Democracy https://www.buzzsprout.com/2628850 Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - Minnesota Senate District 52 (Brady O' Neil & Liz Reyer) Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - Minnesota Senate District 52 (Brady O' Neil & Liz Reyer) Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - Minnesota Senate District 52 (Brady O' Neil & Liz Reyer)

]]> Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - Minnesota Senate District 52 (Brady O' Neil & Liz Reyer)

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19846620 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2785 1 17 full false Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - 2nd Congressional District (Matt Little & Eric Pratt) Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - 2nd Congressional District (Matt Little & Eric Pratt) Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - 2nd Congressional District (Matt Little & Eric Pratt)

]]> Access to Democracy Candidate Forum - 2nd Congressional District (Matt Little & Eric Pratt)

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19846571 Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 3425 16 full false Erin Maye Quade Erin Maye Quade State Senator Erin Maye Quade is the principal author of a new Minnesota law, the first in the nation, banning the use of artificial intelligence to create nude images of children. The law, which took effect August 1, is being challenged in federal court by Elon Musk. Erin joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the new law and why it has attracted overwhelming bipartisan support in our closely-divided Legislature. She also explains why she is working to pass her Child Social Media Safety Bill that would require children to have parental consent before opening social media accounts. The senator is also working to limit how health insurers can use AI in reviewing claims and requests for approval of doctor-recommended procedures. Finally, the interview discusses the controversial use of Flock surveillance cameras and concerns about the building of AI data centers.

]]> State Senator Erin Maye Quade is the principal author of a new Minnesota law, the first in the nation, banning the use of artificial intelligence to create nude images of children. The law, which took effect August 1, is being challenged in federal court by Elon Musk. Erin joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the new law and why it has attracted overwhelming bipartisan support in our closely-divided Legislature. She also explains why she is working to pass her Child Social Media Safety Bill that would require children to have parental consent before opening social media accounts. The senator is also working to limit how health insurers can use AI in reviewing claims and requests for approval of doctor-recommended procedures. Finally, the interview discusses the controversial use of Flock surveillance cameras and concerns about the building of AI data centers.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19772443 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 1743 1 13 full false Kindahl Larson Kindahl Larson Chief Compliance Officer for the MN Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Kindahl Larson, joins host Bill Raker, to discuss how millions of dollars are being stolen from thousands of Minnesotans by scammers. Kindahl, a returning guest on ATD, explains her role with the MNDVA and how she works to help keep scammers' targets from becoming scammers victims. She points out why veterans are at higher risks than the average person for being targeted by scammers. From this program, learn how to recognize a scam, how to protect yourself, where to report a scam, and how to get help to deal with the situation. She also provides information on MN's Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. To get more information, or to schedule a presentation, inquire at kindahllarson@gmail.com 

]]> Chief Compliance Officer for the MN Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Kindahl Larson, joins host Bill Raker, to discuss how millions of dollars are being stolen from thousands of Minnesotans by scammers. Kindahl, a returning guest on ATD, explains her role with the MNDVA and how she works to help keep scammers' targets from becoming scammers victims. She points out why veterans are at higher risks than the average person for being targeted by scammers. From this program, learn how to recognize a scam, how to protect yourself, where to report a scam, and how to get help to deal with the situation. She also provides information on MN's Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. To get more information, or to schedule a presentation, inquire at kindahllarson@gmail.com 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19805964 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0500 1793 1 15 full true Amy Fredericksen Amy Fredericksen Amy Fredericksen joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the August 11 primary election results and what to expect in the November 3 general election. After serving as a Republican state senator from 2005 to 2013, including as the first woman majority leader, Amy has developed a keen political sense and is a regular political analyst on WCCO TV. She explains why she believes that Republican voters' choices of Lisa DeMuth for governor and Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate put Republicans in the best position to win statewide office for the first time in twenty years. But DeMuth and Tafoya will be running against two strong DFL candidates, Amy Klobuchar for governor and Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate. Amy shares her thoughts about how the fraud scandals may help Republican candidates and how the affordability crisis and the trauma of ICE Operation Metro Surge may help DFL candidates moving toward November.

]]> Amy Fredericksen joins host Steve Francisco to discuss the August 11 primary election results and what to expect in the November 3 general election. After serving as a Republican state senator from 2005 to 2013, including as the first woman majority leader, Amy has developed a keen political sense and is a regular political analyst on WCCO TV. She explains why she believes that Republican voters' choices of Lisa DeMuth for governor and Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate put Republicans in the best position to win statewide office for the first time in twenty years. But DeMuth and Tafoya will be running against two strong DFL candidates, Amy Klobuchar for governor and Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate. Amy shares her thoughts about how the fraud scandals may help Republican candidates and how the affordability crisis and the trauma of ICE Operation Metro Surge may help DFL candidates moving toward November.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19772447 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0500 1771 1 14 full false Patrick Coolican Patrick Coolican For interesting, independent, analytical, insightful news coverage and perspectives on Minnesota politics and local and state government in Minnesota, look to Minnesota Reformer.  Editor Patrick Coolican has a conversation with host Bill Raker explaining what, why and how the online publication works to inform the public and to "reform" politics and government. For examples, Patrick cites articles Minnesota Reformer published regarding actions and outcomes from the latest state legislative session in St. Paul. Guest and host exchange comments on candidates in the August Primary and November General Elections. Checkout minnesotareformer.com for access to the free non-profit publication.

]]> For interesting, independent, analytical, insightful news coverage and perspectives on Minnesota politics and local and state government in Minnesota, look to Minnesota Reformer.  Editor Patrick Coolican has a conversation with host Bill Raker explaining what, why and how the online publication works to inform the public and to "reform" politics and government. For examples, Patrick cites articles Minnesota Reformer published regarding actions and outcomes from the latest state legislative session in St. Paul. Guest and host exchange comments on candidates in the August Primary and November General Elections. Checkout minnesotareformer.com for access to the free non-profit publication.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19772416 Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0500 1744 1 12 full false Dr. William Young Dr. William Young Hosted by Dr. Geoff Thompson. The pituitary gland, albeit the size of an acorn, sitting on the underside of the brain, embedded in the base of the skull, is critical to numerous essential bodily functions. It produces hormones that regulate virtually every other endocrine gland in the body (thyroid, adrenal, ovaries and testes) to maintain health and wellness, growth and development, reproduction, and life itself. Tumors of the pituitary gland are common, but most are small and inconsequential. When enlarged, they can put pressure on the optic nerves, leading to partial blindness. When producing uncontrolled amounts of their own hormones, they can alter normal bodily functions, leading to potentially dangerous and life-threatening syndromes ( Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism). In a similar fashion, deficiencies of pituitary hormones can also cause bodily harm. Most pituitary tumors are amenable to removal via transnasal, minimally invasive surgery.

]]> Hosted by Dr. Geoff Thompson. The pituitary gland, albeit the size of an acorn, sitting on the underside of the brain, embedded in the base of the skull, is critical to numerous essential bodily functions. It produces hormones that regulate virtually every other endocrine gland in the body (thyroid, adrenal, ovaries and testes) to maintain health and wellness, growth and development, reproduction, and life itself. Tumors of the pituitary gland are common, but most are small and inconsequential. When enlarged, they can put pressure on the optic nerves, leading to partial blindness. When producing uncontrolled amounts of their own hormones, they can alter normal bodily functions, leading to potentially dangerous and life-threatening syndromes ( Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, hyperthyroidism). In a similar fashion, deficiencies of pituitary hormones can also cause bodily harm. Most pituitary tumors are amenable to removal via transnasal, minimally invasive surgery.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19540880 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1751 1 11 full false Eagan Councilmember Mike Supina - Candidate for Eagan Mayor Eagan Councilmember Mike Supina - Candidate for Eagan Mayor Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Supina has served on the Eagan City Council since 2021. In this interview, Mike joins host Steve Francisco to discuss why he is now running for mayor of Eagan and what he sees as some of the key issues facing the city. As a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accredited architect, Mike is concerned about energy efficiency and protecting our environment. He explains why he opposes the building of any new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Eagan and the need for the city to help create affordable housing options. While much of the city's population is aging, many young families find Eagan to be an attractive city to call home. Mike discusses why he believes the next mayor must be accessible to residents and responsive to their concerns as the city moves forward.

]]> Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Supina has served on the Eagan City Council since 2021. In this interview, Mike joins host Steve Francisco to discuss why he is now running for mayor of Eagan and what he sees as some of the key issues facing the city. As a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accredited architect, Mike is concerned about energy efficiency and protecting our environment. He explains why he opposes the building of any new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in Eagan and the need for the city to help create affordable housing options. While much of the city's population is aging, many young families find Eagan to be an attractive city to call home. Mike discusses why he believes the next mayor must be accessible to residents and responsive to their concerns as the city moves forward.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19540875 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1750 1 8 full false Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire - Incumbent for Eagan Mayor Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire - Incumbent for Eagan Mayor Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Maguire has served as mayor of Eagan since 2007. In this interview, Mayor Maguire tells host Steve Francisco why he is now seeking a sixth term and identifies what he views as some of his most important achievements as mayor. Mike notes that while national and state politics have become increasingly polarized in recent years, he has worked to maintain a respectful tone with his colleagues on the City Council to move Eagan forward into the future. The mayor shares his thoughts about AI data centers and why he supported the one-year moratorium on new data centers in Eagan. He also discusses the city's changing demographics and the ongoing challenges of keeping a strong local economy and maintaining Eagan's high quality of life.

]]> Hosted by Steve Francisco. Mike Maguire has served as mayor of Eagan since 2007. In this interview, Mayor Maguire tells host Steve Francisco why he is now seeking a sixth term and identifies what he views as some of his most important achievements as mayor. Mike notes that while national and state politics have become increasingly polarized in recent years, he has worked to maintain a respectful tone with his colleagues on the City Council to move Eagan forward into the future. The mayor shares his thoughts about AI data centers and why he supported the one-year moratorium on new data centers in Eagan. He also discusses the city's changing demographics and the ongoing challenges of keeping a strong local economy and maintaining Eagan's high quality of life.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19540865 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1741 1 9 full false Joe Krueger - Candidate for Eagan Mayor Joe Krueger - Candidate for Eagan Mayor Hosted by Steve Francisco. Joe Kueger is one of the three candidates seeking to win in the August 11 primary election to go forward on the November ballot. Joe tells host Steve Francisco about growing up in St. Paul, going to the Marine Corps, and becoming skilled in aviation and industrial maintenance. Joe once served on the Red Wing City Council and has now lived in Eagan for 19 years. He is very critical of high taxes and particularly opposes Local Government Aid (LGA), where he claims Eagan taxpayers are forced to spend too much money for other cities and towns across the state for non-essential services. He is concerned about fraud and mismanagement and claims that he would be a watchdog over local taxes and government spending, both of which he argues are too high.

]]> Hosted by Steve Francisco. Joe Kueger is one of the three candidates seeking to win in the August 11 primary election to go forward on the November ballot. Joe tells host Steve Francisco about growing up in St. Paul, going to the Marine Corps, and becoming skilled in aviation and industrial maintenance. Joe once served on the Red Wing City Council and has now lived in Eagan for 19 years. He is very critical of high taxes and particularly opposes Local Government Aid (LGA), where he claims Eagan taxpayers are forced to spend too much money for other cities and towns across the state for non-essential services. He is concerned about fraud and mismanagement and claims that he would be a watchdog over local taxes and government spending, both of which he argues are too high.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19540801 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0500 1755 1 10 full false Erin Parrish, AARP Erin Parrish, AARP Hosted by Bill Raker. AARP, the largest non-profit, non-political, non-partisan organization in the U.S., advocates at the state and national levels for policies that enhance the well-being of all. 

Guest Erin Parrish, AARP's Sr. Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach, shares the history and mission of AARP with host Bill Raker. 

The timely discussion focuses on the status of the Social Security fund, the importance and impact of the benefits received by millions of Americans, and what Congress needs to do to preserve and protect those benefits for current and future generations.  Erin also speaks to why Congress must address the need for programs that support caregivers. AARP is working to educate voters on these issues and is urging voters to make their voices heard by legislators. Voter engagement is a cornerstone of our democracy.

]]> Hosted by Bill Raker. AARP, the largest non-profit, non-political, non-partisan organization in the U.S., advocates at the state and national levels for policies that enhance the well-being of all. 

Guest Erin Parrish, AARP's Sr. Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach, shares the history and mission of AARP with host Bill Raker. 

The timely discussion focuses on the status of the Social Security fund, the importance and impact of the benefits received by millions of Americans, and what Congress needs to do to preserve and protect those benefits for current and future generations.  Erin also speaks to why Congress must address the need for programs that support caregivers. AARP is working to educate voters on these issues and is urging voters to make their voices heard by legislators. Voter engagement is a cornerstone of our democracy.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19527137 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1801 1 7 full false Paul Anderson, Former MN Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson, Former MN Supreme Court Justice Hosted by Alan Miller. Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson served on the state's highest court for 19 years, where he authored many important decisions. In this interview with host Steve Francisco, Justice Anderson presents a strong critique of the Trump administration's policies on immigration enforcement, arrests and detentions, as well as U.S. military attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. 

He contends that many of the administration's actions are blatantly illegal and that responsible government officials must ultimately be held accountable. Our Constitution provides for three co-equal branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) that are supposed to check and balance each other, but Justice Anderson argues that Congress and the courts have ceded far too much power to the president. 

Ultimately, he says, the people hold "revolutionary power" through the electoral process and voting. Voters will decide whether America can save its 250-year-old tradition of the rule of law.

]]> Hosted by Alan Miller. Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson served on the state's highest court for 19 years, where he authored many important decisions. In this interview with host Steve Francisco, Justice Anderson presents a strong critique of the Trump administration's policies on immigration enforcement, arrests and detentions, as well as U.S. military attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. 

He contends that many of the administration's actions are blatantly illegal and that responsible government officials must ultimately be held accountable. Our Constitution provides for three co-equal branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) that are supposed to check and balance each other, but Justice Anderson argues that Congress and the courts have ceded far too much power to the president. 

Ultimately, he says, the people hold "revolutionary power" through the electoral process and voting. Voters will decide whether America can save its 250-year-old tradition of the rule of law.

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19527117 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1785 1 6 full false "The New Eagan Fire Chief" - Eagan Fire Chief Holly Mullholland "The New Eagan Fire Chief" - Eagan Fire Chief Holly Mullholland Host Steve Francisco welcomes new Eagan Fire Chief Holly Mullholland and discusses her career, her new role, and Eagan's full-time firefighter program. 

]]> Host Steve Francisco welcomes new Eagan Fire Chief Holly Mullholland and discusses her career, her new role, and Eagan's full-time firefighter program. 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19459346 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1797 1 5 full false Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari Host Steve Francisco talks with Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari about his new role as Police Chief and the challenges that first responders face. 

]]> Host Steve Francisco talks with Eagan Police Chief Salim Omari about his new role as Police Chief and the challenges that first responders face. 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19459283 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1701 1 4 full false "Minnesota: Still an Exceptional State" - Dane Smith, Journalist and Author "Minnesota: Still an Exceptional State" - Dane Smith, Journalist and Author Host Steve Francisco talks with author and journalist Dane Smith about how, despite claims, Minnesota is not a failing state and the data to prove it. 

]]> Host Steve Francisco talks with author and journalist Dane Smith about how, despite claims, Minnesota is not a failing state and the data to prove it. 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19459240 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1801 1 3 full false "What's So Important About History?" - Prof. John Mazis, Professor of History, Hamline University "What's So Important About History?" - Prof. John Mazis, Professor of History, Hamline University Host Bill Raker sits with Professor John Mazis of Hamline University to discuss the importance of understanding history and how it can predict our future. 

]]> Host Bill Raker sits with Professor John Mazis of Hamline University to discuss the importance of understanding history and how it can predict our future. 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19459125 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1801 1 2 full false Kindahl Larson, Chief Compliance Officer, MN of Veteran's Affairs Kindahl Larson, Chief Compliance Officer, MN of Veteran's Affairs Host Bill Raker speaks with Kindahl Larson, the Chief Compliance Officer of Minnesota Veterans Affairs. 

]]> Host Bill Raker speaks with Kindahl Larson, the Chief Compliance Officer of Minnesota Veterans Affairs. 

]]> Eagan Television Buzzsprout-19458984 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0500 1767 1 1 full false