Ghost of a Chance: Introducing "Worth It" Episode Release Date: May 16, 2025

In the premiere episode of "Worth It," a new podcast series from The Minnesota Star Tribune, hosts Nicole Norfleet and Erin Brown delve into a variety of topics that highlight the unique facets of life in Minnesota. From exploring the vibrant live theater scene to uncovering the costs of raising a child in the state, the episode offers listeners an engaging and informative journey through local culture and everyday challenges.

Exploring the Live Theater Scene in the Twin Cities

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the thriving live theater community in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Theater critic Rohan Preston joins Nicole and Erin to shed light on a captivating new production titled "Whoa, Nelly. The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West." This musical centers around Wiley, a scandalous cowgirl and detective whose adventurous life captivates audiences.

Rohan emphasizes the accessibility of local theater, highlighting the reasonable ticket prices compared to larger venues like Broadway. “Theater tickets here in the Twin Cities are very affordable,” Rohan explains at [16:08], noting that prices range from $30 to $74, with premium shows like Ann Juliet hitting higher marks. He praises the Rush ticket system, which allows theater enthusiasts to purchase discounted tickets close to showtime, ensuring that even those on a budget can enjoy high-quality performances.

Notable Quote:

Rohan Preston ([12:54]): "She kidnapped babies... She was a detective. A fake detective."

This segment not only promotes local productions but also underscores the importance of supporting the arts within the community.

The Ultimate Guide to Paddling in the Twin Cities

Next, the hosts transition to a more serene activity—paddling in Minnesota’s picturesque waterways. Greta Kahl, a reporter covering the built environment, shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind creating the "Ultimate Guide to Paddling in the Twin Cities." Greta recounts how kayaking became a therapeutic activity for her son, helping him regulate his emotions and grow into a "Zen" teenager [03:35].

Greta meticulously outlines 11 paddling routes suitable for various skill levels, distinguishing between easy and intermediate paths based on factors like current and accessibility. Her favorite route, from Hidden Falls to Harriet Island in St. Paul, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban views, providing paddlers with a unique perspective of the city skyline [07:07].

Tips for Beginners:

• Rentals: Utilize paddle share programs and local rentals to avoid the hassle of transporting your own equipment. “Bring sunscreen. I have gotten so burnt out there,” Greta advises [10:20].
• Safety: Always wear a life jacket and stay close to shore if you’re in a small craft. Beginners should consider joining guided paddles or taking advantage of instructional programs offered by the DNR [10:55].

Notable Quote:

Greta Kahl ([07:04]): "I love kayaking because you are right down on the water... it's really nice to be able to grab a kayak and go out there by yourself."

This segment serves as both an inspiration and a practical guide for Minnesotans looking to embrace the state’s natural beauty through paddling.

Salvage and Reuse: Reducing Waste in the Twin Cities

Nicole and Erin shift their focus to environmental sustainability, specifically the growing trend of salvaging and reusing materials in Minnesota. Chris Magen, a reporter from Hennepin County, discusses the burgeoning salvage industry, which includes over a dozen businesses in Minneapolis alone [19:34].

Chris explains that salvage involves repurposing items from demolished buildings, homes, and other facilities. Unlike traditional recycling, which breaks materials down to create new products, salvaging preserves the original materials for continued use. This approach not only reduces waste but also offers unique, often high-quality materials for homeowners and builders.

Key Highlights:

• Better Futures Minnesota: A standout salvage business that employs individuals recently released from incarceration, providing them with meaningful work opportunities [20:07].
• Restore by Habitat for Humanity: With locations in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park, Restore offers a vast selection of salvaged items, including flooring, lighting fixtures, and built-ins from historic homes [21:03].

Notable Quote:

Chris Magen ([22:19]): "People who are rehabbing homes are looking for matching wood... it's easier to find and reuse it rather than try to buy new."

This discussion highlights the dual benefits of reducing environmental impact while supporting community members through employment opportunities.

The High Cost of Raising a Child in Minnesota

The final major segment addresses one of the most pressing issues for many families: the financial burden of raising children. Emma Nelson, an economy reporter and new mother, provides a candid analysis of childcare expenses in Minnesota [25:21].

Emma outlines that the average cost to raise a child from birth to 18 years old ranges between $200,000 and $300,000. However, these figures often exclude many hidden and unexpected costs, making the actual financial strain significantly higher [28:04]. Childcare is cited as the most substantial expense, with costs varying widely between metro and outstate regions.

Key Insights:

• Childcare Costs: High expenses necessitate difficult decisions for parents, such as relying on family support or altering work schedules to accommodate childcare needs [29:02].
• Childcare Industry Challenges: Emma highlights the disparity between the high costs incurred by parents and the low wages earned by childcare providers, many of whom earn less than $15 an hour [30:09].
• Policy Proposals: The episode touches on the Trump administration's proposal to provide $5,000 to mothers for each child, though Emma notes historical data suggests such incentives have limited effectiveness in increasing birth rates [26:59].

Notable Quote:

Emma Nelson ([26:32]): "It's really grounded in this idea that if birth rates don't go up soon, we're facing a really dire future, even an apocalyptic future."

This segment offers a sobering look at the economic challenges faced by families in Minnesota, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to support both parents and childcare providers.

Closing Thoughts and Community Highlights

Towards the end of the episode, Nicole and Erin reflect on personal milestones and the vibrant community spirit in Minnesota. Erin shares her transition from teaching at Hibben Community College to joining The Minnesota Star Tribune, celebrating her long career and new opportunities [34:43]. The hosts also express excitement about local sports, highlighting the contagious enthusiasm that sports events bring to the community [35:01].

Conclusion

"Introducing: Worth It" effectively sets the tone for the "Worth It" series by covering a broad spectrum of topics that resonate with Minnesota residents. From cultural engagements and outdoor activities to critical discussions on sustainability and parenting costs, the episode provides valuable insights and practical advice. Through engaging conversations and expert interviews, Nicole Norfleet and Erin Brown establish a compelling narrative that underscores the richness and complexity of life in Minnesota.

For more information on "Worth It," visit Minnesota Star Tribune's website.