During my career in radio I have interviewed hundreds of people, a day doesn’t go by where I’m not sticking a microphone in somebody’s face and asking them a question or two. It might even be in the thousands after 32 years of working in radio. One thing I do know is I enjoy interviewing people and getting to know them and what they do.

Some interviews will always be with me for whatever reason. I have interviewed some famous people like Senator Amy Klobuchar, comedian Ken Davis, Miss Minnesota, Angelina Amerigo, Belinda Jensen from KARE 11 and the rock band Hairball on their bus, John Millea from John’s Journal at the Minnesota High School League, Patrick Ruesse from the Star Tribune and this past Saturday I got the chance to interview Carrie Tollefson again, an Olympian and a graduate from Dawson-Boyd. I also have interviewed countless authors, doctors, nurses, people that work in agriculture, politicians, athletes, business owners and I think the most interviews that I’ve done is with 4H kids.

Carrie’s interview Saturday was sure fun. Carrie Tollefson is just a natural for radio and tv and public speaking. When she talks people listen. Give her the microphone and just get out of the way! She just draws you in with her passion for life! You can tell that she loves life to the fullest and is passionate about her work, her family and her hometown of Dawson. She is so positive, someone you want to hang around with all the time.

Another interview that I did that really impacted me was last fall with 12 year old Spencer Thorsland. Spencer had cancer and there was a fundraiser for him at Lac qui Parle Valley before a football game. He was pretty weak that Friday and was scheduled for another surgery at the Mayo Clinic that Monday. He had already had many surgeries and was fighting the cancer hard. They had a trailer parked near the football field so he could rest and his dad told me that I could interview him outside of the trailer. It was the first time I had met Spencer. He gave me a interview I will never forget. It was about life and living and cherishing moments with family and friends. A child should never have to endure what he went through. That’s what made me sad while interviewing him and just seeing the wonderful spirit within him. It was the only time I can remember interviewing someone that I lost it. I teared up and felt so bad for him. But, what I remember most is his constant smile. He smiled the whole interview. Spencer died in January. He touched many lives. Cancer sucks.

Interviewing high school student/athletes can be challenging. I’ve learned over the years not to ask yes and no questions. Some kids are really good and some kids look at you like a deer in headlights. I’ve had some really funny interviews over the years. One was with Tayna Thesing from Neon Needles when they had the store in Montevideo. You will have to ask her about it. It’s too embarrassing. I’m approaching my word limit with this blog!

My time with Miss Minnesota and her mother was memorable. Angelina and her parents are amazing people.

My most nervous interview was the first time I interviewed Senator Amy Klobuchar. I have interviewed her a number of times over the years, but the first time I was so nervous. She was in Madison at Lund Implement and when she walked out of the building with her entourage I stepped in front of her and asked for a interview. She was very polite and said “Sure”. The last time with Amy was in Montevideo and I approached her and she called me by my name! I was impressed that she remembered who I was. When I was getting into my car to leave I noticed I had my name tag on and so she didn’t remember my name, just read it off the name tag! Geez.

When the rock group Hairball was at the Chippewa County Fair a few years back, it traumatized me for life! Just kidding, they were some tough looking guys but so down to earth and real.

John Millea from the Minnesota High School League was at the section dance meet in Montevideo and he was on the radio with me. Before we were going to go on the air, I told John that it is a Saturday afternoon and we are about to interrupt the Polka Show. He laughed so hard, because he grew up in small town Iowa and knew what I was talking about. That week he retold that story on WCCO radio. So much fun.

My interview skills have improved over the years. I look forward to doing more interviews and interviewing some interesting people. I’m going to post a number of pictures below. Just a sample of the hundreds of people that I have had the privilege to meet and interview. Love my job!