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The Global Grit Experience

Erika Gilsdorf

The Global Grit Experience is about caring for nature, wildlife and each other by sharing stories of people making a difference in small and big ways. Real people, doing the work, who we can learn from, find some inspiration, and gather our grit to step up for the protection of our natural world. Erika Gilsdorf is an international, award-winning video producer and uses this podcast to be able to dive a bit deeper into a variety of environmental topics that are relevant, authentic and inspiring in today's challenging times. It's a podcast built on stories of hope, connection and action.

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  • 20 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 23 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E40
    Tuesday · 31 min

    Saying No to Plastics - Why & How

    Guest Cedar Walters talks about the harms of plastics in our bodies and the environment in this episode and shares tactics to reduce plastic use. Cedar Walters is Senior Director of Community Programs at West Central Initiative (WCI), where she leads community initiatives and connects people and communities with resources that support sustainability and resilience. In 2025 and 2026 she organized and supported eight community screenings of the Plastic People documentary, which led to the formation of a Beyond Plastics local chapter in west central Minnesota. Prior to joining WCI, Cedar worked at a county recycling facility for six years and became obsessed with waste reduction – specifically for plastics and food waste. Cedar holds an MS in Biology and Environmental Education from North Dakota State University and has experience in distributed solar development, composting and recycling program development, sustainable food systems, and native prairie restoration projects. In her free time she can be found in her pollinator garden, spending time with family, reading, camping, knitting, and organizing for more inclusive and equitable communities. RESOURCES Beyond Plastics: trainings, resources, studies, fact sheets, map of local groups, speaker bureau, and more! https://www.beyondplastics.org/ Reasons to Say No to Plastics: https://files.captivate.fm/library/d7963bca-c38f-4d72-ae91-8cdf07543597/Reasons-to-Say-No-to-Plastics-Beyond-Plastics.pdf Sustainable Closet Basics: https://files.captivate.fm/library/c83f24bf-6b68-4ec2-8d0a-0f95f0cd47fc/Sustainable-Closet-Basics.pdf Thrift Tips and Gifts: https://files.captivate.fm/library/891f05db-1ed3-4c39-91e4-8e59fa005d3a/Thrift-Tips-and-Gifts.pdf Compostable Products Purchasing Guid: https://files.captivate.fm/library/c0e48e78-f7dc-4692-aecc-8dacec5406d6/Compostable-Products-Purchasing-Guide.pdf Reducing health impacts from plastics - Blog: https://www.beyondplastics.org/ask-a-scientist/avoid-plastic-toxic-chemicals For West Central MN Specifically: Quarterly Advocacy Trainings coming up in November – free on Zoom, pick a date that works for you: Saturday, 11/7 at 1:00 PM ET US Tuesday, 11/10 at 7:00 PM ET US Thursday, 11/12 at 7:00 PM ET US Screening of Plastic People -coming up on September 26th at 6:30 pm at the Becker Co Museum in Detroit Lakes, MN https://www.facebook.com/share/1LUpEdwQFH/ FOLLOW the GLOBAL GRIT EXPERIENCE Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1Mn5MZyZeMgdgKROVEK1b1 Instagram @thegloabgritexperience Facebook @theglobalgritexperience TikTok @the.global.grit.ex Website www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I SO appreciate you! Erika

  • S1 · E39
    September 8 · 26 min

    Tactics to be an Effective Voter for the Environment

    What does voting for the environment mean? How can we find our way through political hype? How do we listen to candidates more critically? My guest today is Dave Homans. Dave is a retired physician who serves as Citizen Climate Lobby’s Co-Coordinator for the state of Minnesota. He is active in lobbying our elected representatives to promote policies that will mitigate climate warming. Resources Open Secrets https://www.opensecrets.org/donor-lookup/results?name=elizabeth+manson&order=desc&sort=D Govtrack.com https://www.govtrack.us/ Billtrack50 https://www.billtrack50.com/info/ The Cook Political Report https://www.cookpolitical.com/ League of Women voters https://www.lwvmn.org/2026-candidate-forums Environmental Voter Project https://www.environmentalvoter.org/ Citizens Climate Lobby https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ Follow The Global Grit Experience: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1Mn5MZyZeMgdgKROVEK1b1 Instagram @thegloabgritexperience Facebook @theglobalgritexperience TikTok @the.global.grit.ex Website www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I SO appreciate you!

  • S1 · E38
    September 1 · 27 min

    Meet Erika - Host of The Global Grit Experience Podcast

    In this episode I give a little background of how I got into video, capturing stories around the world, and eventually, here, as a podcaster and host of The Global Grit Experience. Examples of videos mentioned in the podcast Volkswagen ID.4 Road Trip - What Fuels You- Ep.1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ85tn5HDJ0 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - Soul Pursuits Ep.1 - https://youtu.be/mlRZ-lckRWs?si=_CAeZTq5fLGZhxHd Soul of of the Western Balkans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahpRDIo87n0&list=PLbXm1PcDvCSe_PjQUF6v1F51amDjI4cq7&index=24&t=2s Woodland League - Ireland: https://youtu.be/MUT6miz2Kys

  • S1 · E37
    August 25 · 20 min

    Self-Interest vs Environmental Sustainability. Can we Find the Balance?

    How do we as humans balance our self-interest drive with environmental sustainability. There’s no easy answer but it’s definitely worth pondering, talking about, and hopefully acting on for the future of our natural world (and us). My guest today is Dr. Dennis Jacobs, retired physics professor, pilot, aeronautical engineer, sustainability educator, and author of multiple books. Subscribe and Follow The Global Grit Experience: Spotify Instagram Facebook Website Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I SO appreciate you!

  • S1 · E36
    August 18 · 21 min

    How a Small Group of Locals Created a Huge Nature-Based Park in their Hometown

    How do you make stuff happen - like saving a beautiful area from development and creating instead an amazing nature-based park that the locals, wildlife, and tourists love? Let’s find out in this episode with guest, Polly Andersen. Polly’s love of nature led her to champion the Wannigan Regional Park in her hometown of Frazee, MN. Resources https://wanniganpark.com/ Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I SO appreciate you!

  • S1 · E35
    August 11 · 22 min

    The Amazing Honey Bee Matriarchal Society and a Year in Beekeeping with Sawyer Gilsdorf

    Honey bees! In this episode I chat with Sawyer Gilsdorf, professional beekeeper with Björn’s Colorado Honey in Boulder, Colorado (and my awesome nephew) to learn what’s involved with beekeeping year round in colder winter climates. And, of course, learn some amazing honey bee fun facts and their intricate matriarchal society. Resources: Björns Colorado Honey Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E34
    August 4 · 25 min

    Why are Three Specific Bird Species the Focus of Conservation in Minnesota?

    Emilia Skogen fell in love with birds at a young age and has been working with them ever since. In today's episode, I talk with her about why she's specifically working with three bird species in Minnesota and what conservation for them looks like through forestry management. Emilia is a Minnesota Public Lands Conservation Forester with the American Bird Conservancy. RESOURCES https://abcbirds.org/ https://abcbirds.org/ways-to-give/ https://abcbirds.org/get-involved/ Outdoor Heritage Fund work - Details about the three bird species Emilia works with, where the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) works, and how many acres of habitat ABC has worked with partner agencies to manage for birds so far. https://abcbirds.org/where-we-work/north-america/great-lakes-ohf-grants/ FREE FORESTRY FOR MINNESOTA BIRDS GUIDE https://www.birds.cornell.edu/landtrust/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ForestryForMNBirdsGuidebook.pdf EMILIA SKOGEN CONTACT INFORMATION Fee free to email or call Emilia if they'd like more information on any topics, or want to connect with ABC's private lands foresters on managing their land for birds and other wildlife: eskogen@abcbirds.org / (612) 439-2011 Contact Emilia for any information about ball cactus. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WI DNR MOSS (managed old-growth silvicultural study) https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/research/moss Audubon MN secretive marsh bird surveys https://www.audubon.org/umr/projects/monitoring-secretive-marsh-birds-minnesota Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E33
    July 28 · 19 min

    Why Protecting Public Lands Matters - And How We Can Help

    In this episode I hit the North Country Trail with Matt Davis, the Regional Trail Coordinator for MN, ND and WI for the nonprofit, North Country Trail Association. We talk about this beautiful 5,000 mile trail, why public lands are important (in SO many ways), how they’re being taken away, sold, and at risk, and what we can do to stop this attack. Matt also shares a few summer tips to keep us safe and comfy hiking. Resources North Country Trail Association: northcountrytrail.org Sierra Club: https://www.sierraclub.org/issues/environment/public-lands Trust for Public Land: https://www.tpl.org League of Conservation Voters: https://www.lcv.org 5 Calls - An easy place to call your legislators to protect public lands: https://5calls.org/ Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E32
    July 21 · 30 min

    We Just Experienced Climate Chaos in MN - What Do We Do Next?

    Minnesota's AQI hit record highs recently during the wildfires making it feel apocalyptic with smoky, brown skies, evacuated homes, and air quality that made it dangerous and painful to breathe. Erika sits down in the midst of it with guest Julia Frost Nerbonne, Executive Director of Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light to talk about what it was like experiencing climate chaos firsthand and what diverse faiths are doing together to move forward with climate solutions. This conversation is real, inspiring, and hopeful. Resources: www.mnipl.org Julia@mnipl.org 651.301.8195 Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E31
    July 14 · 16 min

    How Small-Scale Farming Changed Cody's Life

    Erika sits down and talks with farmer Cody Kurowski at his Sower’s Harvest Farm in Fergus Falls, MN to find out what got him into farming, why he’s going the chemical-free route, and how you farm year-round in a frigid winter state like Minnesota. Resources: Sower’s Harvest Farm https://www.sowersharvestfarm.com/ https://www.facebook.com/sowersharvestfarm/ https://www.instagram.com/sowersharvestfarm/ Summer Veggie Recipes: https://pinchofyum.com/summer-produce-recipes https://www.bakedbymelissa.com/blogs/recipes/farm-stand-salad https://www.homechef.com/meals/farmstand-salad Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E30
    July 7 · 18 min

    What's a Food Co-op & is 'Organic' for Real?

    What's different with a food co-op and can we really trust the organic food label? Erika talks with farmer and Manna Food Co-op General Manager, Ryan Pesch. Ryan started Lida Farm near Pelican Rapids, MN in 2004 and brings unique perspectives as a farmer, business person, and healthy foods advocate that is relevant wherever you live. Ryan refers to it as the good food movement in today's episode. Resources: https://mannafoodcoop.com/ Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience. I appreciate you!

  • S1 · E29
    June 30 · 16 min

    FROGS! with Interpretive Park Ranger, Kelly Blackledge

    Love frogs? Toads? Kelly sure does and shares with us why. In today’s episode, Erika talks with Interpretive Park Ranger of 30 years, Kelly Blackledge to learn some fun facts about frogs, their sounds, how they survive in winter, and how they're doing out there. Resources: Frog & Toad Opera https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/frogs_toads/opera.html Record your sightings on HerpMapper https://www.herpmapper.org/ Minnesota Frog Watch https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteering/frogtoad_survey/index.html FrogWatch USA https://www.akronzoo.org/frogwatch-usa-volunteers Malformed Frogs Found in MN https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs-043-01/ Book: Peril in the Ponds: Deformed Frogs, Politics, and a Biologist's Quest by Judy Helgen (Author) Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for listening and being a part of The Global Grit Experience!

  • S1 · E28
    June 23 · 16 min

    Easy & Cheap Alternatives for Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies For Your Home

    It's crazy how many toxic and hazardous 'cleaning' supplies we use in our homes. There's a better way. In today’s episode, Erika sits down with former Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Sandy Gunderson to talk about alternative cleaning supplies that are easy to make, better for us and the environment, and will save us lots of money. Cha-Ching! DIY Ways-TO-Clean-Green Resources: https://greenamerica.org/ways-to-clean-green https://homesteadingfamily.com/homemade-cleaning-recipes/ https://dakotavalleyrecyclingmn.gov/green-cleaners https://islandgreenliving.org/non-toxic-cleaning/ Follow The Global Grit Experience: Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit: www.theglobalgritexperience.com Thanks for being a part of The Global Grit Experience!

  • S1 · E27
    June 16 · 34 min

    Tapping Into Micro-Courage to Speak Up with Dr. Karen Branden

    For this episode, I’ve invited Dr. Karen Branden back on the show to talk about a topic that’s been bugging me. Why do we as humans often not speak up and challenge things that we know, at least deep down, are wrong? It’s frustrating as hell why so many people in power are doing this, but how can we, our little spread out, but collective selves around the planet do things differently to make a difference? A recent podcast guest calls it having micro-courage and that intrigued me. In this episode Dr. Karen Branden talks about our human nature, societal upbringing, and experiments that shed some light on why we tend to stay silent, and most importantly, how we can break that pattern of 'group-think’ with a bit of micro-courage. You can listen to the podcast here or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. You can also follow The Global Grit Experience on IG and FB. I’d love to hear from you! Let me know what you think and any topics you’d like to hear about on the show. Follow The Global Grit Experience on Instagram: @thegloabgritexperience Follow The Global Grit on Facebook: @theglobalgritexperience Visit www.theglobalgritexperience.com

  • S1 · E26
    June 9 · 32 min

    Finding the Sweet Spot - Green Technology & Economic Sense

    Jim Goodman, the owner of Bob’s Cabins in Two Harbors, MN has done what I think is very unusual in today’s world. He’s not bulldozing down a quaint getaway but instead restoring it AND building in energy efficiency and renewable energy to make it more affordable for guests to have extended stays. Having worked for most of his life in the energy field, Jim says its about ethics to pursue renewable energy and energy efficiency because it makes economic sense. He calls it the sweet spot…doing good and saving money. Jim's perspective and tactics are things you can incorporate too, in your home or business. Jim was born on the Iron Range, grew up in Two Harbors, MN, and worked at Bob’s Cabins on Lake Superior during high school. He’s a husband and dad, volunteers with the University of Minnesota Extension’s Northeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, and loves to bike, hike, and sail. For Bob's Cabins, he's all about progressing its operational smoothness through electrification and lowering its carbon footprint. You can learn about Bob’s Cabins below: https://www.bobscabinsonlakesuperior.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Bobscabins linkedin.com/in/jamesrobertgoodman

  • S1 · E25
    June 2 · 25 min

    Loving on BUGS with Entomologist Jessica Wyn Miller

    I've been hearing people saying lately how much they hate bugs or are scared of certain bugs and I’m like, I gotta do an episode on bugs…because we need bugs and they’re really so intricate and amazing. And, because I think it would be fun to learn a little bit more about them. My guest today is Jessica Wyn Miller. She’s an environmental entomologist and insect advocate. She’s the owner of Dragons Wynd that shares the wonder and fascination of the insects and the services they provide in our own yards and environments around the globe. She does a lot of talks and workshops and uses current research and interesting facts to help people laugh and inspire a respect for insect behavior, their heavy workload, and environmental needs. Jessica shares with us some bug fun facts, their role up the food chain for birds, fish, and turtles for example that we like to see in our yards, parks, lakes and rivers and how we can protect and nurture them to thrive. You can learn more about Dragons Wynd or reach out to Jessica below: jessica@dragonswynd.com dragonswynd.com https://www.etsy.com/shop/DragonsWyndInsects

  • S1 · E24
    May 26 · 23 min

    Tips for Planting a Pollinator Garden

    Today we’re talking about planting for pollinators! A few years ago I received a Lawns to Legumes pollinator habitat grant through a MN statewide education program called Blue Thumb which is part of the nonprofit, Metro Blooms based in Minneapolis. Metro Blooms partners with communities and folks to create outdoor spaces that’s good for the water and land like installing rain gardens that filter and clean water and native plantings the provide habitat for pollinators. With the grant, I started my first pollinator garden which has been addictive and now has transformed a once entirely mowed backyard to about 3/4’s pollinator garden… and it’s SO much fun to see all the flowers and life back there. I’ve invited Megan and Jennifer from Metro Blooms to talk with us about how to plant for pollinators. Megan Reich is with the Education Team and Jennifer Ehlert is Vice President of the for-profit Metro blooms Design+Build that does residential and commercial design, installation and maintenance of native landscapes. But, No matter where you live, this can apply to you. Each of our little pollinator spaces, big or small are like stepping stones across the landscape to help for example, migrating monarch make their journey. And, it’s, I think, super fun. Here are a few resources: Metro Blooms Website: https://metroblooms.org/ Blue Thumb Website: https://bluethumb.org/ Blue Thumb Planting Templates: https://bluethumb.org/public-resources/ Lawns to Legumes Habitat at Home Sign Up: https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/habitat-at-home/ Lawns to Legumes Garden Tour Day: https://bluethumb.org/garden-tour-day/ National Wildlife Federation - Native Plant Habitats - https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native

  • S1 · E22
    May 19 · 19 min

    Building Nests to Help Loons

    With declining natural shorelines from development, loon numbers have been hurting. People like my guest Mark Backes on Big Fish Lake in Minnesota are building loon nests to help them out. Hear what goes into making a loon nest, the success they're having, and some fun loon facts along the way. The loon calls you'll hear are recorded on Gull Lake from a friend of mine and Minnesota's 'Loon Lady', Sheila Johnston. Resources: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoonLady/ https://www.nationallooncenter.org/

  • S1 · E21
    May 12 · 24 min

    The Environmental Fight to Save Public and Sacred Lands with Chris Riccardo

    We are at a critical time when many of our public and sacred lands across the U.S. are being threatened. Political decisions, like the recent, totally disgusting vote passed to undo protections that block copper mining in the Boundary Water’s watershed, are at risk of setting precedents for other wilderness areas, like Utah's Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument. We need to stand together, across state lines for wilderness protection. Today’s Guest is Chris Riccardo, the Midwest organizer with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). Hear about what's happening with the Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument, how congress is seeking to roll back protections, and what you can do (that's easy) to help. After listening, I hope you’ll take action and go to SUWA.org or make a quick call to your members of congress to vote NO on resolutions to undo the Grand Staircase-Escalante management plan. We gotta keep the pressure on together. For more info, Chris shared these resources: chris@suwa.org DC’s Switchboard: 202.224.3121 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W1FceOMx_XQ https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fbdd127c2bfb421a8fe56f579f252892 https://gsenm.org/april-2026-newsletter/

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