18 JUN 2022 · Power in Poetry is a special series from The Invisible Backpack that was originally scheduled to be one episode, but the students were so impressive that we created individual episodes for each that we will continue to roll out over the next few weeks. Enjoy! Special thanks to the incredible Julia!

10 JUN 2022 · Power in Poetry is a special series from The Invisible Backpack that was originally scheduled to be one episode, but the students were so impressive that we created individual episodes for each that we will continue to roll out over the next few weeks. Enjoy! Special thanks to the incredible Amina Hassan.

10 JUN 2022 · Power in Poetry is a special series from The Invisible Backpack that was originally scheduled to be one episode, but the students were so impressive that we created individual episodes for each that we will continue to roll out over the next few weeks. Enjoy! Special thanks to Ms. Crystal Smith for her support with this episode and its contents.

10 JUN 2022 · Power in Poetry is a special series from The Invisible Backpack that was originally scheduled to be one episode, but the students were so impressive that we created individual episodes for each that we will continue to roll out over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

25 JAN 2022 · In this episode we explore the beauty and meaning of the Hijab through the perspectives of eight high school students. We learn from these young women that while it makes them feel closer to their faith, the scarf or hijab is also a deeply personal choice, symbolic of empowerment, modesty, self-expression and resilience. Special thanks to Amal, Sabriin, Fartun, Yasmin, Sabrin, Aisha, Hodan and Sam Sam for sharing their powerful voices. Guidance and Editing Support from: Catherine Richart, MPR, Wafa ElKhalifa, Matt Ruzek, Lisa Becker and Angela Weyenberg Music: Confessions by Sudan Archives (NPR Tiny Desk Concert) Hijabi (Wrap my Hijab) by Mona Haydar Habib Galbi by A-Wa, NPR Tiny Desk Concert Bayti Fi Rasi, by A-Wa (my home is in my head) “I am a woman, I am a man, I am a journey” Let Me Introduce Myself by Vanacore Music

8 DEC 2021 · Part II: A New Season, Julio II Julio Molina, originally from Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, went on vacation to Rochester, MN twenty years ago at the age of ten. He never left. Eternal optimism and his mother's brilliant advice helped propel him to the place in life he's carved out for himself and for his family. He says, "Twenty years later, we're still on vacation." Today he explains the strategy his mother inspired, one he's used since he was ten years old. Guidance, Editing Support from: Catherine Richart, MPR & Matt Ruzek, special thanks to Julio Molina for sharing this piece of his story. Music: - Oye Cómo Va, by Santana

29 OCT 2021 · Julio Molina, originally from Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico, went on vacation to Rochester, MN twenty years ago at the age of ten. He never left. Eternal optimism and his mother's brilliant advice helped propel him to the place in life he's carved out for himself and for his family. He says, "Twenty years later, we're still on vacation." Guidance, Editing Support from: Catherine Richart, MPR, Matt Ruzek, Katie Schafer & Angela Weyenberg Music: - Las Flores, Cafe Tacuba - La Fiera de Ojinaga, La Boca Les Callamos - Willy Nelson, On the Road Again - Juanes y Mon Laferte: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

23 OCT 2021 · Episode 2 of explores the challenging dynamic between a student new to the country and the education system in the United States. Their story spans the last twenty years. And while it would be comforting to imagine that in the last twenty or so years that our community and our education system would have made significant progress toward a more equitable experience for ALL, the reality is that some of the same narrow policies, practices, procedures and mindsets still exist. Even today. The purpose of this episode is not to place blame but instead to learn from this truth, and to do better in the future. It will take all of us. When we know better, we do better. Guidance, Editing Support from Catherine Richart, MPR Mohamed Addani Hawa Camara Katie Schafer Kelly Underwood Angela Weyenberg Dr. Jess Garcia Music: - Those Who Ask Don't Get Lost, by Al Balabil - Champion, by Kanye West - Rival, by Hiba Elgizouli

14 OCT 2021 · In this episode we meet Wafa and Mohammed. We learn (briefly) how their family arrived in the US in 2001 and connect with them through music. We learn that while we may have been listening to the same music and copying the same lyrics at the same time on different continents, Mohamed and Wafa had a much more practical purpose for learning the lyrics. Enjoy.