August 16, 2011 - As State Senator Linda Berglin steps after a 39-year career in the Minnesota House and Senate, she stops by the Midday studio to reflect on her career and on Minnesota's health care system. Berglin’s legislative specialty was health care, and she moves to a new public policy job at Hennepin County.
August 22, 2011 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Midday host Gary Eichten about his announcement of retiring in January of 2012. Crann asks what stands out for Eichten over the decades long career at Minnesota Public Radio.
September 2, 2011 - Garrison Keillor, the host of public radio's A Prairie Home Companion, joins MPR's Gary Eichten on the Carousel Park Stage at the Minnesota State Fair to share stories and answer questions from the audience about his long career as a broadcaster and author.
September 16, 2011 - On this Midday, two guests talk about 50 years of the Minnesota Vikings. Writer Jim Klobuchar, who covered the Vikings from day one, September 17, 1961, joins Midday to talk about the history of the team and the game of football? Following that, a conversation with Tommy Mason, Minnesota Viking’s first player.
October 4, 2011 - MPR’s Julie Siple reports on the fight against hunger on the White Earth Reservation. Tribal officials estimate up to 50 percent of American Indians on the reservation live below the poverty line. For some, ensuring there is enough healthy food to feed themselves and their families is a problem. There is a growing effort to return to traditional foods to help alleviate hunger and improve the health of people on the reservation while reconnecting them with a diet that served their ancestors.
October 11, 2011 - Former GOP presidential candidate and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty sits down with MPR's Gary Eichten to reflect on his failed presidential bid, his two terms as governor, and his future career in or out of politics. This is the first public interview since he dropped out of the race for president.
October 27, 2011 - A new study led by University of Minnesota researchers shows that annual flu shots protect only about 59% of the population. How good are vaccines, and how important to public health? Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, provides insights on the effectiveness of vaccines.
November 1, 2011 - Midday looks back at the life and career of Tom Keith (aka Jim Ed Poole). He was known nationally as the sound effects man on A Prairie Home Companion. He also co-hosted The Morning Show on Minnesota Public Radio for 25 years. Friends and colleagues reminisce about the legendary radio personality. Program includes a profile of Tom Keith.
November 8, 2011 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on creation of four Native American radio stations in Callaway, Nett Lake, Cloquet and Cass Lake. Gunderson interviews tribe members behind the efforts to provide service to American Indian audiences in the northern Minnesota area.
November 8, 2011 - Native American activist Winona LaDuke speaks about the importance of Native American radio stations. LaDuke is one of the individuals behind starting station for White Earth reservation.