May 2, 1979 - Dr. Ray Sterling, director of the University of Minnesota's Underground Space Center, and Kathleen Vadnais, editor of "Earth Shelter Digest", talk with MPR’s Dale Connelly about earth sheltering. Sterling and Vadnais give insight into structures and their energy benefits. They also answer listener questions.
May 7, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson presents a live profile of the Commodities Futures Exchange and the Cash Grain Market from the Minneapolis Grain Exchange. Grain traders, elevator operators, grain inspectors and farmers explain why the Minneapolis Grain Exchange is important to them. Interviews include Merlin Mills, president of the Minneapolis Grain Exchange.
May 24, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Al Johnson, director of Minnesota Energy Agency, who discusses the subject of energy future in Minnesota. Topics include stoppage of diesel fuel delivery to state, and gas conservation. Johnson also answers listener questions.
May 26, 1979 - Dr. William Nolen of Litchfield, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Nolen addresses securing good health care and patients advocating competent and compassionate care.
May 26, 1979 - Jane Brody, New York Times health correspondent, speaking at 9th Annual Health Alert Symposium held at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Brody examines health care from the consumer point of view.
June 8, 1979 - MPR’s Dan Olson interviews Victoria Van Slyke, director of Working Opportunities for Women Program; and by Mary Ann Wurm, A St. Paul resident who has benefited from the displaced homemakers portion of the program.
July 18, 1979 - Stewart Udall, environmentalist and former Secretary of the Interior, and Leon Martel, executive vice president of the Hudson Institute, debate the resolution "There Is an Energy Crisis in the United States" at the first annual Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture at St. Cloud State University. Stewart Udall argued there is an energy shortage in the United States, while Leon Martel argued the opposite.
July 20, 1979 - MPR’s Rich Dietman interviews Dr. Frank Busta, member of the Food Science Department at the University of Minnesota. Busta discusses controversy that has arisen in a related sorbate study and about whose side food scientists are on...consumers or big business?
July 21, 1979 - On this special Spectrum/Home for the Weekend broadcast, MPR’s Rich Dietman presents a group discussion and live call-in program on Minnesota Public Radio's programming decisions, its technical operations, and funding of the network.
July 23, 1979 - Mark Seetin, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner, discusses the state of agriculture in Minnesota. Topics include economic health, end of drought, gasohol, beef prices, and American Agriculture Movement. Seetin also answers listener and reporter questions.