August 1, 1985 - MPR’s Stephen Smith takes a nature walk with author and journalist Paul Gruchow at Blue Mounds State Park in southwestern, Minnesota. Gruchow writes about the prairie and is a frequent visitor to the park.
August 2, 1985 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker comments on the Minnesota Twins acquisition of star pitcher Bert Blyleven from the Cleveland Indians. The looming possibility of an MLB strike and new team manager Ray Miller is also discussed.
August 6, 1985 - James Farrell, St. Olaf professor of history, American studies, and environmental studies, describes the reasons behind and contents of his book The Nuclear Devil's Dictionary. The book sarcastically presents definitions and terms related to nuclear weapons, warfare, and the Cold War era, highlighting the absurdity of nuclear politics.
August 10, 1985 - Weekend’s Mark Heistad talks with Eldon Anderson, a prisoner at the Stillwater Prison and staff member of The Prison Mirror. The 98-year old newspaper publication was created by and for inmates.
August 15, 1985 - In marking the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the end of the second World War, a rebroadcast of a program entitled Hiroshima Countdown, which traces the development of the atomic bomb. Documentary includes commentary by Studs Terkel, author of The Good War.
August 22, 1985 - MPR’s Suzanne Strickland interviews Gale Frost about Minnesota State Fair History Museum. Frost shares a few artifact highlights and his affection for the Minnesota State Fair. Frost created the Minnesota State Fair History Museum in 1976 and serves as its curator.
August 23, 1985 - Recollections of World War II as told by residents of New Ulm, Minnesota. Their stories were told to former Minnesota Public Radio producer Mark Heistad, who now teaches journalism at the University of St. Thomas. This documentary was produced with a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.
August 27, 1985 - Rudy Boschwitz, Minneosta U.S. senator (i-R), discusses concerns regarding current domestic and international matters, including South Africa. Boschwitz also answers listener questions.
August 28, 1985 - Jerry Cassidy examines issues of Indian hunting and fishing rights in his documentary "American Indians in the 1980s: New Struggles for Old Rights." Program includes numerous interviews and commentary on treaty rights.
August 29, 1985 - Garrison Keillor, author of Lake Wobegon Days, answers listener questions about his writing and his show "A Prairie Home Companion."