Explore every episode of the podcast Where the Bluestem Grows

For as long as he can remember, Zane Fredbjornson has wanted to work with livestock. From horses to cattle, he’s been a fixture on the prairies for decades, taking care of these animals and the land they depend on. Tune in and uncover the surprising connection between endangered prairie birds and sustainable grazing, as seen through the eyes of someone who’s made that connection his livelihood.

They don’t make honey, they aren’t all striped, and most have no interest in stinging you. But, they’re bees nonetheless, and Sherry Punak-Murphy can’t get enough of these tiny inhabitants of the mixed-grass prairie. Biologist by day and Brandon community advocate by... also day, discover her quest to turn B-City into a Bee-City.

Leanne Zacharias and Koda Maxon have been tuning into the Prairies’ dawn chorus their entire lives, and have both committed their careers to telling stories through music. From the distant echoes of a receding glacier, to swirling barn swallows overhead, these artists are exploring their relationship with nature and inviting others to join in the song.

For millennia, grasslands have been a place of growth and healing, and the story of Ken Norquay and Gordon Beddome is a testament to this power. Join us and hear how this Anishinaabe cultural support worker and cattle producer got to know one another, and how their mutual generosity and connection to the prairie have made amazing things possible for their community. A note: This episode deals with history that may be difficult to listen to. Take care as you listen.