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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Michael Haskett - Chef and Owner of MB Haskett Delicatessen

Episode Summary

On the 14th anniversary of M.B. Haskett Delicatessen, Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh sit down with chef-owner Michael Haskett in the deli’s basement to trace his journey from teenage pizza maker to James Beard-connected chef and local food advocate. He reflects on how early jobs at Gigglebees and TGI Fridays, mentorship under Chef Dominic, and learning “real” stock at the Culinary Institute of America shaped his philosophy around food, people, and place. Throughout the conversation, Haskett emphasizes building a more matriarchal-style, humane kitchen culture and championing local, sustainable agriculture—especially perennial crops like Kernza that can reduce nitrate levels in water and improve soil health—while connecting this to his advocacy work on environmental policy and the power of consumer choices.

Highlights

• Growing up between Sioux City and Sioux Falls, discovering kitchens as a refuge, and early jobs at Gigglebees, Bagel Boy, TGI Friday’s, and Theo’s.​
• The shock of going from powdered sauces to making classic stock at the Culinary Institute of America and realizing food can tell a story, not just make money.​
• Punk rock, vegan friends, and how zines, Gulf War I, and animal welfare debates reshaped his politics around meat and industrial agriculture.​
• Mentors like Chef Dominic, Christina Keene, and Lucia Watson, and what Michael learned about running less patriarchal, more humane restaurant teams.​
• The 14‑year evolution of M.B. Haskett, from buying Michelle’s Coffee Shop with no stove to becoming known for meticulous eggs and local sourcing.​
• James Beard’s Chef’s Boot Camp for Policy and Change, pandemic advocacy for restaurant relief, and working with congressional staff on PPP and industry survival.​
• Chefs for Healthy Soils, cover crops, and why soil health, runoff reduction, and farm incentives matter to a breakfast cook in downtown Sioux Falls.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Tim Meagher - COO of Vanguard Hospitality

Episode Summary

Tim Meagher, cofounder of Vanguard Hospitality, discusses his journey from working in pizza to managing multiple restaurants in Sioux Falls. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality and creating a unique experience for guests. Tim highlights his efforts to source local products, including partnering with tribal partners, and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable food system. He stresses the need for resilient, interdependent relationships with producers to ensure long-term success. Tim also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on food systems and the importance of normalizing local products to create a sustainable future.

Highlights

• Tim traces his unlikely path from pizza joints and a heavy metal band called Spore to cofounding Vanguard Hospitality, explaining how a song called “Vanguard” inspired the name and a legacy-driven ethos that rejects the status quo.​
• He unpacks the difference between service and hospitality, arguing that hospitality is about how a place makes you feel and how relationships are built in a room, not just how fast food arrives or how well a table is managed.​
• Tim describes his journey into wine and cheese, learning microclimates, soils, and root systems, and how that same curiosity led him to question monocultures, input-heavy agriculture, and ultra‑processed foods.​
• A turning point comes when he begins sourcing Berkshire hogs and later partners with Dakota Rural Action, acknowledging what he doesn’t know and working to normalize local foods so they are no longer a niche but a default choice on menus.​
• Inside Vanguard’s kitchens, he and chef Josh quietly swap ingredients for more nutrient-dense, pasture-based options, trusting guests’ bodies to notice the difference rather than preaching ideals at the table.​
• Tim talks candidly about walking away from dependence on broadline distributors, visiting ranches to see plant diversity and soil health, and telling suppliers he would rather lose his businesses than go back to systems where somebody always loses.​
• The episode explores integrated regional hubs, small processors with kill floors, retail, and restaurants under one roof, and what it would take for South Dakota’s food system to be resilient enough to feed itself.​
• Throughout, Tim returns to questions of incentives, relationship-building, and “playing offense” in a system that constantly tries to sell you convenience, showing how small, intentional steps—from one better salad to one local logo on a menu—can add up to structural change.​

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Dr. David O'Hara, Professor of Philosophy, Classics & Environmental Studies; Director of Environmental Studies & Sustainability at Augustana University

Episode Summary

In this episode, hosts Lori Walsh and Travis Entenman welcome Dr. David O’Hara, professor of philosophy and environmental studies at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The conversation unfolds at a secluded cabin near the Big Sioux River, reflecting on the intersections of philosophy, nature, and community.

Key Themes Discussed

• Outdoor Classrooms and Environmental Spaces: David O’Hara shares how outdoor classrooms, pollinator gardens, and calming spaces on campus have transformed student engagement and environmental awareness. He connects these spaces to ancient traditions of philosophical learning, such as the Greek stoa, and discusses their importance in fostering connection to nature and community.
• Soundscapes and the Urban Experience: The hosts and David explore the impact of urban noise and light pollution, sharing personal stories about growing up in quiet rural environments and reflecting on the value of silence and natural soundscapes. David recounts the surprising quiet that followed a neighborhood power outage, highlighting how we often overlook the constant hum of urban life.
• Philosophy and Environmental Thought: David discusses the philosophical underpinnings of his environmentalism, drawing from Aristotle, Jonathan Edwards, and other thinkers. He emphasizes the role of wonder and curiosity in understanding the natural world and how philosophical inquiry can deepen our relationship with the environment.
• Teaching, Student Engagement, and Despair: The conversation turns to the challenges students face, including economic stress and anxiety about climate change. David shares his approach to meeting students where they are, nurturing their curiosity, and helping them find agency in environmental action—even amid feelings of despair.
• Faith, Values, and Moral Imagination: David reflects on the role of faith and moral values in environmental stewardship, advocating for open dialogue and mutual learning across diverse perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, humility, and the willingness to engage with differing viewpoints.
• Mussels, Conservation, and Local Action: David shares his current work studying freshwater mussels and their decline, using this as a metaphor for broader environmental challenges. He encourages listeners to start small—by picking up trash, supporting local conservation, or simply spending time in nature—as a way to foster hope and community.
• The Power of Example: The episode closes with stories of how small actions can inspire others, from sketching in a rainforest to building outdoor classrooms. David encourages listeners to “be good ancestors” by acting in good faith and setting positive examples, even

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

This episode of Rivers and Rangelands focuses on the pressing water quality and quantity issues facing South Dakota. The hosts welcome Jay Gilbertson from the East Dakota Water Development District to discuss ongoing testing for PFAs ("forever chemicals") in the Big Sioux River, which has revealed detectable levels of PFAs at every monitored site. The team explores the broader impacts of local water resource depletion, emphasizing the urgent need to tap into new sources like the Missouri River to support growth and safeguard communities.

Key Discussion Points:

• The presence and implications of PFAs in South Dakota’s water, including the health and ecological risks tied to their detection at all sampled river locations.
• Ongoing research led by East Dakota Water Development District to better understand contaminant origins and inform public utilities.
• The depletion of local aquifers and surface water, with economic development and steady population growth straining supplies beyond their current capacity.
• The Missouri River’s role as a future water source, and the complex legal, regulatory, and financial hurdles involved in regional water projects.
• Challenges of balancing water use for business expansion with the need for conservation and efficient management practices.

Public Engagement and Policy:

• The conversation emphasizes the importance of public awareness and involvement in water management decisions, urging listeners to reduce personal water waste and advocate for sustainable policies.
• Discussion of legal and regulatory actions as essential tools for addressing both water quality and quantity concerns in South Dakota, particularly the need for clearer pollution reduction targets and strengthened enforcement.
• The impact of state and federal decisions, such as water rights held by tribal communities, and efforts to coordinate fair and equitable allocations for future needs.

Calls to Action:

• Stay informed and engaged: Regular citizens are encouraged to learn about their water sources, support community efforts, and participate in local discussions about conservation.
• Advocate for clear water pollution reduction goals and improved public reporting by government agencies.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

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About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

This episode of Rivers and Rangelands delves into the Big Sioux River watershed’s water quality and management, featuring an in-depth conversation with Jay Gilbertson of the East Dakota Water Development District. Hosts Lori Walsh and Travis Entenman explore the challenges of maintaining water quality, including the presence of E. coli and other contaminants that have impaired segments of the river for both recreation and aquatic life.

Gilbertson highlights the importance of regular water sampling, the role of voluntary community programs, and how collaborative efforts have reduced, but not fully resolved, water quality issues over the last decade. The discussion also examines the differences between Western and Eastern water laws, the limitations imposed by state regulations, and the lack of trend analysis in official state reports despite evident long-term progress.

The conversation underscores the aspirational goal of making the river swimmable and stresses the need for community awareness and proactive, science-based measures to protect water resources for future generations.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

Send us a text

Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

In the third episode of the Rivers and Rangelands podcast, hosts Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh sit down with Jay Gilbertson for a wide-ranging discussion on water rights and the science of aquifer drilling in South Dakota. The trio explores the dramatic variations in depth to bedrock across the state, from as shallow as 50 feet to wells plunging over 1,000 feet deep, and unpacks what these geological realities mean for communities relying on groundwater.

Gilbertson illuminates the legal framework of South Dakota water law, emphasizing the role of public trust and the doctrine of first-in-time, first-in-right. Listeners get an inside look at the permitting process, the critical importance of future use permits for community planning, and how water allocation in the Big Sioux aquifer is becoming increasingly challenging as demand rises. Historical anecdotes about fossil finds and unique South Dakota geology add depth and local color to the conversation, painting a vivid picture of both the region’s past and its water future.

Perfect for anyone curious about how water shapes communities, or for landowners and decision-makers navigating South Dakota’s evolving landscape, this episode combines expert insight with practical stories and a touch of history to keep listeners engaged from start to finish.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

Send us a text

Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Jay Gilbertson, Manager of East Dakota Water Development District

Episode Summary

Rivers & Rangelands Episode 2 invites listeners into a lively conversation with Jay Gilbertson, manager of the East Dakota Water Development District. Hosts Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh unpack South Dakota’s complex water landscape, diving into the science behind aquifers, the evolution of local water protection ordinances, and what it takes to keep clean water flowing for communities and agriculture. Jay blends decades of expertise in geology and water management with stories of prairie policy, wellfield science, and the challenges facing both rural and urban development. Tune in for deep insights into how public agencies, landowners, and local governments cooperate to preserve water quality in the Big Sioux River Basin—and, with plenty of warmth and humor, learn why these prairies’ water stories matter for the future of South Dakota.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

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Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh
Guest: Barry Dunn, President of South Dakota State University

Episode Summary

In the premiere of Rivers & Rangelands, hosts Travis and Lori sit down with Barry Dunn, President of SDSU, for a wide-ranging conversation about land, legacy, and the future of conservation in South Dakota. From his Lakota grandfather’s wisdom on stewardship to the responsibility of land-grant universities today, Barry shares powerful stories that connect personal history with ecological vision.

What You’ll Learn

• 🌱 How Lakota traditions and family ranching shaped Barry Dunn’s land ethic.
• 🦋 The importance of biodiversity — from fireflies and butterflies to bison herds.
• 📚 The history and modern responsibility of America’s land-grant universities.
• 🚜 How precision agriculture and conservation can work hand-in-hand: “farm the best, conserve the rest.”
• 🔮 Why South Dakota needs a shared vision for its rivers, grasslands, and future generations.

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!

About the Show

Rivers & Rangelands explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come.

🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com

👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved.

👉👉 And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight, a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack!