Recent content from C.J.
C.J.: Married former TV co-anchors are starting a parenting podcast for WCCO-AM
Camille Williams and Cory Hepola shouldn’t have any problems coming up with material for their new podcast, “Hey, They Grow Up…
C.J.: Veteran sports writer John Feinstein says football is never safe
In the final installment of my interview with Washington Post sports columnist John Feinstein, the author of 35 books, we talk about an…
C.J.: Fancy Ray McCloney promotes marriage, though not his own
If you’ve spent any time with Fancy Ray McCloney, the self-proclaimed “Best Looking Man in Comedy,” you can empathize with the suffering of his…
C.J.: Jerry O'Connell gets support from Wendy Williams for talk show
"Jerry O' " show began a three-week test run Monday on Fox.
C.J.: 34 years of Gittelson Jewelers customer service, including a 3 a.m. Prince appointment
For the past eight years, Gene and his son Michael Gittelson have been sharing the 297-square-foot space with Molly Braun, the general manager, who sometimes witnesses familial squabbling.
C.J.: Sid was there when 'Season on the Brink' popped into writer's head
Now, more from my interview with Washington Post sports columnist John Feinstein, the author of 35 books. “Quarterback” was the prolific author’s current book…
C.J.: There'd be fewer graduation ceremonies if Turi Ryder ran the world
Controversial former KSTP-AM show host Turi Ryder knows where to have a party. She read from, sold and autographed copies of her memoir “She…
C.J.: Fox 9 anchor Alix Kendall couldn't get Warren Beatty to do a satellite interview dance
For such a petite specimen of the species, Fox 9 “The Buzz” anchor Alix Kendall sure can wreak some havoc in a room. As…
C.J.: Fox 9 anchor Alix Kendall is about to celebrate her 20th anniversary
I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s dancing to celebrate Alix Kendall’s 20th anniversary on Fox 9’s “Buzz” the end of this month. She was…
C.J.: Sexist songs are getting the Lizz Winstead treatment
Minnesota-born satirist and “Daily Show” co-creator Lizz Winstead will take a few whacks at the songs of sexism next weekend at the Cedar…
C.J.: Music stars can learn more about themselves by acquiescing to media interviews
My interview with estimable rock 'n' roll critic, editor and author Alan Light predated by several weeks the temper tantrum Taylor Swift…
C.J.: Imagine, if you will, a picture with John Travolta as the 'Purple Rain' kid
Rock critic, magazine editor and author Alan Light’s résumé reads like a music lover’s dream. He interned at Rolling Stone, where he later became…
C.J.: Former KARE 11 sports anchor Tom Ryther's memoir bloodies a few well-known faces
“There are things in this book you are not going to read anywhere else,” Tom Ryther, the sports anchor KARE 11 fired in…
C.J.: Former KARE 11 sports anchor Tom Ryther takes a few shots in his memoir
You’ve kind of waited too long for this. Write the book, get it all off your chest and make sure your family and friends…
C.J.: Former radio show talker Turi Ryder is scheduled to return for "She Said What?" book event
Former, as in 30 years ago, KSTP-AM talk show host Turi Ryder is returning to the Twin Cities this week for a private book…
C.J.: St. Kate's commencentment speaker sought speech advice from 'This Is Us' Emmy winner
At St. Catherine University’s commencement last month, the speaker finally had the opportunity to walk across the stage and pretend to receive her diploma.…
C.J.: For RuPaul, love and kindness top everything else
This is Week 2 of the test run for the “RuPaul” talk show airing on Fox 9+ (WFTC, Ch. 9.2), at 8 p.m. Tuesday.…
C.J.: KSTP's Lindsey Brown wants viewers' tips on baby care
“The thing is,” said KSTP-TV anchor Lindsey Brown, “I’m interested in the fact that I’m having a baby, but no one else is.” How…
C.J.: RuPaul's new talk show launches a trial run
The guest lineup for the first week of “RuPaul,” the talk show, should just about guarantee a big splash. The cultural icon and Emmy-winning…
C.J.: Kevin Kling finds belly laughs and a home at Interact Center
A tinge of trepidation is coloring the overall excitement actor, writer, storyteller and local treasure Kevin Kling feels about his big night with Interact…
![Jeff Arundel singer-songwriter
“No matter how angry I look on the cover, that song [‘Now We Go’] is positive and upbeat and feel-good.”](https://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_15595796579710.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
C.J.: Despite his appearance, Minnesotan Jeff Arundel is happy with his new album
Singer-songwriter Jeff Arundel looks like an angry man on the cover of his eighth record.I'm not the only person who thinks that. "Five people…
C.J.: Award-winning journalist Ray Suarez on the relationship between faith and politics
Award-winning journalist Ray Suarez was paying respects to a Founding Father when I called him Memorial Day. “I’m out for the holiday in Philadelphia.…
C.J.: College scholarship fundraiser determined to widen her search
UNCF area director Laverne McCartney Knighton is about to celebrate her second anniversary making sure no minds are wasted among college-bound kids deserving scholarships…
C.J.: At least these Triple S Dance Competition daughters didn't dress their dads in drag
The daughters didn’t appear to weigh 100 pounds each — soaking wet — and yet their dads looked intimidated. Could it have been because the…
C.J. : Sportswriter John Feinstein must go see the athletes to the dismay of his youngest child
Sports columnist John Feinstein spent some time on the road after Virginia won the Final Four. The author of 35 books, including the New…
C.J.: Founding director of Smithsonian's NMAAHC strikes out on Willie Mays' glove
Lonnie Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture, apparently doesn’t experience museum fatigue often. Doing research for…
C.J. : Founder of D.C.'s most popular Smithsonian museum is set to visit Minneapolis
Lonnie Bunch III, founding director of Washington, D.C.’s new National Mall jewel that is the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, is coming…
C.J.: Former KSTP-AM talker Turi Ryder wishes she had become more kindhearted but naaah
She ruffled feathers while she was here, but she had her share of fans, including her boss.
C.J.: Create your own look at Sewing and Fitting Mentor
Grasston, Minn., resident Renee Bontjes is doing nicer things for sewing than Octavia Spencer’s character in the upcoming horror movie “Ma.” “Note to…
C.J.: The Pinners are returning for a second expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center
It’s the time of year when Pinterest fans may abandon computer screens for the tactile experience that is Pinners MN. The second annual Pinners Minnesota…
C.J. : Millennials very much suit men's clothing store owner Marty Mathis
Downtown skyway store owner has seen trends come and go.
C.J.: Prince protégée Ashley Támar Davis performed with pre-Destiny Beyoncé
Playing the Fine Line in Minneapolis will be bittersweet Saturday for singer Ashley Támar Davis. She’s scheduled to go on stage at 9 p.m.…
C.J.: Meet the Minnesota physical therapists who have become YouTube superstars
Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck currently have more than 1 million YouTube subscribers and "are adding about 1,300 a day.
C.J.: After 32 years, owners of Jean Stephen Galleries are picturing retirement
After 32 years, at four locations, Jean Stephen Galleries is closing. The fine art gallery moved from the Nicollet Mall to St. Louis Park…
C.J.: Platform shoes and gaudy gold are de rigueur for Boogie Dairyland
Dust off those platform shoes for Sunday’s Boogie Dairyland Cattle Call, a benefit for Youth Performance Company. In celebration of its 30th season, YPC “strongly…
C.J.: Pot smoking on 'Grace and Frankie' may be smoke and mirrors but the wardrobe isn't
Minnetonka’s Allyson Brown Fanger has done pretty well in the costume design world despite not taking her mom’s advice to attend the Fashion Institute…
C.J.: Emilio Estevez admits his pitch for a homelessness movie didn't push Hollywood's blockbuster button
He was at Minneapolis' Central Library for a screening Sunday of "The Public," a movie he wrote and directed about the homeless taking over a Cincinnati library.
C.J.: Don't even try to stay still during Aretha Franklin tribute concert
There’s one song that percussionist Daryl Boudreaux made certain was on the playlist for the seventh annual “R.E.S.P.E.C.T. — A Tribute to the Queen…
C.J.: Smart-alecks take note – don't ever try to one-up a judge
While former U.S. District Judge Jim Rosenbaum exuded affability from the bench, only growing testy when a lawyer went too far, his late federal…
C.J.: Paralympic swimming gold medalist dives into challenges
Paralympic swimming gold medalist Mallory Weggemann is speaking Thursday at a closing reception for the “Underwater” exhibit at St. Paul’s Interact Center for the…
C.J.: Former Judge Rosenbaum is still having 'lawyer fun' although he's no RBG in the gym
Former U.S. District Judge Jim Rosenbaum claimed his hands were clammy as we got situated. I don’t know why I’d make him nervous. I’ve…
C.J.: Can we talk? 'The Dialogue Guy' is coming to Minnesota
In June Donna Minter, founder and executive director of the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute, was at a racial healing conference in Virginia where she…
C.J.: Successful advertising campaigns are about the buzz, not the budget, says local author
Chris Birt has written a book about generating brand awareness without much advertising.
C.J.: Wearing shorts in winter, even this one, is the only way for UPS veteran
Recent subzero temps did give Floyd Coley pause.
C.J.: Jewish soldiers take revenge on Nazis in Minnesota author's new novel
A former ride-share driver and author of “Ubered” and its sequel, Evan Kail was planning to write a historical fiction screenplay about Jewish American…
C.J.: Sex survey puts Minneapolis on the map
Warning: This column addresses a subject that is for adults only. That said, I don’t feel old enough to write about it. So I’m…
C.J.: Newly elected Hennepin County Sheriff Hutch might be too beautiful for a goatee
If experience is any guide, new Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson’s honeymoon period can’t last forever, but right now, everyone appears to be getting…
C.J.: MCN6 has Valentine's Day plans for viewers; by the way, do you have any game show ideas?
Cable’s newly rebranded MCN6 has planned four hours of special Valentine’s Day movie-watching. What formerly was known at Metro Cable Network is becoming Minnesota’s Community…
C.J.: People of all races are moved to tears at two sacred new Alabama memorials
A powerful reckoning has been taking place at two new sites in Montgomery, Ala. Since April 2018, the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for…
C.J.: Founder of Alabama's lynching memorial remains hopeful U.S. will do better
A barbaric form of American racial terrorism from another era — lynching — was in the news twice this week. Presidential crony Roger Stone…
C.J.: Fancy Ray McCloney was not first 'Fancy' in family according to mom
Fancy Ray McCloney was such a self-sufficient toddler that he potty-trained himself. That’s the most unfathomable morsel I gleaned from his mom,…
C.J.: Comedian Jeff Gerbino not amused by Louis C.K.'s behavior
"I don't know how he can walk out to an audience with women in it."
C.J.: Former TV anchor Cory Hepola already feels at home on the radio
"It was a great first day," said the Minnesota native, who succeeded John Hines in the 9 a.m. slot.
C.J.: Jill Mikelson is showcasing Janis Joplin's raw, gritty emotionalism at First Avenue
"I think this show, for me, is probably the thing I wanted the most; to share Janis and to share myself."
C.J.: George Foreman's first wife was very happy with her heavyweight despite Ali's jabs
Believe it or not, former heavyweight champ George Foreman didn’t always want offspring named after him. According to his first wife, Adrienne Foreman…
C.J.: Why is musician Mark Arneson encouraging Fancy Ray to rap outside his shower?
Musician and teacher Mark Arneson plays every instrument and sings all the vocals on his upcoming and as yet untitled CD. “Hopefully [I’ll] get…
C.J.: 'This Is How We Heal' grew out of a Minnesota-born actor/dancer doing the 'heart work'
NYC-based actor/dancer/poet Leslie Lissaint is bringing her one-woman show about her difficult Minneapolis childhood home.
C.J.: 'Daily Show' co-creator Lizz Winstead is finally doing comedy her way
Minnesota native isn't joking about her political passions.
C.J.: WCCO radio spices up its podcast lineup with TwoHauteMamas.com
The chemistry between Sheletta Brundidge and Lindy Vincent is as undeniable as their banter.
C.J.: There's nothing off limits for comedian Joe Minjares since his lung transplant
Minjares is starting to feel normal more than a year after his lung transplant.
C.J.: Comedian Kristin Andersen-Anderson is ready to laugh about her major health scare
What’s so funny about a near-death experience? Comedians Joe Minjares and Kristin Andersen-Anderson will tell you Saturday at the New Hope Cinema Grill,…
C.J.: Chronicling his times on Earth through poetry and hikes
There is poetry everywhere James Marshall Goff treks. His first book is a collection of selected poems, “Hiking in the Universe,” which Goff…
C.J.: After 10 years of tinkering: Voila! It's Spot Bomb
A special potion leads to a look into the sometimes mysterious world of carpet manufacturing and stain removal.
C.J.: Author Peter Dorsen has cleaned up his life and is focused helping men 60 and older
"Men Over 60: Don't Quit Now!" is in the final editing stage. It follows his "Dr. D's Handbook for Men Over 40," published in 1999.
C.J.: The president of Gayle King's fan club has been located, and her name is not Oprah
Producer and creative consultant Rachel Weintraub says she works only with people she loves. And she loves Gayle King, “CBS This Morning” anchor,…
C.J.: FX's 'Versace' costume designer has won the right to be 'Big Lou'
For Lou Eyrich, the transition from Ragstock manager to the costume world was the result of "being in the right place at the right time."
C.J.: Attorney Clinton Collins wants to thank family of his young organ donor
Double organ recipient Clinton Collins is not surprised he’s still here, but there were days before his recent kidney-pancreas transplant when the waiting…
C.J.: Never heard of bandy? There's even a U.S. Hall of Fame
On Monday, the governing body that oversees bandy, a team sport played on ice, inducted two players into its Hall of Fame — Minneapolis native Chris Preiss and Swedish-American Jasper Felder.
C.J.: KSTPer Ken Barlow knows that on the other side of his bad days stands his wife, Theresa
What a thoughtful host KSTP-TV meteorologist Ken Barlow is, even when he is having a bad day. As one of my Twitter followers, he…
C.J.: 'This Is Us' costume designer is one of us
Hala Bahmet grew up in St. Paul and attended college at St. Catherine University.
![Dessa Doomtree: “Yes. I mean [Lin-Manuel Miranda] called me and ... that’s an amazing call to receive.”](https://stmedia.stimg.co/1540001835_08+1006521537+028DESSA09162018.JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
C.J.: Dessa felt better after getting scientific assistance to mend her broken heart
The hip-hop star talks about getting over an old flame, hair color assumptions and that "Hamilton" mix tape.
C.J.: Diana Pierce's daughter starts her L.A. climb in the film and TV biz
Chelsea Babcock has been working steadily on the sets of a few shows and movies.
C.J.: Mindful rapper Dessa doesn't wander through chats about her memoir
Her brightness illuminates the new book, "My Own Devices: True Stories From the Road on Music, Science and Senseless Love."
C.J.: VHS is not yet dead for the Found Footage Festival Tour dudes
Put on by comics originally from Wisconsin and who spent time in the Twin Cities, the festival will be at the Heights Theater at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1.
Former KARE 11 anchor Diana Pierce relishes being in charge of 'What's Next?'
Former KARE 11 anchor Diana Pierce likes all her former producers, but she prefers assigning herself. Two years ago, Pierce left the station after…
