Episode Details

Four years ago, Rural Voice launched in St. Joseph, Minn., with a conversation about the challenges and opportunities of building a business in rural America.

This year, to kick off the 2026 season, Rural Voice returned to St. Joseph to talk about belonging. MPR News host and Rural Voice moderator Kerri Miller led a discussion at Krewe Restaurant on Sept. 14. Community members shared personal stories about what it means to belong — especially when you enter a small town as a newcomer.

Rural Voice is a series of town hall discussions designed to illuminate the rewards and challenges of making a home in rural Minnesota. For more information, and to see if a Rural Voice is coming to a city near you, check out the Rural Voice website.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.