These Are Your Neighbors Podcast By Bismarck Human Relations Committee cover art

These Are Your Neighbors

These Are Your Neighbors

By: Bismarck Human Relations Committee
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About this listen

 These Are Your Neighbors is a podcast hosted by Thea Jorgensen and Sargianna Wutzke who are members of the City of Bismarck’s Human Relations Committee. Through conversations with diverse change-makers in the community, the podcast hopes to strengthen inclusivity amongst the Bismarck community, by encouraging others to get to know their neighbor.Copyright Dakota Media Access Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • TAYN Ep. 58 - Cory Thrall

    TAYN Ep. 58 - Cory Thrall
    Jun 17 2025
    Cory Thrall grew up in Bismarck before moving to McPherson, Kansas to pursue an undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry.  After graduating from Central Christian College, Cory and his wife moved to Olathe, KS, where he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary.  While living in Olathe, he was the resident manager of the Salvation Army Family Shelter, a homeless shelter that kept families together.   In 2002,they moved back to ND, moving to Grand Forks, where his wife worked on her PHD in AstroPhysics.  In order to help aging parents, they moved back to Bismarck.  They started attending Legacy UMC around 2008 and in 2010, Cory came on staff.  In 2014, he was appointed to Washburn, Turtle Lake and Center UMC churches and in 2016 Hazen and Beulah were added. 

    After COVID, he was appointed back to Bismarck as a church planter.  Cory planted a church called Mission Bismarck.  The focus of Mission Bismarck was to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in the community who had little interest in church or the church had little interest in them.  Mission Bismarck met at Comic Realms, a comic book store.  Where there was a need in the community, Mission Bismarck and those who believe in showing Jesus’ love rather than talking about it, were there.  In 2024, due to a quick change in the Dakota’s Conference staffing, Cory was appointed to Legacy UMC.  His appointment to Legacy brings with it the connections and workings of Mission Bismarck.  Legacy has embraced the immigrant and refugee population of our community.  Legacy UMC has included creative ways to worship that are unconventional.  Legacy is a place of welcome for all humans.  Cory believes that God loves all humans and he hopes to lead Legacy to love like God loves. 
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    33 mins
  • TAYN Ep. 57 - Deidre Hillman

    TAYN Ep. 57 - Deidre Hillman
    Jun 3 2025
    Deidre Hillman the founder of The 13th Hat, a corporate event planning company she launched in 2021 after serving as a state director for a nonprofit organization. With nearly 15 years of experience in event planning, Deidre thrives on creating memorable experiences—from fundraisers and galas to her personal favorite, conferences. She brings an energetic and strategic approach to every event, ensuring each one is both impactful and engaging.Deidre holds a Master’s in Business from the University of Mary and is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Facilitator, and Trainer, equipping her with the leadership skills to inspire and guide others in the event planning industry.Based in Bismarck, ND, Deidre lives with her husband, Matt, and their spirited daughter, Harper. When she’s not planning events, she dedicates her time to volunteering as a Wish Coordinator for Make-A-Wish and serving on the Dakota Zoo board. She and her family love adventuring together, with camping being their favorite summer tradition.
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    38 mins
  • TAYN Ep. 56 - Joan Klein

    TAYN Ep. 56 - Joan Klein
    May 20 2025
    Joan Klein was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. She moved to Salt Lake City, Utah with her mom, dad and brother at the age of 14 because of her mother's work relocation. Joan has an architectural background with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Woodbury University in Burbank, CA. She has worked in several architecture firms in Maine, North Carolina and North Dakota.

    In 2022, Joan and her co-founder started a non-profit called the North Dakota Asian- American Arts and Cultural Initiative. This non-profit is a platform for education, collaboration and celebration for Asian- American Arts and Culture. They have events that allow for an immersive experience for individuals and families in the Bismarck- Mandan community and beyond. Joan also volunteers for the Bismarck- Mandan Young Life. She is one of the leaders for the kids at Southern Central High School. As a committee member, Joan helps coordinate events for their fundraising efforts.

    Joan, her husband, son and daughter call Bismarck, North Dakota their home. She has a passion for architecture, photography, screen printing, drawing and several forms of paintings.
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    29 mins
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