FATHERS | MR. FULL-TIME DAD
MR. FULL-TIME DAD 2.0 Dusting Off the Baby on Board Sticker
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON • PHOTO BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
For the regular readers of this column (hi Mom and Dad!), the following announcement will come as no surprise by the time this edition of “The Good Life” hits the stands. Nevertheless, I have news: Macklin is getting a baby brother sometime mid-summer. My apologies to the relatives and in-laws who are just now finding out… I only had so much patience for actual phone calls. That’s right, folks, Mr. Full-Time Dad rides again in 2020! It’s time to put the crib back together (hopefully just once this time), dig out the onesies and wash some bottles — life’s about to hurry up and slow way down, as I make the transition back to my all-time favorite role as primary caregiver.
Much has changed since “The Mack and Daddy Show” debuted during the holiday season of 2015. Mack’s now in full-time preschool, I’ve come out of early retirement and we’re in a new house in a new neighborhood full of unexplored parks and paths. My reaction to the positive pregnancy test also changed… I did not go mute and there were no tears of dread. I’m not sure who’s matured more, me or Mack. Some things, though, have remained the same in regards to baby #2. My wife, Emily, and I put in as much, if not more time contemplating the decision. We’re not ones to rush into anything. It took us years to convince ourselves we were ready for parenthood, and my borderline meltdown of a reaction to the news then shows just how unprepared I still felt. While I have settled the debate about my parenting skills (in my mind, at least), deciding to try for a second presented a whole new batch of questions. Are we pushing our luck? Macklin was a great baby. He started sleeping through the night within weeks, almost never got sick, rarely threw up and basically put himself to sleep whenever you laid him down in his crib. As a toddler, he was a delight. His sense of humor came out quick, he relished spending time with mom and dad and adapted quickly to whatever changes
came along. Now, as a preschooler, he’s becoming an absolutely beautiful human being. His vocabulary is rich (thanks, NPR), his social skills are impressive and his daily display of empathy is a constant source of pride. In short, we’ve been blessed. Overwhelmingly so. Naturally, my inclination towards pessimism constantly shouted the question in my brain: are we pushing our luck if we try for two? It’s hard for me to imagine a better parenting experience than the one Mack has given us… so what’s going to happen if our second child somehow doesn’t match up? I know that’s saying the quiet part out loud and it’s a horrible thought to have to reckon with, but it’s the truth. Overcoming that “what if” fear was hard for me, and if I’m being honest I’m still not completely over it. But fear is a lousy reason not to try. 2 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
Are we getting greedy? Because of everything I outlined above, I also struggled with the idea of simply being content and thankful for what we already have. Being a father to Macklin has made me a better person. It has brought my wife and I closer together as a couple. It’s made my extended family relationships stronger, too. So, as one who is well aware of his privilege, I wrestled with the idea that we needed anything more. But it’s not all about me (shocking). The more Emily and I pondered this question, the more our conversations shifted to Macklin. We decided he should get the opportunity to have a sibling, and selfishly both Emily and I are more than eager to watch him grow into his new role as a big brother. When approaching the decision from that perspective, the choice was easy. And now, when those fears and doubts re-enter my mind, I
am comforted by future scenes of Mack teaching his little brother how to play his latest made-up game. We’re not “trying again” I really dislike that question: “oh, you’re trying again?” No, we’re not trying again. Firstborns are not an experiment, and their siblings are not a redo. While it may sound like I’m hoping for a Macklin clone, I am not. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping for another carefree infant, joyful toddler and kind young man, but these are the wishes of every expecting parent. I’m sure there will be comparisons made between Mack and his brother. It’s inevitable. Human nature is to judge, and I’m as guilty as the next. Luckily, the most likely comparison I’ll make will be to decide which kid has the better sense of humor… I mean, how else would you suggest I pick my favorite? • urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 3
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FATHERS MR. FULL-TIME DAD 2.0 Dusting Off the Baby on Board Sticker
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IN THE PRESENCE OF TREES
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NORTH DAKOTA SWEET CRUDE PROVES THINGS CAN GET BETTER WITH TIME
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RX FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP (RELAX, IT'S NOT COMPLICATED)
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HAVING A BEER WITH MOORHEAD MAYOR JOHNATHAN JUDD
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ON THE COVER THAN BAARDSON FUELING A RIGHTEOUS FIRE Local Nonprofit Fights for the 'Unseen'
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ASK 30 WOMEN WHAT IS ONE THING HE SAYS, OR AN EXPRESSION HE USES THAT MAKES YOU CRINGE?
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LOCAL HERO WAYNE CASEBEER LEADING QUIETLY, RESPONSIBLY, AND SINCERELY
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The
GOOD LIFE MEN’S MAGAZINE
PUBLISHED BY Urban Toad Media LLP www.urbantoadmedia.com OWNER / PHOTOGRAPHER Darren Losee darren@urbantoadmedia.com OWNER / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dawn Siewert dawn@urbantoadmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Meghan Feir Alexandra Floersch Ben Hanson Katie Jenison Jeffrey Miller Krissy Ness Alexis Swenson ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Darren Losee darren@urbantoadmedia.com
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The Presence of Trees
TREES WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER
The flutter of leaves in a warm summer breeze. Upright sentinels stopping arctic windblown snow. A snug place for a raccoon to raise her litter. Cool shade at the lake place. Trees are many different things to different people, but one thing is certain. We need trees. Pre-settlement, the landscape around Fargo looked much different. Tall grass prairie stretched to the horizon. The only trees on the landscape grew in the riparian zones. Riparian zones are areas around water, such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Along the Red and Sheyenne Rivers in particular, a variety of native trees grew to great heights. Bur oak, cottonwood, American linden, boxelder, American elm, among others, stood in stark contrast to the prairie grasses that dominated the landscape. In the modern day, cropland has replaced much of the prairie, and towns and cities dot the landscape. Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and homes, allow for rainwater and snowmelt to rush towards the rivers and streams, carrying contaminants and pollutants. In modern urban life, is there any room for conservation? The answer to that question is a resounding YES! While large-scale conservation efforts are more obvious, even the smallest of efforts can have a big impact.
Trees are many different things to different people, but one thing is certain. We need trees. 6 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
Urban areas benefit greatly by the presence of trees. Typical turfgrass lawns, without trees, soak up very little rainfall. Even one mature tree in a yard will use thousands of gallons of water each year. The graceful arching branches provide cooling shade for homes and businesses. Particulate matter air pollution can be reduced by trees growing in urban areas. Some species of trees can even provide fresh fruit. Arguably, more importantly, trees provide a touchstone for nature. Beyond the swirl of traffic, the crush of humanity, and the sterility of turfgrass, trees lend a glimmer of the natural world. Urban wildlife, from birds to squirrels to microorganisms and fungus make their home in and on trees. Studies have shown that
homes and businesses with trees and shrubs are, on average, more appealing to buyers. A recent study at Australia's University of Wollongong revealed that 30% or more total green space, that included tree canopy, was associated with 31% lower rates of psychological distress. The natural colors, shapes, aromas and sounds of a tree or urban forest provide distraction and relief from daily stresses. The Japanese even have a term for it. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the practice of taking in the forest through our senses. As a recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency has shown, the average American spends 93% of their time indoors. Soil Conservation Districts in North Dakota and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Minnesota sell bare-root conservation-grade trees and shrub seedlings that are lowcost alternatives to large landscape trees. In addition, technical advice and planning are free. Staff, such as Programs Manager Tony Peterson at the Cass County Soil Conservation District, are trained and experienced in evaluating each location to determine the best species of tree to plant. Every tree species grows best in specific soils, and it's important to match the species to the soil. With informed recommendations and guidance, tree planting failures can be avoided. A wide variety of native and introduced tree and shrubs species can be grown in Fargo-Moorhead. Species such as Scotch Pine, Black Hills Spruce, Nanking Cherry, Ohio Buckeye, and Silver Maple aren't native species but grow well in our soils. Native species such as Bur Oak, Native Cottonwood, American Linden and Boxelder will also lend beauty to any property. The old axiom of "think global, act local" applies well to trees. Planting just a few trees provides huge benefits for everyone. •
Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the practice of taking in the forest through our senses. urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 7
NORTH DAKOTA SWEET CRUDE Proves Things Get Better With Time
WRITTEN BY: KATIE JENISON PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
How this 100-year-old recipe is taking North Dakota by storm With an abundance of existing and new bars opening in the FargoMoorhead region, it’s hard to believe North Dakota was a dry state less than a century ago. Yet, it’s true. Prohibition began in North Dakota in 1889, the same year the state was admitted to the United States. Though a ban on alcohol was enacted, it didn’t stop North Dakota residents from getting their hands on the alcohol of their choice. Those close to the border simply crossed the Red River into Minnesota to imbibe. Others in central parts of the state took matters into their own hands by distilling their own moonshine. That’s how North Dakota Sweet Crude first came to be. It goes by many names—red-eye, burnt sugar whiskey, apple pie—but Art Weidner and his family prefer to call it wedding whiskey. The 100-year-old recipe was created by Art’s great grandfather, Martin Weidner, in Zap, North Dakota. Since its inception, the recipe has been handed down for generations with Martin passing it on to his son, Albert, and so on. Each generation of Weidners made their own tweaks to the recipe, but for the most part, it’s stayed true to the original.
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It goes by many names
red-eye, burnt sugar whiskey, apple pie – but Art Weidner and his family prefer to call it
wedding whiskey.
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The ultra-smooth liqueur has a distinct taste of cinnamon before it mellows with notes of ginger and lemongrass. The 75 proof beverage has the look and feel of whiskey, but is technically a sweet liqueur. At first sip, the ultrasmooth liqueur has a distinct taste of cinnamon before it mellows with notes of ginger and lemongrass. Art and his brother Christian learned to make Martin Weidner’s smokehouse whiskey from their dad, the Rev. Arthur Weidner. He taught them the recipe in the family kitchen, where they’d make small batches on the stove. His dad jokes that Grandpa Albert used to take a shot every morning before milking the cows because “it aids in digestion.” Whether you believe in its digestive benefits or not, there’s no denying the recipe has been a big hit. In addition to enjoying it at family celebrations, the Weidner brothers would gift bottles to farmers as a
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thank you for letting them hunt on their land. After receiving many requests for more bottles each year, the brothers thought they might be on to something. Art began putting things into motion and eventually launched his company, Doodlebug Beverages. But what makes North Dakota Sweet Crude different from other liqueurs? Aside from the rich history behind the product, the ingredients Art uses make all the difference. North Dakota Sweet Crude uses natural ingredients to achieve its distinct flavor. Most notably is the use of caramelized sugar, which comes from beets harvested in the Red River Valley. Similar products on the market use caramelized sugar primarily as
a colorant. In contrast, Doodlebug Beverages uses it to enhance the flavor profile of North Dakota Sweet Crude. In fact, caramelized sugar is central to its flavor profile. The ingredient is so crucial that it was one of the biggest obstacles that Art faced bringing North Dakota Sweet Crude to the masses. To use caramelized sugar in the recipe, Art had to find a way to produce it in large quantities. So the brothers, who graduated from North Dakota State University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering, put their heads together to come up with a solution. With a plan in place, the two pitched their idea to NDSU and were awarded a partial grant to develop the equipment. After about three years and a few hiccups along the way, they perfected the machinery.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: ART WEIDNER
The next step was finding someone to distill the product. Art employed the help of Chris Montana, president of the American Craft Spirit Association and owner of Minnesota’s Du Nord Craft Spirits. The partnership has proven to be the dream team Doodlebug Beverages needed. Art and Montana fine-tuned the process to ensure North Dakota Sweet Crude is distilled just as it was over 100 years ago—and it’s safe to say Great Grandpa Weidner would be proud! The first batch of North Dakota Sweet Crude hit shelves in July of 2018 and has quickly become a favorite among North Dakotans. Almost 500 locations in North Dakota sell the liqueur, and Art has started expanding distribution to Minnesota and South Dakota. As for the best way to drink it, well, that’s up for debate. While many, including Art, keep it simple by drinking the sweet brown liqueur on the rocks, others like to get creative. Some of the most popular drink recipes include the Dakota sweet lemonade and the Dakota mule, which can be found on Art’s website, crudespirits.com. With the massive success of Doodlebug Beverage’s flagship product, Art is already looking to the future. In addition to continuing to expand distribution of North Dakota Sweet Crude, he has a few new product ideas on tap. He plans to introduce a new recipe that leads with notes of citrus. Regardless of what the future holds, Art will be living his version of the good life: traveling rural parts of the state and introducing people to a true North Dakota recipe. • urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 11
MEN'S HEALTH
Rx for A Healthy Relationship (Relax, It’s Not Complicated)
Maintaining healthy relationships is important not just for our mental and spiritual health, but also for our physical health.
WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON
Now that Valentine's Day has come and gone, we thought it'd be a good time to talk about relationships. Sure, you might be wondering why such valuable advice wasn't doled out prior to the "most romantic day of the year," and that's an entirely fair question. Well, guess what? The ol' editorial calendar can be as perplexing a game as love, so maybe just be happy with what you get when you get it. Get it? The truth is it doesn't much matter what time of year it is. All of us — men and women — could stand to spend a bit more time thinking, contemplating and acting on the things that make our relationships thrive, all the while trying to dodge and weave the inevitable challenges that inevitably spring up… often with little notice (although, if you never see it coming, the odds of "it" being your fault are embarrassingly high). Maintaining healthy relationships is important not just for our mental and spiritual health, but also for our physical health. If you're suffering in a bad relationship, you're quite literally suffering, and that suffering can manifest itself in a variety of ways: stress, unhealthy eating and drinking 12 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
habits, increased risk for serious health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even heart disease. The relative health of your romantic relationship in many ways can be an insightful window into your overall health and well-being. Now's probably a good time to clearly state that I am not a relationship expert, and this piece is in no way intended to replace a good hour or two on a therapist's couch. In fact, that bit about avoiding challenges… though it sounds right… couldn't be more wrong. Let's bring in the doc to help explain why.
Communication Above All Else "Mastering communication is huge. It's probably the single most important indicator of a healthy relationship," says Dr. Forrest Sauer, founder of Twin Oaks Health Solutions in Fargo. "If you're in the habit of avoiding conflict, burying your feelings and not addressing the problem as soon as it becomes apparent, you're relationship is going to suffer and never reach its full potential. It's hard to master communication because it requires so much vulnerability,
but the rewards are well worth the initial discomfort of opening up fully to your partner." The benefits of strong communication are plentiful and mostly obvious, but Dr. Sauer highlighted one perk that could easily fly under the radar. He says when you're open and honest with your partner and willing to share what's on your mind, what's important to you and what support you may need, it frees you up to enjoy the rest of your life outside of your romantic relationship… specifically, your friendships that matter every bit as much to your overall well-being. "If you get your relationship with your significant other to a point where you understand each other's need for personal space when needed," Dr. Sauer say "if that communication is strong enough, then you're going to have the time and be able to nurture your friendships outside of your romantic relationship. Most of us are social creatures to a certain extent, and it's in our best interest to take care of all of our personal relationships."
Just Pay Attention I was reminded of the classic "Simpsons" character Troy McLure and his motivational films, such as "Get Confident, Stupid!" and "Lead Paint: Delicious But Deadly," when Dr. Sauer casually mentioned the most basic first step anyone can take to develop a healthy relationship… and that is simply to pay attention (stupid). This particular piece of advice hit close to home with me, as it perfectly sums up my approach to parenting, another type of relationship that requires a lot of nurturing. In both instances, paying attention is really the only way you'll ever learn how your partner (or friend, coworker, child, etc.) prefers to communicate. That's not to say you have to adopt your partner's communication style; it just means pay attention to the cues they give so you can respond at the appropriate time with the appropriate message and appropriate tone. "Case in point," Dr. Sauer begins. "A couple of weeks ago, I had been working a lot, didn't have a whole lot of time to relax and even less time to myself. Because my wife and I work hard on maintaining open communication and we've learned how best to speak to each other, it was easy for me to just ask her if she'd be willing to take the kids on her errands so I could have an hour or two of downtime to re-energize. She was more than willing to accommodate me, as she trusts that when she needs that time I'll be happy to reciprocate." So, to recap: pay attention, don't be afraid to confront the challenges and let yourself be vulnerable enough to say what needs to be said and ask for what you need. You've got a year until next Valentine's. Good luck. • Special thanks to Dr. Forrest Sauer at Twin Oaks Health Solutions, medical consultant for our Men’s Health section. urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 13
HAVING A BEER WITH | MAYOR JUDD
WRITTEN BY: MEGHAN FEIR
• PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
While most native Midwesterners woefully threaten to move south due to the long, drawn-out and brutal winters, the mayor of Moorhead, Minn., is thankful for the cooler temperatures. Originally from Raleigh, N.C., Johnathan Judd moved to North Dakota and began attending Fargo North as a senior in high school to live with his best friend’s family and experience something new for a year. It’s been 28 years since he made that decision, and he hasn’t looked back. With a wife, three kids, friends and a successful career as mayor and M-State’s new director of equity and inclusion, it’s clear his roots have grown deep into the Minnesota soil. We sat down in Drekker’s Brewhalla for a little chat and a brew as he told me more about the direction his life has taken, from poverty to opportunity. Read on to learn more about Moorhead’s mayor. 14 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
Good Life: What have you thought of this area since moving up here? Obviously, it’s extremely different climate-wise, the terrain—everything. Johnathan Judd: The people. When I went to Fargo North my senior year, the families were awesome and just welcomed me. I felt like I was home. Obviously, it took time to adjust, but the people helped build me up to where I am today. That’s why I stayed. And I hate hot weather. I’d rather be cold than hot. GL: Did you ever think you’d get into politics? JJ: I always thought I’d work in a campaign, like as a strategist or something, but as the actual candidate, no. Although my aunt tells me I said at some point that I’d be governor of North Carolina.
GL: Do you have any surprising talents? JJ: I was once in an FMCT play. The name of the play was Sacagawea. I played a character that helped row the boats for Lewis and Clark. GL: Has that prompted you to want to hone your acting skills? JJ: No. I’ll leave that to my daughter and son. My daughter is into drama and theatre and music, and my youngest is involved in theatre now, too. I have three children, and they’re all finding their own niche and what they want to get involved in. I didn’t have those opportunities. I was a poor kid. I wouldn’t say my life was hard, but it wasn’t easy. My mom had me at a young age and I didn’t get to see her a lot. My grandparents stepped in as parents. They are at the foundation of where I am today. I knew where the next meal was coming from, but we never had excess. I work as hard as I do to ensure my children and kids and families in the community have those opportunities and the ability to dream and bring their dreams into reality. GL: How do you think living in poverty has shaped how you raise your own kids?
GL: Of all the places you’ve visited or lived, what’s your favorite place and why?
JJ: I try to show my kids that you’re only one generation from poverty. I’m teaching my kids to be humble. It’s mandatory in our family to volunteer. They volunteer at church and in the community. I want them to understand that in the blink of an eye our whole situation could change. We’re no better than anyone else.
JJ: When you’re on vacation, you only see the good in the places, but I really like the Seattle vibe. I like cities on water. I like what I see as laid-back, chill environments. I like that they have diversity and culture. I also like northern Minnesota. I’d like to have a place up there for the summers when I retire and a place in North Carolina for the cold season, so we can go hiking in the woods.
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HAVING A BEER WITH | MAYOR JUDD
GL: If you could make one vegetable go extinct, which would you choose? JJ: Probably the radish. What’s the point? I don’t know why it exists. It has no flavor.
“It’s relaxing to just check out and watch my kids be great at something, whether in theatre or sports. I love getting to see them enjoying themselves." – Mayor Johnathan Judd
GL: What’s one of your favorite ways to relax? GL: Do you have any life quotes? JJ: Be the change you want to see in the world. GL: What’s one example of so-called common sense you wish were more common? For example, I wish people would use their dang turn signals. JJ: Oh! Sitting in the left lane on the interstate. The left lane is a passing lane. It is not a lane to sit. It isn’t safe and causes traffic issues. 16 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
JJ: Honestly, I need to learn how to relax better, but I love watching my children. It’s relaxing to just check out and watch my kids be great at something, whether in theatre or sports. I love getting to see them enjoying themselves. It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s what I wish my mom had the opportunity to do, but she was always working. I cherish the moments where I can watch my kids be great and learn. I love being able to golf with my kids and just hang out with them, too, and I love when I can go out with my wife and talk over a beer. That’s a great time.
GL: What’s one thing that’s really important to you that might not be important to a lot of people? JJ: What’s really important to me is trust, loyalty and integrity, but you get so busy in life that you take it for granted. We live in a world right now where there’s so much going on. We’re too busy. We have a lot of things going on. But you need to be able to have somebody tell you not only when you’re right but when you’re wrong. You can’t have a friendship or a relationship with someone unless you have trust, loyalty and integrity. GL: What does living the good life mean to you? JJ: Living the good life to me means being in good health and being able to be around good people who value you, who you are and what you’re about. It’s being in an all-around good environment. If you’re around good people who treat you well and look out for you and you’re paying attention to people in the same manner, that’s a good life. •
“What’s really important to me is trust, loyalty and integrity, but you get so busy in life that you take it for granted.” – Mayor Johnathan Judd
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ON THE COVER | THAN BAARDSON
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: UNSEEN
Local Nonprofit Fights for the 'Unseen'
WRITTEN BY: ALEXANDRA FLOERSCH PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Moments mark our lives. They are chapters that complete the story we share about ourselves. Some moments, however, have the power to alter the timeline and propel the narrative into a completely different direction. They divide our stories into "before this" and "after this." For Than Baardson, one moment in particular left an imprint. Interviewing for a documentary in Mae Sot, Thailand, the 34-year-old spent a week in prayer and worship with a group of children who came from poor homes and had lost one (or even both) of their parents. One mother owed debt to a man in Bangkok, a common reality in Thailand. Her 6 and 8-year-old daughters explained that they were, in fact, the collateral.
Fighting Fires Fueled His Flame A native to Fargo-Moorhead, Than grew up traveling overseas, collecting stamps from Japan, Mexico, and Guatemala on his passport all before graduating high school. "Growing up with a constant reminder of our role in the global context – and the small part we're invited to play to support others – was a big part of my childhood," he says. After high school, Than joined the North Dakota Air National Guard as a firefighter. From tours in Germany and Italy to teaching classes in Ghana, Africa, he further got a taste of reality outside the Midwest – more moments that opened his eyes to global affairs.
"Going from knowing these kids as just kids in this amazing, happy home to seeing the devastating effects of what could have been was really the first time the curtains came down," Than recalls. "They had two younger siblings, and a guy was coming for those two if nothing were to happen." Hearing this, the anti-trafficking crew Than's team was working with immediately stopped the interview, took off to intervene and, ultimately, saved the girls' younger brother and sister from a future as slaves. Unfortunately, not every story ends this way. "We all have that chance – this little window in time – when our hearts are moved a little bit and you can either do something … or you can go back to the way things were," Than explains. Unlike many others, Than couldn't turn back.
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ON THE COVER | THAN BAARDSON
As a firefighter, his biggest gig was fighting a 120acre wildfire in Florida. What started as a spot fire, quickly lit a path to destruction in the Everglades' underbrush. "By the time we got there, 30-foot flames were hitting our truck," Than says. "It was pretty exciting." Eventually, Than saw an opening in Public Affairs and – with a degree in journalism and minor in film studies – he knew it'd be the perfect union between his Guard training and college education. Today, he's still enrolled with the Air National Guard, serving as a 16-year veteran with the 119th Happy Hooligans. 'Living in Constant Tension' Than's global experiences permanently shifted perspective and further sparked a bigger idea. One recurring thought propelled him forward: What if we used all we've been given to help those in greatest need? On the heels of a year of research, Than reached out to Minnesota-native Tanya Martineau – who was living in Seoul, South Korea – to propose using her photography talent for good … to co-found a non-profit. "In 1998, the U.S. had 3,000 cases of child sexual abuse material across the nation – and we almost wiped it out. The FBI knew how to track these guys down ... and then the internet hit," Than explains. In the next 20 years, that number would grow to an astounding 18.4 million cases. In 2010, Tanya agreed to collaborate and the two began meeting regularly in early mornings to piece it all together before heading off to their full-time jobs. "That got us in with some of our early partners and opened the door for a tremendous amount of work," Than says. "Tanya went back to Seoul very quickly. So, Unseen really started in Fargo and Seoul, South Korea." Established in 2011, Unseen's mission is to accelerate the work of anti-trafficking and rootcause organizations. In the beginning, they served seven partners in four countries with volunteers alone. Now the capacity-building nonprofit impacts 3.3 million people in 35 countries and works with 36 partners to grow their organizations 10-times faster than average. (Today, 46 partners remain on Unseen's "interested" waitlist).
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U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO BY: DAVID H. LIPP
"We live in constant tension: we celebrate the incredible work that's being done, but we live in the reality of how much we have yet to do," Than says. "We have something that works really well, and now we just need to do more of it." Extinguishing Fire at Its Root Cause In the past decade, Than has personally witnessed the world's horrifying realities. "Pattaya is known as the 'Disneyland of Flesh,'" he explains of a small town in Thailand born as an R&R site during the Vietnam War. "Then, you look at a place like India: we have 11 million kids living on the streets in that country alone." Every country faces its own challenges, but it's in these countries that Unseen has the greatest opportunity to set a new precedence. "There's brokenness everywhere," Than says. "But the access and ease in other countries with increased vulnerabilities makes it that much worse." Vulnerability is the leading factor that feeds the fire of human trafficking. "Every story is absolutely unique, but that's the common thread," Than explains. "We need a holistic approach: prevention, protection and prosecution. If you forget one of those, it's out of whack."
Exposing Unseen Realities (Locally) The United States is the largest consumer of kids in the world. Let that sink in. "Eighty percent of kids in the Philippines right now are vulnerable to online exploitation," Than explains. "The number one driver of that is the United States." Unseen's work lies in what's defined by the "Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report" as tier 2 and 3 countries – nations that are either unequipped (or unwilling) to protect the vulnerable or combat human trafficking in their communities. "A good way to look at it is: when a child is trafficked here, people are going to be up in arms. Newspapers will get involved, and people are going to get mad," Than says. "Often in the places we're working, our partners are the only ones mad about this. They're the last line of defense between these kids and absolute destruction." Still, Unseen very much acknowledges vulnerabilities closer to home.
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ON THE COVER | THAN BAARDSON
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: UNSEEN
"It's easy to look at places like Thailand, India or the Philippines and say, 'Oh, how dare you,' while we're sitting in a country that's leading the consumption of children," Than admits. "What's our responsibility as citizens of this country to protect the kids we've exploited?" Even with local sheriffs, the FBI and area non-profits rowing in the same direction, there's still much work to do. Unseen's role lies in looking for opportunities to lend a voice, extend their reach and share contacts and resources to make a local impact. Partners Illuminate the Unseen From prosecuting labor traffickers who've been abusing families for generations to serving as the only source of girls education in northern Pakistan, Unseen's partners fulfill needs the organization simply couldn't on its own. "Put yourself in their shoes: you're serving kids, working in hostile environments and probably underfunded. Now it's the end of the day, and you have to go raise money to do it all over again. Every day. Or... these kids will die," Than says. "That's what's at stake here." 22 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com
A number of Unseen's partners have grown more than 700 percent since the launch of their partnerships with the organization. "Who can we go and pour gas onto their already-lit fire? That's what Unseen is here to do," Than says. Than's metaphor is apt, especially given his firefighting experience. In his eyes, Unseen's partner organizations start righteous fires that initiate change. Unlike the wildfires he used to fight, Than's goal now is to fuel those fires of change. "When we say 'partner,' this is a partnership," he says. "We're here to serve, lift up, and accelerate these incredible organizations that are impacting millions. That's the only reason we're here." 'This is Not a Practice Life' Than credits his robust team – who come from C-suite roles with decades of experience – for the organization's success. "They're working here every day because they want to impact the world," he says. "I think we've all come to this realization that this is not a 'practice life.' We all have limited time so what we do with it matters. It's our job to point people to light."
Than and his team have witnessed a link between faith and human trafficking. "When you look at spiritual health and how that relates to folks who've come out of trafficking, it turns out it's insanely important," Than says. "The way my faith plays out in the work of Unseen is that I get to see God working around the world as the hands and feet of Jesus – and I get this front-row seat to be witness." With incredible success, it'd be easy to get comfortable. But, as Unseen's CEO and co-founder, Than says that's not something he's willing to do. "With 150 million children living without parents and more than 40 million people living in slavery, the need for Unseen grows daily," he says. "This work is never going to be done. We could stop trafficking tomorrow, and somebody in power would find someone to exploit. Addressing the root causes of why people are vulnerable in the first place is a huge part of the puzzle." While "the good life" is undoubtedly defined differently for each individual, for Than, it's all about perspective. "I have two incredible kids and the greatest, most supportive, human being as my wife. The good life is spending time with your family, creating and advocating for lives of purpose and meaning for others, and pointing people to the light," he says. "I think this is the best version of life I can imagine. ” •
"Everybody's welcome to participate in this work. There's a huge need and – if you want to make a lasting and sustainable massive impact on this world – this may be one of the ways you can do it." – Than Baardson urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 23
WRITTEN BY: KRISSY NESS • PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
Barbot Boxing, formerly Red River Golden Gloves, has been a staple in Fargo-Moorhead for nearly a decade. Operating as a U.S.A. boxing member Barbot Boxing strives to train students with no experience up to seasoned pros. "We have had three different pro fighters that we have developed right here," said owner and coach Jesse Barbot. While some students join boxing as a competitive sport, others join for self-defense and exercise; some even box
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as a way to train for other sports. Boxing can help with balance, weight distribution, and conditioning. "One thing I think people may be surprised to hear is that it is not an intimidating atmosphere," exclaimed Barbot. "It is very welcoming." I visited Barbot Boxing and I have to say it is one of the cleanest and least threatening gyms I have been to. Often you find hardcore athletes stalking around the gym and that can be off-putting, but there is a sense of calmness and ease when you enter Barbot Boxing.
Everyone is welcome in this gym, as I stated before; age, gender, or skill level are not a factor when it comes to training here. "Female boxing became an Olympic sport [in the London games in 2012] and our U.S. team has been incredibly successful; they have all medaled," exclaimed Barbot. Now that women can be seen on the Olympic level boxing it has shown that girls are paying attention and want to participate in this sport right here in Fargo. One of the three athletes to turn pro through Barbot Boxing was a woman named, Kira "The Lioness" Ollila. She trained with Barbot eight years ago as an amateur boxer and the progressed and fought professionally for two years, but even then there weren't as many female boxers.
"One thing I think people may be surprised to hear is that it is not an intimidating atmosphere." – Jesse Barbot
"Now we go to these amateur boxing shows and there is usually at least one or two female fights on the cards," said Barbot. "It seems to be growing now with females." "As far as girls, the age group I have the most in right now is 11 to 15 and they do compete," stated Barbot. However, competing is not the only reason people go to this gym. urbantoadmedia.com / THE GOOD LIFE / 25
"For a lot of people it's different, some are out of shape and want to get back into it," said Barbot. "It is a great way to work on your core and to find that explosiveness in your body." Many people look to martial arts such as karate or taekwondo, to learn self-defense and practice discipline, but many would argue boxing is more applicable. "Boxing isn't considered a martial art, by the term of it, but I think it is one of the most effective forms of selfdefense," said Barbot. Boxing allows you to be quick on your feet, keep your eyes on the person you are fighting and use your arms to protect yourself and fight back.
Parents of students or students themselves interested in this program can speak with their school's resource office to get connected with Barbot Boxing's at-risk youth program. In some cases, scholarships are awarded for students who cannot afford the classes.
"Boxing is an individual sport by definition but we are a team here." – Jesse Barbot
One of the most notable gifts Barbot Boxing gives to the public is their at-risk youth program. By working with the Fargo Police Department this program allows students and kids to be a part of an activity they are interested in within the community.
"Boxing is an individual sport by definition but we are a team here," said Barbot. By supporting one another and training as a group pro athletes can work with younger inexperienced boxers to better their skills.
"That resonates with some at-risk students who don't always enjoy basketball or other mainstream sports," noted Barbot.
Barbot expresses that children need to learn selfdefense at an early age, however at this gym they need to be at least eight years old.
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"You hope kids don't have to use it," stated Barbot. "But, it helps the kids stand a little taller and within a month or two their demeanor changes and they become more confident." Barbot along with three volunteer coaches, one being his cousin, train their athletes in classes four times a week and also offer all-access memberships to members with good standings in the gym. It is very important to Barbot to attend as many classes as possible to get to know everyone who attends his gym. After all, this is a team gym and everyone is there to cheer each other on. If you would like more information on these classes or to find one of their fights and see what all the excitement is about, you can contact Barbot Boxing through their Facebook page.
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ASK 30 WOMEN
ASK 30 WOMEN
What is something he says, or an expression he uses that makes you cringe? Being referred to as "THE WIFE", "THE OLD LADY" or "THE WOMAN."
Out of all the words, USING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN makes me cringe the most.
Saying, "DON'T GO IN THERE FOR A WHILE" as he walks out of the bathroom.
"THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID." That was funny when you were in junior high.
My husband said, "LONG IN THE TOOTH." What does that even mean?
"CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION?" Stop wasting my time and ask it.
"GET ER DONE." or "LET ER BUCK."
"I'M JUST KIDDING." Don't say this after making a rude comment.
Saying "IT IS WHAT IT IS" to dismiss an argument. Unless you want to upset me even more, don't ever say, "YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN."
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"YOU LOOK TIRED." This is always taken as an insult rather than a comment of concern. "YOU DO YOU." Okay. I mean, I do that every day.
Replying with, "WHATEVER" while in an argument. "BABE" or "BOO" I don't like terms of endearment used by teenagers. "MM-HMM." It's clear you aren't paying attention. Also I can't tell if this means yes or no. "WE'RE HAVING BOYS NIGHT." This is just a nice way of saying you don't want me around. The saying, "AT THE END OF THE DAY." "YOU NEED TO SMILE MORE." If you want me to smile, do something funny.
"YOU SOUND JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER." Do you have a death wish? "TO PIGGY BACK ON THAT." My husband doesn't say this, but my coworker does. "WELL YES AND NO." You can't have both obviously. "I'M NOT LIKE MOST GUYS." If you say this, then yes you are. "BY THE WAY." This usually comes across as condescending. "I DON'T WANT TO STEP ON THEIR TOES." Are we on a dance floor? "YES DEAR." You can't say this without sounding sarcastic or like you are agreeing so I will shut up. "IT'S ALWAYS IN THE LAST PLACE YOU LOOK." Of course it is. Otherwise I would keep looking . "SO YOU'RE TELLING ME THERE'S A CHANCE." Any quote from the movie "Dumb and Dumber". "WHEN I WAS WITH..." (insert name) Comparing me to his previous girlfriend. "I'M COMING DOWN WITH SOMETHING." Oh here we go. Let the whining begin. "YOU LOOK FINE." What I'm hearing is that you are impatient and will say anything so we can leave.
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LOCAL HERO | WAYNE CASEBEER
WAYNE CASEBEER Leading Quietly, Responsibly, and Sincerely
WRITTEN BY: ALEXIS SWENSON PHOTO BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA
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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY: WAYNE CASEBEER
Thirty-one-year-old Wayne Casebeer first joined the United States Marine Corps in part to honor the family legacy of serving his country and in part due to his competitive nature. "I come from a Navy family. My sister and I are very competitive. She went into the Army and I wanted to do something a bit more to compete with that, so I went into the Marine Corps. Ultimately, neither of us went into the Navy," said Casebeer.
"I come from a Navy family. My sister and I are very competitive. She went into the Army and I wanted to do something a bit more to compete with that, so I went into the Marine Corps." – Wayne Casebeer After graduating from high school in Alexandria, MN, Casebeer enlisted with the US Marine Corps where he completed 5 years of active duty followed by a couple of years in the Marine Forces Reserves. He served in Twentynine Palms, CA, Al Ambar Province Iraq, the reserve station in New Orleans, LA, and the reserve station in Minneapolis, MN. During active duty, Casebeer's role was in Communications and he was attached to an artillery battalion.
"They were using radios to do communications between different units in the Marine Corps which is extremely inefficient. Our goal was to bring the internet to artillery because we needed a way to coordinate fire. My five years were spent modernizing artillery. I went from high school to leading men in combat and that was pretty cool," said Casebeer. Aside from the sheer excitement of firing guns, Casebeer appreciated the incredible amount of things he learned in a small amount of time. "It wasn't just working on computers. You have to know how to fire machine guns, fire artillery, haul artillery, drive vehicles, how to load things on vehicles, how to eat, how to feed people, and more," said Casebeer. Above all else, the people were the most memorable for Casebeer. "I made a whole family. There were 15 of us that stuck together the whole time. When my battalion deployed, they split us into mini 15 man teams and sent us out. We drove around Iraq for 9 months, just 15 of us, it was great. They were from all walks of life and we're still close today," said Casebeer.
Red River Raiders
Roughly three years ago Casebeer helped to establish Red River Raiders, a nonprofit organization
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LOCAL HERO | WAYNE CASEBEER
and charter for the Marine Corps League, a congressionally recognized organization to serve Marines. In a similar vein, Red River Raiders has a mission of providing assistance to fellow Marines or disabled veterans.
provides funding, and sets the individual up with keys for the space. The Red River Raiders' goal is that the day the veteran receives the key, the organization brings a bed, couch, and other furnishings into the apartment.
Red River Raiders supports people in a number of ways including fundraising for Toys for Tots, providing a small detachment for a Color Guard hosted by Casebeer, and assisting with fabric and sewing blankets for Project HART. Project HART is a transitional housing program that provides basic needs, case management, and employment services to homeless veterans to assist them in overcoming their barriers to permanent housing so they can live the life that they deserve.
"Essentially, a person goes from being a disabled homeless veteran to being a veteran with a home that is fully furnished - in the same day. We've been nailing it. We've done very, very well and helped about 60 veterans last year," said Casebeer.
Additionally, Red River Raiders is heavily involved in assisting with the Homeward Vets program. Homeward Vets is primarily administered by the West Fargo VFW while the Marine Corps League provides the manual labor for the program. Typically, the Fargo Veteran Affairs Health Care System identifies a Marine that needs an apartment,
"Essentially, a person goes from being a disabled homeless veteran to being a veteran with a home that is fully furnished - in the same day." – Wayne Casebeer Red River Raiders also hosts the Marine Corps Ball to celebrate their November 10th birthday. "This year we're hosting the event on November 7th in Fargo. It's going to be a formal event so we'll get dressed up in our tuxedos and get the gals nice dresses. It's just going to be really fun," said Casebeer.
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: WAYNE CASEBEER
Above: 660 flags were placed by the Marine Corps League at the new Sanford Hospital to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention. The 660 event takes place all across the United States. Left: A Homeward Vet move that was done by the Marine Corps League last year in the middle of a blizzard.
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For Casebeer, a favorite part of his volunteer work is simply working with other veterans. "It's so easy to work with other veterans. It's not difficult to work with other people, but the difference is a language barrier. So, somebody who might speak broken English - it's not hard to have a conversation with them, but it's not going to be as efficient as having a conversation with somebody you grew up with and that is family. You have your own lingo and your own way of working together. With veterans, it's like working with a family member. You can get mad, you can get upset, but you're going to accomplish whatever you're trying to do," said Casebeer.
West Fargo VFW
Casebeer also is a member of Color Guard for the West Fargo VFW. A sizable group of nearly 40 people are on standby for the group. Casebeer is currently training to take over the position as Color Guard Commander where he will step into greater responsibilities. "It's going to be a lot more work, but I am looking forward to it. It is a commitment with my working multiple jobs, but it should be good," said Casebeer. Duties of the Commander include coordinating with funeral homes, the National Cemetery, and other veterans organizations depending upon which organization is leading the event. Furthermore, the Commander serves as the point of contact in coordinating for Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo ceremonies for various Veterans holidays.
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LOCAL HERO | WAYNE CASEBEER
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: WAYNE CASEBEER
Casebeer was selected by Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America in 2019 to receive the Andrew P. Nelson Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service. This award recognizes everyday heroes who quietly make a difference in our community in the way that they work, volunteer, and make life better for others. For 2020, Casebeer's goal is to help maintain each organization he's involved with. "It's very hard to recruit folks into nonprofit organizations. I like programs that give you immediate gratification because once folks are in and are able to actually get that gratification it makes all the difference. If they're sitting on their hands, they're not going to want to do it anymore. So, putting veterans to work for veterans is a goal that I want to maintain. If we do and are able to attain new membership, that's what's going to keep them as members. That's my primary goal for all the organizations I'm a part of - motivating people enough to stay," said Casebeer.
Life Lately
Casebeer landed in West Fargo, ND to be close to the USMC Reserve station in Wahpeton, ND after being given a choice of Wisconsin or North Dakota. Since Wisconsin was too close to Minneapolis, Casebeer opted for North Dakota. "North Dakota worked out really well; the people are fantastic. I've kind of decided to settle down here," said Casebeer.
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Casebeer currently works full time at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota on a small team in cybersecurity and risk management. "Blue Cross Blue Shield has an excellent volunteer program and the leadership there is fantastic. Without working there, I wouldn't be able to do any of the volunteer work I do. They're awesome. The work is great too. Our primary role is to do risk management for IT systems and security systems overall. It's pretty dynamic and you need to be pretty intelligent to do it," said Casebeer. Outside of his full-time job at Blue Cross Blue Shield and volunteering with various veterans organizations, Casebeer enjoys spending time with his toddler daughter. "I have a daughter named Kahlan; she's great. She's a little redhead. It's miserable outside now, but in the summer we like to go to parks and hang out and play," said Casebeer. In any free time he has left Casebeer trains his 40lb dalmatian puppy, Dan Daly, named after an
infamous Marine. "I love my dalmatian. He's one of the best animals there is. Dan Daly was a Sergeant Major in the US Marine Corps and was awarded two medals of honor. He fought in three different wars and received medals of honor from two different wars. It's a fantastic name," said Casebeer.
The Good Life
A testament to the type of life Casebeer strives to live can be seen in how he was selected by Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America in 2019 to receive the Andrew P. Nelson Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service. This award recognizes everyday heroes who quietly make a difference in our community in the way that they work, volunteer, and make life better for others. "The good life is mostly helping other people. That's my driving force for everything. A good life for me is to be a responsible leader and also to have people accept me as a leader. Being a responsible leader is to have a goal, set out to accomplish that goal, accomplish that goal, and then be able to measure it. I can see that in the work that I do - people are waiting on me to tell them what to do, especially for the Homeward Vets program. I've got nine people on standby. We all collaborate and work together; we're all effective leaders," said Casebeer. •
The good life is mostly helping other people. That’s my driving force for everything. – Wayne Casebeer
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