These Are Your Neighbors

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 84 - Miranda Klatt

Miranda Klatt is a passionate advocate for mental health, community connection, and accessible wellness. With a background rooted in fitness and a deep commitment to helping others, she has dedicated her work to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from prioritizing their well-being. As the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on providing access to exercise services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, Miranda believes that movement is more than physical—it is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal growth. Her organization works to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent people from experiencing the benefits of supportive, health-centered communities. Through her leadership, Miranda continues to build partnerships, create opportunities, and inspire others to view wellness through a more inclusive and compassionate lens. Her mission is simple yet impactful: to make community, movement, and mental health support accessible to all.

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 83 - Mary Soucie

Mary Soucie began the duties of State Librarian on January 6, 2014. Mary moved here from Illinois, where she was born and raised. She received her undergraduate degree from Illinois State with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Minor in Reading. Later, Mary went on to receive her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in Illinois.Mary’s passion for libraries started young. She began volunteering at the library at the age of 12, and by 18 was leading story time. She also spent school breaks volunteering at her local library. Mary’s passion for libraries is in her blood; her mother was a reference librarian for 19 years. Prior to joining the North Dakota State Library Team, Mary has worked in public and school libraries; as the Youth Services Consultant for a Regional Library System; and was also an adjunct professor at a community college teaching Reader’s Advisory and Adult Programs. She has served as a trustee for both a public library and an Illinois Regional Library System. Mary has served on the boards of several library associations at the state, regional and national levels. She has served in many volunteer capacities, both within the library community and her own community. Mary believes that libraries serve as community centers,connecting all the parts of the community that they serve.

These Are Your Neighbors Ep. 82 - Taylor Johnson

Taylor is a 27-year-old public health professional from Bismarck who is running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 35. Her public health education opened her eyes to the impact of policy on health, and has been driven to improve health policy ever since. Through her campaign, she hopes to not only win, but also hopes to get more young adults in Bismarck engaged in politics and demonstrate how we can all improve our community.

TAYN Ep. 81 - Dan Eastgate

Dan is a 4th generation resident of Bismarck. Dan’s great passion is caring for his community and especially the people who call it home. Dan entered the real estate industry nine years ago and became a high-performing Realtor who believes in providing the highest level of service to his clients. He credits his success to his diverse knowledge of the area, relationships throughout the real estate and mortgage industry, and deep-rooted community involvement.  Dan is very involved in the community.  His community involvement includes being a member of the Bismarck School Board, Bismarck Public School Foundation, and the Bismarck Public School Foundation.  He has also been a mentor with Bismarck-Mandan Young Life. Dan and his wife, Lacey, have three boys and two additional members of the family, their dogs. Dan loves spending time with his family and friends. He’s an outdoor enthusiast enjoying camping, fishing, and chasing pheasants. Dan spends a lot of time at basketball games, enjoying sports, and likes to read in his spare time. You can also find him behind the microphone as an announcer at many local high school sporting events.

TAYN Ep. 80 - Dana Henry

Born and raised by two public educators in Klamath Falls, Oregon—the “City ofSunshine”—Dana Henry’s life has been shaped by lifelong learning, showing up,stepping in, and serving wherever she lands. A driven student and athlete, Dana graduated high school in three years and attendedthe University of Nevada, Reno, becoming the first unrecruited walk-on under CoachDevin Scruggs eventually working her way up to earning a division I scholarship herjunior year. She competed in two NCAA national tournaments, earned All-WACAcademic honors three times, set weight room records, served as a student senator,and was named Outstanding Senior for the university all while balancing leadership,academics, and competition. With degrees spanning massage therapy, HR, accounting, speech pathology, and anMBA in strategic management, her unconventional educational path reflects acommitment to learning and public service. A dedicated public servant, she has heldprofessional roles in education, nonprofits, and government. Currently, with the State ofNorth Dakota Information Technology Department, she fills the role of Staff Accountant,Culture Rise training facilitator, and was elected to serve a 6-year term on the StatePersonnel Board. She just celebrated her 5 th year as a state employee and looksforward to the next 25. Athletics continue to anchor her identity. Today, Dana plays in the top women’s leaguein Bismarck and is a high school and collegiate volleyball official. She made history in2023 as the first female wrestling official in North Dakota, officiating the inauguralstate girls’ dual tournament at the Fargodome. Moving to a new state every few years, she found connection through service. Thatphilosophy became her pageant platform—GIVE: Get Involved in VolunteerEfforts—turning interest into action and passion into purpose. Her journey into pageantry began at age six as a “little sister” in the Miss KlamathCounty pageant, an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for service, mentorship,and community leadership behind the glamour of the crown. Dana competed in the MissAmerica Opportunity across three states, earning more than $12,000 in scholarships,and has continued in pageantry through marriage and multiple systems—earningnational and international titles including America’s SUPER Mrs., American RoyalBeauties National Ms., Miss Continental Worldwide, and Mrs. North DakotaAmerica 2025. Offstage, she is deeply invested in the infrastructure of pageantry,serving as an emcee, judge, choreographer, tabulator, planning committee member, andaward-winning behind-the-scenes volunteer as the Veronica Villegas Best Volunteerfrom the Global Beauty Awards. Today, she serves on three nonprofit boards; North Dakota Public Employees LocalUnion 4660, the Young Professionals Network, and Brave the Shave a state-wideorganization helping families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. She is on the planningcommittee for the bowling fundraiser and gala for the 31:8 Project focusing their effortsto fight human trafficking, and volunteers with over two dozen other organizationshelping them to more effectively and efficiently serve their mission. A self-described audiobook lover with plenty of windshield time, Dana spends her freehours crocheting, bargain hunting, and attending live concerts (often featuring herhusband’s band). Her guiding belief comes from Winston Churchill:“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”