Star Bank proudly supports new film series around mental health
At Star Bank, “The Bank That Cares™” is more than a tagline, it reflects how we show up for the people, families, businesses, and communities we serve across Minnesota. That commitment includes supporting conversations that matter, even when they’re difficult to have. One of those conversations is mental health.
That’s why we are proud to support the debut episode of Bonfire Sessions, a new film series created by Seeking Permission, LLC that uses music and storytelling to open honest dialogue around youth mental health.
“Reinvesting in the rural Minnesota farm communities we serve is central to Star Bank’s mission. That commitment extends beyond financial services to the health and wellness of the people who call rural Minnesota home.” - Katie Wahlquist, Star Bank President & CEO
About Seeking Permission
Seeking Permission is a Minneapolis-based music and marketing initiative that blends creativity, storytelling, and purpose-driven work. As a long-time Star Bank customer, their team has built a reputation for using music as a way to connect people and spark meaningful conversation. Their mission aligns closely with ours — strengthening communities through authenticity, empathy, and connection.
How Bonfire Sessions Began
The idea for Bonfire Sessions started with a simple but powerful observation: there is a growing need for more open conversations around mental health, especially among young people and in rural communities where those conversations can still be difficult.
The founders of Seeking Permission, who are deeply rooted in music and the creative community, believed music could serve as a natural bridge into those conversations. They were inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s ability to create honest, unscripted dialogue in intimate settings, often around a shared table, and envisioned a similar environment built around storytelling and song.
As the concept developed, they met rising Nashville artist and former social worker Onoleigh, whose background and perspective made her a natural fit to help guide the emotional tone and authenticity of the series. Around the same time, Minnesota native Michael Shynes became part of the vision, bringing both artistic depth and a personal connection to rural Minnesota.
Local Roots and Meaningful Connections
Michael Shynes, who is from the Annandale area, is a long-time friend of Star Bank President & CEO Katie Wahlquist. His involvement adds a meaningful local connection to the project and reflects the strong relationships that often shape the work we support.
Seeking Permission’s connection to Star Bank runs just as deep. They are not only creative partners, but also long-time friends and customers of the bank. When they began developing Bonfire Sessions, they saw Star Bank as a natural fit for partnership because of our reputation for care, community commitment, and long-standing support of Minnesota’s agricultural and rural communities.
When the project was shared with Katie Wahlquist, the alignment was immediate. Supporting mental health awareness, rural wellbeing, and authentic storytelling felt like a clear extension of who we are and what we stand for. From there, the partnership quickly came to life.
About the Series
The debut episode of Bonfire Sessions premiered May 7 and was produced in collaboration with SSQTCH Films, the Emmy-winning team behind the Minnesota Wild’s Dream State series.
Set around a glowing bonfire, this series brings artists together to share personal stories and perform stripped-down versions of their music. The result is an intimate, honest exploration of topics such as isolation, emotional struggle, resilience, and hope.
Why This Matters to Rural Minnesota
In agricultural and rural communities, mental health challenges are real, but conversations about them don’t always happen easily. Long hours, financial pressure, isolation, and generational expectations can all contribute to people quietly carrying more than they should have to.
As a community bank deeply rooted in agriculture, we believe supporting our communities means more than financial solutions. It means helping create space for connection, honesty, and support when it’s needed most.
Where to Watch & How to Support
Episode 1 of Bonfire Sessions is available now at seeking-permission.com and is also being shared through Star Bank’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages and on YouTube.
We encourage you to watch the 18 minute film and share it with your family, friends, customers, and community networks. Whether it’s a conversation, a message, or simply passing it along, small actions can help someone feel seen and supported.
A Shared Commitment to Care
This project reflects the heart of our mission and what it means to be “The Bank That Cares.™” We are proud to support projects that bring people together, elevate important conversations, and strengthen the communities we serve.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: 833-600-2670