Who We Are

What is The Periphery?

The Periphery is a media company and community devoted to bringing into focus–through interviews, analysis, and action–that which we ordinarily miss.

A life story of an unnoticed person
An unseen angle on a current topic
An unrecognized solution to a social issue.

Seeking new angles and understanding, travel is key to our work. So is the use of various media to best tell a particular story.

We are headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We are always open to ideas for topics, people to interview, and places to see. For submissions, please see our “Contribute” page. You can also reach Brandon by email brandon@theperiphery.com, Twitter: @brandonferdig, or Facebook. For a better chance at an immediate reply, contact our publicist Rachel Anderson at 952-240-2513 or rachel@rmapublicity.com.

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Who is Brandon Ferdig?

Hello. I create human interest stories and commentary–usually centered around my current topic of study. My topic today: homelessness.

Me presenting at the May 19, 2019 premiere of my documentary film “The Wall: The Stories of the 2018 Minneapolis Homeless Camp”.

I speak and present at schools, libraries, conferences, and any other place an audience might gather to listen to my experiences, observations, and lessons about culture and humanity. 

Presenting at the “Cuba: From Us to You” event in Minneapolis March 2018
Speaking to students in St. Paul March 2018 about my experiences in China. I am the author of Life Learned Abroad: Lessons on Humanity from China published January 2014. 

I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities to capture stories, interview, speak, and travel.

You can reach me by email brandon@theperiphery.com, Twitter: @brandonferdig, or Facebook. For a better chance at an immediate reply, contact my publicist Rachel Anderson at 952-240-2513 or rachel@rmapublicity.com.

Thanks for visiting!

-Brandon

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11 comments

  1. Hey Brandon. I’m Shane Mercer. I do a lot of the blog-related stuff for The Forum newspaper in Fargo. I really like what you’re doing with this blog. I’ve featured it on our website and am doing so again today. Thanks for the good work. Interesting stuff.

  2. Hi,
    My experience in China was similar, particularly, with interaction with ordinary Chinese people. Mostly, I saw the dark side of China. Unpleasant and often distressing. My blog may not be interesting to you as it is aimed directly at the Chinese Courts and Government. But Staying Healthy and Travelling in China could be handy information to have. Consider yourself lucky you only had your email broken.. it could have been your head. I lived for 6 months in Beijing and Shenyang.

  3. Hi, I’m from Biggin Hill Kent England UK and I run a weekly lunch and ‘get together’ for elderly people in my community. About 40 of us meet each week for food and fun. I just love your picture of older people smiling and wonder if you will allow me to use it on our literature to encourage others to come in. It will only be circulated locally. May I have your permission please?

  4. Hey Brandon,

    I’m working on a project to help retirement homes in Wake County, NC fight against the bed bug epidemic. Your picture of the smiling elderly people is perfect for my project’s page. Would you be willing to allow me to use that image for my project with a proper citation at no charge?

    Thanks,
    John Snow

  5. Your posts are so interesting, they allow me to see all the interesting things all over the world that I cannot go see on my own, Thank you and please continue!!!!

  6. Hello,

    I live in Minnesota, where I was born and raised. In December 2014 I visited South Africa for the fist time. I fell in love. I want to move and work at the lodge I stayed at. However, it seems nearly impossible for a foreigner to be hired/obtain a visa to do so. What are your thoughts on this? How have you liked living in Africa?

    1. Hi Michelle,

      South Africa might be a different story, because parts of it are fully developed. Thus, they may operate as other developed nations when it comes to visas and employment of foreigners. However, there are many countries in Africa that are looser when it comes to visas and employment. I knew people who flew to Tanzania on a tourist visa ($100 USD), found work while there, and then obtained a work visa after-the-fact.

      Some developing nations like China make you get a work visa through your employer before you arrive. But Tanzania (and many others in Africa I’m thinking) are more lax. But even if you want to have your work visa before you arrive, you can probably get that, too. The thing is, Africa needs skilled people, and practically everyone educated in the U.S. has something to offer. With that, I say go back to Africa:) If you like, I can refer you to the school I worked at. They’re always looking for volunteers and workers from the U.S. You won’t get rich, but you’ll be fed and housed and have a life-changing experience, which it seems you’re well aware of from your time in South Africa.

      I liked Africa and am grateful for every second I was blessed to be there. It wasn’t home for me, but the perspectives gained, people befriended, and work accomplished will make me a better person til the end of my days. I’m back in Minnesota now. I’m writing and working at a school and seeing what adventure lies around the corner.

      Do let me know if you’re interested in my school. Even if you’re not, let me know what you decide:)

      -Brandon

  7. Hi Brandon,
    Found your blog on TheForum site which is published in the Worthington Daily Globe. I’m a retired 40-year veteran teacher who has just been hired as a mentor/consultant for a charter school, on an as needed basis. Most discussions revolve around classroom behaviors which are causing disruptions. I appreciated your flexibility statement and feel it fits into my mutual respectfulness between student and teacher philosophy. I am adding your blog to my email because it helps me refresh my reflective practice.
    Thank-you, Donna C.

  8. Hey Brandon,

    Love following your work. I am a college student who has always had an immense love for the backbone of our country and the small towns. I love learning about the different America that those in small towns live in and I have been trying to travel to more of them to learn about life in them. If you ever plan on going back through the southern United States, and want a companion, I would love to join you. Feel free to send me an email!

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