Rochester Local Podcast

This episode of the Rochester Local Podcast features Devon Hugdahl, a museum professional, screen printer, and artist who has collaborated with local bands and organizations like the Rochester Art Center and Thaw Music Festival to create custom screen-printed posters and art. Devin discusses his creative process, love of community radio, and favorite spots in Rochester. Host Becky Montpetit and De...

In episode #23 of the Rochester Local podcast, we’re chatting with local couple, Matt and Julie Ruzek.  Both Matt and Julie have backgrounds in education —  🚀 Matt is the current principal at John Marshall High School.  ❤️ Julie spent many years with the Rochester Public Schools district and is now the Executive Director of Cradle to Career - a community initiative organization dedicated to impro...

Becky is joined in this podcast by Will Forsman, co-owner of Cafe Steam and Colorway Coffee Roasters. Will started as a dishwasher at Cafe Press, which later was acquired and turned into Cafe Steam, where he moved up throughout the years to now being a co-owner. His passion for the city and the people shines throughout the discussion, and his dedication to providing the best coffee in the area is...

In this episode, we find Becky diving deep into the world of a volunteer firefighter, an employee of Pine Island, and the youngest brother in her family. Tom Wiens works as a Maintenance Technician for the Public Works of the City of Pine Island by day, and is part of the Pine Island volunteer firefighter team by (occasional) night. A husband, father of two boys, and brother to our host, we get to...

Becky is joined by Catharine Richert from MPR for the third time! The discussion revolves around Catharine's latest project, Talking Sense, on MPR, Taylor Swift's latest news, concerts, and events with Braver Angels, and the latest news around Rochester, MN.

So how does someone born and raised in the Rochester, MN area come to work and live in New Zealand? Find out how Mike Wiens made his way across the Pacific Ocean and put down roots just outside of Auckland. What's the biggest difference between living here and living there? What does he miss the most? And what does the US need that New Zealand has in abundance? Find out all of this and more in...

There's not much that gets by Will Ruffin II. As the Executive Director of Equity & Engagement for Rochester Public Schools and a career in the district that spanned over 20 years before that - he's seen a lot. How does such an important leader in our community spend his life outside of the office? A lot of the same way he spends it during his working hours, investing in those around t...

So what is it about Rochester that draws two Hollywood professionals to leave LA and make our city their home? How can they still maintain their careers? What's the best part about living here? Where do they go for fun? Do they sneak in movie snacks (ethical question )? We're back for part 2 with Kristen and Andy! In part 1 we discussed everything to do with the WGA - AFTRA double strike a...

What's the WGA SAG-AFTRA double strike in Hollywood and why should it matter to you? On this episode of the Rochester Local podcast, we chat with two locals, Kristen Gura Fickman and Andy Fickman. Kristen is a screenwriter, playwright, and content creator while Andy is an award-winning director, writer, and producer. Both of them, however, are currently on strike. What does this even mean? Wha...

This episode of the Rochester Local Podcast has us speaking with Lori Sam, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Lori also dances jingle dress — a women's powwow regalia and dance that originated with the Ojibwe tribe. Lori also works with the Rochester Public Schools as the assistant to the superintendent as well as the assistant school clerk. Lori loves to attend powwows throughout the...

Episode 14 w/ Corbin Holmen, Bar Manager - Bleu Duck Kitchen | The Rochester Local PodcastToday’s Rochester Local Podcast guest brought refreshments! My favorite Rochester cocktail is the Bleu Duck Old Fashioned. Naturally, I invited Corbin Holmen, Bleu Duck’s Bar Manager to join me to talk all kinds of fun things! Find out what happens at a cocktail workshop, the unusual ingredient he’s thinking...

HoHoHold the Phone! Santa Claus is in the studio with us today! Rochester's favorite Santa has a new home this holiday season after 8 years at ABC & Toy Zone. We talk a bit about that and a LOT about Santa's life at his version of the North Pole when he's not in Rochester — including what Santa school is like and what adventures his sleigh (Harley) has taken him on. This episode is...

Claudia Tabini and Mariana Lima are joining us in the studio! This episode of the Rochester Local podcast is special because it's our FIRST to feature double guests!  Claudia and Mariana have been friends for years and when you see them together, it's easy to see why their friendship has lasted. We asked all kinds of questions about friendship, food, culture, and more!  ___________________...

Pamela Meyer, Executive Director of Quarry Hill Nature Center, joins us in the Rochester Local podcast studio for Episode 11.  It's hard to believe it's been 50 years since Quarry Hill first opened its doors in NW Rochester in 1973. We talk about all the amazing celebrations coming up, what Pamela (who spends her days encouraging others to get outside) does in her free time (spoiler alert:...

We've reached Episode TEN of The Rochester Local Podcast and I feel like this is some sort of milestone. I've been having a ton of fun interviewing #rochmn people and hopefully, you've been having fun listening in. I'm having Catharine Richert back in the studio to discuss all the things that have been happening since she was last here. You know the important stuff: bubble waffles,...

It’s Episode 9 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Marty Walsh! Marty is an avid outdoorist - and his latest endeavor has crossed from a hobby into a true passion. Learn about his quest to build the MN Driftless Hiking Trail: a 100-mile-long trail between Chatfield, MN, and the Mississippi River. We'll also hear why Marty believes Farmers' Markets are so important...

It’s Episode 8 of the Rochester Local Podcast and SURPRISE! we’re not in Rochester! Rochester Local hit the road and is in Portland, Oregon this week. The best part is that we’ve connected with some Rochester Locals while here!  Dan and Natalie Slagle split their time between Rochester and Portland. Listen in as we hear about what life is like bopping back and forth, what they love BETTER about Ro...

It’s Episode 7 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Sameer Sharma! Sameer is a professional in the beverage distribution industry who has lived all over the United States. Find out how he ended up in Rochester (hint - for love!), what he will always spend more money on, the creative way he spends his birthdays, and where he goes for date night. _____________________________...

It’s Episode 6 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Lida Casper! Lida is the Coordinator of Community Partnerships with Rochester Public Schools which is only one part of what we find fascinating about Lida.  Find out what remote part of the US Lida spent some formative years in, how she would spend 8 hours of completely free time in Rochester MN, where she goes locally th...

It’s Episode 5 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today AJ Montpetit joins us in the studio…that he also set up, and records in.  Find out what life is like as Mr. Rochester Local, how to pronounce our last name, what secret instrument he plays, where he’s lived the longest, and how many takes it took us to film this podcast between kids, and dogs, and life.  ____________________________...

It’s Episode 4 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we’re pleased to have Mamisoa Knutson visiting us in the studio.  Among many other interesting things, Mamisoa is the Director of Communications for Rochester Public Schools Find out what language people speak in Madagascar, a secret spot to picnic in Rochester, one place she takes her out-of-town guests, what she’s reading, and a lot mo...

Episode 3 of the Rochester Local Podcast finds us chatting with Danni Trester, owner of Trester Tailor, MidModdities,  @TailorItYourself  , and other fun endeavors! Find out about what makes her a great tailor, learn a bit about a great upcoming event in the Rochester music scene, and hear what her about her best-ever Rochester area adventure.      Welcome to the Roch...

Welcome to The Rochester Local Podcast! Today, we're joined by Tiffany Alexandria of Choochoo-ca-chew — a visual storyteller born and raised in Taiwan who has made her way to Rochester.  She loves sharing food and culture through photography. We'll also bring you a run-down of things to do in Rochester MN February 10th-11th, 2023. Featuring: Tiffany Alexandria , Choochoo-ca-chew Hosted by: Be...

Welcome to The Rochester Local Podcast! Today, we're joined by Catharine Richert Jones, MPR news journalist, active community member, partner, mother, and steel drums player. We'll also bring you a run-down of things to do in Rochester MN February 4th-5th, 2023. Featuring: Catharine Richert , MPR News Correspondent Hosted by: Becky Montpetit , owner - Rochester Local Thank you to The Edit Shoppe f...