Tonka Talk Community and Connection

Have you ever wondered what it takes to serve as the voice of a diverse community? Join Andrew Myers, the dedicated representative of District 45A, as he unravels his path from the Minnetonka Beach planning commission to the floors of the Minnesota House.  During our enlightening conversation on Tonka Talk, Andrew dives into the balancing act of public service, his personal life, and business mana...

As the sun kisses the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Mayor Johanna Mouton, with her tapestry of experiences from firefighter to political leader, sits with us to weave a story of passion, service, and adventure.  This episode is an intimate journey into the heart of a community through the eyes of a woman whose life has been fueled by the desire to serve and enhance the lives around her.  Shortlist Pr...

Discover the secrets of thriving through the chill of Minnesota's winters. You'll be enlightened by our conversation about the essential role of sunlight in boosting our vitamin D—and mood!—even when the mercury drops.  We also tackle the powerful influence of laughter, daily exercise, and the underestimated importance of a hearty social life. Dr. Jason's expertise brings to light t...

When Molly Ambrose's son donned the Marine Corps uniform, it wasn't just a personal milestone—it sparked a movement that has since wrapped our heroes in the warmth of community care, called Semper Fi Flo. Join me, Natalie Webster, on Tonka Talk as I sit down with the remarkable Molly, founder of Semper Fi Flow, and unravel the story of how what began as a heartfelt care package initiativ...

Ever wondered how the pros turn social anxiety into a magnetic presence? Lori  Crever,  author, actress, and speaker, joins  Tonka Talk to reveal the powerful synergy between mentorship and improv, as laid out in her riveting book "Protégé Power."  We weave through the art of creating positive connections that can weather any storm. Her wisdom isn't just theory; it's a lifeline...

As I nestled into my chair across from Renee Stewart of Lake Minnetonka Magazine, the cozy hum of our shared love for community storytelling set the stage for a conversation rich with insight.  Renee, with her wealth of experience, illuminated the intricate dance of crafting a publication that mirrors the pulse of our local life. We unpacked the magic behind selecting stories that resonate—a task...

Have you ever considered the profound connections that can form across species? Join me, Natalie Webster, as I share a conversation with Erin about the extraordinary relationship between her emotional support donkey, Tiptoe, and her blind horse. Discover the comfort Tiptoe brings to assisted living home residents, including a memorable encounter with a former equine vet that demonstrates the remar...

Ever wondered how the power of hypnosis could unlock a more confident you? My guest Joshua Peters from X Factor Hypnosis joins us to unravel the science of hypnosis, showing it's not all about swinging pendulums but rather about tapping into the subconscious to rewire the brain.  This episode is a deep dive into the profound personal changes that can occur when we harness this focused state o...

Lee Odden of Top Rank Marketing has traveled the globe helping businesses and business owners connect with their communities. Ever wondered how cultural differences can impact your marketing efforts and business growth? We've got some invaluable insights for you. We talk about his intriguing experiences of speaking engagements across the globe and the unique appreciation of an American perspe...

Are you wrestling with feelings of being a fraud or fake in your career? Here's an episode you don't want to miss. We explore the phenomenon of imposter syndrome with Kelly Olsen, a local entrepreneur who shares personal experiences and advice on handling this challenge.  Kelly emphasizes the importance of humility, asking for help, and retaining a childlike curiosity. This conversation...

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the inner workings of Scientology? Join us, Natalie and Lana, as we peel back the layers of our childhood spent within the confines Scientology.  Our candid Friday episodes offer a glimpse from the dire realities of our past, into the community and connection we found outside of Scientology. As we unravel these layers, we touch on the profound repercuss...

Imagine being 16, fuelled with a burning passion for fashion and a dream that seems larger than life. Meet Wesley Euthes, owner of the successful Primp Boutique, who transformed her love for fashion into a successful business. Her journey wasn't always a smooth ride, from her first job at Land's End to studying fashion in college and dealing with the harsh realities of post-graduation li...

Ever wondered how to turn a seemingly dilapidated property into a thriving venture? Join us, Natalie Webster and Kelly Olsen, as Kelly shares her thrilling journey of breathing new life into the Guest House in Excelsior , transforming this historic bed and breakfast into a modern vacation rental and event venue. We'll also let you in on our latest venture, our very own real estate brokerage S...

Welcome back to another riveting episode of Tonka Talk. Have you ever found yourself questioning the dynamics of a group you were a part of?  Join the conversation with host Natalie Webster, as she continues the heart-wrenching tale of her experiences growing up in the Church of Scientology. Together with her sister Lana, they embark on a nostalgic journey that will make you laugh, cry, and gasp i...

Are you ready to discover the joy of giving back and creating deeper bonds with loved ones? This episode is all about the power of volunteering, and we sit down with Tina Richter, vice president of membership for the National Charity League's West Lakes chapter.  She shares her compelling journey as a volunteer and how she's witnessed the strengthening of the relationship between her and...

Ever wondered how you can make a real, tangible impact in your local community? Tune in to this enriching episode to discover how our guest, Josh Radziej, found his place in the heart of Excelsior's community.  Josh's journey is all about personal growth, community betterment, and the incredible power of involvement in local organizations like the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber, the R...

I’d like to invite you on a personal journey - my journey - from the confines of a controlling cult to the warm embrace of a true community.  The rabbit hole goes deeper this week as we navigate the impact of Scientology on family dynamics. With me, you'll get to know a family whose business was closely tied to my grandfather's teachings of the church, and witness how my upbringing was s...

What if the key to successful business expansion is not just about transactions but building authentic relationships within the community? Our guest today, Matt Eickman, CEO of Abracadabra Wildlife and Pest Control , shares how he grows his business into different territories by being genuinely present and supportive in the community. He believes in the power of replicating success models and has...

What happens when a child's innocent hustle inadvertently brings the FBI to the Church of Scientology's doorstep? I lived it and I'm ready to share my story. This episode of Tonka Talk is a powerful testament to my journey of growing up in, and eventually escaping from, the Church of Scientology.  Every moment was a life lesson, from my childhood in Hawaii spent selling drawings, to...

Ready for a peek behind the runway? We're thrilled to bring you a colorful journey through creativity and style with Grant Whittaker, a renowned name in the Twin Cities fashion scene.  Grant has become a fashion personality, appearing in major news outlets, magazines, and on the radio. From his early days in Germany to his evolution in the Twin Cities, Grant opens up about his life, inspirati...

Step into the dynamic world of podcasting with the formidable Twila Dang, CEO and founder of Matriarch Digital Media , and producer at MPR. We chat about being unexpectedly paired as co-hosts on a Minneapolis/Saint Paul radio show, to crafting conversation around the joys and pitfalls of being a grown woman on the podcast Twila and Natalie . A woman in her forties, Twila Dang found the media'...

Ever escape a cult? I did, and I'm ready to share my story. In this episode of Tonka Talk, I share how I broke free from the gripping clutches of Scientology, with my entire family by my side.  It's a journey filled with a myriad of emotions, where the final push came from a shooting at a Seattle mall. The following two years were challenging yet liberating, as the support from the Lake...

In this episode of Tonka Talk, we delve into the captivating world of renowned Lake Minnetonka photographer, Bob Israel. Join us as we explore the incredible story behind Bob's breathtaking images of landscapes and wildlife that have captured the hearts of many. Discover how his photography has become a powerful force in bringing people together, connecting them to the beauty of nature, and i...

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, we sit down with the remarkable Donni Torres, who, in the face of profound loss, found a unique and inspiring way to cope and heal.  Donni's husband's battle with ALS left her devastated, but she chose to channel her grief into an incredible commitment: creating 365 daily TikTok videos. Join us as we delve into Donni's journey throug...