TrueLens Podcast

How does a city keep thousands of residents informed and engaged? On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, Ann Schweisguth sits down with the City of Cottage Grove Communications Manager Phil Jents to talk about the ever-changing world of local government communications. From social media and video production to websites and print media, Phil shares how Cottage Grove connects with residents. Plus,...

On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, we’re talking all things St. Paul Park with City Administrator Hugo McPhee! From new faces at City Hall to community goals. Plus, hear why resident feedback matters and what’s ahead for the community.

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road to the Cottage Grove Community Showcase. We caught up with Mayor Myron Bailey about all the buzz (yes, Panera and Kwik Trip made the list), plus what to expect with summer road construction. Then we sat down with Tarah Beyer from the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce —and even handed the mic to locals to share what’s on their minds.

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road for this special episode, recorded at the Woodbury Community Expo at M Health Fairview Sports Center! We were joined by guests Brian King from the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Rock U Music, along with 2025 Chamber Business of the Year winner Kelly Jahner Byrne, owner of the HOW Companies. Plus, we opened up the mic to attendees—and let’s just say,...

Have you checked out Woodbury News Net? This nonprofit digital newsroom keeps Woodbury, Minnesota informed—for FREE. Co-founder and chair Susan Kent stopped by our podcast studio to share more about it!   Links: Woodbury News Net   The Scoop   Dust em’ Off Snowmobile Show   TrueLensMedia.org  

From roads to libraries to transit, Commissioner Karla Bigham shares what’s coming next for Washington County.   Links: Cottage Grove Mayor Bailey Woodbury Mayor Burt washingtoncountymn.gov TrueLensMedia.org  

Ann teams up with special guest co-host Bob McSherry, TrueLens Multimedia Manager, to revisit some memorable 2025 TrueLens videos. From unexpected moments to behind-the-scenes stories, they share how the magic came together. Links: The Grovecast The Secret War The Scoop Walking Every Park in Woodbury Navidad Con La Comunidad – Shop with a Cop Year in the Life of Public Works Employees TrueLensMedi...

Ann sits down with City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada to explore the newly renovated Central Park — a reimagined community hub that’s better than ever. Discover the stunning new tile and mural art, the completely redesigned Lookout Ridge indoor playground, expanded meeting spaces perfect for gatherings (even weddings of 200–300 people!), a dedicated senior space, and the...

Cottage Grove Chamber President and CEO Laurie Levine joins the show to celebrate all things local! We chat about the 328 Grill, a bit of Park High School history, and the exciting holiday events coming up — including the beloved Holiday Train. Plus, Laurie shares her take on tattoos, local businesses, and what makes south Washington County such a special community.   Episode Links: Why Cottage Gr...

Join Ann as she chats with Laurie Staiger, President & CEO of the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, for a fun and heartfelt conversation. You’ll hear: What Laurie really loves about the Chamber The story behind Woodbury’s oldest restaurant, Ronally’s Pasta and Pizza A powerful, emotional moment when a man suffers a heart attack while jogging and the community members who saved his life A haun...

In this episode, we're joined by Mayor Laurie Elliott of Newport! We talk about the city’s new dog park, explore the local library and community center, and chat with Mayor Elliott about exciting future projects in the works. Plus, we’ll fill you in on some great upcoming events around town.    Show Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxuwfEicgF8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIgQYQdLZZo

In this lively episode, Ann is joined by Mayor Keith Franke from St. Paul Park to talk about what sparked his passion for local politics and community service. Together, they dive into some fun TrueLens video stories — from Mik Mart’s hometown ice cream business to rising country star Hailey James. And don’t miss the trip down memory lane as they uncover the quirky history of the vegetable fights!...

Mayor Myron Bailey joins Ann for a hometown-flavored episode! They reminisce about growing up in Cottage Grove—think Cheap Skate, Pine Hill Elementary, and the old dairy store - where nickle candy was totally a thing. They also check out TrueLens videos featuring Riggs the therapy dog, the mystery of renamed streets, and local legend Gary Spooner. Bonus: the Mayor reveals his Trekkie side! 🖖   Sh...

Episode #1 Join TrueLens Community Media Executive Director Ann Schweisguth with special guest co-host Mayor Anne Burt of Woodbury Hop aboard this lively episode of the TrueLens Podcast, where we zoom through all things local—from high-tech transit to hometown history! 🚐 First stop: the Metro Micro Bus—a ride-share-style service that’s like Uber or Lyft. 📰 Next, meet the Woodbury New Net, a fres...