Real Talk with Rick

Kevin Schmieg, the City's building inspections manager, touches on how the City offices have changed since the 80s, what the City is doing to make applying for permits easier and why he almost got left behind on an Alaskan adventure.

Eden Prairie Community Foundation Executive Director Mark Weber talks about the Foundation’s inception, acting as a grant maker, giving back to the community, building a strong endowment fund and three Foundation-related projects in Purgatory Creek Park. The Foundation has been around for 30-plus years and hosts annual events such as EP Gives and Prairie Brewfest, in addition to co-sponsoring Peop...

Outgoing council member Sherry Butcher Wickstrom shares what got her involved with local government, memories of Eden Prairie's rapid growth in the 80s, how she helped Eden Prairie Center land Von Maur and her plans to dig in the dirt during retirement.

Rick and James Goldenstein, the City's IT network administrator, discuss Eden Prairie’s IT team, technology buzzwords, cyber security and what you can do to stay safe in the cloud.

Before former Eden Prairie Police Chief Jim DeMann retired in late September, he chatted with Rick about a few of his memories from his 31 years with the Department. They discuss how DeMann started working in Eden Prairie, his K-9 Champ, the path to becoming chief and he reveals his favorite cop movie.

Rick and Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce President Pat MulQueeny talk about the local business community, Chamber news and Pat's affinity for the Vikings. Stick around for a rapid-fire game of this or that.

Rick sits down with Eden Prairie Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens to chat about her background, proudest moments in office, legacy and advice she has for future mayors. She touches on how she arrived in Eden Prairie, her first experience with local government, how becoming mayor unexpectedly affected her penmanship, her upcoming retirement and what she'll miss most and least when leaving office.

Rick interviews Johnny Germscheid, the City of Eden Prairie's communications coordinator and guinea pig for the inaugural podcast. Learn about how Johnny landed in Eden Prairie, his typical workday and some of his favorite hobbies.