Nicole talks with Michael Wojcik about the Minnesota e-bike rebate program and with Philip Muehe of the Rochester Repertory Theatre. Danielle visits with Maureen Muthemba from Family Promise Rochester. In the R-Culture segment we talk about Rochester property taxes. We also check out the food at Tilda's Pizzeria. Michael Wojcik gives us an overview of bills passed by the Minnesota Legislature.
Episode 2225
In this week's R-Town, Nicole learns about the United Way's school supply drive. She also learns about the Sip N' Savor Brew Pass and about Experience Rochester efforts to promote tourism. Danielle catches up with programs at 125 Live. We take in a rehearsal by the Once and Future Classics theater group. And Michael Wojcik recaps the close of the Minnesota legislative session.
Episode 2224
This week Nicole looks at Rochester Pride, and she learns about We Bike Rochester. Danielle hears about the benefits of stretching with Steven Eng of Stretch Zone. In the R-Culture segment, we visit the Post Bulletin newspaper office. Michael Wojcik has a rundown of bills before the Minnesota Legislature.
Episode 2223
This week Nicole talks to Jessica Olson of Life with Extra Heart. She also meets with Catherine Richert of Minnesota Public Radio to discusses the Talking Sense project. Danielle learns about the Grio Arts art collective. We meet Michelle Clark, owner of the soul food truck Shell's Kitchen. Michael Wojcik updates us on the Equal Rights Amendment in Minnesota.
Nicole learns about the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. Danielle Teal grabs a healthy snack, and we listen to a singing bowl meditation. We also visit the new SEMVA gallery. And Michael Wojcik looks at politicians as they try to follow up on their campaign promises.
Episode 2101
Nicole kicks off the new year and the new season with resilience Coach Maria Serbus, and we learn about Olmsted County legislative priorities. Danielle Teal grabs a baseball bat and hits the batting cage, and we visit the big tent to see the magical spectacle at Cirque Italia. Michael Wojcik looks ahead to the new session at the state Capitol.
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara checks in with Park Planner Jeff Feece to learn more about the Soldier’s Field master plan. We visit a tribute to the trucking industry of the early to mid 1900s, and we learn more about the sport of curling. Danielle Teal sits with Aikong See to learn about Hope Central and the Project Hope Movement. Lastly, Nicole visits with Cheryl Thode and Wendell Amstutz to talk about mental wellness in the new year.
Episode 2002
Alison Zelms, Rochester city administrator, walks us through the city's 2-year operating budget; we check in with Steve Schmidt after his retirement from Rochester Civic Music; Danielle Teal dives into scuba with Szablis Klee of Southeast Scuba Escape; we visit Art Heads Emporium, a reimagined Rochester business; and Michael Wojcik tells us what's happening in Rochester.
Episode 2003
Nicole meets with Meaghan Sherden, MPH, and Michael Melius from Olmsted County Public Health to discuss the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and what makes the Omicron variant unique. We discuss taxes with David Oeth from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to learn what might look different as you file this year. We check out the "Homecoming Queen" exhibit at the Rochester Art Center, and visit the new Treedome storefront on Broadway.
Episode 2004
Nicole checks in with Patrick and Sarah Phelan, co-owners of Fiddlehead Coffee Co., to discuss their newest location opening in Rochester this spring. Danielle Teal chats with Sheila Buehler APRN, CNP, to learn more about her new business, Foot Care Professionals LLC. Andy Smith tells us all about the recently opened Garden Party Books, and we meet Sarge, a K9 who competed in a national police dog competition. Finally, Nicole discusses the the Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Mayors Challenge with Rochester Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director Chao Mwatela and Community Co-Designer and Equity Specialist Wafa Elkhalifa.
Episode 2005
Nicole chats with the President of the Rochester NAACP Wale Elegbede about the upcoming Black History Month Speaker Series. Danielle Teal visits with Chef Eman Abdulmuaty from SETO Bakery. We meet Rochester piano teacher Mackenzie Roberts, and head back to Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse to chat with Andy Smith. Lastly, we meet Brenda Kardock, Adam Dickinson, and Catherine Davis with the Rochester Public Library Foundation.
Episode 2006
Nicole sits down with Dan Fifield, RN, from The Landing MN to discuss how their nonprofit has grown in the last three years. We head to Silver Lake Foods to explore the oldest grocery store in Rochester, and visit Quarry Hill Nature Center to hear what they do when the weather gets chilly. Danielle Teal checks in with Christine Beech to learn about her business, Copiavia, and how they are helping nonprofits. Lastly, Nicole meets author Leilani Raashida Henry and Abby Currier, the Community Engagement and Events Coordinator with the History Center of Olmsted County. They discuss Henry's new book, The Call of Antartica: Exploring and Protecting Earth's Coldest Continent, and the upcoming author discussion at the History Center on February 19th.
Episode 2007
Nicole meets with Psalms Frye, owner and Doula of Peace and Compassion Birth Services. Danielle Teal checks in with Dan Sweeney from Great Harvest Bread Co. in Rochester. We learn a little bit more about cross-country skiing, and we learn how to be smart salters throughout the winter with Sadie Neuman. Lastly, we sit down with Dr. Tej Khalsa to discuss their new podcast The Last Breath Podcast, designed to connect you to your inner being, higher meaning, and greater purpose.
Episode 2008
Nicole discusses the State of Main Street with Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha; we learn about Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial; Danielle Teal brews up a conversation with Crystal Whitmarsh of Trail Creek Coffee Roasters; we go on an evening bike organized by Scheel's; Michael Wojcik talks about events in Rochester this summer.
Episode 2009
Nicole talks with Joe Ward of Experience Rochester; we learn about Central Bark doggy day care; Danielle Teal visits with Javier Ortiz of Javier's Barbershop; we cook up a meal at a 4-H day camp; Michael Wojcik hunts down area swimming pools; and Nicole discusses the upcoming elections with Olmsted County's Luke Turner.
Episode 2010
Nicole meets with Heather Nessler, the Director of the Spark Children's Museum; we learn about the work of the Southeastern Minnesota Interfaith Immigrant Legal Defense (SMIILD); Danielle Teal talks about the Rochester City Lines bus service with Dan Holter; we boogie down at the first ever disco dance party at 125 live; Michael Wojcik tells us about upcoming events; and we grab a guitar and sing with Emily Whitcomb.
Episode 2011
Danielle talks with Derrick Fritz from the Olmsted County Community Health Assessment Process (CHAP) and catches up Dee Sabol to learn about the recent work of the Diversity Council. We also sip and paint at with the Wine and Canvas painting class and explore the vibrant mosaic work of artist Debra D'Souza. On the Spotlight segment, Danielle meets Jessica Taylor, owner of Pottery by Jessica. Michael Wojcik tells us about events happening at the Olmsted County Fair.
Episode 2012
Nicole speaks with Nisha Kurup, vice president of the Indian Cultural Association of Minnesota, and meets with Irene Woodward, community development director for the City of Rochester. We get our fill of caffeine and plant life, and meet a local painter. In the Spotlight segment, Danielle talks with Nadia Victoria about Sorellina's restaurant. Michael Wojcik tells us about Party in the Alley and other events happening.
Episode 2015
NCorrespondent Danielle Teal joins host Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara to talk with Rochester City Council Ward 3 candidates Norman Wahl and Vangie Castro.
Episode 2017
Correspondent Danielle Teal joins host Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara to talk with Rochester City Council Ward 5 candidates Shaun Palmer and Saida Omar.
Episode 2018
Guest moderator Trey Mewes joins correspondent Danielle Teal to talk with Rochester City Council Ward 1 candidates Patrick Keane and Andy Hemenway.
Episode 2019
Correspondent Danielle Teal joins host Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara to talk with Rochester mayoral candidates Britt Noser and Kim Norton.
Episode 2020
Nicole talks with Amanda Leightner about the CO.STARTERS program that helps entrepreneurs in Rochester. She also talks with Kaytlyn Anzivino about connecting with volunteer opportunities. We visit Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria and meet woodworker Caryl Clossner. In the Spotlight segment, Danielle chats with Jes Peterson, new owner of Kismet. Michael Wojcik tells us about events coming up in Rochester.
Episode 2021
Nicole sits with Meghan Kozub from the Rochester Pops Orchestra and Wilfredo Roman Catala, the Chief Financial Officer for Olmsted County. Danielle Teal talks with Kristina Wright-Peterson, the Executive Director of Seasons Hospice. We meet black-and-white photographer Jeff Thompson and we drop in at Sargent's nursery during Wee Wednesdays. Michael Wojcik lets us know what events are coming up in Rochester.
Episode 2022
Nicole catches up with Katie Adelman from the Rochester Downtown Alliance and hears about an upcoming NAACP program from Wale Alegbede. Danielle Teal dishes with Johnny Key of Key Catering Barbecue and More. We skate over to roller disco on Broadway and learn about the handcrafted handbags at Hanson Leather Company. Michael Wojcik helps plan our end-of-year activities.
Producer Annie Krenik is joined by Vietnam War combat medic Bill Strusinski to talk about his book "Care Under Fire." Susan Haskamp talks about her work as advancement manager at Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association. And Danielle Teal checks out the new restaurant ThaiPop.
R-Town, Episode 1902
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara visits with Julie Winters from Rochester Pride to talk about their work in the community. We meet Lina Choung, a dance instructor specializing in traditional Cambodian dance, and check out the new ping pong LED installation in Peace Plaza. Jeremy Elder tells us about the Filipino martial art form Kali. Lastly, Dee Sabol tells us about grant funding the Diversity Council received to promote health equity.
R-Town, Episode 1903
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara visits with Miguel Valdez to discuss National Hispanic American Heritage Month. We learn about Wale Elegbede’s immigration journey and how he came to Rochester and we check in with the Rochester Fire Department during Fire Prevention Month. Lastly, we visit with Tim Penny to learn about the FEAST! Local Foods Network.
R-Town, Episode 1904
Nicole visits with Laura Sutherland of Olmsted County to discuss domestic violence. We learn about the Thrive Conference and the womens organization Bridging the Gap, and we check in with the Rochester Repertory Theatre. Lastly, we visit with Abe Sauer of Old Abe Coffee.
R-Town, Episode 1905
Nicole chats with Brad Vigesaa about the upcoming Nerdinout Con at the Mayo Civic Center. We learn about a not-so-unusual collecting hobby, and head to Sekapp Orchard to pick out some pumpkins. Molly Pudwell from Pudwell Insurance Partners tells us about enrolling in Medicare. Lastly, we discuss the $3.12 million grant awarded to Rochester and DMC EDA with Patrick Seeb and Cindy Steinhauser.
R-Town, Episode 1906
Nicole checks in with the Rochester Civic Theatre to explore their recent haunting. We visit the Downtown Roller Disco, and take a short tour of the Rochester Art Center. Terry Gries from the Community Food Response tells us about their mission and how the community can support them. Lastly, Rochester Management Analyst Heather J. Heyer tells us about the redistricting following the 2020 Census.
R-Town, Episode 1907
Nicole sits with Rochester Assistant City Attorney Tran Nguyen to discuss the Just Deeds Project. We check out the Rochester Farmers Market, and go Trunk-or-Treating at Family Promise Rochester. We meet Philip Muehe, the new Managing Director of Rochester Repertory Theatre Company. Lastly, Nicole discusses how Olmsted County is combating homelessness with Mary O'Neil and Jacob Radtke.
R-Town, Episode 1908
Nicole talks with Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Branch of NAACP about their new program, RISE for Youth, a program that will provide Black and underrepresented students with new pathways to success in education and employment. Danielle Teal sits with mosaic artist Debra D'Souza to discuss her art and the making of mosaics. We also learn more about Rochester's beloved Ear of Corn water tower, and hit the streets to learn more about fashion.
R-Town, Episode 1909
Nicole meets Dr. Azar Maluki, Board Chair of the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project, to discuss the upcoming listening session at the Rochester Area Foundation. We visit the Lion Heart Clay Works, and we visit RCTC to view Zoe Cinel's newest art exhibit "TOO HOT TO HANDLE, A Portrait of the Artist With Pain." We check in with Dan Nowakowski from the History Center of Olmsted County to discuss Mayowood as we approach the holiday season. Lastly, Nicole visits with Holly Masek to discuss what's coming to Downtown Rochester for the holidays.
This week on R-Town, Nicole sit's down with Ken Baerg, Operations Director for 125 Live, to discuss the new R-Town filming location and the future of 125 Live following the pandemic. We head to Silver Lake Pool to learn more about the temporary shut down earlier this summer, and Danielle Teal visits with Judy Braatz to discuss this year's turnout for Rochesterfest. Nicole also has a discussion with Jorrie Johnson about the Bloomberg Global Mayor's Challenge and initiatives to increase diversity in Rochester's workforce.
R-Town, Episode 1802
Nicole sits down with Tiffany Alexandria to discuss the upcoming Night Market in Rochester. We head to Thursday's Downtown to explore the in-person celebration, and talk with some vendors about their experience. Kate Jirik from the Elder Network stops by to tell us about how they're helping seniors in 2021. Lastly, Planner Emma Miller-Shindelar comes by to tell us how we can get involved with the new City Zoning Ordinance.
R-Town, Episode 1803
Danielle Teal hears from Zoe Cinel with the Rochester Art Center about their upcoming Iraqi American Cultural Celebration. Javier Ortiz tells us how he followed his dreams to become a barber, and we take a walk through 125Live. Scott Schneider tell us all about the upcoming Olmsted County Fair, and Holly Masek from the Rochester Downtown Alliance stops by to talk about all the upcoming events this summer.
R-Town, Episode 1804
Nicole sits with fashion blogger Trina Morris to discuss some 2021 fashion trends. We learn about an Egyptian immigrant who made his way to Rochester, and we head to Tom Kadlec Auto Body for Bike Night at Torque and Tacos. Dennis Wong from Dunn Brothers Coffee and Blue Plate Diner stops by to discuss his business and the construction on North Broadway. Lastly, we welcome the newly named program manager for Olmsted County’s Diversity, Equity, and Community Outreach Team Sidney Frye II.
R-Town, Episode 1805
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara discusses the spreading Delta variant of COVID-19 with Director of Public Health at Olmsted County Health Services, Graham Briggs. We learn more about Family Promise Rochester and the services they provide, and we check out a parking lot concert from the Rochester Community Band. Lastly, April Dahl from Dahl Dance comes by to chat with Danielle Teal about the future of ballroom dance.
R-Town, Episode 1806
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara chats with Misha Johnson from the Rochester Civic Theatre about their upcoming 70th Birthday Bash. Sylwia Oliver shares the story of how she came to Rochester, and we check out the "Yield: Keeping A House" installment for Art4Trails. Steven Schmidt from Rochester Civic Music stops by to share about upcoming events. Nicole Mucheck from the new Southeast Regional Crisis Center discusses the services they provide and how they're working to help the community.
R-Town, Episode 1807
Danielle Teal sits down with Dr. Kent Pekel, Interim Superintendent of Rochester Public Schools, to discuss the coming school year amidst a pandemic. We head to Rochester Gymnastics Academy to learn more about the difficult sport, and we head to McQuillan Field Park to check out Rochester Community Development Neighborhood Week.
R-Town, Episode 1808
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara checks in with the Village Agricultural Cooperative to learn about their mission to create a place where global cultures gather to share everything there is to know about food. The founders of Eureka Childcare tell us about their plan to prepare children for a lifetime of learning, and Erin Vasquez sits with Danielle Teal to talk about the importance of community schools. Lastly, Wendy Turri from Rochester Public Works stops by to discuss the research around detecting future COVID-19 outbreaks in wastewater.
R-Town, Episode 1809
Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara sits with MN State Auditor Julie Blaha to discuss her latest projects and how they can benefit local governments like Rochester. An asylee from Cameroon shares his story, and we check out the Neon Green Studio Pop Up Art Cart. Danielle Teal sits with Julie Johns and Ivete Martinez to discuss the upcoming Med City Arts Festival.
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Jeremy Westrum, owner of Rootz of Inspiration, to discuss how he came to Rochester and started his business amidst a pandemic.
R-Town, Episode 1702
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Sylwia Oliver to discuss what's coming next for 125Live and the future of community centers in Rochester.
R-Town, Episode 1703
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Samantha Erickson from the Rescued Room to discuss home organizing and upcycling as the weather is getting warmer.
R-Town, Episode 1704
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Ryan Yetzer, Interim Deputy Director of Community Development, to discuss the Downtown Waterfront Southeast Small Area Plan.
R-Town, Episode 1705
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Melissa Eggler to discuss the upcoming ART(is)T Therapy Artisan Market at Little Thistle Brewing Co. Go support your local artists on May 1st, at 10 a.m. Inclement weather date is May 8th.
R-Town, Episode 1706
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal sits with Rosei Skipper to discuss the music scene in Rochester, and how you can support local artists while we continue to fight the pandemic.
R-Town, Episode 1707
This week on R-Town, Amarachi Orakwue sits down with Bud Whitehorn, the new community liaison between the Black community and the Rochester Police Department, to discuss the meaning of Black Lives Matter and how the Rochester community can work to support black lives.
R-Town, Episode 1708
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal sits with local DJ LaidEe P to discuss the entertainment industry in Rochester, MN, and how the community and local businesses can come together to support local artists.
R-Town, Episode 1709
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal discusses the affordable housing crisis in Rochester with City Councilwoman Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick.
R-Town, Episode 1710
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal and Amarachi Orakwue sit down with Captain Jeff Stilwell of the Rochester Police Department to discuss community policing and building relationships with those who do not trust the police force.
R-Town, Episode 1711
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal sits with Jinny Rietmann, Executive Director at Workforce Development, Inc., to discuss the ongoing worker shortage in Rochester and across the country.
R-Town, Episode 1712
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal sits with Holly Masek, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Alliance and Dina Abo Sheasha, Director Of Business Development at Curve Solutions to discuss Downtown Rochester and the events coming this summer.
R-Town, Episode 1713
This week on R-Town, Danielle Teal sits with Brandon Helgeson, Executive Director of Rochesterfest, to discuss the upcoming festival, the schedule of events, and how Rochesterfest is celebrating coming back after a year-long pause.
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Reverend Emily Carson to discuss unpacking 2020 this New Year. We check in with the Rochester Community Bike Club, 125Live Esthetician Liz Guevremont describes how her new business is fairing in the pandemic, and Master Chef Contestant Shari Mukherjee shows us some popular recipes. Dr. Amit Sood and Danielle discuss the ways we can all become more resilient in 2021.
R-Town, Episode 1602
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Graham Briggs, Director of Olmsted County Public Health, to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine. Vangie Castro discusses her immigration story from the Philippines to the United States, and Bryan Wattier from MegaWatt Entertainment stops by to discuss how they're fairing through the pandemic. New Walkabout correspondent Amarachi Orakwue chats with Naura Anderson about Threshold Arts and supporting the work of local artists.
R-Town, Episode 1603
This week on R-Town, Danielle talks with Dave Oeth with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to discuss how the Rochester community can access free filing assistance. We meet Rawhi Said as he describes how his family fled their home in Bosnia and we check in with Wale Elegbede to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. New City Administrator Alison Zelms stops by to discuss the future of Rochester and the 2021 Budget.
R-Town, Episode 1604
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with the RDA to discuss how Social Ice is changing this year. Kim Sin describes his journey to America and Amarachi Orakwue sits down with George Thompson to discuss his life in Rochester. We also chat with Rev. Andre Crockett about the new community liaison position in Rochester.
R-Town, Episode 1605
This week on R-Town, Danielle welcomes the new City Council President Brooke Carlson, and they discuss everything up and coming for the city of Rochester. Amarachi Orakwue has a chat with Abe Sauer of Old Abe Co., and checks in with Fade Clinic Barbers to discuss cool hairdo is popular in 2021.
R-Town, Episode 1606
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with Misha Johnson and Eric Decker to talk about the upcoming digital production of Romantic Fools by Rich Orloff. Amarachi chats with Jennifer Schimek from Rochester Reiki Retreat, and visits with Matt Arnold from Detour Athletics. Wale Elegbede from the Rochester NAACP comes by to discuss how the NAACP is commemorating Black History Month and addressing the pandemic.
R-Town, Episode 1607
This week on R-Town, Danielle sits with the League of Women Voters to discuss redistricting in Minnesota following the 2020 Census. Maureen Wismayer from the Rochester Figure Skating Club stops by, and we visit with Lenny Williams and Dr. Nancy Adegoke from Trill or Not Trill. We also have a discussion with Dan Jensen about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Olmsted County.
This week on R-Town, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara hosts a roundtable discussion with City Council Ward 6 candidates Molly Dennis and Craig Ugland. They discuss the economic impact of COVID-19 on Rochester, racial inequity, fighting for social justice, affordable public transportation, and the use of tax dollars in the community.
R-Town, Episode 1502
Rochester City Council Ward 4 Candidates Kelly Rae Kirkpatrick and Katrina Pulham join Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara to discuss their platforms as we approach the Nov. 3rd. election. They discuss COVID-19, social justice, neighborhood initiatives, and the future of public safety and community in Ward 4.
R-Town, Episode 1503
Danielle Teal stops by this week to sit down with Olmsted County Elections Specialist Katie Smith to discuss the upcoming November General Election. They discuss the different ways to vote, where to find the information, and how you can participate in the election.
R-Town, Episode 1504
Candidates for Rochester City Council Ward 2 Incumbent Michael Wojcik and Mark Bransford join Nicole to discuss their platforms as we approach the Nov. 3rd. election.
R-Town, Episode 1505
This week on R-Town, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara hosts a roundtable discussion with City Council Ward 6 candidates Molly Dennis and Craig Ugland. They discuss the economic impact of COVID-19 on Rochester, racial inequity, fighting for social justice, affordable public transportation, and the use of tax dollars in the community.
R-Town, Episode 1506
This week on R-Town, Nicole chats with Heidi and Kamau Wilkins from Rochester for Justice to talk about their upcoming event, From Grief to Action. We check in with Dr. Lilly Wagner, an immigrant from Germany, and head downtown with Danielle Teal to say hi to some business owners. Executive Director of the Jeremiah Program JoMarie Morris and Nicole discuss the Grand Opening of the new Rochester campus and what's coming next for the Jeremiah Program.
R-Town, Episode 1507
This week on R-Town, Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara hosts a roundtable discussion with City Council Ward 6 candidates Molly Dennis and Craig Ugland. They discuss the economic impact of COVID-19 on Rochester, racial inequity, fighting for social justice, affordable public transportation, and the use of tax dollars in the community.
R-Town, Episode 1508
Danielle Teal sits with Wale Elegbede to discuss his TED Talk about building community and fighting Islamophobia. We stop at SPARK Children's Museum and head to Ironside Axe Club to explore how we're having fun at all ages. Director of Olmsted County Public Health Graham Briggs comes by to discuss the current state of COVID-19 and the best way to celebrate the upcoming holidays while staying safe. .