Season 20 - Episodes

Episode 2001

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.