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Rochester Local Podcast

by Rebecca Montpetit

Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people that live in Rochester MN, and hear their stories of life in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the local happenings!

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Episodes

  1. Episode 24 | Devon Hugdahl

    This episode of the Rochester Local Podcast features Devon Hugdahl, a museum professional, screen printer, and artist who has collaborated with local bands and organizations like the Rochester Art Center and Thaw Music Festival to create custom screen-printed posters and art. Devin discusses his...

  2. Episode 23 | Matt & Julie Ruzek

    In episode #23 of the Rochester Local podcast, we’re chatting with local couple, Matt and Julie Ruzek. Both Matt and Julie have backgrounds in education — 🚀 Matt is the current principal at John Marshall High School. ❤️ Julie spent many years with the Rochester Public Schools district and is now...

  3. Episode 22 | Will Forsman, Cafe Steam & Colorway Coffee Roaster

    Becky is joined in this podcast by Will Forsman, co-owner of Cafe Steam and Colorway Coffee Roasters. Will started as a dishwasher at Cafe Press, which later was acquired and turned into Cafe Steam, where he moved up throughout the years to now being a co-owner. His passion for the city and the...

  4. Episode 21 | Tom Wiens, City of Pine Island

    In this episode, we find Becky diving deep into the world of a volunteer firefighter, an employee of Pine Island, and the youngest brother in her family. Tom Wiens works as a Maintenance Technician for the Public Works of the City of Pine Island by day, and is part of the Pine Island volunteer...

  5. Episode 20 | Catharine Richert, MPR

    Becky is joined by Catharine Richert from MPR for the third time! The discussion revolves around Catharine's latest project, Talking Sense, on MPR, Taylor Swift's latest news, concerts, and events with Braver Angels, and the latest news around Rochester, MN.

  6. Episode 19 | Mike Wiens, Expat Living in New Zealand

    So how does someone born and raised in the Rochester, MN area come to work and live in New Zealand? Find out how Mike Wiens made his way across the Pacific Ocean and put down roots just outside of Auckland. What's the biggest difference between living here and living there? What does he miss the...

  7. Episode 18 | Will Ruffin II, Executive Director of Equity & Engagement - Rochester Public Schools

    There's not much that gets by Will Ruffin II. As the Executive Director of Equity & Engagement for Rochester Public Schools and a career in the district that spanned over 20 years before that - he's seen a lot. How does such an important leader in our community spend his life outside of the…

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  8. Episode 17 | Hollywood to RochMN w/ Kristen Gura Fickman - Screenwriter, and Andy Fickman - Director

    So what is it about Rochester that draws two Hollywood professionals to leave LA and make our city their home? How can they still maintain their careers? What's the best part about living here? Where do they go for fun? Do they sneak in movie snacks (ethical question )? We're back for part 2 with...

  9. Episode 16 | w/ Kristen Gura Fickman - Screenwriter, and Andy Fickman - Director

    What's the WGA SAG-AFTRA double strike in Hollywood and why should it matter to you? On this episode of the Rochester Local podcast, we chat with two locals, Kristen Gura Fickman and Andy Fickman. Kristen is a screenwriter, playwright, and content creator while Andy is an award-winning director,...

  10. Episode 15 | w/ Lori Sam, Jingle Dress Dancer

    This episode of the Rochester Local Podcast has us speaking with Lori Sam, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Lori also dances jingle dress — a women's powwow regalia and dance that originated with the Ojibwe tribe. Lori also works with the Rochester Public Schools as the assistant to the...

  11. Episode 14 | w/ Corbin Holmen, Bar Manager - Bleu Duck Kitchen

    Episode 14 w/ Corbin Holmen, Bar Manager - Bleu Duck Kitchen | The Rochester Local PodcastToday’s Rochester Local Podcast guest brought refreshments! My favorite Rochester cocktail is the Bleu Duck Old Fashioned. Naturally, I invited Corbin Holmen, Bleu Duck’s Bar Manager to join me to talk all...

  12. Episode 13 | w/ Santa Claus, The One & Only

    HoHoHold the Phone! Santa Claus is in the studio with us today! Rochester's favorite Santa has a new home this holiday season after 8 years at ABC & Toy Zone. We talk a bit about that and a LOT about Santa's life at his version of the North Pole when he's not in Rochester — including what Santa...

  13. Episode 12 | w/ Claudia Tabini & Mariana Iglesias, Friends

    Claudia Tabini and Mariana Lima are joining us in the studio! This episode of the Rochester Local podcast is special because it's our FIRST to feature double guests! Claudia and Mariana have been friends for years and when you see them together, it's easy to see why their friendship has lasted.…

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  14. Episode 11 | w/Pamela Meyer - Quarry Hill Nature Center, Executive Director

    Pamela Meyer, Executive Director of Quarry Hill Nature Center, joins us in the Rochester Local podcast studio for Episode 11. It's hard to believe it's been 50 years since Quarry Hill first opened its doors in NW Rochester in 1973. We talk about all the amazing celebrations coming up, what Pamela...

  15. Episode 10 | w/Catharine Richert - Rochester MN Historical Throw Pillows & Monopoly

    We've reached Episode TEN of The Rochester Local Podcast and I feel like this is some sort of milestone. I've been having a ton of fun interviewing #rochmn people and hopefully, you've been having fun listening in. I'm having Catharine Richert back in the studio to discuss all the things that…

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  16. Episode 9 | w/Marty Walsh - MN Driftless Hiking Trail

    It’s Episode 9 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Marty Walsh! Marty is an avid outdoorist - and his latest endeavor has crossed from a hobby into a true passion. Learn about his quest to build the MN Driftless Hiking Trail: a 100-mile-long trail between Chatfield, MN, and…

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  17. Episode 8 | w/Dan and Natalie Slagle - West Coast & Fresh Coast Residents

    It’s Episode 8 of the Rochester Local Podcast and SURPRISE! we’re not in Rochester! Rochester Local hit the road and is in Portland, Oregon this week. The best part is that we’ve connected with some Rochester Locals while here! Dan and Natalie Slagle split their time between Rochester and…

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  18. Episode 7 | w/Sameer Sharma, Beverage Industry Professional

    It’s Episode 7 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Sameer Sharma! Sameer is a professional in the beverage distribution industry who has lived all over the United States. Find out how he ended up in Rochester (hint - for love!), what he will always spend more money on, the...

  19. Episode 6 | w/ Lida Casper, Coordinator of Community Partnerships

    It’s Episode 6 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we're joined by Lida Casper! Lida is the Coordinator of Community Partnerships with Rochester Public Schools which is only one part of what we find fascinating about Lida. Find out what remote part of the US Lida spent some formative years…

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  20. Episode 5 | w/ AJ Montpetit, Creative Director & Experience Designer

    It’s Episode 5 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today AJ Montpetit joins us in the studio…that he also set up, and records in. Find out what life is like as Mr. Rochester Local, how to pronounce our last name, what secret instrument he plays, where he’s lived the longest, and how many takes it...

  21. Episode 4 | w/ Mamisoa Knutson, Communications Director

    It’s Episode 4 of the Rochester Local Podcast and today we’re pleased to have Mamisoa Knutson visiting us in the studio. Among many other interesting things, Mamisoa is the Director of Communications for Rochester Public Schools Find out what language people speak in Madagascar, a secret spot to...

  22. Episode 3 | w/ Danni Trester, Trester Tailor, MidModdities, Tailor It Yourself

    Episode 3 of the Rochester Local Podcast finds us chatting with Danni Trester, owner of Trester Tailor, MidModdities, @TailorItYourself , and other fun endeavors! Find out about what makes her a great tailor, learn a bit about a great upcoming event in the Rochester music scene, and hear what her...

  23. Episode 2 | w/ Tiffany Alexandria, Choochoo-ca-chew

    Welcome to The Rochester Local Podcast! Today, we're joined by Tiffany Alexandria of Choochoo-ca-chew — a visual storyteller born and raised in Taiwan who has made her way to Rochester. She loves sharing food and culture through photography. We'll also bring you a run-down of things to do in...

  24. Episode 1 | Welcome! w/ Catharine Richert, MPR News

    Welcome to The Rochester Local Podcast! Today, we're joined by Catharine Richert Jones, MPR news journalist, active community member, partner, mother, and steel drums player. We'll also bring you a run-down of things to do in Rochester MN February 4th-5th, 2023. Featuring: Catharine Richert, MPR...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people that live in Rochester MN, and hear their stories of life in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the local happenings!

HOSTED BY

Rebecca Montpetit

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Rochester Local Podcast have?

Rochester Local Podcast currently has 24 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Rochester Local Podcast about?

Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people that live in Rochester MN, and hear their stories of life in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the...

How often does Rochester Local Podcast release new episodes?

Rochester Local Podcast has 24 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Rochester Local Podcast?

You can listen to Rochester Local Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Rochester Local Podcast?

Rochester Local Podcast is created and hosted by Rebecca Montpetit.
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