PODCAST · news
Wedge LIVE!
by John Edwards
A show about Minneapolis politics from the maker of Wedge LIVE, the award winning local news website.
Episodes
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Abdihakim Ibrahim, candidate for Hennepin County Board (District 3)
A conversation with Abdihakim Ibrahim, former school board member in St. Louis Park, now running for the district 3 seat on the Hennepin County Board. You can scroll back in the feed for our July 14 episode with incumbent Commissioner Marion Greene. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the...
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How to Walk Across the River for Groceries (w/ Scott the Bachelor)
We are walking across the Mississippi River for groceries with Scott from Prospect Park. Along the way we learn what it's like to shop for loose carrots and loose powders at the Seward Co-op. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support…
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Steve Simon: Democracy Defender & "World War II Dad"
Steve Simon is spending a lot of time preparing for federal threats to this year's election while running for a fourth term as Minnesota Secretary of State. We talk about potential federal interference; how he balances being both a politician and the state's top election official; and what it…
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Bussin to Aldi (w/ Ayana Smith-Kooiman)
Ayana Smith-Kooiman is this week's contestant on "grocery shopping with strangers without a car." Will we beat the countdown to catch the 2 bus? Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge…
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Building a Patio for Strangers & Talking Taxes (w/ Eric Harris Bernstein)
Eric Harris Bernstein of the Minneapolis Board of Estimate & Taxation is building a patio on his neighbor's property. He says he has permission. While he works, we talk about his first big vote as a member of the BET: in favor of a maximum property tax levy of nearly 12% for 2027. We talk about…
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Rainy Bus Trip to Trader Joe's (w/ Elliot Newhouse)
Elliot Newhouse started riding the bus for groceries in high school and has agreed to share more than a decade's worth of grocery shopping wisdom with us as part of our special series where John goes grocery shopping with strangers without a car. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the...
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Biking home with a 36 pk of Diet Dr. Pepper from Costco Wholesale (w/ Parker Seaman)
Parker Seaman shows me how to shop at Costco without a car, offering tips on how to bring a 36 pack of Diet Dr. Pepper home to Minneapolis from St. Louis Park on your bicycle's front rack. We discuss whether Parker has a "Dr. Pepper problem" and why he shops this way. Plus we enjoy a couple of...
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How to walk for groceries with no sidewalks in Richfield, Minnesota (w/ Blue Delliquanti)
Blue Delliquanti takes me grocery shopping at a Cub Foods in Edina. Afterwards we walk home to neighboring Richfield, and I become horrified that there are no sidewalks. This is the pilot episode of our new podcast miniseries where people take me shopping for groceries without a car. In addition…
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Little Free Water Coolers of Minneapolis
On this special hydration episode, we're towing a bike trailer stacked with cases of water through the tri-neighborhood area, making deliveries with Al from the "Whittier Water Coolers" (aka the Hydration Honeys). This group of neighbors regularly stock water bottles across their network of nine...
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Minneapolis Mayor and Park Board at odds over additional $18 tax bill for median home
We're talking about Mayor Frey's proposed property tax levy for 2027 with Commissioner Jason Garcia, of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and Eric Harris Bernstein, of the Board of Estimate & Taxation. The Park Board is feeling shortchanged by the mayor's suggested 2.5% increase in their...
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Infiltrating a Scooter Takeover in Downtown Minneapolis
Two youthful-looking podcasters, Taylor Dahlin and John Edwards, infiltrate a teenage scooter takeover in downtown Minneapolis. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by...
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Finest 2026 MN Primary Punditry
Taylor Dahlin and Ethan Knight join this episode for reaction and analysis to the 2026 Minnesota primary. Peggy Flanagan cruise to an easy victory over Angie Craig, and will face NFL sideline reporter/Republican nominee Michele Tafoya in the race for the US Senate. Lisa Demuth defeated the pillow...
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Irene Fernando is running for reelection to the Hennepin County Board (District 2)
Irene Fernando, chair of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, joins me for a blockbuster conversation as we walk around Wirth Lake (using only practical effects, no CGI). We talk about what she's been up to in the 8 years since we last spoke; why she's running for a third (and final) term…
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Walking the Bryant neighborhood of Minneapolis w/ Angela Conley
Angela Conley, currently running unopposed for a third term on the Hennepin County board, leads me on a walking tour of the Bryant neighborhood of Minneapolis, known to many as the home of George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago. We talk about local street projects, visit neighborhood landmarks,...
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Pedicab Tour of Lyndale Ave with "Pedicab Phil"
Professional pedicab driver Phil Schwartz shares his knowledge of the mean streets of Minneapolis and allows us to experience every pothole on the 90+ year old Lyndale Avenue. While doing the complete Lake-to-Hennepin-to-Lyndale circuit around the Wedge neighborhood, we check out the new Hennepin...
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Marion Greene is running for reelection to the Hennepin County Board (District 3)
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene joins me to talk about her campaign for reelection and the great big conversation we're having about reconstructing the 90+ year old Lyndale Avenue. What did we learn from the Hennepin Avenue experience? Why is a "pause" a bad idea? We also talk about…
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Will we ever get statewide zoning reform in MN? (w/ Katie Jones & Brit Anbacht)
What's the prospect for meaningful statewide housing policy reform in Minnesota? Brit Anbacht (Neighbors for More Neighbors) and Rep. Katie Jones (district 61A) join me to talk about zoning - parking minimums, minimum lot sizes, overly restrictive caps on unit sizes that make it impossible to…
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Minnehaha Dog Park Saga (w/ Jason Garcia)
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board voted 8-1 last Wednesday to end the use of Minnehaha dog park for off-leash dogs, believing it to be in conflict with the sacred nature of the site for the Dakota community. This upset a lot of the dog owners who frequent this park. Commissioner Jason…
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Minneapolis Truck Parade 2026 with Commentators Taylor Dahlin & John Edwards
Legendary parade commentators Taylor Dahlin and John Edwards carry on the tradition of narrating another year of Big Honkin' Trucks rolling down Nicollet Mall. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show:...
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Top Shameful Moments at Hennepin County DFL Convention (w/ Jason Garcia & Josh Martin)
Analysis of the results of the Hennepin County DFL Convention. Sheriff Dawanna Witt lost a five round battle of attrition against... nobody. County Commissioners Irene Fernando, Marion Greene, and Angela Conley were all endorsed for reelection. And Cedrick Frazier was endorsed by for the open…
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Ilhan Omar at Open Streets Lyndale (and also Eric Harris Bernstein)
Rep. Ilhan Omar stops by for a conversation in the middle of Lyndale Avenue, as she campaigns for re-election ahead of the August 11th DFL primary. Then we talk to Eric Harris Bernstein of the Minneapolis Board of Estimate & Taxation. Episode recorded at Open Streets on June 7, 2026. Watch:...
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Keith Ellison - LIVE on Lyndale Avenue!
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stops by for a live conversation at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue on June 7, 2026. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by...
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Uptown People's Assembly (w/ Lauren McCarley)
My conversation with Lauren McCarley who is organizing the Uptown People's Assembly as a counter to business interests that have dominated the conversation about Uptown on public safety, homelessness, the proposed business improvement district, and street infrastructure. The Uptown People's...
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Uptown Little Caesars (w/ Melody Hoffmann)
Melody Hoffmann of Southwest Voices drives us to the new Uptown Little Caesars. Along the way we discuss the state of Uptown and Minneapolis' unraveling police chief situation. Plus we miss our turn and jump a curb while trying to steer clear of the medians on Hennepin Avenue. This is the first...
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Kevin Chavis, candidate for Hennepin County Board - District 3
My conversation with Kevin Chavis about his campaign for Hennepin County Board in District 3. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
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O'Hara Outie, Klob Undies (w/ Taylor Dahlin & Jason Garcia)
I'm joined by Taylor Dahlin and Commissioner Jason Garcia for reaction to the resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara and a rundown of the action at the DFL state convention in Rochester over the weekend (which they both attended). Episode sponsored by Klob Undies. Watch:...
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Lyndale Ave Is 92 Years Old (w/ Julie Johnson & Jeremy Winter)
After years of engagement and political wrangling, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis are ready to approve a new design for Lyndale Avenue South between Franklin and Lake. Because the street was last reconstructed in 1934, the road surface and infrastructure underground are long overdue...
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Davis Moturi: "I hope that one day I can become a fraction of who I used to be."
Not the usual kind of episode. We wanted to present for you the full audio of Davis Moturi's remarks to the Minneapolis City Council from Wednesday, May 13th. If you live in Minneapolis, you've surely seen and read plenty about what happened to Davis Moturi. After moving into a new home in south...
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Rep. Dan Wolgamott, candidate for Minnesota State Auditor
My conversation with state Rep. Dan Wolgamott of St. Cloud about his campaign for Minnesota State Auditor. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x...
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Christin Crabtree, candidate for Minneapolis School Board (At-Large)
My conversation with Christin Crabtree about her campaign for an at-large seat on the Minneapolis School Board. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x...
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Zack Filipovich, candidate for Minnesota State Auditor
My conversation with Zack Filipovich, formerly of the Duluth City Council, about his campaign for Minnesota State Auditor. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by…
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What the hell is happening at Minneapolis City Hall? (w/ Aurin Chowdhury)
My conversation with Council Member Aurin Chowdhury about the latest from city hall. In the face of a mayoral power grab on budgets, appointments, and street layouts - are the walls closing in on the Minneapolis City Council? We talk about the recent onslaught of pundit criticism of the city...
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Ben Schierer, candidate for Minnesota State Auditor
My conversation with Ben Schierer, former mayor of Fergus Falls, about his campaign for Minnesota State Auditor. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper…
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Josh Martin is running for Chair of the DFL's 5th Congressional District
Taylor Dahlin is your host for a conversation with Josh Martin, who devastated friends and family recently by announcing his candidacy for chair of the DFL's 5th Congressional District. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the…
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Adam Jennings, candidate for Minnesota State Auditor
Mayor Adam Jennings (Tonka Bay) is running for Minnesota State Auditor with the understanding that it means he is now "the boring guy at the party." Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive…
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"The system itself is breaking" - A housing policy conversation (w/AsaleSol Young & Soren Stevenson)
I'm joined by Minneapolis Council Member Soren Stevenson and AsaleSol Young, executive director of Housing in Action, for a conversation about local housing policy. We talk about proposals for extending the eviction notice requirement in Minneapolis, the strain that puts on affordable housing...
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A Toddmergency has been declared in Minneapolis
Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin join me for a conversation about something none of us has witnessed before: a mayoral appointee getting voted down by the Minneapolis City Council. On Thursday, Todd Barnette failed to secure the majority vote required to be reappointed as the Commissioner of…
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Uptown is Dead, Melody is Alive (w/ Melody Hoffmann)
Melody Hoffmann is back for another edition of Monthly with Melody to talk about her article "Uptown in crisis" for Southwest Voices. Local business owners are unhappy with a lack of city response to their concerns about homelessness, drug use, and general state of disorder. We talk about the…
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What's Left After the Violence? (w/ José Antonio Zayas Cabán) (w/ José Antonio Zayas Cabán)
I'm joined by José Antonio Zayas Cabán, executive director of Our Streets, to talk about his organization returning to host Open Streets in Minneapolis. And they're doing it entirely apart from the city of Minneapolis, which will continue to sponsor alternative open streets events. José also...
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Anders Folk is running for Hennepin County Attorney
My conversation with Anders Folk about his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
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Francis Shen is running for Hennepin County Attorney
My conversation with Francis Shen about his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
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They Cut Your Healthcare to Triple the ICE Budget (w/Rep. Sam Sencer-Mura)
My conversation with Rep. Sam Sencer-Mura (district 63A) about the ongoing federal occupation and what it means to be a state legislator under a federal government intent on crushing Minnesota. Plus an attempt to answer the question: are we the special heroes the national commentators make us out...
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Hao Nguyen is running for Hennepin County Attorney
My conversation with Hao Nguyen about his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
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25 Cats from Qatar (w/Mye Hoang)
My conversation with Mye Hoang about her new movie "25 Cats from Qatar" - a followup to "Cat Daddies." "When an American flight attendant and cat cafe owner becomes aware of the crisis [in Qatar], she hatches a plan to fly 25 cats to Milwaukee, where her cat cafe provides a pipeline for…
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How to Caucus Under Federal Occupation (W/ Josh Martin)
I'm joined by Josh Martin as we process the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents, during what feels like an occupation or hostage crisis for Minneapolis. It's the third shooting and the second killing in less than three weeks. And even though state and local government feels powerless to do...
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Cedrick Frazier is running for Hennepin County Attorney
My conversation with Rep. Cedrick Frazier about his campaign for Hennepin County Attorney. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
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CHUD WATCH! (Live Episode & Fundraiser)
Special live episode with hosts Taylor Dahlin and John Edwards. We're tracking the movements of some creepy little weirdos through downtown Minneapolis. We are asking our audience to guess the number of racist jellybeans who showed up for the anti-Somali protest on January 17. We hope you'll…
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Holiday Special 2025!
John is joined by Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin for a rundown of the 2025's top Minneapolis stories, most unusual campaign expenditures, and awarding Wedge LIVE Person of the Year. Plus we recommend our "favorite things" - the products and services that are changing our lives for the better. And…
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Budget Season in Minneapolis
The Minneapolis City Council is in the middle of their annual, charter-mandated tradition: amending the mayor's recommended budget. I ask Budget Committee Chair Aisha Chughtai what a "budget" even means if one department (MPD) can overspend their budget by $20 million. We talk about Mayor Frey...
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Minneapolis 2025 Election Wrap Up (w/Taylor Dahlin & Josh Martin)
We react to last week's election results in Minneapolis. Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin join me to talk about Jacob Frey's victory, the prospect of a closely divided city council, downballot success that flipped the Park Board to the progressive side, Mike Norton winning "worst pundit of 2025,"…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Wedge LIVE! have?
Wedge LIVE! currently has 320 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Wedge LIVE! about?
A show about Minneapolis politics from the maker of Wedge LIVE, the award winning local news website.
How often does Wedge LIVE! release new episodes?
Wedge LIVE! publishes regularly with 320 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Wedge LIVE!?
You can listen to Wedge LIVE! 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 Wedge LIVE!?
Wedge LIVE! is created and hosted by John Edwards.
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