Townies

Will Daniels: “Adventures in Space and Wide-open Spaces”Environmental Sciences expert Will Daniels recounts his adventures from NASA’s Space Pod to Antarctica and Greenland. Plus: What’s weird about water.

Jack Hoschouer: “Bike designs and destinations”Jack Hoschouer spent some time biking overseas during his Army days – and many miles in the saddle over the decades. Jack shares tales of biking 120 miles to Stonehenge to watch the equinox sunrise . . . on his birthday; the finesse of crossing international borders by bike; exploring the world at a slower pace; choosing – or building – the right type of bike for different kinds of rides. Plus: What it takes to run the Northfield Rotary Club’s DJJD Bike Tour . . . for 21 years. 

Kendall is the owner of the iconic Ole Store. She talks with us about balancing old and new in a Northfield landmark . . . anchored by the Ole Roll; tracing Ole Store history through relationships there; the Ole Store as a multigenerational space; and the importance of making everyone welcome. Plus: the difference between an Ole Roll and a cinnamon roll. And lots (and lots!) of delicious descriptions of food. Yum!

Parker Sneary: “Town & Gown”Parker Sneary is a sophomore at St. Olaf who grew up in Northfield. He talks with us about Northfield’s welcoming vibe and sense of community throughout his childhood; mixing up St. Olaf and Carleton while growing up; studying nursing . . . and beyond; his travels with St. Olaf Orchestra, and how meeting new people widens our sense of the world. Plus: Eating whale at a 7-Eleven in Norway.

Gwen and John Daniels moved from Northfield to the Theodore Wirth neighborhood in Minneapolis . . . and brought their skis. We talk about cross-country vs. downhill, adaptive skiing, skiing the streets of Northfield at night . . . and the invention of the NorSari. Plus: chihuahua skijoring.Originally aired 2024

Our guest this month is artist and naturalist Margit Johnson, who tells the story behind the mural in Northfield's post office, shares the importance of place across Minnesota and the world, describes traveling the country one library at a time, and talks about a gap year in Sweden 50 years ago. Plus, a short conversation in Swedish and Norwegian. 

This week's guest is accountant and actor Ann Etter, who talks with us about how she fell in love with doing taxes, small businesses and nonprofits as the backbone of community, her passion for theater starting at age 10 and on to the Northfield Arts Guild stage and into the audience for Broadway shows, and the connection between Tennessee and Tennyson. Plus: a jabberwocky duet.

 This week's guests are Craig and Linda Wasner, known across Northfield for music, and for their fun and festive barn that hosts weddings, concerts and social gatherings, including Wazaroo. They reminisce with us about “Over & Back” way back when, and talk about balancing music and farming; the connections between Northfield and Nashville; and how their barn became a wedding venue and gathering space. Plus: Linda hits Andrew up for autoharp lessons. 

Our guests today are Betsy Allister and Andrew Ehermann to talk about roots, food, and community. Betsy and Andrew are the farmers of Spring Wind Farm, a CSA on the north edge of Northfield. They share stories about planning and planting, the connection between humans and land, their favorite veggies, and what it’s like to nourish people and nourish community at the same time. Plus, the zen of tractors.

Our guests today are Laura and Derek Meyers, owners of Imminent Brewing and dog lovers. They talk with us about the world of beer, dogs at home and at work, travels far and being close to home, and creating a welcoming community space for kind humans and friendly dogs. Plus, the story behind Dragon Squirrel beer. 

Krista Middlebrooks loves music and travel. She talked with us about how music opens each of us to our emotions and connects us to community; how the flute chose her; visiting Japan with her daughter as tour guide; and the benefits of traveling outside your comfort zone. Plus: Japanese baseball, and a Moroccan folk song.

This week’s guest is musician and classroom curriculum specialist Ray Coudret, who talks with us about composing music and composing lessons, instrument as voice, learning as discovery, and Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival. Plus, the story behind the band name Fred the Bear. 

This week’s guest is Dyaln Nuebel. Dylan is a man about town. He talks about performing in his first Art Makers production Alice’s Wonder, the pleasure of libraries, his favorite places in Northfield, and Northfield’s openness to different kinds of people sharing community together. Plus, a shoutout for singer Justin Roberts.

This week’s guest is Rich Larson. Rich and Andrew, the co-hosts of Remember Radio, talk about baseball, social connectedness, and how Northfield’s towncrier got his start in radio.

Lee Dilley grew up on a farm six miles north of Northfield. He talked with us about agriculture and culture, soil life, farming in the south pacific, and the importance of diversity to keep our natural world and our societies healthy.

Allie Lyman is a tug-of-war champion who travels the world for tug of war competitions, including the world games in China, a testing ground for the Olympics. Allie explains tug-of-war as a sport and talks with us about the pleasures of international travel, natural moments of discovery, being tourists in our own country, and growing up in Northfield for generations. Plus, what vegan cookies, tug-of-war, and the auto-harp have in common.

Scott Wopata is executive director of the Community Action Center and a long distance trail runner. He talks with us about the Superior Falls 100 Mile Race on Superior Hiking Trail, how it compares with running a non-profit with many projects and long term commitments, taking what the trail gives you, dancing through the trees, and the moment to be still. Plus, Scott and Andrew talk about running 100 miles together.

On this edition of Townie Radio, hosts Andrew Rossow and Betsy Spethmann talk with math professor and star pianist Peter Webb, who mulls over the connections between calculations, compositions . . . and ridiculous math jokes.

Townies Radio, produced by Artmakers, premieres with hosts Andrew Rossow and Betsy Spethmann and guest KYMN's own Rich Larson.

This audio is here just as a placeholder to setup the podcast. KYMN has served the Northfield community at 1080 AM since 1968. Founder Stan Stydnicki launched a station to provide an eclectic mix of programs, including community news, sports and music. Were A Friend You Can Count On!