Real Talk with Rick

Rick talks aviation with Bob Jasperson, director of the Wings of the North Air Museum. Bob shares about his journey into aviation, the museum's history, and its fascinating link to a 1969 Minnesota Vikings game.

Thousands of residents pass by the Eden Prairie Water Treatment Plant along Highway 5 each day. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside?Water Treatment Plant operations supervisor Joe Dusek chats with Rick as he provides a quick glimpse of what his team does, insights about our water, and the three most common questions he receives on tours — one of which is completely unrelated to water and all about Joe.

Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation director Jay Lotthammer is also Real Talk With Rick's self-proclaimed biggest fan. Jay makes his podcast debut, reflecting on 35 memorable years in public service, what's next for him, and how he became known as “Jay Lobhammer” around the office.

Michael Bui is a long-time Eden Prairie resident who, along with his wife, owns Mochi Dough, Bober Tea and the Pho Mai restaurant at the Asia Mall. We learn about how he and his family got their start in the industry, and how he balances a full-time job on top of running his restaurants. Michael also hints at an exciting new addition coming to the mall.

Megan Munoz, a recreation supervisor who oversees fitness programs at the Community Center and throughout the City, chats with Rick about growing up in Iowa and bunny yoga. We also find out what book genre she and Rick just cannot agree on.

Pauline Sager, an investigative aide with the Eden Prairie Police Department, has dedicated the last 43 years to helping Eden Prairie residents as a certified financial crimes investigator. As the longest-tenured employee to serve the EPPD to date, she has a number of stories to share with Rick, including her first interview with the City, some of the most memorable cases she's worked on, and her evolving get-togethers with a group she refers to as the 76ers.

Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, chats with Rick about Flying Cloud and MSP airports, aviation trends, and some of his own personal experiences with travel.

Rick talks with Jim Schedin, the City's zoning administrator. In addition to hearing about some of the more interesting calls he's received over the last 32 years of working with Eden Prairie, we learn how a rattlesnake in Georgia may have influenced his career path.

From organics recycling to renewable energy, we learn more about Jennifer Hassebroek's role as the City's sustainability coordinator. Rick additionally chats with her about Brewster, Minnesota, her varied musical interests and a trip with her friends that has become a tradition.

Steve Schewe, CEO and Publisher of Eden Prairie Local News, stops by to talk about how this unique publication came to be and how the community can support it and get involved. We also learn about his connection to the Henley Royal Regatta, the most prestigious rowing event in the world.

Elaine Larabee, former Eden Prairie School Board chair, chats with Rick about her path to running for the position, experiences as part of the board (including navigating COVID), and what's next for her.

Rick talks with Lauren Stufft, the City's forestry and natural resources specialist, as we learn about how she got her start in the field of urban forestry, some of the more interesting calls she's received and invasive species.

Jonathan Stanley, the City's housing and community services manager, chats with Rick about attending school in the Ivy League and abroad, current and upcoming housing projects in Eden Prairie, and his fascination with the electric guitar.

Sever Peterson, a third-generation Eden Prairie farmer, discusses why his family came to Eden Prairie in the late 19th century, his adventures around the world, and he reveals the theme for the 25th season of Sever's Fall Festival.

Recently retired Eden Prairie Police Chief Greg Weber talks about rising through the ranks of the department, how policing has changed in the last year and his fascination for otters.

Southwest Light Rail Project Director Jim Alexander and Community Outreach Coordinator James Mockovciak drop by to discuss the genesis of SWLRT, its construction progress and its community impact.

Jeff Falkingham, a local author, stops by to discuss what inspired him to start writing and how Sherlock Holmes was worked into the equation.

Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Buchanan talks with Rick about some impactful calls, saving cats from trees and how his interpretation of music has changed over the years.

City Council Member Brad Aho chats with Rick about why he decided to serve his community, his involvement in regional transportation issues and his plans after leaving the council.

Rick and Eden Prairie Historical Society President Kathie Case discuss a recently-discovered interview from a 1973 radio show featuring Martin “Pappy” Grill. Kathie prefaces the clip with a lesson on the origin Eden Prairie’s historic Cummins-Phipps-Grill House.

Former State Representative Jenifer Loon stops by to discuss what brought her to Eden Prairie, why she ran for office, her current endeavors and more in the latest podcast.

Eden Prairie Facilities Manager Rick Clark talks about his moves between California and Minnesota, Eden Prairie’s cost-effective sustainable practices and challenges the City’s facilities team has faced during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Roy Terwilliger stops by to talk about taking a gamble by opening Eden Prairie’s first bank, his time in the State Senate with two very different governors, and his role in getting the Vikings stadium deal done.

Jeopardy’s 2020 College Champion Nibir Sarma discusses growing up in Eden Prairie, competing in Quiz Bowl, the process of landing on a spot on Jeopardy and what he’s doing with his winnings.

Former Eden Prairie City Attorney Ric Rosow touches on some of his fondest memories working alongside the City Council and staff, and details how his career path shifted from wanting to join the seminary to practicing law.

Rick shares a few messages from individuals who responded to the City’s resident check-in survey. He and the show’s producer discuss how human interaction has shifted from in-person to over-the-screen meetings, managing the work/life balance with kids at home, and trends such as growing a beard during the stay-at-home order.

Eden Prairie's Economic Development Manager Dave Lindahl discusses the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and how some local businesses are getting creative by shifting production methods to help combat the spread COVID-19.

Rick discusses the City's response to COVID-19 with Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management Scott Gerber.

U.S. Congressman Dean Phillips shares what inspired him to run for office, which social channels he uses to maintain relationships with Minnesotans while working from Washington, and how his connection to Dear Abby helped him build strong core values.

Molly Koivumaki talks about her time as a Renaissance woman in Eden Prairie, from working through various roles in the Police Department—including a stint as McGruff—to laying the foundation and hitting the ground running with the City’s Housing and Community Services Division.

Eden Prairie Liquor’s Operations Manager Jaime Urbina drops by to chat about his history working in retail, why the City is in the liquor business, popular holiday spirits, and upcoming promotions and events.

Eden Prairie Police's Records Technician Kyle Duchschere tells Rick about the methods he uses to process evidence, cracking the case of Stewie P and which national celebrity took his mom to homecoming.

Eden Prairie's Utility Field Operations Supervisor John Carlon swings by to talk about his first job, some unexpected water main breaks he's fixed on the fly and why he's grateful to work for the City he grew up in.

Tom Poul is an attorney who lobbies for suburban cities in the metro area. He and Rick discuss how Tom looks out for the City and its residents' interests at the State Capitol, his love for Lions Tap and why TP doesn't just belong in the bathroom.

Rick meets with Sue Bohnsack, the Senior Center’s recreation supervisor, to discuss popular activities for older adults, the Senior Center’s 40th anniversary and her experience getting behind the wheel in a demolition derby.

The PROP Shop’s Executive Director Cindy Eddy stops by to talk shop with Rick. They discuss what sparked the idea to open The PROP Shop, her background in sales and how you can help local families in need.

In the latest episode, Rick chats with Eden Prairie’s new Fire Chief Scott Gerber about emergency management, firefighter recruitment and partnering with other departments on calls.

The show’s producer, Johnny Germscheid, recaps the first year of the podcast with Rick. They discuss highlights, Johnny’s job in communications and upcoming community events in Eden Prairie.

The City’s Economic Development Manager Dave Lindahl discusses how he became interested in city planning, booming business in Eden Prairie and his early years jamming at Eden Prairie High School.

Edina City Manager Scott Neal, who is the former Eden Prairie City Manager, chats with Rick about his early interest in city government and his work as a city manager in five different cities in three states.

Jon Thompson, one of the City of Eden Prairie's appraisers, talks with Rick about growing up in Eden Prairie, the property valuation process and belonging to a family that has six siblings who are appraisers.

Rick chats with Brian Hubbard, president of the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association (LEMA), about National Police Week, the law enforcement state memorial monument and how Brian became involved with LEMA.

Patrick Donohue is the engine that drives 1 Million Cups Eden Prairie. Recently, Rick and Patrick chatted about the foundation that built 1 Million Cups, the importance of entrepreneurship and Eden Prairie’s City Government Academy.

Sue Kotchevar, the City of Eden Prairie’s finance manager, chats with Rick about growing up in a pink house, working in the Office of the State Auditor for two former governors, and managing the City's budget and liquor operations.

Bearpath Golf and Country Club’s General Manager Greg Olson talks with Rick about his role at Bearpath, growing up in Minnesota and playing in the World Series against the Minnesota Twins.

Rick chats with Bob Stark, the City’s sign specialist and a veteran snow plow driver, who talks about the City’s ongoing street sign fundraiser, plowing snow during the Halloween blizzard of ’91 and getting to know residents along his route.

SouthWest Transit's CEO Len Simich discusses how SWT was formed, the benefits of using SWT’s various services, the future of transit and what he's looking forward to down the road.

Jasmine Ellingson, Eden Prairie’s recreation supervisor of aquatics, tells Rick about the prerequisites for getting into lifeguard training, her experience in 4-H and how almost drowning as a child inspired her to become a lifeguard. Rick asks Jasmine about Eden Prairie’s summer aquatic events, and she describes new aquatic opportunities such as the sensory swim. You’ll never guess who she would’ve picked to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.

State Senator Steve Cwodzinski discusses moving from Superior, WI, to the Twin Cities, his picture-perfect marriage proposal and issues of interest since he was elected to the Senate in 2016. Find out why Senator Wellstone called the night before Cwodzinski was set to introduce President George W. Bush at Eden Prairie High School. Here's Rick's talk with Cwod.

Kevin Schmieg, the City's building inspections manager, touches on how the City offices have changed since the 80s, what the City is doing to make applying for permits easier and why he almost got left behind on an Alaskan adventure.

Eden Prairie Community Foundation Executive Director Mark Weber talks about the Foundation’s inception, acting as a grant maker, giving back to the community, building a strong endowment fund and three Foundation-related projects in Purgatory Creek Park. The Foundation has been around for 30-plus years and hosts annual events such as EP Gives and Prairie Brewfest, in addition to co-sponsoring PeopleFest! last summer.