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The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast is going to cover Midwestern skiing whether you like it or not. Don't worry, Colorad-Bro, it's your turn tomorrow.Welcome to the Storm's short-form, news-focused podcast. Don't worry, I will still write newsletters too. To browse a (robot-generated) podcast transcript, click the “transcript” button above - click on any block of text and the audio will jump to that point in the conversation. Paid subscribers can leave a comment in the article below, or by joining The Storm's chat (also below). I'll respond to some comments in the next episode, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15.The Zoom transcript (click “transcript” above for the Substack transcript, which will zoom to any point in the video when you click on the associated text block; timestamps below DO NOT MATCH THE VIDEO)Stuart Winchester: Welcome to the Storm! I'm your host, Stuart Winchester. It is Monday, September 14th, 2026. Welcome to week two of the New Look Storm Skiing Podcast. If you missed last week, I am still doing the longer form pod.00:15:53.000 --> 00:16:08.000Stuart Winchester: But I'm cutting way back on the frequency of those. Instead, I am doing a shorter, news-focused pod that I release more often, and whenever possible, that I release the same day that I record it.00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:11.000Stuart Winchester: And the reason that I'm doing that is because…00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:19.000Stuart Winchester: the world has changed a lot since 2019, when I launched the Storm Skiing podcast, and when I launched it, there really wasn't anything quite like…00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:26.000Stuart Winchester: what I was doing with the long-form audio stories of a ski area's background.00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:29.000Stuart Winchester: I've done a couple hundred episodes at this point.00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:31.000Stuart Winchester: I feel like…00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:47.000Stuart Winchester: They're evergreen. But what they don't allow me to do is to really talk about what's happening in a ski area right now. Uh Especially when there's a lot of things happening and there's a lot of pieces and parts shuffling around as there is right now in the Midwest.00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:51.000Stuart Winchester: with multi-mountain passes. So, what I'm doing…00:16:51.000 --> 00:17:06.000Stuart Winchester: is I'm trying out a little bit of a new format today. The format… we're gonna experiment, we're gonna play around with it. Sometimes there'll be a guest off the top, sometimes I'll have a take off the top, uh, sometimes I'll have a guest on for a longer period, and that's gonna be the case today.00:17:06.000 --> 00:17:22.000Stuart Winchester: Because right now there is so much happening in the Midwest with multi mountain passes and different mountains leaving and joining is completely changing the landscape there. So I want to bring in someone to talk to us at length about that. We'll do a couple other fun things as well.00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:24.000Stuart Winchester: Let's bring…00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:27.000Stuart Winchester: I'm in now.00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:35.000Stuart Winchester: And there he is. Can you hear me, Matthew?00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:34.000Matthew Zabransky: Hey, how's it going, Stuart?00:17:34.000 --> 00:17:36.000Matthew Zabransky: I can.00:17:35.000 --> 00:17:41.000Stuart Winchester: Oh, I can't hear you. All right. This is a flub, and this is why I haven't heard her.00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:41.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:45.000Stuart Winchester: Because I am not that smart.00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:49.000Stuart Winchester: Okay, you there?00:17:48.000 --> 00:17:50.000Matthew Zabransky: Can you hear me?00:17:49.000 --> 00:17:52.000Stuart Winchester: Oh, yes, I can. Look at that.00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:54.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay, perfect.00:17:52.000 --> 00:18:07.000Stuart Winchester: The technology known as headphones. Matthew, this is why you're the production guy, and I generally stick to writing, because I'm an idiot. Alright, I want to introduce today the founder of MidwestSkiers.com.00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:13.000Stuart Winchester: He founded that in 2018, and in 2020, founded MWS Productions.00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:29.000Stuart Winchester: He is making all the Midwest content that I was dying for in the 1990s when I was a teenager living and skiing in Michigan, and the ski mags would completely ignore the region and maybe mention Boyne Mountain or Luton once per year, but he makes.00:18:19.000 --> 00:18:20.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:38.000Stuart Winchester: Top quality content. I link to it all the time in my stuff because no one else quite does it, as well as Matthew Zabranski. Matthew, welcome to The Storm. How you doing today?00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:56.000Matthew Zabransky: I am doing fantastic. Stuart, thank you, first of all, for the opportunity, but more importantly, for also repping the Midwest. I think it's such an important, obviously, region, and you have ties to it, I obviously have ties to it as well, so it's great that we're getting recognition, not only, obviously, in our region now, but on the national, even international scale, so…00:18:56.000 --> 00:19:00.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you so much for doing that. I appreciate it. I'm excited to be here.00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:08.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, I love covering the Midwest, Matthew, and I still make it a point to go back and take a Midwest trip every year, because there's…00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:01.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:27.000Stuart Winchester: when I'm doing this podcast, there's nothing quite like making relationships, like showing up at, you know, a 200 vertical foothill in the boondocks in Minnesota. People are like, okay, I'll talk to this guy, even though, you know, I've never heard of him. So, but you are 100% Midwest-focused. I cover it where I can and whenever I can.00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:21.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:26.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:37.000Stuart Winchester: There is so much happening in the Midwest that we could talk about. I really want to focus today on multi-mountain passes. So…00:19:32.000 --> 00:19:34.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:37.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:19:37.000 --> 00:19:53.000Stuart Winchester: I'll start by, I'll just set this up and then I'll, and then I'll, I'll let you comment on it. So if you go back about 10 years, there was nothing in the Midwest on multi mountain passes. You know, Vale had started to add a few things to Epic Pass and B Brighton and Afton Alps and Wilmot and such.00:19:53.000 --> 00:20:03.000Stuart Winchester: But the real inflection point came in 2019, when IndiePass came along. 2018, Icon added a couple things. So, right now, I'll give you some stats.00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:09.000Stuart Winchester: Of the 124 ski areas that I have inventoried in the Midwest, that you might have a different count.00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:10.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:15.000Stuart Winchester: They're 117 of those are public. 89 of those are public with aerial lifts.00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:28.000Stuart Winchester: 58 of those, although there's a couple that are just surface toes only, so 58 ski areas in the Midwest are now on a national multi-mountain ski pass. 10 on Epic.00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:32.000Stuart Winchester: 11 on Icon, 37 for Indy. So, so to start out with, Matthew.00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:34.000Stuart Winchester: How has…00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:47.000Stuart Winchester: the acceptance of the Midwest by multi-mountain national passes change the calculus for skiers as they're planning out their winter in the Midwest, compared to what it was for most of history up until just a few years ago?00:20:47.000 --> 00:21:02.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, it's changed dramatically. It's even going back a little bit further. I think the first initial, if you look at the statistics and you obviously know all this offhand, but back when you go back to Vail's acquisition of Wilmont, Afton.00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:19.000Matthew Zabransky: Brighton back in like 2012. I mean, that's really what started to to kick off this like idea of like. Maybe the Midwest has some legs in it, as far as like developing skiers, and then, you know, bringing them into a pass portfolio that could bring them out west. So that was the very early set, you know, early iteration of this. And then, obviously, as we went along, there wasn't.00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:37.000Matthew Zabransky: too many options outside of just the epic pass. But then, like you mentioned, Indie Pass came in, and I knew, and it's you know, as we dive into this, I do want to do a little disclosure here, and like Indie Pass was my very 1st client from a production side of things. So Doug and I, because I I saw the opportunity like there was an absolute gold mine here. I'm like.00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:21:32.000 --> 00:21:33.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:55.000Matthew Zabransky: Because I got to travel around, that's why I started MidwestGears.com, because we were… we were traveling for my wife's job all over the Midwest, and every time we'd go to a new city, Columbus, Akron, I'd be a pass holder at one of these little ski areas, and I'd be like, holy crap, there's a lot of them here, no one's talking about them.00:21:55.000 --> 00:22:15.000Matthew Zabransky: But you know, once you start to realize there was this many, then you're then you're starting to think, okay, like, why isn't somebody coming in here and starting to develop a past that could actually stand on its own. And that's what we've seen the last, I would say, 5 to 10 years. Specifically, we've seen more people traveling around in the Midwest. You'll catch people at any stereo across the Midwest. That's not their home hill, and that's not how it used.00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:27.000Matthew Zabransky: you go ski or one little local place for the most part, you might do your weekend trip up to Boyne or something, but you would never catch people going to some of these really small places, you know, outside of just the local crew there, so it's been really cool to watch people.00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:45.000Matthew Zabransky: travel and discover, more importantly, the different areas, uh, throughout the Midwest. I think a lot of that had to do with IndyPass's push in the Midwest, because, as we're gonna talk about here in a second, it was an absolute auto-buy. Like, there was not even a question about it. From the day it started, when it was, you know, what was that, $99?00:22:45.000 --> 00:23:02.000Matthew Zabransky: up until even just the last year. It was like you almost just were gonna if you lived in the Midwest, and you like skiing, and you don't. You know you like traveling around checking out new things. There was no reason not to buy it. You'd be silly, basically not to, just because how much saturation there was in the Midwest, which I think is going to lead us into our next conversation a little bit here.00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:04.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, so, so the…00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:15.000Stuart Winchester: Just being on the ground, before we get to the shuffling around, you know, I'd imagine you're pretty connected with a lot of pretty hardcore skiers, pretty frequent skiers.00:23:11.000 --> 00:23:13.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:23:15.000 --> 00:23:17.000Stuart Winchester: How much has…00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:24.000Stuart Winchester: that a… a season… a multi-mountain pass becomes something that the person in the Midwest just…00:23:24.000 --> 00:23:40.000Stuart Winchester: considers or, or automatically buys it as compared to several years ago where you might buy your local season pass, but, but you, you probably, like you said, you wouldn't go around. And when I lived in the Midwest, actually, I always appreciated how close the areas were, so I would just kind of bounce around a lot for.00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:36.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:46.000Stuart Winchester: for deal days or whatever, back when those were still a thing. But how automatic has it become?00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:42.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:23:46.000 --> 00:24:01.000Matthew Zabransky: Very. I mean, there's people that have been buying the IndyPass specifically now. Up until this season, it was like they were probably on their fifth year of doing it and just continue to. And to be honest, there wasn't any reason not to because the pricing has stayed relatively affordable.00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:17.000Matthew Zabransky: they keep they kept strengthening their pro, their their product. I mean, like they just kept adding more ski areas in the Midwest. And so in in a lot of times the pass would pay itself off within a couple of visits based off of some of the redemption rates that you'd be getting at some somewhere like Lutz and Snow River.00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:34.000Matthew Zabransky: um, those are all, like, you know, $100 tickets, so you buy… you go there once or twice, you get two days of each of them, and basically that's already done. So if you already had one of those trips kind of on there, and if you lived in Chicago, you're going to Granite Peak usually once or twice a year. If you lived in Minnesota, you're going to Lutz.00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:52.000Matthew Zabransky: So it almost became this thing. And then you shuffle in like nubs, knob, and all that. So it it very much was like, yeah, we're gonna buy it every single year, you know, we might not. And some people are hardcore and going to all the places they could. And some people were just, you know. Hey? I'm gonna buy it because I'm gonna go for a weekend, so I might as well. And then I have this option of going some other places.00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:24:52.000 --> 00:25:03.000Matthew Zabransky: it was huge. I mean, I don't… of course, I don't have any of the IndyPass numbers, but I would… I would venture to say that the Midwest had to be a very big portion of their portfolio from the sales and redemption standpoint.00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:20.000Stuart Winchester: So the traditional numbers that Indy has given me, and it's been a couple years since Doug Fish provided these round numbers to me, but he told me about half of their sales came in New England, and 25% came in the Midwest, which is a really big number for a national pass. So you figured the other quarter were coming from somewhere else.00:25:04.000 --> 00:25:05.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.000Matthew Zabransky: Cool.00:25:17.000 --> 00:25:19.000Matthew Zabransky: For… yeah.00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:25.000Stuart Winchester: I always give Doug Fish credit, because he's a Pacific Northwest guy, and…00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:40.000Stuart Winchester: Western skiers just love to hate on the Midwest. Everyone loves to hate on the Midwest. It's like the national pastime. It's like the safe thing to make fun of, and you know, I hope you take that personally, because I always do, and I really appreciated that Doug.00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:32.000Matthew Zabransky: Is…00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:38.000Matthew Zabransky: I do.00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:55.000Stuart Winchester: Included the Midwest from the start. That first year in 2019, he had Little Switz, he had Crystal, he had Cabre Fay, he had a bunch of other ski areas. Really got big in 2020 when he added Lutzen and Granite Peak. Now, I always say his insight was…00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:45.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:25:55.000 --> 00:26:02.000Stuart Winchester: that Doug's great insight with the IndyPass was realizing there was value in the mountains that are not.00:26:02.000 --> 00:26:08.000Stuart Winchester: super destinations when you put them all together for skiers across the country. He also…00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:23.000Stuart Winchester: the fact that he extended that to the Midwest is huge, because, yes, I… so, before Icon started adding in into the Midwest, which we'll talk about in a minute, I would always say, Indy Pass is the pass to go to in the Midwest, no one else has anything, and everyone would always say, oh, wait, Epic has 10 mountains. I was like.00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:16.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:18.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:34.000Stuart Winchester: But the Midwest is gigantic. Unless you live in Ohio, they're very spread out, and they're near cities, and there are actually mountains in the Midwest that are more…00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:44.000Stuart Winchester: of, of what you would consider, like, regional destinations. And that, that's your Boyne, Nubs, Lutsen, uh, even, even Spira with the bigger, uh, all the stuff over in the UP.00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:38.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:57.000Stuart Winchester: So Indy really collected them all together, and it was almost too good to be true, because they had over 40 ski areas in the Midwest. Talk about Indy at its peak.00:26:57.000 --> 00:27:02.000Stuart Winchester: And how great of a pass that was for the Midwest here.00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:17.000Matthew Zabransky: It was too great. We're going to get into this, I'm sure, but I think that's part of the reason for the course correction. There was a moment two or three years ago when I literally turned to Nick, my associate who edits for me and stuff, and I said, with some of the additions they announced at that time, I said.00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:06.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:33.000Matthew Zabransky: this is too saturated like it's got to fix itself at some point like it's just. It's too good of a value, and like for skiers, we like anybody that was buying the passes like this is amazing. It makes it like again. It's an auto buy like, why wouldn't you do this? But I knew that this time was going to come at some point. But I'm you know, at least we got to.00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:20.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:27:33.000 --> 00:27:50.000Matthew Zabransky: to see what it like. The peak of that was for a little while. We got a couple of years. We've got to be happy for that, to be honest. We're starting to see some of those what I'll call course corrections now and and we're going to continue to see this. I mean, you know that every every year it's going to be something new. Someone's changing. It's just kind of the nature of the business. But.00:27:50.000 --> 00:28:02.000Matthew Zabransky: it was not a shock to me when, um, when these changes were announced, uh, both in the spring and then more recently in the last few weeks and stuff, so it wasn't… I kind of saw it coming, it was just a matter of, like, when was it gonna happen.00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:14.000Stuart Winchester: So everyone left… they seemed as though… Epic and Icon seemed like they were just leaving the Midwest to Indy, to take. And I've always thought that Icon's original sin was when they killed the Max Pass.00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:08.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:15.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:30.000Stuart Winchester: And launched the Icon Pass. They brought all the Powder Mountains, all the Boyne Mountains, uh, all the Intra West Mountains, but they didn't bring Granite Peak and Lutzen, which are the biggest ski areas or most modern, however, whatever metric you want to use in Minnesota and, and Wisconsin.00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:27.000Matthew Zabransky: Yep.00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.000Stuart Winchester: So…00:28:31.000 --> 00:28:46.000Stuart Winchester: for a long time, Indy just built up this huge coalition. Started to see some cracks last year. Icon had just two mountains, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands, and honestly, and Boyne has never affirmed this to me, but my hunch is, Boyne said, include our mountains or you don't get Big Sky.00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:40.000Matthew Zabransky: Yep.00:28:46.000 --> 00:28:48.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, yeah.00:28:46.000 --> 00:29:01.000Stuart Winchester: So, so, Icon was like, okay, I guess we'll add these stupid little things. Uh, which is not my opinion of them, but I think that's probably what they thought from Colorado, which is why they dropped Lutzen and Granite Peak. So, last year, we started to see the first crack in Indy's armor.00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:55.000Matthew Zabransky: I was like, don't do that.00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:02.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm.00:29:01.000 --> 00:29:12.000Stuart Winchester: when the Icon Pass… they call them bonus mountains, I call them two-day mountains, because that's what they are. If you have an Icon Pass, you get two days of these mountains. Uh, Buck Hill, Minnesota.00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:29:12.000 --> 00:29:27.000Stuart Winchester: Uh joined the icon pass as a two day mountain, which for the listeners, that's no, you get no base pass access, you only get full icon access and there are holiday blackouts. So that's what the two day tier is. They added Buck Hill. Uh Indy said, no, you're not allowed to do that. Remove Buck Hill.00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:30.000Stuart Winchester: Uh, which is a great little, uh, you know.00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:34.000Stuart Winchester: kind of trainer hill outside of the Twin Cities.00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:40.000Stuart Winchester: And every square inch is used with very maximum effect. So Indy removed them.00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:53.000Stuart Winchester: Buck Hill has been on Icon, and that was sort of the first… when you first saw that, did you think, okay, here we go, Icon is finally starting to realize the value of the Midwest, and if not, what was the moment that you did think that they got it?00:29:53.000 --> 00:30:09.000Matthew Zabransky: I would, you know, the whole time I've been shaking my head a little bit because it's just ironic to me that Boeing, Boeing, one of the biggest companies in, you know, that started in the Midwest, that literally has its roots here. And I'm just shocked that Icon hasn't.00:30:09.000 --> 00:30:26.000Matthew Zabransky: made this push earlier, and it took this long. But that was like the 1st that was the 1st like mention of that. And the other connection that was really kind of just crazy to me is, there's so many people from the twin cities that go to Big Sky like a lot like you talk to people all over the place. They have cabins up there. They.00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:24.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, so. Yeah.00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:27.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:30:26.000 --> 00:30:42.000Matthew Zabransky: They're traveling there all the time. It's a huge destination for specifically for Minnesota, it seems. So I was always thinking, man, like if they were just to strengthen this pass a little bit in the Midwest, give somebody a reason to, to jump on to the icon pass. They're probably going out to Big Sky anyway.00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:57.000Matthew Zabransky: now all of a sudden, you give them another reason to buy the full pass, you got some… some more local hills, some day… like, weekend trips, you can go up to Lutzen, things like that, and I think that's when… when Lutzen and those guys came on, that was, like, full-blown, that's gonna… that changes everything. Like, everything.00:30:57.000 --> 00:31:14.000Matthew Zabransky: As you know, the lake, Lake Michigan, is a huge divider for the eastern and the western side of what I'll call the Midwest. Basically, if you're on the eastern side of the lake, you're kind of going to stick to mostly your lower peninsula, maybe go up to the UP occasionally. But if you're on the western side over here, in the Minneapolis.00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:31.000Matthew Zabransky: Um, there was really no offerings for Icon, so it really made no sense at that point to buy an Icon Pass. You know, maybe Chicago, you drive up to Boeing, but you're kind of on that cusp there, where it's like, mmm… but I think once they strengthened it this past year, now it's like… it's a fair fight, in my opinion. Now we're.00:31:31.000 --> 00:31:46.000Matthew Zabransky: You know, which one is gonna make more sense for you, or your situation, which it was not, it didn't used to be that way, it just, there was never an opportunity for most people that were on this side of the lake, or in Minneapolis. Sometimes it didn't make sense, unless you're going out to, you know, Big Sky for a week and a half, it, you know.00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:50.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, so just a little background for the listeners.00:31:48.000 --> 00:31:49.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm.00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:52.000Stuart Winchester: Boyne Mountain and and.00:31:52.000 --> 00:32:08.000Stuart Winchester: what they call the Highlands at Harbor Springs. I'll call it Boyne Highlands because no one knows what I'm talking about when I say the Highlands. So Boyne and Boyne Highlands are two of the nicer ski areas, more built up ski areas in Michigan, and they were long on Icon. Uh, Lutzen and Granite Peak.00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:58.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, this…00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:14.000Stuart Winchester: that, uh, Midwest Family Ski Resorts, which owns Lutzen and Granite Peak, bought, immediately took.00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:25.000Stuart Winchester: four old riblet lifts, put in a high-speed six-pack, the first one in the UP. So, those three ski areas had been indie anchors in the Midwest for years.00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:24.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:32:25.000 --> 00:32:30.000Stuart Winchester: This year, for 2026-27 winter, they're going as 5-7 day…00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:42.000Stuart Winchester: mountains each on Icon and Icon Base, and so they are leaving the Indy Pass as a result of that. Now, Icon has also added some more two-day mountains. I'm gonna put those to the side for a second.00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:42.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:50.000Stuart Winchester: How big of a loss was Lutsen and Granite Peak and Snow River for Indy Pass in the Midwest?00:32:51.000 --> 00:33:06.000Matthew Zabransky: It's it's an easy question. I mean the answer just like, go look at the comments on the thread when it was announced, and you could just read how an impactful it was. And I think that was my argument when people started talking about like, Oh, they're you know, hey? Like they're leaving. They're leaving us in the dust, and we we don't like them anymore.00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:29.000Matthew Zabransky: It's probably justified. If you guys are this upset about them leaving, it means they probably had a little more leverage than they should have in that past portfolio. And I think it to that. And again, I don't know that it needs, like, a passion never be so strong, in my opinion. And I'm talking about the business side of things. You're not talking about the skier. Trust me, if I was, like, just skiing Matthew, put my skiing thing on, I'd be like, yeah, absolutely.00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:12.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:25.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:28.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:49.000Matthew Zabransky: Uh, but from the business side, as an area owner, operator, you gotta look at it, like, what kind of value are we getting back out of this pass? Are we the ones carrying your product? Like, that's the other thing to think about, too, right? We don't… you don't always necessarily want to be the top dog in the pass lineup. Sometimes it works well, sometimes it doesn't. Uh, and in this case, I think that they…00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:56.000Matthew Zabransky: they were carrying that pass line up, and I think nothing speaks more to the volumes of how upset people were when they came off of the pass.00:33:56.000 --> 00:34:00.000Stuart Winchester: So we're… I've kind of looked at this as it's…00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:12.000Stuart Winchester: sucks for Indy, it's probably good for the consumer in the long run, because, like you said, you never want too much market concentration, so now you have… you have the Snow Pass coming up, which is… which is Snow Partners in two days…00:34:04.000 --> 00:34:05.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:28.000Stuart Winchester: at each mountain. There's none in the Midwest yet, but I suspect there may be at some point. Right now, they're mostly in the Northeast. And then you have Icon. So, before, I think a lot of people in Michigan probably had Icon, because you could use it for the Boynes, but like you said.00:34:28.000 --> 00:34:44.000Stuart Winchester: if you're not from the Midwest, you're probably just thinking it's like a big square, but there's a lake there, and you can't… I mean, you can take a ferry over it, but it takes all day, right? You have to go to Ludington, and it's like a whole thing, right? So really, you have Michigan, the Lower Peninsula, and then you kind.00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:33.000Matthew Zabransky: Yep.00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:58.000Stuart Winchester: Wisconsin. So, you live on the west side of that, I believe, like, around the Minnesota-Wisconsin line. How immediately did you see people say, okay, well, now, yeah, let's consider Icon that maybe never would have before?00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:49.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:34:59.000 --> 00:35:04.000Matthew Zabransky: I think the original, like, when it first was announced, there was just a lot of, like.00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:17.000Matthew Zabransky: oh man, this sucks. Like, now what? You know, what do we do? Because the initial reaction was like, well, I'm not gonna auto-buy this now, I gotta think about it a little bit more. I'm curious because I haven't… it's still so fresh, to be honest, and I haven't, like.00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:07.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:12.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:32.000Matthew Zabransky: but to, like, really figure that question, like, the answer to that question out, but I have… the one thing I have been seeing is a lot more people starting to weigh those options, right? They're starting to look at the passes differently now. Now it's, like, not just, like, we're gonna pick up Indy automatically and, you know, whatever might throw a different pass on there. Now they.00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:26.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:49.000Matthew Zabransky: think about, how am I using my pass? Am I going up to Lutzen for a weekend or 2? Does it make sense for me to just get an icon pass? Am I a pass holder at Lutzen, and want to add it on now that that's an option, and maybe do an out west trip, or if you're granted peak. So I'm starting to see more people analyzing.00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:44.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah. Okay.00:35:49.000 --> 00:36:03.000Matthew Zabransky: in an area where they haven't before. So I'll be curious to see this upcoming season will be a really good test to kind of figure out, like, where are those numbers starting to shift a little bit. But, um, from my first reaction is I have a feeling that there's gonna be a pretty big drop in IndyPass sales in the Midwest.00:36:03.000 --> 00:36:20.000Matthew Zabransky: For that reasoning. Um, and then I do think there's gonna be a bit of a spike, um, in, in IconPass sales. I don't think it's gonna obviously affect much on the Michigan side, Lower Peninsula side of things. I think that'll stay pretty stable. But I think this side, for sure, this market, Minneapolis specifically, a little bit of Chicago.00:36:20.000 --> 00:36:25.000Matthew Zabransky: Um, but I would expect to see a pretty good little spike in sales on the IconPass side.00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:35.000Stuart Winchester: So, Lutzen and Granite Peak, I think, huge losses for India. Snow River, less so, just because Powderhorn is right next door, and it's kind of the same size, and it's, you know, gets the same s.00:36:29.000 --> 00:36:30.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm.00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:32.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:53.000Stuart Winchester: Continued building by Icon after that announcement, and, and some, and some continued bleeding by Indy. So, so Icon had a Giants Ridge, which is an excellent ski area up in Minnesota. It's, it's kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it's worth it. Uh, Devil's Head, which is a nice, uh, Madison ski area, and then.00:36:44.000 --> 00:36:45.000Matthew Zabransky: Yep.00:36:53.000 --> 00:37:10.000Stuart Winchester: in Michigan left Indy to join the Icon today, so those all joined Icon today. And then Indy also lost Little Switzerland, Nordic Mountain, and Crystal Ridge in Wisconsin. As of now, they are passless. So, you know, those are small ski areas, but they're really important sort of urban.00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:21.000Stuart Winchester: collectors, but do you worry, Matthew, and I'll say, Indy still has 37 ski areas in the Midwest, but do you worry that their coalition is splintering a little bit, starting to fall apart?00:37:16.000 --> 00:37:17.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:37:21.000 --> 00:37:40.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, a little bit. So I'm going to dance around this as carefully as I can because I have connections with all these owners, operators, and I talk to them on a regular basis, so I kind of know more than I probably should. But I'll try to navigate this the best that I can.00:37:35.000 --> 00:37:36.000Stuart Winchester: Yep.00:37:40.000 --> 00:37:56.000Matthew Zabransky: with… when IndyPass started, Doug Fish and the team did a really nice job of making sure that when they signed a ski area on, that they were being very, very intentional about its location, what… who was serving, and then when they would add another person on, a lot of times they would even approach.00:37:56.000 --> 00:38:04.000Matthew Zabransky: some of the nearby ski areas, and be like, hey, we're adding so-and-so, or making sure that those partnerships were all, you know.00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:22.000Matthew Zabransky: You're not too close where you're starting to monopolize business in different ways. I'll talk a little bit more about this in a second. So that was the approach for many, many years. However, I noticed a pretty big change a handful of years ago when it became more about a statistical difference than building those partnerships and.00:38:22.000 --> 00:38:41.000Matthew Zabransky: making those owners feel valued, if that makes sense. So it was like, okay, how can we just continue to pump numbers, get more? And in that process, what happened was a lot of ski areas in a small geographical area. And why has that caused a lot of issues for owners and operators? Is the idea of the IndyPass was, yeah.00:38:41.000 --> 00:38:50.000Matthew Zabransky: to create value with a portfolio of ski areas across the Midwest to rival that of, like, you know, other multi-mountain passes.00:38:50.000 --> 00:39:06.000Matthew Zabransky: Um, but what some of the owners and operators were starting to see was that instead of skiers buying a season pass at their local ski area, what they would do is buy the Indy Pass, ski two days at the ski area that would have been their local ski area, and then.00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:03.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:39:06.000 --> 00:39:22.000Matthew Zabransky: You know, in some cases, like in the Twin Cities, you have a handful that are within a two hour drive. So then it became this thing of like, oh, we're starting to see RR like personal season passes drop for then people that are using IndiePass redemptions to treat it as if it were basically a season pass.00:39:10.000 --> 00:39:12.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:39:22.000 --> 00:39:40.000Matthew Zabransky: I'm summarizing a lot there. There's a lot, like, to dive into, like, the details, but I can't, unfortunately, go into too much of that. But I think you can probably get the idea of why that was a little bit frustrating for some, um, owners and operators. So they really had to take a deep dive into some of those numbers and start to look at, like.00:39:24.000 --> 00:39:25.000Stuart Winchester: Yes.00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:26.000Stuart Winchester: Okay.00:39:29.000 --> 00:39:30.000Stuart Winchester: Mm-hmm.00:39:40.000 --> 00:39:50.000Matthew Zabransky: Where are these people coming from? How are the redemptions being used? And then, you know, how is this pass either, you know, net positive or net negative for us? And, you know, I always tell everybody, it's…00:39:50.000 --> 00:40:00.000Matthew Zabransky: the ski business is, you know, Stuart, is just a very, very low margin business, and it is a business. Like, at the end of the day, like, they have to treat it like…00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:22.000Matthew Zabransky: you know, like you gotta find out where you're losing money, or is there opportunity? And that assessment has to happen on a yearly basis. And sometimes when they run it for their business, they might be finding out that this might not be a great option for them. Or maybe it was, and things have changed. And now it's not so. It's an ongoing assessment. And like I was mentioning earlier, this is going to be a game that is going to play out over the next 10 years, probably where people are going to be switching teams all the time. And.00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:28.000Matthew Zabransky: and just get used to it. I mean, this is gonna be the way it is, unfortunately or fortunately, you know.00:40:26.000 --> 00:40:31.000Stuart Winchester: If you're Indy, what's your next move to try to build your coalition back up?00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:49.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, I think the biggest thing they need to do is get some sort of anchor on this side of the lake. I mean, you've got Nub's Knob on Lower Peninsula, which is a great offering. I think that that really does anchor that side for sure. Over here, you gotta start eyeing up some areas that would serve as that anchor ski area. I know Whitecap was added.00:40:37.000 --> 00:40:38.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:40:49.000 --> 00:41:04.000Matthew Zabransky: Um, which is good, but I think, like, you gotta think about, you know, what is that replacement for? You know, what is that replacement for Granite Peak? And it immediately comes to mind, like, a Cascade, right? Or one of those. And we all know, like, it's just gonna be a tough sale for some of these operations, because it's always that, like.00:40:59.000 --> 00:41:00.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, I think so.00:41:04.000 --> 00:41:09.000Matthew Zabransky: If you're an anchor skier, you've probably got a good operation and a good thing going already, so…00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:29.000Matthew Zabransky: you know, what is the pitch? Why should I join your indie pass? So it's always this give and take a little bit, but, you know, given that we've had a bunch of ski areas now come off of indie, there might be an opportunity to fill that little bit of a void and be kind of that new anchor spot that would then highlight that side of the lake. I don't know. It'll be curious to see kind of how things play out, but.00:41:29.000 --> 00:41:37.000Matthew Zabransky: Um, I think we'll see a little bit of this course correction go on for the next year or two, and then I think maybe we'll see some moves in the future. It's hard to say.00:41:36.000 --> 00:41:43.000Stuart Winchester: That was really good, so I'm gonna extend that question. If you're Icon, what's your next move in the Midwest, and if you're Epic?00:41:45.000 --> 00:42:02.000Matthew Zabransky: If if I'm icon, what I'm circling right now to be quite frank is somewhere in the Chicagoland area. There's an opportunity there, and I don't, you know, of course. What is it? We don't know, but I think if you could add an offering like a full offering to which is a little bit tricky to do. But yeah, like you think of something like.00:42:02.000 --> 00:42:24.000Matthew Zabransky: Cascade, Devil's Head, one of those areas, if you can get it into, like, a full area where you can now grab that Chicago market and have it really well solidified, because right now you're kind of in a, you know, it's about four hours from up to Granite Peak, and then Boeing the other way is something like that, five or something. So you're kind of in that weird dead zone there, so I think there's still a huge opportunity to grab that market, which obviously is a huge market of skiers and s.00:42:13.000 --> 00:42:15.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:42:18.000 --> 00:42:20.000Stuart Winchester: Yep.00:42:24.000 --> 00:42:30.000Stuart Winchester: Mm-hmm. And if you're Epic, I mean, they have all city stuff, so what do you do if you're Epic?00:42:28.000 --> 00:42:29.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:42:30.000 --> 00:42:49.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, I mean, I think Epic's playing the card that they want. The one thing that I am curious to see with Epic is not necessarily that, it's what's gonna happen with some of these smaller regional ski areas that have kind of been left in the dust a little bit. Paley Peaks is the first one that comes to mind when you start to think about this Snow Creek.00:42:45.000 --> 00:42:46.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:42:49.000 --> 00:43:06.000Matthew Zabransky: These ones that are just kind of in no man's land a little bit. They kind of got brought in with the Peak Resorts acquisition. I'm not sure that they necessarily wanted some of these ski areas, but they came in as a package deal as part of that. So it's just gonna be kind of interesting to see. They need a lot of reinvestment over the next, you know.00:43:06.000 --> 00:43:23.000Matthew Zabransky: 10 to 15 years, for sure, if not even sooner than that. So it'll be curious to see kind of how they approach those sort of areas in those regions, because some of those are in their own land like there is no ski area relatively close to some of them, or a couple of hours to the nearest ski area. So it'll be curious to see how they leverage that going forward.00:43:23.000 --> 00:43:44.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, Matthew, I could sink into that one for about two hours and we could have a talk. I'm going to have to bring you back for that one. But for now, let's move on. And some of the folks who may not be familiar with the Midwest, we're going to talk about some of our favorite Midwest ski areas in just a moment. First, I want to tell you that this podcast is brought to you today by Profile Search International.00:43:44.000 --> 00:44:03.000Stuart Winchester: Profile Search is the only talent acquisition firm in the entire world that is 100% focused on the ski industry. They have used their intimate understanding of skiing and related industries, and of available candidates worldwide, to place hundreds of transformational leaders at the best and most progressive ski areas over the past.00:44:03.000 --> 00:44:19.000Stuart Winchester: 30 years. Profile Search has offices in the US and Canada, and they find and negotiate with the right leaders for their team. If you want to reach out to Profile Search, you can find them at profilesearch.com, and you can get their email or phone number there, or send me a note and I will.00:44:19.000 --> 00:44:26.000Stuart Winchester: make that connection for you. That is profilesearch.com. All right, Matthew, I gave you a challenge.00:44:26.000 --> 00:44:43.000Stuart Winchester: Or, or homework or something. I don't know. I'm sure you didn't have to think too hard about this, but we are going to break down our five favorite Midwest ski areas. We each have five. We'll, we'll start with five and, and, uh, and we'll take turns. Now, these are not what we think are the best necessarily because that's a whole different.00:44:43.000 --> 00:44:47.000Stuart Winchester: Conversation and I tried to think about.00:44:47.000 --> 00:44:59.000Stuart Winchester: If you've never skied the Midwest and are only going to ski here once in your life, where would I tell people to go? So, Matthew, I'll start with you. What is your number five favorite Midwest ski area and why?00:44:58.000 --> 00:45:14.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah. So I'll just just key this up with like, yeah, I agree with you. I went with kind of like I took an approach of uniqueness. There's different things that I enjoy about this years for different reasons, and I'll obviously unpack them as we kind of go through number 5 for me was perfect north slopes.00:45:06.000 --> 00:45:08.000Stuart Winchester: Mm-hmm.00:45:14.000 --> 00:45:15.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:45:14.000 --> 00:45:32.000Matthew Zabransky: And at its face, you might not think that that's… it's, you know, it's a ski area right outside of, uh, Cincinnati, um, and the southern tip of Indiana down there. And for, you know, for people that have never heard of it, they'd be like, why does this… why is this even on here? Uh, but the moment that you visit there, I think it all becomes very clear. Their throughput.00:45:32.000 --> 00:45:51.000Matthew Zabransky: their snowmaking capacity, their operations. It is a gold standard when we think of how to run a ski area in extremely challenging conditions and environments. Perfect North is the one that comes to mind. The way that they can move people through their rental department is phenomenal. The way that they can have a stable season based off of where they are.00:45:51.000 --> 00:46:08.000Matthew Zabransky: is just absolutely mind blowing. And they've been doing this since day one. So this isn't something that they have. You know they're new to. They've been doing this for many, many, many decades now at this point. So it's it's definitely worth a visit. Their train's really good as well. They have some Olympians that have come out of there just some some good stuff going down at at perfect north slopes.00:46:08.000 --> 00:46:23.000Stuart Winchester: I'm so glad you said Perfect North, because I did not include it on my list, but I think they are one of the best operators in the country. My number 5 is Chestnut, Illinois, and everyone's… you know why, but everyone's gonna say, Illinois? Like, what does it matter with you?00:46:20.000 --> 00:46:23.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:46:23.000 --> 00:46:29.000Stuart Winchester: It is so unique, because you get up there, and it's about 500 vertical feet.00:46:29.000 --> 00:46:45.000Stuart Winchester: and you ski down to the freaking Mississippi River. It is… there is nothing else like that in American skiing. It is such a gorgeous view, and there's a train that goes by, and, and, and… the lift system is fantastic. Bunch of, you know, really maintained quads.00:46:45.000 --> 00:47:00.000Stuart Winchester: They have bars, which I like, which most Midwest ski areas don't, but they've retrofit them. Their grooming is phenomenal. Terrain's really good, steep and varied, and then one of the best things is on the backside, and the name of this probably is escaping me, it's like the backyard or something.00:46:47.000 --> 00:46:48.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah. Okay.00:46:58.000 --> 00:47:00.000Matthew Zabransky: Uh, far side.00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:15.000Stuart Winchester: Okay, yeah, so they have a terrain park that could be its own ski area, and it has a lift by itself, and so all the badly behaved teenagers go over there and throw cans around and smoke. Maybe it was just the day I was there.00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:02.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:47:15.000 --> 00:47:20.000Stuart Winchester: Uh, but, but my number five is Chestnut, Illinois. Uh, number four, Matthew.00:47:20.000 --> 00:47:37.000Matthew Zabransky: This is gonna be. This is gonna be a deep cut here, and I'll give you my reasoning. So I'm a sucker for community rope toe ski places like it. It warms my heart every time every year there's at least one or 2 that I go to every time I show up. It's just the kids are so excited to show me around.00:47:23.000 --> 00:47:25.000Stuart Winchester: Okay.00:47:27.000 --> 00:47:29.000Stuart Winchester: Mm-hmm. Oh, love it.00:47:37.000 --> 00:47:38.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah. Okay.00:47:37.000 --> 00:48:00.000Matthew Zabransky: They're so passionate and it really brings me back to why skiing is important and what it really is about, right? We talk about the steeps and all this fun stuff all the time, but like when you go to these places, there's just to see a kid just in jeans or whatever it may be after school ripping down. It's so fun. So one of my favorite, if not my favorite rope to ski area in the entire Midwest is a place called Hickory Hills. It's in Traverse City.00:47:59.000 --> 00:48:00.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:48:00.000 --> 00:48:18.000Matthew Zabransky: It's a beautiful setting overlooking the bay, and they have just all ropes and one conveyor, and it's stacked. And it was one of the first ski areas in the Midwest to offer night skiing, which I thought was really, really cool as well. Obviously, not a lot of vertical, maybe 200 feet of vertical, depending on which rope you're going on, but it's one of those places you just show up.00:48:10.000 --> 00:48:12.000Stuart Winchester: Mm-hmm.00:48:18.000 --> 00:48:30.000Matthew Zabransky: And they've reinvested, as recently as 2018, they built a new lodge, new snowmaking, and you just show up there, and you're just like, it brings you back to that, like, oh yeah, this is some good skiing, like, just…00:48:30.000 --> 00:48:37.000Matthew Zabransky: fundamental, good stuff, you see kids ripping around after school, it's like, it's what I think of when I think of, uh, rope tow places.00:48:36.000 --> 00:48:42.000Stuart Winchester: And long live the rope tow. I mean, it is amazing that I think they run five or six there, right?00:48:42.000 --> 00:48:46.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, I think they have six total, I believe, yeah.00:48:45.000 --> 00:48:59.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, I've been there in the summer. I've never skied there. I used to ski at Sugarloaf down the… down the road till that went out of business. My number 4 is one you already mentioned, Matthew. Whitecap, Wisconsin. I just love this crazy ski area. It is…00:48:49.000 --> 00:48:51.000Matthew Zabransky: Yo.00:48:59.000 --> 00:49:04.000Stuart Winchester: I like to be confused when I'm skiing. I like it when a ski area…00:49:04.000 --> 00:49:05.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:49:04.000 --> 00:49:22.000Stuart Winchester: Kind of hides its secrets and has lots of little trails and the trail map doesn't quite match up with the, with what you actually see. And, and there's lifts all over the place and there's little pockets and there's, you can tell that they don't care if you ski in the trees. And, and, and Whitecap is, is one of the most confusing ski areas I've, I've ever been to and I love.00:49:21.000 --> 00:49:23.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:49:22.000 --> 00:49:40.000Stuart Winchester: it's in the great snow pocket off of Lake Superior, gets 200 or more inches of snow average per year, which is a good thing, because they don't have a lot of snowmaking, uh, there. But I really, really love Whitecap, and by the way, we did not share ours before, so we may have some crossover here. So, uh, what's your number 3, Matthew?00:49:38.000 --> 00:49:39.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:49:40.000 --> 00:49:55.000Matthew Zabransky: Number three, I am going with a ski area that I think people around here would know, but I think people on the other side of the lake would not. And it is going to be Welch Village. Welch Village is an area that just, you look at the numbers, you read the stats, and you're like, this place…00:49:50.000 --> 00:49:51.000Stuart Winchester: Mmm.00:49:55.000 --> 00:50:15.000Matthew Zabransky: cannot be that good. But it really is. It skis so much bigger than the stats suggest. I think it's about 300 feet of vertical. They have like 50 something runs. But I think what Welch Village has that a lot of skiers don't is the amount of terrain variation and stepping that they have is just phenomenal for beginners, and the fact that it's only about 40 minutes from the Twin Cities.00:50:15.000 --> 00:50:31.000Matthew Zabransky: is amazing. So they have basically a run for every progression. If you want super steep, now obviously it's only 300 feet of vertical, so it's gonna be a handful of turns, but they have that. If you want something very, very gently sloped, they got that, and basically everything in between. And it's just one of those areas that is a perfect.00:50:23.000 --> 00:50:24.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:50:31.000 --> 00:50:41.000Matthew Zabransky: Kind of like just outside the urban reach, right? It's not like in your backyard, but it's close enough where you can easily go for a few hours and just a perfect place to learn how to ski and snowboard.00:50:41.000 --> 00:50:57.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, I love Welch Village. I was super impressed when I went there a few years ago, and it's not too far from Vail's Afton Alps, so you can do both in a day easily if you want to, but Welch Village, first-rate operation, absolutely one of the best in the Midwest. My number three is a nostalgia play, and I'm gonna say Boyne Mount.00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:44.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:50:57.000 --> 00:51:13.000Stuart Winchester: The reason I love Boyne Mountain is not because of the fast lift, so they were the first six-pack in North America, and, you know, they put in the first eight-pack in the Midwest, and there's a lot of history there. The first chairlift in the world is there. They moved it from Sun Valley.00:51:13.000 --> 00:51:23.000Stuart Winchester: the single chair from Sun Valley back in the… in the 40s, and it's now the Hemlock double chair. But what I love Boyne Mountain is because when I… back in the 90s, when I lived in Michigan.00:51:23.000 --> 00:51:30.000Stuart Winchester: they would stay open into May. And back then, there was no social media, so no one knew about it, so I'd show up, and there would be…00:51:25.000 --> 00:51:26.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:51:30.000 --> 00:51:47.000Stuart Winchester: not kidding, 10 people skiing, and they would be running that six-pack all day, and they would let it bump up, and just run idiots to light, and it's where I learned how to ski moguls, and I've always just been tremendously fond of Boyne for that reason. So while it is one of the nicest ski areas in the Midwest, just on its own terms.00:51:32.000 --> 00:51:34.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:51:47.000 --> 00:52:02.000Stuart Winchester: It's also very steep. It's just, I have that feeling of, you know, that memory of skiing in my t-shirt in May in 1996, you know, down the moguls at Boyne Mountain with five other people, and it was just, it's one of my favorite ski memories ever, and the fact that they.00:52:02.000 --> 00:52:13.000Stuart Winchester: empowered that and did that. When they lost money, there's no way they didn't lose money doing that. It just speaks a lot to the spirit that still animates that company, even though it's a bigger company now.00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:52:13.000 --> 00:52:16.000Stuart Winchester: Number two for you, Matthew.00:52:16.000 --> 00:52:31.000Matthew Zabransky: We'll get to this, I'm sure, at the end, but it's cool to see some of that going full circle. I don't want to give too much away. We'll get into that in a second. Number two for me is a pick that I think is going to change a lot this year, specifically because of the new lift alignment, and that's Marquette Mountain.00:52:17.000 --> 00:52:19.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, yeah, yeah.00:52:31.000 --> 00:52:32.000Stuart Winchester: Mmm.00:52:31.000 --> 00:52:50.000Matthew Zabransky: They have phenomenal terrain up there, they get great snow, and the thing that was always just missing was a little bit of polishing around the edges, and I think they're finally getting to that point now with, uh, you know, a lot of snowmaking investments over the last handful of years. This new chair from Dolphin Meyer, uh, triple gonna run up basically the center of the ski area, and I think it's really gonna change the way that this.00:52:50.000 --> 00:53:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Uh, previously, it was divided into kind of two almost separate pods. It kind of had this weird split down the middle. It was kind of hard to navigate. But given that this one's gonna go right up to the center there, you're gonna be able to get full top-to-bottom access a lot more easily, be able to access a lot more of the terrain across the port, the entire, you know, trail map off the front side there.00:52:54.000 --> 00:52:55.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:53:07.000 --> 00:53:23.000Matthew Zabransky: and I think it's 1 of those that like it. This they have the terrain, and there's not many areas in the Midwest that have the terrain. It's usually the other way where it's like, Yeah, okay, we have. You know the infrastructure. We have the location, but we don't have the steeps, or we don't have the trees, or whatever it may be.00:53:15.000 --> 00:53:16.000Stuart Winchester: Okay.00:53:18.000 --> 00:53:20.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:53:23.000 --> 00:53:34.000Matthew Zabransky: It's a Marquette, good city up there in the UP, really the only major city in the UP, but they have a good demographic up there. And I think with the changes that they're gonna see this year with the new lift, it's gonna be really fun to watch.00:53:27.000 --> 00:53:28.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:53:34.000 --> 00:53:44.000Stuart Winchester: Not only do they have the terrain, they have the snow. I mean, they're another one of those Lake Superior. They don't get quite as much as up in the Keweenaw or Snow River, but they do get a fair amount.00:53:36.000 --> 00:53:38.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, yeah.00:53:44.000 --> 00:53:45.000Matthew Zabransky: They do.00:53:45.000 --> 00:53:54.000Stuart Winchester: So my number two, I'm kind of going chalk on these last two, so you can probably guess what my number one is. My number two is a very obvious one, and that's Lutzen.00:53:54.000 --> 00:53:56.000Matthew Zabransky: Mm-hmm.00:53:54.000 --> 00:54:10.000Stuart Winchester: You know, for, for folks who have never been to Lutzen, it, first of all, it has a gondola. Now, now it's more of a transit lift. It goes more sideways than up and down, but it does have, is it eight or 900 feet of vertical? I think 800 and, or you could ski down to, yeah, of lift served vertical. And the.00:54:00.000 --> 00:54:01.000Matthew Zabransky: Thank you.00:54:05.000 --> 00:54:07.000Matthew Zabransky: It's… yeah.00:54:10.000 --> 00:54:26.000Stuart Winchester: enormous. It's really four separate mountains and it goes in all different directions and they have two six packs and they have that Gandhi, which is fairly new. I think within the last 10 years, they built that to replace their older one. Uh That is one of the best run ski areas in the Midwest. Another one that will stay open into May.00:54:26.000 --> 00:54:42.000Stuart Winchester: when they can. Oh, and speaking of views, I mean, the view off of Moose Mountain of Lake Superior just knock you on your ass. It is so good. I really love Lutzen Mountain, which takes us, Matthew, to your number one ski area in the Midwest.00:54:42.000 --> 00:55:01.000Matthew Zabransky: Man, man, this is one, and it's funny ‘cause I'm working on this video right now, and it's a place that every time I leave this ski area or while I'm at this gear, I just have a smile on my face the entire time. It has nothing flashy, but they do everything right, and that's nub knob. I mean, you go to this place and you just…00:54:42.000 --> 00:54:44.000Stuart Winchester: Favorite ski area.00:54:59.000 --> 00:55:00.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, thank you.00:55:01.000 --> 00:55:17.000Matthew Zabransky: It's just crazy to me that we were working on this video and my editor, Nick, we got to the end of the video and I mentioned like, “Oh, it doesn't have any high-speed lifts, but it almost feels like it does just because of the way that they're aligned and the way the traffic flows and the way that the runs are cut and everything.00:55:17.000 --> 00:55:34.000Matthew Zabransky: It feels like another one that just, you read the stats and you're like, okay, that sounds decent. But then you get on site and you're just like, this is just a really well run ski area. Snowmaking is always top notch. Grooming is amazing. Lifts spin, they don't stop very often. I mean, everything is just really well polished.00:55:31.000 --> 00:55:33.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:55:34.000 --> 00:55:45.000Matthew Zabransky: the core skiing experience, and they really nail it, and again, it's one of those, like, every time I come off the hill there, I'm just like, man, that was a great day of skiing, even if, you know, it's raining outside, I feel like.00:55:43.000 --> 00:55:44.000Stuart Winchester: Mmhm.00:55:45.000 --> 00:56:01.000Stuart Winchester: And as a… just to underscore how good of a scary it is, it's right across the street from Boyne Highlands, and it has been, you know, obviously its whole time, but for a scary to succeed, a lot of times, a smaller scary will fail next to a big corporate area, but Nubs has managed to flourish. Matthew, we actually had no crossover, because.00:55:46.000 --> 00:55:47.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:55:49.000 --> 00:55:51.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:56:01.000 --> 00:56:16.000Stuart Winchester: as you can probably guess, is Mount Bohemia, and I'm sure that's probably why you left it off. Uh, Mount Bohemia, for the folks who are not familiar with it, I wrote an article last year, I called it, Mount Bohemia, the scarier the Midwest deserves, because when Mount Bohemia opened in 2000, it.00:56:02.000 --> 00:56:03.000Matthew Zabransky: Hey.00:56:04.000 --> 00:56:07.000Matthew Zabransky: Yep.00:56:16.000 --> 00:56:31.000Stuart Winchester: And it has 900 feet of vertical. They do not groom. They have no snowmaking. They get 300 inches annually. It's all, almost all, glades. Their glading is some of the best I've ever seen anywhere, because there's a lot of underbrush in Michigan.00:56:20.000 --> 00:56:22.000Matthew Zabransky: Okay.00:56:31.000 --> 00:56:48.000Stuart Winchester: Uh, the place is an absolute riot. Talk about culture. You get on the ground and you're like, oh, what's here? They don't even have a proper base lodge. It's, it's all these yurts and then they have this giant complex of hot tubs for some reason that, that everyone's always in there drinking beer and.00:56:48.000 --> 00:56:55.000Stuart Winchester: And the skiing is just… it's great! It's… it's… there's nothing else like it anywhere in North America, where there's just…00:56:55.000 --> 00:57:12.000Stuart Winchester: that much just free skiing available off of a lift, and Lonnie, the owner, has been on a couple times, and I cannot say enough good things about Nubs Knob, including… and I'll let people do their own research on this, but their season pass is $117, or $99 for… you don't want Fridays and Saturdays, and you get all kinds of reciprocals with it, so…00:57:12.000 --> 00:57:16.000Stuart Winchester: It's not a bad multi-mountain pass on its own. So…00:57:12.000 --> 00:57:14.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah.00:57:15.000 --> 00:57:30.000Matthew Zabransky: I was so. I was so nervous the 1st so I went to Bohemia last year for the 1st time ever, and I it has been on my list forever, and I keep like I want to hit it right, because I don't want to like. Just go there and not be able to ski everything. And the entire time I've been super fortunate to see a lot of amazing places in in North.00:57:18.000 --> 00:57:20.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah.00:57:24.000 --> 00:57:26.000Stuart Winchester: Yeah, yeah, yeah.00:57:30.000 --> 00:57:49.000Matthew Zabransky: And I was super nervous it was not going to live up to the hype, because I was like, this place is hyped up so much, there is no way that it is going to live up to the hype, and it absolutely did. It's one of the most unique scary areas that you'll ever go to, the operations, the bus system, the hot tub. Nothing makes sense there, but it all does in a weird way. It's an absolute riot.00:57:49.000 --> 00:58:04.000Stuart Winchester: I couldn't have said any better. I always tell people, if you ski one place in the Midwest in your life, make it Mount Bohemia. All right, now, Matthew, what I want you to leave us with today is… I imagine, maybe deliberately, you didn't mention any of these ski areas, but one of the…00:58:04.000 --> 00:58:15.000Stuart Winchester: things that you do an awesome job with every year is covering the race to open in the Midwest. So, so tell us about the race to open. Who's involved?00:58:15.000 --> 00:58:19.000Stuart Winchester: When it generally takes place and how you cover it.00:58:19.000 --> 00:58:35.000Matthew Zabransky: Yeah, so the race to open is a pretty big deal across the Midwest. It was something that before I started this website and YouTube channel, I did not really realize a lot, but the Midwest is always usually fighting for one of the first areas to open in the entire country on occasion. It really just depends on the weather.00:58:35.000 --> 00:58:52.000Matthew Zabransky: But what

It’s a jam-packed Local Sports Roundup on The Man Cave Podcast with Dan Kasper, powered by Carpet City Flooring Center. Dan and the crew break down a thrilling night of high school hockey, highlighted by Eau Claire North’s rivalry win over Memorial during a celebration of 50 years of Eau Claire hockey. The conversation dives deep into Big Rivers Conference implications, postseason outlooks, and why this league continues to be one of the toughest around. On the girls side, the spotlight shifts to the ultra-competitive Big Rivers girls hockey race, where every team is capable of beating anyone on any night. The crew also previews a massive girls basketball showdown between Eau Claire Memorial and Rice Lake, one of the marquee matchups of the season. From there, it’s a full tour of the winter sports landscape: boys and girls basketball across the Big Rivers, Western Cloverbelt, and St. Croix Valley, wrestling ramping up with big invitationals and conference action, and updates on gymnastics and swimming as the second half of the season hits full stride. The episode wraps with a look at the college sports slate, including UW–Eau Claire and UW–Stout basketball, hockey, wrestling, gymnastics, and more as the winter sports calendar shifts into high gear. If you love rivalries, rankings, and keeping up with everything happening in local sports, this episode has you covered from puck drop to tip-off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When his mother suffered a stroke in 2018, Matthew Stepaniak wanted to find a way to keep her active both physically and mentally. As an avid cyclist himself, Matthew had the idea to bring cycling to those who couldn't otherwise enjoy it themselves. So he teamed up with Darren Dobier and the two co-founded Limitless Cycling, which helps individuals of all abilities enjoy the outdoors through the power of a bike ride. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, learn more about the origins of Limitless Cycling, hear about Matthew's knack for taking care of others (both as the primary caregiver for his 91-year-old mother and through his work with Limitless Cycling), and learn about the impressive bikes and other vehicles that Limitless Cycling is bringing to riders all throughout the St. Croix Valley and beyond. If you'd like to learn more about Limitless Cycling or want to get involved as a volunteer or donor, visit limitlesscycling.org. Links Limitless Cycling St Croix Stories Attributions Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck's Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about his band, The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, on their website. This episode comes to us courtesy of the St Croix Stories podcast. It was produced by Tyler Mason and was transcribed by Ian R Buck. We're always looking to feature new voices on the show, so if you have ideas for future episodes, drop us a line at podcast@streets.mn. Transcript Find the full transcript on our website.

From MPR News, Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. Their recommendations are lightly edited from the audio heard in the player above. Want to be an Art Hound? Submit here.‘Hidden Herald' returns with new audio stories around St. PaulLast year, Jamie Daniels of St. Paul stumbled upon Wonderlust Productions' mini audio stories, scattered about St. Paul. Season two of “Hidden Herald” kicks off this weekend, with a new batch of five-to-ten-minute audio stories written by Minnesota playwrights and recorded by professional actors. This weekend's launch includes a scavenger hunt with prizes. Maps with the audio play locations are available starting Thursday at several St. Paul businesses, listed here. To listen — this weekend and beyond — simply scan a QR code printed on a durable decal on the ground.Jamie describes the wonder of discovering a new story: You scan [the QR code], and you are transported into a brief five-to-ten minute audio play that takes place in the place where you're standing. It's kind of like a scavenger hunt all year round, because you can find these stickers all over the place, around Lake Phalan, on Payne Avenue and in downtown St. Paul.Some of the plays are definitely kid-oriented, and some of them are not. Last year, there was one that took place in Mears Park that was a genuine horror story that gave me the chills. Some of the plays have a content warning at the top, if need be.Pro tip: bring some headphones or a portable speaker so you can hear them better.— Jamie DavisFavorites from St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour in one accessible locationCindy Ihlenfeld is a visual artist from Mahtomedi who serves on the board of the Weisman Art Museum, and she recommends seeing “A Culture of Pots” at White Bear Center for the Arts, on view through July 25 in the Ford Family Gallery.She notes that, for those with limited mobility, this exhibit is an accessible way to attend a pottery tourCindy says: “A Culture of Pots” is an exhibition of the artists that are typically part of the St. Croix Valley pottery tour in spring. And there are 68 artists, and I think 218 of their favorite pieces. The most delightful thing about it is that one of the resident artists at the White Bear Center for the Arts has created a display that looks very much like what the artists have in their yards during the pottery tour. It feels very intimate because of the way the structure is built to display the pots.— Cindy IhlenfeldPeople at PlayLou Ferreri, a visual artist from St. Paul, appreciates an exhibit by painter David Amdur entitled “At Play.” The paintings show groups of people enjoying the outdoors. The exhibition is on view at the Hopkins Center for the Arts through Aug. 2.Lou describes the paintings: They're impressionist, but they're also realistic figures. He incorporates sometimes 10, 15 figures in a setting outdoors, and they could be by the ocean, they could be mountain climbing, they could be by a lake or in a park. They are so celebratory, it makes me feel good looking at them.He's a fabulous colorist: he manages to combine primary colors in natural settings, so that the clothing that the people wear becomes part of the composition, and it brings your eye all around the surface of the picture plane.— Lou FerreriCorrection (July 10, 2025): An earlier version of this story misidentified Jamie Daniels and had incorrect information about “Hidden Herald.” The story has been updated.

Jim welcomes back U.S. District Judge and St. Croix Valley resident, Hon. John Tunheim, to discuss the federal courts' amplified role in today's political environment (2:30). Gayle talks with Rosie Peters, Dakota poet, author, storyteller, activist and business owner about her life's journey (25:00). Plus an update of local news (51:30). Matt Quast is Technical Director. This Week's GuestsHon. John Tunheim, U.S. District Judge, District of MinnesotaRosetta Peters, Dakota Poet, WriterEmail us:riverradio@marinecommunitylibrary.orgGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyMillstream Advisory Committee – Email john.goodfellow@cityofmarine.orgRiver Radio Previous ShowsOct. 5, 2024 with Secretary of State Steve SimonEvent LinksWashington County Garden Tool SwapBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryThe Marine Library's New LogoChrist Lutheran Church, MarineRiverway Ambassador through National Park Service

Is The Garage Bikes and Brews a bike shop first, or a brewery first? If you ask co-owner Stephanie Johnson, the answer is: both. Stephanie is a River Falls native who married a fellow River Falls native, Matt. The duo co-own The Garage, which opened in 2020 and is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The space offers a unique vibe where visitors can enjoy a beer — brewed by Stephanie and Matt's son Ellis — while also watching bikes get fixed behind the bar. On this episode of St. Croix Stories, Stephanie shares more about how a wrist injury eventually fueled her passion for cycling as an adult, which ultimately became a family business. She also talks about the challenges of opening The Garage during the pandemic, discusses the music scene hosted at The Garage, and shares her favorite places to ride her bike in the St. Croix Valley.The Garage is also participating in the Bluegrass, Bourbon & Brews Festival in River Falls as a host venue, and will be hosting many other musical acts throughout the summer. You can find a full list of events here.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly popular topic, and there's been growing support for sustainability efforts in the St. Croix Valley in particular — and in River Falls specifically, where Earth Fest will be held for the fourth year in a row on April 26th.On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, we're joined by Mark Klapatch-Mathias, the sustainability coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (his alma mater) and the co-chair of Earth Fest. He share more about why sustainability is so important to him, what attendees can expect from Earth Fest this year, and how those listening can practice sustainability in their everyday lives.You can find more information about Earth Fest, including a full lineup for the day, at www.hopeforearth.org/earthfest.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

The St. Croix Valley Food Bank has an ambitious goal for 2025: to provide over five million pounds of food to the four-county region in Western Wisconsin that it serves. That number might seem like a lot, but it's what is needed to help address the growing issue of food insecurity in the region.On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, Lee Kroll and Jim Dahl of the St. Croix Valley Food Bank join to share more about the organization's mission to help end hunger. As a longtime nonprofit leader, Lee joined the food bank in November of last year and is quickly learning about the rise of food insecurity. Jim has worked in the food insecurity space for a long time and helped start the St. Croix Valley Food Bank. The duo offer their insights on the issue of hunger, and share how others in the community can help the St. Croix Valley Food Bank reach its goal for 2025 and beyond.To learn about the upcoming Empty Bowls fundraiser or to secure your tickets, click here. Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

When his mother suffered a stroke in 2018, Matthew Stepaniak wanted to find a way to keep her active both physically and mentally. As an avid cyclist himself, Matthew had the idea to bring cycling to those who couldn't otherwise enjoy it themselves. So he teamed up with Darren Dobier and the two co-founded Limitless Cycling, which helps individuals of all abilities enjoy the outdoors through the power of a bike ride.On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, learn more about the origins of Limitless Cycling, hear about Matthew's knack for taking care of others (both as the primary caregiver for his 91-year-old mother and through his work with Limitless Cycling), and learn about the impressive bikes and other vehicles that Limitless Cycling is bringing to riders all throughout the St. Croix Valley and beyond.If you'd like to learn more about Limitless Cycling or want to get involved as a volunteer or donor, visit limitlesscycling.org.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Originally from the VA/DC/MD area, Audrey is a devoted mother of two adult children, a proud grandmother of three, and the widow of former Army Lieutenant James Harrell. Audrey's personal interests include traveling, spending time with family, and rehabbing houses. In 2012, she founded Built by Her, a real estate investment company that established an apprenticeship program to help incarcerated women acquire skilled trades in the construction industry. In 2021, Audrey relocated with her husband to St. Paul, Minnesota and currently serves as the Executive Director of Hope House - St. Croix Valley, an adult foster care home. Audrey's career spans over 20 years, during which she has held senior-level positions in management, fundraising, strategic planning, and program development across various nonprofits and governmental agencies in the U.S. Audrey has worked with women bringing forth life as a birth doula and families experiencing a loss of life as a Grief Coach and Family Mediator. Audrey believes that her journey is part of a larger plan. Her commitment to improving the lives of others, especially those in need, is a testament to her dedication and compassionate nature. Audrey Harrell continues to inspire through her leadership, community involvement, and unwavering faith in her mission to serve and uplift those around her.

If you asked James Wildman as a kid what he wanted to be when he grew up, a police officer probably wouldn't have been his first answer. He grew up with a bit of a distrust for law enforcement, but later realized that he could help change the way people view police officers by becoming one himself.After a four-year stint in the marine corps with his twin brother — where he met his wife, also a twin — James' career led him to the St. Croix Valley area. He worked a few different jobs, including at a correctional facility, before applying for an opening with the Hudson Police Department. He's been with the department since 2008, and in recent years he became the Community Engagement Officer. In that role, he's helping bridge the gap between the Hudson Police Department and the Hudson community.On this episode of St. Croix Stories, Officer Wildman shares more about his journey from Mississippi and Louisiana to Hudson, where he, his wife, and their three daughters call home. He also shares more about his proudest moments as a police officer, discusses the Citizens Police Academy, and much more.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Sheri Marnell has a passion for helping other companies thrive, and she gets to do that every day in her role as the director of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center. The SCVBIC is an incubator for local companies that are looking to either get their business off the ground or grow their company before eventually graduating to their own space. One of the best parts about the center: almost all of the companies that graduate end up staying in the St. Croix Valley region.On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, Sheri talks more about what the Business Innovation Center is, the ways in which it helps companies grow and thrive, and discusses some impressive statistics about startups in the St. Croix Valley area. To learn more about the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center or to see if it might be a good fit for your young company, visit www.stcroixinnovation.org.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

The mission of the St. Croix Valley Foundation is simple: to enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. The foundation does that by offering numerous grants and scholarships to residents in six counties and two states in the St. Croix Valley — and it's based right here in Hudson at the new Alliance Center, a hub for local nonprofits (including former podcast guests Operation HELP and the Hudson Area Backpack and Food Program).On this week's episode, Angie Pilgrim and Heidi Herron from the St. Croix Valley Foundation join the podcast to share more about the foundation's work. They give more detail on the types of scholarships and grants that are offered, talk about why they enjoy working for a nonprofit, and even read a few testimonials of previous scholarship winners whose lives were changed by the St. Croix Valley Foundation.To learn more about the St. Croix Valley Foundation, head to scvfoundation.org.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Kingdom First: Church and Nation Conversation [Episode 3]   Host: Tim Prince   Guests: Paul Adams Daryl Standafer Dan Fosterling   WATCH SERMON SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfe6wpwYEF6zxTqix5ZNrJny2JRjg9oUJ   WATCH EPISODE 1: https://youtu.be/Dw6cHOpouRY   WATCH EPISODE 2: https://youtu.be/nELIp4tRi0o   1:01 – Introductions   2:02 – What do you wish Christians understood about what it's really like to serve in local government?   5:15 - How should we honor elected officials, especially when we really disagree with the way that they're doing things? How would you have wanted people to respond to you and show honor to you?   10:30 - When we're disappointed with an elected official who we know is also a brother in Christ, does that change the way that you want them to process that with you?   12:29 - What encouragement would you have for a Christian brother or sister who's even thinking about running for a school board or something like that?   24:04 - Anything else you wish your brothers and sisters knew about what it's actually like governing here in the St. Croix Valley or anything like that?    26:18 - Coach us through how you would want people at faith community church to respond to school board members if they make decisions that we think are really out of line.

Before he even graduated high school, Art Doyle had made a business out of repairing bikes. A modest bike repair business outside of Stillwater High School eventually led Art to opening his own bike shop downtown Hudson. Forty years later, Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals remains an integral part of the Hudson community — and cycling remains a big part of Art's life. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, Art shares more about his earliest memories of riding and repairing bikes, discusses some of his favorite places to bike in the St. Croix Valley area, and talks about the transformation of both the cycling world and of Hudson since he first opened his shop in town in 1984.Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals is located at 607 2nd Street in downtown Hudson, Wis.Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

A lightbulb clicked for Matt Darnold when the Hudson native attended a Pride Festival in Hastings, Minnesota: why couldn't something like this take place in his hometown? So Matt set out to create Hudson Pride Co., which last year hosted the first annual Valley Wide Pride Fest at Lakefront Park. The goal was to offer a safe space to members of the LGBTQ+ community in the St. Croix Valley area and to promote inclusiveness and acceptance. The event is back for a second year, and Matt joins this week's episode of St. Croix Stories to kick off Pride Month with an important conversation about what it was like for him to grow up in Hudson and how the Valley Wide Pride Fest is helping him strengthen his ties to his hometown. Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Jim Maher talks to St. Croix Valley native and prominent national pro-choice advocate Amy Hagstrom Miller about politics and health care aspects of the abortion issue (4:30). Gayle Knutson talks about the world of choir music with Daryl Timmer, artistic director of the Valley Chamber Chorale (26:00). Plus an update of local news (48:00). Matt Quast is technical director.This Week's GuestsAmy Hagstrom Miller, Whole Woman's HealthDaryl Timmer, Valley Chamber Chorale Government Links:City of Marine on St. CroixCity of ScandiaMay TownshipWashington CountyMinnesota Dept. of Health PFAS TestingPodcast LinksOctober 14 River Radio with Judge John TunheimShift-Key with Robinson Meyer on EVsEvent LinksLonnie Lovness Library Presentation on Apr. 18Marine on St. Croix Heavy Metal/Shred Day – May 4Gammelgarden Community ConversationsStillwater Bike Donation on Apr. 23Brookside Poetry Event on Apr. 25Business/Organization Links:Marine Community LibraryMarine Mills Folk School

Jill McNamee became a realtor at an interesting time in the real estate world — during the 2008 housing crisis. But while many realtors were leaving the industry, Jill was just getting started. She knew that making connections would be valuable as she built a name for herself, so she did what she could to meet as many people as possible in the Hudson area.Today, Jill works alongside her husband and their son in the real estate world, but she also keeps busy with other side projects that keep her well connected in the Hudson community. She created two different women's networking groups, highlights local businesses through her vendor guide, and shines a spotlight on businesses in the St. Croix Valley area through a video content series she cals "The Local Dish." Jill talks about all of that and more on this week's episode of St. Croix Stories.Follow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

Sometimes, there is power in numbers. That's certainly the case when more than 100 local women from the Hudson area get together and all contribute $100 that goes towards helping a local non-profit. The group is called Power of 100+ | Women of St. Croix Valley, and it meets twice a year to bring awareness and money to groups who could use the funds. Renee Frey remembers the first Power of 100 meeting she attended, and she was hooked. Now a member of the group's planning committee, Renee is helping get the word out about the group's efforts, and its upcoming spring meeting on April 22. She's also a business owner in Hudson who is no stranger to supporting local. Renee joins this week's St. Croix Stories to share more about the Power of 100+ and offers ways for women interested in helping to get involved.To learn more about the group and its mission, go to powerof100.org.Follow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.

In 2012, Jessica Peterson suffered the horrific loss of all three of her daughters through domestic violence. She talks with Kim about her journey of hope and helping others. She encourages others to acept the change that happens, both good and bad, and find the balance to continue living. Jessica shares her beautiful daughters Amara, Sophie and Cecelia in her book Thistles & Thorns which you can find wherever you buy books or her website: https://thistlesandthorns3x.squarespace.com/ The Compassionate Friends⁠ website includes links to other organizations that help with child and other losses. ⁠Halos of the St. Croix Valley⁠ is a local organization that has many resources for parents who have lost a child from miscarriage to age 20. ************************ Kim Benoy is a retired RN, wife, mom, Certified Aromatherapist and educator who has a passion for inspiring women over 40 to live their best life now. Check out her website at www.midlifewithcourage.com.

This is Part 1 of my interview with this courageous woman. Please come back on Thursday to hear the rest of her story. In 2012, Jessica Peterson suffered the horrific loss of all three of her daughters through domestic violence. She talks with Kim about her journey of hope and helping others. She encourages others to accept the change that happens, both good and bad, and find the balance to continue living. Jessica shares her beautiful daughters Amara, Sophie and Cecelia in her book Thistles & Thorns which you can find wherever you buy books. You can find out more about Jessica on her WEBSITE: https://thistlesandthorns3x.squarespace.com/ If you have experienced the loss of a child or know someone who has, here are two resources that may be helpful: The Compassionate Friends website includes links to other organizations that help with child and other losses. Halos of the St. Croix Valley is a local organization that has many resources for parents who have lost a child from miscarriage to age 20. ***************** Kim Benoy is a retired RN, wife, mom, certified aromatherapist and educator who has a passion for inspiring women over 40 to live their best life now. Check out her website www.midlifewithcourage.com.

OVERVIEWRichard McDonough is a renowned real estate agent in Stillwater, Minnesota, who has built a strong reputation in the industry through his dedication to continuous learning and effective use of social media and technology. His perspective on the real estate market in Stillwater is overwhelmingly positive, shaped by his experiences and deep appreciation for the town. He views Stillwater as a beautiful small town with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a variety of activities, making it an attractive place for many people to move to. His admiration for the town is further reinforced by its consistent recognition as one of the best small towns in America. This appreciation, combined with his commitment to building relationships within the industry, has significantly contributed to his success, as evidenced by his remarkable growth in 2012 GCI from $79,000 to $485,000 in just one year.TIMESTAMPS(00:05:17) Desirable Real Estate in Scenic Stillwater(00:16:29) Luxury yacht crew life and career transition(00:24:11) From Yachting to Real Estate: Embracing Change(00:28:03) Collaboration and Communication in Real Estate(00:31:18) Maximizing Lead Generation with Google Business(00:36:42) Stillwater: A Small Town with High Home Prices(00:41:22) Enhancing credibility and effectiveness through accurate real estate dataOVERVIEWReal estate in Stillwater, Minnesota offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to major corporations, making it an attractive place to live. In a recent episode of "The Real Estate Sessions" podcast, host Bill Risser interviewed Richard McDonough, a successful real estate agent in the area, who shared insights into the local market and the challenges and opportunities it presents.Located in the St. Croix Valley, Stillwater is not just a suburb but a beautiful small town with a strong sense of community. It is home to Anderson Windows, one of the world's leading window manufacturers, and is in close proximity to other major corporations like 3M, Target, and Medtronic. This combination of small-town atmosphere and employment opportunities makes Stillwater an appealing place for both residents and businesses.One of the interesting aspects of the Stillwater real estate market, as McDonough pointed out, is that many residents have deep roots in the area. Generational homes are common, with houses being passed down within families. This means that a significant portion of McDonough's business comes from people moving into the area, attracted by the sense of community, excellent schools, and the variety of activities available.The St. Croix River, which flows through Stillwater, adds to the town's appeal. It is one of the narrowest national parks in the country and was one of the first two rivers designated as a national scenic waterway. The river offers protection and scenic beauty, making Stillwater consistently recognized as one of the best small towns in America.However, the real estate market in Stillwater is not without its challenges. McDonough highlighted the competitiveness of the industry, which can lead to inventory problems. To address this, he emphasized the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and effective communication among real estate agents and companies within the marketplace. By working together and helping each other, the real estate community can make the process smoother for everyone involved.McDonough also stressed the need for real estate agents to treat their profession as a business from day one. Many agents focus solely on transactions and wait for the phone to ring, rather than planning for their future. He compared being a real estate agent to owning a franchise, where keeping the doors open and actively seeking opportunities are

The path of a writer and poet is a solo journey.  We navigate winding, circling loops of our own stories, sitting in the caves of our memories , reliving the places that changed our understanding, sometimes forever.    These offerings to the world expose our inner world, demanding that vulnerability as payment for finding our authentic voice that echoes across the canyon walls. My guest is Heidi Barr, and she shares her own path from a childhood in South Dakota to far flung places and back to the prairies.   Our conversation is enhanced from poems from her new book, Just Wild Enough, (available in April) and her insights as a keen observer of nature and self.     In nature, we find solace, but more than that, we find a place that can open our hearts and show us pathways of intimacy and connection that might be the 'magic' that we are all seeking in this modern world.    Heidi Barr is our guide, and she already knows the way. Bio: Heidi Barr is a writer and wellness coach whose work is founded on a commitment to cultivating ways of being that are life-giving and sustainable for people, communities, and the planet. She is the author of several books of creative nonfiction, including Collisions of Earth and Sky and Woodland Manitou, and co author of 12 Tiny things. She's also authored two poetry collections, one cookbook, and is editor of “The Mindful Kitchen,” a wellness column in The Wayfarer Magazine. One of the inaugural Poets of Place for the lower St. Croix Valley, her poetry has been featured in numerous publications, including the St. Paul Almanac and South Dakota in Poems. She lives with her family in Lindstrom, where they tend a large vegetable garden, explore nature, and do their best to live simply. Her next book of poetry, Just Wild Enough is due out in April. Connect with Heidi: https://heidibarr.com/ https://heidibarr.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heidicbarr/ https://www.facebook.com/HeidiBarrwriter/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-barr-3884107/ Book Link:  Collisions of Earth & Sky   https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506482545/Collisions-of-Earth-and-Sky Join the Forest Educator Patreon! https://patreon.com/ForestEducatorPodcast Connect with Ricardo: https://www.foresteducator.com/ https://www.theforestboxforkids.com/ https://www.hawkcircle.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-sierra-5980931/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_forest_educator_podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RicardohawkSierra

Welcome to an exciting episode where we introduce you to the dynamic duo behind Rainfall Therapy and Consulting, Cimena and TaNesha. They bring a unique blend of psychotherapy and life coaching to the table, and what makes their approach even more special is the option to incorporate equine companions into the healing process. This powerful combination serves as an excellent complement to our equine day retreats.In today's conversation, we delve into the inspiring journey that led Cimena and TaNesha to establish Rainfall Therapy and Consulting. From the discovery of their individual purposes and passions to the creation of a welcoming community, their story is one of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of helping others.Rainfall Therapy and Consulting takes center stage in the latest edition of Healthy in the Valley, a valuable digital resource freely available to the entire St. Croix Valley community. This publication features some of the area's finest business owners dedicated to health and wellness. Whether you're seeking psychotherapy, life coaching, or other wellness services, these professionals are ready to guide you on your journey to living your best life—mind, body, and soul.If you're a local resident of the St. Croix Valley in Hudson, WI, seize the opportunity to grab your FREE copy of Healthy in the Valley. Simply visit www.healthyinthevalley.com or connect with us on Instagram. Send us a DM with the word "Offers," and we'll promptly share the latest insights and offerings with you—no email required. Join us in exploring the avenues to a healthier and more fulfilling life!Connect with Rainfall Therapy and ConsultingInstagramFacebook

This episode titled "Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-Being" was one of the most popular episodes of the Puberty Prof Podcast. I hope you enjoy listening to this replay! Part of growing up includes figuring out how to handle your feelings, especially when moodiness occurs. In this episode, Elle Mark, a certified prevention professional and 2020 Miss Croix Valley representative, provides recommendations for positive emotional health. The Campaign for Change Direction is also explained which includes “5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being.” Originally released during the first year of the Puberty Prof Podcast, this episode is an audience favorite! More about this episode's guest: Elle Mark is a Certified Prevention Professional with a passion to prevent youth substance use and promote mental and emotional well-being. Elle currently serves as the Prevention Education Manager for the Know the Truth Prevention Program working to empower students across the state of Minnesota to be substance free. In her spare time, Elle serves as Miss St. Croix Valley promoting the Campaign the Change Direction and their “5 Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being”.  You can follow Elle on Facebook and Instagram @MissStCroixValleyFestival2020 as well as on Twitter @MissElleMark Have a question you want answered on the Puberty Prof podcast? Ask them on the Puberty Prof's website page. Remember to check out the TALK Puberty app to further help you start and continue conversations. This app allows you to go over specific topics at your own speed and comfort level. Sections include: Basic Questions About Puberty, Questions About Most Girls, Questions About Most Boys, Other Questions Children Often Ask, and Open-Ended Questions. Another resource that can provide you with more information for what questions children might ask is the book Common Questions Children Ask About Puberty . This book is the recipient of the Mom's Choice Gold Award, the B.R.A.G. Medallion Medal, and the Wishing Shelf Bronze Award.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The St. Croix Valley is made up of St. Croix Falls, WI, Taylors Falls, MN, and their surrounding communities. It's full of natural beauty and small town charm. Check out this week's episode of On the Road with That Wisconsin Couple to hear our recommendations in order to explore, taste, and enjoy all this area has to offer in a weekend getaway!CLICK HERE FOR A FULL RECAP & ALL THE LINKS!CLICK HERE TO BUY OUR GOOGLE MAP!G: @thatwisconsincoupleFB: @thatwisconsincoupleLeave us your feedback here!

Get ready for today's episode, where we're diving headfirst into a business venture that's not just fun, but capital F-U-N! It's all about easy, automated, and game-changing impact.Say hello to "Healthy in the Valley." This brilliant concept was born just over a year ago, and let me tell you, it's single-handedly become the most transformative spoke in my business wheel.I can hardly contain my excitement as I spill all the delicious details. We'll uncover the Who, What, Why, and How behind this exciting journey, and you'll discover how it's made easy-peasy with automation.If you happen to be a Health and Wellness provider in the St. Croix Valley, you won't want to miss this – the membership for the 6th edition of "Healthy in the Valley" is closing its doors on September 30th!But hey, if you're tuning in from outside the St. Croix Valley, don't you worry. This out-of-the-box idea might just spark something brilliant for you too. Tune in, and let's uncover the magic together!

Derek Hom talks about quitting his engineering job, building a food trailer (including plumbing, electrical, etc.), learning how to make Belgian Liege Waffles, setting up his business, and selling his waffles and coffee at a brewery just six weeks later. Wilder Waffle Co. is now in business, and you can enjoy their waffles and coffee at various events in the St. Croix Valley. Derek's five-month-old son, Henry, joined us during this recording. Henry was the inspiration behind this career change for Derek. After contemplating daycare costs and potential missed time during these younger years, Derek and his wife decided to shift toward a career that would allow him to stay home with Henry.Find Wilder Waffle Co. on Facebook and Instagram. Support the showThis podcast is a part of Getoutandtry.com FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | LINKEDIN | YOUTUBE | PINTEREST | TIKTOK

I'm so excited to introduce you to Lindsey Robison, owner of LIGHT HOUSE Yoga + Fitness.  Where members discover inner + outer strength with sweat-dripping, soul-gripping classes that will LIGHT you up and help you uncover your potential. Making you feel your best, inside + out.In this episode we get into the story of how it came to be, the journey of finding her purpose and passion along with creating a community of their perfect people coming in their doors. LIGHT HOUSE Yoga + Fitness is part of the latest edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness and ready to serve you to live your best lif   e in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.comEpisode #79: Create a Community that Connects & Catapults with Lindsey Robison Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to introduce you to Carrie Young and Beth Beth Przybylski of Evensong Women's Health and Midwifery.   Your Certified Nurse-Midwife team serving Western Wisconsin and the East Metro areas.In this episode we get into the story of how it came to be, the journey of finding their purpose and passion along with creating a community of their perfect people coming in their doors. Evensong Women's Health and Midwifery is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you to live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com#healthandwellness#stcroixvalley#hudsonwi#stillwatermn#riverfallswi#healthyinthevalley Did you love today's podcast?

This episode comes directly from a few conversations I had this past week.  Since I feel so passionately about it, I had to bump up this topic and get it out of my head.  As a former business owner who relied heavily on word of mouth, I would of probably skipped this episode.  Thinking, “you know nothing.”However, now after 14 years in business, I know full well that even though word of mouth is awesome, it should NOT be relied on to bring people in our doors. The trouble many business owners have is that they attempt too many marketing options or platforms.  And because they are stretched so thin, they don't do anything excellent and get super frustrated with themselves and the lack of growth. Today we're going to lean into the concept of “one to many” and I have three great examples on how to do this.  Perhaps one of these ideas will give you the aha you need to start or lean into a marketing strategy that you do consistently. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com    #brickandmortarvisibilityforstudioowners#businesscoachforstudioowners#brickandmortarvisibilitypodcast#marketingforstudioonwers#scalingastudiobusiness#dancestudioowner#yogastudioonwer#pilatesstudioowner#musicstudiownerDid you love today's podcast?

On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Grettelyn and Albert speak with Eileen Douglass, the Head of School of Chesterton Academy of the St. Croix Valley. She talks about her journey to leading a Chesterton Academy as well as the important role that the classical education plays in the lives of the high school students. Tune in to this episode!

I'm so excited to introduce you to Anna Johnson founder of The Butterfly Path. In this episode we get into the story of how it came to be, the journey of finding her purpose and passion along with creating a community of of people who are helping others who are struggling with mental illness. The Butterfly Path is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. If you'd like to donate to help others in our community get receive the help and resources they need to better their life and those around them, please consider a small donation here.  This is the best place to donate as their are no processing fees taken out. Gold Tournament Details Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com#healthandwellness#stcroixvalley#hudsonwi#stillwatermn#riverfallswi#healthyinthevalley Did you love today's podcast?

Author Heidi Barr shares how to live with intention and the importance of ceremony, rewilding spirituality, and contemplating the wild silence. Heidi explains, "Being in relationship with the outdoor world is the foundation of my writing."  We discuss her newly published book, Collisions of Earth and Sky: Connecting with Nature for Nourishment, Reflection, and Transformation. This is the perfect conversation for those who are feeling the novelty of the New Year subside, are battling with the montoney of February, or just need a moment to check in with yourself. About Heidi Barr:Heidi Barr lives in eastern Minnesota (Mni Sota Makoce in Dakota) near the St. Croix River — on ancestral and contemporary lands of the Wahpekute (Dakota), a place that also holds significance for Ojibwe and Ho Chunk people — with her family where they tend a large organic vegetable garden, explore nature and do their best to live simply.  As a mother, spouse, gardener, wellness coach, and writer, she is committed to cultivating ways of being that are life-giving and sustainable for people, communities and the planet. Hiking through forests and across prairies, wading in streams, digging in the soil and surrounding herself with natural wonder helps her stay grounded in reality.  Author of Slouching toward Radiance, 12 Tiny Things, Cold Spring Hallelujah, What Comes Next, Woodland Manitou: To Be on Earth, and Prairie Grown: Stories and Recipes from a South Dakota Hillside, she is also the editor of The Mindful Kitchen, a wellness column in The Wayfarer Magazine. Every now and then she coordinates with yoga teachers and organic farms to offer retreat experiences and always makes really good scones.  Her next book, Collisions of Earth and Sky: Connecting with Nature for Nourishment, Reflection, and Transformation comes out in January 2023.In 2022, Heidi was a Poet of Place, a group of five regional poets who are advocates and ambassadors for poetry and creativity in the lower St. Croix Valley.Connect with Heidi:Web: https://heidibarr.comIG: @heidicbarrFB: Heidi BarrLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-barr-3884107/

I'm so excited to introduce you to Emily Jacobson of Healing Roots in River Falls WI.  In this episode we get into the story of Healing Roots. How it came to be, the journey of finding her purpose and passion along with creating a community of clients that are her most favorite people. Healing Roots is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com#healthandwellness#stcroixvalley#hudsonwi#stillwatermn#riverfallswi#healthyinthevalley Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to introduce you to Autumn Enloe. In this episode we get into the story of how Autumn Enloe got started as a certified dietitian and nutritionist. She is here on the podcast to help us studio owners and other business owners (let's be real) with managing our stress through nutrition.  I'm not sure about you, but eating for as a studio owner is hard some days.  We have full days, and many studio owners are teaching in the evening.  So how can we keep us running well when maybe the snack time isn't always available for us.  Listen in as Autumn shares her best tips and wisdom for fueling our bodies so our mind, body and spirit can soar! Autumn Enloe is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com#healthandwellness#stcroixvalley#hudsonwi#stillwatermn#riverfallswi#healthyinthevalley Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to introduce you to Brittany Young-Sanchez  owner of  Velocity Physical TherapyIn this episode we get into the story of Velocity Physical Therapy. How it came to be, the journey of finding her purpose and passion along with creating a community of clients that are her most favorite people. Velocity Physical Therapy  is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to introduce you to Ashley Labore owner of  Align Optimal WellnessIn this episode we get into the story of Align Optimal Wellness. How it came to be, the journey of finding his purpose and passion along with creating a community of clients that are her favorite people.  Ashley also shares a few nuggets of wisdom as a mom and business owner along with her own visibility strategy that has been super powerful. Align Optimal Wellness is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to introduce you to Greg Garves of Leadership Martial ArtsIn this episode we get into the story of Leadership Martial Arts. How it came to be, the journey of finding his purpose and passion along with creating a community of clients that are her favorite people. Greg share some great nuggets about business ownership and how to live a more joy filled life. Leadership Martial Arts is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com Did you love today's podcast?

I'm so excited to re-introduce you to Dr. Kaitlin Haider of Your Fit PT in  Hudson, WI.In this episode we get into the story of Your Fit PT. How it came to be, the journey of finding her purpose and passion along with creating a community of clients that are her favorite people. Dr. Kaitlin also shares what visibility strategy has been best for her in her boutique fitness studio. Dr. Kaitlin and her fabulous practice Your Fit PT is part of the 4th edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com Did you love today's podcast?

Meet Kelli Espiritu! Kelli is a wife, momma to 4 boys -3 that run and 1 that flies, and the Founder, Director, and Heart behind Halos of the St. Croix Valley, a hometown non-profit supporting families experiencing the loss of a child emotionally, financially, and ongoing from ages 0-20, in New Richmond WI. We visited with Kelli to talk about Halos, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and her personal journey of “that foreign feeling”- the mental health ups and downs that come with walking the path as a bereaved parent. Not only did we get her take on these topics but an inside view on how grief is different for everyone, how your story matters and can help others, how normal it is to be in fight or flight mode as you grieve, and the reality of seeking a healthy balance that enables you to work hard but love your family harder.Support the show

In this episode, John Duntley talks about River Valley Trails and their upcoming annual Autumn Trek event. This year is the 23rd year for this event where riders of all abilities can choose from four ride loops: 25mi, 45mi, 65mi and 101mi.John also talks about the bike safety programs as well as other community events that River Valley Trails has contributed to. Most recently, they have partnered with Limitless Cycling as a fiscal sponsor to aid the organization's mission of bringing adaptive cycling opportunities to the St. Croix Valley. From Rivervalleytrails.org:River Valley Trails is a nonprofit (501c3) organization of dedicated volunteers in Western Wisconsin working together to:Expand and support non-motorized access to roads and trailsAdvance and advocate for safe bicycling educationPromote bicycling events and activities for all agesWork with other like-minded groups and initiativesOther organizations that John mentions in this episode:Limitless CyclingHudson HospitalHudson YMCABike MinnesotaWillow River State ParkKinnickinnic State ParkChristian Community HomesArt Doyle's Spokes and PedalsCrank Works BicyclesHudson Police Explorers ProgramSt. Croix Bicycle CoalitionWisconsin Bicycle Federation Big Guys BBQ Roadhouse Hudson Wisconsin's hottest venue for live music and smoked barbecue roadhouse.Support the show

Listen to Susan Haugh, Program Director at Belwin Conservancy talk about the Bison Prairie at Belwin Conservancy. The Bison Prairie is a partnership that Belwin has had for many years with North Star Bison.   Want to see upcoming events in the St. Croix Valley? Visit Getoutandtry.com often and stay up-to-date on all of the events and happenings in the St. Croix Valley.Are you a St. Croix Valley business that is offering events? Let's get them listed on our calendar - there is always a complementary option for you to add to the calendar.  CLICK HERE to learn about all of the ways we are spreading the word about events and happenings in the St. Croix Valley.  Support the show

Hudson's St. Croix RiverFest is back this year from June 19-23, 2022. Listen to Katie talk about some of the amazing activities happening at this year's festival. Check out Stcroixriverfest.org for a full festival lineup. Want to see upcoming events in the St. Croix Valley? Visit Getoutandtry.com often and stay up-to-date on all of the events and happenings in the St. Croix Valley.Are you a St. Croix Valley business that is offering events? Let's get them listed on our calendar - there is always a complementary option for you to add to the calendar.  CLICK HERE to learn about all of the ways we are spreading the word about events and happenings in the St. Croix Valley! Support the show

Lu and Damon of Croix Valley not only slay it on the competition circuit in BBQ, SCA, World Food, and ancillary. They also have a great line of award-winning barbecue and grilling sauces, marinades BBQ rubs & Seasonings, and Bloody Mary products. You have also probably seen them on one of their many TV appearances, including BBQ Brawl and Guys Grocery Games to name a couple. We talk Steak comps, BBQ, and much more

Meet Dr. Jeremy Bischoff - a leader in his industry and powerhouse brick + mortar business owner who's passionate about serving those who want to restore function and be able to live the life they were meant for on their terms.Dr. Jeremy Bischoff  is part of the 2nd edition of Healthy in the Valley. Healthy in the Valley is a FREE digital resource for the entire St. Croix Valley.  In each publication, you'll find the areas best &  leading business owners who are passionate about health and wellness. Helping and serving  you live your best life in mind, body and soul. So if you're local to the St. Croix Valley in Hudson WI - I invite you to grab your FREE copy by going to www.healthyinthevalley.com Did you love today's podcast?

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson talk to longtime (and just retired) New York Times Personal Health columnist Jane Brody about her career, her thoughts on health and nutrition  matters and her time in the St. Croix Valley (4:00); and Katie Sickmann, invasive species coordinator for the Wild Rivers Conservancy on where things stand with invasives in and along the river (44:30). Also, an update of local news (38:30). Matt Quast is technical director.Show LinksThis Week's GuestsJane Brody, Personal Health Columnist, The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/by/jane-e-brodyKatie Sickmann, Wild Rivers Conservancyhttps://wildriversconservancy.orgArticle LinksJane Brody's final column for The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/21/well/health-advice-diet-smoking.htmlAn ode to Jane by columnist Tara Parker Popehttps://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/24/well/live/jane-brody-personal-health-retires.htmlWrap-up of Emily Ford's journey in the Boundary Watershttps://www.twincities.com/2022/03/23/mother-nature-cuts-short-duluth-adventurers-wintertime-trek-across-bwca/Star Tribune story on solar gardens in Scandiahttps://www.startribune.com/solar-garden-beauty-in-eye-of-beholder/600157619/?refresh=true&fbclid=IwAR3SKOjlqpZcxIExgZhStk8Ej0_GUFVgkq7ZAhO8U_PZuiPj2AldYBm2eVIGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. Croix https://www.marineonstcroix.orgCity of Scandia https://www.cityofscandia.comMay Township:https://www.townofmay.orgWashington County https://www.co.washington.mn.us/William O'Brien State Park on prescribed burns651-539-4981Event LinksScandia Marine Lions Service Project Sampler Dayhttps://www.scandiamarinelions.org/event/service-project-sampler-day-2022/The Big Readhttps://www.stcroixsplash.org/categories/bigreadscv/Business/Organization Links:Marine Community Libraryhttps://marinecommunitylibrary.orgMarine Village School https://www.marinevillageschool.orgScandia Fire and Rescue Squad ApplicationCall 651-433-4383National Park Service Osceola Landing Projecthttps://www.nps.gov/sacn/getinvolved/osceola-plan.htm

Damon and Lu Holter were never supposed to own a steak sauce and spice brand. But thanks to a single homemade steak dinner and a passion for flavor, the two have gone on to build Croix Valley Foods into a household name around the globe. They hopped on the Independent Thinking Podcast to share their story, which shares roots with the independent retail world. 

Emily sits down with the host of the It's Hard podcast, Paige Boner. It's Hard is a top 3 podcast in Minnesota and was recently the cover of the St. Croix Valley magazine. Paige is a Mental Health Advocate and her podcast is centered around the stigma of mental health and advocacy. We touch on Paige's recent move to Utah, starting a new job, and her nephew's recent heart transplant and how that has affected her mental health. She has recently released a workbook centered around creating yourself. Paige believes that life is like a house and that we have to build our foundation first and with that can come the renovations, add-ons, paint jobs, etc. It's a beautiful analogy and this workbook will help you create your own foundation. Link is below!Resources:It's Hard Website: https://www.itshardpodcast.com/Creating Yourself Workbook: https://www.itshardpodcast.com/hard-goodsIt's Hard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itshardpodcast/Paige Boner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigeboner/Vocal Vault Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vocalvaultpodcast/Sather Audio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satheraudio/Olivia Garner Designs: https://www.oliviagarnerdesign.com/ 

Hosts Jim Maher and Gayle Knutson kick off a new season in discussion with Amy Hagstrom Miller, St, Croix Valley native and founder of Whole Woman's Health and a strong advocate for abortion rights who has been in the media spotlight after the recent enactment of legislation in Texas that effectively curtailed abortions in that state (6:30); and Ginger Porcella, Executive Director and Chief Curator, Franconia Sculpture Park on new and upcoming activities at this St. Croix Valley institution (35:30). Also featured is a roundup of local news (30:00). The show also marks the debut of our new theme music, "Turn the Radio On" by the Suburbs – music and lyrics by Chan Poling. Thanks Chan!Matt Quast is Teachnical Director.SHOW LINKSAmy Hagstrom Miller, Whole Woman's Healthhttps://www.wholewomanshealth.comGinger Shulick Porcellahttps://www.franconia.orgThe Suburbshttps://thesuburbsband.comGovernment Links:City of Marine on St. Croix – 651-433-3636https://www.marineonstcroix.orgCity of Scandia – 651-433-3374https://www.cityofscandia.comMay Township:https://www.townofmay.orgClerk Treasurer Linda Tibbetts – 651-439-1706 / or linda@townofmay.orgWashington County https://www.co.washington.mn.us/Podcast LinksPolitical Gabfest (Emily Bazelon on Texas abortion case) – Sep. 2https://slate.com/podcasts/political-gabfest/2021/09/texas-abortion-banPolitical Gabfest (more Emily on abortion cases and legal possibilities) – Sep. 23https://slate.com/podcasts/political-gabfest/2021/09/two-democrats-threaten-biden-agendaBusiness/Organization Links:Marine Community Libraryhttps://marinecommunitylibrary.orgMarine Village Schoolhttps://www.marinevillageschool.orgMarine Mills Folk Schoolhttps://marinemillsfolkschool.orgCarnelian Marine Watershed Districthttps://www.cmscwd.orgBig River Farms volunteer eventhttps://thefoodgroupmn.volunteerhub.com/event/44a97035-38cf-4288-ab8f-a25e2ebfef8bYour Home Café in Scandiahttps://www.facebook.com/yourhomecafescandia