TrueLens Podcast (audio only)

Woodbury Central Park Renovation

Ann sits down with City of Woodbury Parks and Recreation Director Michelle Okada to explore the newly renovated Central Park — a reimagined community hub that’s better than ever. Discover the stunning new tile and mural art, the completely redesigned Lookout Ridge indoor playground, expanded meeting spaces perfect for gatherings (even weddings of 200–300 people!), a dedicated senior space, and the soon-to-be home of TrueLens Community Media. Tune in for an inside look at how Central Park is evolving to serve the community in bold, exciting ways.
 
Episode Links:
A Look at the Renovations at Woodbury Central Park
Central Park Artists
Woodbury Central Park Website
TrueLens Community Media Website

Cottage Grove Chamber + Holiday Train

Cottage Grove Chamber President and CEO Laurie Levine joins the show to celebrate all things local! We chat about the 328 Grill, a bit of Park High School history, and the exciting holiday events coming up — including the beloved Holiday Train. Plus, Laurie shares her take on tattoos, local businesses, and what makes south Washington County such a special community.
 
Episode Links:
Why Cottage Grove is a great place to grow your business!
328 Grill
Park High School History
www.TrueLensMedia.org
www.cottagegrovechamber.org
Holiday Train
Santa Breakfast
Cookies with Santa
 
 
 
 

Chamber Pride and a Life-Saving Moment

Join Ann as she chats with Laurie Staiger, President & CEO of the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, for a fun and heartfelt conversation.
You’ll hear:
What Laurie really loves about the Chamber
The story behind Woodbury’s oldest restaurant, Ronally’s Pasta and Pizza
A powerful, emotional moment when a man suffers a heart attack while jogging and the community members who saved his life
A hauntingly good roundup of Halloween events coming up
…and more!!!!
It’s inspiring, surprising, and full of hometown pride - with a spooky little twist. Press play and get into the fall vibe with us!
 
Episode Links:
Steve Wills
From Collapse to Comeback
Ronally’s Pasta and Pizza
TrueLens Community Media
Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce
Election information
Woodbury Central Park
Cottage Grove Monster Bash Parade
Dodge Halloween Extravaganza
Woodbury Halloween Hoopla
 
 

Newport Mayor Laurie Elliott

In this episode, we're joined by Mayor Laurie Elliott of Newport! We talk about the city’s new dog park, explore the local library and community center, and chat with Mayor Elliott about exciting future projects in the works. Plus, we’ll fill you in on some great upcoming events around town. 
 
Show Links:
Newport Dog Park
Newport Library and Community Center
TrueLensMedia.org

St. Paul Park Mayor Keith Franke

In this lively episode, Ann is joined by Mayor Keith Franke from St. Paul Park to talk about what sparked his passion for local politics and community service. Together, they dive into some fun TrueLens video stories — from Mik Mart’s hometown ice cream business to rising country star Hailey James. And don’t miss the trip down memory lane as they uncover the quirky history of the vegetable fights!
 
Show Links:
Hailey James
Mik Mart
TrueLens Community Media
City of St. Paul Park
St. Paul Park Heritage Days
Newport Pioneer Day
Woodbury Days

Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey

Mayor Myron Bailey joins Ann for a hometown-flavored episode! They reminisce about growing up in Cottage Grove—think Cheap Skate, Pine Hill Elementary, and the old dairy store - where nickle candy was totally a thing.
They also check out TrueLens videos featuring Riggs the therapy dog, the mystery of renamed streets, and local legend Gary Spooner. Bonus: the Mayor reveals his Trekkie side! 🖖
 
Show Links:
cottagegrovemn.org
TrueLensMedia.org
Why Cottage Grove Street Names Changed
Riggs
Gary Spooner
 
 
 

Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt

Episode #1
Join TrueLens Community Media Executive Director Ann Schweisguth with special guest co-host Mayor Anne Burt of Woodbury
Hop aboard this lively episode of the TrueLens Podcast, where we zoom through all things local—from high-tech transit to hometown history!
🚐 First stop: the Metro Micro Bus—a ride-share-style service that’s like Uber or Lyft.📰 Next, meet the Woodbury New Net, a fresh digital news source bringing you hyper-local stories.🌳 Then, get the scoop on Woodbury’s Tree Replacement Program.🕰️ Time-travel with us as we spotlight Dr. Arthur Steen, one of the first doctors in south Washington County.🎓🎆 Finally, don’t miss our roundup of upcoming events, from high school graduations (congrats, Woodbury, East Ridge, and Park!) to the Cottage Grove Strawberry Festival and July 4th celebrations.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or just curious, this episode is packed with fun, facts, and future-forward community news!
 
Show Links:
metrotransit.org/micro
woodburynewsnet.org
woodburymn.gov/TreeRebate
www.woodburymn.gov/1325/Private-Ash-Tree-Removal-Assessment-Prog
cottagegrovestrawberryfest.com
TrueLensMedia.org