TrueLens Podcast (audio only)

Phil Jents: Communications Guy, Community Connector

How does a city keep thousands of residents informed and engaged? On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, Ann Schweisguth sits down with the City of Cottage Grove Communications Manager Phil Jents to talk about the ever-changing world of local government communications. From social media and video production to websites and print media, Phil shares how Cottage Grove connects with residents. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Grovecast Podcast and other innovative ways the city reaches its audience.
Listen to the Grovecast:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYBiKmLlg5HzApjXTg63aa739T1TOcfzp
 
Watch City of Cottage Grove Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/@CottageGroveMN
 
Video created by TrueLensMedia.org

St. Paul Park: Hugo McPhee

On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, we’re talking all things St. Paul Park with City Administrator Hugo McPhee! From new faces at City Hall to community goals. Plus, hear why resident feedback matters and what’s ahead for the community.

Cottage Grove Community Showcase

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road to the Cottage Grove Community Showcase.
We caught up with Mayor Myron Bailey about all the buzz (yes, Panera and Kwik Trip made the list), plus what to expect with summer road construction. Then we sat down with Tarah Beyer from the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce —and even handed the mic to locals to share what’s on their minds.

Woodbury Community Expo

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road for this special episode, recorded at the Woodbury Community Expo at M Health Fairview Sports Center!
We were joined by guests Brian King from the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Rock U Music, along with 2025 Chamber Business of the Year winner Kelly Jahner Byrne, owner of the HOW Companies. Plus, we opened up the mic to attendees—and let’s just say, the stories did not disappoint. From inspiring to unexpected, this episode captures the true spirit of the Woodbury community.
 
TrueLens Community Media
Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce
HOW Companies
Rock U Music

Woodbury News Net

Have you checked out Woodbury News Net? This nonprofit digital newsroom keeps Woodbury, Minnesota informed—for FREE.
Co-founder and chair Susan Kent stopped by our podcast studio to share more about it!
 
Links:
Woodbury News Net
 
The Scoop
 
Dust em’ Off Snowmobile Show
 
TrueLensMedia.org
 

Washington County Update with Commissioner Karla Bigham

From roads to libraries to transit, Commissioner Karla Bigham shares what’s coming next for Washington County.
 
Links:
Cottage Grove Mayor Bailey
Woodbury Mayor Burt
washingtoncountymn.gov
TrueLensMedia.org
 

Behind the Scenes with Bob

Ann teams up with special guest co-host Bob McSherry, TrueLens Multimedia Manager, to revisit some memorable 2025 TrueLens videos. From unexpected moments to behind-the-scenes stories, they share how the magic came together.
Links:
The Grovecast
The Secret War
The Scoop
Walking Every Park in Woodbury
Navidad Con La Comunidad – Shop with a Cop
Year in the Life of Public Works Employees
TrueLensMedia.org

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