Episodios

  • St. Paul Locks in Budget, 30 Years of Splendid Table, and Honeycrisp Gets a Sequel

    St. Paul Locks in Budget, 30 Years of Splendid Table, and Honeycrisp Gets a Sequel
    Dec 5 2025
    St. Paul managed to pass their 2026 city budget with unanimous 7-0 approval from the city council – meanwhile, the Minneapolis city council and mayor's office are gearing up for what will likely be a long, drawn-out debate over the Minneapolis budget. Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Tane Danger and producer Adam Sage to break down what St. Paul residents are getting out of the 2026 budget, and how much it's going to cost. Later, Splendid Table co-creator and managing producer Sally Swift joins the conversation to talk about 30 years of producing the award-winning public radio show, and the team gets into some Twin Cities Wins. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Key takeaways as the St. Paul City Council approves its 2026 budget (Star Tribune) St. Paul City Council approves budget, property tax increase (MPR) Investigation of St. Paul police after ICE raid delayed; immigrant defense fund established (Star Tribune) Budget battle brewing between mayor and outgoing Minneapolis City Council (Star Tribune) The Splendid Table Celebrates Thirty Years Tonight at the Fitzgerald Razava Bread Co. Tori Ramen Hai Hai Nixta Minneapolis mayor acts to deter possible federal crackdown as Somali community braces for ICE (MPR) Vegan butcher shop in Minneapolis will appear on Guy Fieri's 'Triple D Nation' (Bring Me The News) U of M to license new fruit varieties, including a sequel to the Honeycrisp apple (MPR) NABJ-MN and the CBJ Announce Partnership Supporting Emerging Black Journalists (NABJ-MN) Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    37 m
  • Trump Targets Somali Minnesotans, and the Neo-Nazi AI Cartoon About a Local Lawyer

    Trump Targets Somali Minnesotans, and the Neo-Nazi AI Cartoon About a Local Lawyer
    Dec 4 2025
    Trump’s new push for mass deportations is already sending fear through Minnesota’s Somali community, and we break down some of the more offensive comments he threw at Minnesota and its residents this week. Today, host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Em Cassel of Racket and City Cast producer Tiffany Bui to break down what we know, what we don’t, and how people on the ground are navigating the uncertainty. Then, the bizarre rise of a right-wing AI cartoon that pulled an unsuspecting Twin Cities policy researcher into its orbit, and a long-awaited sandwich shop is ready to make its Minneapolis debut. Learn more about the stories discussed in this episode: Monarca Rapid Response Line Trump says he doesn't want Somalis in the US, urges them to go back to their homeland and fix it (Star Tribune) Minneapolis, St. Paul leaders respond to reports of ICE operations targeting Somalis (MPR News) Trump administration to withhold some SNAP funding until Minnesota turns over data (Star Triune) The Racist, AI-Generated Future of Entertainment (Atlantic) Social media AI bot targets Minneapolis attorney and liberal political commentator (MPR News) Long-awaited weed-themed sandwich shop opens in Minneapolis next week (Bring Me The News) Handroll Sushi, Labubu Macarons, and the Opening of Multiple Bird-Named Restaurants (Racket) Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    33 m
  • We Gotta Kill These Fish. Also, Free Shoveling in Whittier and World AIDS Day

    We Gotta Kill These Fish. Also, Free Shoveling in Whittier and World AIDS Day
    Dec 3 2025
    The Whittier Alliance neighborhood organization is partnering with the City of Minneapolis to provide free snow shoveling for residents of the Whittier neighborhood, and 25/hr part-time work for anyone who wants to shovel. Today, host Sean McPherson is joined by independent journalist Katie Thornton and MPR Newsroom Coordinator Denzel Belin to talk shoveling and to learn more about some invasive fish that could threaten the entire Great Lakes fishing industry. The team also breaks down how local organizations in the Twin Cities are recognizing World AIDS Day this year in light of the federal government's refusal to do so. Learn more about the stories discussed in this episode: Whittier's Snow Patrol Pilot Program (Whittier Alliance) The Feds Who Kill Bloodsucking Parasites (New Yorker) Minnesota community raising awareness of World AIDS Day, despite no U.S. observance (MPR) The Red Undie Run (Aliveness Project) Hennepin County HIV Services Red Door Clinic Aliveness Project Youth AIDS Project Annex Teen Clinic Learn more about the sponsors of this December 3rd episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    32 m
  • Top Holiday Markets, 31 Years of Grinch, and Public Radio’s Problem

    Top Holiday Markets, 31 Years of Grinch, and Public Radio’s Problem
    Dec 2 2025
    We’re hardcore into the holiday season, so City Cast producer Tiffany ranks her top three holiday markets you have to visit. We’re joined by Dean Holt, who’s been part of the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” since 1994. Dean reflects on the enduring legacy (and now sellability) of the big green guy. Plus, longtime radio producer and contributor Sam Choo talks about “Listeners Like Who? Exclusion and Resistance in the Public Radio Industry”, a book unpacking public radio’s problem with representation. Local musician Carlisle Evans Peck also shares their song, “Lover, I’m An Anthem.” Read more about what we talked about: European Christmas Market at Union Depot Field and Festival Holiday Market at Wagners Garden Center Raging Art On at Gamut Gallery A Handmade Holiday Market 2025 at Bruhaven Craft Co. No Coast Craft o’ Rama at Midtown Global Market Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at Children’s Theatre Company Listeners Like Who? Exclusion and Resistance in the Public Radio Industry by Laura Garbes Listen to Carlisle Evans Peck’s New Single "Danse Macabre" Learn more about the sponsors of this December 2nd episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    34 m
  • Your December Guide and John Munson on Music, Recovery, and Gratitude

    Your December Guide and John Munson on Music, Recovery, and Gratitude
    Dec 1 2025
    It’s the busiest time of the year, but we’ve got your guide to enjoying December to the fullest. John Munson of The New Standards joins us to talk about returning to the State Theatre for their annual holiday show. After recovering from a stroke, John says he has even more to be grateful for this season. Read more about what we talked about: Jesus Christ Superstar at the Ordway Music Theater Sarah Morris and the Sometimes Elves 19th Annual Holiday Show Holidays On Hennepin Watershed Spa Red Undie Run Shooters Billiard Club HandsOn Twin Cities Holiday Volunteering Brave New Workshop: The Chaos of the Bells The New Standards Holiday Show Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    35 m
  • The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including the Twin Cities!)

    The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including the Twin Cities!)
    Nov 26 2025
    Join City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, and Seattle for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now. Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping! Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
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    46 m
  • Thanksgiving Meal Deals, and How To Set Boundaries at the Table

    Thanksgiving Meal Deals, and How To Set Boundaries at the Table
    Nov 25 2025
    For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy time with folks you love. But for many others, it can cause financial stress, anxiety over hosting, and fear that your relatives are going to say something that makes you feel unwelcome. Today on City Cast Twin Cities, Host Sean McPherson is joined by Dr. Katie Loth of the University of Minnesota Medical School and Contributor Tane Danger to talk about how to have constructive dialogue with your family and create an inclusive environment at the dinner table. Later, Producer Tiffany Bui joins the conversation to share where you can get a Thanksgiving meal if you don't want to cook it, and resources for folks who are worried they won't be able to afford the holiday this year. The team also takes a moment to honor the life and legacy of legendary Twin Cities musician Jellybean Johnson, who passed away over the weekend. Special thanks to Jazz88 for allowing us to air a snippet of Sean's interview with Jellybean back in 2022. Learn more about the stories discussed in today's episode: Sean's favorite cranberry sauce recipe (epicurious) Talking healthy eating behaviors with University of Minnesota (U of M) How the Danger Boat Productions and the Humphrey School are Teaching Students to Bridge Political Divides (Danger Boat Productions) Where to Get Thanksgiving Dinner (MSP Mag) Holiday Meals From Cub (Cub Foods) Thanksgiving resource guide 2025: Free meals, food distributions, and support services across Minnesota (Spokesman Recorder) Where to get free food and meals for Thanksgiving day (KARE 11) Free Thanksgiving Meals (mn.gov) Free Thanksgiving Meal at Hoggsbreath Bar and Grill (Facebook) Remembering Jellybean Johnson (The Current) Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode: Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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    39 m
  • Mary Lucia Is Harder to Relate To (And We Love It)

    Mary Lucia Is Harder to Relate To (And We Love It)
    Nov 24 2025
    Host Sean McPherson is definitely taking breaks during the Turkey Trot on Thursday, and that’s totally fine. Contributor PaviElle French tells us other ways you can pre and post-game your Thanksgiving meal. Plus, another radio legend, Mary Lucia, sits down with Sean to talk about her new memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To.” After living through a traumatic stalking experience, she created new holiday traditions, designed her book cover, and leaned on herself. Plus, Mary tells Sean why her pugs are just old men in dog form. Read more about what we talked about on today’s show: Get Mary Lucia’s ⁠new book⁠ tomorrow, Nov. 25 Plan your week with our ⁠events calendar ⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
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    35 m