Rochester Local Podcast

Rebecca Montpetit

4.8 (4)
Society & Culture
Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people that live in Rochester MN, and hear their stories of life in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the local happenings!

02/06/2025

Episode 24 | Devon Hugdahl

This episode of the Rochester Local Podcast features Devon Hugdahl, a museum professional, screen printer, and artist who has collaborated with local bands and organizations like the Rochester Art Center and Thaw Music Festival to create custom screen-printed posters and art. Devin discusses his creative process, love of community radio, and favorite spots in Rochester. Host Becky Montpetit and Devon also discuss some scandalous history of Rochester involving a 1925 police raid on a strip poker party. Devin shares his passion for cooking, fatherhood, and art and plans to showcase preserved printing equipment during the Rochester History Center's centennial celebration. Community Stations Recommended By Devon KFAI - https://kfai.org WMSE - https://wmse.org WORT - https://www.wortfm.org KGNU - https://kgnu.org

46 min
10/28/2024

Episode 23 | Matt & Julie Ruzek

In episode #23 of the Rochester Local podcast, we’re chatting with local couple, Matt and Julie Ruzek. Both Matt and Julie have backgrounds in education — 🚀 Matt is the current principal at John Marshall High School. ❤️ Julie spent many years with the Rochester Public Schools district and is now the Executive Director of Cradle to Career - a community initiative organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for young people. ➡️ Join us for this conversation as we talk about their lives as educators, raising kids in Rochester, the upcoming RPS referendum, and who LIED to get a first date with the other. 😉

59 min
07/24/2024

Episode 22 | Will Forsman, Cafe Steam & Colorway Coffee Roaster

Becky is joined in this podcast by Will Forsman, co-owner of Cafe Steam and Colorway Coffee Roasters. Will started as a dishwasher at Cafe Press, which later was acquired and turned into Cafe Steam, where he moved up throughout the years to now being a co-owner. His passion for the city and the people shines throughout the discussion, and his dedication to providing the best coffee in the area is on full display!

41 min
07/03/2024

Episode 21 | Tom Wiens, City of Pine Island

In this episode, we find Becky diving deep into the world of a volunteer firefighter, an employee of Pine Island, and the youngest brother in her family. Tom Wiens works as a Maintenance Technician for the Public Works of the City of Pine Island by day, and is part of the Pine Island volunteer firefighter team by (occasional) night. A husband, father of two boys, and brother to our host, we get to learn the ins and outs of a volunteer firefighter life, public servant life, and so much more. Enjoy the conversation! ______________________________________ Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people living in Rochester MN, and hear their stories about their lives in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll keep you updated on all the local happenings! Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochestermoms Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rochester_local Send us a story lead: info@rochesterlocal.com

33 min
05/15/2024

Episode 20 | Catharine Richert, MPR

Becky is joined by Catharine Richert from MPR for the third time! The discussion revolves around Catharine's latest project, Talking Sense, on MPR, Taylor Swift's latest news, concerts, and events with Braver Angels, and the latest news around Rochester, MN.

20 min
04/09/2024

Episode 19 | Mike Wiens, Expat Living in New Zealand

So how does someone born and raised in the Rochester, MN area come to work and live in New Zealand? Find out how Mike Wiens made his way across the Pacific Ocean and put down roots just outside of Auckland. What's the biggest difference between living here and living there? What does he miss the most? And what does the US need that New Zealand has in abundance? Find out all of this and more in the latest episode of the Rochester Local Podcast. PS - Mike is Becky's brother! :) ______________________________________ Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people living in Rochester MN, and hear their stories about their lives in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll keep you updated on all the local happenings!

40 min
01/15/2024

Episode 18 | Will Ruffin II, Executive Director of Equity & Engagement - Rochester Public Schools

There's not much that gets by Will Ruffin II. As the Executive Director of Equity & Engagement for Rochester Public Schools and a career in the district that spanned over 20 years before that - he's seen a lot. How does such an important leader in our community spend his life outside of the office? A lot of the same way he spends it during his working hours, investing in those around them. Spreading and sharing the message of kindness, raising his four boys with his wife Heather, oh - and listening to jazz. ______________________________________ Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people living in Rochester MN, and hear their stories about their lives in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll keep you updated on all the local happenings!

39 min
10/04/2023

Episode 17 | Hollywood to RochMN w/ Kristen Gura Fickman - Screenwriter, and Andy Fickman - Director

So what is it about Rochester that draws two Hollywood professionals to leave LA and make our city their home? How can they still maintain their careers? What's the best part about living here? Where do they go for fun? Do they sneak in movie snacks (ethical question )? We're back for part 2 with Kristen and Andy! In part 1 we discussed everything to do with the WGA - AFTRA double strike and why it mattered to us. Now that the strike is over, we learn a bit more about Andy and Kristen and their lives in Rochester, MN. __________________ Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people living in Rochester MN, and hear their stories about their lives in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll keep you updated on all the local happenings!

41 min

4.8

out of 5

4 Ratings

Welcome to the Rochester Local Podcast! Here, we learn from the people that live in Rochester MN, and hear their stories of life in our city. Cozy up as we chat all things Rochester including how the locals have lived through the decades. Along the way, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the local happenings!

Creator

Rebecca Montpetit
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

24
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Rebecca Montpetit
Show Website

Rochester Local Podcast