Excelsior!

Britleigh
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Excelsior! is a Twin Cities platform dedicated to the people, stories, art, music, businesses, and ideas shaping the community. Through conversations, interviews, photography, events, and independent media, Excelsior! puts the spotlight on the people doing interesting things in Minnesota. It’s a place to discover local voices, hear the stories behind the work, and connect with the people making the Twin Cities what it is.

  1. 2d ago

    Leslee Lane Hoyum Loves Rømmegrøt!

    I sat down with Leslee Lane Hoyum after meeting her while photographing Lakselaget’s July luncheon, and let me just say… this woman has DONE some things. Leslee is one of the women behind Lakselaget, a group of Norwegian-American women that was founded in 2002 to bring women together around Norwegian heritage, culture, friendship and community. I showed up to photograph the luncheon thinking I was going to take some pictures, eat some really good Norwegian food and hang out with some Norwegian women. What I didn’t expect was to discover this whole community that I somehow had no idea existed. As a Norwegian woman with Norwegian ancestors myself, getting to meet these women and hear their stories made me realize there was a whole part of my heritage I hadn’t really connected with. And Leslee’s story is pretty incredible. She has spent decades building community and strengthening connections between Minnesota and Norway, with involvement in organizations like Ski for Light, Sons of Norway, Norway House, Mindekirken and the Norwegian-American Historical Association. She has also been recognized for her work with the St. Olav Medal from King Harald V of Norway. But beyond the accomplishments, I wanted to know what makes Leslee tick. We talk about Lakselaget, Norwegian heritage, community, the things she’s accomplished over the years, and what it means to keep these traditions and connections alive. I walked into that luncheon as the photographer and left feeling like I had stumbled into a piece of my own history. Come hang out with us and meet Leslee.   Lakselaget   Check out more on www.excelsiorp.com

  2. Sep 2

    Jennifer Merrill Loves a Buttery Chardonnay!

    You may recognize Worker B from your local co-op, but did you know they have a storefront tucked inside the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis? I sat down with Jennifer Merrill, the newer owner of Worker B, and we had a lot of laughs while talking honey, skincare, Wisconsin’s wild west, and her State Fair pickle flavor—because apparently, there’s a lot more to Worker B than honey! We laughed over some slightly spoiled wine, talked small business, and got into Jennifer’s story and what it’s like taking over a beloved local business. Their storefront is such a fun place to visit. You can sample honey, check out their all-natural skincare, shop local honey products, and wander through the art-filled Northrup King Building. Come for the honey, stay for the conversation—and find out what the heck that State Fair pickle flavor is all about!

  3. Aug 20

    Caitlin Benson Loves Taro Ice Cream!

    In this episode, I sit down with cellist and musician Caitlin Benson to talk about her first solo album, Holly X.O., set to be released October 29. And there’s something you might not expect: there’s no cello on it. Caitlin opens up about the meaning behind this deeply personal project, who Holly X.O. is, where the name came from, and why this album feels like her most bare, vulnerable work yet. We go beyond the music and into Caitlin’s personal journey with addiction, healing, and stepping into a completely new chapter of her life. Holly X.O. is heavily influenced by that journey, making this more than just an album. It’s a reflection of where she’s been, what she’s overcome, and the person and artist she is becoming. This is a raw and honest conversation about music, identity, addiction, healing, and having the courage to create something completely your own. Listen in and get to know Caitlin Benson and Holly X.O. before the album arrives on October 29.   hear more www.excelsiorp.com

  4. Aug 14

    Richard Leonard Schultz Loves Smarties!

    What happens when a photographer stops chasing the next picture and takes the time to really see the one in front of them? In this episode of Excelsior!, I sit down with Twin Cities portrait and fine-art photographer Richard Leonard Schultz for one of my favorite conversations about photography. We talk about film, slowing down, and the difference between simply taking a photograph and actually making one. Richard and I dive into the idea of quality over quantity — taking a moment to sit with life, wait for the right moment, and make one photograph that says something rather than taking a thousand pictures that don't. We also talk about the complicated relationship between art and business, working with people, making a living as a photographer, and why photographers don't have to see each other as competition. There is room for all of us to make our own work, tell our own stories, and contribute something different. Richard is also a fine-art photographer who does his own printing, and hearing him talk about the craft, process, and intention behind his work gave me a whole new level of respect for what he does. Mad respect for his skill. We also talk about Richard's work on Of Distance and Time – Yav Ntuj Qub Qab, a powerful project with MN Zej Zog documenting the stories and portraits of Hmong women and elders in Minnesota. The project captures Hmong mothers, grandmothers, aunties and other respected elders, preserving stories that might otherwise be lost. This conversation reminded me why I love photography in the first place — not because of how many images we can make, but because of what can happen when we slow down enough to make one really meaningful photograph. I absolutely loved hanging out and talking photography with Richard. This is an episode you don't want to miss.   See his work here Explore more on www.excelsiorp.com

  5. Aug 4

    Magdalena Grace Loves Eggs!

    New Excelsior! Episode with Magdalena Grace! I sat down with Magdalena Grace to talk about all the things she does—from spirituality and personal growth to entrepreneurship, healing, empowerment, and her work helping people create more abundance and purpose in their lives. We also dive into her Sacred Rage Workshop, which I actually got to experience myself! We talk about what it is, why rage can be such a powerful emotion, and what happens when we actually give ourselves permission to feel it. A fun conversation about life, growth, finding your power, and a little bit of rage along the way! My 1-year-old also made a quick appearance because…podcasting with a toddler.    magdalenagrace Official: Instagram | Linktree   see more at www.excelsiorp.com

  6. Jul 27

    Khadijah Cooper Loves Wine!

    This week I got to hang out with one of my favorite local comedians, Khadijah Cooper, who somehow manages to be both absolutely hilarious and the Director of Sexuality Education. We dove into comedy, sexual health, awkward conversations, and plenty of topics that might make your grandma blush. To make things even more entertaining, my one-year-old decided to crash the podcast. Between the laughs, unexpected toddler moments, and conversations that are equal parts educational and ridiculous, this episode is a blast from start to finish. Come for the comedy, stay for the sex education... and the surprise toddler co-host. You don't want to miss this one! see more at www.excelsiorp.com

  7. Jul 22

    Five Year Anniversary with Britleigh!

    To celebrate the 5-year anniversary of Excelsior!, the microphone gets turned around as Analise, videographer for Excelsior!, interviews host Britleigh. Together, they reflect on the journey of building a community-centered storytelling platform, the power of art, creativity, photography, and the people who make Excelsior such a special place. From behind-the-scenes moments to lessons learned over five years, this candid conversation is a celebration of community, connection, and the stories that bring us together. Thanks for being part of the Excelsior! journey. Here's to the next chapter!   Learn more at www.excelsiorp.com

  8. Jul 15

    Eric Loves Pizza!

    Who knew diapers could make for such a fun conversation? 💚 In this episode of Excelsior!, I sit down with Eric Forseth, the new owner of Do Good Diapers, a Twin Cities cloth diaper service that makes cloth diapering easy for busy families. As a customer myself, I can honestly say—I LOVE their service! This episode was extra special because my one-year-old son, Wilhelm, joined us for the recording—and how fitting is that? He's been wearing Do Good Diapers since he was a baby! It was the perfect reminder of why I wanted to have Eric on the podcast in the first place. Eric shares what it's like taking over the business, how their convenient pickup and delivery service takes the stress out of cloth diapering, and why choosing cloth is a win for both families and the environment. We also chat about entrepreneurship, building a purpose-driven business, and the small choices that can make a big impact in our communities. Whether you're expecting a baby, raising little ones, curious about sustainable living, or just love hearing the stories behind amazing local businesses, this episode is for you!  Learn more about Do Good Diapers: https://dogooddiapers.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Excelsior! is a Twin Cities platform dedicated to the people, stories, art, music, businesses, and ideas shaping the community. Through conversations, interviews, photography, events, and independent media, Excelsior! puts the spotlight on the people doing interesting things in Minnesota. It’s a place to discover local voices, hear the stories behind the work, and connect with the people making the Twin Cities what it is.

Information

  • Creator
    Britleigh
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Excelsior!