Real Talk with Rick Real Talk with Rick

Thousands of residents pass by the Eden Prairie Water Treatment Plant along Highway 5 each day. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside?

Water Treatment Plant operations supervisor Joe Dusek chats with Rick as he provides a quick glimpse of what his team does, insights about our water, and the three most common questions he receives on tours — one of which is completely unrelated to water and all about Joe.

Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation director Jay Lotthammer is also Real Talk With Rick’s self-proclaimed biggest fan. Jay makes his podcast debut, reflecting on 35 memorable years in public service, what’s next for him, and how he became known as “Jay Lobhammer” around the office.

Michael Bui is a long-time Eden Prairie resident who, along with his wife, owns Mochi Dough, Bober Tea and the Pho Mai restaurant at the Asia Mall. We learn about how he and his family got their start in the industry, and how he balances a full-time job on top of running his restaurants. Michael also hints at an exciting new addition coming to the mall.

Megan Munoz, a recreation supervisor who oversees fitness programs at the Community Center and throughout the City, chats with Rick about growing up in Iowa and bunny yoga. We also find out what book genre she and Rick just cannot agree on.

Pauline Sager, an investigative aide with the Eden Prairie Police Department, has dedicated the last 43 years to helping Eden Prairie residents as a certified financial crimes investigator. As the longest-tenured employee to serve the EPPD to date, she has a number of stories to share with Rick, including her first interview with the City, some of the most memorable cases she’s worked on, and her evolving get-togethers with a group she refers to as the 76ers.

Brian Ryks, executive director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, chats with Rick about Flying Cloud and MSP airports, aviation trends, and some of his own personal experiences with travel.