The first in our Beachcast series of episodes. John and co-host/producer Paula Chesley are joined by Minneapolis Parks Commissioner Tom Olsen at his favorite beach: Hidden Beach on Cedar Lake. We discuss planned  improvements (including an amphitheater) and past changes to Hidden Beach -- and beach politics in the Kenwood neighborhood. We talk about  park issues, including bathroom availability, public drinking, nudity, crime, and mansion owners encroaching on the lakeshore (which is legally  park board property). We track down the mysterious Mudman and ask him  about the history of the Andrew J. Foss Memorial Mudhole, named for its first caretaker. The Mudman tells us about the benefits of submerging  your body in the mud: natural sunscreen and insect repellent. John suggests it's also a way to hide your heat signature from the Predator. Paula conducts a heartwarming child interview at the mudhole. We ponder the question: Is Minneapolis a beach city? 

Camera work and chauffeuring by the indispensable Conrad Zbikowski.  

Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive