City Cast Twin Cities

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City Cast Twin Cities episodes

May 26John Cook House Saved. Plus, Rondo Time Travels Through Roblox
We explore the vibrant pulse of the Twin Cities as Memorial Day kicks off our outdoor season. Contributor PaviElle French and Sean share their picks for the week's best events, from Books & Bars at Urban Growler to the meaningful "Flowers Now" celebration at Cedar Cultural Center honoring Black arts elders. Then we dive into the "Rondo-verse," an innovative Roblox game that lets players walk through both historic and modern Rondo. Finally, we welcome Recovery Bike Shop's Seth Stattmiller and Elizabeth Richardson to discuss their community effort to save the 137-year-old John Cook House from demolition.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Rondo in Roblox pairs St. Paul time-travel with modern verve (MinnPost)

Historic home to change hands (My Northeaster)

Cook House (City of Minneapolis)

Dilapidated 137-year-old Minneapolis house saved from wrecking ball (Star Tribune)

Help Us Save the John Cook House (Recovery Bike Shop)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 26th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. 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.
40 min
May 22In Defense of TJ’s Parking Lots, Beagles Find Forever Homes, and Netflix’s George Floyd Controversy
We dive into the controversial world of Trader Joe's parking lots with Bill Lindeke, who's defending the cramped lots that make Twin Cities shoppers lose their minds. Then we celebrate wins including HCMC's financial rescue and the return of Loring Park's beloved dandelion fountain, plus rescued beagles finding Minnesota homes. And don’t miss our special members-only segment where we talk about a reference to George Floyd that was made in a comedy roast of Kevin Hart, and how we feel about it as Minnesotans.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
In praise of Trader Joe’s parking lots - MinnPost (MinnPost)

HCMC funding passes in omnibus health and human services finance, policy bill (MN Legislature / Winter Keefer)

Loring Park's Berger Fountain funded by state bonding bill (Taylor Dahlin)

Pup-date from Ridglan beagle foster mom ahead of dog's adoption day (MPR News)

George Floyd Netflix Roast Joke Minneapolis Community Response 2026 (Spokesman-Recorder)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bakken Museum

Berlin

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
26 min
May 21Who Wins Summer in the USA? Twin Cities Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast CCO and Twin Cities local Andi McDaniel, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Andi beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, and Seattle?
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 21st episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bakken Museum

Berlin

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. 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.
55 min
May 20School for Teen Moms Faces Cuts. Plus, ICE Agent Charged and the Art of Clowning
A second immigration agent has been charged by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. One week after Renee Good was killed, agent Christian J. Castro allegedly shot a Venezuelan man in the leg and lied that it was in self-defense. The county has a nationwide warrant out for his arrest. Plus, Sahan Journal’s Becky Dernbach reports that students at Longfellow Alternative High School have a lot to lose in upcoming budget cuts. The school serves teen moms and their kids. Finally, we’re joined by Kathryn Cesarz of Cahoot?! Physical Theatre, a real-life clown.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

ICE agent charged in shooting of immigrant during Operation Metro Surge (Star Tribune)

For teen moms at Longfellow Alternative School, Minneapolis budget cuts have outsized impact (Sahan Journal)

Cahoot?! Physical Theatre

TigerLion Arts

Circus Juventas

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre

Fox & Beggar Theater

Kate Tobie
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 20th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bakken Museum

Berlin

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
36 min
May 19Transplant's Guide to the Twin Cities and How Data Centers Could Affect Us
We love our transplants here in Minnesota (even if we won't invite you to our cabin). Here’s everything we forgot to tell you about Minnesota, from why we refuse to eat the last bite to why we don’t dance at concerts. Plus, we’ll hear some heartwarming stories from real life transplants. Also, if you don’t know what the heck a data center is and why there’s so much controversy, join the club. Professors Elise Harrington and James Coleman from the University of Minnesota will share what you need to know if a tech company comes a’knockin to town.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
We’re So Glad You Moved to Minnesota, Here’s What We Forgot to Tell You (City Cast Twin Cities)

MN residents opposed to data centers take their fight to legislators (MinnPost)

'It's David vs. Goliath': Inside the Fight to Kill Google's Secrecy-Shrouded Hermantown Data Center (Racket)
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bakken Museum

Berlin

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
41 min
May 18Deeply Affordable Housing in Midway. Plus, 28 Years of Free Jazz
Sean and Denzel run down a list of upcoming events as summer approaches, from Studio Ghibli jazz at the Dakota to the State Fair's kickoff weekend. Dayna Martinez discusses the 28th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival coming to Lowertown St. Paul in June and why keeping it free matters despite rising costs. Jane McClure from MyVillager breaks down a proposed deeply affordable housing development on University Avenue that could bring 55 units for families making 30% of area median income.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Twin Cities Jazz Festival

Affordable housing proposed for 1700 block of University Ave. (My Villager)

Travis Anderson Trio: The Music of Studio Ghibli at the Dakota

Cash Mob at Mercado Central

Summer kickoff party at the Cedar Cultural Center

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 18th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bakken Museum

Berlin

Project for Pride in Living
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
33 min
May 15Off-Camera with St. Paul's Unbanned Influencer Josh Liljenquist
In April, the city of St. Paul banned influencer Josh Liljenquist from visiting St. Paul public parks for allegedly "harassing, recording, and profiting from vulnerable adults" and subsequently repealed the ban after an appeal from Liljenquist. On today's episode, Liljenquist talks with host Sean McPherson and contributor Hans Buetow about how he goes about creating his "kindness content" and what happens when he's not filming. Later, Hans and Sean celebrate some Twin Cities Wins, and the whole City Cast team joins for a Neighbors-only segment to play a game and share about the time producer Adam Sage almost died at Minnehaha Falls. To get ad-free listening and to hear bonus content like this, you can ⁠become a City Cast Neighbor today⁠.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
⁠Don’t Fall For These Scams! Plus, St. Paul's (Un)banned Influencer⁠ (City Cast Twin Cities)

⁠St. Paul bans, then rescinds ban on 'kindness' influencer Josh Liljenquist⁠ (MPR News)

⁠Belwin Bison Festival⁠ (Belwin Conservancy)

⁠Urgent Emergent Performance Art Series: Volume Five Movement Music⁠ (Icehouse)

⁠Sidewalk Poetry⁠ (Public Art St. Paul)

⁠Your Guide to Art-A-Whirl⁠ (City Cast Twin Cities)
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode:
⁠Ordway Center for the Performing Arts⁠

⁠Northeast Tea House⁠
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. 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.
38 min
May 14Final Push for Gun Violence Bill. Plus, Patio Season is Here
Today, we explore the art of Twin Cities patio season with restaurant critic Kirstie Kimball, from temperature tolerance to tipping etiquette. Also, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive gun violence prevention bill by just one vote, and advocates are making a final push to get it through the House before the session ends. Protect MN's director and an Annunciation School parent share why they believe this could be the best opportunity in years to strengthen protections for Minnesota families.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
beyond beurre blanc. Substack

Patio of Summer 2026 (beyond beurre blanc.)

MN Senate passes critical gun violence prevention omnibus package (Moms Demand Action)

SF 4067

Annunciation Catholic school's long road to healing (MPR News)

Minnesota state senators recall Annunciation shooting as omnibus firearms bill passes (OSV News)

Minnesota Senate approves gun control package, but it’s unlikely to pass House (MN Reformer)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 14th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Northeast Tea House
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
35 min
May 13Twin Cities Bang-Bangs and TC Gemini's New Season
Hear about the Twin Cities' best activity pairings from Minnehaha Falls and Sea Salt to the Trylon and Arbeiter Brewing. Also, rugby players Natayah Bauer and Emily Mack share what it's like playing for the TC Gemini in the country’s first professional women's rugby league.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
TC Gemini

Women’s Sports Rise: Pro Rugby Arrives in Minnesota (Mpls.St.Paul Magazine)

Inside the inaugural season of Women’s Elite Rugby (Star Tribune)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Northeast Tea House
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
33 min
May 12Legislature Might Pass Zero Bills. Plus, the Best Sports Ticket in Town
The Minnesota Legislature has six days left to get anything done before the May 17th deadline, but with no budget requirement this session, lawmakers might not pass anything significant at all. Host Sean McPherson talks with former DFL state senator Jeff Hayden and Republican lobbyist Brian McDaniel about what's passed, what's still possible, and how leadership is managing the session with a lame-duck governor and a speaker running for governor. Plus, Sean shares why Lynx games are the best sports ticket in the Twin Cities this summer.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Five things to watch heading into the Minnesota Legislature’s final week (Star Tribune)

MN Lynx schedule

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 12th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Northeast Tea House
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.
39 min

About City Cast Twin Cities

From the publisher's feed

Join Sean McPherson and the City Cast Twin Cities team every weekday morning as we bring you the day's conversations about life in the Twin Cities. With our cast of journalists, activists, experts and…