The Hot Dish

Forget the Vikings. Forget the Twins. THIS is the Minnesota rivalry we really need to talk about.

Kowalski’s vs. Byerly’s.
Paper vs. plastic.

Bread on top vs. bread crushed under a gallon of milk.

In this episode of The Hot Dish Podcast, we're diving into the surprisingly competitive—and deeply Minnesota—world of grocery bagging.

What does it take to become Minnesota’s Best Bagger? And how did grocery stores like Kowalski’s and Byerly’sbecome part of a battle for bagging supremacy?

We're talking grocery store culture, Minnesota nostalgia, the art (and science!) of perfectly packed groceries, and the fierce competition to prove who truly knows how to bag it best.

Because in Minnesota, we may be nice… but when it comes to our groceries?

There can only be one Best Bagger.

Tune in to the latest episode of The Hot Dish Podcast and settle the debate once and for all.

The Minnesota Tornado That Nobody Saw Coming

Some Minnesota weather stories become legends—and this is one of them.

In this episode of The Hot Dish Podcast, we're sitting down with Erin's mom to hear her firsthand memories of one of the Twin Cities' most unforgettable tornadoes. On April 26, 1984, an F3 tornado tore through St. Anthony, leaving a path of destruction that forever changed the iconic Apache Plaza shopping center and the surrounding community.

What was it like to watch the sky turn? What do people remember about that day more than 40 years later? And how did one tornado leave such a lasting mark on Minnesota history?

Join us as we revisit the storm that caught so many by surprise through personal stories, local history, and the memories of someone who lived through it. Whether you're fascinated by Minnesota weather, love local history, or simply enjoy hearing incredible true stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Today, we're taking you back to Halloween weekend in 1991, when what started as an ordinary fall forecast turned into one of the most unforgettable weather events in state history. The Halloween Blizzard of '91 wasn't just a snowstorm—it was a record-breaking, life-disrupting event that buried communities under mountains of snow, stranded travelers, knocked out power, and forever changed the way Minnesotans think about "waiting one more week" before putting the snow shovel in the garage.

If you lived through it, chances are you've got a story. Maybe you were trick-or-treating in a snowsuit, stuck at school, shoveling for what felt like days, or digging your car out of a drift taller than you were. And if you didn't experience it firsthand, you've probably heard the legendary tales from parents, grandparents, neighbors, or coworkers who still compare every major snowstorm to Halloween of '91.

So grab your favorite hot dish, settle in, and let's revisit the blizzard that turned autumn into winter overnight—and became one of Minnesota's greatest weather legends.

Minnesota has a dark secret...

Long before the Twin Cities became known for lakes, hot dish, and friendly neighbors, organized crime was quietly building an empire.

On this episode of the Hot Dish Podcast, we're joined by historian David Shelby to uncover the shocking history of the Minnesota Mob.

From Prohibition-era bootlegging to notorious crime families, political corruption, and stories that sound like they belong in Chicago or New York, you'll discover a side of Minnesota history most people have never heard.

If you love true crime, mafia history, or fascinating Minnesota stories, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and uncover the hidden history of the Minnesota Mob.

#Minnesota #MinnesotaHistory #TrueCrime #MinnesotaMob #MafiaHistory #TwinCities #HistoryPodcast #TrueCrimePodcast #HotDishPodcast #OrganizedCrime

In this episode, we're taking a bite out of one of Minnesota's most iconic foods: the Juicy Lucy. What started as a simple cheeseburger with a surprise melted-cheese center has become a source of state pride, friendly competition, and plenty of debate.

We'll explore the origins of the Juicy Lucy, the legendary rivalry over who created it first, why locals are so passionate about it, and what makes this burger a must-try for visitors and Minnesotans alike. Along the way, we'll share some fun food history, local lore, and our own thoughts on whether this molten masterpiece lives up to the hype.

Whether you're a lifelong Minnesotan or just wondering why people are willing to burn the roof of their mouths for a burger, this episode is for you.

Fun Fact:

The most important rule of eating a Juicy Lucy: Wait before taking your first bite! The molten cheese inside has surprised—and scorched—the mouths of eager diners for decades.

Is the historic St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota really haunted? Or are the stories simply part of the rich folklore that surrounds one of Minnesota's most iconic river towns?

In this episode of The Hot Dish Podcast, we travel along the mighty Mississippi River to uncover the legends, ghost stories, and mysterious encounters connected to the historic St. James Hotel. From reports of unexplained footsteps and shadowy figures to tales passed down through generations, we explore why this beautiful hotel has become one of Minnesota's most talked-about haunted locations.

But we're not tackling the paranormal alone.

This week, we're joined by one of our young guests yet, who brings a fresh perspective, asks the questions we might overlook, and helps us investigate whether these spooky stories hold any truth.

Along the way, we discuss:

• The history of the St. James Hotel
• Famous ghost stories and paranormal claims associated with the hotel
• The rivers and waterways that appear so often in ghost lore and folklore (including in Shakopee, MN)

• What our young guest thinks about ghosts, hauntings, and mysterious experiences
• Whether skepticism and curiosity can coexist

Now, full disclosure: we're not entirely convinced that ghosts are real. While we love a good ghost story and enjoy exploring local legends, we're approaching this conversation with healthy skepticism, and a sense of fun.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us as we explore one of Minnesota's most famous haunted landmarks. Are the spirits of the St. James Hotel still lingering in the halls, or are these stories simply echoes of the past?

Listen now and decide for yourself.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Hot Dish Podcast! Erin and Britt are back and kicking things off with a deep dive into one of the most iconic (and chaotic) parts of Minnesota.

On this episode the duo dives into SNIPE HUNTING with a very special expert guest.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Hot Dish Podcast! Erin and Britt are back and kicking things off with a deep dive into one of the most iconic (and chaotic) parts of 90s Minnesota childhood: indoor playgrounds.

In this episode, the hosts:

• Revisit the rise and fall of Discovery Zone and similar indoor play places
• Share personal memories of indoor play places
• Explore why indoor playgrounds became so popular, and why they disappeared
• Pitch their own modern version: "Tube City"
• Interview former Discovery Zone manager Steve Storzinger for real-life stories from behind the scenes

Let's just say… things get messy. 

From ball pit horror stories to roller slide disasters, Steve shares what it was really like managing a high-energy indoor play space, and why these places may not have been as magical as we remember.

But despite the chaos, Erin and Britt make a compelling (and hilarious) case for bringing back a reimagined version of indoor play....minus the… issues.

You're listening to The Hot Dish Podcast with Erin and Britt!—your go-to spot for all things Minnesota… served up hot and fresh in 10 minutes or less! 

Today we are talking about The Minnesota Goodbye. If you know, you know. Let's Dish!

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You're listening to The Hot Dish Podcast with Erin and Britt!—your go-to spot for all things Minnesota… served up hot and fresh in 10 minutes or less! 

Today we are talking about Nickle Dickle Day with Aubrey. If you know, you know. Let's Dish!

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