TrueLens Podcast

Election season is here, and if you’ve ever looked at your ballot and thought, “Wait…who are all these people?” — this episode is for you!

Ann sits down with Andrea Hable, President of the Woodbury/Cottage Grove Area League of Women Voters, and Linda Walling, Voter Services Director, for an informative conversation about everything from local candidates and ballot questions to early voting and finding trustworthy election information.

They’ll break down what you’ll see when you get to the polls, share tips for making a voting plan, and talk about how the League of Women Voters and TrueLens Community Media helps people become informed voters.

So grab your ballot, get curious, and get ready to vote!

Episode Links:

In this episode, Ann chats with Shelly Schafer and Reed Smidt about One Woodbury, a multicultural celebration featuring food, music, performances, a resource fair and plenty of ways to connect with your neighbors.

Find out what makes One Woodbury special, who’s performing, what’s on the menu, and why everyone is invited!

September 26, 2026

11:30am – 3:00pm

Ojibway Park

2695 Ojibway Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125

Links:

onewoodburymn.com

TrueLensMedia.org

In this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, host Ann Schweisguth talks with Jen McLoughlin and Kristin Seaman from the City of Woodbury's Environmental Division.

Learn how Woodbury is protecting clean water, expanding solar energy, encouraging native plants, and giving residents ways to make an impact through programs like the native plant tool shed, Green Talks, composting and more.

Whether you're passionate about the environment or just looking for simple ways to help, this episode is full of practical ideas and local inspiration.

Show Links:

Truelens Community Media

City of Woodbury Environmental Division

Native Plants Toolshed

Storm Drain Markings

Solar Power

How does a city keep thousands of residents informed and engaged? On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, Ann Schweisguth sits down with the City of Cottage Grove Communications Manager Phil Jents to talk about the ever-changing world of local government communications. From social media and video production to websites and print media, Phil shares how Cottage Grove connects with residents. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Grovecast Podcast and other innovative ways the city reaches its audience.

Listen to the Grovecast:

Video created by TrueLensMedia.org

On this episode of the TrueLens Podcast, we’re talking all things St. Paul Park with City Administrator Hugo McPhee! From new faces at City Hall to community goals. Plus, hear why resident feedback matters and what’s ahead for the community.

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road to the Cottage Grove Community Showcase.

We caught up with Mayor Myron Bailey about all the buzz (yes, Panera and Kwik Trip made the list), plus what to expect with summer road construction. Then we sat down with Tarah Beyer from the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce —and even handed the mic to locals to share what’s on their minds.

We took the TrueLens Podcast on the road for this special episode, recorded at the Woodbury Community Expo at M Health Fairview Sports Center!

We were joined by guests Brian King from the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Rock U Music, along with 2025 Chamber Business of the Year winner Kelly Jahner Byrne, owner of the HOW Companies. Plus, we opened up the mic to attendees—and let’s just say, the stories did not disappoint. From inspiring to unexpected, this episode captures the true spirit of the Woodbury community.

TrueLens Community Media

Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce

HOW Companies

Rock U Music

Have you checked out Woodbury News Net? This nonprofit digital newsroom keeps Woodbury, Minnesota informed—for FREE.

Co-founder and chair Susan Kent stopped by our podcast studio to share more about it!

Links:

Woodbury News Net

The Scoop

Dust em’ Off Snowmobile Show

TrueLensMedia.org

From roads to libraries to transit, Commissioner Karla Bigham shares what’s coming next for Washington County.

Links:

Cottage Grove Mayor Bailey

Woodbury Mayor Burt

washingtoncountymn.gov

TrueLensMedia.org

Ann teams up with special guest co-host Bob McSherry, TrueLens Multimedia Manager, to revisit some memorable 2025 TrueLens videos. From unexpected moments to behind-the-scenes stories, they share how the magic came together.

Links:

The Grovecast

The Secret War

The Scoop

Walking Every Park in Woodbury

Navidad Con La Comunidad – Shop with a Cop

Year in the Life of Public Works Employees

TrueLensMedia.org