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.

Rick talks with Jim Schedin, the City’s zoning administrator. In addition to hearing about some of the more interesting calls he’s received over the last 32 years of working with Eden Prairie, we learn how a rattlesnake in Georgia may have influenced his career path.

From organics recycling to renewable energy, we learn more about Jennifer Hassebroek’s role as the City’s sustainability coordinator. Rick additionally chats with her about Brewster, Minnesota, her varied musical interests and a trip with her friends that has become a tradition.

Steve Schewe, CEO and Publisher of Eden Prairie Local News, stops by to talk about how this unique publication came to be and how the community can support it and get involved. We also learn about his connection to the Henley Royal Regatta, the most prestigious rowing event in the world.

Elaine Larabee, former Eden Prairie School Board chair, chats with Rick about her path to running for the position, experiences as part of the board (including navigating COVID), and what’s next for her.

Rick talks with Lauren Stufft, the City’s forestry and natural resources specialist, as we learn about how she got her start in the field of urban forestry, some of the more interesting calls she’s received and invasive species.

Jonathan Stanley, the City’s housing and community services manager, chats with Rick about attending school in the Ivy League and abroad, current and upcoming housing projects in Eden Prairie, and his fascination with the electric guitar.

Sever Peterson, a third-generation Eden Prairie farmer, discusses why his family came to Eden Prairie in the late 19th century, his adventures around the world, and he reveals the theme for the 25th season of Sever’s Fall Festival.

Recently retired Eden Prairie Police Chief Greg Weber talks about rising through the ranks of the department, how policing has changed in the last year and his fascination for otters.

Southwest Light Rail Project Director Jim Alexander and Community Outreach Coordinator James Mockovciak drop by to discuss the genesis of SWLRT, its construction progress and its community impact.

Jeff Falkingham, a local author, stops by to discuss what inspired him to start writing and how Sherlock Holmes was worked into the equation.

Assistant Fire Chief Kurt Buchanan talks with Rick about some impactful calls, saving cats from trees and how his interpretation of music has changed over the years.

City Council Member Brad Aho chats with Rick about why he decided to serve his community, his involvement in regional transportation issues and his plans after leaving the council.

Rick and Eden Prairie Historical Society President Kathie Case discuss a recently-discovered interview from a 1973 radio show featuring Martin “Pappy” Grill. Kathie prefaces the clip with a lesson on the origin Eden Prairie’s historic Cummins-Phipps-Grill House.

Former State Representative Jenifer Loon stops by to discuss what brought her to Eden Prairie, why she ran for office, her current endeavors and more in the latest podcast.