Tom Olsen

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 Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

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: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Beachcast: Hidden Beach at Cedar Lake with Minneapolis Parks Commissioner Tom Olsen

What if instead of a dog grooming station or a cable TV subscription, your landlord or condo association provided you with free transportation? John's guest is Molly Burns-Hansen from Move Minnesota, who is seeking out tenants, landlords, condo associations, and neighborhood groups in order to sign buildings up for Metro Transit's residential transit pass program. It's just $14 per month to provide an unlimited ride transit pass to every unit in a building (or several buildings, with a minimum of 10 units per contract). We talk about how expensive and stressful car ownership is -- and how surprisingly cheap it is to provide transit. Molly has some early data on the program and how satisfied residents who've received the transit passes have been. We go off on tangents: Molly talks about how people with disabilities are disproportionately reliant on transit and expresses irritation that the "disabled" conversation has been hijacked to argue against transit improvements on Hennepin Avenue. John explains his philosophy that transit is freedom, how confused he is by Metro Transit's "downtown fare zone," attempts to interpret Molly's dream about Michael Rainville and the state of Ohio, and goes off on a tangent about how the pretend environmentalists suing to stop the city's 2040 Plan are the equivalent of climate deniers. If you have interest in this transit pass program -- as a resident, building manager or otherwise -- contact Molly by email: mollybh@movemn.org Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive  Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive  Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive  Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

What if instead of a dog grooming station or a cable TV subscription, your landlord or condo association provided you with free transportation? John's guest is Molly Burns-Hansen from Move Minnesota, who is seeking out tenants, landlords, condo associations, and neighborhood groups in order to sign buildings up for Metro Transit's residential transit pass program. It's just $14 per month to provide an unlimited ride transit pass to every unit in a building (or several buildings, with a minimum of 10 units per contract). We talk about how expensive and stressful car ownership is -- and how surprisingly cheap it is to provide transit. Molly has some early data on the program and how satisfied residents who've received the transit passes have been. We go off on tangents: Molly talks about how people with disabilities are disproportionately reliant on transit and expresses irritation that the "disabled" conversation has been hijacked to argue against transit improvements on Hennepin Avenue. John explains his philosophy that transit is freedom, how confused he is by Metro Transit's "downtown fare zone," attempts to interpret Molly's dream about Michael Rainville and the state of Ohio, and goes off on a tangent about how the pretend environmentalists suing to stop the city's 2040 Plan are the equivalent of climate deniers. If you have interest in this transit pass program -- as a resident, building manager or otherwise -- contact Molly by email: mollybh@movemn.org Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

What if free transit was included in your rent?

Following the City of Minneapolis' recent loss in Hennepin County District Court, John is joined by Matthew Melewski -- a lawyer with experience in Minnesota land use and environmental law -- for a conversation about the ongoing four year legal battle over the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. We review the arguments, the law, the fake environmentalists behind this lawsuit, and anticipate the next 18 months of appeals. That's right, there could still be 18 more months of this. John takes issue with the district court judge assuming a full build out of the plan. Then wonders how a judge, in a case all about zoning, can put forward the "undisputed fact" (not actually a fact) that Minneapolis has abolished the construction of new single family homes (you actually can still build single-family homes in Minneapolis). Matthew explains why he doesn't think the city will respond to their setback in court by making an environmental case for the plan -- despite the eagerness of 2040 Plan proponents to engage in that debate.  Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Following the City of Minneapolis' recent loss in Hennepin County District Court, John is joined by Matthew Melewski -- a lawyer with experience in Minnesota land use and environmental law -- for a conversation about the ongoing four year legal battle over the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. We review the arguments, the law, the fake environmentalists behind this lawsuit, and anticipate the next 18 months of appeals. That's right, there could still be 18 more months of this. John takes issue with the district court judge assuming a full build out of the plan. Then wonders how a judge, in a case all about zoning, can put forward the "undisputed fact" (not actually a fact) that Minneapolis has abolished the construction of new single family homes (you actually can still build single-family homes in Minneapolis). Matthew explains why he doesn't think the city will respond to their setback in court by making an environmental case for the plan -- despite the eagerness of 2040 Plan proponents to engage in that debate.  Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

What's next for the Minneapolis 2040 Plan lawsuit?

John is joined by Melody Hoffmann (@MelodySWV from https://southwestvoices.news) for a Saturday night special report on location from the streets of Uptown. All with a goal of answering the question: what is the relative  aliveness of Uptown these days? We start in LynLake and move west  towards Uptown proper. We visit local art such as the Uptown Trolley Ball, assess the 29th Street "shared street," climb a local parking  garage for a bird's eye view of Hennepin Avenue, endure an extended cameo from neighborhood board president Jason Garcia, we interview a  person on the street about the local dating scene, and much more.  Cinematography by Conrad Zbikowski. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Melody Hoffmann (@MelodySWV from https://southwestvoices.news) for a Saturday night special report on location from the streets of Uptown. All with a goal of answering the question: what is the relative  aliveness of Uptown these days? We start in LynLake and move west  towards Uptown proper. We visit local art such as the Uptown Trolley Ball, assess the 29th Street "shared street," climb a local parking  garage for a bird's eye view of Hennepin Avenue, endure an extended cameo from neighborhood board president Jason Garcia, we interview a  person on the street about the local dating scene, and much more.  Cinematography by Conrad Zbikowski. Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

On Location in Uptown

Mike Norton

On the series finale of the Pedal Pod: There's an empty seat in the pod-mobile. John faces the prospect of podcasting without a partner in conversation. Increasingly desperate, he picks up Mike Norton, logistics tycoon and Lakewood cemetery tour guide. As we pedal up and down Lyndale Avenue, we talk about the disgruntled reaction to Mike taking on his new role as vice chair of the Minneapolis DFL, his 2021 attempt to unseat Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano, and we disagree on how likely it is that Ward 13 will turn to a progressive. John makes a case that the one and only issue in Minneapolis politics for the foreseeable future will be police. We also talk about the unbearable heat of south Florida and Singapore. Wedge neighborhood board president Jason Garcia makes a cameo and gives us Mueller Park bathroom news. Uptown icon Ryan Brown splays himself out on the street in front of our vehicle (which you'll want to check out on YouTube about 13 minutes in). As usual, this episode includes all the live music, generator noises, squealy brakes, and interruptions you've come to know and love. In a chance meeting, we ran into the man who built the Pod Mobile (it's quite a ride!). His website: https://blackbirdbikes.com/ Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

On the series finale of the Pedal Pod: There's an empty seat in the pod-mobile. John faces the prospect of podcasting without a partner in conversation. Increasingly desperate, he picks up Mike Norton, logistics tycoon and Lakewood cemetery tour guide. As we pedal up and down Lyndale Avenue, we talk about the disgruntled reaction to Mike taking on his new role as vice chair of the Minneapolis DFL, his 2021 attempt to unseat Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano, and we disagree on how likely it is that Ward 13 will turn to a progressive. John makes a case that the one and only issue in Minneapolis politics for the foreseeable future will be police. We also talk about the unbearable heat of south Florida and Singapore. Wedge neighborhood board president Jason Garcia makes a cameo and gives us Mueller Park bathroom news. Uptown icon Ryan Brown splays himself out on the street in front of our vehicle (which you'll want to check out on YouTube about 13 minutes in). As usual, this episode includes all the live music, generator noises, squealy brakes, and interruptions you've come to know and love. In a chance meeting, we ran into the man who built the Pod Mobile (it's quite a ride!). His website: <a href="https://blackbirdbikes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://blackbirdbikes.com/</a> Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Pedal Pod: Mike Norton, Minneapolis DFL Vice Chair

"Pedal-Powered Podcast Week" does something we never intended: stretch into a second and final week (we promise). That's what happens when you record six hours of conversations at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue. Today's guest is Commissioner Marion Green, who represents district 3 (which includes the Wedge, Southwest Minneapolis, Downtown, and St. Louis Park) on the Hennepin County Board. Some of our topics: Lyndale Avenue safety improvements that have been years in the making, the county's recent investments in affordable housing and addressing homelessness, whether the work of the county board is more collegial than the city council due to having fewer members spread across a much wider geography, the power of cities and counties to move much faster than our logjammed state legislature, Marion's life before moving to Minneapolis 23 years ago, and we agree there's nothing like going on a walk to de-stress and get your mind working. Marion summons the courage to become the first guest in Wedge LIVE podcast history to ask for the episode to end. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

"Pedal-Powered Podcast Week" does something we never intended: stretch into a second and final week (we promise). That's what happens when you record six hours of conversations at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue. Today's guest is Commissioner Marion Green, who represents district 3 (which includes the Wedge, Southwest Minneapolis, Downtown, and St. Louis Park) on the Hennepin County Board. Some of our topics: Lyndale Avenue safety improvements that have been years in the making, the county's recent investments in affordable housing and addressing homelessness, whether the work of the county board is more collegial than the city council due to having fewer members spread across a much wider geography, the power of cities and counties to move much faster than our logjammed state legislature, Marion's life before moving to Minneapolis 23 years ago, and we agree there's nothing like going on a walk to de-stress and get your mind working. Marion summons the courage to become the first guest in Wedge LIVE podcast history to ask for the episode to end. Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Pedal Pod: Marion Greene, Hennepin County Commissioner

Brian Mitchell

The pedal-pod rolls on. Before we have a chance to really get to know our first guest Brian Mitchell (@BrianMitchL), John decides he's found a better guest in J.D. Duggan (@JDugganMN). J.D. is a journalist with Finance &amp; Commerce who bears a striking resemblance to Bill Lindeke. We talk about the state of local journalism, why it seems that the only jobs remaining are with local business magazines, whether J.D.'s friends think he's gone corporate, Mayor Frey's job performance and where he goes from here, an assessment of Ward 2 Council Member Robin Wonsley, rent control policy in the Twin Cities, J.D.'s hair, and the period in his life where he dressed up as a superhero to deliver pizzas in the greater Wedge metro area. If you were disappointed to have the Brian Mitchell segment cut short, read the piece he wrote about giving up his car: https://streets.mn/2022/04/21/pandemic-for-good-how-i-was-able-to-sell-my-car/  Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The pedal-pod rolls on. Before we have a chance to really get to know our first guest Brian Mitchell (@BrianMitchL), John decides he's found a better guest in J.D. Duggan (@JDugganMN). J.D. is a journalist with Finance &amp; Commerce who bears a striking resemblance to Bill Lindeke. We talk about the state of local journalism, why it seems that the only jobs remaining are with local business magazines, whether J.D.'s friends think he's gone corporate, Mayor Frey's job performance and where he goes from here, an assessment of Ward 2 Council Member Robin Wonsley, rent control policy in the Twin Cities, J.D.'s hair, and the period in his life where he dressed up as a superhero to deliver pizzas in the greater Wedge metro area. If you were disappointed to have the Brian Mitchell segment cut short, read the piece he wrote about giving up his car: <a href="https://streets.mn/2022/04/21/pandemic-for-good-how-i-was-able-to-sell-my-car/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://streets.mn/2022/04/21/pandemic-for-good-how-i-was-able-to-sell-my-car/</a> Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Pedal Pod: J.D. Duggan replaces Brian Mitchell

Aisha Chughtai

We continue the Pedal-Pod series, recorded on location at Open Streets  on Lyndale Avenue -- everyone's favorite summer street festival in  Minneapolis. John boots failed Ward 13 candidate Mike Norton out of the  pod-mobile so he can pick up a winner: Aisha Chughtai, who represents  Ward 10 on the City Council. We talk about bike earrings, Aisha's status  as "the bus lady," whether she's able to summon optimism about the  future, the debate over Mayor Frey's pick to be city coordinator,  frustrations over the government structure "trump card," a look ahead to  the 2023 election, rent control. John asks Aisha to name her favorite  council colleague outside of her own progressive faction (the answer  just might surprise you). We look inward to reveal what's irritating  about ourselves. Finally, we end the conversation by saying hello to  Wedge neighborhood president Jason Garcia. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

We continue the Pedal-Pod series, recorded on location at Open Streets  on Lyndale Avenue -- everyone's favorite summer street festival in  Minneapolis. John boots failed Ward 13 candidate Mike Norton out of the  pod-mobile so he can pick up a winner: Aisha Chughtai, who represents  Ward 10 on the City Council. We talk about bike earrings, Aisha's status  as "the bus lady," whether she's able to summon optimism about the  future, the debate over Mayor Frey's pick to be city coordinator,  frustrations over the government structure "trump card," a look ahead to  the 2023 election, rent control. John asks Aisha to name her favorite  council colleague outside of her own progressive faction (the answer  just might surprise you). We look inward to reveal what's irritating  about ourselves. Finally, we end the conversation by saying hello to  Wedge neighborhood president Jason Garcia. Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Pedal Pod: Aisha Chughtai, Minneapolis City Council Member in Ward 10

The first installment of a many part series recorded during the Lyndale Avenue edition of Open Streets Minneapolis on June 5, 2022. We haven't Open Streets on Lyndale in June since 2019. To mark the occasion, John has borrowed a four-wheeled recumbent bicycle with side-by-side seating, and transformed it into what he's calling "the world's first pedal-powered podcast." Our first two guests are Ash Narayanan, executive director of Our Streets Minneapolis, and Elissa Schufman, a transportation advocate and board member at Our Streets (the non-profit organization that organizes Open Streets Minneapolis events). We talk about the history and significance of Open Streets, how this event has shaped the way we think about street projects, the future of Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues, and much more. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The first installment of a many part series recorded during the Lyndale Avenue edition of Open Streets Minneapolis on June 5, 2022. We haven't Open Streets on Lyndale in June since 2019. To mark the occasion, John has borrowed a four-wheeled recumbent bicycle with side-by-side seating, and transformed it into what he's calling "the world's first pedal-powered podcast." Our first two guests are Ash Narayanan, executive director of Our Streets Minneapolis, and Elissa Schufman, a transportation advocate and board member at Our Streets (the non-profit organization that organizes Open Streets Minneapolis events). We talk about the history and significance of Open Streets, how this event has shaped the way we think about street projects, the future of Hennepin and Lyndale Avenues, and much more. Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Pedal Pod: Ash Narayanan and Elissa Schufman

John is joined by Melody Hoffman (@MelodySWV) for the first in a series of monthly appearances called "Monthly with Melody" (note: the monthly nature of Melody's appearances is currently probationary). Melody gets John up to speed on all the news he missed while away. John spent last week visiting Chicago, enjoying their transit system and sampling the original Uptown. John explains why commemorating the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder feels off. We talk about last week's remarkable public hearing where city of Minneapolis staff testified against Mayor Frey's nomination of Heather Johnston to be city coordinator. Current and former staff described the racism they face in the workplace and how Johnston, currently the interim coordinator, has failed to correct a longstanding problem within the coordinator's office. We talk about the ongoing saga of the Hennepin Avenue reconstruction approval and why we just need to approve those full-time bus lanes already. Melody's article on the Heather Johnston public hearing: https://www.southwestvoices.news/posts/council-vote-on-interim-city-coordinator-position-delayed-after-unprecedented-public-testimony Support Southwest Voices: https://www.southwestvoices.news/memberships Plug: Look for the Wedge LIVE podcast at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue this Sunday, June 5 where John will be piloting what he's calling "the world's first pedal-powered podcast studio." Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Melody Hoffman (@MelodySWV) for the first in a series of monthly appearances called "Monthly with Melody" (note: the monthly nature of Melody's appearances is currently probationary). Melody gets John up to speed on all the news he missed while away. John spent last week visiting Chicago, enjoying their transit system and sampling the original Uptown. John explains why commemorating the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder feels off. We talk about last week's remarkable public hearing where city of Minneapolis staff testified against Mayor Frey's nomination of Heather Johnston to be city coordinator. Current and former staff described the racism they face in the workplace and how Johnston, currently the interim coordinator, has failed to correct a longstanding problem within the coordinator's office. We talk about the ongoing saga of the Hennepin Avenue reconstruction approval and why we just need to approve those full-time bus lanes already. Melody's article on the Heather Johnston public hearing: https://www.southwestvoices.news/posts/council-vote-on-interim-city-coordinator-position-delayed-after-unprecedented-public-testimony Support Southwest Voices: https://www.southwestvoices.news/memberships Plug: Look for the Wedge LIVE podcast at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue this Sunday, June 5 where John will be piloting what he's calling "the world's first pedal-powered podcast studio." Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Monthly with Melody

A show about Minneapolis politics from the maker of Wedge LIVE, the award winning local news website.

A conversation about the struggle for reproductive justice in Minnesota with Shayla Walker, executive director of Our Justice, an organization providing support and resources to people seeking access to abortion. With the US Supreme Court indicating their intention to overturn the right to an abortion, Shayla says the demand for those services in Minnesota is going to increase several times over. Shayla talks about the legal effort to overturn restrictive anti-abortion laws in Minnesota through the state courts, and how those laws mean our state isn't the refuge we like to think it is. We talk about how that Planned Parenthood in your neighborhood isn't necessarily providing much beyond an abortion pill. Long waits for appointments, long distances to travel, legally mandated 24 hour waiting periods, are just some of the barriers. What should we expect from local elected leaders to increase access to these health care services? Founded in 1967, before Roe v. Wade, Shayla says Our Justice was mutual aid before mutual aid was a thing. You can learn more and support Our Justice at https://ourjustice.net Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

A conversation about the struggle for reproductive justice in Minnesota with Shayla Walker, executive director of Our Justice, an organization providing support and resources to people seeking access to abortion. With the US Supreme Court indicating their intention to overturn the right to an abortion, Shayla says the demand for those services in Minnesota is going to increase several times over. Shayla talks about the legal effort to overturn restrictive anti-abortion laws in Minnesota through the state courts, and how those laws mean our state isn't the refuge we like to think it is. We talk about how that Planned Parenthood in your neighborhood isn't necessarily providing much beyond an abortion pill. Long waits for appointments, long distances to travel, legally mandated 24 hour waiting periods, are just some of the barriers. What should we expect from local elected leaders to increase access to these health care services? Founded in 1967, before Roe v. Wade, Shayla says Our Justice was mutual aid before mutual aid was a thing. You can learn more and support Our Justice at <a href="https://ourjustice.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://ourjustice.net</a> Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Reproductive Justice in Minnesota with Shayla Walker

John is joined by Melody Hoffmann (@MelodySWV) for an episode recorded smack in the middle of four lanes of traffic on Lyndale Avenue (27th Street intersection) in south Minneapolis. Did we capture any usable audio? Listen to find out. This episode is best experienced on YouTube. Special thanks to Conrad Zbikowski (@ConradZbikowski) for his behind the camera work. This episode would not have been possible without his technical wizardry. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Melody Hoffmann (@MelodySWV) for an episode recorded smack in the middle of four lanes of traffic on Lyndale Avenue (27th Street intersection) in south Minneapolis. Did we capture any usable audio? Listen to find out. This episode is best experienced on YouTube. Special thanks to Conrad Zbikowski (@ConradZbikowski) for his behind the camera work. This episode would not have been possible without his technical wizardry. Watch: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Lyndale Avenue Median Episode

John is joined by Peter Wagenius, legislative director for the Sierra Club Northstar Chapter, for a conversation about the history of dedicated transit space on Minneapolis streets and similarities with today's debate over bus lanes on Hennepin Avenue. We talk about what makes our transportation planning decisions so key to combating climate change. Peter recalls his experience, while policy director under former Mayors Rybak and Hodges, of the planning process for a series of bus lanes (most prominently Marquette and 2nd) and the Green Line to St. Paul (Washington and University Avenues). The common threads when it comes to dedicating lanes for transit on our streets: overstated doomsaying about parking, pushback from powerful interests, fierce opposition from Lisa Goodman, near on the council, and the eventual success of those projects. "When the City Council decided, 12 times, [to dedicate lanes to transit], it was successful afterwards. We had no regrets." Peter talks about Republicans' latest talking point against transit: Covid-19. John mentions he's heard that one before -- from our new Public Works director when she argued against immediate implementation of full time bus lanes on Hennepin Avenue. We talk about how unprecedented it would be to have a new department head, after years of work and public engagement, begin her tenure by discarding a staff recommended design at the last moment. John admits to enjoying the transportation options at Orlando-area theme parks. Peter seems not to understand what EPCOT is. Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Peter Wagenius, legislative director for the Sierra Club Northstar Chapter, for a conversation about the history of dedicated transit space on Minneapolis streets and similarities with today's debate over bus lanes on Hennepin Avenue. We talk about what makes our transportation planning decisions so key to combating climate change. Peter recalls his experience, while policy director under former Mayors Rybak and Hodges, of the planning process for a series of bus lanes (most prominently Marquette and 2nd) and the Green Line to St. Paul (Washington and University Avenues). The common threads when it comes to dedicating lanes for transit on our streets: overstated doomsaying about parking, pushback from powerful interests, fierce opposition from Lisa Goodman, near on the council, and the eventual success of those projects. "When the City Council decided, 12 times, [to dedicate lanes to transit], it was successful afterwards. We had no regrets." Peter talks about Republicans' latest talking point against transit: Covid-19. John mentions he's heard that one before -- from our new Public Works director when she argued against immediate implementation of full time bus lanes on Hennepin Avenue. We talk about how unprecedented it would be to have a new department head, after years of work and public engagement, begin her tenure by discarding a staff recommended design at the last moment. John admits to enjoying the transportation options at Orlando-area theme parks. Peter seems not to understand what EPCOT is. Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Lessons for Hennepin Ave: A History of Dedicated Transit Lanes on Minneapolis Streets

John has a conversation with reproductive health researcher Asha Hassan, MPH, about the public health and equity impacts of eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion, as a draft opinion has signaled is the intention of the US Supreme Court. What is Minnesota's role in restricting or expanding access? Does this open the floodgates to further attacks on bodily autonomy? With the potential for abortion rights to become more relevant to local politics, what should we be asking of our elected officials? Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John has a conversation with reproductive health researcher Asha Hassan, MPH, about the public health and equity impacts of eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion, as a draft opinion has signaled is the intention of the US Supreme Court. What is Minnesota's role in restricting or expanding access? Does this open the floodgates to further attacks on bodily autonomy? With the potential for abortion rights to become more relevant to local politics, what should we be asking of our elected officials? Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

"Abortion Restrictions Are Functionally Racist"

John is joined by Jason Garcia for the first ever Ask Us Anything episode. We take calls from Melody (https://SouthwestVoices.news) regarding Lyndale Avenue safety improvements, and Christin regarding the US Supreme Court's intention to overturn abortion rights. John puts his foot down after superfan Conrad Z makes repeated calls into the show. We talk about the results of the state's investigation into MPD misconduct, the all important Hennepin Avenue reconstruction (which we think is coming up for a vote this month at the city council), the Ilhan vs. Don Samuels race, John invites people to visit him at the DFL's 5th district convention, the city's board and commission meetings going back underground after two years of livestreams, Jason's lifetime ban from twitter, the precarious position John finds himself in by presiding over a media organization almost entirely based on a platform purchased by Elon Musk, and how Tom Hoch has dropped unexpectedly back into our lives like a dead fish delivery from a bald eagle. Most importantly, John learns that "calls" into the riverside.fm podcasting platform must be made using a laptop or desktop computer, not a phone. Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Jason Garcia for the first ever Ask Us Anything episode. We take calls from Melody (<a href="https://SouthwestVoices.news" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://SouthwestVoices.news</a>) regarding Lyndale Avenue safety improvements, and Christin regarding the US Supreme Court's intention to overturn abortion rights. John puts his foot down after superfan Conrad Z makes repeated calls into the show. We talk about the results of the state's investigation into MPD misconduct, the all important Hennepin Avenue reconstruction (which we think is coming up for a vote this month at the city council), the Ilhan vs. Don Samuels race, John invites people to visit him at the DFL's 5th district convention, the city's board and commission meetings going back underground after two years of livestreams, Jason's lifetime ban from twitter, the precarious position John finds himself in by presiding over a media organization almost entirely based on a platform purchased by Elon Musk, and how Tom Hoch has dropped unexpectedly back into our lives like a dead fish delivery from a bald eagle. Most importantly, John learns that "calls" into the <a href="http://riverside.fm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">riverside.fm</a> podcasting platform must be made using a laptop or desktop computer, not a phone. Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

LIVE Episode!

On this episode, John is joined by his dear friends Ryan Brown, Elissa Schufman, and PeggySue Imihy Bean to explore the importance of friendship. We explore questions such as how to go about trying to make friends as an adult?; is it possible for an outsider to make friends in Minneapolis?; how has your outlook on friendship been transformed during the pandemic?; can you maintain a friendship with someone across long distances, such as after they move from the Wedge to the Kingfield neighborhood?; how do you nurture a friendship?; and is it ok to exploit your friends for material for your podcast? Listen until the end for recommendations for fun things to do with your friends. Also: John asks about the right way to use social media and DMs in pursuit of friends, after which PeggySue introduces us to the phrase "Girls, Gays, and Theys Only." Read the book that inspired this episode! PeggySue bought one for her entire wedding party: https://bookshop.org/books/big-friendship-how-we-keep-each-other-close-9781982111915/9781982111908 Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

On this episode, John is joined by his dear friends Ryan Brown, Elissa Schufman, and PeggySue Imihy Bean to explore the importance of friendship. We explore questions such as how to go about trying to make friends as an adult?; is it possible for an outsider to make friends in Minneapolis?; how has your outlook on friendship been transformed during the pandemic?; can you maintain a friendship with someone across long distances, such as after they move from the Wedge to the Kingfield neighborhood?; how do you nurture a friendship?; and is it ok to exploit your friends for material for your podcast? Listen until the end for recommendations for fun things to do with your friends. Also: John asks about the right way to use social media and DMs in pursuit of friends, after which PeggySue introduces us to the phrase "Girls, Gays, and Theys Only." Read the book that inspired this episode! PeggySue bought one for her entire wedding party: <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/big-friendship-how-we-keep-each-other-close-9781982111915/9781982111908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bookshop.org/books/big-friendship-how-we-keep-each-other-close-9781982111915/9781982111908</a> Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

How to Make Friends in Minneapolis, Stop Being Lonely, and Be Happy Forever

Mary Moriarty

John has a conversation with Kathleen Cole, an organizer with People Over Prosecution, whose mission is "transforming prosecution in Hennepin County" by electing a prosecutor "whose practices deliver justice, not just punishment." Kathleen explains what's wrong with longtime Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. We delve into questions like: Why are prosecutors, and this office, so important? What kind of change is possible? What experience should we expect them to bring to the job? How should they use their discretion in cases that involve low level drug possession or immigration status? Are the candidates' approaches to violent crime really so different? Kathleen doesn't hold back as we talk about all six candidates and why her organization is endorsing Mary Moriarty. The other candidates are Paul Ostrow, Martha Holton Dimick, Ryan Winkler, Simon Trautmann, and Saraswati Singh. You can listen to John's conversations with five of the candidates in episodes published earlier this year. People Over Prosecution: https://www.peopleoverprosecution.org/about Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John has a conversation with Kathleen Cole, an organizer with People Over Prosecution, whose mission is "transforming prosecution in Hennepin County" by electing a prosecutor "whose practices deliver justice, not just punishment." Kathleen explains what's wrong with longtime Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. We delve into questions like: Why are prosecutors, and this office, so important? What kind of change is possible? What experience should we expect them to bring to the job? How should they use their discretion in cases that involve low level drug possession or immigration status? Are the candidates' approaches to violent crime really so different? Kathleen doesn't hold back as we talk about all six candidates and why her organization is endorsing Mary Moriarty. The other candidates are Paul Ostrow, Martha Holton Dimick, Ryan Winkler, Simon Trautmann, and Saraswati Singh. You can listen to John's conversations with five of the candidates in episodes published earlier this year. People Over Prosecution: <a href="https://www.peopleoverprosecution.org/about" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.peopleoverprosecution.org/about</a> Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Breaking Down the Race for Hennepin County Attorney: A Progressive Case for Mary Moriarty

John is joined by Elliott Payne, Minneapolis City Council member in Ward 1. We talk about his plans for a new public safety charter amendment, which he is careful to say isn't a rehash of last year's election; the police killing of Amir Locke, and whether Mayor Frey can start getting MPD policies right after some big failures during his four-plus years on the job; and after hearing big promises for years about the police contract, what should we think about the argument that the police contract isn't the place for disciplinary standards? Did the after action report detailing mismanagement and misconduct of MPD in the summer of 2020 tell us anything we didn't already know? We talk about police "buy back" (the practice of neighborhood organizations or other private entities purchasing extra police patrols from the city) during a police staffing shortage. How has the city's new strong mayor system (shifting power over city departments to the mayor) affected the city council's ability to fulfill its legislative function? Other topics: Elliott's dog, the importance of looking and sounding good during a zoom-based council meeting, and a diversion into a conversation about the smash-hit video game Elden Ring. Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by Elliott Payne, Minneapolis City Council member in Ward 1. We talk about his plans for a new public safety charter amendment, which he is careful to say isn't a rehash of last year's election; the police killing of Amir Locke, and whether Mayor Frey can start getting MPD policies right after some big failures during his four-plus years on the job; and after hearing big promises for years about the police contract, what should we think about the argument that the police contract isn't the place for disciplinary standards? Did the after action report detailing mismanagement and misconduct of MPD in the summer of 2020 tell us anything we didn't already know? We talk about police "buy back" (the practice of neighborhood organizations or other private entities purchasing extra police patrols from the city) during a police staffing shortage. How has the city's new strong mayor system (shifting power over city departments to the mayor) affected the city council's ability to fulfill its legislative function? Other topics: Elliott's dog, the importance of looking and sounding good during a zoom-based council meeting, and a diversion into a conversation about the smash-hit video game Elden Ring. Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Policing and legislating during a time of transition at Minneapolis City Hall, with Elliott Payne

John is joined by PeggySue and Chris Meyer for a conversation about attempts to resolve longstanding environmental issues at a south Minneapolis public golf course, its historical significance to Black golfers, the flooding and trash that plague the adjacent lake and its neighbors, and a longshot plan to replace the course with a sex forest. See the Hiawatha Golf Course master plan, which Chris refers to as the "compromise" plan: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park_care__improvements/park_projects/current_projects/hiawatha_golf_course_property_master_plan/ Golf Channel video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWJVzjJIDW0&amp;ab_channel=GolfChannel Sex Forest plan: https://twitter.com/sex_forest Watch this episode: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

John is joined by PeggySue and Chris Meyer for a conversation about attempts to resolve longstanding environmental issues at a south Minneapolis public golf course, its historical significance to Black golfers, the flooding and trash that plague the adjacent lake and its neighbors, and a longshot plan to replace the course with a sex forest. See the Hiawatha Golf Course master plan, which Chris refers to as the "compromise" plan: <a href="https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park_care__improvements/park_projects/current_projects/hiawatha_golf_course_property_master_plan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.minneapolisparks.org/park_care__improvements/park_projects/current_projects/hiawatha_golf_course_property_master_plan/</a> Golf Channel video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWJVzjJIDW0&amp;ab_channel=GolfChannel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWJVzjJIDW0&amp;ab_channel=GolfChannel</a> Sex Forest plan: <a href="https://twitter.com/sex_forest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/sex_forest</a> Watch this episode: <a href="https://youtube.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/wedgelive</a> Join the conversation: <a href="https://twitter.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/wedgelive</a> Support the show: <a href="https://patreon.com/wedgelive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/wedgelive</a> Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Hiawatha Golf Course: A Sex Forest Episode

After 60 episodes the Wedge LIVE podcast is taking it to the next level, and we're extending an opportunity to bring your product or service along for the ride. Whether you're a realtor, a local bar/restaurant, or a cat owner looking to have your cat's birthday announced on the air -- we're here to meet your advertising needs. Contact newsroom@wedgelive.com.

After 60 episodes the Wedge LIVE podcast is taking it to the next level, and we're extending an opportunity to bring your product or service along for the ride. Whether you're a realtor, a local bar/restaurant, or a cat owner looking to have your cat's birthday announced on the air -- we're here to meet your advertising needs. Contact newsroom@wedgelive.com.

Advertise on the Wedge LIVE podcast!

Wedge LIVE!

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Best Episodes on Mental Health, Emotions & Thoughts

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