Best St Croix Valley Podcasts (2025)

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Drew Spielman, Hudson Fire Chief 29:00

Play Pause

27d ago29:00

29:00

Drew Spielman has fond memories of his father's time as a firefighter in his hometown of Menomonie, Wis. He also remembers visiting his grandfather, who would also share about his time as a volunteer firefighter. With two generations of firefighters as role models, Drew knew his future was also in the world of firefighting. He attended school to ea…

1
Lindsey Moreland, Autism Advocate 22:44

1M ago22:44

22:44

Lindsey Moreland is an author, an artist, and a motivation speaker — all of which have helped her show that people with autism are capable of doing lots of amazing things. When Lindsey was diagnosed with autism at 28 months old, it changed her family's world. But her parents and sister have been her biggest support over the years, and the Morelands…

1
Chris Mick, STEM Educator/Librarian 42:09

2M ago42:09

42:09

Like many kids, Chris Mick had dreams of being an astronaut. He started taking steps toward that goal, including making the drive from California to attend Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. But some hurdles wound up ending his dream of going into space, including the fact that he grew to be too tall to be an astronaut. Despite that, Chris' love of spa…

1
Stephanie Johnson, The Garage Bikes + Brews 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

Is The Garage Bikes and Brews a bike shop first, or a brewery first? If you ask co-owner Stephanie Johnson, the answer is: both. Stephanie is a River Falls native who married a fellow River Falls native, Matt. The duo co-own The Garage, which opened in 2020 and is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The space offers a unique vibe where visitors…

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Mark Klapatch-Mathias, UWRF and Earth Fest 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly popular topic, and there's been growing support for sustainability efforts in the St. Croix Valley in particular — and in River Falls specifically, where Earth Fest will be held for the fourth year in a row on April 26th. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, we're joined by Mark Klapatch-Mathias, t…

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Lee Kroll and Jim Dahl, St. Croix Valley Food Bank 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

The St. Croix Valley Food Bank has an ambitious goal for 2025: to provide over five million pounds of food to the four-county region in Western Wisconsin that it serves. That number might seem like a lot, but it's what is needed to help address the growing issue of food insecurity in the region. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, Lee Krol…

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Matthew Stepaniak, Limitless Cycling 38:12

4M ago38:12

38:12

When his mother suffered a stroke in 2018, Matthew Stepaniak wanted to find a way to keep her active both physically and mentally. As an avid cyclist himself, Matthew had the idea to bring cycling to those who couldn't otherwise enjoy it themselves. So he teamed up with Darren Dobier and the two co-founded Limitless Cycling, which helps individuals…

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Dave Knoke, Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts 34:59

4M ago34:59

34:59

After growing up on a farm in Lancaster, Wisconsin, Dave Knoke ventured to River Falls for college — and ended up never leaving the area. He eventually opened Knoke's Chocolates and Nuts in Hudson in 2000 and the store has been a staple of the community ever since. Knoke's has outgrown two different spaces over the years but has remained a fixture …

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Guy Whitehead, Lucky Guys Distillery 51:11

5M ago51:11

51:11

Guy Whitehead grew up in a small town in North Dakota — his graduating class had 14 kids — and has an affinity for small-town living. He and his wife eventually settled with their kids in Stillwater, but he ultimately chose Hudson when he decided to open up Lucky Guys Distillery in 2022. Guy credits his grandfather as the genesis for his passion of…

1
Shelly Smith, Our Neighbors' Place 24:03

5M ago24:03

24:03

We sometimes don't realize when others in our community — our neighbors — might need a little extra help, whether it's financially, finding housing, or other challenges. Shelly Smith and her team at Our Neighbors' Place in River Falls see these examples every day, and the small-but-mighty staff works hard to provide community members with the help …

1
Chris Kost, Hudson YMCA 32:02

6M ago32:02

32:02

For many in the Hudson community, the YMCA is a place to work out, go swimming, or play pickleball. But the Y offers so much more than that — from youth programs to camps to a sense of community for those who gather there. And Chris Kost is a big reason for the impact the YMCA has had on the local community over the past decade. Chris became the ex…

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Officer James Wildman, Hudson Police Department 29:53

7M ago29:53

29:53

If you asked James Wildman as a kid what he wanted to be when he grew up, a police officer probably wouldn't have been his first answer. He grew up with a bit of a distrust for law enforcement, but later realized that he could help change the way people view police officers by becoming one himself. After a four-year stint in the marine corps with h…

1
The Santa Mailbox with Richelle and Gary Jader 24:12

7M ago24:12

24:12

When Richelle and Gary Jader first moved to Third Street in Hudson, they were warned about living on "Halloween Street." But it's been another holiday that has made the Jaders' home stand out. For the past six years, Richelle and Gary have been the stewards of the Santa Mailbox, a red mailbox that sits in front of their house and receives hundreds …

1
Christina Rose, Christina Rose Coaching 37:17

8M ago37:17

37:17

In an ideal world, we’d all go about life as our true authentic selves, living how we want and not necessarily caring about how society might define us. But for many people, embracing their authentic self isn’t that simple. That journey of self-discovery can take a long time for some people, including today’s guest, Christina Rose. Christina joins …

1
Sheri Marnell, St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center 31:07

8M ago31:07

31:07

Sheri Marnell has a passion for helping other companies thrive, and she gets to do that every day in her role as the director of the St. Croix Valley Business Innovation Center. The SCVBIC is an incubator for local companies that are looking to either get their business off the ground or grow their company before eventually graduating to their own …

1
Jess and Suzi Higgles, Joe to Go 42:34

9M ago42:34

42:34

At just 90 square feet, there isn’t a lot of room to operate inside of Joe to Go. But while the footprint of what owners Jess and Suzi Higgles affectionately call “the hut” is small, it’s filled with big ideas and big flavors. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, hear from Jess and Suzi to learn all about Hudson’s smallest coffee shop — and…

1
Mayor Rich O'Connor and Larry Szyman, The Golden Rule Initiative 26:20

9M ago26:20

26:20

"Treat others as you want to be treated" is one of the basic interpretations of the Golden Rule, which has other variations throughout different cultures and religions. No matter the translation, the basic principle is the same: be kind to others. Hudson mayor Rich O'Connor fondly remembered learning about the Golden Rule as an elementary school st…

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Angie Pilgrim and Heidi Herron, St. Croix Valley Foundation 23:42

10M ago23:42

23:42

The mission of the St. Croix Valley Foundation is simple: to enhance the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. The foundation does that by offering numerous grants and scholarships to residents in six counties and two states in the St. Croix Valley — and it's based right here in Hudson at the new Alliance Center, a hub for local nonprofits (incl…

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Jen Vieth and Abbey Holden, Carpenter Nature Center 37:02

10M ago37:02

37:02

Nestled into the woods in a quiet part of Hudson is the beautiful new building of the Carpenter Nature Center, which also has a location in Hastings, Minn. The center's two campuses are home to animals, hiking trails, and education materials for kids and adults alike. Each of the two locations boasts hundreds of acres of land that provide a great e…

1
Jamie Johnson, Hudson School Board 27:41

10M ago27:41

27:41

The Hudson School District has faced challenges in recent years. From the debate over a new high school to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced schools to go remote, tough decisions had to be made in order to do what was best for the Hudson students. Making those tough decisions isn't always easy, but it's something Jamie Johnson has learned to do as …

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Melissa "Mei Mei" Abdouch, Mei Mei's Cookies and Creamery 25:24

11M ago25:24

25:24

Seven years ago, Melissa Abdouch had to pivot her career after losing her job in the corporate world. She decided to open Mei Mei's Cookies and Creamery in downtown River Falls, and the store has been a hit in the community ever since. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, Mei Mei joins to share more about the origins of her store, the lesso…

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Tim Zais, North Hudson Pepper Fest 26:23

11M ago26:23

26:23

The North Hudson Pepper Fest has grown into a weekend-long celebration filled with food, music, a parade, and much more. But it started with humble roots: residents of North Hudson wanted to find a way to raise money to build a new school. That was 70 years ago in 1954, and the philanthropic mindset of Pepper Fest still exists today, with the nonpr…

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Art Doyle, Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals 28:42

11M ago28:42

28:42

Before he even graduated high school, Art Doyle had made a business out of repairing bikes. A modest bike repair business outside of Stillwater High School eventually led Art to opening his own bike shop downtown Hudson. Forty years later, Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals remains an integral part of the Hudson community — and cycling remains a big par…

1
Farmer Greg and Farmer Andrew, White Pine Berry Farm 25:24

11M ago25:24

25:24

There's something special about being able to pick and eat your own farm-grown fruit. That's exactly the experience you'll get if you head east of Hudson just a bit to visit White Pine Berry Farm, where Greg and Andrew Zwald (known to regulars as Farmer Greg and Farmer Andrew) have continued to grow their U-pick operation since opening in 2012. On …

1
Amy Thurston, Historic Hudson, WI 24:35

12M ago24:35

24:35

At the height of the pandemic, Amy Thurston started going a bit stir crazy and decided to do something with the Hudson history books she had at home. Amy launched the Historic Hudson, WI Facebook page to share about the town's history — the people, places, and events that shaped the town over the past 150-plus years. Four years later, the page cont…

1
Val Aune, The Bees Knees 26:27

12M ago26:27

26:27

For five years, Val Aune owned and operated not one but two successful stores downtown Hudson. She became the owner of La Rue Marche in 2012, and five years later opened The Bees Knees, a gift shop that sells something for just about everybody. Val eventually sold La Rue Marche in 2022 to focus on The Bees Knees, and she has become a leader among t…

1
Derek Hom, Wilder Waffle Co. 28:15

1y ago28:15

28:15

If you were going to start your own food truck, what would you serve? For Hudson resident Derek Hom, the choice was simple: waffles. After the birth of his son, Derek quit his job to launch Wilder Waffle Co., a food truck serving delicious waffles in Hudson and the surrounding area. Since taking the leap of leaving his corporate job, Derek hasn't l…

1
Hudson Area Backpack & Food Program and Operation HELP 21:39

1y ago21:39

21:39

There are several great non-profits in the Hudson area helping residents with various challenges, and two of them will soon be under the same roof to better serve their clients. The Hudson Area Backpack & Food Program will be joining Operation HELP in the same facility as the two long-standing organizations will now have more space to operate. The …

1
Matt Darnold, Hudson Pride Co. 22:44

1y ago22:44

22:44

A lightbulb clicked for Matt Darnold when the Hudson native attended a Pride Festival in Hastings, Minnesota: why couldn’t something like this take place in his hometown? So Matt set out to create Hudson Pride Co., which last year hosted the first annual Valley Wide Pride Fest at Lakefront Park. The goal was to offer a safe space to members of the …

1
Ben and Hannah Jung, Hudco To Go 20:32

1y ago20:32

20:32

If you're like me, you sometimes don't feel like cooking dinner (or don't have time) but you still want a home-cooked meal. That's where Hudco To Go comes in. As a newer arrival to the Hudson food scene, Hudco To Go offers home-cooked meals that you can bring home and heat up. Chef Ben Jung and his wife Hannah opened Hudco to Go downtown Hudson ear…

1
Tera Busker 21:14

1y ago21:14

21:14

Four years ago, Tera Busker suffered a boating accident that caused her to be hospitalized for more than a week. While celebrating the 4th of July on her family's pontoon, a boat sped through a no-wake zone and ended up causing Tera and her niece to get pulled under the pontoon. Tera suffered multiple injuries when the propeller hit her under the w…

1
That Foreign Feeling Season Two Recap 33:12

1y ago33:12

33:12

Show Notes/ Articles Referenced: Nurtured by Nature Article from the American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature Ecotherapy https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/talking-therapy-and-counselling/ecotherapy/#:~:text=Ecotherapy%20is%20a%20formal%20type,are%20there%20to%20support%20y…

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Hudson Community Expo 2024 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

Every year for the past 21 years, the Hudson Community Expo has brought together local businesses and organizations under one roof, giving residents a chance to learn more about these groups and network with others in the community. This year's event was held on May 5th at Hudson High School and featured dozens of businesses, non-profits, and craft…

1
Kelsa Wirth, High Acuity Foster Care 14:38

1y ago14:38

14:38

May is National Foster Care Month, so on this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, we hear from foster care advocates on why this service is so important. First, Kelsa Wirth, a community support coordinator for high acuity foster care in several counties in western Wisconsin (including St. Croix County) shares more about the high acuity foster care…

1
History of Mental Health 19:46

1y ago19:46

19:46

Show Notes/ Articles Referenced: Mental Health Origins https://publichealth.jhu.edu/departments/mental-health/about/origins-of-mental-health CDC Mental Health National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408392/#:~:text=The%20origin%20of%20the%20mental,admissions%20to%20three%20mental%20hospitals. Mental Health America…

1
Pete Foster, Barker's Bar & Grill/San Pedro Cafe/Pedro's Pizza Lounge 35:15

1y ago35:15

35:15

As a kid growing up in Hudson, Pete Foster recalls the food scene in town being good, but not great. Fast forward many years later, and Pete's three restaurants — Barker's Bar & Grill, San Pedro Cafe, and Pedro's Pizza Lounge — have all played a big part in helping transform the restaurant scene downtown Hudson into something special. On this week'…

1
Jess and Jonathan Pressley, Ember and Bean Roasting Co 37:41

1y ago37:41

37:41

Jess and Jonathan Pressley, owners of Ember and Bean Roasting Co, have a slogan they abide by at their shop: great coffee takes time. The coffee sold at Ember and Bean is indeed great, and an order at the shop might take a bit more. But the wait is worth it. On this week's episode of St. Croix Stories, we're talking coffee with Jess and Jonathan, w…

1
Nature & Mental Health 27:30

1y ago27:30

27:30

Join Grace and Steph on todays episode! Support the showBy The Butterfly Path

1
Angel Duratti, Angel's Pet World 24:12

1y ago24:12

24:12

Throughout her life, Angel Duratti has had plenty of pets. But she wasn't allowed to have any as a kid, even though she loved animals. Once she and her husband Al got their first dog together, Angel's love of pets grew to a new level — and the couple eventually opened Angel's Pet World in Hudson. More than 20 years since opening the pet store, Ange…

1
Rick Reams, RJ's Meats 27:17

1y ago27:17

27:17

Rick Reams' life came full circle when he and his wife purchased what eventually became known as RJ's Meats in 1987. It not only brought Rick back to Hudson after spending four years in the Air Force, but he was taking over the store he worked at as a high schooler — known then as Jim's Meats. More than 35 years later, Rick has built RJ's into a st…

1
Accepting Your Emotions 22:50

1y ago22:50

22:50

Life is unpredictable, it’s bitter sweet, and through the ups and downs we sometimes forget the gift of laughter. So join some of our hosts of That Foreign Feeling today as we chat about mental illness and comedy. One snippet in an article we reference from verywellmind.com in this episode says, “Being able to laugh at stuff can also relieve stress…

1
Jill McNamee, McNamee Real Estate Team 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

Jill McNamee became a realtor at an interesting time in the real estate world — during the 2008 housing crisis. But while many realtors were leaving the industry, Jill was just getting started. She knew that making connections would be valuable as she built a name for herself, so she did what she could to meet as many people as possible in the Huds…

1
Nichole and Rick Frazer, Black Rooster Bistro 39:59

1+ y ago39:59

39:59

The already impressive food scene in Hudson was made even stronger with Rick and Nichole Frazer opened Black Rooster Bistro in the old Winter Stube space in 2022. The timing was right for Rick — the former chef at The St. Paul Grill — and Hudson native Nichole to fulfill Rick's dream of opening a restaurant in the town in which he lived. On this we…

1
Comedy and Mental Illness 28:14

1+ y ago28:14

28:14

Main article mentioned: https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/comedy-and-mental-illness/ Funny Mental Health Sketches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IoOtwyXDeY Mental Health Advocates to look up on Youtube Ruby Wax, Maria Bramford, Very Well Minded article https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-making-fun-of-yourself-5271389 Short term and long …

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Rita Thofern, Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks 41:36

1+ y ago41:36

41:36

Willow River State Park has been a vital part of the Hudson community since it officially opened in 1971. Friends of Willow River & Kinnickinnic State Parks was established as a non-profit in 1990 and has helped maintain the park, offered educational programming, staffed the nature center, and more for decades. On this week's episode, we're talking…

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Renee Frey, Power of 100+ | Women of St. Croix Valley 21:21

1+ y ago21:21

21:21

Sometimes, there is power in numbers. That's certainly the case when more than 100 local women from the Hudson area get together and all contribute $100 that goes towards helping a local non-profit. The group is called Power of 100+ | Women of St. Croix Valley, and it meets twice a year to bring awareness and money to groups who could use the funds…

1
Childhood Bullying 39:49

1+ y ago39:49

39:49

Follow Us! The Butterfly Path Instagram: @The_ButterfyPath Facebook: The Butterfly Path thebutterflypath.org That Foreign Feeling Instagram: @thatforeignfeeling Facebook: That Foreign Feeling Support the show A big thank you to our sponsor who is offering YOU 10% off your first month at BetterHelp by going to betterhelp.com/thatforeignfeeling. Supp…

1
Little Free Library 1:02:01

1+ y ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Little Free Libraries can be found all over the world — there are more than 175,000 of the miniature libraries on all seven continents, including Antarctica — but this global phenomenon has its roots right here in Hudson. Back in 2009, Hudson resident Todd Bol built the first Little Free Library in honor of his mother and put it in his front yard. …

1
Leila Albert, Octagon House Museum 37:22

1+ y ago37:22

37:22

What has eight sides and holds more than 150 years of Hudson history? That would be the Octagon House Museum, located on downtown Hudson's historic Third Street. Established as one of the first houses in the neighborhood, the unique Octagon House was built for a family who moved to Hudson from New York. The house has since been converted to a museu…

1
Erica Walgenbach, Hudson Grocery Cooperative 25:27

1+ y ago25:27

25:27

A common theme among the guests of the podcast so far has an appreciation of the Hudson community supporting local — and the Hudson Grocery Cooperative aims to do just that. With a focus on locally grown and sourced foods, the co-op offers a grocery option to residents wanting not only fresh and healthy foods, but ones that reinvest in the local ec…