Wright Here Right Now, Discover Austin Minnesota 's Podcast

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By: Discover Austin Minnesota

We truly are proud of our town and want you to find out what makes it special in so many ways. Take your time visiting and enjoying our events and attractions (like the one and only SPAM Museum),many restaurants, appreciate the great music, theatre and arts that abound here. Look at from any perspective from sports, culture, family fun, history, conferences, education, outdoor adventure...Austin, MN has an astonishing amount to offer. 

Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 138 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#138
Yesterday at 11:00 AM

In this episode in the  Discover Austin segment I’ll be visiting with Sandy Anderson from Sandy Anderson Coaching and Consulting. Next week the Hormel Historic Home will be hosting an Evening of Empowerment where Sandy will be the guest speaker. We’ll talk about the event and how to get tickets.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Naturalist Kelly Bahl about all the little baby critters you might see when you are out and about this time of year and what you should do if you encounter some of them.

As...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 137 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#137
Last Wednesday at 11:00 AM

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week Lisa and I will be joined by author Pat Harris. We’ll be looking into his book Season on the Drink.

And then at the Austin Public Library I’ll talk with Julie Clinefelter about a very busy end of spring and a look ahead to what summer plans are in place for this year.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcas...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 135 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#136
Last Monday at 11:00 AM

In this episode I will share some news items with you.

Then in the City of Austin segment I’ll be talking with Duane Salinas, Austin’s Rental Inspector. You’ll learn about the process of rental inspections and the overall goals of the program. 

And then I'll have some events on the community calendar.

I would like to take a moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Thank you for liking and following the podcast. Please recommend the Wright Here, Right N...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 135 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#135
05/15/2026

In this episode, in the  Discover Austin segment, I’ll be visiting with Laura Helle with the Cultural and Arts Commission. We’ll be talking about Fourth Avenue Fest, which will be taking place in Downtown Austin on June 3rd.

Then I’ll stop at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Luke Reese. With schools letting out for the summer in the next few weeks, we’ll talk about opportunities for young and old alike to sign up for some classes at the Nature Center.

As always, thank you for being a large par...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 134 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#134
05/13/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week I’ll share with you a conversation that Lisa and I had with musician and author Charlie Parr during his most recent visit to Austin

And then at the Austin Public Library I’ll talk with Julie Clinefelter about last week’s Page Turners event and also some events that are coming up in the next few weeks.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Ri...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 133 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#133
05/11/2026

In this episode of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast I'll share some news from the past week.

Then in the City of Austin segment, I’ll be talking with Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Jason Sehon. We’ll talk about numerous topics including summer job opportunities, adopt-a-boulevard tree, and events coming up.

And I'll also share some events on the Community Canendar.

Thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your support through kind words, comments and suggestions have been very encouraging. But I wo...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 132 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center,
#132
05/08/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking with Jim Stiles from the Austin Chapter of the Izaak Walton League. We are just over a week away from the first steak cookout fundraiser of the year. We’ll tell you how you can join in.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Meredith Meloney about the  spring ephemerals that you can see all around the Nature Center.

As always, thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright He...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 131 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#131
05/06/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking by phone with Jess Lourey. Today at Noon Jess, along with two other authors, will be stopping by Sweet Reads. This is the first stop on their 17 stop tour. Moe details coming up in a few moments..

And then at the Austin Public Library I’ll talk with Julie Clinefelter about this week’s Page Turners event plus some other events taking place later this spring.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you fo...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 130 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#130
05/04/2026

In this episode I'll share some news items for the week.

And then in the City of Austin Segment I’ll be talking with Assistant City Engineer Andrew Sorenson. There are a number of street projects that start this week. We’ll talk about those projects and some of the other work that is scheduled throughout the construction season. 

And I'll also have some items on the Community Calendar.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now p...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 129 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#129
05/01/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking with the facilitator and a couple of students from the Mower County CEO program about their upcoming trade show.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Luke Reese about the replanting of trees both at the Nature Center and around town. We’ll tell you how you can get involved and help make the replanting program a success.. 

As always, thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Rig...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 128 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library, Austin Symphony Orchestra
#128
04/29/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking with Sue Grove, a member of the Austin Page Turners committee. We’ll talk about this year’s Page Turners event and the authors that will be featured.

And then at the Austin Public Library I’ll continue with Page Turners information as I welcome Peggy Benzkofer and Bonnie Rietz, Co-chairs of this year’s event, to talk more about the history of Austin’s Citywide Read and specifically about this year’s featured authors.

And I’ll also sit...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 127 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#127
04/27/2026

 In this episode I’ll share some news stories from the past week with you.

Then in the City of Austin Segment I’ll be talking with Chief of Police David McKichen. With numerous construction projects starting around town plus more motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians out and about, now is a good time to be more aware while out on our roadways.

As always, thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your support through kind words, comments and suggestions have been very encouraging. But I would...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 126 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#126
04/24/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking with folks from the Parenting Resource Center to learn about a Mother’s Day Tea and also this year’s Taste of Nations event.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Meredith Meloney about bird eggs and some of the unique differences in some of them

As always, thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your support through kind words, comments and suggestions have been...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 125 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library, Austin Utilities
#125
04/22/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking with author Stephanie Landsem. We’ll talk about her journey to become a published author and her latest book, The Fault Between Us.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Sally Baker, President of the Ladies Floral Club. On April 29th the Floral Club will be holding their annual fundraising event, this year centered around strawberries. We’ll tell you about the event, the menu, and how to get tickets.

And then I...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 124 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#124
04/20/2026

In this episode I share some news from the past few days.

And in the City of Austin Segment I’ll be talking with Holly Wallace, Planning & Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission member Jay Lutz. We’ll talk about just what the planning commission is and what role it serves in our city.

I'll also have some events for you on the Community Calendar.

Thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your support through kind words, comments and suggestions have been very encouraging. But...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 123 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#123
04/17/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking with Jamey Helgeson from Life Mower County. This weekend is the annual Walk for Autism and coming up on May 2nd is the Beer, Bacon, and Beignets fundraising event. We’ll share details of how you can get involved. 

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Director Luke Reese. Last week the Artemis Space flight completed its mission. We’ll talk about the importance of this flight and why the time is right to re...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 122 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#122
04/15/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking with Jade Burnham from Hot Off the Press Comics and Coffee. From Superman Day to Free Comics Day to Global Book Crawl week, there is a lot going on at Hot Off the Press.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Julie Clinefelter. Due to some staffing issues, the Austin Public Library is going to be adjusting their hours temporarily. We’ll talk about the changes and some upcoming events.

I woul...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 121 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#121
04/13/2026

Coming up in this episode I'll share with you some of the life events that have been taking place over the last few months.

Then in the City of Austin Segment I’ll be talking with Building Official Fred Husemoller. As a new construction season gets underway, we’ll talk about things you should know when starting a project around your house and hiring a contractor.

And then a couple of community calendar events to wrap things up.

Thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 120 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#120
04/10/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking with the operators of Floatin’ Goat Outfitters. We’ll learn about how kayak rentals work and some of the different places that you can use their services.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Emma Kelsey, Naturalist Intern. For many years it was believed that only male birds would sing. However new research has shown that not to be true. Find out more a bit later 

As always, thank you for being a large part...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 119Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library,
#119
04/08/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking about some wonderful opportunities for you to participate in a couple of local book reads, a book crawl, and visit with some authors.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Julie Clinefelter. We’ll recap the library conference that the library staff had the opportunity to attend last week. We’ll also talk about major events coming up at the library.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you fo...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 118 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#118
04/06/2026

In this episode I shall a couple of news items with you.

Then in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Jason Sehon, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. We’ll talk about some wonderful employment opportunities for youth and adults. Plus some information about the Adopt-A-Boulevard program, where you can help give newly planted trees a good chance of surviving to maturity.

And also some events on the Community Calendar.

Thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your s...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 117 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Austin Area Foundation
#117
04/03/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. We’ll be talking about some events coming up in the next few weeks and also take a look at some things that will be coming to Austin through the summer months.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Director Luke Reese. We’ll recap last week’s kick-off event for the Nature Playscape and also explain why you might be seeing some intoxicated birds over the next few weeks.

And I will also visit with Steve Barrett at...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 116 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#116
04/01/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be talking about some wonderful opportunities for you to participate in a couple of local book reads.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Julie Clinefelter. We’ll talk about how the library is going to be closed for a few days for the staff to attend a conference. We’ll also look ahead to the month of April as the staff gets ready for summer.

I would like to take a quick moment...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 115 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#115
03/31/2026

In this episode i share some news from the past week with you,

Then in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Glen Morris, water quality and GIS specialist. We’ll be talking about storm water and some events coming up where you can help clean up the community.

And then I'll take a look at some events on the Community Calendar.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Thank...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 114 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#114
03/27/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. This week we’ll be joined by Nate Smit, one of the people working to bring a White Water Park to downtown Austin. We'll talk about the project, how it could benefit Austin, and where the project stands now.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Naturalist and Office Manager Meredith Meloney. We’ll be talking about the summer class schedule and how you can register your family for some fun outdoor education. We’ll share more details on the kick-o...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 113 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library, Austin Utilities
#113
03/25/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be joined by Carmen Tribbett, creator of the Monster Dog series of books.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Julie Clinefelter. We’ll talk about the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, and also some changes to the library schedule for next week as the staff attends a library conference.

And I’ll also visit with Austin Utilities about a way that you can proactively save money on your electric bill.

I...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 112 SNews, City of Austin, Hormel Institute, Community Calendar
#112
03/23/2026

In this Season 2 Episode 112 edition of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast I'll share some news items with you.

Then in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Ian Caruso from the Austin Fire Department. He’ll talk about his journey from part-time to full time firefighter.

And with this year’s Paint The Town Pink events wrapping up I’ll stop in at the Hormel Institute to talk with Brenna Gerhart about this year’s fundraising efforts by the community for the Hormel Institute.

As always, thank you for bein...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 111 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Austin Area Foundation
#111
03/20/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. This week we’ll be talking about an opportunity for you and your pup to get ready for the holiday with an Easter themed photo shoot.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Director Luke Reese. We’ll share more details on the kick-off event for the Nature Playscape at the Nature Center.

And I will also visit with Steve Barrett at the Austin Area Foundation about the upcoming transition to new leadership at the Foundation.

As alw...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 110 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#110
03/18/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. This week we will be joined by Theresa Wilhelm Waldof about her book Wilhelm's Way: The Inspiring Story of the Iowa Chemist Who Saved the Manhattan Project.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with the Julie Clinefelter. We’ll recap the Comic Con from this past weekend, visit about a class to avoid getting scammed and also look forward to the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale.

I would like to take a quick moment to than...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 109 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#109
03/16/2026

In this episode I start of with some news items for you.

Then  in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Austin’s Housing Resource Specialist Joel Rachwitz. There are a number of resources available to help you fix up your house. We’ll discuss some of them and explain who might be eligible for these funds.

And I'll wrap things up with some community Calendar items.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright He...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 108 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#108
03/13/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. This week we’ll be joined by Screen Writer Roger Stigliono and Producer Ray Chang. They are working on bringing the production of a feature film to Austin. This past week they have been in town scouting locations for their film. We had the opportunity to sit down with them and learn more about the film and when filming might begin.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Meredith Maloney, office manager and naturalist. With the spring migration underway, we tal...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 107 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#107
03/11/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. 

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with the Co-chair of the Friends of the Library Annual Used Book Sale, Rose McCarthy.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Thank you for liking and following the podcast. Please recommend the Wright Here, Right Now podcast to your friends. They might not even be aware that we are here. Show the...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 106 City of Austin, Hormel Institute, Community Calendar
#106
03/09/2026

In this episode I share a couple of news items from the past week.

Then in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Austin’s Director of Parks Recreation and Forestry, Jason Sehon. Joining in on our conversation will be the Market Manager of the Cedar River Farmer’s Market Naomi Thompson. With warmer temperatures starting to arrive, it won’t be long before the Farmer’s Market opens for a  new season. We’ll talk about what to expect at this year’s market.

And I’ll also be talking with Kelly...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 105 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Austin Area Foundation
#105
03/06/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Joshua Whalen, the new Executive Director for Matchbox Children’s Theatre. We’ll talk about the future of Matchbox and how he hopes to make that happen.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Luke Reese. This week we’ll get to meet the new Conservation Corps person who will be on site at the nature center for most of this year. We’ll learn what her role will be and how it will impact the nature center.

And I will also...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 104 Sweet Reads, Austin Public Library
#104
03/04/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. We will be talking with Julie Rutter about her career as a school librarian and how that led to her felt board and puppet creations.

I will also be at the Austin Public Library to talk with Youth Services Librarian Salie Olsen about Comic Com which is coming to the library on Saturday March 14th.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Thank yo...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 103 News, City of Austin, Community Calendar
#103
03/03/2026

In this episode I'll share some news items from the last few days.

Then, in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Austin’s City Engineer Steven Lang to talk about the many areas that the city public works department covers.

And I'll wrap up with some events on the Community Calendar.

Thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Your support through kind words, comments and suggestions have been very encouraging. But I would like to ask you for on...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 102 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
#102
02/27/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. Today we will be Visiting with Chris Trayler, owner of BBQ Bomb LLC. We’ll learn about the different products they offer and plans for a food truck to launch later this spring.

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Meredith Meloney, Office Manager and Naturalist. Maple Syrup Season is about to get underway and we’’ll talk about the process to get from sap to syrup.

As always, thank you for being a large part of the succes...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 101 Sweet Reads, Austin Rotary
#101
02/25/2026

In this episode I’ll visit with Lisa Deyo at Sweet Reads Bookstore. We will be talking with author Chet Rao. He’ll be talking about his books and also a special meet and greet coming up this weekend.

And I’ll also check in with the Austin Rotary Club and learn more about their upcoming trivia fundraising night that will benefit the Read Seed of Mower County.

I would like to take a quick moment to thank you for being a large part of the success of the Wright Here, Right Now podcast. Thank you fo...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 100 News, City of Austin, Austin Symphony, Community Calendar
#100
02/23/2026

In this episode I take a look at a couple of news items for the week.

Then in this week’s City of Austin segment I’ll be joined by Austin’s Housing Resource Specialist Joel Rackwitz. We’ll be talking about the Point of Sale Ordinance that will go into effect on March 1st.

And I also sit down with Phil Burkart from the Austin Symphony Orchestra. We’ll tell you all about their next concert, American Voices, which will be performed in Knowlton Auditorium on Sunday March 8th.

Then I'll have some event...


Wright Here, Right Now Season 2 Episode 99 Discover Austin, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Austin Area Foundation
#99
02/20/2026

In this episode I’ll be at Discover Austin visiting with Nancy Schnable. Today we will be two members of the Mower County CEO program to talk about a very exciting new game show fundraising experience coming up at the end of February

Then I’ll visit Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to talk with Director Luke Reese. We’ll be talking about the spongy moth and the plan that is being developed to slow their spread.

And I will also visit with Steve Barrett at the Austin Area Foundation about the For The Love of Aus...