Downtown Menom: The Podcast
The podcast that talks with and promotes the wonderful businesses and organizations that make Menomonie, WI a great place to live, work and visit.
Learn about Heroes Welcome
We meet John Hanson, the owner of Heroes Welcome. Why is it that John - who IS NOT from Menomonie - decided to open a comic book store this community? He also tells us about his experience living in Los Angeles for three years and how he got to be an extra in a few big time movie productions.
Later, the group talks about Pokemon cards, the game Dungeons & Dragons and some of the group's own personal board game favorites.
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Learn about the Mable Tainter Theatre
Interim Executive Director Lucas Chase visits to discuss the upcoming schedule, including why he is excited for one band in particular that plays classic rock using bagpipes.
Lucas, Dustyn and Becca also go over some of the ghost stories inside the theatre and Lucas's own experiences.
Some fun, random facts people overlook and we also get the TRUE story behind the legend of the tunnels that are supposed to be underneath Menomonie.
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Learn about the True Blue Music Festival
Paul Wilkes of Fusion Management, and organizer of the True Blue Festival joins the show. He talks about his history and how he came to the Chippewa Valley. He gives insight into what it is like working in the event and music industry in Menomonie, as well as the idea behind the True Blue Festival, trueblueconcert.com. He shares about the Diablo Restaurant amidst the discussion of the fine details of chicken wings.
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Get to C&J's Candy Store and Scoop Shop
Barbara Bowerton joins the Downtown Menom crew to talk about starting her candy store and what it's like stocking international sweets. She shares what it was like serving overseas, and how she came to Menomonie with her family. She gives her candy recommendations, and we hear a scathing review of goulash.
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Get to the know the Zymurgy Brewing Company
Dustyn and Jeff, filling in for Becca, are joined by John Christiansen of Zymurgy Brewing Company. John explains his journey to becoming Head Brewer and Owner of Zymurgy. Dustyn and Jeff are curious to know the current offerings at Zymurgy, and some favorites - and least favorites - of the beer world. John shares what it was like to get Zymurgy to where it is now, and upcoming events at the brewery. We see a peek into the non-brewing side of John as well.
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Get to know the Menomonie Police Chief
Dustyn and Jeff, filling in for Becca, are joined by Menomonie Chief of Police Eric Atkinson. Eric explains how he ended up in Menomonie, beginning with his time as a private investigator early in his career. Eric shares stories from past police work, and what it's like being Chief now. Dustyn and Jeff see behind the badge and hear about Eric's interests outside of law enforcement.
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Get to Know the UW-Stout Chancellor
The UW-Stout Chancellor, Katherine Frank, stops by the program to talk about her first year at the university and the unprecedented challenges. We also dive into who she is and what she is looking forward to doing now that things are opening up and she can finally get out and explore her new home. She tells us some of her interests, how the Farmer's Market was a frequent stop for her last summer and why the movie High Fidelity ranks at the top of her list.
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Menomonie History
First, we hear about the Downtown Menomonie Wine Walk coming up June 12th
Then, Becca & Dustyn talk with Melissa Kneeland, the Executive Director of the Dunn County Historical Society (and someone involved in a number of organizations in Menomonie). We learn a little bit about the history of Menomonie, such as Captain Wilson. She also touches on how history allows us to see what has changed but also what stays the same.
And, Melissa describes how the decline in local newspapers could have a negative long-term impact on historical preservation.
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What is Downtown Menomonie
This podcast series will introduce us to the people and places that make Menomonie a wonderful community. On the debut episode, we meet Dustyn and Becca from Downtown Menomonie INC. to set the stage for the podcast.
Among many topics covered we learn about Becca's love of crystals...Dustyn's involvement with vintage baseball...and what fast foot chicken franchise residents ask for in Menomonie the most
