Growing Destinations

Hosted by Experience Rochester

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Your go-to source for insightful discussions on destination development. The Growing Destinations podcast delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes that drive community growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local and national experts, uncovering universal themes and innovative practices that can be applied to any city or region.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 28, 2026Episode 10431 min

An Exit Interview with Rochester, Minnesota Mayor Kim Norton

Rochester, Minnesota Mayor Kim Norton is wrapping up her second term at the end of 2026. Elected in 2018, she made history as Rochester's first female mayor and has helped lead the city through a period of significant change, including the COVID-19 pandemic and continued efforts to transform Rochester through Destination Medical Center. Over the past eight years, Rochester has continued to evolve as a global medical destination while investing in its downtown, public spaces, and amenities that make it a great place to live, work, and visit. As Mayor Norton prepares to leave office, we'll reflect on the challenges, accomplishments, and lessons of her tenure, explore how Rochester has changed, and what's next for her.

September 24, 2026Episode 10325 min

From Shoe Repair Shop to Classy Dive Bar: The Story of The Shoe

Today we're talking about what happens when you take an old building with a lot of history, a little bit of vision, and a willingness to take a chance. Jack Lester and Eric Kramlinger are two of the owners of The Shoe Beverage Bar in Rochester, Minnesota. They took a former shoe repair shop that had been part of the community for decades, and transformed it into what they describe as a classy dive bar: a place for drinks, conversation, live music, and bringing people together. Jack and Eric share their backgrounds, why they decided to get into the bar business, what drew them to this particular building, the importance of preserving some of its history, and what a place like The Shoe Beverage Bar can contribute to Rochester's growing destination.

August 18, 2026Episode 10224 min

The World’s Tallest Nutcracker in Luverne, Minnesota

When you think about iconic attractions, a giant nutcracker probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But in Luverne, Minnesota, nutcrackers have become much more than a holiday decoration: they've become part of the community's identity and a growing tourism story that's attracting visitors and national attention. This episode offers a look at how one unique idea evolved into a destination brand and what other communities can learn from Luverne's experience. Joining the conversation are Betty Mann, whose remarkable nutcracker collection helped inspire it all; Katie Walgrave, who helped bring the world's tallest nutcracker to life; and Tony Schomacker, who has helped lead Luverne's destination branding efforts.

July 16, 2026Episode 10126 min

Building Places People Want to Visit and Live

When we talk about destinations, we often focus on attracting visitors, but the strongest destinations are also great places to live: communities where people want to build careers, raise families, start businesses and connect with others. Join Alison Zelms, City Administrator for Rochester, MN, Mike Mornson, City Manager for Hopkins, MN and Sharon Hanson, City Administrator for Marshall, MN as they discuss building places people want to visit and live. This episode was recorded in Rochester, Minnesota during the 2026 League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference, where local leaders from communities across the state gathered to share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

July 9, 2026Episode 10032 min

Purple Rain from the Inside with Dr. Fink

Matt Fink, known to millions around the world as Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution, was the keyboardist for one of the most iconic bands in music history. He helped create music that continues to inspire audiences across generations and around the world. Matt talks about his journey into music, how he met Prince, what it was like to be part of the Revolution during the Purple Rain era, the friendships and experiences that shaped those remarkable years, the lasting legacy of Prince, and why music and culture continue to play such an important role in building strong communities. This special 100th episode of the Growing Destinations Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota.

May 21, 2026Episode 9924 min

Charlie Rybak Reflects on Media, Storytelling, Minnesota, and His Last Name

Charlie Rybak has worked across just about every corner of modern media, from traditional journalism to digital strategy to launching hyperlocal news platforms. Today he leads editorial innovation at Twin Cities Business and hosts a YouTube series featuring conversations with business leaders across the region. Charlie shares his career journey, what's actually working in business media right now and how he's thinking about telling the story of a state that's growing well beyond just the Twin Cities.

May 11, 2026Episode 9819 min

How A Rochester Brewery Is Building A World Cup Home Base

At Little Thistle Brewing in Rochester, Minnesota, community creativity and a real smart approach to experience-building are all on tap. This isn't just a neighborhood brewery. It's a gathering place, and increasingly, it's becoming something more: a hub for shared experiences that bring people together in ways that go well beyond what's in the glass. Steve Finnie, Co-Owner of Little Thistle, shares how his Scottish roots and passion for soccer are helping to shape a creative activation leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This conversation goes deeper than that. We'll talk about Steve's journey, the realities of running a brewery in today's environment and how thinking differently about programming, partnerships and place can turn a local business into a destination in its own right.

March 19, 202623 min

A Conversation with Chancellor Lori Carrell - University of Minnesota Rochester

On Growing Destinations, we’re joined by Chancellor Lori Carrell of the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). Chancellor Carrell received the Rochester Mayor’s Medal of Honor in 2025 for her leadership in higher education and her impact on the city. Under her leadership, UMR has experienced significant enrollment growth and continues to expand its role as a downtown campus preparing the next generation of healthcare and research professionals. We discuss UMR’s unique place within the University of Minnesota system, its innovative approach to learning, and how the university’s growth is shaping the future of Rochester.

March 5, 202615 min

Two Worlds of Storytelling: Newsroom and Novel

Caitlin Alexander is an Emmy award-winning anchor and Executive Producer at KTTC-TV in Rochester, Minnesota, and a published children’s author. While many viewers know her from the nightly newscast, Caitlin is also the writer behind the middle-grade paranormal novels She's Still Here and The Forever Bride, as well as the family-centered children's book Baby Celebrates Both: Christmas & Hanukkah. In this conversation, we discuss building a creative life in Rochester, balancing newsroom leadership with novel writing, and why telling brave, age-appropriate spooky stories for kids matters.

November 13, 2025Episode 9515 min

Sweet Success: The Huxden Syrups Story with Erik Karow

Erik Karow is founder and owner of Huxden Syrups . Erik's passion for flavor and creativity turned a simple idea into a growing business. What started as a creative side project has evolved into a brand known for its small-batch, handcrafted syrups that elevate coffee, cocktails, and culinary creations. In this episode, Erik shares the story behind launching Huxden Syrups, what it's like being an entrepreneur in today's challenging business climate, and how he's planning to scale and grow while staying true to his craft.