Tonka Talk Community and Connection
Welcome to Tonka Talk, the podcast that explores community and connection around Lake Minnetonka.
Nestled near the serene shores of Lake Minnetonka in the Twin Cities, our show is your guide to discovering the inspiring stories of individuals and groups who are crafting vibrant, meaningful community and connection in this picturesque setting.
From lakeside gatherings to community events, from stories of local heroes to heartwarming tales of collaboration, we dive into the ways people are coming together to create a strong sense of belonging.
Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer to the area, or simply interested in the power of community, Tonka Talk has something for you.
Do you know of someone creating community and connection in a unique or big way? Share it with us. We would love to hear from you.
Learn more and connect with us at https://www.tonkatalk.com
To connect with Natalie: Natalie@tonkatalk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonkaTalk
Episodes
24 episodes
The Andrew Myers Effect: Crafting Dialogues and Policies for a Better Community
Have you ever wondered what it takes to serve as the voice of a diverse community? Join Andrew Myers, the dedicated representative of District 45A, as he unravels his path from the Minnetonka Beach planning commission to the floors of the Minne...
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26:07
First Female Firefighter to First Female Mayor: Johanna Mouton's Tale of Service to City of Wayzata
As the sun kisses the shores of Lake Minnetonka, Mayor Johanna Mouton, with her tapestry of experiences from firefighter to political leader, sits with us to weave a story of passion, service, and adventure. This episode is an inti...
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34:42
Blue Zones to Snowy Homes Dr. Jason Strandberg on Cultivating Health in Winter
Discover the secrets of thriving through the chill of Minnesota's winters. You'll be enlightened by our conversation about the essential role of sunlight in boosting our vitamin D—and mood!—even when the mercury drops. We also tack...
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23:55
Molly Ambrose's Journey from Military Mom to Beacon of Hope for Service Members
When Molly Ambrose's son donned the Marine Corps uniform, it wasn't just a personal milestone—it sparked a movement that has since wrapped our heroes in the warmth of community care, called Semper Fi Flo.
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19:43
Harnessing Improv to Forge Stronger Connections in a Disconnected World
Ever wondered how the pros turn social anxiety into a magnetic presence? Lori Crever, author, actress, and speaker, joins Tonka Talk to reveal the powerful synergy between mentorship and improv, as laid out in her riveting boo...
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39:30
Crafting Local Lore: Renee Stewart and the Heart of Lake Minnetonka Storytelling
As I nestled into my chair across from Renee Stewart of Lake Minnetonka Magazine, the cozy hum of our shared love for community storytelling set the stage for a conversation rich with insight. Renee, with her wealth of experience, ...
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30:25
Compassion on Hooves Tiptoe's Journey as an Emotional Support Donkey
Have you ever considered the profound connections that can form across species? Join me, Natalie Webster, as I share a conversation with Erin about the extraordinary relationship between her emotional support donkey, Tiptoe, and her blind horse...
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12:35
Unlocking Confidence Through Hypnosis: Joshua Peters Unveils the Science of Subconscious Rewiring
Ever wondered how the power of hypnosis could unlock a more confident you? My guest Joshua Peters from X Factor Hypnosis joins us to unravel the science of hypnosis, showing it's not all about swinging...
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47:33
Harnessing the Power of Connection: Lee Oden Top Rank Marketing
Lee Odden of Top Rank Marketing has traveled the globe helping businesses and business owners connect with their communities.Ever wondered how cultural differences can impact your marketin...
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36:38
Imposter Syndrome: Ask Kelly!
Are you wrestling with feelings of being a fraud or fake in your career? Here's an episode you don't want to miss. We explore the phenomenon of imposter syndrome with Kelly Olsen, a local entrepreneur who shares personal experiences and advice ...
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28:51
Signing a Billion Year Contract: Part 5 of Scientology - Life After a Cult
Are you ready to embark on a journey through the inner workings of Scientology? Join us, Natalie and Lana, as we peel back the layers of our childhood spent within the confines Scientology. Our candid Friday episodes offer a glimps...
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43:50
Fashion, Community, and the Power of Perseverance: A Tale of Primp Boutique Success
Imagine being 16, fuelled with a burning passion for fashion and a dream that seems larger than life. Meet Wesley Euthes, owner of the successful Primp Boutique, who transformed her love for fashion into a successful business.Her journe...
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27:04
Embracing Challenges When Creating Something NEW: Ask Kelly!
Ever wondered how to turn a seemingly dilapidated property into a thriving venture? Join us, Natalie Webster and Kelly Olsen, as Kelly shares her thrilling journey of breathing new life into the Guest H...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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31:50
Children in Scientology: Part 4 Scientology - Life After a Cult
Welcome back to another riveting episode of Tonka Talk. Have you ever found yourself questioning the dynamics of a group you were a part of? Join the conversation with host Natalie Webster, as she continues the heart-wrenching tale...
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52:06
Strengthening Bonds through Philanthropy: Tina Richter's Journey With The National Charity League
Are you ready to discover the joy of giving back and creating deeper bonds with loved ones? This episode is all about the power of volunteering, and we sit down with Tina Richter, vice president of membership for the National Charity League's W...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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18:50
The Power of Community Involvement: Josh Radziej's Journey Through Volunteering
Ever wondered how you can make a real, tangible impact in your local community? Tune in to this enriching episode to discover how our guest, Josh Radziej, found his place in the heart of Excelsior's community. Josh's journey is all...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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17:25
How My Grandpa Became My Dad: Part 3 Scientology - Life After a Cult
I’d like to invite you on a personal journey - my journey - from the confines of a controlling cult to the warm embrace of a true community. The rabbit hole goes deeper this week as we navigate the impact of Scientology on family d...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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32:04
From Pest Control to Podcasting: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Matt Eickman
What if the key to successful business expansion is not just about transactions but building authentic relationships within the community? Our guest today, Matt Eickman, CEO of Abracadabra...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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22:04
The FBI and a Murder: Part 2 Scientology - Life After a Cult
What happens when a child's innocent hustle inadvertently brings the FBI to the Church of Scientology's doorstep? I lived it and I'm ready to share my story. This episode of Tonka Talk is a powerful testament to my journey of growing up in, and...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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16:47
Grant Whittaker: Creating Community One Uniquely Stylish Experience at a Time
Ready for a peek behind the runway? We're thrilled to bring you a colorful journey through creativity and style with Grant Whittaker, a renowned name in the Twin Cities fashion scene. Grant has become a fashion personality, appear...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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32:47
Empowering Women in Podcasting: A Conversation with Twila Dang
Step into the dynamic world of podcasting with the formidable Twila Dang, CEO and founder of Matriarch Digital Media, and producer at MPR. We chat about being unexpectedly paired as co-hosts on ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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32:06
The Mall Shooting - Part 1 Scientology - Life After a Cult
Ever escape a cult? I did, and I'm ready to share my story. In this episode of Tonka Talk, I share how I broke free from the gripping clutches of Scientology, with my entire family by my side. It's a journey filled with a myriad of...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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12:11
Capturing Connections: The Lens of Lake Minnetonka Photographer Bob Israel
In this episode of Tonka Talk, we delve into the captivating world of renowned Lake Minnetonka photographer, Bob Israel. Join us as we explore the incredible story behind Bob's breathtaking images of landscapes and wildlife that have ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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10:14
From Grief to Viral Healing: Donni Torres' TikTok Journey
In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, we sit down with the remarkable Donni Torres, who, in the face of profound loss, found a unique and inspiring way to cope and heal. Donni's husband's battle with ALS left her devast...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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27:35
