Join Mayor Jimmy Francis as he dives into candid conversations about South St. Paul’s challenges, triumphs, and the people who make our city thrive.
Stay informed, get inspired, and connect with your community!
In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, South Metro Fire Deputy Chief Terry Johnson talks with Alicia Ward and Lindsey Sommer from Dakota County Social Services about opioid use, overdose prevention and recovery.They discuss how access to naloxone, also known as Narcan, is helping save lives, what happens when first responders respond to an overdose and where people can turn when they are ready for treatment. The conversation also covers barriers to care, medication for opioid use disorder, stigma and new overdose response kits being developed by South Metro Fire.If you or someone you know needs help, Dakota County has resources for treatment, recovery support and free naloxone.
17 Apr 2026
Tree Update
We're doing things a bit different in this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul. Associate Planner Monika Miller sits down with Conservation Corps member Jaycie Korth to talk all things trees!They cover why trees matter in a city, how South St. Paul is rebuilding its canopy, and what residents can expect from the Regrowing Shade in SSP program. The discussion also covers early tree care, long-term maintenance, and how today’s decisions shape the health of the urban forest for years to come.Along the way, they touch on lessons learned from recent tree loss, the need for species diversity, and the impact trees have on daily life.
20 Feb 2026
Town Square Television
In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis talks with Beth Baumann, the new Executive Director of Town Square Television. They discuss the future of local cable, how community stories get told, and how residents can support local programming.
9 Jan 2026
South St. Paul Voice
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews Tim Spitzack and Jake Spitzack about hyperlocal reporting, the enduring value of print media, and the broad reach of community news.
9 Dec 2025
Neighbors, Inc.
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews Andrew Hoffman of Neighbors, Inc. about addressing food access, job training, and financial support needs through community partnerships and volunteer efforts.
26 Nov 2025
Kori Land - City Attorney
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews City Attorney Kori Land about her journey into municipal law, daily responsibilities, and supporting city operations, revealing the behind-the-scenes efforts that drive South St. Paul.
31 Oct 2025
Mayor's Roundtable - Inver Grove Heights | Mendota Heights | West St. Paul
Mayors Francis of South St. Paul, along with mayors from Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and West St. Paul, discuss collaborative projects and the importance of regional cooperation in this interview episode.
10 Oct 2025
Andrew Wall - Fleming Field Airport Manager
Airport Manager Andrew Wall informs Mayor Jimmy Francis about Fleming Field's history, daily operations, and economic impact, highlighting its significance in Minnesota's aviation network in this interview.
5 Sept 2025
Steve Mankowski - On the Road Again
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews community leader Steve Mankowski about the evolution of the "On the Road Again" festival from a block party to a large-scale community celebration.
11 Jul 2025
Gio Rivera - SSP 7th Grader
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews Gio Rivera, a South St. Paul 7th grader, about his favorite music, hobbies, and perspectives on community, libraries, and leadership.
6 Jun 2025
Kaposia Days - 50th Anniversary
Mayor Jimmy Francis interviews Kaposia Days Board President Annie and Vice President Jeff about the 50th anniversary, history, and community involvement in South St. Paul's summer festival.
16 May 2025
Dakota County - Kaposia Library
In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis sits down with Honora Rodriguez, Branch Manager at the Dakota County Kaposia Library.
They talk about how the library’s new location has shifted its role in the community, what surprises people when they walk through the doors, and why access means more than just checking out books.
14 Mar 2025
Summer Events
Summer is just around the corner, and South St. Paul has plenty to offer! In this episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Jimmy Francis sits down with Deb Griffith, Community Liaison, and Heather Flock and Colin Trudgeon from Parks and Recreation to talk about the exciting events and activities coming up this summer.
21 Feb 2025
Police Chief Wicke
In the very first episode of Conversations in South St. Paul, Mayor Francis and Police Chief Brian Wicke sit down for a candid discussion about the Police Department's role in the community. They dive into the importance of communication, public records, and transparency, as well as the department’s future goals. Tune in as we set the tone for Conversations in South St. Paul!
10 Jan 2025
Welcome to the Conversation
Mayor Jimmy Francis kicks off Conversations in South St. Paul by sharing how South St. Paul is rethinking communication. From tackling big topics to spotlighting community voices, this podcast is all about better conversations and keeping you in the know. Let’s get started!
Who has been a guest on Conversations in South St. Paul
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tim Spitzack
Jake Spitzack
Andrew Hoffman
Kori Land
Mayor of Inver Grove Heights
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
128,720
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
3.7 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.4 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 38 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
31
Contact Conversations in South St. Paul
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Conversations in South St. Paul
Who hosts Conversations in South St. Paul?
Jimmy Francis host the show. Published by City of South St. Paul.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Conversations in South St. Paul take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Conversations in South St. Paul?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
