MY Place opened its doors in October 2018 in Mankato, MN. We serve youth in kindergarten through 8th grade when not in school. There is no cost to participate in our program which means that ALL kids have access to an out of school opportunity. We are able to offer this resource because of the generosity of the community.
This podcast tells the story of our organization and our relocation and expansion in the fall of 2023.
Episode 19: Transit Service / Kato Go Play with Shawn and Todd
Shawn and Todd from the City of Mankato join us to talk about how the city is improving transportation accessibility—especially for the community we serve.
26 Jun 2025
Episode 18: Corporate Volunteerism with Heather Thielges and Coralyn Musser
Heather Thielges and Coralyn Musser explore the significant impact of corporate volunteerism within the community, highlighting how dedicated partners contribute their time to MY Place in this interview episode.
29 May 2025
Episode 16: Volunteerism for all Part 1 with Wilbur Neushwander-Frink
Wilbur Neushwander-Frink, Director of Open Arts MN, discusses volunteerism and fostering inclusive artistic activities for people with disabilities, highlighting opportunities for creative expression in a supportive environment in this interview.
29 May 2025
Episode 17: Volunteerism for all Part 2 with Sheila Ous and Nate
Sheila Ous and Nate discuss their experiences with volunteerism at MY Place, highlighting the opportunity to positively impact their community in this interview episode.
9 Nov 2023
Episode 15: A rapping accountant with a big heart, Wealth Enhancement Group's Ryan McKeown
Today's episode of the MY New Place Podcast features long time supporter and founding board member, Ryan McKeown. Ryan and Erin talk about the early days of MY Place and what led Ryan to involvement and support of the organization. Ryan shares why the music program is special to him. Make sure you listen to the very end, Ryan makes an offer that will be hard to refuse for next year's Block Party fundraiser.
6 Sept 2023
Episode 14: Everyone has a story, how Debbie Ogren is using her story to help others
Debbie Ogren with the Integrity Group at True Real Estate is a community leader who supports many organizations. She recently shared her personal story at the Greater Mankato Area United Way's Women with Heart Luncheon. She is our guest on the podcast today, talking about where she has been in life, but more importantly, where she is going. Debbie's message of hope and compassion is needed now more than ever.
30 Aug 2023
Episode 13: Stronger Together, District 77 teachers + MY Place with Jess Kelly
On this week's MY New Place podcast, we're highlighting the importance of our relationship with the teachers in District 77. Jess Kelly is a 5th Grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary in Mankato. Her relationship with MY Place began during Covid-19 distance learning (we know, we don't like to remember that time either). Erin and Jess are discussing the unique opportunity MY Place had during the pandemic to support kids with distance learning. Jess is sharing her experience as a teacher during that trying time. The pair are also talking about the unique relationship between area teachers and the MY Place organization.
23 Aug 2023
Episode 12: Science Fair + School Shoes with Coralyn Musser
This week on the MY New Place podcast, we're talking to Coralyn Musser. Coralyn is the Vice President of Marketing, Outreach & Engagement at MEI and a volunteer at MY Place.
Coralyn is sharing her story of working with MY Place including helping students prepare for the Science Fair. She also spearheaded efforts with her colleagues at MEI to bring the kids of MY Place new school shoes and backpacks for the year.
17 Aug 2023
Episode 11: Building MY New Place
The MY New Place podcast returns this week with Darin Woitas the Project Manager with APX Construction Group. APX is the General Contractor for MY Place's renovation and expansion. Tune in to hear about building progress expected completion date and how this project has become near and dear to the project team's heart.
19 Jul 2023
Episode 10: MY Place volunteers keep our organization 'rolling'
Each year, hundreds of volunteers contribute to the mission of MY Place. You have heard from several of our volunteers here on the MY New Place podcast! Today we're talking to Mary Finseth who has been volunteering at MY Place for over a year. A retired teacher, Mary is one of our van drivers. She's sharing her experience working with the kids of MY Place.
12 Jul 2023
Episode 9: MY Place's partnership with Kiwanis featuring Liz Paul, Kiwanis Club President
From creating a summer camp experience for the kids of MY Place to a tie dye near disaster, the partnership with Kiwanis and MY Place has a rich history. Today's episode features Liz Paul, Kiwanis Club President. Liz and Erin share some great stories and exciting updates including the Kiwanis donation of a playground for MY Place's new location.
28 Jun 2023
Episode 8: Andy Nessler, from Founders Committee to Board Chair
Andy Nessler is the chair of the MY Place Board of Directors. He's our guest on the MY New Place Podcast today with Laura Stevens. Andy talks about his experience with MY Place from being on the founders committee to now being the board chair. He also talks about the importance of the new space as renovations continue at 1315 Stadium Road.
21 Jun 2023
Episode 7: Dr. Smentek + Dr. Dobson on health and wellness for the kids at MY Place
Dr. Katie Smentek + Dr. Nancy Dobson with Mankato Clinic are the guests on the MY Place podcast today. The pair talk about how MY Place contributes to wellness for the kids they serve. They will discuss nutrition, gaps in healthcare for kids experiencing poverty and the importance of movement and play. As well as how the new MY Place location will lead to additional wellness opportunities for kids.
14 Jun 2023
Episode 6: Vision, Mission and Values I The MY Place Board of Directors with Laura Bowman
Laura Bowman is one of the founding board members of the MY Place organization. Laura is our guest on the podcast today, she is sharing her experience as a board member and advocate for the kids of MY Place. She also shares an important message about how the community can get involved and spread the mission of MY Place.
7 Jun 2023
Episode 5: Chef B., Natasha and Rachel on feeding the kids of MY Place
Today's episode is full of love and truly showcases how the community comes together to lift up the kids of MY Place and enrich their lives. Natasha is the owner of The Wooden Spoon, her restaurant provides hot meals to MY Place at no cost to the organization. Chef B. shares stories of how far the nutrition program has come. Rachel Jones with the University of Minnesota Extension teaches MY Place's Cooking Club. Rachel shares how she meets kids where they are and helps them learn important skills in the kitchen.
Learn more about the MY Place capital campaign here (https://www.myplacemankato.org/).
31 May 2023
Episode 4: Why we volunteer at MY Place with Dr. Steve Haugen and Ben Greer
Community volunteers are an integral part of MY Place's ability to fulfill their mission. Today on the MY New Place podcast, volunteers Dr. Steve Haugen and Ben Greer are sharing their 'why'. Learn more about the importance of volunteers as well as how working with the kids at MY Place impacts Steve and Ben's lives. Executive Director, Erin Simmons, speaks to the importance of having male volunteers - specifically when it comes to boys and reading. Steve and Ben talk about the excitement and need of the new MY Place location.
For more information or to support MY Place's capital campaign click here. (https://www.myplacemankato.org/copy-of-my-new-place)
24 May 2023
Episode 3: Dr. Dani Scott on the Rec & Read program
Dr. Dani Scott from MSU is our guest today on the MY New Place podcast. Dr. Scott helped bring the Rec & Read program to MY Place - which is a favorite of the kids. Dr. Scott is talking about the impact that the program has on the kids and the MSU students who facilitate it. Dr. Scott is a wealth of knowledge on literacy, inclusion and representation. Tune in to hear why these important topics matter and how Dr. Scott and MY Place are local leaders on the implementation of these tools.
Learn more about MY New Place here. (https://www.myplacemankato.org/copy-of-my-new-place)
17 May 2023
Episode 2: The ones who are making a difference every day, MY Place staff members share their experiences
It takes a lot of patience, dedication and love to be on the MY Place staff. These are the individuals working with the kids day in and day out. Today on the podcast we're talking to 4 of the MY Place staff, Brandon, Manuel, Anna and Gracie. They're sharing heartwarming moments, challenges and excitement about the new location.
Learn more about MY New Place here (https://www.myplacemankato.org/copy-of-my-new-place).
10 May 2023
Episode 1: Executive Director Erin Simmons + Founding Board Member Les Koppendrayer
Welcome to the MY New Place podcast! This podcast features an inside look at the stories and people who help create a space for area youth to feel safe, develop relationships and reach their full potential.
On today’s podcast we have MY Place Executive Director Erin Simmons and Founding Board Member Les Koppendrayer.
Who has been a guest on MY New Place Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Heather Thielges
Coralyn Musser
Wilbur Neushwander-Frink
Sheila Ous
Nate
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,283
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
5
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
Contact MY New Place Podcast
Guest appearances
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