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Excelsior! Podcast The image behind Excelsior! is a woman with Oculus glasses resting on her head—symbolizing the choice to see the world through someone else’s lens. Excelsior! is a long-form interview podcast designed to challenge the way we connect with our community. Each episode invites you to slow down, listen, and step into the real stories of Twin Cities artists and entrepreneurs—their journeys, struggles, and what drives them. Because community isn’t built from quick impressions—it’s built from understanding. This podcast exists to create that connection. By getting to know the people behind local businesses and art, we can make more intentional choices about who we support. It’s about putting our money into our people—uplifting, strengthening, and investing in the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the Twin Cities. Excelsior! is a platform, a perspective shift, and a growing archive of the voices that make this community vibrant. Get to know your community. Be inspired. Support local. |
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Latest Episode
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Jennifer Merrill Love a Buttery Chardonnay!You may recognize Worker B from your local co-op, but did you know they have a storefront tucked inside the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis?
I sat down with Jennifer Merrill, the newer owner of Worker B, and we had a lot of laughs while talking honey, skincare, Wisconsin’s wild west, and her State Fair pickle flavor—because apparently, there’s a lot more to Worker B than honey! We laughed over some slightly spoiled wine, talked small business, and got into Jennifer’s story and what it’s like taking over a beloved local business. Their storefront is such a fun place to visit. You can sample honey, check out their all-natural skincare, shop local honey products, and wander through the art-filled Northrup King Building. Come for the honey, stay for the conversation—and find out what the heck that State Fair pickle flavor is all about! |
Featured Guest of the month
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In this episode, I sit down with cellist and musician Caitlin Benson to talk about her first solo album, Holly X.O., set to be released October 29.
And there’s something you might not expect: there’s no cello on it.
Caitlin opens up about the meaning behind this deeply personal project, who Holly X.O. is, where the name came from, and why this album feels like her most bare, vulnerable work yet.
We go beyond the music and into Caitlin’s personal journey with addiction, healing, and stepping into a completely new chapter of her life. Holly X.O. is heavily influenced by that journey, making this more than just an album. It’s a reflection of where she’s been, what she’s overcome, and the person and artist she is becoming.
This is a raw and honest conversation about music, identity, addiction, healing, and having the courage to create something completely your own.
Listen in and get to know Caitlin Benson and Holly X.O. before the album arrives on October 29.
And there’s something you might not expect: there’s no cello on it.
Caitlin opens up about the meaning behind this deeply personal project, who Holly X.O. is, where the name came from, and why this album feels like her most bare, vulnerable work yet.
We go beyond the music and into Caitlin’s personal journey with addiction, healing, and stepping into a completely new chapter of her life. Holly X.O. is heavily influenced by that journey, making this more than just an album. It’s a reflection of where she’s been, what she’s overcome, and the person and artist she is becoming.
This is a raw and honest conversation about music, identity, addiction, healing, and having the courage to create something completely your own.
Listen in and get to know Caitlin Benson and Holly X.O. before the album arrives on October 29.
