Shows
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Early Faribault w/ Sam Temple (Ep. 26)In this full, virtually recorded conversation between Kosmo Esplan and Sam Temple, the two history voyagers travel deeper into the story that shaped Faribault's formation, founder Alexander's multicultural experiment, and the impact of Minnesota Territory's broader political agenda – plus Kosmo ruthlessly grills Sam on the many anniversaries plaguing 2026 party planners.
2026-02-011h 44
Trek Through TimeThe History of Early Faribault w/ Sam Temple (Ep. 26)To kick off a year full of historical significance, host Kosmo Esplan re-invites premier Faribault history prodigy Sam Temple into the Time Machine to dig into the contents of the latter’s newest documentary, Agua Vivas de Faribault: Alexander Faribault’s utopian vision when establishing the “Athens of the West”, how the ensuing challenges were microcosmic of the larger conflicts shaping Minnesota’s founding, and why this story still matters in 2026.
2026-02-0156 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Early Faribault w/ Sam Temple (Ep. 26)In this full, virtually recorded conversation between Kosmo Esplan and Sam Temple, the two history voyagers travel deeper into the story that shaped Faribault's formation, founder Alexander's multicultural experiment, and the impact of Minnesota Territory's broader political agenda -- plus Kosmo ruthlessly grills Sam on the many anniversaries plaguing 2026 party planners.
2026-01-271h 44
1080 KYMN Radio - Northfield MinnesotaTrek Through Time with Kosmo Esplan – The History of Faribault with Sam TempleHost Kosmo Esplan talks with Sam Temple about the founding of Faribault, the city’s early history, and more.
2026-01-2600 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Early Faribault w/ Sam Temple (Ep. 26)To kick off a year full of anniversaries, host Kosmo Esplan recruits prodigy of Rice County and Minnesota history Sam Temple to discuss his new documentary, how the project approaches the life and times of Alexander Faribault, and why the story of Faribault's founding still matters in 2026.
2026-01-2656 min
Trek Through TimeTTT Spotlight Interview: Northfield Skating School w/ Carey Tinkelenberg & Amber Barksdale(Aired on the KYMN Morning Show on December 10, 2025.) To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Northfield Skating School, Kosmo sits down with the organization's founder Carey Tinkelenberg and longtime supporter Amber Barksdale to hear about all things local skating.
2025-12-2211 min
Trek Through TimeWinter Walk Special: Christmas in Northfield (Ep. 25)In this live holiday show from the KYMN studio on the day of Winter Walk, host Kosmo Esplan investigates a variety of local holiday traditions that have endured over the years . . . but it's not a Christmas special without a lineup of lively and festive guests, a visit from Father Christmas himself, and live music to top it all off. Merry Christmas, Northfield!
2025-12-181h 14
Trek Through TimeThanksgiving Special: The History of the St. Olaf Choir w/ Dr. Anton Armstrong (Ep. 24)With the beloved 113th St. Olaf Christmas Festival approaching, Kosmo turns his attention to Ole music and gives thanks on this November holiday by bringing in the cream of the Choir crop, Dr. Anton Armstrong. In an extended interview, the Choir's current and longest running conductor in its history provides historical expertise on the institution's evolution under each conductor, his own windy road to Manitou Heights, and the larger international impact of choral music.Tune into KYMN Radio on Thursday, December 11 at 12:30pm for a live, one-hour Christmas special celebrating holiday traditions in Northfield: kymnradio.net
2025-11-271h 10
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Raiders Football w/ Bubba Sullivan (Ep. 23)Following up on last year's voyage through college football, it's second down as Kosmo Esplan is back in the end zone turning his attention to the sport's significant presence at the Northfield High School, along with former head coach and current offensive coordinator Bubba Sullivan. From humble early years to the 1990s dynasty, host and guest blitz Raiders football and explore the team's enduring 133-year-old story.
2025-10-0643 min
Trek Through TimeDJJD Special: The History of Defeat of Jesse James Days (Ep. 22)On this first ever two-hour live TTT broadcast from the KYMN studio, your host Kosmo Esplan voyages across 77 years of Defeat Days history with a wide variety of locals, townies, and festival enthusiasts who share their stories and provide some background on why the festival is an enduring facet of Northfield's identity.Part #1 (00:00) – The Festival's Early Days w/ David Hvistendahl & Susan HvistendahlPart #2 (37:35) – The Townie Take w/ Chad Beumer, Sam Richardson, and Dick WatersPart #3 (1:06:11)– Annual Traditions w/ Deb Anthony, Brad Ness, and Herman TransbergPart #4 (1:32:48) – Bank Raid Commemorations w/ Russ Swanson...
2025-09-152h 02
Trek Through TimeThe History of Bank Raid Notable Nuggets w/ Tim Freeland (Ep. 21)On this Labor Day installment, Kosmo celebrates the upcoming DJJD celebration by discussing all things bank raid history with local history supercomputer Tim Freeland; in their freewheeling discussion, Mr. Host and Mr. Northfield dig into an assortment of trivia about the raid, Defeat Days, and other fascinating Northfield goodies.
2025-09-0154 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Scriver Building w/ Sean Allen, Aya Myint, and Henry Vrtis (Ep. 20)To finish off August and celebrate the twentieth Triple Tee voyage, Kosmo explores stories behind the location that most of these episodes have been recorded in: the Scriver Building. With a trio of Northfield History Center comrades (Sean Allen, Aya Myint, and Henry Vrtis) joining to provide their expertise, the history clan dig into the iconic downtown staple's past, present, and future.
2025-08-1847 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Interview: The Origin of Rock 'n' Roll Revival w/ Tom McKownIt's the final chapter of the "Trek Through Time" triad of Rock 'n' Roll Revival interviews this month! To cap it off, Kosmo Esplan virtually sits down with the man who started it all, Tom McKown, for a brief discussion about the very beginning of RRR and its journey into the Northfield zeitgeist.
2025-08-1210 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Interview: The Rock 'n' Roll Revival Exhibit w/ Sean Allen & Elleanna GisvoldTo discuss the Northfield History Center's latest museum display, Kosmo travels onsite to the Ted Scott Exhibit Room to chat with executive director Sean Allen and exhibit curator Elleanna Gisvold about the organization's exciting spotlight on Rock 'n' Roll Revival. Remember to check out the grand opening (August 5 from 5-7pm); it'll be a rocking good time!
2025-08-0514 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Rock 'n' Roll Revival w/ Ray Coudret & Shari Setchell (Ep. 19)To celebrate the Northfield History Center's newest exhibit, frontman Kosmo Esplan lives fast and jams out to 30 years of the Northfield High School's iconic production of Rock 'n' Roll Revival alongside director Ray Coudret and choreographer Shari Setchell, who both rock this month's show like a hurricane with their fantabulous knowledge about the show's groovetastic history.
2025-08-0453 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Vintage Band Festival w/ VBF Committee Members (Ep. 18)We're packing it in this time on Triple Tee! With this year's Vintage Band Festival approaching, it's quadruple the fun as Kosmo invites an impressive tetrad of old-timey music lovers into the time machine to discuss one of the most historic band celebrations in the country: join artistic director Paul Niemisto, board president Dan Bergeson, board VP Randy Ferguson, and board secretary Joy Riggs to discover the nineteen years of rich music culture at the heart of the VBF's impact.
2025-07-2157 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Riverwalk Market Fair w/ Derek Meyers, Martha Kasper, and Kathy Miller (Ep. 17)In honor of the Riverwalk Market Fair's 15th anniversary, Kosmo invites Market Manager Derek Meyers, Board Chair Martha Kasper, and local vendor/artist Kathy Miller for triple discussion duty as they focus on the beloved Northfield event's history, impact, and involvement in the community, including an upcoming fundraiser (July 15th at Imminent Brewing). Plus, they bond over the delicious treats available every Saturday in Bridge Square.
2025-07-0746 min
Trek Through TimeTTT Video Special: A Conversation with Ben Wang (Ep. 16)(Video available exclusively on Spotify.) In this exclusive podcast interview with Karate Kid: Legends star Ben Wang, host/cinephile Kosmo Esplan and Northfield's first Hollywood actor discuss Ben's early immigration to Minnesota, the impact of local theatre and good mentors, and his pivot to pursuing professional roles in NYC and LA. Unsurprisingly, movies come up, as well.
2025-06-2448 min
Work It Out with LauriIntroducing the Work It Out PodcastIn this debut episode of Work It Out, host Lauri Lillie and "Sir Showrunner" Kosmo Esplan discuss the structure and goals of this series, what spurred the Workplace Bullying Project to move into the short-form podcasting realm, and just exactly how this new show will provide much-needed insights to those in abusive or difficult workplace situations. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit workplacebullyingproject.substack.com/subscribe
2025-06-2114 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Entertainment Guide w/ Rob Schanilec & Ronica Roberson (Ep. 15)On the occasion of Triple Tee's one-year birthday, Kosmo Esplan highlights another Northfield anniversary (albeit one with more digits) by recruiting publisher Rob Schanilec and editor Ronica Roberson to voyage across 20 years of the Entertainment Guide. The triad delves into the beloved Southern Minnesota magazine's memorable moments, including its 2005 sesquicentennial origin, the evolution of monthly issues, and its two decades of, well, "Guiding" the community.
2025-06-0241 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Dr. Timothy MahrIn this "Extra Exploration", Kosmo finishes off his conversation with Dr. Mahr by learning about a pair of photos, digging into the iconic Orchestra-Band softball rivalry, and tackling the relationship between the "big three" St. Olaf musical institutions.
2025-05-0907 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Susan Hvistendahl & Jeff SauveContinuing the deep-dive into the St. Olaf Band's history, Kosmo, Susan, and Jeff look over a scrapbook from Susan's time in the Band, discuss the significance of a variety of pictures from History Center archives, and debate the most controversial topic of all: the Oxford Comma.
2025-05-0911 min
KYMN Morning Show | KYMN Local NewsTrek Through Time with Kosmo Esplan - Traditions and Tales of the St. Olaf Band Part 2, 5-6-25 Host Kosmo Esplan talks with Dr. Timothy Mahr who conducted the St, Olaf Band for 29 years.
2025-05-0845 minKYMN Morning Show | KYMN Local NewsTrek Through Time with Kosmo Esplan - Traditions and Tales of the St. Olaf Band Part 1, 5-5-25 Host Kosmo Esplan talks with local history buffs Susan Hvistendahl and Jeff Suave regarding their in-depth history of the St. Olaf Band founded on October 5, 1891.
2025-05-0851 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the St. Olaf Band: Part 2 w/ Dr. Timothy Mahr (Ep. 14)As promised, Kosmo Esplan returns to complete his tour through the eras of the St. Olaf Band . . . this time accompanied by the firsthand experience of Dr. Timothy Mahr, the Band's former conductor who led multitudes of students across the years to musical glory, including several international tours and a performance at Carnegie Hall. Kosmo (non-musical expert) and Dr. Mahr (musical expert) dig deeper into the latter's journey from student to maestro, favorite memories, and the Band's guiding principle since 1891.
2025-05-0645 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the St. Olaf Band: Part 1 w/ Susan Hvistendahl & Jeff Sauve (Ep. 13)On the first half of this two-part May exploration of Manitou Heights' oldest musical institution, Kosmo Esplan brings in the big guns to cover 127 years of St. Olaf Band history: Northfield history icons Susan Hvistendahl and Jeff Sauve, authors of the 2019 biography "Milestones & Memoirs of the St. Olaf Band: 1891-2018". All three Band fans take an aerial perspective of the origin, impact, and reputation of the richly chronicled organization, and Kosmo gets the scoop on what it was like to write a 600-page tome opus detailing that story.
2025-05-0551 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Doug Peterson & Mary Kay Peterson(Video available exclusively on Spotify.) Resuming the conversation on the "power of the puppet", Kosmo treats Doug and Mary Kay to some artifacts from the History Center archives that relate to Doug's multi-decade career in guidance counseling; and the trio are joined by the ever-welcome puppet celebrity pair of DUSO the Dolphin and Jayhawk.
2025-04-0809 minKYMN Morning Show | KYMN Local NewsTrek Through Time with Kosmo Esplan and guests Doug and Mary Kay Peterson, 4-7-25 Host Kosmo Esplan discusses the history of Northfield puppets and talks with former Northfield elementary school guidance counselor Doug "Puppet" Peterson, who used puppets to teach valuable lessons to students, along with his wife Mary Kay Peterson. The puppets are displayed at the Northfield History Center.
2025-04-0836 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Puppets w/ Doug Peterson & Mary Kay Peterson (Ep. 12)To celebrate the latest Northfield History Center exhibit, Kosmo invites former elementary school guidance counselor Doug Peterson and his wife Mary Kay into the Time Machine as they retrace Doug's career in using a beloved puppet ensemble to communicate valuable life lessons to students. From utilizing DUSO the Dolphin to gripping the classroom's attention, the trio discover how impactful Doug's work has been on the town and local history.
2025-04-0736 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Coach Ryan Kershaw(Video available exclusively on Spotify.) In this installment of "Extra Explorations", Kosmo and Coach Ryan continue their conversation on local college basketball, diving even deeper thanks to a firsthand look at historical images; plus, they're graced by the presence of the one and only 112-year-old Goat symbolic of the immortal Carleton-St. Olaf rivalry.
2025-03-2113 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Carleton College Basketball w/ Coach Ryan Kershaw (Ep. 11)In Part 2 of the intercollegiate basketball investigation, Kosmo Esplan digs into the Carletonian perspective with assistance and insight from Ryan Kershaw, head coach of the Knights, who recently finished up another impressive postseason run. The two fellas (*one* of whom is a sports expert) dig into the extremely early arrival of the pastime on-campus, the ingrained facets of Carleton tradition, and Ryan's vital experience of learning first-hand how to coach college athletics.
2025-03-2045 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Daniel Kosmoski(Video available exclusively on Spotify.) Continuing their conversation on Ole basketball, this time in video format, Kosmo and Coach Koz examine an NCAA basketball, go over some of the coach's top career games, and delve into how St. Olaf's celebrated basketball team can rise to the challenge again next year.
2025-03-0407 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of St. Olaf College Basketball w/ Coach Daniel Kosmoski (Ep. 10)On this March Madness installment, sports amateur Kosmo Esplan sits down with Daniel "Coach Koz" Kosmoski, coach of the St. Olaf Oles basketball team for 31 years and counting. The two Kozzes talk through the game's long history on Manitou Heights, including the legend of the annually awarded Carl-Ole Goat, and highlights from Kosmoski's illustrious basketball career, all while Kosmo seeks to apply his newfound sports lingo knowledge. All-in-all, it's a "slam dunk" show!
2025-03-0342 min
Trek Through TimeBonus Video Content: Extra Explorations w/ Eric Hillemann(Video exclusively available on Spotify.) In this first installment ofTrek Through Time's video extension series, Kosmo and Eric continue their conversation about the Jeopardy! champ's long history of accomplishments within the trivia world, including a role in Ken Jennings' book and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award . . . and Kosmo inevitably pulls out the game show sound effects to test how Eric's quizzy knowledge has held up.
2025-02-0914 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Trivia w/ Eric Hillemann (Ep. 9)This month, host (and noted game show fanatic) Kosmo Esplan sits down with longtime Carleton archivist Eric Hillemann, who coached the college's Quiz Bowl team to two national championships in addition to winning a game of "Jeopardy!" in 2000. With no money on the line, Kosmo and Eric discuss everything trivia-related, including the truth behind Alex Trebek's mustache and an age-old Northfield legend about Trivial Pursuit.
2025-02-0344 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Early Northfield w/ Sam Temple (Ep. 8)In the first installment of 2025, Kosmo Esplan sits down with local videographer, thespian, and history aficionado Sam Temple to discuss the origin of Northfield itself, John North's captivatingly impactful life, and the 170-year legacy that has made the town an endearing Minnesotan institution.
2025-01-0645 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of the Northfield Hallmark Movie w/ Rachel Haider and Joan Spaulding (Ep. 7)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) The holiday cheer continues as Kosmo Esplan digs deeper into Northfield's involvement into "Love Always, Santa" with his festive Memoir Maestros Rachel Haider and Joan Spaulding, looking at his own experience as an extra, exploring Rachel and Joan's firsthand impact on the movie, and quizzing his guests on a variety of Yuletide topics.
2025-01-0155 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Northfield Hallmark Movie w/ Rachel Haider and Joan Spaulding (Ep. 7)In this Triple Tee holiday special, Christmas movie lover Kosmo Esplan looks back on Northfield's integral role in the 2016 Hallmark flick "Love Always, Santa" with the help of festive guests Rachel Haider and Joan Spaulding, both key players in a local filming experience that still boosts the Christmas cheer of the town today.
2024-12-1245 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Northfield Newspapers w/ Scott Richardson and Pamela Thompson (Ep. 6)Featuring even more of host Kosmo Esplan's in-depth conversation with Northfield News folks Scott Richardson and Pamela Thompson, this extended video version sees the trio explore several artifacts of historical interest, dig further into the beloved publication's 145-year career, and get quizzy when Kosmo tests Scott and Pam on American headlines from the 20th century.
2024-11-171h 03
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Newspapers w/ Scott Richardson & Pamela Thompson (Ep. 6)This month, host Kosmo Esplan goes beyond the headlines with two generations of Northfield News journalists, former longtime editor Scott Richardson and current associate editor Pamela Thompson, about the diverse history of newspapers in Northfield, including the origin and growth of the Northfield News, contributor Maggie Lee's instrumental role in shaping the paper, and some iconic stories popular in print across the decades.
2024-11-0747 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Northfield College Football w/ Bob Sullivan (Ep. 5)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) More engrossing stories covering the Carleton-St. Olaf football rivalry are revealed as host Kosmo Esplan and ex-Knight coach Bob Sullivan delve into the historic Metric Bowl, relive Carleton's 1992 MIAC victory, and examine a wooden replica of the legendary Goatrophy.
2024-10-1252 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield College Football w/ Bob Sullivan (Ep. 5)In advance of the highly anticipated Carleton-St. Olaf annual football matchup, Kosmo Esplan invites Bob Sullivan (Carleton Knights head coach 1979-2000) to examine the legendary Carl-Ole rivalry, the iconic Goatrophy, and much more from the deep and detailed past of college football in Northfield.
2024-10-0338 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of the Northfield Bank Raid w/ Earl Weinmann (Ep. 4)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) One of the most in-depth discussions you'll ever hear about the 1876 Northfield bank raid, host Kosmo Esplan and guest Earl Weinmann dig even deeper into that fateful September 7 day in honor of the 76th Defeat of Jesse James Days, investigating the James-Younger Gang's robbing career, the town's impact in shaping the Wild West's destiny, and why we celebrate this key event from the past every year.
2024-09-071h 24
Trek Through TimeThe History of the Northfield Bank Raid w/ Earl Weinmann (Ep. 4)Apropos for the DJJD-infused month of September, host Kosmo Esplan delves into the infamous 1876 Northfield bank raid with help from uber-informed history teacher Earl Weinmann. Their captivating conversation explores the James-Younger Gang's rise and downfall, the sacrifice of Joseph Lee Heywood, and how actions of the brave townspeople on September 7 changed the course of Wild West history forever.
2024-09-0548 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Northfield Theatre w/ Patsy Dew (Ep. 3)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) Prepare to dive even deeper into the history of Northfield theatre in this extended video cut that sees host Kosmo Esplan and guest Patsy Dew explore the Northfield Arts Guild across the eras and examine a variety of archival items from the organization's past.
2024-08-1953 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Theatre w/ Patsy Dew (Ep. 3)In honor of the Northfield Arts Guild’s 65th Anniversary, host Kosmo Esplan visits with Patsy Dew to talk about the organization's rich history in theatre, including co-founder Myrna Johnson's enduring legacy and an original Jesse James-inspired musical that made its way into Northfield's history books.
2024-08-1537 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Northfield Pizza w/ Dimitri Pitsavas (Ep. 2)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) This extended video version of Trek Through Time's second voyage includes more in-depth discussions between host Kosmo Esplan and guest Dimitri Pitsavas on the fascinating history of Northfield's three Greek pizza restaurants, as well as an exclusive look at an on-display item in the NHC exhibit representative of the town's first ever pizza parlor.
2024-07-201h 06
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Pizza w/ Dimitri Pitsavas (Ep. 2)This month, host Kosmo Esplan talks with Dimitri Pitsavas, a member of Northfield’s First Family of Pizza and the operator of Basil's Pizza, about the long and utterly fascinating decades-long history of one of America’s favorite foods in Northfield, Minnesota.
2024-07-1139 min
Trek Through TimeExtended Video Cut: The History of Northfield Radio w/ Jeff Johnson (Ep. 1)(Video available exclusively on Spotify or YouTube.) This video version of Trek Through Time's first episode features an additional ten minutes of footage, including a segment where host Kosmo Esplan and guest Jeff Johnson examine a handful of intriguing artifacts from the Northfield Historical Society archives that are pertinent to KYMN Radio's history.
2024-06-2744 min
Trek Through TimeThe History of Northfield Radio w/ Jeff Johnson (Ep. 1)On this debut episode, your host Kosmo Esplan looks back at Northfield’s radio stations from the very beginning of St. Olaf station WCAL, right up to the present day. Kosmo’s guest, Jeff Johnson, offers his perspective as a longtime Northfield on-air personality and the outgoing owner of the commercial station KYMN Radio.
2024-06-2734 min