Heart of Austin, Minnesota: Big Stories from a Small Town
Discover the soul of Austin, Minnesota, in every episode! You'll go behind the scenes of our vibrant community, where small-town charm meets big ideas. Explore the stories that make Austin unique—featuring in-depth business reviews, exclusive special offers, and insider insights on the people, events, and places that shape our town. Whether you're a local or just curious about life in Austin, this podcast brings you closer to the heart of it all. From hidden gems to can’t-miss happenings, we’re your go-to guide for experiencing Austin from the inside.
Episodes
Artificial intelligence is flipping the script on how customers find local businesses online. In this episode, we break down how tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Microsoft Copilot are changing the search landscape—and what that means for your business.
We’ll cover:
✅ Why old-school SEO strategies aren’t cutting it anymore
✅ What kind of content AI tools actually pull from
✅ The key actions local businesses can...
May is Supervised Visitation Awareness Month, and in this episode, we’re shining a light on a local resource that’s making a profound difference for families in crisis. The Michael H. Seibel Family Visitation and Exchange Center, housed within the Parenting Resource Center, provides a secure, neutral environment where children can safely maintain bonds with their parents in high-risk situations—including domestic violence, sexual a...
In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we explore a deceptively simple but powerful question for business owners: Do you know how much it costs to provide your goods or services? Knowing your average cost is more than just a bookkeeping exercise—it’s critical to setting profitable prices, spotting cost creep, and staying competitive in your market.
Based on a recent blog post from the Austin Area Chamber of Commer...
Are tankless water heaters really the future of home plumbing? While they promise energy savings and endless hot water, retrofitting them into older homes isn’t always a smooth process. In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota Podcast, we sit down with Matt Laack of Pro Plumbing and Heating to discuss the real-world pros and cons of on-demand water heaters—and why they’re often a better fit for new construction. Plus, we di...
Ever seen a home listed “as-is” and wondered if it’s a great deal or a potential money pit? In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota Podcast, we dig into insights of a Chamber article featuring the expertise of Tom Mork of Edina Realty to break down what buying an as-is property really means.
We discuss:
✅ What “as-is” actually means in real estate (hint: it’s not always bad!)
✅ Why some properties don’t come with disc...
What cities are most like Austin, Minnesota? In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we explore Midwestern cities with similar economic drivers, local businesses, tourism appeal, and housing markets, based on an article from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. From Stevens Point, WI, to Brookings, SD, we break down what makes these communities comparable to Austin and what we can learn from them. Tune in for insi...
In this episode we explore how local businesses in Austin, Minnesota are using AI for their marketing, operations, and administration. Based on the article from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, AI is well established right here in the Heart of Austin Minnesota!
In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota, we explore the top dentists in Austin, MN, based on an article published by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce. We also go further into the mouth of dental marketing by exploring a study done by the NIH on how people choose dentists.
Open Up and Say YAH!
In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we dive into the battle of Facebook video formats: Reels vs. Video Posts. Which one should your business use to maximize reach and engagement?
We break down real data from the Austin Area Chamber’s Hot Movers and Jodeo video series, revealing key insights into audience behavior, engagement rates, and content strategy. Plus, we explore the massive popularity of Facebook video...
What makes a Facebook page truly successful? In this episode of Heart of Austin, Minnesota, we take a look at the biggest Facebook pages in the U.S. and then turn our attention to the top-performing pages right here in Austin, MN.
From businesses to community groups, we uncover what drives engagement, builds loyal audiences, and keeps people coming back for more. Spoiler alert: It’s all about engagement!
Whether you're a local ...
In this episode, we’re diving into the Top Five Hair Salons in Austin, Minnesota, highlighting the best-rated salons based on customer reviews and ratings. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, color, or a relaxing spa experience, we've got you covered. We also spotlight Austin Area Chamber of Commerce members, providing insights into what makes these salons stand out in the community. Tune in to discover the best places to g...
Minnesota Nice is more than just politeness—it’s a mix of kindness, passive-aggression, and unspoken judgment. But what if we moved beyond that to something better? In this episode, we explore the truth behind Minnesota Nice and contrast it with the power of genuine kindness in business and life. Inspired by John Sterling’s insights, we discuss how being truly kind—not just “nice”—can build stronger relationships, create a thriving...
Have you ever noticed an old Facebook post suddenly getting a wave of unexpected likes and shares? We sure have at the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, and after a little digging, we discovered that some of this new “engagement” isn’t coming from people at all—it’s coming from AI-generated accounts.
In this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes with AI engagement on social...
Ever wondered what a Chamber of Commerce actually does? In this episode ofHeart of Austin Minnesota, we break it down. 🎙️
Join us as we bust common myths—No, the Chamber isn’t part of the government!—and explore how theAustin Area Chamber helps businesses grow throughnetworking, advocacy, and digital promotion. Plus, we’ll highlight unique Chamber initiatives like oursocial media spotlights, the Go! Austin Minnesota App, and The He...
In this episode of the Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast, we dive into the hot topic on every homeowner and potential buyer’s mind—the rising home prices in Austin, MN.
We got some great info from the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce to get us started. Whether you’re curious about the market trends or considering buying or selling, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed decisions.
Join us as we break down:
<...Minnesota businesses are gearing up for significant changes in 2025, with new laws and regulations set to increase compliance burdens and operational costs. In this episode of Heart of Austin Minnesota, we break down the key policies—from gas tax hikes to salary transparency requirements—and explore their potential impacts on employers across the state.
We also highlight an upcoming opportunity for business leaders to share their c...
Join us on this episode of The Heart of Austin Minnesota podcast as we dive into the highlights from one year of the Go! Austin Minnesota App, based on the blog post by the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce!
We’re sharing the top trends, most-clicked features, and favorite businesses as discovered through the App. From the hottest local events to the most popular restaurants and services, find out what makes Austin, MN such a vibra...
In this episode of the Heart of Austin podcast, we dive into the growing issue of Facebook Business Page hacks and how you can safeguard your online presence. From real-life stories of businesses losing access to their accounts to expert tips on securing your page, we cover everything you need to know to protect your brand. Learn how to claim ownership, set up Meta Business Suite, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid common ...
In this episode of The Heart of Austin, we dive into the buzzworthy health benefits of your morning coffee! A recent study suggests that drinking coffee in the morning could cut your risk of heart-related death by one-third. Join us as we explore this fascinating research and spotlight two local coffee heroes: Coffee House on Main and Scooter’s Coffee.
Whether you’re a fan of cozy atmospheres and fresh-baked goodies or crave quick...
In this episode of the Heart of Austin, Minnesota, we talk about what happens to all those poor, natural Christmas trees after the holidays, plus we give you some practical ideas for what to do with your own tree. Think compost, think ecology, think...elephants?
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