The story of how John Hanson wound up on Twin Cities Live has become a legend around the offices of TCL. In July of 2007 the station held an open casting call at the Mall of America. "I was living in Las Vegas and was in town for some family reasons and hinted to my mom that if the right job came up I’d like to move back. She got really excited and insisted I audition for this new show Twin Cities Live . I knew it was a long shot, but I waited in the long lines because I just couldn’t disappoint my mom," said John.
Over 500 people turned out for the chance to become one of the co-hosts of Twin Cities Live . John’s number was 411. Mandy Grosser, Executive Producer, Twin Cities Live remembers, "He was unshaven and still had the tag on from his new suit but the minute he starting talking on camera we were blown away by how witty, genuine and friendly he was." That was over a year ago and Mandy believes, "Every time he gets in front of the camera those qualities shine."
John is a Burnsville native and grew up playing baseball at Apple Valley High School; he still enjoys the occasional backyard game with his buddies. Don’t be surprised if you run into him at a local sporting event. He’s thrilled be back home cheering on the Gophers and is an avid fan of all the U of M teams. Besides sports, John loves to try new restaurants (his favorite is Seven) and prides himself on his ballroom dancing skills - a hidden talent he honed during many segments on TCL. John also has a knack for finding the best bargains in town. He recently moved into a condo in downtown Minneapolis and is working hard to fine-tune his handy man skills.
If you have a story idea or comment for John, email him at jhanson1@kstp.com
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Twin Cities Live welcomed co-host Elizabeth Ries on June 15, 2009. She was a familiar face to TCL viewers having been a frequent guest host and field correspondent from metro greenhouses, wave pools, parade routes, and salon spas. Twin Cities Live Executive Producer Mandy Grosser believes, "Elizabeth’s expanded role will be great for the show! We’re excited to have her on our team to take us to the next level."
Elizabeth was born in Cambridge and moved down to the Cities to graduate from Apple Valley High School. After receiving her B.A. in journalism and political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison she jumped into TV news, working at KMSP in Eden Prairie, KDLH in Duluth, and WBAY in Green Bay, WI. She had been reporting for 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS before making the move to Twin Cities Live. Elizabeth says, "TCL is a dream job - the staff is energized, enthusiastic, and the most fun!"
Elizabeth enjoys hanging out with her friends and family who live in the south metro. She takes frequent trips to see her two younger sisters who live in Brooklyn, New York. Her football loyalty lies in Wisconsin. She’s been rooting for the U of W-Madison Badgers for years and after living close to Lambeau Field, she’s hooked on the Packers.
Elizabeth enjoys reading, walking, and bike riding with her West Highland Terrier, Henry, who rides in a basket and receives quite a few stares when they’re out on the road together. Cooking is her passion and she makes a mean veggie burger from scratch. Elizabeth says, "I’m a Food Network addict and I’d love to cook with one of my fave Food Network chefs Giada de Laurentis, Ina Garten or Nigella Lawson someday on TCL."
If you have a story idea or comment for Elizabeth, email her at eries@kstp.com
Read Elizabeth's Blogs |
