LIFE + CULTURE
A FUTURE WORTH WRITING
THERAPY THAT MEETS KIDS WHERE THEY ARE
FITNESS
THREE GENERATIONS, ONE GYM, ENDLESS CONFIDENCE
LOCAL SERVICES
DOGS TRAINED TO WATCH OVER OUR VETERANS
You don’t have to go far to get AWAY.
Discover exceptional dining, signature spa rituals, a stunning new pool oasis, and curated experiences designed to elevate every moment.
August in Eagan has a particular sound. Sprinklers running before breakfast. A dog barking at something only it can see. A kid attempting the same cartwheel for the tenth time, certain the eleventh will finally stick. Our driveways fill up with chalk and dog hair this time of year, and none of us would trade either for a tidier one. This month, we're celebrating the kids and pets who keep our homes a little loud and our lives a lot fuller.
Maddy Hill grew up with fewer chances to explore the arts than most kids her age. One school play changed that. As the 2026 recipient of the Eagan City Lifestyle scholarship, Maddy is heading to the University of St. Thomas to study creative writing, proof that talent finds a way.
At Gleason's Gymnastics, three generations of Eagan families have learned the same lesson on the same mats. Founded in 1966, the gym was built on childhood development first, competition second. Sixty years later, grandchildren of the gym's earliest students are flipping across that floor.
MN Behavioral Specialists was built around a simple idea: meet kids where they are. Through play-based therapy, they help children with autism learn to communicate and connect. A child who once said nothing now greets his parents at the door. That kind of progress changes everything for these families.
Then there are the dogs. Pawsitivity trains service dogs to notice the signs of PTSD in a veteran before the veteran notices them. The bond is part training, part trust, part something harder to name. Sometimes these animals are the ones keeping watch over us.
As always, I would like to thank all of Eagan City Lifestyle's sponsors. Their generous support enables us to get our magazine directly into our readers' homes. Please don't hesitate to contact me at eagan@citylifestyle.com if you have a story to share or a business to recommend.
Here's to the kids learning who they are, and the pets who already know exactly who we are.
AMY SOUSA, PUBLISHER
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Amy Sousa | Amy.Sousa@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Matt Sousa | matthew.sousa@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Devon Williams | devon.williams@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Heather Johnson | heather.johnson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lisa Cline | cline.lisa.marie@gmail.com
STAFF WRITER
Ann Schreiber | copywritingforyoucorp@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
Judy Sousa | eagan@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Haania Siddiqui
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cassie Branden, Amanda Stamm, Lisa Venticinque, Ken Yarina
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Eagan
1:-7 Eagan City Lifestyle’s Networking in 9 teed off with a gorgeous afternoon of golf and conversation at Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, bringing together local leaders for a four-date series built around fresh faces, new connections, and a few rounds on the course.
8-14: Power of 100 Eagan Women held its inaugural meeting, bringing together local women in a giving circle pooling resources for community impact. Members presented more than $10,000 to the first recipient, Moms & Neighbors, which supports families across the Eagan area.
Join Us in Supporting Operation Dignity International!
Help us expand life-saving healthcare for nearly 5,000 villagers served by the Tnaanaso Clinic in rural Ghana, West Africa — providing essential basic and preventative care, and maternal and child health services for underserved communities.
AUGUST 31, 2026 (MONDAY) 10:00 AM-5:00 PM With Noon Shotgun Start BRACKETT’S CROSSING COUNTRY CLUB
SCAN HERE TO BE A SPONSOR OR TO REGISTER!
WWW.ODIGHANA.ORG | 612-242-5981 | 2103 SILVER BELL ROAD, #206, EAGAN, MN
At Minnesota Behavioral Specialists, we help children with autism develop new social, communication, self-care, and self-management skills through the use of play and reinforcement. We strive to help children be as successful as possible and to help families find ways to meet their goals. We provide intensive in-home and center-based services for children age 10 and under.
www.mnbehavioral.com (651) 900-2210 4635 Nicols Rd, Ste. 104, Eagan, Minnesota 55122
report cards and in how a child feels walking into class. Sessions are available year-round. Call (952) 236-9090 to schedule.
The ODI Golf Outing returns for its second year on August 31 at Brackett's Crossing Country Club, presented in partnership between Eagan City Lifestyle and Operation Dignity International. Proceeds support the Tnaanaso Clinic in rural Ghana, which provides basic healthcare, maternal care, and life-saving medical resources to nearly 5,000 villagers. Golfers, sponsors, and community leaders are invited back for a day on the course that reaches far past the final hole. Register at odighana.org/odi-golf-outing
Photography by Amanda Stamm
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Eagan scholarship recipient Maddy Hill is following her passion for the arts and encouraging others to do the same.
Growing up with limited opportunities to explore the arts might have held others back — but not Maddy. She had less time to explore, yet found herself drawn to it even more. Attending a small private school meant that there weren’t many chances to expand her creative interests, but she somehow knew exactly what she wanted to pursue the moment she was finally given the opportunity.
Maddy Hill is the 2026 recipient of the Eagan City Lifestyle scholarship through the Eagan Community Foundation. This scholarship serves a purpose to empower and support aspiring writers, journalists, and those with a deep and profound interest in media and creative innovation. Maddy checks all of these boxes.
Maddy was born in China and adopted at two years old. Through that process, she met who would later become her best friend. While her story begins elsewhere, she remembers most of her life spent in Eagan. She attended Faithful Shepherd Catholic School for her primary years before moving to Eagan High School. Even then, her interests were already beginning to take shape.
“I’ve always wanted to be a singer, but back then there weren't many opportunities to grow performance-wise,” she recounted. “But my middle school did one play, and I think it opened all the doors for me.” From that moment on, Maddy began exploring acting and playwriting, even submitting her work to a Young MN Playwrights competition—something she hopes to continue pursuing.
“There are so many different creative pathways you can take. And there are so many different fields that you can become successful in.”
Moving from her small and more structured school to the expansive Eagan High School did not come without challenges. She found that she was advanced in literature and linguistics, but was behind in art and music. She worried that she had the passion, but not the technical skills. “This view changed for me when I was accepted into Bel Canto, an audition-only choir, straight after my freshman year,” she says. “I knew I had built the skills.”
Maddy’s interests grew to be widespread across all fields. Her intended major in Creative Writing, alongside a double minor in Film Media and Linguistics, reflects that. Her studies span the many different ways storytelling and expression can take shape. She hopes to continue the mission of this scholarship and support other aspiring creatives.
“There are so many different creative pathways you can take,” she shares. “And there are so many different fields that you can become successful in.” This mindset is reflected in the path she has carved out for herself. She has an ongoing commitment to pursuing all forms of art; through her dedication to singing, Maddy recently performed a vocal showcase at the Finnish Bistro alongside her voice teacher, Justine Boswell.
This fall, Maddy will attend the University of St. Thomas as part of the Class of 2030. She will be taking the first steps of college life with her best friend by her side, while also feeling excited to branch out, meet new people, and explore classes she is genuinely passionate about.
Maddy reflects on being a woman in the arts in higher education. “I’ve gotten so many questions about how I will support myself if I pursue art, but I’ve noticed that men aren’t often asked that same question,” she says. Still, she is determined to carve her own path and challenge that narrative, building a career that reflects both her ambition and her creative vision.
Outside of school, Maddy loves spending time with her friends and animals. She is especially attached to her dog, Annie, an adorable yellow lab. She also loves writing whenever possible. When given a simple ten-page assignment, she often finds herself doubling it without meaning to.
When asked how this scholarship will aid her future, she notes that while her parents have always been very supportive of her pursuing a career centered around creativity, they still want to know their daughter will be supported. “This scholarship helped remind them and myself that there is a lot you can do with a creative pathway through college, and that I can become successful from it,” she says.
“The Sousas' support and encouragement in my future means a lot to me, and knowing other people are invested in how I move forward makes a difference,” she says. “This magazine is proof that artists can have a passionate life.”
In 10 years, Maddy hopes to be working in some form of writing—whether that be screenwriting or journalism. One thing is certain for her: she will always be a writer. “Writing is something I could never give up.” And we hope to read her stories someday.
Eagan families continue finding confidence, movement, friendship, and lifelong memories through Gleason’s Gymnastics programs.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
Long before giant training facilities and highly selective programs became common, Gleason’s Gymnastics was welcoming kids of all ages onto the mat.
Founded in 1966 by Larry Gleason, the Eagan-based gym proudly calls itself the “OG” of Minnesota gymnastics. Larry’s connection to the sport began early. Growing up near the University of Minnesota, he participated in free community gymnastics programs run by the university’s men’s team. His natural talent eventually earned him a scholarship to the University of Minnesota, where he became captain of the men’s gymnastics team and an all-around champion.
But while Larry certainly understood competition, his bigger passion centered on childhood growth and movement education.
“He was all about studying brain and childhood development and how this type of activity helps develop the brain,” says Joni Selden, business manager and co-owner. “He took an educational approach to gymnastics, but he wanted kids to have fun too.”
That philosophy still shapes the gym today.
While some gymnastics facilities focus heavily on elite athletes, Gleason’s has always welcomed a wider range of students.
“In comparison to other gyms in our area, we are family-oriented,” says Gym Manager Kristi Hansen. “We’re a smaller business focused on overall childhood development. We work with kids who simply want to have fun, as well as those pursuing competitive gymnastics.” She explains that gymnastics often becomes a launching point for success in many other sports and activities.
“We look at using gymnastics as a foundation for other sports,” she says. “Someone who wants to become a stronger hockey player or football player can benefit from gymnastics training too.”
Parents may not immediately associate gymnastics with sports like golf, diving, football, or running, but the body awareness and coordination developed in gymnastics can carry over to nearly anything a child pursues later in life. Research continues to support this connection, with studies showing that gymnasts often outperform non-gymnasts in visual-motor coordination and spatial awareness.
“Gymnastics is something only a small percentage of people try,” Kristi says. “But it’s such a great foundation for confidence and leadership skills, especially for girls.”
For Joni, Gleason’s quickly became more than a workplace. “When I started here, and still today, it feels like family,” she says. She originally enrolled her three sons in classes decades ago when Larry was still running much of the business himself.
“He answered the phones and did everything,” she recalls. “At one seminar, someone told him he needed a people-person answering the phones. He found out I liked to talk, asked if I had a job, and hired me part-time. I never left.”
Thirty-nine years later, her connection to the gym runs even deeper. Her oldest son eventually coached at Gleason’s before spending five years on the University of Minnesota gymnastics team himself.
Kristi shares a similar story of personal connection. A former gymnast throughout her childhood, she stepped into the role of office manager four years ago after raising her family and moving on from another career. Today, she serves as the gym manager. “I do it because gymnastics shaped who I am today,” she says. “I want to bring that experience to anyone else who can benefit from it.”
Her own son now works at Gleason’s too. “When he started, he was very shy,” Kristi says. “Now he’s an outgoing and thriving rec coach. It’s rewarding to watch kids build confidence and achieve their goals.”
This year marks Gleason’s 60th anniversary, and the celebration will continue throughout 2026. An open house is planned for August 16th, giving families an opportunity to experience the gym and its community firsthand. That community may be one of the program’s greatest accomplishments.
“We’re now seeing the grandchildren of some of our first students,” Joni says. “People are proud to tell us they came through this school, whether it was for a short time or for many years.”
Today, Gleason’s welcomes everyone from preschoolers to adults in their 70s. Adult gymnastics participation has grown significantly in recent years, and the gym’s adult program continues drawing students from across the region.
Larry Gleason remains involved with the gym he founded six decades ago, and his original vision continues to guide the next generation.
For families interested in classes, camps, or upcoming anniversary events, visit https://www.gleasons.com/ for more information.
“Gymnastics helps kids build confidence, body awareness, and leadership skills that stay with them long after they leave the gym.”
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA CLINE
In Eagan and surrounding communities, families are quietly navigating challenges that often go unseen. For parents of children with autism, everyday moments like sitting at the dinner table, responding to a name, or walking safely past a pond can feel out of reach. And they are far from alone. Today, 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has autism, making early awareness and access to support more important than ever.
That’s why MN Behavioral Specialists came to be, offering something deeply meaningful: support that meets children where they are and helps them grow into where they are meant to be.
Camille’s journey began early. Growing up with a cousin with special needs, she always felt drawn to this field. That interest turned into action in 2002 when she was invited to observe ABA therapy with a family.
“I’ve done almost everything within the ABA field,” Camille shared, reflecting on her path. “That gives me a different perspective when I’m working with families and staff.”
Paige’s story is equally personal. Diagnosed with Tourette’s at a young age, she experienced firsthand what it felt like to search for support that did not always exist. Her interest in psychology led her to work with children on the autism spectrum during high school, and she never looked back. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree in psychology, a master’s in clinical psychology, and later became both a Licensed
Professional Clinical Counselor and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.
The two first worked together in 2007, managing a center that served dozens of children. After years of collaboration, a chance conversation sparked the idea to build something of their own. Not long after, MN Behavioral Specialists was born.
At MN Behavioral Specialists, therapy is not about quick fixes or surface-level changes. It is about building foundational skills that can shape a child’s future.
Children in the program receive 20 to 40 hours of therapy per week and receive one-on-one support tailored to their individual needs. For some, that means learning how to communicate for the first time. For others, it may involve sitting at a table, following instructions, or developing basic self-care routines.
“We’re preparing them for school and for life,” Paige explained. “We aim to build the foundational skills they need to learn within a school environment, so they can become more independent and require less support over time.”
That support extends beyond the center. The team works closely with families in their homes and communities, helping address real-life challenges. One example involved teaching a child how to walk safely near a pond without jumping in. Another focused on helping a family feel comfortable enough to take their child on a simple outing to a store.
“We meet children where they are, helping them build the skills they need today so they can move forward with greater independence tomorrow.”
“These moments might seem small to others,” Camille said, “but for these families, they are everything.”
The impact can be profound. Camille recalled a recent visit with a family whose child had once been nonverbal. Now, that same child greets his parents at the door and sits down to eat meals with them.
Paige shared another memory. “We had a child say ‘I love you’ for the first time. Those are the moments that stay with you.”
One of the most important messages Camille and Paige want families to hear is this: trust your instincts.
If a child is not responding to sounds, making eye contact, or engaging with the people around them, it may be time to ask questions. Early support can make a meaningful difference, especially when introduced during the earliest stages of development.
“We hear from parents all the time who were unsure at first,” Paige said. “Getting a diagnosis doesn’t change your child. It just helps us understand how to support them.” That perspective often brings a sense of relief, reminding families that their child is still the same unique and loved person, now with added guidance to help them communicate, connect, and grow.
It opens the door to additional support, tools, and understanding. At MN Behavioral Specialists, the goal is never to change a child’s personality. It is to help them build the skills they need to communicate, connect, and participate in daily life.
Play is at the heart of that process. Therapy sessions often look like games, laughter, and time spent on the floor.
“People sometimes underestimate how much learning happens through play,” Camille said. “But it’s where so much growth begins.”
“We aim to build the foundational skills they need to learn within a school environment, so they can become more independent and require less support over time.”
The team also works closely with families to rebuild parts of life that may have been put on hold. Parents are often asked a simple but powerful question: What have you stopped doing? From there, the focus becomes helping them return to those moments, whether that means family outings, shared meals, or everyday routines.
As children grow older, MN Behavioral Specialists supports their transition into school settings, working alongside educators to help create a path forward.
MN Behavioral Specialists is about partnership. It is about walking alongside families during some of their most uncertain moments and celebrating milestones that may have once felt impossible.
“We’re just one part of their journey,” Paige said. “Our goal is that by the time they leave our program, both the child and the family feel ready for what comes next.”
For families who have concerns or simply want to learn more, reaching out can be the first step toward understanding what support might look like.
To learn more about MN Behavioral Specialists or to connect with their team, visit their website at https://www.mnbehavioral. com/ and start the conversation.
Here, every day offers something more. Whether you’re exploring a new hobby, sharing a meal with friends or enjoying added peace of mind, you’ll discover a lifestyle designed to help you thrive. Sometimes, a little more makes all the difference.
• Opportunities to explore new interests
• Ways to connect with friends and neighbors
• Chef-inspired meals
• Events, outings and entertainment
• Maintenance-free living
• Support available when needed
How a Minnesota nonprofit pairs veterans with service dogs trained to support daily life after trauma.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Pawsitivity Service Dogs for Veterans was founded in 2012 with a simple but powerful mission: to train service dogs for U.S. military veterans. Based in St. Paul, the nonprofit provides professionally trained service dogs at no cost to veterans living with PTSD and other disabilities.
What began as work with therapy dogs for children with autism soon revealed a broader opportunity. “We were surprised by how much the dogs helped the parents,” Executive Director Tom Coleman explains. “Especially with PTSD. Some of those parents were veterans, and that’s how we identified the need.”
For Tom, the mission is also personal. “My dad and two of my uncles were veterans,” he says. “One of my uncles experienced PTSD from Vietnam. Being part of this process is incredibly rewarding.”
Today, Pawsitivity focuses exclusively on service dogs for veterans, pairing highly trained dogs with individuals who meet the ADA definition of a disability
Service dogs are often misunderstood, especially when compared to therapy dogs. According to Tom, the distinction matters.
“A service dog works for one person with a recognized disability,” he says. “A therapy dog can visit hospitals or schools to help many people, but they don’t have public access rights like service dogs do.”
That difference is why the public is asked not to pet working service dogs. “Dogs are completely focused on the veteran,” Tom explains. “Petting them can interrupt what they’re trained to do. If you’re told no, it’s about respect for the work that dog is doing.”
The dogs trained through Pawsitivity are taught to notice subtle physical changes that veterans may not immediately recognize in themselves. “PTSD isn’t just emotional. It shows up physically,” Tom says. “Changes in breathing, cortisol levels, and small tremors. The dog is trained to notice those things.”
When a dog detects early signs of distress, it alerts the veteran so they can begin coping strategies before symptoms intensify. Over time, that awareness becomes shared. “The relationship leverages biofeedback,” Tom explains. “Long-term, veterans start recognizing the signals on their own.”
CONTINUED >
“These dogs are trained to watch the veteran— breathing, tension, stress signals—and respond before things escalate, helping veterans recognize what their own bodies may miss.”
These dogs also provide physical grounding, similar to therapy-based calming techniques. Some are trained to carry medication or apply pressure to help the veteran regain composure in public or stressful environments. This is why dogs that help with PTSD must undergo extensive, individualized training.
Training a service dog takes one to two years and involves careful evaluation. Pawsitivity works with both rescue dogs and purpose-bred dogs, with Labradors and Golden Retrievers often showing the highest success rates.
Not every dog completes the program. “Some dogs just aren’t cut out for service work,” Tom says. “That’s part of the process.”
According to Congressional estimates, training a service dog costs about $25,000, covering veterinary care, food, training, and long-term evaluation. “Finding veterans isn’t the challenge,” Tom notes. “Funding the program is.”
He adds, “It takes a village to train a service dog. We’re all in this together.”
Minnesotans play a major role in sustaining the program. “People here really step up,” Tom says. “They want to help.” Community members can support Pawsitivity through financial donations, including gifts made in honor of a loved one or a dog. These contributions directly support Minnesota service dogs and allow the organization to serve more veterans.
For Tom, the impact goes beyond each individual placement. “Every time a veteran sees another veteran with a PTSD service dog, it helps them recognize they might need support, too,” he says. “That’s how it keeps paying forward.”
A local photographer shares why everyday pet photos often become what families treasure most.
ARTICLE BY ANN SCHREIBER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA STAMM
There is something heartbreaking about realizing the photos you meant to take never happened.
That is part of what drives Amanda Stamm, owner of Amanda LaRae Photography. While she photographs families of all kinds, her passion has always centered around pets and the people who love them.
“Pets bring so much joy to our lives, and they are part of the family,” Amanda says. “Especially with kids, because kids are growing up so fast. These photos give families something to look back on years down the road.”
Amanda encourages families not to wait for the “perfect” moment to schedule professional portraits. Some of the most meaningful sessions happen during life’s less obvious seasons. That first gotcha day with a puppy or kitten. The middle years, when pets are still playful and are such a big part of your everyday family life. Even the senior years, when gray whiskers and wiser personalities begin to appear.
“Those older pets become the wise members of the herd,” Amanda says. “You start to see those little changes that make them even more special.” She also believes some of the most treasured photos are often the candid ones taken at home.
Amanda recommends photographing pets near natural light, such as beside a window, and getting down to their level for more personal images. And when it comes to grabbing their attention, she says not to be afraid to get silly.
“Use squeakers. Hiss. Make weird noises,” she laughs.
Some of Amanda’s favorite photos of her own pets are not polished studio portraits. One is a video of her cat, Willow, “paddling” her paws when happy. Another is a close-up photo her son captured of Willow gazing out the window. She also treasures photos of her husky, Beau, giving dramatic side-eye expressions.
“Capture those little traits,” Amanda says. “Someday, those are the things you’ll miss the most.”
ARTICLE BY ROLF WHITE
A POWERFUL FINANCIAL DECISION ANY 16-YEAR-OLD CAN MAKE
There is a financial secret hiding in plain sight. It requires a parttime job, a small amount of discipline, and the one asset every 16-year-old possesses in abundance: time. He or she also needs the discipline not to invade the account early.
The tool, a Roth IRA, is funded with after-tax dollars and grows tax-free. Qualified withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free. For a teenager earning modest wages, that means locking in taxfree growth at a 10% or 12% federal tax rate today, instead of the 24% or higher rate they may face at the peak of their career.
Imagine a 16-year-old who invests just $2,000 per year. He or she contributes through age 30. The total investment over 15 years is $30,000. Contributions stop completely at age 30, and the account remains invested and untouched until age 67, the full Social Security retirement age for most people born after 1960.
Hypothetical number 1: At a steady 8% annual return, that account grows to more than $788,000 at retirement, tax-free.
Hypothetical number 2: The investment earns the actual year-by-year S&P 500 total returns from 1975 through 2025 and includes two devastating bear markets. The real-world result is even more powerful, a balance exceeding roughly $1.9 million tax-free. Thirty thousand dollars invested. Decades of patience. Millions in tax-free income.
This turns a birthday check or holiday gift into a taxfree asset. Done consistently from ages 16 to 30, that $30,000 family gift has the potential to become nearly $2 million by retirement. The teenager spends his or her earnings today. The family builds him or her a tax-free fortune for tomorrow.
For educational purposes only. Not personalized financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified advisor. S&P 500 figures reflect total returns including reinvested dividends (Slickcharts, 1975–2025). Gift tax exclusion per IRS annual Revenue Procedures.
How can parents and grandparents help? The IRS requires that a teenager have earned income to contribute to a Roth IRA, but it does not require that the contribution comes from those earnings. Parents and grandparents can help fund the account. The 2026 annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 individually and $38,000 for a married couple. This is well above the $7,500 Roth IRA contribution limit, meaning a family member can cover the full contribution with no gift tax implications in most cases. Keep in mind that the total contribution cannot exceed the teenager's actual earned income for the year. A teen who earns $2,000 can have a parent deposit a gift of $2,000 into the account, and the teenager can keep his or her paycheck.
Fee-based investment advisory services offered through SPC, a registered investment advisor.
Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
Business and Family Advisors LLC . is independent of Parkland Securities Company LLC and Sigma Planning Corporation.
Business and Family Advisors LLC., 1500 McAndrews Road West, Suite 229, Burnsville, MN 55337. Phone 952-392-1071
Past market performance is no guarantee of future investment performance or success.
Investment in securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.
Rate of return is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of any particular investment; results may vary.
Direct contributions to a Roth IRA may be withdrawn tax-free at any time. Earnings may be withdrawn tax and penalty-free after the five-year holding period if the condition of age 59.5 (or other qualifying condition) is also satisfied.
It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
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Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
AUGUST 1ST & 2ND
Wanderlight Trail at MN Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd, St Paul, MN 55124 | 7:30 PM
Step into Wanderlight Trail, an all-new immersive evening experience at the Minnesota Zoo. As the sun sets, a glowing twilight journey comes to life with larger-than-life lanterns inspired by animals from around the world. Wander at your own pace, soak in each illuminated moment, and make your summer night shine a little brighter. Register at https://mnzoo.org/wanderlight-2026
AUGUST 14TH
Eagan LakeFest at Trapp Farm Park
841 Wilderness Run Road, Eagan, MN 55123 | 3:00 PM
Cast a line, no license required. LakeFest returns to Trapp Farm Park with shoreline and pier fishing for all ages — gear provided, beginners welcome. Enjoy live music, food trucks, hands-on crafts, and family-friendly education stations. Don't miss the lead tackle exchange. Spend a relaxed, community-style afternoon by the water for anglers of every skill level.
AUGUST 16TH
Visiting at the Farm: Cookies and Quilts with Otto & Ella
4665 Manor Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 | 2:00 PM
Step back to the 1940s at Holz Farm's Sunday tradition of "visiting." Stop by the farmhouse for special cookies and browse a beautiful display of handmade quilts. A simple, nostalgic afternoon with Otto & Ella celebrating community, history, and the slower pace of a bygone era. All ages welcome.
AUGUST 20TH
Family Movie Night: Hoppers
678 Vikings Pkwy, Eagan, MN 55121 | 6:00 PM
Bring the whole family for a free movie night at Viking Lakes! Settle in at the Viking Lakes Residences Amenity Area as the big screen lights up, with concessions stocked full of classic movie-night snacks. Strollers, blankets, and lawn chairs are all welcome. A laid-back evening under the stars for movie lovers of every age.
AUGUST 21ST
Farm to Table Dinner at Holz Farm
4665 Manor Drive, Eagan, MN 55122 | 5:30 PM
Savor an intimate evening at Historic Holz Farm, where a locally sourced menu has been crafted specifically for this unique occasion. Enjoy live music under the large oak tree, visit with friends, and learn about local food sources while taking in the farm's picturesque grounds. Registration includes appetizer, entrée, and dessert, with alcoholic beverages available for purchase onsite. Must be 21+. Register at discovereagan.com.
AUGUST 26TH
500 Southdale Center, Edina, MN 55435 | 3:00 PM
Join Network In Action - Twin Cities and Eagan City Lifestyle for an energizing afternoon of speed networking and business growth at Dave & Buster's in Edina! Meet local business professionals while also helping a worthy charity. Ticket price includes your reserved seat and one free drink ticket. Additional drinks and food will be available for purchase. Register at Eventbrite.
At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.