The Mary Hanson Show
Awards
The show has won recognition at the local, state and national level. Some of the awards include:
- Minnesota Medical Association Media Award for Excellence in Medical Journalism (3 years)
- Minnesota Psychiatric Society’s top award for Excellence in the Media
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Minneapolis Telecommunications Network
- C.A.R.E. Award, Mental Health Association in Hennepin County (given annually to one individual recognized for efforts in promoting mental health in the Twin Cities community)
- Metropolitan Community Churches first annual Perry Award for “making the community a better place”
- Minnesota Education Association School Bell Award for Best In-depth Television Program
- Best Talk Show, Minneapolis Television Network
- Teddy Award for Excellence, Rogers Cablesystems
- National Federation of Local Cable Programmers competition finalist
- Minnesota State Cable Communications Board Award for Excellence
- Minnesota Council on Health Certificate of Achievement
- Hall of Fame (for Mary from Central High in Aberdeen, SD)
Feedback from guests, press, and viewers
Through the years, I have saved some of my favorite feedback from guests, viewers, and
mentions by the press. I thought I would share my top 40 now, but it was hard to stop at 40. All of
the statements below are unsolicited and direct quotes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
mentions by the press. I thought I would share my top 40 now, but it was hard to stop at 40. All of
the statements below are unsolicited and direct quotes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The interview with Mary was easily, by any standard, the best interview I have had apropos the book. And a few years later: You are still the best interviewer I have encountered.
James Shannon, President, St. Thomas; Ex. Dir. General Mills Foundation
There are two kinds of people in the world—those who have been on The Mary Hanson Show and those who want to be. Mary is the best at discussing things that should matter.
Michael Osterholm, PhD, U. of M. epidemiologist
I just want to tell you that so many people all around the country and abroad have interviewed me, and yours was by far the best.
Ellen Kennedy, Ph.D., Executive Director, Founder of World Without Genocide
Mary Hanson is one of the best interviewers in the country.
Richard Leider, author, The Power of Purpose, and Re-Imagine Your Life
The Mary Hanson Show is the longest running community show in the state as well as one of the most influential.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
Mary is the most skillful interviewer. She made me feel so comfortable.
Governor Elmer L. Andersen
The Mental Health Association of Hennepin County selected Mary Hanson for the C.A.R.E. Award this year as we feel she is the individual who best exemplifies ensuring and promoting adequate services for the mentally ill in Hennepin County…. We have been using videotape copies of her program as an educational tool for some time now.
Focus Newsletter, Mental Health Assoc. of MN
Mary Hanson, Producer and host of The Mary Hanson Show is the person we are choosing to receive the first annual Troy D. Perry Living the Vision Award. This award will be given every year to a person who makes the community a better place.
Metropolitan Community Churches
You are doing a great job! And also from TPT: I really enjoy watching your shows. You ask such intelligent questions.
James Pagliarini, TPT President, Sherry Meek, TPT Director of Programming
The thing that really struck me was how you kept things moving through the half hour and how much ground we covered…If you would like to do other programs on pacemakers, thrombolytics and/or angioplasty in the fall, please give me a call, and we will make arrangements.
Kevin J. Graham, MD, Minneapolis Heart Institute
Mary Hanson, Minnesota’s Talk TV Mainstay Captivates KTCI-17 Viewers
Twin Cities Public Television Press Release
I thank you and your TPT team for airing this mini-series. It is a wonderful line-up and terrific way to celebrate Black History Month. Congratulations on your 20th year on TPT and for doing so much to benefit our community.
Reatha Clark King, former President of Metro State U
Hanson’s list of interview subjects over the years is amazing—not just local notables such as Tony Bouza and Judith Guest, but people such as Director Milos Forman (“Amadeus”), and legendary actress Lillian Gish. Her specialty is not celebrities, however. Hanson, who has a Master’s degree in Social Work, prefers social issues such as mental health, the homeless, dysfunctional families and teen pregnancy.
Star Tribune
KARE 11 News did an “Extra” segment on our school; we have been on Channel 4 and MPR; we were the subject of a Pioneer Press article…there was even a piece in the Ladies Home Journal. Yet, the response from The Mary Hanson Show was significantly stronger than from these other mediums—combined.
Barbara Schmidt, Executive Director, P.E.A.S.E. Academy
Hanson not only has a gracious and kind – yet inquisitive – way with the fascinating Minnesotans she invites on the show, but she also has a warmth and a glow that make her positively magnetic on screen.
Minnesota GOOD AGE Magazine
Mary Hanson does her homework, is everyone’s favorite interviewer—a great civic asset.
Tony Bouza, former Minneapolis Chief of Police
You did an amazing job with the interview…. The student voice is so important and such an overlooked part of the equation when we adults are talking about solutions, so I deeply appreciate that he (teen guest) had the opportunity to speak. I was thrilled with the structure, too….
Julie Hertzog, Director, PACER National Bullying Prevention Center
I was most impressed…by the penetration of Mary’s questions.
Tom Micka, M.D.
I had such a pleasure talking with you, answering your interesting, vital questions to the point they had to stop me; otherwise, I would talk with you all night! I see what valuable work you are doing for our community by your show.
Stanislaw Skowaczewski, Director of the Minnesota Orchestra
Mary Hanson, local cable TV’s leading lady of talk, has as her topic, “Hunger Hurts.”
“Today’s Tout,” Pioneer Press
Dear Mary—Tonight’s show was excellent! You did an outstanding interview with Kevin Winge of Open Arms. I am going to contact Open Arms to see if there’s a spot for me to volunteer… Your interview encouraged and challenged me to step forward. Thank you, Mary, for your commitment to the community by producing valuable, exceptional programming. I am proud to be a viewer of your show. Thank you.
Viewer, Geri Britton
Mary has the reputation among al local authors as the finest interviewer in town. She is always prepared and always asks thoughtful, intelligent questions.
Marilyn Mason, Ph.D., author/psychologist
It is always such a pleasure seeing you. You have fantastic positive energy and you are making a difference.
Will Steger, Explorer, Educator
Mary, I watched both shows, and as usual, you did a great job with both interviews. These are fairy complex topics, but you are so good at trying to bring them to the lay level. Thank you for your excellent work a usual
Paulette Olsen, Coordinator, American Parkinson Disease Association of MN
Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your show and for being such a wonderful host. I will always remember how amazing you were at creating such a conversational style interview while asking great questions. Many thanks.
Becky L. Omdahl, Ph.D., Professor, in Communication, Writing and the Arts, Metropolitan State University
Thank you once again for having me on as a guest on your TPT broadcast. As a longtime fan of your show, I had an absolutely wonderful time not only during the show but also during the entire process. Interacting with you and your crew before the show in the control room and on the set was a truly engaging experience, which I believe “set the stage” for our open, relaxed, and effective discussion during your show. I have done many shows before including the Today Show with Matt Lauer, but never have I had so much fun!
Michel Cramer Bornemann, MD, Co-Director, MN Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Mary, just wondering when my Minnesota River interview will be back up on your YouTube channel. I use it in a couple of the courses I teach at Kent State and Case Western Reserve University here in NE Ohio.
Richard Currie Smith, PhD, Anthropology Professor, Kent State and Case Western Reserve
The Mary Hanson Show is local cable’s answer to coping in the modern world.
Twin Cities Cable Magazine
The archetypal and multiple-award-winning Mary Hanson Show, the longest running community-access program in the state (it has aired weekly since 1980), is a virtual model for the community-information talk-show format with topics ranging from “Sentencing Guidelines” to ”Kids and Exercise.”
City Pages
I’ve posted the YouTube video to my Facebook page, and the number of shares. Positive responses has been overwhelming. Thank you so much for doing this interview.
Lori Luchsinger, interviewed in “The Same Sex Marriage Amendment in MN”
Through your interviewing sessions with experts in many fields you have increased awareness and thereby made a valuable contribution to the overall health and well-being of many Minnesotans.
Wheelock Whitney, President, Minnesota Council on Health
Mary Hanson is a pioneer in local programming.
Twin Cities Reader
Mary is gifted in bringing information to others.
Lee Beecher, MD, the Physician/Patient Alliance, Underwriter
Mary, with the help of your program, our community becomes increasingly aware of the opportunities to invest in their fellowman. No one can put a price on that!
Jan Larson, Underwriter
After appearing recently on The Mary Hanson Show, 25 people from all walks of life called or wrote to tell me they had seen me on Mary’s show. I was astonished by her obvious viewership.
Susan Vass, entertainer
“As my friend, Dr. Michael Osterholm says: ‘You are one of the best interviewers in the business!’”
Former US Congressman, Jim Ramstad
Hanson strives to present a range of topics that appeal to a variety of people, and she’s received comments from viewers that span Paul Wellstone’s Public Relations Coordinator to the clerk at Super America.
Tesha M. Christensen, Longfellow Nokmis Messenger
Hanson’s frank, open style and social work background make her the ideal host for a wide assortment of guests and for topics focused on contemporary problems.
MTN Monitor
Mary Hanson is probably Twin Cities access television’s first authentic celebrity.
Star Tribune
Mary is the right person for the right job!
Dudley Riggs, Entertainer/Author
Her questions tend to be penetrating, revealing a depth to her exploration of my work and offering viewers that same opportunity to explore the subject deeply.
Sandra Stoltz, Dir., Foodaholics Treatment Center
If any particular program sets local programming standards, it should be The Mary Hanson Show.
TV Forum Magazine
How enjoyable it is to get to know your selected leaders through your fine interviews! I will do everything I can to promote your fine program… I commend your passion and hard work in the consistency of your efforts. Your show is a great gift of something not available in any other way.
Viewer, Mary Marsden
By the way, I have heard from LOTS of folks about how much they enjoyed the interview…and enjoy you as a host!
Philip Brunelle, guest from MN Leaders series
Mary is the epitome of MTN. She provides the common bond to our community by working cooperatively with the people and institutions of the city to bring information, ideas and opinions to our viewers.
Phyllis Thornley, Chair, Board of Directors, MTN
You know you’ve been watching too much television when: You’ve taped every episode of The Mary Hanson Show.
MSP Airport News
To say The Mary Hanson Show renders a valuable service is almost an understatement.
Cy Schelly, past Vice-President, Campbell-Mithun
Our interview was personally my most favorite interview ever done with the exception of (the one I did with) Studs Terkel
Larry Long, Smithsonian Folkway Artist, songwriter, educator
“You are out of the box!”
Viewer on the street, age 6
James Shannon, President, St. Thomas; Ex. Dir. General Mills Foundation
There are two kinds of people in the world—those who have been on The Mary Hanson Show and those who want to be. Mary is the best at discussing things that should matter.
Michael Osterholm, PhD, U. of M. epidemiologist
I just want to tell you that so many people all around the country and abroad have interviewed me, and yours was by far the best.
Ellen Kennedy, Ph.D., Executive Director, Founder of World Without Genocide
Mary Hanson is one of the best interviewers in the country.
Richard Leider, author, The Power of Purpose, and Re-Imagine Your Life
The Mary Hanson Show is the longest running community show in the state as well as one of the most influential.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
Mary is the most skillful interviewer. She made me feel so comfortable.
Governor Elmer L. Andersen
The Mental Health Association of Hennepin County selected Mary Hanson for the C.A.R.E. Award this year as we feel she is the individual who best exemplifies ensuring and promoting adequate services for the mentally ill in Hennepin County…. We have been using videotape copies of her program as an educational tool for some time now.
Focus Newsletter, Mental Health Assoc. of MN
Mary Hanson, Producer and host of The Mary Hanson Show is the person we are choosing to receive the first annual Troy D. Perry Living the Vision Award. This award will be given every year to a person who makes the community a better place.
Metropolitan Community Churches
You are doing a great job! And also from TPT: I really enjoy watching your shows. You ask such intelligent questions.
James Pagliarini, TPT President, Sherry Meek, TPT Director of Programming
The thing that really struck me was how you kept things moving through the half hour and how much ground we covered…If you would like to do other programs on pacemakers, thrombolytics and/or angioplasty in the fall, please give me a call, and we will make arrangements.
Kevin J. Graham, MD, Minneapolis Heart Institute
Mary Hanson, Minnesota’s Talk TV Mainstay Captivates KTCI-17 Viewers
Twin Cities Public Television Press Release
I thank you and your TPT team for airing this mini-series. It is a wonderful line-up and terrific way to celebrate Black History Month. Congratulations on your 20th year on TPT and for doing so much to benefit our community.
Reatha Clark King, former President of Metro State U
Hanson’s list of interview subjects over the years is amazing—not just local notables such as Tony Bouza and Judith Guest, but people such as Director Milos Forman (“Amadeus”), and legendary actress Lillian Gish. Her specialty is not celebrities, however. Hanson, who has a Master’s degree in Social Work, prefers social issues such as mental health, the homeless, dysfunctional families and teen pregnancy.
Star Tribune
KARE 11 News did an “Extra” segment on our school; we have been on Channel 4 and MPR; we were the subject of a Pioneer Press article…there was even a piece in the Ladies Home Journal. Yet, the response from The Mary Hanson Show was significantly stronger than from these other mediums—combined.
Barbara Schmidt, Executive Director, P.E.A.S.E. Academy
Hanson not only has a gracious and kind – yet inquisitive – way with the fascinating Minnesotans she invites on the show, but she also has a warmth and a glow that make her positively magnetic on screen.
Minnesota GOOD AGE Magazine
Mary Hanson does her homework, is everyone’s favorite interviewer—a great civic asset.
Tony Bouza, former Minneapolis Chief of Police
You did an amazing job with the interview…. The student voice is so important and such an overlooked part of the equation when we adults are talking about solutions, so I deeply appreciate that he (teen guest) had the opportunity to speak. I was thrilled with the structure, too….
Julie Hertzog, Director, PACER National Bullying Prevention Center
I was most impressed…by the penetration of Mary’s questions.
Tom Micka, M.D.
I had such a pleasure talking with you, answering your interesting, vital questions to the point they had to stop me; otherwise, I would talk with you all night! I see what valuable work you are doing for our community by your show.
Stanislaw Skowaczewski, Director of the Minnesota Orchestra
Mary Hanson, local cable TV’s leading lady of talk, has as her topic, “Hunger Hurts.”
“Today’s Tout,” Pioneer Press
Dear Mary—Tonight’s show was excellent! You did an outstanding interview with Kevin Winge of Open Arms. I am going to contact Open Arms to see if there’s a spot for me to volunteer… Your interview encouraged and challenged me to step forward. Thank you, Mary, for your commitment to the community by producing valuable, exceptional programming. I am proud to be a viewer of your show. Thank you.
Viewer, Geri Britton
Mary has the reputation among al local authors as the finest interviewer in town. She is always prepared and always asks thoughtful, intelligent questions.
Marilyn Mason, Ph.D., author/psychologist
It is always such a pleasure seeing you. You have fantastic positive energy and you are making a difference.
Will Steger, Explorer, Educator
Mary, I watched both shows, and as usual, you did a great job with both interviews. These are fairy complex topics, but you are so good at trying to bring them to the lay level. Thank you for your excellent work a usual
Paulette Olsen, Coordinator, American Parkinson Disease Association of MN
Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your show and for being such a wonderful host. I will always remember how amazing you were at creating such a conversational style interview while asking great questions. Many thanks.
Becky L. Omdahl, Ph.D., Professor, in Communication, Writing and the Arts, Metropolitan State University
Thank you once again for having me on as a guest on your TPT broadcast. As a longtime fan of your show, I had an absolutely wonderful time not only during the show but also during the entire process. Interacting with you and your crew before the show in the control room and on the set was a truly engaging experience, which I believe “set the stage” for our open, relaxed, and effective discussion during your show. I have done many shows before including the Today Show with Matt Lauer, but never have I had so much fun!
Michel Cramer Bornemann, MD, Co-Director, MN Regional Sleep Disorders Center
Mary, just wondering when my Minnesota River interview will be back up on your YouTube channel. I use it in a couple of the courses I teach at Kent State and Case Western Reserve University here in NE Ohio.
Richard Currie Smith, PhD, Anthropology Professor, Kent State and Case Western Reserve
The Mary Hanson Show is local cable’s answer to coping in the modern world.
Twin Cities Cable Magazine
The archetypal and multiple-award-winning Mary Hanson Show, the longest running community-access program in the state (it has aired weekly since 1980), is a virtual model for the community-information talk-show format with topics ranging from “Sentencing Guidelines” to ”Kids and Exercise.”
City Pages
I’ve posted the YouTube video to my Facebook page, and the number of shares. Positive responses has been overwhelming. Thank you so much for doing this interview.
Lori Luchsinger, interviewed in “The Same Sex Marriage Amendment in MN”
Through your interviewing sessions with experts in many fields you have increased awareness and thereby made a valuable contribution to the overall health and well-being of many Minnesotans.
Wheelock Whitney, President, Minnesota Council on Health
Mary Hanson is a pioneer in local programming.
Twin Cities Reader
Mary is gifted in bringing information to others.
Lee Beecher, MD, the Physician/Patient Alliance, Underwriter
Mary, with the help of your program, our community becomes increasingly aware of the opportunities to invest in their fellowman. No one can put a price on that!
Jan Larson, Underwriter
After appearing recently on The Mary Hanson Show, 25 people from all walks of life called or wrote to tell me they had seen me on Mary’s show. I was astonished by her obvious viewership.
Susan Vass, entertainer
“As my friend, Dr. Michael Osterholm says: ‘You are one of the best interviewers in the business!’”
Former US Congressman, Jim Ramstad
Hanson strives to present a range of topics that appeal to a variety of people, and she’s received comments from viewers that span Paul Wellstone’s Public Relations Coordinator to the clerk at Super America.
Tesha M. Christensen, Longfellow Nokmis Messenger
Hanson’s frank, open style and social work background make her the ideal host for a wide assortment of guests and for topics focused on contemporary problems.
MTN Monitor
Mary Hanson is probably Twin Cities access television’s first authentic celebrity.
Star Tribune
Mary is the right person for the right job!
Dudley Riggs, Entertainer/Author
Her questions tend to be penetrating, revealing a depth to her exploration of my work and offering viewers that same opportunity to explore the subject deeply.
Sandra Stoltz, Dir., Foodaholics Treatment Center
If any particular program sets local programming standards, it should be The Mary Hanson Show.
TV Forum Magazine
How enjoyable it is to get to know your selected leaders through your fine interviews! I will do everything I can to promote your fine program… I commend your passion and hard work in the consistency of your efforts. Your show is a great gift of something not available in any other way.
Viewer, Mary Marsden
By the way, I have heard from LOTS of folks about how much they enjoyed the interview…and enjoy you as a host!
Philip Brunelle, guest from MN Leaders series
Mary is the epitome of MTN. She provides the common bond to our community by working cooperatively with the people and institutions of the city to bring information, ideas and opinions to our viewers.
Phyllis Thornley, Chair, Board of Directors, MTN
You know you’ve been watching too much television when: You’ve taped every episode of The Mary Hanson Show.
MSP Airport News
To say The Mary Hanson Show renders a valuable service is almost an understatement.
Cy Schelly, past Vice-President, Campbell-Mithun
Our interview was personally my most favorite interview ever done with the exception of (the one I did with) Studs Terkel
Larry Long, Smithsonian Folkway Artist, songwriter, educator
“You are out of the box!”
Viewer on the street, age 6