crew members
Mary wants to thank all the people who have been crew members since 1980 -- many, many who worked on the show for years.
“Each one of you was great to work with, and every television station and most guests have commented on the ‘wonderful crew members’ that the show has had,” Mary stated.
“Each one of you was great to work with, and every television station and most guests have commented on the ‘wonderful crew members’ that the show has had,” Mary stated.
Nathan Simar - Director
I am very proud to work on one of the best talk shows in the country, The Mary Hanson Show! I am in charge of setting up the stage and lighting before each show, and act as floor director and cameraman during tapings. Apart from working with Mary and her crew, I am a musician in several notable bands - and in addition, work in digital publishing. I appreciate reading, baking, and exploring and enjoying life.
UPDATE: Nathan is now stepping into the Director's role as Floyd Child retires.
UPDATE: Nathan is now stepping into the Director's role as Floyd Child retires.
Mary Hanson - Executive Producer
You have seen enough about me on this website, but in a nutshell, as Executive Producer, i get to select topics and guests, do research about the subject, bring in underwriting, send out press releases, develop schedules, etc. I am deeply grateful to the crew for their work -- their professionalism, efforts to make the show as strong as possible, (sometimes with old equipment that presents problems), commitment to the goals of the show, and friendship.
Georgia Becker- Assistant Producer
Currently director of Studio 1400, a collaborative of creatives
dedicated to beauty, fun and imagination. It is a design, product
development and sewing/knitting workroom specializing in prototypes and short run production. To be part of Mary's show is nourishment to my soul.
dedicated to beauty, fun and imagination. It is a design, product
development and sewing/knitting workroom specializing in prototypes and short run production. To be part of Mary's show is nourishment to my soul.
Andrea Boe - assistant
I am the Assistant to Mary. I met Mary at a book reading on my birthday, I was invited to visit the set, and then I was asked joined the show’s crew… all in April 2019!
I help Mary/the crew by anticipating the needs of the interviewees and orienting them to taping details while on the set of the show; I also act as an extra set of hands/eyes wherever I’m needed!
Outside of the show, I’m a Contract Sales Coordinator for a commercial construction company. I often refer to my job as “sorting a bowl of multi-colored marbles by dropping them down a pegboard.” I live in Minneapolis with my cat Benny; I have been described as “chaotic wholesome” on more than one occasion; and I keep my mind busy (& my heart full) by writing, painting, and watching/analyzing movies (an ode to my Film Studies minor from Winona State University).
I’ve been floored by the thoughtful commitment of everyone on the crew. The Mary Hanson show is a much-needed reprieve that not only makes me feel like I’m part of a community but also promotes my growth as a social creative!
I help Mary/the crew by anticipating the needs of the interviewees and orienting them to taping details while on the set of the show; I also act as an extra set of hands/eyes wherever I’m needed!
Outside of the show, I’m a Contract Sales Coordinator for a commercial construction company. I often refer to my job as “sorting a bowl of multi-colored marbles by dropping them down a pegboard.” I live in Minneapolis with my cat Benny; I have been described as “chaotic wholesome” on more than one occasion; and I keep my mind busy (& my heart full) by writing, painting, and watching/analyzing movies (an ode to my Film Studies minor from Winona State University).
I’ve been floored by the thoughtful commitment of everyone on the crew. The Mary Hanson show is a much-needed reprieve that not only makes me feel like I’m part of a community but also promotes my growth as a social creative!
Craig Cole - Audio
I have been with The Mary Hanson Show for about 10 years. I am the audio person, and I have several years of experience with television. At age 16 I was accepted into a television and radio program at Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
In college, I went back to Moorhead and majored in advertising and political science. While in school I was a student instructor for television production courses. After graduation I worked for an ad agency that did their own "in house" TV production.
After being out of college for a few years, I was offered a job marketing and managing a shopping mall and smaller shopping complex. I now work in the mortgage banking field but still volunteer my experience and time to civic and non profit groups.
In college, I went back to Moorhead and majored in advertising and political science. While in school I was a student instructor for television production courses. After graduation I worked for an ad agency that did their own "in house" TV production.
After being out of college for a few years, I was offered a job marketing and managing a shopping mall and smaller shopping complex. I now work in the mortgage banking field but still volunteer my experience and time to civic and non profit groups.
Greg Cassidy- Editor
Greg Cassidy first got involved with MTN/Public Access programming when Rogers Cable Systems came to Minneapolis in the 80s. During that era, he first met Mary Hanson. Eager to learn more about video and TV production, he volunteered to help on many programs including The Mary Hanson Show, The Screening Room, Mingle With Martha, Up Late Thursdays, and The Low-Gain Show to name a few. He also helped out with various live sports productions.
Later he was hired by MTN to do some freelance projects which then lead to working evenings in MTN’s production studio assisting the organization’s users when needed with their productions. He taught classes on how to use the Amiga computer for graphics; assembled an editing suite featuring the Amiga computer with the Video Toaster, a state-of-the-art system at the time; and also taught how to use the Ami-Link video editor on that same system.
Over the years, Greg has contributed his talents to The Mary Hanson Show and many of her other projects in various positions. Recently, he has been her editor for the show for many years.
Greg likes to travel (having been to 49 of the 50 states), amateur radio, photography, is a cinephile and audiophile, a foodie, and a loyal fan of the MN Twins. As you may have guessed, computers, graphics and video production are major interests too.
Many thanks go to Mary for her support in leading Greg along the path to learning more about video production and gaining insight on the many topics that she has covered over the years. During this time that they have worked together on The Mary Hanson Show, their friendship that has grown multifold.
The Mary Hanson Show, informing viewers 40 years and counting!
Later he was hired by MTN to do some freelance projects which then lead to working evenings in MTN’s production studio assisting the organization’s users when needed with their productions. He taught classes on how to use the Amiga computer for graphics; assembled an editing suite featuring the Amiga computer with the Video Toaster, a state-of-the-art system at the time; and also taught how to use the Ami-Link video editor on that same system.
Over the years, Greg has contributed his talents to The Mary Hanson Show and many of her other projects in various positions. Recently, he has been her editor for the show for many years.
Greg likes to travel (having been to 49 of the 50 states), amateur radio, photography, is a cinephile and audiophile, a foodie, and a loyal fan of the MN Twins. As you may have guessed, computers, graphics and video production are major interests too.
Many thanks go to Mary for her support in leading Greg along the path to learning more about video production and gaining insight on the many topics that she has covered over the years. During this time that they have worked together on The Mary Hanson Show, their friendship that has grown multifold.
The Mary Hanson Show, informing viewers 40 years and counting!
MJ GILMORE - CAMERA, LIGHTING
It is a joy to be a part of The Mary Hanson Show. Mary is a great interviewer with great guests. I am so happy to be a part of her crew! I really enjoy operating the camera during her shows. It is great to be part of the arts and culture in our community.
Michael GreenhaLgh - Camera
I have worked with and known Mary Hanson since around 2012. I was introduced to the show by the show’s now director, Nathan Simar. On the show, I help to prepare the set, adjust the lighting, operate one of the cameras, and act as the Floor Director between Mary Hanson, the floor crew, and the director in the booth.
Away from the show in my personal life, I work at a local record store and am also a waiter at a bar/restaurant movie theater. My partner and I have been together for nearly 20 years and we have a home in St. Paul that we share with our daughter and our dog. Outside of family life, I enjoy watching movies, listening to and collecting records, tinkering with synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers, and hiking and biking.
George Savanick - Assistant Director
I am the Archivist. I transfer shows from videotape to DVD's in order to create an historical record of the show that will be donated to a museum. Mary has interviewed many notable Minnesotans since 1980. Her interviews are an important record of the ideas of Minnesota leaders during these years. I also assist the Director during taping of the show, and I am a camera operator. I have been a member of the crew since 2010.
I am a retired research scientist. I worked for 26 years in mining research at the Twin Cities Research Center of the US Bureau of Mines. I keep busy by volunteering. I am on the Board of Directors of the Waterjet Technology Association and also serve on the Supervisory Committee of Hiway Federal Credit Union. I have four daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom live in the Twin Cities area.
I am a retired research scientist. I worked for 26 years in mining research at the Twin Cities Research Center of the US Bureau of Mines. I keep busy by volunteering. I am on the Board of Directors of the Waterjet Technology Association and also serve on the Supervisory Committee of Hiway Federal Credit Union. I have four daughters and three grandchildren, all of whom live in the Twin Cities area.
The late lennore bevis, beloved crew member
FROM MARY -- Lennore died in 2019, this past summer. She was a wonderful person and loved and valued crew member for about 20 years. We are leaving her bio up in memory of her.
I am the Assistant to Mary, and am enjoying my third year preparing guests for their interviews and orienting them to taping details while on the set of the show. I provide the extra set of eyes with regard to appearance and clothing (even applying powder to bald head or two). I run interference for Mary communicating with the crew as needed on a variety of last minute details. Setting up the food table with snacks for our crew and guests is one of my tasks. My husband, Roger (now deceased) was also a crew member for several years.
My two daughters and their families live locally and I am fortunate to be part of my four grandchildren’s lives. I enjoy the cultural richness of life in our Twin Cities often attending theater and music events, museums, films, book club, travel, and then there’s that hanging out at my lake cabin “up north”.
I am a graduate of Augsburg College in Minneapolis and have a professional background in teaching, education and international training software development, and non-profit community qualitative research. I am a former president of my church congregation and continue being active or “giving back” in the community - serving in leadership positions for the Advisory Board of the Struthers Parkinson’s Center (Park Nicollet), the Augsburg College Associates Board, and the Board of Directors at my condominium. Last June, I was honored to be a recipient of the “2012 Paul Silverstein Community Service Award” at Struthers Parkinson’s Center.
I am the Assistant to Mary, and am enjoying my third year preparing guests for their interviews and orienting them to taping details while on the set of the show. I provide the extra set of eyes with regard to appearance and clothing (even applying powder to bald head or two). I run interference for Mary communicating with the crew as needed on a variety of last minute details. Setting up the food table with snacks for our crew and guests is one of my tasks. My husband, Roger (now deceased) was also a crew member for several years.
My two daughters and their families live locally and I am fortunate to be part of my four grandchildren’s lives. I enjoy the cultural richness of life in our Twin Cities often attending theater and music events, museums, films, book club, travel, and then there’s that hanging out at my lake cabin “up north”.
I am a graduate of Augsburg College in Minneapolis and have a professional background in teaching, education and international training software development, and non-profit community qualitative research. I am a former president of my church congregation and continue being active or “giving back” in the community - serving in leadership positions for the Advisory Board of the Struthers Parkinson’s Center (Park Nicollet), the Augsburg College Associates Board, and the Board of Directors at my condominium. Last June, I was honored to be a recipient of the “2012 Paul Silverstein Community Service Award” at Struthers Parkinson’s Center.
backup crew
Floyd Child - Director Emeritus
Mary recruited me to work on her crew in 1985 or 1986. With no formal training or knowledge, I began working as a camera operator. Over time, I learned graphics and audio. Ultimately, I was asked to be her director. Neither Mary nor I can recall the exact date, but I believe it has been close to twenty years that I have directed her program.
In my other life, I worked in the field of labor relations, retiring from the National Labor Relations Board a number of years ago. I also currently direct and work on other programs produced at Minneapolis Television Network; and I have served on the board of directors of MTN including two years as its chairman. I also volunteer with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum as a licensed streetcar motorman; that means I get to wear a cool uniform and operate the 100-year-old wooden-sided trolleys for the Museum's visitors. NOTE: Sadly, Floyd is retiring from directing this August. We will miss him a great deal and hope he comes back occasionally to plug in.
In my other life, I worked in the field of labor relations, retiring from the National Labor Relations Board a number of years ago. I also currently direct and work on other programs produced at Minneapolis Television Network; and I have served on the board of directors of MTN including two years as its chairman. I also volunteer with the Minnesota Streetcar Museum as a licensed streetcar motorman; that means I get to wear a cool uniform and operate the 100-year-old wooden-sided trolleys for the Museum's visitors. NOTE: Sadly, Floyd is retiring from directing this August. We will miss him a great deal and hope he comes back occasionally to plug in.
Leah Colvin-Roy - Director
Janna Ibis - Graphics
I create and run the “CG” or graphics for The Mary Hanson Show, coordinating these with the guests and with Mary. This includes putting all the guest and show information shown during the show and the credits that run at the show’s end on the screen. I also pitch in on taping nights wherever I might be needed. I met Mary and started working on The Mary Hanson Show while a student in the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 1998, volunteering for close to 15 years. My “day job” is working on U.S. Customs and foreign trade business for a large Minnesota based company. Note: Janna is going to be working behind the scenes instead of CG work due to her schedule. We thank her for ALL the years she has been our graphics person, keeping us all tuned in to the important details and assisting the director in the control room. -- Summer, 2016.
Judy O'Donnell - CaMERA
Marnie Phillips - Camera
Steve Richards - Lighting, Camera, and Music
I started on the show not long after I moved to Minnesota from England in 2005. Since joining I have done almost everything, except direct (which I am in the process of being trained to do). I also wrote the new theme tune, started Mary's online presence with her 'old' website, and run her YouTube channel. I guess you can say I am Jack of all trades... but hopefully master of some!
Apart from the show I am a stay-at-home Dad w/two young children. I run a religious studies website which I started in 1999 when I was a religion and philosophy teacher in England, have several You Tube channels which I create regular content for, write original electronic music and enjoy photography and creating 3D works of art. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, particularly Indian food, and also when the weather is good working on various wood projects both in and outside the house (such as replacing my window trim and building a playhouse for my two children). Life is busy, but never dull!
Apart from the show I am a stay-at-home Dad w/two young children. I run a religious studies website which I started in 1999 when I was a religion and philosophy teacher in England, have several You Tube channels which I create regular content for, write original electronic music and enjoy photography and creating 3D works of art. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, particularly Indian food, and also when the weather is good working on various wood projects both in and outside the house (such as replacing my window trim and building a playhouse for my two children). Life is busy, but never dull!
Past to Current Directors and Past Associate Producers
Mike Johnson - (1980-1982) - First Director, Northern Cablevision, Fridley, MN – Chose the name "The Mary Hanson Show."
John See - (1982-1986) - Northern Cablevision, Rogers SW Cable, Eden Prairie, MN – The show followed John to Eden Prairie to keep him as our director and then followed him again to MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network
The late Ed Hawes - (1986-1990) - Director at MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network
Tom Pahnke - (1990 - 1992) - Director at Fox 29 when the show was called “Talk About with Mary Hanson"
Floyd Child - (1992- 2016) - Director at MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network studios. See brief bio above.
Nathan Simar (2016 and ongoing) - Current Director at MTN
Nancy Kaiser - Associate Producer - (1991- 1998)
Carol Neumann - Associate Producer -- (1986-1991)
John See - (1982-1986) - Northern Cablevision, Rogers SW Cable, Eden Prairie, MN – The show followed John to Eden Prairie to keep him as our director and then followed him again to MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network
The late Ed Hawes - (1986-1990) - Director at MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network
Tom Pahnke - (1990 - 1992) - Director at Fox 29 when the show was called “Talk About with Mary Hanson"
Floyd Child - (1992- 2016) - Director at MTN, the Minneapolis Television Network studios. See brief bio above.
Nathan Simar (2016 and ongoing) - Current Director at MTN
Nancy Kaiser - Associate Producer - (1991- 1998)
Carol Neumann - Associate Producer -- (1986-1991)
Photos - Crew & Guests
