Minneapolis City Councilwoman Latrisha Vetaw joins me for a candid, unfiltered conversation about the state of City Hall, why the council feels broken, and how politics can sometimes feel more like theater than public service. She opens up about trust issues on the dais, her fight for Northside representation, and yes—her unforgettable Usher cherry story.

This episode of One Hour Detours goes deep into what it means to serve a divided city, how national issues clash with local responsibilities, and the personal costs of being in public life.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Who is Latrisha Vetaw?

02:00 – Running for office vs. serving

05:00 – Mentors, training, and how to start in politics

08:00 – Facial expressions, performance, and being “real” on the dais

09:20 – Northside representation and standing her ground

11:00 – How an idea becomes law at City Hall

14:00 – Tobacco policy, coupon bans, and city attorneys

18:00 – Is City Council “broken”? Division and dysfunction explained

19:30 – Who represents constituents vs. themselves

20:45 – The encampment debate: healing camps or public danger?

23:00 – Talking openly about homelessness and addiction

27:00 – Third-term mayors, incumbents, and political fear

31:00 – Political violence, safety, and threats to electeds

36:00 – Why some people won’t run for office anymore

41:45 – Life in the spotlight: sports games, fans, and recognition

42:00 – The Usher cherry story

44:30 – Public vs. private life: when you’re always “the councilwoman”

47:00 – Drinks, social life, and the human side of City Hall

48:00 – Closed sessions and what really happens behind the scenes

50:00 – Can council members be friends? Division by voting block

52:00 – Dinners with colleagues and broken trust

54:00 – Why the council feels like “cosplay”

55:00 – Generational divides at City Hall

57:00 – Wrapping up