Former, as in 30 years ago, KSTP-AM talk show host Turi Ryder is returning to the Twin Cities this week for a private book party.
"She Said What? (A Life on the Air)" contains many stories about Minnesotans and the state, a cherished stop on Ryder's résumé. A 555-page read, it can be ordered at Tortoisebooks.com. Although nothing specific is scheduled, there might be some public appearances while she's here. I'm almost positive she'll make a stop at St. Paul's Grand Ole Creamery, if not at a Hubbard Broadcasting radio station.
Later, when Ryder hits the road for performances of her one-woman show based on the book, there will be shows here. This week's visit is not a rare trip here for Ryder, a married mother of two sons who lives in Chicago. Her husband has Minnesota roots, so family visits bring them back often.
This is Part 2 of a conversation we had in May. Part 1 was published then, and there's likely even more coming.
Q: What did you learn from your time in AM 1500 that served you for the rest of your career?
A: Omigosh. I learned Minnesotans are the most observant people you could ever meet. They notice everything. It was mortifying to me sometimes how observant they were. I used to swim at a pool. I one time made way for somebody at the Y, you know, in a lane. I was wearing a swimsuit and goggle glasses. Not a lot of people had seen me like that. I get a call on the air, "Thank you for sharing your lane with me at the Y." I wouldn't recognize my mother with goggles and a cap.
So I was really careful what live commercials I would do. I'll give you an example. Some nice lady came up to me at Rainbow Foods, which I understand is no more, around University and Snelling, in the parking lot and she says: "Turi Ryder!" I said "Well, yes I am," and she said, "I tried those fries you told me about and they were really good." I was like "OK, I'd better never sell anybody a bad bag of fries."
The [radio] salespeople, bless her heart, wanted me to do a restaurant endorsement, and I went to this place and, honest to God, I would not have fed this food to my dog. I said. "I'm really, really sorry, I can't do a personal endorsement. I can read live copy but I can't endorse it personally." She [the sales staffer] was furious with me, but I really had to respect the fact that when you talk to Minnesotans they really pay attention and if you've earned their trust you have to honor it. It's an honor system state.