New Champlin studio makes podcasting more accessible 

After more than a decade waking up Twin Cities viewers as a morning news anchor, Dawn Stevens is helping a new generation of creators find their voice, this time from behind the camera.

Stevens and her husband, videographer Landen Stevens, have opened Minnesota Podcast & Content Studio, a professionally designed creative space aimed at making podcasting and high-quality video content more accessible to local entrepreneurs, small business owners and everyday storytellers. 

Located at 12351 Champlin Drive, the studio features six customizable sets, top-tier cameras, professional lighting and sound, and on-site engineers who handle the tech, allowing clients to focus solely on delivering their message.

“Our vision was to create a space where anyone could walk in with an idea and walk out with powerful content they’re proud of,” said Dawn Stevens. “This studio is a place for people to be seen, heard and supported.”

The studio celebrated its grand opening July 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Champlin city officials, followed by open house hours, live podcast demos, refreshments, and opportunities for local creators to connect.

For Stevens, the journey from TV anchor to entrepreneur was rooted in both personal and professional transformation. She moved to Minnesota in 2006 to join Fox 9 as a reporter and spent more than a decade as a familiar face on the station’s morning show.

“Waking up at 2 a.m. for over 10 years really impacted my health,” she said, referring to the sacrifices reporters on television make for their careers. “After Covid, I realized I wanted to be more present for my family and healthier overall. I got a communications job working from home, but I missed storytelling, and I knew I still wanted to help people share their stories.”

What started as a personal podcast idea with her husband evolved into something much bigger. “The Lord told my husband that we should help others share their messages too,” Stevens said. “We started building out the studio last year, and now it’s a reality.”

The Stevens’ offerings are session-based rather than membership-only. A two-hour session with access to professional video, audio, and customizable sets starts at $300, a price point that reflects the studio’s high production quality and hands-on support. While it may not be accessible to everyone, Stevens said they’re working to make content creation feel less intimidating and more within reach, particularly for new entrepreneurs and creators looking to build credibility and confidence in their brand.

“Not everyone knows where to start with content, but we’re here to help guide them,” Stevens said. And while the couple is focused on supporting others, they’re also planning to return to the mic themselves. Stevens confirmed that she and Landen will launch their own podcast before the end of the year.

“We want to inspire people who are stuck in unfulfilling jobs or afraid to leap into entrepreneurship,” she said. “We’ve had those same fears. Our show will be about taking that leap of faith, and featuring guests who can help others navigate that journey.”

While Stevens didn’t release any further info about the podcast, she did mention that many people don’t realize the behind-the-scenes toll that broadcast journalism can take, a potential hint of what’s to come in this spouse-driven collaboration.

“They just see you on TV, but don’t understand what goes into that life,” she said. “Our podcast will be a way to finally tell our own story, and help others tell theirs, too.”

For more information, visit www.mnpodcaststudio.com or follow @DawnStevensTV on Instagram and Facebook for live updates.

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com