Robin Rutkowski Finally Spills the Tea

I’ve been wanting to sit down with Robin Rutkowski since I first learned about her “Spilling the Village Tea” podcast last fall. She launched in October 2024, and has since racked up more than 25 episodes with local elected officials and candidates as well as a recent five-part series on cannabis law.

I’m enthusiastic about her local podcast, which I consider an idea whose time has thankfully come. After watching Downers Grove media coverage shrink from multiple outlets to just one weekly, I was thrilled someone finally made the effort to inform the public about local issues. While I was hemming and hawing about starting a Downers Grove news site, Rutkowski was blazing ahead with her podcast—a genius format for today’s audience. Everyone I know listens to multiple podcasts daily. How great to finally have a homegrown one.

Robin Rutkowski hosts the “Spilling the Village Tea” podcast from the Downers Grove Public Library media lab. (PerspectiveDG photo)

Rutkowski is clear that she lacks a journalism background. Her interview style is congenial, not confrontational, and she gives her guests all the time they need to develop a point or wax eloquent on a topic. She also has a good sense of humor and a mellifluous voice. It comes as no surprise to learn she’s been singing with local bands for years.

Her podcasts make the format look (or sound) effortless, which is one reason I pitched a recorded interview instead of a written one. But podcasting isn’t easy, as I discovered when we met for our interview in the Downers Grove Public Library media lab. I was relieved to learn that Rutkowski interviews all her guests there, and I could rely on her to set up the mics and plug in the wires while I wondered how the heck I was going to edit out any fumbles or gaffes. (Rutkowski has a professional audio engineer edit her podcasts.)

Fortunately, our interview went smoothly enough, although I had to keep reminding myself to tamp down my reactions and remain completely silent while Rutkowski was speaking. I’ve interviewed hundreds of people over the years, but the side chatter always went unrecorded.

There was a learning curve to the format, but I enjoyed the experience. Many thanks to Robin Rutkowski for her time and help. And be sure to check out “Spilling the Village Tea” for more local news and information.