Light Skin Pod

12/07/2024

We are joined this week by Nicole Johnson, President of ALLETE Clean Energy. We discuss her path to President of ALLETE Clean Energy from her start at the company in 1996 beginning in human resources. We also talk about her journey to Duluth from her hometown in Ashland, WI, how she met her husband, and her career choices throughout her time at ALLETE.

11/27/2024

This week Pez and Joe visit the widely popular Tavern on the Hill . Opening in 2014, the Tavern became an instant classic in Duluth. Known for its unique drinks, delicious menu items, and one of a kind interior and exterior designs. If you haven't been to the Tavern, you absolutely need to make the trip. You will not be disappointed!

11/25/2024

Our next episode of Light Skin Pod will resume Dec. 7th.

We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!

11/16/2024

Episode 34: Zach "Jungle Boy" Walters

This week we are joined by Zach “Jungle Boy” Walters. A son of missionaries, Zach shares stories of growing up in Madagascar, his troubled past with gangs in California, and how boxing and mentors helped create positive change in his life. We also discussed his career after retiring from boxing and how his gym now, Jungle Gym Boxing, positively affects change in others.

This week we are joined by Zach “Jungle Boy” Walters. A son of missionaries, Zach shares stories of growing up in Madagascar, his troubled past with gangs i...

11/13/2024

Light Skin Podcast is proud to announce our brand new series, Taste Twin Ports. We will be reviewing all the local breweries and restaurants throughout the Twin Ports. Our first stop is Ursa Minor Brewing in Lincoln Park. Pez and Joe had a great experience at Ursa and the food and drinks were amazing. Take a look at our video, and be sure to visit Ursa Minor to experience their hand crafted beer and pizza for yourself!

11/09/2024

We are joined this week by Sandy Hoff, President of F.I. Salter Company and developer of several projects including Pier B in Duluth. Sandy Shares stories of his early childhood in Duluth, moving to Iowa as a young child, and his eventual return to Duluth for college. We also discussed his time with the international music group, Up with Music. Lastly, we discuss the history of F.I. Salter, his career with that company, and his various developments throughout the region.

11/02/2024

We are joined in the studio this week by Roger Reinert, City of Duluth Mayor. Roger shares stories from his early childhood, family, and what made him want to call Duluth “home”. We explore his professional and political career paths, his experiences as mayor, and the rewards and challenges of his position. Lastly, we discuss his view of local politics and his vision for Duluth.

10/26/2024

This week Shawn Krizaj, Duluth’s Fire Chief, joins the Light Skin Pod. Shawn shares with us his upbringing in rural Minnesota, his ties to Duluth and what brought him to the area, and the path he took in becoming Duluth’s Fire Chief. We also discussed family, career, and the challenges and rewards of being a firefighter in today’s world.

10/22/2024

Big shout out to Fox 21 News, Adam Jagunich and Emily Halling for covering the Light Skin Pod. We look forward to the continued growth of this platform and bringing in more guests to share with you all!

Thanks again to all those who support the pod!

FOND DU LAC, Minn.– A new podcast in Duluth is focusing on peeling back the layers of movers and shakers in the city, and why they choose to live here. “Light Skin Pod” is a podcast shot in a garage in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. But this isn’t just any old garage. It’s almost like a Hol...

10/19/2024

This week we are joined by Brian Daugherty, President of Grandma’s Restaurant Company. Brian discusses his experience growing up in Duluth, high school and college years, and his introduction to the original Grandma’s Restaurant. We also talk about the growth of Grandma’s Restaurant Company, its history in Duluth, and what the future holds for one of Duluth’s most iconic brands.

10/13/2024

10/12/2024

This week Dan Hanger joins us in the studio. Dan shares stories of his upbringing in the Chicago suburbs, college life, and his journey to Duluth. We also discuss what life was like for him when he first arrived in Duluth, the stations he worked at, and what makes this city the place he likes to call home.

10/05/2024

This week we are joined by the “Legend of the West”, Derek Medved. Derek discusses early his childhood in Duluth and the lessons that taught him his work ethic. We talk about his career; from re-opening the closed Milk House, to owning several Korner Store locations, and what the future holds for him and his employees. Lastly, we discuss the important role family, friends and relationships play in supporting a healthy lifestyle.

09/28/2024

This week we are joined in the studio by Stephanie LaFleur, President of the Lincoln Park Business Group and Owner of Caddyshack Indoor Golf & Pub. Stephanie shares with us her experiences growing up in Duluth and attending Central High School. We also discussed family, her time in the military, early career life, and her many business ventures since leaving the military and police.

09/21/2024

We are joined this week by Matt Baumgartner, President of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Matt shares with us his journey to the Chamber, some of their current goals, and the amazing opportunity zones throughout the city poised for future development. We also discuss some historical high school sports stories, and the importance of athletics for our youth.

09/14/2024

This week, Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman joins us in the studio. Arik shares with us his journey to Duluth, his cross into politics, the career choices that lead him to Minnesota Power, and the important role family plays in each of those paths.

08/17/2024

We are joined in the studio this week by Mike Letica, event organizer and entrepreneur. Mike shares with us his story and the ups and downs of entrepreneurialism, post his career with Curtis Oil. We also discuss his involvement in various community projects, the Annual Backpack Drive, and the origin story of the Annual Toy Drive he started in 2016.

Interested in making a donation to the toy drive? Donations can be dropped off at Mike Letica Farmers Insurance Agency, 6630 Grand Ave, Duluth, MN.

08/03/2024

We are joined this week in the studio by Jessica Fralich, Duluth City Attorney. Jessica shares her journey from Austin Minnesota to becoming Duluth’s City Attorney. We also discuss her previous roles as St. Louis County Prosecutor, 6th Judicial District Referee, and her personal journey that gives insight to the issues she’s most passionate about.