Light Skin Pod

Light Skin Pod Light Skin Pod was created to have real conversations, with real people, about real issues

10/04/2025

This week, the owner of Duluth Grill, and several other Duluth restaurants, Tom Hanson, joins the Light Skin Pod. Tom shares stories of early childhood in St. Paul, MN, the influence his father had on him growing up, and his introduction into the restaurant industry. Tom also talks about how he met his wife when he offered to babysit his future stepson, their marriage, and the family they built. We then discussed his various employments with The Ground Round, Old Country Buffet, and Fitgers. Lastly, Tom tells us how he first bought Duluth Grill, and the expansion of his company to include OMC Smokehouse, Corktown Eatery and Bar, Chicken N’ Whaaat?!, Burger Paradox and Minnesconsin Gallery and Gifts.

09/27/2025

This week, Executive Director for Life House Duluth, Amber Sadowski, joins the Light Skin Pod. Amber shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota near Remer/Hill City. After high school, Amber attended Concordia College in Moorhead majoring in English Writing and Environmental Studies, then went on to work for Lutheran Volunteer Core, and eventually returned to college at the University of Minnesota earning her teaching degree. After moving to Las Vegas with her future husband and landing her first teaching job, she returned to Minnesota and began teaching in Osseo before opening her daycare. After owning and operating her daycare for 7 years, she began her employment with Life House Duluth as an education case manager. Through various positions at Life House, she became their Executive Director in June of 2024.

09/13/2025

This week, Charles Nies, Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth, joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Hutchinson, MN, Charles shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota and his love for the outdoors. After studying abroad in Germany during high school, Charles attended the University of St. Thomas, then attended Washington State for graduate school, received his master’s at Hobart and William Smith College, and finally, returned to Washington State where he earned his doctorate. After meeting his wife while working at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, they moved to California and raised their two daughters. Charles then returned to Minnesota and was hired as Chancellor for the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Note: This episode was filmed prior to the tragic events of September 10th and the murder of Charlie Kirk. Political violence is never acceptable. Please keep the Kirk family in your thoughts and prayers.

09/06/2025

This week, entrepreneur and owner of Chili Billy’s and Madhouse Burgers, Andrew Weisz joins the Light Skin Pod. Andrew shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota near Rochester, attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, and his introduction into business and marketing. We also discussed his early business ventures, his work in cyber security, and the startup of his marketing Company, Finden. Lastly, we talked about the purchase of Chili Billy’s and the creation of his restaurant, Madhouse Burgers.

08/23/2025

This week Annie Harala joins the light skin pod. Annie shares stories of growing up in Duluth and attending union meetings as a young child, which helped to shape her outlook on life, and the importance of utilizing her voice. Annie attended Central High School and St. Mary’s University earning a degree in public relations with an English minor. After working in various regions throughout the country, she settled back home and started her family. In addition to her work in public health and youth development, she is a business owner and community leader advocating for the people of Duluth and the greater St. Louis County region.

07/27/2025

This week, Tim Weber, CEO/Founder of WebMed, joins the Light Skin Pod. Tim talks about what it was like growing up in Duluth, playing youth sports, and his introduction to college. After the birth of his first child, Tim shares how that helped him to focus on his career and propelled him into WITC to pursue his nursing degree. He eventually went on to earn his master’s in nursing and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. After seeing the lack of available care for mental health services, Tim went back to school and received his psychiatric certificate. He then founded and became CEO of WebMed, an outpatient mental health and substance abuse company.

07/12/2025

This week, Mark Carlson, President of Midwest Golf Cars and Founder of Kids Golf Legacy Fund, joins the Light Skin Pod. Mark shares stories of growing up in Western Duluth, attending Denfeld High School and the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and his introduction to golf at Enger Golf Course as a young man. We discussed his career as a golf pro and manager at Nemadji Golf Course and talked about his company, Midwest Golf Cars. Lastly, we spoke about his desire to give back to the youth in our community, and why he decided to start his non-profit organization: Kids Golf Legacy Fund. Please be sure to like and follow his page, Kids Golf Legacy Fund, to learn more about the important work they do.

07/04/2025

Light Skin Pod will resume after the holiday weekend.

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

06/21/2025

This week Rachel Johnson, President & CEO of APEX, joins the Light Skin Pod. Growing up in Knife River, MN, Rachel shares stories from her early childhood in Knife River and attending Two Harbors High School with both her parents being teachers in the school. After graduating high school, Rachel attended Moorhead State University before studying abroad at Oxford University in Oxford, England. A mom of two, Rachel finished her degree at St. Scholastica after the birth of her first daughter. We then discussed her early career in the Twin Cities, transferring to Duluth while employed with Minnesota Power, becoming the Membership Director for the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, her switch into real estate when she began working for F.I. Salter, her move to oil and gas while working on the Line 3 Replacement Project, and finally, her decision to work at APEX. Lastly, we discussed the focus of APEX, a private sector business development group promoting sustainable growth in the Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin region.

06/14/2025

This week Joel Kilgour, Project Organizer for Stepping On Up Duluth, joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Alberta, Canada, Joel moved to Duluth prior to starting school. We talked about his 25-year career with Loaves & Fishes, his work at the CHUM, and his eventual move to his current position at Stepping On Up Duluth. We also discussed the important work he does at Safe Bay serving the homeless population. Safe Bay is a fully staffed, secure parking location where people living in their vehicles have access to overnight parking, showers, supplies, food and basic services. Safe Bay also has a dedicated outreach worker and peer support specialist to help individuals achieve whatever goals they may have. Lastly, Joel shares some of the successes and setbacks of Safe Bay, and what he hopes to see happen with the program in the future.

06/07/2025

This week Kevin Boren, Chief Financial Officer for Essentia Health’s East Region, joins the Light Skin Pod. Kevin shares stories of growing up in Grafton, WI, attending the University of Minnesota, and starting his career as an analyst. We also discussed his move into his desired field as he began working with various hospitals throughout the region. Lastly, we talk about his rise to CFO for Essentia Health, the new initiatives of Essentia, and his work in finding community partners to help support our region.

05/31/2025

This week, Shaun Floerke joins the Light Skin Pod. Shaun, a former judge and prosecutor, is currently serving as President & CEO of Boreal Water Community Foundation. Boreal Waters seeks to unite people and resources through community giving, grants and scholarships. Shaun shares stories of growing up in Platteville, Wisconsin, attending University of Madison for his undergrad, the University of Minnesota for law school, and his early career as a prosecutor in Owatonna, Minnesota. We also discussed his move to Duluth, his love for outdoor activities, and his move into judgeship. Lastly, we talk about his current role as President & CEO of Boreal Waters and what their mission is for our community.

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Duluth, MN

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