Light Skin Pod

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

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.

05/28/2025

This week, Joe & Pez visit Wild State Cider in the heart of the Lincoln Park District. Opening in 2019, Wild State Cider has gained a huge following by producing quality ciders, using only the finest ingredients. A naturally crafted cider with no added sugar or artificial flavors. We had a great time at Wild State! They often have food trucks nearby, ensuring great food is only steps away. In addition to their ciders, Wrecktangle Pizza is slated to begin operation inside the Wild Sate Cider taproom by the end of 2025. For this trip, Joe & Pez had the opportunity to review several food trucks including Tablespoon Liege Waffles, Johnny B’s, Bowlz N’ Thangz, and The Gumbeaux Guys. As you will see, each of these vendors served up some amazing dishes. Be sure to check out each of their social media pages to find out where they will be next. Stop in and see them, you will not be disappointed!

05/24/2025

We are joined this week by Erik Lofald, Head Coach for Denfeld HS Football. Erik shares stories of growing up in Duluth, spending time in the halls of Denfeld as a child, and having both his parents working in the school. With both Erik and his wife working for Denfeld currently, he describes the similarities of his childhood, and that of his kids. We also discussed playing sports as a youth, the choices that brought him back to Denfeld, and the coaching career that led to his current role as Head Coach for the Denfeld Hunters football program. Lastly, we talk about the challenges and rewards of coaching, Pez and Joe’s entry into the HS program, and what his hopes are for the future of Denfeld football.

05/17/2025

This week, Roz Randorf joins the Light Skin Pod. Roz shares stories of growing up in Grand Forks North Dakota, playing sports through high school, attending college, and starting her career at Forum Communications Company (FCC). We discussed her rise in becoming Vice President of FCC, and her move to Duluth when FCC bought the Duluth News Tribune. We had a great time speaking with Roz, a community leader, corporate consultant, master gardener, certified mycologist, and mother of two!

05/14/2025

This week, Joe & Pez visited a Twin Ports powerhouse, The King of Creams. With locations in both Duluth and Hermantown, along with their food truck, The King of Creams has become a favorite for many Northlanders. Known for their delicious ice cream treats, hand smashed craft burgers, a variety of other delicious menu items, and 100% locally owned and operated, The King of Creams has earned their reputation as a northland favorite. If you have yet to try The King of Creams, be sure to put this on your must-visit list!

05/10/2025

This week, musician and entrepreneur Solomon Witherspoon joins the Light Skin Pod. Solomon was born and raised in Duluth, MN and attended East HS. Solomon shares stories of growing up in Duluth’s Central Hillside, playing football as a young child and through college, and the places he worked and lived when he moved away from Duluth. We also discussed his return to his hometown, his introduction into the music industry, and stories from his previously owned restaurant, Spoons.

05/03/2025

This week, Joe & Pez share their experience at the 2025 Minnesota Film Festival hosted at the Zeitgeist’s Zinema. With a focus on local films, indigenous voices, and stories from across the Midwest, the Minnesota Film Festival aims to bring together film lovers and filmmakers. Follow Joe & Pez as they experience this great event, attend various festival activities, and of course, review some of the food enjoyed throughout the week.
Zeitgeist Duluth Minnesota Film Festival

04/30/2025

This week, Joe & Pez head to the wildly popular Chicken and Whaaat? located in West Duluth. Opening in the fall of 2024, this fast casual restaurant serving hand dredged fried chicken has quickly become a favorite spot for many people throughout the Twin Ports. Chicken N’ Whaaat? selects only the finest chicken, has an impressive hand-dredged breaded recipe, fried in beef tallow. Next time you’re looking for a great chicken meal, head to Chicken N’ Whaaat? (Highly recommend the Chicken N’ Whaaat? Sammie!)

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