Light Skin Pod

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

12/21/2025

This week, Erik Torch, Executive Director of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, joins the Light Skin Pod. Erik shares stories from his upbringing in upstate New York, his college years in Poughkeepsie, and his decision to transfer to Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. After graduating, he returned to New York to begin his career, but within a few years felt called back to the Northland, where he started working with Loaves and Fishes.
Erik’s work in service continued internationally when he joined a human rights organization in the former Yugoslavia. After meeting his wife, the two moved to the Philippines to work with Catholic Relief Services. Following the birth of their first child, Erik realized that this line of work was not conducive to raising a family, prompting a return to Duluth. There, he earned a master’s degree in social work and began working at the Damiano Center, eventually becoming its executive director.
Erik later spent 15 years with the Northland Foundation before stepping into his current role as Executive Director of the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation. We wrap up the episode discussing the foundation’s vital work in our community and the many scholarships it provides to students.

12/06/2025

This week, FOX 21 News anchor and author Maria Vollom joins the Light Skin Pod. Born and raised in International Falls, MN, Maria shares stories from her childhood, high school, sports, and her college experience. During COVID, she made the decision to pursue journalism in North Dakota before transferring to the University of Minnesota Duluth her sophomore year. Shortly after, and while still in college, she applied at FOX 21 and was hired as a news reporter. At just 19, she filled in as a morning news anchor for the first time—and soon after became FOX 21’s full-time morning anchor. We also talked about her newly published book, The Great Sheep Escape, and the inspiration behind it.

11/29/2025

This week on the Light Skin Pod, we’re joined by Pat Stojevich — creator of the iconic Haunted Shack and long-time alpine ski coach. Pat takes us through his early years growing up in the Gary–New Duluth neighborhood and his time at Stowe Elementary, Morgan Park, and Denfeld High School. After graduating, he went on to attend WITC while serving in the Air National Guard as a Security Police Investigator.
We dive into Pat’s career path, the origins of the Haunted Shack, and how it evolved from a small setup in the local fire hall into a major community attraction that now brings in more than 5,000 visitors each year. Pat also shares how he began his alpine coaching journey, the influence he’s had on young athletes, and his message on the importance of building strong relationships.
A great episode filled with history, community, and heart.

11/08/2025

This week on the Light Skin Pod, we’re joined by Sara Niemi, President of the Head of the Lakes United Way. Born in Green Bay, WI, and raised in Eagan, MN, Sara shares stories from her early life, high school, and her college experiences that helped shape her journey. After starting at the University of Minnesota Duluth, she studied abroad in Birmingham, England, before completing her degree in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Sara talks about her early career in drug and alcohol counseling, how she met her future husband, and what ultimately led her to Duluth. Lastly, we discussed her work as President of the Head of the Lakes United Way—discussing the organization’s impact on local non-profits and the people they serve across the region.

11/01/2025

This week, we’re joined by Sara Cole, President & CEO of the Duluth Area YMCA. Sara takes us on a journey from her roots in New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes region to her impactful career in the non-profit world. We talk about her early experiences in community work, her move to Cincinnati with her now-husband Andy, and her time with the Cincinnati YMCA before returning to New York to work at the Rochester YMCA.
Eventually, Sara made her way to Duluth, where she is now President & CEO of the Duluth Area YMCA. We dive into the YMCA’s vital role in strengthening local communities, and the exciting new developments coming soon to both the Duluth and Superior YMCAs.

10/18/2025

This week, the School Resource Officer (SRO) for Denfeld High School, Chris Simons, joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Duluth and raised in North Branch, Chris shares stories of growing up in North Branch, and his return after high school to his hometown, Duluth. Chris joined the Army Guard as a medic and served a tour overseas, after which, he returned home and started his education in nursing. After consulting with his grandfather, and after participating in a ride-along, Chris changed his career goals and graduated from college with a degree in law enforcement. After a lateral transfer from Virginia, MN, Chris began working as a street cop in Duluth, until applying for and receiving the SRO position at Denfeld HS. Lastly, we discussed the rewards and challenges of being a School Resource Officer.

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.

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