For The Love Of Duluth

The average American reads about twelve books a year on average, getting lost in a story for about nineteen minutes a day. The benefits of being a bookworm are hard to beat, with recent studies suggesting that the hobby relieves stress more than any other, improves focus and leads to a better night of sleep. For all of these reasons and more, you should book it to The Bookstore At Fitger’s, a special space located on the first floor of the famed Duluth mall. The spot is keen on celebrating the history, culture and natural beauty of our region, all while holding court just a few feet away from the shores of Lake Superior. This is not your average bookstore, locally-owned and independent, with a selection carefully curated for their specific clientele, their offerings as unique as the city the store calls home. Being bound to books is a good thing: just ask Jennifer Jubenville, the Store Manager for the beloved bookstore. She’s been working in the book business since 2015, snagging the role she holds today just a few years later in March of 2018. It’s the perfect job for Jennifer, an avid reader who truly lives and breathes books, reading a whopping 385 just last year! Her role leading the booksellers at The Bookstore At Fitger’s was truly bound to happen and in this episode, she shares her story, just like the ones she surrounds herself with each and every day.

The average American watches just under 4,000 movies throughout their lifetime, amounting to nearly ten years of time well-spent in front of the tube. There’s people that watch movies and then there’s those that make them. Enter Mandy June Turpin, a writer, director, producer and one of the founders of Iron North Productions, largely responsible for the major influx of films shooting in our region as of late. She’s also done incredible work in front of the camera as a highly-successful actress, with an impressive career spanning across both film and television. Her resume includes roles on some of the most buzzed about television shows of the past few decades, from 9-1-1 to Hawaii Five-O to Grey’s Anatomy and every hit series in-between. These days, the Tucson native has been instrumental in helping the Northern Minnesota movie business come to life in a monumental way, wrapping her sixth Northland-made movie at the end of 2025 - and she's just getting started. It’s safe to say that with Mandy leading the pack, it’s all but guaranteed we will be entertained for years to come. She joins us for a magical episode of For The Love Of Duluth detailing her journey from Arizona to Hollywood to the Zenith City.

A whopping seventy-seven percent of Americans went to at least one movie in person last year. With a fifteen percent uptick in cinema loyalty programs as of late, and 115 wide releases set for 2026, the movie business is really having a moment. That is especially true here in our neck of the woods, something that can be attributed to the Upper Midwest Film Office. Today, they are the only nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing jobs and economic impact to the region through media creation, aiding filmmakers every step of the way, from providing incentive administration to connecting producers with local vendors to helping overcome production challenges that pop up. In fact, connecting filmmakers to the community has been their specialty since 1955, aiming in the decades since to advance the regional economy by promoting increased media production across the northern part of the state, helping make the magic of cinema happen in the smoothest way possible. With the Upper Midwest Film Office at the forefront of northern Minnesota’s booming film industry, the future is brighter than an Academy Award. One key member of the team is Riki McManus, the Chief Production Officer. It’s the perfect role for her, pun intended, and she has the resume to prove it, working in the film and broadcast industry for the entirety of her career. Now, she’s taking us behind the scenes to see just what it takes to make a movie, and that, as they say, is show business. 

We have been sweet on donuts for centuries. While the exact origin of the sweet treat remains a mystery, many believe its invention came about in the 1600s, slowly cementing its place in history in the centuries that followed. Today, donuts are having a big moment in Duluth, thanks to a delectable new donut shop in Canal Park. Located along Lake Avenue on the main floor of the DeWitt-Seitz building, and fit with a convenient outdoor ordering and pickup window, Voyageur Donuts will have you convinced you need to eat more HOLE foods, with a varied menu of staples, signatures and seasonal specials and of course, their much buzzed about Hot Dish Donut. All pair perfectly with their carefully curated menu of coffee creations. If you haven’t caught on by now, Voyageur Donuts has elevated the pastry in a pretty perfect way, inspiring Northlanders everywhere to paddle on the sweet side of life one donut at a time. Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer Tracy Owens joins us to talk all about the unique journey that led her to Duluth’s most saccharine new spot: Voyageur Donuts.

A recent study states that the average American splurges on dining out more than anything else, using about thirteen percent of our earned income on a delicious meal, an experience made even better when you can feast on no-nonsense food at down-to-earth prices. That’s the beauty of The Social House, a restaurant as big on community as it is its fantastic fare, known in its own right for its hearty breakfasts and mouthwatering lunch options, along with their friendly ambiance. It all started in Hermantown, opening in 2019 to rave reviews and a cult-like following from the start, with a huge Canal Park location opening just a few years later in the summer of 2023. The menus are truly meant for everyone, a conscious choice to ensure there’s something for every single taste. Today, the Social House truly is the place for being, well social, as one of the Northland’s most exciting places to eat - times two! The man behind the spot is Matt ‘Bert’ Berthiaume, a Superior native with a big love for Duluth and a long history in the business. He shares his story with us in this delicious episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

The SS Edmund Fitzgerald is one of the most famous shipwrecks in maritime history, record-breaking in many ways during its short life, a fact that is now overshadowed by its story. The freighter sank in Lake Superior on November 10th of 1975 while transporting more than 26,000 tons of cargo from the Burlington Northern Railroad Dock in Superior to Zug Island, and remains at the bottom of the great lake today. While the story of its fateful wreck has been immortalized in dozens of songs, books, publications and documentaries throughout history, few have been as triumphant as John U. Bacon’s latest page-turner The Gales Of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.Released in October of 2025, one month prior to the fiftieth anniversary of the tragic event, the book sheds new light on the tragedy, spanning nearly five-hundred pages and featuring more than 100 interviews from friends, family members and even former crewmen of those lost aboard the ship. The book lays out an eye-opening, definitive account of the shipwreck while simultaneously humanizing those who died, memorializing them across its hundreds of pages while letting readers in on one of the most mourned maritime disasters of our time. This is the SS Edmund Fitzgerald like never before, featuring bestselling author John U. Bacon. 

According to the National Recreation and Parks Association, the average American visits a local park about 27 times a year. That number is surely much higher within Duluth city limits, home to one of the most beautiful and extensive park systems in the nation. With about 162 parks spread across roughly 9,000 acres and just over 350 miles of diverse trails, it’s more than perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. It truly takes a village to keep things running smoothly, and that’s where the city’s Parks and Recreation division comes in, striving to not only preserve the beauty within these parks but to promote the health and well-being of our community, environment and economy within them. Duluth’s all-season park system is not only a big advantage to living in the Zenith City, but it’s also crucial to the makeup of it in each and every way: physical, environmental, social and economic. One thing is certain: these parks are one of the biggest perks to living in and visiting the city of Duluth. Learn all about the operation with Manager Jessica Peterson and Recreation Specialist Adam Fornear in this special episode. (Yes, we DID ask about that television show, too!)

Glass is a marvel, considered a luxury at many points throughout history, with it’s invention giving us one of the greatest and most beautiful gifts in the art world today. Art glass is defined as any object, made of glass of course, used for decorative and aesthetic purposes rather than for function. Duluth creatives can master the craft right in their own backyard thanks to Lake Superior Art Glass, a one-of-a-kind working glass studio and art gallery located right here in the Zenith City. The unique spot offers custom and commissioned works of art, featured glass work crafted by over sixty local artists and hands-on classes nearly every day of the week. With Dan Neff at the helm, it’s no surprise the spot was named the Best Art Gallery in the city in 2025, and is known statewide for being Minnesota’s premiere art gallery and studio. Get to know the man and the mission behind one of Canal Park’s coolest businesses in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

A whopping 93% of us feast on pizza at least once a month. In fact, 350 pieces of pizza are consumed every single second in the United States, with all of us collectively consuming about 300 billion pizzas a year. If you want a special slice, you don’t have to go too far: head to Canal Park or Central Entrance, where a delectable Neapolitan, wood-fired pizza awaits. Vitta Pizza first opened in 2011, and their slice truly stands out against the rest, wood-fired in-house for 90 seconds, resulting in a truly warm, delicious pie that makes you feel more like you’re dining in Naples than along the shores of the great lake. In 2022, a second location followed, both serving up exquisite pizzas, sensational salads and one-of-a-kind desserts. What started as an idea on a trip to Arizona has led Brad and Christie Erickson to where they are today: owners of one of the most popular places to grab a piece of pizza in all of the Zenith City. Hear how they got there in this mouthwatering episode.

At the moment, about 46.5 million households in the United States have a cat in the family and after you listen to this podcast episode, that number is sure to grow, at least in the Northland. This surefire spike can all be attributed to Duluth’s most unique coffee shop, a one-of-a-kind cat café located along Superior Street. Wired Whisker opened in 2024 to the delight of cat and coffee lovers everywhere, becoming northern Minnesota’s first and only café of its kind. Wired Whisker is two-fold, a coffee shop when you walk through the doors, offering handcrafted coffee classics, a wide variety of food options with a fun feline twist and even beer, wine and cider options. The other piece of the puzzle is the cat lounge, where for a nominal fee, you can cuddle with cats all seeking their forever home, and maybe find your dream feline in the meantime. Whether you’re looking for a new furry friend or just need a little TLC, Wired Whisker is unlike any other spot in the Zenith City. Come for the coffee, stay for the company in the form of cute cats. No matter what gets you through the door, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your first time at Wired Whisker. Misha Smith, the FURRRce behind the operation, joins us to share how this cool café came to be.

The market for colored pencils is surprisingly hot, with hundreds of millions sold every single year and then some. When it comes to some of the most well-known artists famous for their use of them, we don’t have to search too far: one of the most prominent is a born and raised Duluthian named Tim Cortes. His niche? Creating limited-edition lithographs and commissioned works of art for some of the most elite athletes in American sports, including Wayne Gretzky, Dale Earnhardt and Shaquille O’Neal, names even the average non-sports fan knows and appreciates. You can also see his art in the flesh at some of the most incredible sports venues in the country, including the U.S. Hockey Hall Of Fame, the Franklin Mint and Target Field. It is Tim’s insane ability to capture a moment in time and his impeccable eye for detail that truly make his art a slam dunk, sports pun intended. Today, we are blessed to have Tim creating these beautiful art pieces in our own backyard, sketching unforgettable works as one of the nation’s premiere commemorative artists right here in the Zenith City. Whether a major sports fan or an art lover, there's something for everyone in this special episode featuring artist Tim Cortes.

We all know Duluth is the greatest city on earth. Whether you're here for the long haul or just passing through, the Zenith City has something for everyone - and then some. After all, our small town boasts world class attractions, stunning beauty and unmatched outdoor recreation. In fact, there’s so much to do, eat and explore that planning out your Duluth day can be simply overwhelming. While that may be a good problem to have, you may want to turn to a professional for help picking the biggest and boldest things to do in Duluth. That's where Jay Gabler comes in, an arts & entertainment reporter for the Duluth News Tribune. The journalist is also an author, penning '100 Things To Do In Duluth Before You Die' for those wanting a challenge - and some help with their Northland bucket list. The book was published earlier this year and in this case, you can judge a book by the cover, as the Minnesota native truly lays out all the things you can - and should! - do in Duluth before you die. We can’t think of a more fitting guest for the season seven premiere of For The Love Of Duluth.

When it comes to famous restaurants in Duluth, the most instantly recognizable and iconic is without a doubt Grandma's Saloon & Grill in Canal Park. (And yes, it IS the namesake of that that very famous marathon.) Love it? You're in luck, as it is one of several restaurants under the Grandma's Restaurant Company, which is made up of a handful of other incredibly popular places to eat in the Zenith City. Throw in a shiny new event venue and the Northland’s largest family attraction, and you have an unbelievable, unbeatable roster of businesses for both locals and tourists to enjoy no matter the season. Tony Bronson, the Director of Business Development for the company, joins us in this fun season six finale to talk all about these ventures that make Duluth one of the most well fed and most entertaining cities in the midwest.

There are so many amazing places to eat in Duluth and the bustling Canal Park is no exception. One of the most exceptional can be found on the first floor of the DeWitt-Seitz building, known for its eclectic menu filled with global influences and dishes made with fresh and often foraged ingredients. The lovely Lake Avenue also caters to the locavore, opting for ingredients, goods and services from our own neck of the woods whenever possible. With a menu unlike one you can find anywhere else in the Zenith City and one of the best wine lists north of the Twin Cities, you have a home run of a restaurant beloved by locals and tourists, no easy feat. One bite in and it’s easy to see why Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar is one of the top-rated places to dine in Duluth. Co-owner Mark Swenson joins us to talk about his long career in the restaurant industry, taking chances and of course, his favorite thing on the menu.

Today, about half of all marshmallows sold are eventually toasted over a fire and promptly consumed, with Americans buying more than ninety million pounds of the sweet treat each year. Believe it or not, we have one big marshmallow connection right here in the Zenith City, thanks to a small, woman and veteran-owned business called The Minnesota Marshmallow. What started as a fun venture during the pandemic quickly turned into a full-fledged business, offering a lengthy list of seventy rotating marshmallow flavors and treats, each made with the highest-quality ingredients and innovative, one-of-a-kind recipes. Throw in a wholesale location in Piedmont, a spot on store shelves all across Minnesota and Wisconsin and a shiny new endeavor in the form of a food truck and you have a business that’s simply S’MOREdelicious than the rest. Owner & founder Amy Sirois joins us to talk all about her delectable business.

It’s no secret that the art of watercolor has quite a colorful history, existing in some way, shape or form since the Paleolithic period. One of the most identifiable mediums today, our love of watercolors is alive and well worldwide, even here in the Zenith City, a fact that can be attributed to an incredible local artist with a big passion for watercolor paintings, making Duluth even more vibrant with each and every day. LeeAnn Huot has channeled her love of watercolors into a successful art and design business, HuArt Art & Design, offering watercolor paintings and digital design work in an official capacity since June of 2023. She’s also become the art teacher she’s always dreamed of, teaching beginner watercolor courses at local businesses all across the Duluth area. On top of it all, the artist also owns her own wedding coordinating business called Juneberry Wedding Planner. In this episode, we shine a light on the vivid life of one of Duluth’s most creative residents: LeeAnn Huot.

Simply put, music is a huge deal in the Northland, where we are charmed with several music centers to help us scratch our creative itch. There’s no doubt that one of the most special - and historic - is the Sacred Heart Music Center, a prominent music venue in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood that is as stunning as it is significant. A community cornerstone for more than a century, this building dates back to 1896, constructed as the Sacred Heart Cathedral during times of urban renewal in the area. It’s undergone many changes over the years, and today stands tall, as a 400-seat live music venue with renowned acoustics showcasing music of regional, national and international artists around the clock. This remarkable space is fit with an incredible recording studio, a famous Felgemaker organ and the distinction of being one of just three neo-Gothic churches with three towers unique to Northern Minnesota - and that’s just the beginning. Today, Mark Nicklawske, a member on the Board of Directors for the Sacred Heart Music Center, is here to get us AMPED about this life-changing space.

Since 2001, the number of craft breweries in Minnesota has been steadily increasing, from less than 50 all those decades ago to about 234 as of late 2024. Duluth has also become a craft beer haven, with one of the most popular and bustling being Canal Park Brewing Company. Located in its namesake, this hot spot has been around for more than a decade and for good reason. Famous for their award-winning beers and mouthwatering food, the brewery also just so happens to have the very best view in Duluth, located right along the shores of Lake Superior. Toss in a prime location, a dog-friendly patio and drinks crafted using water from the great lake and you have one brewpub that's simply hard to beat. Sandi Daytner, General Manager of Canal Park Brewing Company, joins us to shine a light on how this epic brewery came to be.

Duluth is known for its exciting restaurants, breweries and attractions and one of the very best is still considered a hidden gem: the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, one in a family of seven that collectively hosts more than a million historical documents, making it one of the largest private collections of historic manuscripts in the entire world. Located in the former First Church Of Christ Scientist building, the museum hosts more than 26 important documents at any given moment, along with art, photography and other items related to literature, science, religion and political history. You can even take a walk down memory lane with yearbooks from local high schools and maps dating back to the 1800s. You’ll never get bored: exhibits rotate between museums four times a year. With free entry and a location as historic as the documents inside of it, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum really is Duluth’s best kept secret - until now. Matthew Sjelin, Director of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, is spilling all on one of Duluth’s most undiscovered treasures.

Duluth has become quite famous for its brewery scene as of late, bringing in locals daily and drawing in tourists from all over the midwest, each eager to try the beers they’ve heard so much about, brewed with water straight from the great lake they’ve also heard so much about. When it comes to breweries in the Zenith City, Hoops Brewing is simply LAGER than life. With its convivial food hall-esque atmosphere and prime location right in the heart of Canal Park, it’s nearly impossible not to BEER happy while sipping on one of their one-of-a-kind creations. The man behind the incredible spot is a legend in his own right, playing a major role in the brewery boom in our neck of the woods AND marking 25 years of brewing in Duluth this year, quenching our thirst for a quarter of a century and counting. Find out how Dave Hoops became a renowned member of the brewery business in this new episode.

When it comes to fishing on Lake Superior, many Northlanders are HOOKED from the very first bite, and with a body of water as grand as the great lake, you might need to call in a little help. For that, look no further than Happy Hooker Charters, the oldest and largest charter fishing company on this side of the lake, operating out of the exact same slip as the William A. Irvin in Canal Park for the most Duluth experience possible. Complete with seven charters, it’s the team that is the real catch here, serving the community since 1976 with over eighty years of combined fishing experience on Lake Superior, and extensive knowledge and rare techniques rarely found with any charter business. Needless to say, Happy Hooker Charters is the REEL deal. Today, members Riley Leslie and Jamie Cotner are here to explain what makes Happy Hooker Charters the best in the business.

Chances are, if you live in or have traveled to Duluth, you’ve feasted on a sandwich from one of the best. Northern Waters Smokehaus is famous in our neck of the woods, and beyond, for good reason: their smoked fish and meats, along with their sandwich creations, are simply unmatched. What started as a passion project turned into one of the most delicious places to eat in Minnesota, opening more than two decades ago with a handful of employees and two sandwich prototypes. Much has happened since, with an appearance on the Food Network’s famous Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, more than 60 additional employees and rave reviews from anyone who has ever walked through the door. Eric Goerdt is the man responsible for it all, turning his lifelong passion for the great outdoors into one of the Northland’s most thriving businesses. 

It’s no secret that Duluth is an active city, thanks in part to the abundance of outdoor recreation we have right in our own backyard. To take it all on, we need the right footwear. For that, we turn to Tortoise & Hare Footwear in West Duluth, a thriving local business that started as a franchise more than two decades ago and counting. Known for their incredible customer service and comprehensive fitting process, Tortoise & Hare Footwear is truly a STEP above the rest. Today, it is owned and operated by Jim and Mary Stukel, along with their three sons, making this business a family affair - one where finding the perfect sneakers is always a SHOE-in. This episode shines a spotlight on the Stukel family, as Jim and Mary share how Tortoise & Hare Footwear went from franchise to Northland favorite.

When it comes to cooperatives, one of the most legen-DAIRY can be found in our neck of the woods. The Burnett Dairy Cooperative is as historic as it is amazing, in business and farmer-owned since June of 1896. Got milk? The Burnett Dairy Cooperative does, bringing in over a million pounds of it each day, in turn crafting 150,000 pounds of cheese daily, creating nothing short of the highest quality, most delicious product around. The best part? The cooperative now calls Duluth home, opening their first standalone retail location to date in the summer of 2024, complete with an ice cream shop, lunch and dinner options like pizza and appetizers, and beer and spirits to wash it all down. It might sound cheesy but we think Alison Hoefs, the Chief Human Resources Officer and Marketing Lead for Burnett Dairy Cooperative, is the perfect guest to talk about this udderly amazing operation.

Traveling is good for the mind, body and soul, with studies finding that frequent fliers have better mental health, a great ability to adapt to new situations and even a lower risk of heart disease. With stats like that, it’s no wonder that the Duluth International Airport welcomes about 300,000 passengers every single year. It might be small but it’s mighty, especially with Tom Werner in the role as Executive Director. He signed on in 2012, and it’s been taking off in the decade-plus since, proving that when it comes to the Duluth International Airport, the sky really is the limit. We thought he’d be the perfect guest to help season six take flight, as the man behind one of the most bustling - and crucial - places in the Zenith City.

While you patiently wait for season six to kickoff, we thought we'd treat you to a special bonus episode, featuring one of the biggest fans of For The Love Of Duluth! Northland native Jeannie Schwengler has listened to every single episode of the podcast, helping her fall in love with the Zenith City all over again. In this episode, we get to know the lifelong Duluthian and reflect on some of the most memorable episodes of the podcast so far. Enjoy this special bonus episode of For The Love Of Duluth, from us to you.

The topic of government has perhaps never been more relevant or important, making us all the more thankful for Sharon McMahon, the former high school teacher, podcaster and New York Times best-selling author known to her million-plus Instagram followers as Sharon Says So. Lovingly called America’s Government Teacher, she became a social media star during the pandemic after posting a simple explanation of the Electoral College online, and thus, a movement was born. Today, the Duluthian is a household name thanks to her smart and savvy way of explaining the happenings of the world using non-partisan, fact-based information, a rare and refreshing feat in the age of clickbait and doomscrolling. With a massively successful podcast and docuseries, a brand new book and an empire all her own, there’s no doubt Sharon McMahon is going down in the history books she loves so much. Sharon joined us for a conversation via Zoom to talk about her whirlwind journey to fame and her soulful connection to Duluth in this season five finale.

Looking for a weekend getaway in the Northland? Chances are you want a rental just as unique as the Zenith City itself. For that, North Shore Vacation Rentals has you covered, with an emphasis on experience and a goal of providing guests with exquisite accommodations while enjoying all that our neck of the woods has to offer. The large cluster of luxury rentals can be found across Duluth and Two Harbors, each stunning space pet-friendly and spacious, with an option for every type of traveler and tourist. Today, business is booming and the story behind how it started is just as incredible as the properties themselves. Meet founder and owner Daniel Legg in this fun episode.

Saunas are really having a moment, with one report citing there are more than a million in the United States as we speak. This news is welcome, as saunas are not only relaxing, but chock-full of incredible health benefits too, much deeper than just giving you a fleeting moment of relaxation. There are plenty of saunas to choose from in Duluth and one of the greatest without a doubt is Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna. With a floating sauna in Lake Superior and an emphasis on experience, Cedar and Stone is truly one of the most special places to sweat it all out. Lindsey & Neil Rasmussen join us to talk about their roles at the company and the serendipitous way it brought them to Duluth.

Duluth is the perfect place to flex your creative muscle, with something to see, do or interact with no matter the season. One of the most exceptional and well-known places to do just that is without a doubt Duluth Playhouse, a staple in the community since it was founded more than a century ago. Behind this incredible venue is an incredible creative, who moved to Duluth from New York after a decades-long run working in the arts capital of the world. Today, Wes Drummond works as Executive Director of Duluth Playhouse in the role of a lifetime, bringing the space to new and soaring heights.

If you’re reading this right now, you probably already have a pretty good idea of just how amazing Duluth is. After all, we decided to start an entire podcast about it, spotlighting the amazing people, places and things that make the Zenith City the greatest place to live, work and play. Sometimes, the play part can be a bit tricky, with an overwhelming number of things to do on any given day. That's where DoDuluth comes in, a sparkling new website that tracks all the happenings going on in Duluth every day, week and month of the year, making it easier than ever to 'do Duluth' no matter the season. The creator, Jess Worden, is here to talk about her inspiration behind the passion project.

Asian cuisine is one of the most popular types of fare today, with a recent study suggesting that about twelve-percent of all restaurants in the United States serve this delicious type of food in some form or another. Are you hungry yet? You’re about to be, thanks to one of Duluth’s newest restaurants: Bali Asian Cuisine. Your typical Duluth eatery this is not, serving up fresh Indonesian food with a modern twist, adding major spice to the bustling Lincoln Park neighborhood. It’s a childhood dream come true for Chef and Owner Nevi Mariadi, the heart and soul behind the restaurant, whose passion for the recipes she serves has helped cement Bali's status as one of the Northland’s most exciting places to eat.

Today, there are more than forty-three thousand food trucks currently operating in the United States, with that number growing by roughly about ten percent each year. We have a huge variety in the Zenith City already and that list just got longer thanks to the new kids on the block: Bowlz N' Thangz. This incredible food truck was started by Sarah Hovis & Amanda Mathiason, featuring a diverse menu of just about everything you could ever crave and then some. From bang bang shrimp to bacon cheeseburger egg rolls, the newest addition to the Northland food truck scene is quickly making its mark on the culinary world. Hear all about the delectable food and the duo behind it in this episode.

Just a few short years ago, the news landscape in Duluth changed in the best way when WDIO launched an award-winning afternoon lifestyle program, the first of its kind in the Duluth area. The Lift has certainly lived up to its name since its debut in September of 2022, offering a much-needed midday pick-me-up (or 'lift') to Northlanders everywhere. The secret to that success? Host Baihly Warfield, a longtime anchor, reporter and producer who brings her passion for the community to our television screens every weekday afternoon. Get to know the familiar face behind the camera in this new episode.

Duluth is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the midwest, with nearly seven-million people visiting the Zenith City each year. With those big numbers comes a big need for places to stay. Enter The Brix, a collection of upscale vacation rentals in Canal Park, the same location that the couple and business owners met and fell in love in more than a decade ago. The best part? For Keenan & Tiegen Brickson, this is just the prologue. Learn all about their incredible spaces and how they came to fruition in this motivating episode.

Public speaking is a common fear for many. For others, it is a passion. The latter is the case for Holly Kostrzewski, who was left with a traumatic brain injury after a motor vehicle crash at 18 years old. In the decades since, she has reached over 200,000 people and counting with her message of hope, humor and inspiration, turning the challenges she encounters daily living with a brain injury into an immensely successful career in public speaking. Need a little hope or inspiration yourself? Get to know Holly in this noteworthy episode and we promise you'll find a little bit of both.

Ventriloquism is undoubtedly of the most unique takes on performance art today, and thanks to one lifelong Duluthian, it is alive and well in the Northland. Jeremy Lepak has been a professional ventriloquist for nearly two decades, performing everywhere from county fairs to grad parties to special luncheons. We pulled some strings (see what we did there?) to get the comedian on For The Love Of Duluth so we could hear about his rare journey, from his first public performance at an open mic night in 2012 to becoming one of Minnesota's most distinctive ventriloquists in the game today.

One pair of creatives has brought a new phenomenon of sorts to the Northland in the form of wood mosaic art, becoming renowned in the field in just a few short years. That duo is Anna and Nathanael Bailey, the owners and masterminds behind BB & Friends. The business started in their garage back in 2015 and has since surged into a juggernaut that includes a gallery, an event space, an Airbnb and so much more. These two built a business from the ground up, one that continues to grow, and perhaps most importantly: one whose mission is to inspire the Duluth community through art. Learn about this mission & how this incredible business was born in this episode - our first with a duo!

The Duluth Children's Museum has an incredible history, dating back to 1930 when it was founded by Mabel McKinney Wing during the Great Depression. Despite a handful of relocations since, its mission has remained untouched, serving as an incredible resource for kids and teachers in the Duluth community. Today, the Duluth Children's Museum is thriving, with a new location in Lincoln Park and a new Executive Director, just the fifth to ever hold that special title. Drew Jensen is our guest this episode, taking us through his journey to joining the team (twice!) and mapping out his plans for the Duluth Children's Museum in the years to come.

There is perhaps no better place to open a record store than right here in Duluth, thanks in part to the current vinyl revival happening nationwide and the fact that the Zenith City is known for its music scene. That's why the newest record shop to move into town fits right in - and stands out for all the best reasons. River City Records & Books opened in Lincoln Park late last year and has been thriving ever since. Store Manager Dury Nelson joined us to talk all about how the new addition is finding its groove.

Duluth is full of creative and inspirational people making a difference in the world. Gaelynn Lea is one of them, making her mark as an incredible musician, composer, disability advocate, public speaker & soon-to-be author. She skyrocketed to fame back in 2016 after winning NPR's famous Tiny Desk Contest. She's taken the entertainment world by storm ever since, working with some of the biggest names in both the music and movie industry. She also has two TED Talks to her name, is the cofounder of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities and is currently penning her very first book about it all. Hear about her journey in her very own words in this sweet episode.

Warning: you won't stop laughing once you start this episode, featuring Steve Solkela. He does it all, as a musician, comedian, stuntman, opera singer, actor and composer, among many other talents and titles. He's most famous for his Overpopulated One Man Band, a solo show that has earned him rave reviews and fans as far as Finland. The master multitasker has an impressive resume, with an even more incredible journey earning it. Get ready to laugh so hard it hurts in this hilarious episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Just two months (not even!) into his brand new role as Mayor Of Duluth, Roger Reinert sat down with us for an exclusive conversation. During this hour-long chat, we covered a long list of topics, including his goals for his first year in office, his extensive career in politics, his award-winning role in the Navy and his Minnesota roots. We cover this with him and so much more in this very special season five premiere. Enjoy.

Don Ness has firmly cemented himself in the history books of the Zenith City and rightfully so. From growing up in the Hillside neighborhood in the 70s and 80s to holding the title of Mayor of Duluth for nearly a decade, it's unlikely you'll find anyone more passionate and engrained in this community. Once called one of the most popular Mayors in the country, the Northlander now helps Duluthians in a different way, acting as the Executive Director of the Ordean Foundation. In our season four finale, we have an in-depth conversation with Don Ness about it all, from why he stepped away from politics to the incredible work he does today.

It's no secret Duluth was meant to be photographed, nor is it a secret that our town is chock-full of amazing stories just waiting to be told, hence this podcast. One local videographer masterfully tells these tales, most recently crafting a nine-part documentary about the rise and fall of commercial fishing along the North Shore and Isle Royale. A lawyer by day and powerful storyteller by night, Frederick Dudderar Jr.'s passion for the Northland is always in focus. In this episode, it is his story we are telling, as the creative joins us to talk about his business, his latest project and his favorite thing about Duluth.

Tom Hanson has a full plate - literally and figuratively. The restaurant owner is responsible for some of the most beloved eateries in the area, including the famous Duluth Grill and the mouthwatering OMC Smokehouse, among a handful of other amazing additions to the scene. It's almost like he was destined to feed, breaking into the restaurant industry four decades ago and never looking back. In this appetizing episode, Tom dishes all, from how he got his start in the business to how he built the restaurant empire we are all reaping (and eating) the benefits of today.

Bluegrass has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1940s, when it was developed in the Appalachian region of the United States. Since, the genre has found its way to Duluth, with a handful of popular bluegrass bands often taking the stage at one of the Northland's many live music venues. One of the newer bands to hop on the scene is Tres Osos, a trio made up of three friends that formed in 2022, bonding over music, barbecuing and taking on the great outdoors. Tim Leutgeb is one third of the popular trio, joining us to talk about how the band formed, the music scene in Duluth and what it is like working in the industry.

Shipwreck hunters and photographers see the world from a perspective most of us never will and without this dedication to their craft, we'd never see one with our own eyes or learn about their important place in history. Jerry Eliason has made a big splash since he started on this passion project five decades ago, snapping hundreds of shipwreck photos, helping to discover more than twenty wreck sites and taking on too many dives to count. In this episode, we go deep, plunging through this distinguished decades-long journey in an underwater world.

Northern Minnesota is always picture perfect but that doesn't mean photographing it is easy. It takes a lot to stand out and Ryan Tischer does so flawlessly, photographing the picturesque landscape in the city we named this podcast after and selling these stunning pictures in his Canal Park gallery. Tischer Gallery is wildly popular and for good reason: the photos are unmatched. Having entered his first art show when he was just twenty years old to opening his own gallery in the most popular neighborhood in Duluth, Ryan Tischer's passion has always been in focus. Get to know his journey in this new episode.

It's been a big year for Chad Ronchetti. He was handpicked over the summer as the new Director of Planning & Economic Development for the City of Duluth. Fresh off his first few months with the prestigious new gig, he joined us to talk about his decades plus experience in the industry, how he snagged the major role and his future plans for the city. He also bares all about his childhood, travels as a young man and how fate led him to where he is now. Learn all about Chad Ronchetti and his plans for the city we named this podcast after in this new episode.

Over the past few years, the beer industry in Duluth has been booming. With so many breweries making our city their home, it takes quite a special place to stand out. Blacklist Brewing Company does and has since it first opened in 2012, quickly becoming one of the most popular breweries in the Northland. Blacklist has all the 'beer' necessities and then some, with an incredible menu of one-of-a-kind brews and a big emphasis on customer experience. More than a decade later, they continue to thrive, becoming the first spot in Duluth to offer axe throwing and offering up a brand new space. Ray Mindestrom, the Axe Throwing Manager at Blacklist, joined us for this episode to talk their new location, incredible menu and plans for the future.

The only thing better than that first cup of coffee in the morning or finally getting to that afternoon pick-me-up? Knowing you're drinking the java for a good cause. A new coffee shop in Superior has made that a reality, opening over the summer, with proceeds benefitting local ministries within the community. (It's so special, we're crossing state lines for this one. Sorry, Duluth!) 2540 Coffee House is the real deal, with a large handcrafted menu full of delicious treats, coffee flights and a rotating seasonal menu of drinks you will drool just reading about. There's so much more to this brew-tiful new spot than just cappuccino, though. Business Manager and Co-Founder Christyna Foster joins us for a coffee chat to talk about the mission behind the new shop, what else you'll find when you walk through the doors and her passion for giving back.

There's no other body of water quite like Lake Superior. What other lake or ocean has its own publication with such a dedicated following? Lake Superior Magazine comes out bimonthly, made up of subscribers in almost all fifty states, most Canadian provinces and more than twenty foreign countries. Each issue proves why Superior is supreme, placing a special emphasis on the people, places and events that make up these glorious cities along the lake, including Duluth. Travel, history and current events line the pages, along with phenomenal photography and freelance contributions from those that love the lake as much as we do. Konnie LeMay has been a crucial member of the team since she joined twenty-five years ago, with a true passion for the body of water she writes about. As the editor of Lake Superior Magazine, she sail-abrates all things lake life and helps spread the word day in and day out about why lake life is the best life. She'll even teach you a thing or two about Lake Superior in this very Duluth episode.

When you think of local news in the Northland, no one comes to mind quicker than Dan Hanger. The news anchor, reporter and producer quickly became a household name after joining the FOX 21 team in 2010, thanks to his unique way of delivering the news, mixing passion and authenticity with his signature personality, something you don't see on your average nightly newscast. The Illinois native has done it all in the decades-plus since he packed up and moved to Duluth to break the news, providing consistency and steadiness to the ever-changing news landscape in the area, all while providing a bunch of laughs along the way. Hear Dan Hanger's journey from self-proclaimed news nerd to the most famous face in the Northland in this special episode taking you behind the news desk.

There is perhaps no body of water more Duluth than the St. Louis River, beat out only by the legendary Lake Superior, which it happens to flow into. Unfortunately, it is also happens to be one of the most heavily polluted waterways in the state and a Great Lakes Area Of Concern. One nonprofit organization is destined to change that, working to restore, protect and enhance the beautiful river year-round: the St. Louis River Alliance. Executive Director Kris Eilers is our guest this week, joining us to talk about their current projects, goals and the incredible wildlife you will see along the spectacular St. Louis River.

An Irish pub might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the place we call home but Duluth does have the luck of the Irish in the form of a handful of lively and fun-loving pubs. One of the best? Carmody Irish Pub and Brewing. The spot opened in 2006 in a former livery stable from the 1880s, right in the heart of downtown Duluth. Its popularity is due in part to its owner Eddie Gleeson, who wanted a place to pay homage to his family. Now, nearly two decades later, Carmody is thriving, so much so that it became part of a big Hulu hit late last year. Even George Clooney has saddled up to the bar there! Eddie joined the podcast to talk all about the popular pub in this awesome episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Picnic season is officially here and thanks to one Duluth local, picnics on Lake Superior will never be the same. Jamie Anderson started Events By Jam during the COVID-19 pandemic. While she doesn't remember exactly where she first heard of the pop-up picnic, she knew she wanted to bring the concept to the Northland and bring it she did, offering customized and luxurious picnics for whatever the occasion - and setting it all up for you, too! Get to know the founder + more about this unique business in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

In the heart of Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood sits not one but two incredible businesses, both unique and both brimming with feelings of community from the minute you walk through the door. That's no coincidence: both the Duluth Folk School and Dovetail Cafe & Marketplace were co-founded by Carmel DeMaioribus, a Wisconsin native who planted roots in the area years ago. She's made her mark since, helping to open and run the two popular businesses, one which teaches Northlanders everything from making your own herbal remedies to restoring old canoes. The other? A spot that dishes up an authentic Duluth experience in an entirely different way, a casual cafe serving up handcrafted food, delicious coffee and crisp brews. Carmel joins us on this episode to talk about how both businesses came to be and how they work together to help create the quintessential Northland experience.

September 14th of 2022 is a day staff at Lake Superior Medical Equipment will never forget. On a windy Wednesday, the team watched their storefront and original location of two decades go up in flames. The fire left the building a total loss and left the team operating out of a much smaller location in Cloquet, spending the eight months that followed rebuilding what was lost and coming back bigger and better than ever - and with a brand new store in Duluth. In this special kickoff to season four, we are joined by the hosts of this podcast, Tom Jamison & Yvonne Myers, as they tell this story in their own words for the very first time.

Whether a Northlander or a tourist or living on the other side of the world, we all know of Split Rock Lighthouse and for good reason. Split Rock is one of the most visited sites in Minnesota and one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. If you've been there, you know exactly why. The iconic lighthouse opened in 1910 after a deadly shipping season and steadily became a national treasure along the way. Today, it is listed as a National Historic Landmark, sitting on twenty-five acres with a visitor center and a location as close to Lake Superior as you can get. No one understands the history and beauty of Split Rock Lighthouse more than the Site Manager, Hayes Scriven. He landed the role in 2019 with an already-impressive resume to his name and today, keeps the busy tourist destination running smoothly. He's also a photographer, using his job at one of the most beautiful places in the country as inspiration. He joined us to talk about all of this and more, from the history of Split Rock to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to snagging his dream job in this new episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Helping others see the beauty in Duluth isn't a tough gig, being that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Destination Duluth has made it their mission to do just that, spreading the word about our magical city since its inception nearly a decade ago. Destination Duluth started as nothing more than an idea back in 2006, becoming a reality in May of 2013 with the launch of their official Facebook page. A few months later, a website followed. Today, Destination Duluth has become the go-to place for both locals and curious outsiders online, using spectacular pictures and one-of-a-kind storytelling to educate and inspire people about the city we love. The return? A booming online presence centered around the Zenith City and the positive growth of it, too. This episode dives into the history of Destination Duluth and how it became the juggernaut it is today with the Managing Director, Jerry Thoreson.

A wise person once said "if you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon" and if you've ever watched Grandma's Marathon taking place in real time, you know the statement rings true. The annual race is so much more than just 26.2 miles. From the months runners dedicate to training to the booming cheers from the crowd as the athletes pass by, a marathon brings out the best in both runner and spectator - and Grandma's Marathon brings out the best in Duluth. Zach Schneider, the Marketing and Public Relations Director for the race, joins us to talk all things Grandma's as we inch closer to the finish line in June.

It doesn't get better than incredible food and an amazing view (of Lake Superior, that is). Sir Benedict's Tavern On The Lake has both. The restaurant switched hands, in a serendipitous way no less, back in 2015 when Josh Stotts became the owner. The spot has continued to thrive ever since, with a menu that never misses, live music and the title of Best Outdoor Seating in Duluth. Everyone who walks through the doors of this classic English-style pub leaves happy, full and entertained and it's all thanks to Stotts, who joined us to talk about his fateful journey to taking over the business and how he shaped the menu. Spoiler alert: this episode will make you hungry!

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Grab a cup of joe and join us for this brand new episode featuring Sam Levar, the General Manager of Duluth Coffee Company. Since joining the team in 2017, he has held countless positions there, from barista to sales management to the role he holds today. Born and raised in Duluth, he was the perfect person for the job, with over a decade of experience managing local businesses and counting. He helps keep everything running smoothly, just like the perfect blend, at one of Duluth's most well-known and popular businesses. Take that shot of espresso and (caffeine) buzz behind-the-scenes of Duluth Coffee Company with this brand new episode!

Some people have one talent they absolutely excel at. Then there are people like Lyla Abukhodair, a rising singer and songwriter in the midwest AND one of the women behind Duluth's popular Palestinian pop-up restaurant. The talented Northlander grew up in Hermantown and stayed in the area for college, attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Over the years, she's fronted a handful of music acts, including her current gig as the leader of a rock band that has packed the house at some of the most iconic music venues out there. When she isn't rocking out, she's cooking Palestinian cuisine with her family and selling out pop-ups all over the area, all while eyeing a brick-and-mortar deli and market in downtown Duluth. Get to know the incredible person that is Lyla Abukhodair in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Some stories are so incredible and well-told that you are thinking about them long after you turn the last page. Such is the case withThe Twenty-Ninth Day: Surviving a Grizzly Attack in the Canadian Tundra, a book penned by Duluth author Alex Messenger. The book was published in 2019 and quickly garnered national attention, detailing the once-in-a-lifetime trip the avid outdoorsman took at seventeen that quickly turned into a fight for survival. The Deephaven native sat down for a special episode of For The Love Of Duluth to tell his heart-racing story in his own words and share how he was able to heal in the aftermath.

There's a reason Hartley Park is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Northland, spanning nearly seven-hundred acres and situated in the heart of Duluth. On the grounds of the park is Hartley Nature Center, a newly-renovated space that first opened its doors in 2003. Today, it is filled with exhibits,  meeting spaces and offices, hosting fun activities year round and even running its own preschool program. If you've ever reaped the benefits of Hartley Nature Center, you likely have Tom O'Rourke to thank. An avid outdoorsman with a passion for nature (who even shares a property line with the park), the Executive Director of Hartley Nature Center has had the position for over a decade and counting, making it bigger and better with each year that passes. Get to know Tom in this fun episode!

Duluth is no stranger to breweries but one of the newest additions to the town we love really stands out. Lake Superior Brewing sits in the Lester Park / Lakeside neighborhood and is anything but your average brewery. The owners, Seth & Sarah Maxim, bought the brewery during the pandemic and have worked tirelessly over the past few years to make it their own. The result? A one-of-a-kind place to eat, drink, listen to live music and even spend the night. The journey to get to this point is just as great as the brews you'll sip at Lake Superior Brewing. Crack a cold one and hear the story from half of the duo behind the new spot, Sarah Maxim.

Jason Wussow has had the type of journey rock stars write songs about. A music lover for as long as he can remember and a musician himself, he had a dream of opening a live music venue in Duluth. His dreams came true back in July of 1999 when he opened what is known today as Wussow's Concert Cafe. The spot has a stage that some of the most influential musicians in the area have stepped onto, a recording studio and a roster of epic shows even the largest music venue would be jealous of. A coffeehouse by day and a rockin' music venue by night, we have Wussow to thank for this iconic Duluth spot. Get to know him in his own words with this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

There are few people who could balance as much as Kelly Florence, let alone so flawlessly and authentically. The Cherry, Minnesota native is best known for her work as a horror author, podcaster and screenwriter but those are just a few of her many passions and professions: she is also an instructor of communication at Lake Superior College. With multiple degrees and diplomas to her name, she hasn't slowed down since the day she left her small town. Today, she has five published books to her name, another one set for release in 2023, two podcasts and a screenwriting project. This author is simply superhuman. She took time out of her busy schedule to chat with us about her journey into the writing world and how she balances it all. 

Duluth is no stranger to talent, with the likes of Bob Dylan and Trampled By Turtles calling it home before making it big in the music industry. Charlie Parr is another one of those household names and after our chat with him, it's easy to see why. Born in small town Minnesota, he picked up his first guitar at just eight years old and thirteen albums later, he has still never had a formal lesson. Part blues and part country with a sprinkle of songwriting magic, he draws from life experiences in a candid and distinctive way that is uniquely him, playing 250 shows in an average year and calling Duluth home when he is off the road. The multi-instrumentalist also just released his first book. His story is as incredible as the songs he plays and you can hear it in his own words on this very special episode of For The Love Of Duluth

Stacey LaCoursiere is the owner and founder of a rare Duluth gem, Duluth Studio Market. What started as Duluth Studio Company has morphed into a store with an emphasis on local, authentic and charitable. While most people were temporarily closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was working hard to open what is known as Duluth Studio Market - and did so with great success. Today, the store is not only a standout in the area but also gives back to the community it is named after in a big way. Learn how the shop went from an idea to the small business success story it is today in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth!

David Siebert's journey may be one of the most unique we've featured yet. After a successful career in the medical industry for more than two decades, it wasn't until the pandemic that he decided to fulfill his dream of owning his own business. After living in the hot desert of Las Vegas (for 255 days to be exact), where he and his wife Tami moved for a job opportunity, the two were on their way back to the place they called home: Duluth! The journey included a polar vortex and love at first sight, with the spot now known as the Duluth Candy Company. Join us as we learn the sweet story of the candy shop with the owner and operator. 

Are you a Halloween enthusiast? Do you love things that go bump in the night? Grab someone to hold on to and go behind the curtain of one of the most popular haunted attractions in the Northland - and one of the longest running in the entire country. What started as a ghost on a string in his parent's front yard turned into a decades-long passion project for the founder, Patrick Stojevich. The hair-raising attraction also helps out scary good causes across the community, while scaring an average of 5,000 people a year. Here's a look at how it started and how it's going with the man behind it all. (Hint: it's going ghostly good!)

The season two finale of For The Love Of Duluth features a huge name in Duluth: Dan Hartman, the Executive Director of the DECC. He started the big job in summer of 2021 and ever since, has been making the epicenter of entertainment even bigger and better. His roots in Duluth run deep, having spent nearly a decade at the Glensheen and serving on the Duluth City Council for four years. He's also a UMD graduate who led the student campaign to build AMSOIL Arena when he was just a senior. One listen of this episode and it's easy to see why Dan Hartman beat out hundreds of applicants to become the Executive Director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Get to know Dan Hartman in the season finale of For The Love Of Duluth.

How does one even begin to capture the excitement that comes with being aboard a vessel on Lake Superior? It takes an incredibly creative person and that is what makes Sarah Pohl the perfect person for the job. As the Social Media Manager for the Vista Fleet, and its sister companies, she is responsible for bringing both the Vista Queen and the Vista Star to life online. Known as Duluth's only floating event center, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Northland, with a cruise for just about everyone. Let's sail-abrate all the Vista Fleet has to offer with this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Fans of all things scary, you are in for a (trick or) treat! Horror author Meg Hafdahl wanted to write the next great American novel but life had other plans for the popular writer. Growing up between Canada and Duluth, Meg decided to channel her love for things that go bump in the night into words instead. The results have been nothing short of spooktacular: she has penned a long list of books and counting, cohosts a horror podcast with her best friend and was nominated for a Bram Stoker award. The wordsmith joined us to talk about her works, Stephen King and the path she took to become an award-nominated author.  

You'd be hard-pressed to find two people as passionate as Jake and Valerie Scott, the couple behind Duluth's first ever cidery. Duluth Cider opened after a long and unique journey that took the couple from Duluth, where they met at UMD during their college years, to the East Coast to overseas and back to Duluth again, this time for good. For Jake, it was a full-circle moment when the doors of Duluth Cider opened back in 2018. Growing up visiting Duluth with his family, he always felt a connection to the city he and his business now call home. He joined us to talk about his love for Duluth and the incredible way the couple came up with the town's first cidery in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Some things are just meant to be and the Programs Director for the Chester Bowl Improvement Club is a great example of that. Sam Luoma has called Duluth home all his life, which instilled a love of outdoors in him from an early age. It seems the universe had that dialed in, as he became involved with one of Duluth's most beautiful and picturesque outdoor areas completely by chance. Back in 2004, a contest he was running for a different company fell through and he reached out to Chester Bowl officials to see if he could hold it there instead. Fast forward nearly two decades later, Sam has been a snowboard instructor, volunteer and creator of a contest series at Chester Bowl. Today, he holds a major role there and the awe of working somewhere so magical still hasn't worn off. Get to know your favorite spot in Duluth and the man who keeps it all running so well with this new episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

One of the most historic landmarks in the state is located in the heart of downtown Duluth. The North Shore Scenic Railroad has a long and storied history that takes off from the iconic Duluth Depot, bringing visitors to the Northland from all over the world. Ken Buehler is the man that keeps things on track as the General Manager of the North Shore Scenic Railroad and the Executive Director of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Part history lesson, part lesson in perseverance, he joined us to talk about the history of the popular spot and the unusual way he landed the job he holds now.

There's hard work and there's things that are just meant to be: Bent Paddle Brewing Company is a good mix of both. One of Duluth's most popular breweries (and that's an understatement!), the spot came to be thanks to the hard work of four co-founders who came together in a way that can only be described as destiny. One of those four founders is Laura Mullen, the Vice President of Outreach and Marketing for Bent Paddle. A beer lover prior to opening the brewery, she recounts the amazing road to opening Bent Paddle, how the cofounders settled on a Duluth location and her cool connection to the industry from the very beginning. Crack a cold one and listen to the history of Bent Paddle, a true Duluth beacon. 

If you live in or have visited Duluth, there is no question you have been to Love Creamery. Now a flourishing business with two locations, the spot has become a fan favorite for residents and tourists. With one location in the heart of Canal Park and another in Lincoln Park, the business is sweeter than ever. The owner and founder of Love Creamery is Nicole Wilde. Her journey takes her from the Dairyland where she grew up to her first job at a custard stand. It all led her to where she is now: the owner of one of Duluth's most popular businesses with an eye on sustainability. Her journey will inspire you!

If you've never been to Duluth's Best Bread, you are missing out on some of the finest treats and products the city has to offer. The story behind the booming business is just as fantastic. Started by two brothers, Duluth's Best Bread has grown from an idea to a hot spot with one location and another coming soon. Robert Lillegard, half of this dynamic duo behind the business, joined us to talk about how they got their hilarious mascot, how a former contestant on The Voice ended up singing their theme song and the amazing way he started in the business.

If you've had Locally Laid eggs, you know the quality is unmatched. It turns out the story behind the popular business is just as fantastic. Locally Laid is the brainchild of one Northland couple who came up with the idea for the company after going to the local co-op and discovering there were no eggs from the area. A lightbulb went off and Locally Laid was hatched - but it wasn't easy. Jason Amundsen joined For The Love Of Duluth to talk about how they started the company, a book all about it and of course, how they got their fantastic name. 

You can never have too many tacos, especially ones that are authentic and sources with local ingredients. That is how they operate at Oasis Del Norte, a popular food truck and soon to be brick-and-mortar that specializes in traditional favorites. From tacos to tortas, this spot has become a massive hit in the Northland and within one bite it is easy to see why. Hailing from Mexico and following in his mother's footsteps, Eduardo Sandoval Luna is the proud owner and creator of Oasis Del Norte. He joined us to talk about spending his childhood in his mother's restaurant, how he got the idea for Oasis Del Norte and his journey to making it what it is now. Warning: this podcast will make you hungry. 

The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Duluth. Located right on the shore of Lake Superior, it brings well over a million people to the grounds per year. It features interactive displays, a two-story steam engine and scale models, among many other fun and unique activities. Museum Technician and Park Ranger Kasey Helms is part of it all and joins us to talk about what a day at work is like for her, what happens at the museum during the slower winter months and how things operated during the pandemic. Plus, some fun ship talk that could only happen on For The Love Of Duluth. 

Frost River is a Duluth staple, specializing in waxed canvas packs, bags and accessories for all things Northland. Founded in 2001, it has quickly become the place people go to for all their outdoor needs and more. Their Marketing Manager is also a big fan, seeking out a job with the company prior to landing the role she has now. Stephanie Anderson joined us to talk about her love for the company dating back to before she was an employee, how they gave back big time during the pandemic and what you can expect when you walk through the doors.

Season two kicks things off with a very special guest: Jane Pederson Jandl, the Marketing Manager at the Glensheen. An iconic spot in Duluth, the mansion has a rich and storied history that dates back decades. The estate sits on twelve acres of land, has thirty-nine rooms and 27,000 square feet of space. Also known as the historic Congdon Estate, the mansion has a major place in history in the Twin Ports. This episode dives deep into this history, the future of the estate and keeping the magic. Plus, the most frequently question about the mansion is answered: is it haunted? All of that and more in this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Haley Cope's role as the CEO of Lake Superior Zoo was almost written in the stars. Falling in love with the zoo after a visit here during her childhood, Cope eventually landed a permanent job at the tourist destination in her adult life. Her passion and determination landed her the role of CEO in 2020, right in the middle of our global pandemic. She joined For The Love Of Duluth to talk about how she got the job, taking over the lead position during a troubling time and of course, the animals. Get to know the passionate and fun-loving leader on this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

Jay Walker is not your ordinary Duluthian. Why? He spends his day with fish and critters of all kinds and gets paid for it! The Executive Director of one of Duluth's most popular spots, Jay Walker's passion for public aquariums was sparked by a trip to an aquarium decades ago. The very same day as that visit, he decided he wanted to make a career out of that passion. By determination and hard work, he has now been living his dream for a quarter of a century. He joined us to talk about his unique career path, working at Great Lakes, how the tourist destination dealt with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and of course, the animals. You will love getting to know Jay Walker and the animals as well!

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is one of the most exciting events to take place in the Northland every year and it happens right in our own backyard. One of the top winter attractions all Twin Ports residents look forward to, the race is as unique as the backdrop it is set against. Established in 1980, it is the premiere sled dog race series in all of North America. Someone who knows about the race firsthand is Jean Vincent, a longtime volunteer who has been a part of the race for more than two decades. She joined the podcast to talk about the history of the race, the many roles she's had throughout the years and of course, the dogs. Get to know Jean just in time for the 2022 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon - and all her furry friends, too. 

Spirit Mountain is one of the most iconic places in Duluth, sitting high on a hill that overlooks the city. While you may think of it as snow business, Spirit Mountain operates year-round with amazing trails for winter sports lovers and an adventure park during the summer months. To keep everything running smoothly takes a very special person and that is where Jon Regenold comes in. A former Freestyle Ski Couch for Team Duluth, he now helps run Spirit as the Co-Director of Resort Services. The tackles everything from marketing to the rental division and even more in between all with someone special by his side: his wife! His journey to Spirit was almost serendipitous, as a former ski coach and ski lover himself. His fascinating career path, journey to planting roots in Duluth and of course, passion for Spirit Mountain makes him the perfect guest for this episode.

Duluth has breweries a plenty but Ursa Minor Brewing stands out for all the right reasons. The owner, Ben Hugus, joined us on For The Love Of Duluth to talk about the beloved hot spot. We touch on how they navigated business throughout the pandemic, their huge roster of brews and their famous homemade pizza. (Are you hungry just thinking about it?) Hugus also shares his life experience up to opening the brewery, which includes international travel and eventually, making it to the place we call home. Grab a brew and learn all about one of Duluth's most treasured spots and the man responsible for it all. 

If you've ever been searching for something to do in Duluth, whether as a resident or as a tourist for the day, chances are you have visited Perfect Duluth Day. The website is described as "Duluth's Duluthiest website" which features endless stories about local events, unique lifestyle stories and of course, there famous event calendar. There is truly no better guest for the For The Love Of Duluth podcast than one of the men behind it all, Paul Lundgren. Lundgren joined us to talk about how the website operates, how he became involved and how many hours goes into their large calendar of local events. He also touches on his career path up to the website and his book. Get to know the man behind the website you definitely have bookmarked on your computer with this episode of For The Love Of Duluth.

When you think of Duluth, you probably think of the amazing scenery and breathtaking beauty it has. Lisa Luokkala gets a front row seat to it every single day as the Executive Director of the Superior Hiking Trail Association. Lisa has been contributing to the city of Duluth for more than a decade, eventually landing the coveted gig she holds now. She joined us to talk about how she beat out fifty people for the job, how the Superior Hiking Trail works and how YOU can support it. Grab your headphones, head to the nearest part of the trail and get to know Lisa!

Have you ever been to the Jade Fountain? It is one of the coolest spots in Duluth. The spot transports you to a tropical island with a unique homage to the restaurant that was there before it. The owner, Kai Soderberg, is just as interesting, with a long and storied career in the food and beverage industry. His journey led him to Duluth, where he now owns the Jade Fountain. Meet the man behind the spot, which is a one-of-a-kind treasure of the Twin Ports. 

If you've been to Duluth or you call Duluth home, there's a good chance you've been to Vikre Distillery. Located in Canal Park, the spot has quickly become a go-to place for residents and tourists alike. Doug Kouma is part of the reason why. The Director of Consumer Sales and Visitor Experience joins us to talk about how he got here, why he up and quit his job as a corporate executive and how Vikre handled the COVID-19 pandemic while giving back to the community in a big way. Cheers!

Heidi Pack leads the popular Northland band, Whiskey Trail. They are a household name in the area but the journey wasn't easy. Heidi takes us through her journey from growing up and singing in church, the highs and lows of the music industry, the evolution of the band and what it is like to chase the dream of becoming a country music star. 

For The Love Of Duluth is a new podcast brought to you by two Duluth residents. Throughout this show, they will touch on all things Duluth. From the food to the drinks to the amazing events and of course, the view, the duo will show you Duluth through their eyes. Here's a little preview!