For The Love Of Duluth

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 with The 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!

For The Love Of Duluth features Duluth transplant Tom Jamison and lifelong resident Yvonne Myers, talking all about the city they love. Throughout this podcast, the duo will touch on all things Duluth. This first episode was meant as a demo to test out the equipment but it ended up highlighting so many amazing things about the city of Duluth so we decided to drop it so you can get to know Duluth and our two hosts while you await the first few episodes. Enjoy!