For The Love Of Duluth

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 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.