LIGHT SKIN POD

Real Conversations. Real People. Real Impact.

Join Light Skin Pod as we delve into authentic stories from Duluth and beyond—where every voice matters and every story resonates.

About Light Skin Pod

Who We Are

LightSkinPod is more than just a podcast—it’s a platform where authenticity reigns supreme. Hosted by dynamic personalities, we delve into topics ranging from pop culture and relationships to personal growth and societal issues. Our mission is to foster genuine conversations that resonate with our audience.

Our Journey

Born out of a desire to share unfiltered perspectives, LightSkinPod has grown into a community of listeners who value honesty, humor, and heartfelt discussions. Join us as we navigate the complexities of life, one episode at a time.

About Taste Twin Ports

Exploring the Best Bites Across the Twin Ports One Restaurant at a Time

Taste Twin Ports is a food-focused podcast that dives fork-first into the local dining scene across Duluth, Superior, and beyond. Hosted by passionate foodies with a love for great flavors and local culture, each episode features honest reviews, personal experiences, and lively discussions about restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and hidden gems across the Twin Ports.

Whether it’s a new hot spot or a longtime local favorite, the hosts break down what to try, what to skip, and what makes each place worth a visit. Expect candid conversations, flavor-packed storytelling, and plenty of local love—all served with a side of humor and heart.

If you’re hungry for great recommendations or just love hearing about delicious local eats, Taste Twin Ports is your perfect bite-sized companion.

Podcast

Tune Into the Real

Raw conversations, real stories, and unfiltered takes. LightSkinPod keeps it honest and entertaining, one episode at a time.

This week, Executive Director for Life House Duluth, Amber Sadowski, joins the Light Skin Pod. Amber shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota near Remer/Hill City. After high school, Amber attended Concordia College in Moorhead majoring in English Writing and Environmental Studies, then went on to work for Lutheran Volunteer Core, and eventually returned to college at the University of Minnesota earning her teaching degree. After moving to Las Vegas with her future husband and landing her first teaching job, she returned to Minnesota and began teaching in Osseo before opening her daycare. After owning and operating her daycare for 7 years, she began her employment with Life House Duluth as an education case manager. Through various positions at Life House, she became their Executive Director in June of 2024.#duluth #podcast #interview #duluthminnesota #education

Episode 65: Amber Sadowski – Executive Director for Life House Duluth

This week, Charles Nies, Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth, joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Hutchinson, MN, Charles shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota and his love for the outdoors. After studying abroad in Germany during high school, Charles attended the University of St. Thomas, then attended Washington State for graduate school, received his master’s at Hobart and William Smith College, and finally, returned to Washington State where he earned his doctorate. After meeting his wife while working at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, they moved to California and raised their two daughters. Charles then returned to Minnesota and was hired as Chancellor for the University of Minnesota Duluth.Note: This episode was filmed prior to the tragic events of September 10th and the murder of Charlie Kirk. Political violence is never acceptable. Please keep the Kirk family in your thoughts and prayers.#duluth #podcast #interview #education #college #universityofminnesota #umd #UMDBulldogs #university #duluthminnesota #duluthmn

Episode 64: Charles Nies – Chancellor University of Minnesota Duluth

This week, entrepreneur and owner of Chili Billy’s and Madhouse Burgers, Andrew Weisz joins the Light Skin Pod. Andrew shares stories of growing up in rural Minnesota near Rochester, attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, and his introduction into business and marketing. We also discussed his early business ventures, his work in cyber security, and the startup of his marketing Company, Finden. Lastly, we talked about the purchase of Chili Billy’s and the creation of his restaurant, Madhouse Burgers.

Episode 63: Andrew Weisz – Entrepreneur

This week Annie Harala joins the light skin pod. Annie shares stories of growing up in Duluth and attending union meetings as a young child, which helped to shape her outlook on life, and the importance of utilizing her voice. Annie attended Central High School and St. Mary’s University earning a degree in public relations with an English minor. After working in various regions throughout the country, she settled back home and started her family. In addition to her work in public health and youth development, she is a business owner and community leader advocating for the people of Duluth and the greater St. Louis County region.#duluth #podcast #interview #duluthminnesota #stlouiscounty

Episode 62: Annie Harala – Business Owner and Community Leader

This week, Tim Weber, CEO/Founder of WebMed, joins the Light Skin Pod. Tim talks about what it was like growing up in Duluth, playing youth sports, and his introduction to college. After the birth of his first child, Tim shares how that helped him to focus on his career and propelled him into WITC to pursue his nursing degree. He eventually went on to earn his master’s in nursing and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. After seeing the lack of available care for mental health services, Tim went back to school and received his psychiatric certificate. He then founded and became CEO of WebMed, an outpatient mental health and substance abuse company.#duluth #podcast #interview #cloquet #healthcare #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

Episode 61: Tim Weber – CEO/Founder of WebMed

This week, Mark Carlson, President of Midwest Golf Cars and Founder of Kids Golf Legacy Fund, joins the Light Skin Pod. Mark shares stories of growing up in Western Duluth, attending Denfeld High School and the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and his introduction to golf at Enger Golf Course as a young man. We discussed his career as a golf pro and manager at Nemadji Golf Course and talked about his company, Midwest Golf Cars. Lastly, we spoke about his desire to give back to the youth in our community, and why he decided to start his non-profit organization: Kids Golf Legacy Fund. Please be sure to like and follow his Facebook page, Kids Golf Legacy Fund, to learn more about the important work they do.#podcast #interview #duluth #duluthminnesota #superiorwi #business #golf #youthsports #nonprofitorganization #golfcourse #golfcart

Episode 60: Mark Carlson – Kids Golf Legacy Fund

This week, Joe & Pez visit Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill. Quickly becoming a northern Minnesota staple, Boomtown has locations in Hibbing, Eveleth, and the one reviewed by us in Duluth, MN. Locally crafted beer, great food, bottomless mimosas, and the best deserts to date, Boomtown is a must visit!#duluth #evelethmn #Hibbingmn #Eveleth #Hibbing #ironrange #visitduluth #foodie #food #foodreview #brewery #beer

Taste Twin Ports: Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill

This week, Joe & Pez visit Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior, WI. Opening in 1996, Thirsty Pagan quickly gained a dedicated fan base for their world class locally crafted beer. In 2006 they opened their pub and began serving gourmet pizzas to go with their brews and sours. Thirsty Pagan moved into their current location, the historic Soo Line Depot in 2019. This is one of the coolest locations we have visited, the antiques and railway memorabilia alone are worth the trip to Thirsty Pagan. But you don’t have to settle for just that, as you will see, their brews and pizza were incredible. Not to mention they have live music 7 days a week. While we visited, Landon Buckanaga was performing (links to his social media listed below). Next time you are looking for a cool place to dine with great music, pizza, and beer, give Thirsty Pagan Brewing a try!Landon Buckanaga YouTube: UCG1R1SIxTAaJK8bznPUOA-g
Landon Buckanaga Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/landon.buckanaga#foodie #food #foodreview #brewery #pizza #livemusic #superiorwi #wisconsin

Taste Twin Ports: Thirsty Pagan Brewing

This week Rachel Johnson, President & CEO of APEX, joins the Light Skin Pod. Growing up in Knife River, MN, Rachel shares stories from her early childhood in Knife River and attending Two Harbors High School with both her parents being teachers in the school. After graduating high school, Rachel attended Moorhead State University before studying abroad at Oxford University in Oxford, England. A mom of two, Rachel finished her degree at St. Scholastica after the birth of her first daughter. We then discussed her early career in the Twin Cities, transferring to Duluth while employed with Minnesota Power, becoming the Membership Director for the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, her switch into real estate when she began working for F.I. Salter, her move to oil and gas while working on the Line 3 Replacement Project, and finally, her decision to work at APEX. Lastly, we discussed the focus of APEX, a private sector business development group promoting sustainable growth in the Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin region.#duluth #podcast #duluthmn #interview #minnesota #wisconsin #economicgrowth #economicdevelopment #housing #superiorwi

Episode 59: Rachel Johnson – President & CEO of APEX

This week Joel Kilgour, Project Organizer for Stepping On Up Duluth, joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Alberta, Canada, Joel moved to Duluth prior to starting school. We talked about his 25-year career with Loaves & Fishes, his work at the CHUM, and his eventual move to his current position at Stepping On Up Duluth. We also discussed the important work he does at Safe Bay serving the homeless population. Safe Bay is a fully staffed, secure parking location where people living in their vehicles have access to overnight parking, showers, supplies, food and basic services. Safe Bay also has a dedicated outreach worker and peer support specialist to help individuals achieve whatever goals they may have. Lastly, Joel shares some of the successes and setbacks of Safe Bay, and what he hopes to see happen with the program in the future.#duluth #podcast #duluthmn #interview #homelessness #housingcrisis

Episode 58: Joel Kilgour – Project Organizer for Stepping On Up Duluth

This week, Joe & Pez visit Burger Paradox in Lincoln Park. Joe’s son Dylan, and his friend Dalton join them on this epic review. Known for their amazing burgers, Burger Paradox has become a hit throughout the Northland. In addition to their amazing burgers, Burger Paradox also has an extensive drink menu, offering up hard malts & floats, signature cocktails, draft and canned beers, and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for all to enjoy! Next time you’re looking for great burgers, wings and drinks, head to Burger Paradox. They have definitely earned their reputation for serving up some of Duluth’s finest burgers!#duluth #foodie #visitduluth #food #burger #burgers #foodreview

Taste Twin Ports: Burger Paradox

This week Kevin Boren, VP Finance - East Market CFO, joins the Light Skin Pod. Kevin shares stories of growing up in Grafton, WI, attending the University of Minnesota, and starting his career as an analyst. We also discussed his move into his desired field as he began working with various hospitals throughout the region. Lastly, we talk about his rise to East Market CFO for Essentia Health, the new initiatives of Essentia, and his work in finding community partners to help support our region.#duluth #podcast #duluthmn #visitduluth #interview #health #healthcare

Episode 57: Kevin Boren –VP Finance – East Market CFO

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Meet the Hosts

Pez Davila

The Voice of Duluth

Pez Davila is the charismatic host of the Light Skin Pod, bringing engaging conversations to the forefront. With a knack for delving into the personal stories of Duluth’s movers and shakers, Pez creates a space where authenticity thrives. His approach is all about peeling back the layers to reveal the journeys that shape individuals, offering listeners a genuine connection to their community.

Joe Macor

The Man Behind the Scenes

Joe Macor is the technical maestro of the Light Skin Pod, handling the production and editing that bring each episode to life. While Pez leads the conversations, Joe ensures that the storytelling is seamless and impactful. His behind-the-scenes work is crucial in delivering the polished and professional episodes that listeners have come to expect.

Want to Be on the Mic?

Have a story to share? A perspective that needs to be heard?

We’re always looking for bold, authentic voices from the community to join us on the pod. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, activist, or just someone with a powerful journey—we want to hear from you.

Real Conversations. Real People. Real Impact.

About Light Skin Pod

Who We Are

Our Journey

About Taste Twin Ports

Exploring the Best Bites Across the Twin Ports One Restaurant at a Time

Tune Into the Real

Connect with Us

Follow LightSkinPod on Social Media

Meet the Hosts

Pez Davila

The Voice of Duluth

Joe Macor

The Man Behind the Scenes

Want to Be on the Mic?

Have a story to share? A perspective that needs to be heard?

Want to Be on the Mic?

Have a story to share? A perspective that needs to be heard?

Based in Duluth, MN

Connect With Us