Welcome to Duluth!

Latest Episodes:

A conversation with Tricia Hobbs and Tom Church Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

This month we feature two members of our Planning and Economic Development team to chat about housing and downtown revitalization. Tom Church is our "housing guy," and Tricia Hobbs is Manager of Economic Development and Executive Director for DEDA.

We chat a bit about their personal stories, what brought them to Duluth, and why they stayed. We also talk about the work being done to support our industry partners and the need to find housing for current and future employees. Lack of housing is curbing many manufacturers' ability to fill job openings. Which makes housing a workforce and economic development issue.

No surprise, downtown Duluth is another one of this team's top priorities. Neighborhoodification is a concept they are working on as they look provide leadership for the City's role in revitalizing the heart of our community and region, and a critical tax base. There is a shared vision and tangible progress, and also significant work still to be done.

A conversation with Pez Davila Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

This month I sat down with Pez Davila, Executive Director of Neighborhood Youth Services and the voice behind the Light Skinned Podcast and Taste Twin Ports Podcast.

A conversation with Ryan Temple May 19, 2026

Show notes

This month we feature the Special Olympics. Mayor Reinert talks with Duluth Police Officer Ryan Temple to talk about the DPD's long history of supporting these athletes, as well as the 2026 Special Olympics. The national event this year will be held in Minnesota, and Duluth is one of a few communities nationally to participate in the carrying the torch to the opening ceremonies.

A conversation with Bea Ojakangas Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

This month we feature Beatrice Ojakangas. Bea is an icon of the northland. She has published more than 32 cookbooks, written for a variety of magazines and is familiar face from public television who has shared her love of cooking and Finnish heritage with audiences across the country. Our conversation covered everything from her journey in the kitchen to what it was like to get a call from Julia Childs.

A conversation with Dave Schaefer Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

This month we feature our Chester Bowl Improvement Club's Executive Director Dave Schaefer. Dave gives us some park history, we tall about their programing and our partnership model. We also have a real time update on the Chalet renovations and their Growing Up Chester Campaign.

A conversation with Geoff Vukelich Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

This month we feature our Street Maintenance Operations Coordinator, Geoff Vukelich. Geoff. We cover a lot of ground from sled dog racing to carpentry and Geoff's take on pizza (he's done over 900 reviews!). Importantly, Geoff also gives us insights into everything that goes into winter snow removal operations in a city that is 26 miles long, eight miles wide, and has over 1500' of elevation gain. We discuss P1s, 2s, and 3s, snow emergencies, and what to do during the big storms (stay home if you can!).

A conversation with Nathan Bentley Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

This month Nathan Bentley the President of Advantage Emblem and Screen Printing, or as he more famously known - the Mayor of Bentleyville joinrf me in the PACT TV studio. We cover an array of topics from how a chain letter sparked the start of his multimillion-dollar company, to his global travels and support for the communities he visits. Of course, we talk about Bentleyville too!

A conversation with Haley Hedstrom Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

This month Visit Duluth's new Executive Director Haley Hedstrom joined me in the PACT TV studio to discuss her vision for destination marketing, her past experiences as Executive Director of the Lake Superior Zoo, and what she loves most about Duluth

A conversation with Chris Owen Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

This month, I sit down with Chris Owen. Chris is a renowned tattoo artist and owner of Living Art Duluth. We cover a variety of topics from studying art in Utah to ancient medicinal practices and the emerging cannabis industry in Minnesota.

A conversation with Russ Salgy Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

This month, I sit down with Russ Salgy, Agency Director of Valley Youth Center. We talk about growing up in Upper Denfeld- folks that is a core Duluthian geography reference! We also chat the legendary Ivin Club Table Tennis Team, and their recent merger with Northwoods Children's Services, and the resulting expansion in youth assets and programming as well as additional staff support and training.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected