Light Skin Pod

Light Skin Pod Light Skin Pod was created to have real conversations, with real people, about real issues

08/08/2026

Episode 81: Nathan Kesti – Downtown Duluth Outreach Specialist

This week on The Light Skin Pod, we welcome Downtown Duluth Outreach Specialist Nathan Kesti.

Born in Plymouth, Devon, England, Nathan moved to the United States at a young age. He grew up in Duluth's westernmost neighborhood, Fond du Lac, and graduated from Wrenshall High School. Although he initially pursued graphic arts in college, he soon discovered his true passion was serving others.

After working in a variety of roles with the City of Duluth, Parks & Recreation, and the Valley Youth Center, Nathan found his calling as Downtown Duluth's Outreach Specialist. In this role, he walks nearly eight miles each day, building trust and meaningful relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. He also works closely with local businesses, creating partnerships that support both the downtown community and the people he serves.

Join us as Nathan shares his journey, discusses the realities of outreach work, and offers a firsthand look at the challenges, successes, and human connections that come with serving some of Duluth's most vulnerable residents.

05/30/2026

Episode 80: Larry Pulkrabek & Chris Nehring – Mont Du Lac Resort
This week on the Light Skin Pod, Mont du Lac Resort owner Larry Pulkrabek and General Manager Chris Nehring join the show to share their unique journeys and the story behind one of the Midwest’s most iconic resorts. Larry discusses his entrepreneurial background, including the creation of businesses such as Field Logic, Rage Broadheads, and Raven Crossbows, before eventually becoming owner and operator of Mont Du Lac Resort alongside his wife, Donna.
Chris talks about his path in the golf world, from becoming a professional golfer to managing golf courses, as well as his passion for archery that ultimately led him to Bowfest and his role at the resort.
Together, they discuss the incredible growth Mont Du Lac has experienced in recent years, the wide variety of year-round attractions the resort offers, and what the future holds for one of North America’s longest-running ski hills.

05/23/2026

Episode 79: Russ Salgy – Agency Director, Valley Youth Center

This week, Valley Youth Center Director Russ Salgy joins the Light Skin Pod. A lifelong West Duluth resident, Russ shares stories from growing up in the neighborhood, graduating from Denfeld High School, and attending University of Minnesota Duluth, where he earned a degree in City Planning and Administration.

Russ reflects on his early years working at the Valley Youth Center and how each step in his professional journey eventually led him back to the organization. We also discuss the importance of youth centers in the community, the challenges and rewards that come with serving local youth, and the lasting positive impact the Valley Youth Center continues to have on generations of families in Duluth.

05/18/2026

Episode 78: Gordon Ramsay – St. Louis County Sheriff
This week, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay joins the Light Skin Pod. Born in Missouri and raised right here in Duluth, Gordon reflects on his early years growing up in the Northland, attending local schools, and his college experience before beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.

Starting out in nearby Iron River, Wisconsin, Gordon shares the journey that led him through multiple departments and leadership roles across the Midwest. From his time serving in Milwaukee, to returning home to Duluth to become Chief of Police and later taking on the role of Chief of Police in Wichita, Kansas. Gordon offers insight into the challenges and lessons that shaped his career.

Eventually returning to Northern Minnesota, Gordon became Sheriff of St. Louis County, where he now oversees one of the region’s most important public service organizations. We also discuss the many responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Department, including policing, operating the county jail, coordinating rescue operations, and serving communities across the Northland.

05/02/2026

Episode 77: Cullen Flaherty – Black Woods Group

This week on the Light Skin Pod, we’re joined by Cullen Flaherty, President of the Black Woods Group. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Cullen moved to Duluth at a young age and grew up working alongside his father at Perkins Family Restaurant while balancing school and hockey.

Cullen shares his journey to the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where he studied Hospitality and Tourism and continued his hockey career. He also reflects on time spent in Estes Park, Colorado with his mom, where skiing became a regular part of his visits.

In the episode, Cullen dives into the origins and growth of the Black Woods Group, including the expansion of Black Woods restaurants, the creation of Tavern on the Hill, the revitalization of Greysolon Plaza, and the development of their catering operations. We wrap up by discussing how the group has adapted and evolved in response to major shifts in the restaurant industry.

04/25/2026

Episode 76: Mandy June Turpin – Actress & Producer
This week, actress and producer Mandy June Turpin joins the Light Skin Pod. With an impressive résumé that includes acting roles in Nashville, A Sunday Horse, and NCIS, along with producing films in Los Angeles and right here in Duluth, Minnesota.
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Mandy originally attended college with plans of becoming an attorney. After taking an acting class as part of her coursework, she discovered a passion for the arts and transferred to UCLA, where she earned a degree in Theatre Film and Television.
After building her career in Los Angeles, Mandy first came to Duluth while working on the film Merry Kiss Cam. Since then, she has been involved in seven additional films shot locally. We talked with Mandy about her acting career, producing projects, past roles, and future projects planned locally.

03/28/2026

Episode 75: Laura Mullen – Bent Paddle Co-Founder & Entrepreneur

This week on The Light Skin Pod, we sit down with Laura Mullen, co-owner of Bent Paddle Brewing. A Duluth native, Laura reflects on her family’s deep roots in the area, growing up in the Chester Creek neighborhood, and her time at Marshall High School.

Laura initially attended college outside of Chicago before transferring back to the Midwest to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a degree in Behavioral Science and Law. After graduating, she moved to Savannah, Georgia, and began her career as an event assistant at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Eventually returning closer to home, Laura settled in Minneapolis and took a role with Minnesota Monthly. At just 25 years old, she launched her own business, Laura Mullen Event Design, where she went on to produce more than 200 events, including beer festivals, weddings, and art shows.

It was through one of these beer events that Laura met her future husband. Together, along with their business partners, they co-founded Bent Paddle Brewing in 2010. In this episode, Laura shares the story behind the Bent Paddle name, the challenges of running a craft brewery, and her vision for the company’s future.

In July 2025, Laura expanded her entrepreneurial journey with the launch of her newest venture, Aura Consulting.

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