Attracted To Duluth: Recent Episodes
The Lake Superior Zoo & St. Louis County Depot
Each episode we talk about weird & wonderful attractions in Duluth (past & present) and the people keeping it that way.
One Duluthy historical romance novel wasn't enough! This time on Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey are joined by Jay Gabler for another episode of romance book club. Tune in to hear the trio recount the incredible tale of love, loss, shipwrecks, and ghosts that is Ashland Price's In From the Storm. Tighten your stern gate and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. This is an episode that you're sure to fall in love with.
This episode includes spoilers for In From the Storm and discusses adult themes from the novel.
Which shipwreck with a Duluth connection has a big anniversary this year?
If you guessed the Edmund Fitzgerald, you're not wrong, but on the latest episode of A2D we dive into the story of an older wreck. For this installment, Caroline and Hailey are joined by friend of the show, local musician, and resident boat expert, Duluth's Famous Kaylee! It's been 120 years since the Mataafa disaster, but the story remains one of the most impactful wrecks on Lake Superior. Pour some whisky and grab your coziest blanket, because this harrowing tale is sure to chill you to the bone.
On this episode of A2D, Caroline and Hailey sit down with Haley Hedstrom, the new Executive Director of Visit Duluth! We talk about her background working within Duluth's tourism industry, advice for the next generation of leaders, and her thoughts on Taylor Swift. You know, just standard business interview stuff.
Tune in to the latest episode of A2D for our thrilling conclusion in a murder mystery over 100 years in the making. This finale has lawsuits, two divorces, and an entirely unrelated additional murder... Or is it? Join Caroline and Hailey as they speculate wildly on the mysterious death of John McAlpine.
In this sensational second part to Blood and Timber, Caroline and Hailey delve even deeper into the mysterious death of Duluth millionaire, John McAlpine. This episode has bankruptcy, family infighting, a break-in, and even more lawsuits! Be sure to tune in and hear this next installment as we try to get to the bottom of this mysterious death.
The millionaire lumberman, in his basement, with a handgun. It sounds like something out of the board game Clue, but the mysterious death of John McAlpine was all too real.
In our first ever multi-part series, Attracted to Duluth explores the 1913 death of a wealthy Duluthian. Though widely reported on at the time, this story has largely been lost to time. Join Hailey and Caroline in the accusing parlor as we recount the facts of the case, make witty asides, and attempt to get to the bottom of this twisting tale.
On this latest episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey are joined by journalist and friend of the pod, Jay Gabler. Tune in to hear all about his new book, 100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die, as well as his personal history with writing. This episode is packed with cool Duluth stuff, you'll certainly find something to add to your bucket list!
In the late 1880s, what winter sport craze swept through Duluth?
In this episode of Attracted to Duluth, we embrace the cold and make the best of it! Without winter we wouldn’t have had goofy woolen uniforms, ice carnivals, or the opportunity to get frisky on a sled. Put on your snowshoes and pack your bags for St. Moritz, because this episode is too cool to skip.
This time on Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline are joined by Boubville representatives Annmarie Geniusz and Daniel Benoit. Located in Duluth's central hillside neighborhood, this immersive DIY holiday event flips everything you think you know about a Duluth Christmas event on its head! With art installations, music, and smoked turkey legs, this three night long event is a spectacle you won't want to miss.
What baseball hall of famer spent time on Minnesota’s Iron Range, and was even a witness in a Virginia murder trial?
This time on Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline tackle the stranger than fiction story of Rube Waddell, the left-handed pitcher who loved fire trucks, fishing, and baseball… in that order. Tune in to hear the story of how he ended up in Virginia MN, the shade he threw at Superior WI, and how he stumbled upon a crime scene…Not in that order.
What temporary event in 1893 attracted more than 27 million visitors?
On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline are talking all about the Chicago World's Fair! Chicago wanted to show the world that they were a major city of the world, and Duluth was eager to prove the same. Tune in to learn all about the local angles we could track down about this event that still manages to capture our imaginations.
For this episode of Attracted to Duluth we're joined by two representatives from Minnesota Ballet, a husband and wife team, Karl von Rabenau and Jennifer Miller. We talk about their journeys to becoming professional ballerinas, their work with Minnesota Ballet, and how they first met through dance. Don't miss this installment, because you'll fall in love with the world of ballet!
Attracted to Duluth is back for another episode and this time Caroline and Hailey met up with Shawn Roos, the owner of The Main Club. This LGBT+ bar and club has been a beloved space in the Twin Ports community since 1983. It's survived a change in location, a change in ownership, and even the changing of the felt on the pool tables. Tune in to hear about Shawn's journey as a business owner, the history of The Main, and how to order fancy shots without making your bartender grumpy. Cheers!
This time on Attracted to Duluth, let your hair down as Caroline and Hailey meet up with Bee Golding, the owner of Deep Cuts. Tune in to hear about how Bee first discovered Duluth, how she opening up her punk-rock barbershop, and what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community in The Twin Ports. We also talk about her musical duo, Campfire Tranarchists, which was lovingly described as "encapsulating the soundscapes of a strung-out possum," amongst other things.
On the latest installment of Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Alice O'Callaghan of Zenith City Horror. For more than 15 years Zenith City Horror has been The Twin Ports' premier queer production company, and we sat down with Alice to hear all about the history of the group and some exciting things coming soon. Of course, we still had time to talk about the other projects she has in the works and touch base on the latest season of Bridgerton. You won't want to miss (Cupcake) this!
On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, we're talking all things Duluth Superior Pride Festival with Public Relations chair, Josh Miller. This summer will be the festival's 38th year in the Twin Ports, and Josh takes us through his history with the festival, a major personal highlight, and a unique event hosted by The North Shore Scenic Rail that's unlike any other! Of course, since Josh is a fellow Depot dweller, we talk about some of the other unique train events you don't want to miss!
On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey sit down with Michele Halti to learn about the annual and upcoming car show events in the Twin Ports. Tune in as we talk about some of Michele's beloved antique cars, the great stuff to do at these shows, and how you can get involved.
Who was Frank N. Foster? In the latest episode of "Attracted to Duluth" we dive into the mysterious Minnesotan who scammed his way from coast to coast taking photographs of "spirits" all along the way. Tune in as Caroline and Hailey dig into the story of a man who defied the laws of nature and also the laws that say you can't lie to people about how those ghosts showed up in the back of their photographs. Feel free to inspect our camera, the lens, and our entire photography studio...We certainly don't have anything to hide!
What Broadway musical is named after Duluth Minnesota? On the latest episode of "Attracted to Duluth", we're joined by Cal Metts of the Lyric Opera of the North and filmmaker Mike Scholtz to talk about The Duke of Duluth, the short-lived musical that one New York review called "a painful jumble of nonsense." But is the show actually as bad as they said? We'll let you be the judge! To hear Cal sing some songs from the musical, check out the episode of Minnesota Historia on The Duke of Duluth, at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O672H7y_Aww
What historic home located on the shores of Lake Superior offers surprises all year long? In this installment of Attracted to Duluth, we chat with Glensheen director Dustin Heckman about all things history. With topics like local cemeteries, museum conferences, and mysterious discoveries on the grounds of Glensheen, this episode is basically chicken soup for the history lover's soul.
Which prohibition playboy tormented the Twin Ports and lived rent-free in the mind of Ripsaw editor John Morrison? On the latest episode of Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline dig into the story of one Superior citizen who was persecuted for being a small business owner...That business happened to be running an illegal speak-easy during prohibition, but with a cool name like "Gefuellte Max" I think we should at least hear his side of the story!
What once-condemned building is now on track to soon welcome the community back inside? On this episode of Attracted to Duluth we're joined by Michelle of the Armory Arts & Music Center as she talks us through the history of The Armory, the fight to save the building, and the path ahead. You've heard about the day the music died, but we're here to tell you that every day the music is gettin' closer to returning to this historic treasure of a building!
On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey share some highlights from historic Duluth newspapers originally published during the holiday season. Grab a hot cocoa, crack open some oysters, and prepare to be visited by three ghosts sent by The Labor World newspaper to make you a better person. Brought to you by Daddy's Pancake Mix.
What do Gordon Lightfoot, Hozier, Regis Philbin, and Florence Welch all have in common? On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Kaylee Matuszak and Ian Wallin to talk about the most famous vessel to wrestle with the witch of November, the Edmund Fitzgerald. Tune in as we learn about the mysterious unit of measurement known as a knot, discuss the rogue wave sinking theory, and decide that we never want to be on another boat ever again!
Are you ready to fall in love? Because in this episode, we're giving Attracted to Duluth a whole other meaning! Jay Gabler joins us for our steamiest and most controversial episode yet as we discuss Laura Ashcroft's Duluth-based romance novel, Heart of Fire. You might not associate spiciness and Scandinavians, but we promise this novel has both in abundance! Listeners should know that this episode is one big spoiler, and we do discuss steamy scenes.
Which women's undergarment did the state of Minnesota attempt to ban? This time on Attracted to Duluth, we compare Taylor Swift to the Chicago World Fair, discuss strategies for ladies hoping to avoid exposing themselves to insult, and one doughy little lawyer from Minneapolis. Put on your farthingale and headphones, because this is an episode you won't want to miss.
What off-broadway play written by Will Arbery is coming to The Depot Theatre? On this episode of Attracted To Duluth, Depot Director Mary Tennis is subbing in for Kristin as we're joined by Director, Mark Armstrong as he talks about his production of "Heroes of the Fourth Turning." Tune in to hear all about his journey from Duluth to New York, his theatre career, his time in "the scene" back in the '90s, and his love of Erbert and Gerbert's sandwiches.
What's the coolest web-based Minnesota documentary series coming out of Duluth?
On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be recruited to join an all-clown marching band. We're joined by local documentary filmmaker and weird history enjoyer, Mike Scholtz, as he tells us all about his recent PBS North series Minnesota Historia (which Hailey just so happens to host.)
Attracted to Duluth is kicking off Pride month with our friends at Trans Northland! In this installment, we chat with Trans Joy Fest organizers Sean Hayes and Joe Murphy to talk all about their upcoming second annual event, as well as hear ways that we can support our transgender friends and neighbors all year long!
We Love Our Block!
This week on Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Sarah and Annika from The City of Duluth's Love Your Block program. The Love Your Block model encourages innovation and experimentation to reduce blight through resident and government partnerships. Together we talk about our city's history and hone in on the Central Hillside, the neighborhood The Depot is proud to call "our block."
What defunct Duluth amusement park once sat on Park Point? This time on Attracted To Duluth we explore the largely-forgotten amusement park that once boasted rides, attractions, and some absolutely wild live stunts and performances that are a miracle anyone survived! Step right up and listen to the greatest show on earth... or at least the greatest show in one specific part of Duluth.
What Duluth attraction is home to North America's largest sturgeon touchpool? This week we're joined by Jay Walker of the Great Lakes Aquarium as he dives into the story of how the organization came to be, and how he came to join it. Be sure to tuna-in!
Why are lighthouses the setting for so many spooky stories?
This week we're joined by Ian Wallin, a lighthouse enthusiast and TikTok micro-influencer, as they drop some serious lighthouse knowledge on us. From Edgar Allen Poe to Willem Dafoe, horror media has loved lighthouses for over 100 years, but why? Tune in as Ian tells us about the wonderful world of lighthouse keeping and all the potential ways to die while doing it!
We Love Iron Will, Still Featuring The Upper Midwest Film Office and The Lake Superior Railroad Museum
What Disney movie filmed in Duluth still manages to connect with our community 20+ years later? This week we're joined by Riki McManus and Ken Buehler as they discuss their involvement in the production of the film that every Duluthian (besides Hailey, apparently) has seen and loves! And other hot Hollywood gossip.
What iconic Duluth attraction hasn't always been quiiite so tourist friendly?
This week we're joined by special guest Kaylee Matuszak as we discuss Duluth's Canal Park through the ages, the appeal of non-decrepit bathrooms, and missing mannequin drama.
What do The Lake Superior Zoo, The Depot, and Superior Public Museums all have in common? Ghosts!
Join us for this special episode of Attracted to Duluth, as we talk about all the things that go bump in the night with special guest Brittany Plachecki.
What Lake Superior Zoo resident was familiar with the inside of a pilot's cockpit? Here's a hint, she also met Hedy Lamarr! Join us for another episode of Attracted to Duluth, as we dive into a tale that will leave you hungry for more!
What now defunct Duluth attraction originally served tourists, citizens and horses? Anyone have a guess? Join us as we explore the history of Duluth's hillside, the glory days of hot-air balloon launchings, and a flaming car rushing through town.
Which famous Duluthian recieved a federal pardon from execution and whose survival would be described by President John F. Kennedy as "a classic example of government by the people"? Join us as we learn more about this fascinating and really cute story that is authentically Duluth.