In this powerful and honest episode of Iron Range Adventures, we sit down with Steve Solkela— the wildly entertaining one-man band, comedian, and performer who has taken his small-town beginnings all the way to international stages, including performances connected to Minnesota and Finland.

Most people see the high-energy entertainer.
The accordion. The punchlines. The laughter.

But in this conversation, Steve shares the deeper story.

We explore:

• 🎵 The evolution of the one-man band and how he incorporates multiple instruments into one unforgettable act
• 🌲 How rural roots and family support shaped his artistic courage
• 💰 The real challenges of self-promotion and financial stability in the entertainment industry
• 🧠 The mental model of resilience required to survive as a performer
• 😂 Why humor isn’t just entertainment — it’s survival

This episode pulls back the curtain on the life of a performer. Steve speaks candidly about success, failure, mental resilience, and what it means to “give it everything,” even when the path isn’t easy.

“Humor is the purpose of life.”
“I am in fact a failure, but I gave it everything.”
“Life’s not easy, but humor helps us survive.”

We also dive into practical advice for aspiring small-town artists chasing big dreams — and the undeniable importance of community support in sustaining local arts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a creative career from the Iron Range — this episode is both inspiring and grounding.

Follow Steve Solkela'supcoming shows and support his music and merchandise.
Share this episode to inspire the next generation of small-town creators.
And consider hiring or supporting local performers — because strong communities invest in their artists.

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In this episode of the Iron Range Adventures Podcast, Steve sits down with Alicia Dick — Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), organizational consultant, trauma-informed systems thinker, educator, runner, and founder of Be Well Within.

Alicia shares her journey from child protection and healthcare to higher education and community systems work, explaining why real change can’t focus only on individuals — it has to include families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. They dive into what “trauma-informed” really means, why behavior is rooted in neuroscience, and how small moments of human connection can create powerful change.

The conversation also explores:

• Why change is so hard even when people agree it’s needed
• How burnout impacts educators and communities
• The role of nervous system regulation in leadership and life
• How running and time in nature fuel clarity and resilience
• Why community is the Iron Range’s greatest strength

Alicia also opens up about moving to the Iron Range just before COVID, finding belonging in a new community, building her business without social media, and what it means to truly be “well within.”

This is a thoughtful, honest, and inspiring conversation about leadership, healing, connection, and building healthier systems — together.

In this episode of Iron Range Adventures, host Steve sits down with Steve Bondich, Mayor of Biwabik, for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about leadership, community, and the unique pride of the Iron Range.

Mayor Bondich shares his journey growing up on the Range, lessons learned from a hardworking family, military service, union leadership, and how those experiences shape the way he serves his community today. The conversation dives into what it really means to be a mayor in a small town, why volunteering is so deeply rooted in Iron Range culture, and how even a small amount of involvement can make a big difference.

They also explore Biwabik’s Bavarian roots, the future of economic development, outdoor recreation, housing, and why the city is becoming a destination—connected to Giants Ridge, trails, and year-round adventure. Along the way, Steve opens up about respect, kindness, social media culture, and why community still matters more than ever.

This episode is a reminder that strong towns are built by people who care—and that the Iron Range’s best days are still ahead.

In this episode of the Iron Range Adventures Podcast, host Steve sits down with Joy Ausman, a woman whose life has been shaped by courage, curiosity, and an unbreakable sense of adventure.

Raised in Esko, Minnesota, Joy joined the United States Marine Corps at just 17 years old, navigating the challenges of military life as a woman, a leader, and a mother. Her journey spans service during Desert Storm, raising a family while on active duty, and later pursuing a lifelong dream of serving in the Peace Corps. Along the way, her Finnish heritage and the concept of SISU—strength, resilience, and perseverance—became guiding forces in her life.

Joy shares powerful reflections on overcoming fear, knowing your worth, occupying your space, and doing hard things even when you feel uncertain. From military service to global travel, motherhood, and chasing purpose at every stage of life, this conversation is honest, inspiring, and deeply human.

If you’re searching for motivation to pursue bold goals, navigate change, or simply believe in yourself a little more, this episode is for you.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
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On this episode of the Iron Range Ventures Podcast, we sit down with Jada Makin, founder of Sinsational, an organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals and their families through media, apparel, cosmetics, educational resources, and more.

Jada shares her journey as a biracial entrepreneur, the challenges she’s faced navigating systemic issues in correctional facilities, and how she turned personal experiences into a mission-driven business. From overcoming corruption to empowering others through tailored services, she offers a powerful perspective on resilience, community, and creating meaningful impact.

Tune in to hear her advice for young entrepreneurs, her vision for the future of Sensational, and her thoughts on the importance of second chances.

In this episode of Iron Range Adventures, we sit down with Ronnie Rayford Jr., a wildland firefighter, fire prevention specialist, and community advocate who has spent over a decade working on the front lines of some of the most intense wildfires in the United States.

Ronnie shares his journey from growing up in California to building a life on Minnesota’s Iron Range after a simple fishing trip changed everything. We talk about what it was like experiencing his first Iron Range winter, why he fell in love with the region, and why he has no plans to ever move back west.

With ten years of experience in wildland firefighting, Ronnie opens up about fighting fires across the country, including his time responding to the Paradise, California fire that inspired the film The Lost Bus. He explains what life is really like on a hand crew, the physical and mental challenges of the job, and the deep bonds formed when you trust others with your life.

This conversation also dives into fire prevention, land stewardship, and why fire is a natural and necessary tool when managed correctly. Ronnie discusses the growing fire risks in Northern Minnesota, the importance of homeowner education, and how community involvement plays a key role in protecting the Iron Range.

If you are interested in wildland firefighting, forestry, conservation, or hands-on careers, Ronnie shares practical advice on how to get started, what certifications are needed, and why trying the work before committing is so important. We also talk about volunteering, mentorship, and working with the next generation of land stewards.

We wrap up with rapid-fire questions, Iron Range favorites like Redhead Mountain Bike Trails and tater tot hotdish, and powerful advice for anyone chasing big dreams or big adventures.

This episode is about hard work, purpose, resilience, and finding opportunity right where you are.

🎧 Iron Range Adventures where local voices meet big adventures.

In this episode of Iron Range Adventures, we sit down with Kalen, owner of Steel Fitness in Hibbing, for a raw and motivating conversation about work ethic, discipline, family, and building something meaningful in your hometown.

Kalen opens the episode with a powerful mindset that sets the tone for the entire conversation. Keep working. Turn your feelings off. Get uncomfortable. Outwork everyone. There are no guarantees, only effort.

A former miner with nearly twelve years at HibTac and experience at Magnetation, Kaelin shares how his path eventually led him to gym ownership. What started as a general desire to own a business turned into Steel Fitness after his wife encouraged him to take a closer look. Shortly after purchasing the gym, Kalen was laid off from mining, forcing him to go all in on the business and bet on himself.

We talk about why Hibbing was the only place he wanted to build, how community and positivity shape the culture inside the gym, and the realities of balancing business ownership with raising three kids. Kalen opens up about hard days, where motivation really comes from, and how family always pulls him back when things get heavy.

The conversation also dives into mental health, the importance of movement, and why gyms can be powerful community spaces even beyond physical fitness. Kaelin shares what a typical day looks like from early mornings with his kids to long days at the gym, and gives a glimpse into the future vision for Steel Fitness.

We wrap up with fun rapid-fire questions, personal reflections, and honest advice for younger entrepreneurs. His message is simple but powerful. Learn to be uncomfortable. Keep moving forward. Growth does not come from comfort.

This episode is about discipline, trust, relationships, and building something that lasts in a small community.

🎧 Iron Range Adventures where local voices meet big adventures.

In this episode of Iron Range Adventures, we sit down with Cal Wallace, a lifelong Iron Range resident, third-generation miner, steelworker, father of nine, and Minnesota state legislator.

Cal describes himself simply as a son of the Iron Range. After nearly three decades working as a steelworker, he shares what the mining industry taught him about solidarity, leadership, hard work, and community. We talk about labor, union leadership, and how those experiences shaped his approach to serving people today.

Recorded in the heart of Eveleth at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, this conversation dives into Cal’s journey from township government to state office, why he decided to run for office, and what he believes people misunderstand most about politics and elected officials.

Cal opens up about how becoming a father changed his perspective on work, responsibility, and the future, and how faith, family, and community help him push through hard days. He also shares his vision for sustaining and expanding mining on the Iron Range, protecting core industries, and ensuring future generations can continue to build a life here.

We wrap up with rapid-fire fun questions, Iron Range hidden gems, favorite local restaurants, and what Cal hopes people will say he accomplished for the Iron Range when his time in office is done.

This episode is about service, responsibility, community pride, and finding a way to make things happen, no matter how long it takes.

🎧 Iron Range Adventures where local voices meet big adventures.

In this episode of Iron Range Adventures, we sit down with Sean, CEO and owner of the Red Rock Hotel in Hibbing, Minnesota, for an honest and inspiring conversation about vision, perseverance, and community.

We start by celebrating a big milestone — 24 years of marriage — and Sean shares his belief that lasting success, both in life and business, comes from partnership, understanding, and friendship.

Sean opens up about his journey into hospitality, which was anything but easy. Coming from humble beginnings, he describes himself as a natural problem solver — someone willing to take on challenges head-on and learn from the experiences of others. That mindset eventually led him to step away from his traditional career and search for a project that could truly make a difference.

After traveling across multiple states in search of the right opportunity, Sean found something special on the Iron Range. Not just a building — but a region full of untapped potential. His goal wasn’t to simply open another hotel, but to restore, rebuild, and create a destination that could serve the community for the next 100 years.

The journey hasn’t been easy. The project took far longer than expected and required major personal sacrifices, including time, finances, and comfort. Through it all, Sean credits his family’s unwavering support for keeping him going during the hardest moments — when the lights were cut off, setbacks piled up, and quitting would’ve been easier.

This episode is about more than business. It’s about belief, resilience, community support, and the idea that it’s not over until you win.