Pressroom Podcast

Not sure how this happened, but for two years in a row we've started out the new year seeing what The Social Animals are up too.

Lead singer Dedric Clark, a Cloquet native, tells us what it was like to go on tour with Dashboard Confessional, The All American Rejects, and also play some shows with Blues Traveler, and The Shins. Clark also shares the story behind the band's new song "Cheer up Charlie."

The group is also gearing up to play for The Current's 13th Birthday Party on Jan. 19 at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

Nathan Holte and Alex Piazza of the Duluth band Alamode join hosts Christa Lawler and Brooks Johnson to talk about the band's debut album "Swell."

The pop/disco/dance/"Slovakian folk" band is shaking things up around the Twin Ports, which has gotten really bluegrass centric.

Have an idea for the show? Email us at [email protected].

Karen Sunderman and Steve Ash of the local PBS affiliate WDSE-WRPT join us to talk about their new show "Making It Up North," which airs January 7.

The new show features entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and many more who call the Northland home and make a living doing what they love. Sunderman and Ash talk about a few of the people they are following for this series and everyone shares what they would do for a career if they had to give everything up right now.

Have an idea for the show? Email us at [email protected]

This week we look back at the year's top stories with Duluth News Tribune editor Rick Lubbers.

Some of the top stories are obvious ones, like the allegations against U.S. Senator Al Franken and his resignation, or the October storm that destroyed the Lakewalk, while others are more specific to each reporter.

Hear Christa, Tom and Brady share their personal favorite, or most memorable, stories from 2017, while Rick shares the many changes the paper underwent this past year.

What stories stuck out to you? Let us know at [email protected].

Katie Danielson and Stacey Achterhoff work with homeless youth in the Duluth School District every day.

Last year, Danielson said 488 youth in the school district were homeless. Achterhoff has 49 students along at Myers-Wilkins Elementary that are homeless this school year.

The two educators explain what their days look like working with homeless youth, what types of services they provide to the children and their families and how they keep the kids school lives as normal as possible.

In November, Renee Van Nett was the first female Native American elected to the Duluth City Council.

"I didn't even think about that part until somebody said it publicly in that language and I thought, 'Oh, really?' " said Van Nett. "It's an honor and I totally dig it, but I'm focused on getting things done."

We catch up with her to see how she is preparing to take her seat on the council representing Duluth's 4th District. Van Nett shares her top priorities and how her Native American culture will help her to understand the people of her district, which included Duluth Heights, Piedmont Heights, Lincoln Park and part of West Duluth.

He's been called "The straw that stirs the drink" in Duluth's music scene.

Bob Monahan, aka Duluth's Music Mayor, visits with News Tribune reporters to talk abut the Twin Ports music scene, his music venue The Red Herring and his newest hostel venture.

Not the horror movie, the trendy European way of exploring a new city without having to spend most of your money on a hotel instead of food and experiences.

Monahan describes what his hostel will look like, what it will feature and who he expects to attract as customers.

Duluth folk musician Charlie Parr, known for his guitar playing and authenticity, recently released his 14th record.

"It didn't feel good, but it was something that I needed to say. So that's exactly what this record is about," said Parr about his new album "Dog," which addresses his battle with depression and mental health.

"It's cathartic for sure. I'm glad it's out of me. ... It's not as therapeutic as I'd like it to be."

Parr shares what it's like to be a "hobo" on the road eating beans off the hood of his van and what he enjoys most about being home when he's not on tour.

Brady Slater, Tom Olsen and Christa Lawler share their favorite moments, guests and so much more from the past two years of producing this weekly podcast for listeners in the Northland and beyond.

The crew talks about what goes on behind the scenes in our makeshift studio and what plans lie ahead for year three.

Two years ago, to the date, the Pressroom Podcast was born. And today our very first guest joins us to reminisce about our venture into the unknown.

Just like we have changed and grown in the last two years, so has singer/songwriter/yogi Mary Bue. Since we last saw her, Bue moved away from Duluth, started her own yoga studio, got some new bandmates, and went on an artists retreat of a lifetime.

Birthday Bonus: After you listen to this episode be sure to check out our bonus episode where we share our favorite moments and guest from the last two years.