For The Love Of Duluth highlights what makes the city on Lake Superior so special as told by two Duluthians, one transplant and one lifelong resident. The duo touches on everything Duluth has to offer: the art, culture, food, beer and of course, the view.
98. Author Alex Messenger Returns To Talk Duluth-Centric New Book 'The Ice On The Lake'
If you are a loyal listener to For The Love Of Duluth, you likely remember one of our former guests: author and photographer Alex Messenger. Premiering in 2023, the episode centered around his gripping memoir detailing a grizzly attack he suffered in the Canadian wilderness when he was just seventeen. Now, three years later, the Deephaven native is back as our first ever return podcast guest to talk all about his brand new book The Ice On The Lake. The Duluth-centered book is a work of fiction, centering around a man named Hugh who, upon receiving a terminal health diagnosis, goes ice fishing on Lake Superior to clear his head. Turbulent weather strikes, and the lead begins reflecting on his life while at the same time fighting for his own survival. The publication is part survival story, part psychological drama, part thriller, exploring all things grief, redemption and of course, the harsh beauty of Lake Superior. The best part? It’s all set in the Zenith City, making Alex’s book the perfect read for the bookworms in our own backyard - and making him the perfect person to be our guest TWICE on For The Love Of Duluth. Warning: there may be a few spoilers ahead!
2 Apr 2026
97. Taking A Page Out Of Jennifer Jubenville’s Book
The average American reads about twelve books a year on average, getting lost in a story for about nineteen minutes a day. The benefits of being a bookworm are hard to beat, with recent studies suggesting that the hobby relieves stress more than any other, improves focus and leads to a better night of sleep. For all of these reasons and more, you should book it to The Bookstore At Fitger’s, a special space located on the first floor of the famed Duluth mall. The spot is keen on celebrating the history, culture and natural beauty of our region, all while holding court just a few feet away from the shores of Lake Superior. This is not your average bookstore, locally-owned and independent, with a selection carefully curated for their specific clientele, their offerings as unique as the city the store calls home. Being bound to books is a good thing: just ask Jennifer Jubenville, the Store Manager for the beloved bookstore. She’s been working in the book business since 2015, snagging the role she holds today just a few years later in March of 2018. It’s the perfect job for Jennifer, an avid reader who truly lives and breathes books, reading a whopping 385 just last year! Her role leading the booksellers at The Bookstore At Fitger’s was truly bound to happen and in this episode, she shares her story, just like the ones she surrounds herself with each and every day.
19 Mar 2026
96. The REEL Deal: Actor, Producer, Writer & Director Mandy June Turpin
The average American watches just under 4,000 movies throughout their lifetime, amounting to nearly ten years of time well-spent in front of the tube. There’s people that watch movies and then there’s those that make them. Enter Mandy June Turpin, a writer, director, producer and one of the founders of Iron North Productions, largely responsible for the major influx of films shooting in our region as of late. She’s also done incredible work in front of the camera as a highly-successful actress, with an impressive career spanning across both film and television. Her resume includes roles on some of the most buzzed about television shows of the past few decades, from 9-1-1 to Hawaii Five-O to Grey’s Anatomy and every hit series in-between. These days, the Tucson native has been instrumental in helping the Northern Minnesota movie business come to life in a monumental way, wrapping her sixth Northland-made movie at the end of 2025 - and she's just getting started. It’s safe to say that with Mandy leading the pack, it’s all but guaranteed we will be entertained for years to come. She joins us for a magical episode of For The Love Of Duluth detailing her journey from Arizona to Hollywood to the Zenith City.
Who has been a guest on For The Love Of Duluth
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Mark Nicklawske
Sandi Daytner
Matthew Sjelin
Sharon McMahon
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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