Today’s recording of Shining Light on Minnesota had our host Karissa Dunham sitting down with Paul N. Long, MBA for a powerful conversation on the medical world.
We talked about patient experience, advancing technology, provider burnout, adoption, caring for aging parents and the real challenges shaping healthcare today.
Paul is a truly caring and genuine individual with a strong background in the healthcare industry. He is dedicated to improving the medical world for the needs of the community and brings insight, compassion and real leadership. He is also currently looking for his next role where he can continue making an impact.
Stay tuned. This episode is a must for anyone in the medical field and anyone invested in the future of patient care.
What an amazing day on Shining Light on Minnesota as we sat down with , Lisa Lounsbury, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC from Art Lab Rx and this conversation was everything inspiring uplifting and full of heart.
We dove into the power of art therapy and how Lisa is helping people heal grow and reconnect through creativity. She opened up and shared some of her own personal stories that shaped her passion for this work and each one was so moving.
We also talked about the incredible transformation of her building and how she turned it into a space filled with warmth creativity and purpose It is a place where people can walk in and feel supported and inspired!
On this episode of Shining Light on Minnesota, we spotlight MagicBrad, a Minnesota-born creative who has spent his life blending imagination with entrepreneurship. Our mission is to highlight the people shaping our state in meaningful ways, and MagicBrad’s story fits that mission perfectly.
Brad “MagicBrad” Gudim discovered magic at just four years old, sparking a fascination with creativity and possibility that carried into adulthood. From childhood garage theaters to a long career in magic, marketing, and event production, he has partnered with major brands, produced expos, and built a reputation for turning ideas into impact.
In our conversation, MagicBrad shares how curiosity, collaboration, and playful thinking have guided his journey. He talks about making a living living life and why embracing both reality and wonder can open unexpected doors. It’s an inspiring look at a Minnesotan who continues to reinvent what is possible.
✨ Today on Shining Light on Minnesota we had the absolute joy of sitting down with the incredible Gretchen Mildon the heart behind Boomcakes Bakery! ✨
Our host Karissa Dunham dove into all things Boomcakes from Gretchen’s insanely popular sourdough bread and focaccia to her festive Christmas cookies that Santa himself would line up for. But this conversation went far deeper than baked goods.
Gretchen opened up about her journey her faith and how Boomcakes grew from a simple love for baking into a full on community movement. She talked about how she and her husband first met while working for the Roseville Fire Department Minnesota and how they have continued building their life and businesses side by side. Not only does she run Boomcakes but she also helps with payroll for her husband’s trailer company showing what true teamwork and partnership looks like.
We also talked about her passion for inspiring others to get back in the kitchen. Gretchen has been pouring her heart into social media to help people slow down create and bring more homemade love into their homes. Whether it is sourdough cookies or encouragement she is using Boomcakes to spread light in every direction.
This warm real and inspiring episode is just in time for Thanksgiving.
#ShiningLightOnMinnesota #BoomCakesBakery #MinnesotaBusinesses #FaithAndCommunity #LocalLove #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BakingWithHeart #SupportLocalMN
On this recording of Shining Light on Minnesota our host Karissa Dunham had the honor of sitting down over Zoom with LPGA legend Brittany Lincicome. With two major championships, eight LPGA Tour wins, and one of the longest drives in the history of the women’s game, Brittany has made an incredible impact on golf and still is!
She shared reflections on nearly 20 years on tour, stepping back from full time competition, and the moments that meant the most to her. One of the highlights was hearing about her final round on tour and how meaningful it was to have her dad carry her bag that last day. We also talked about life beyond golf, her love for fishing, and the balance of career and family.
Brittany also made history as the sixth woman to compete in a PGA Tour event, breaking barriers and inspiring players everywhere. And she is still waiting for an invite to play in the Grant Thornton Invitational hint hint.
It was truly a privilege for Karissa to spend time with someone who has shaped the sport in such a powerful way. Brittany is genuinely one of her favorite people in the game. A true Legend ⛳️🔥
Allan Farrell from Stroll The Lakes magazine is here with Karissa to discuss the magazine, business , and of course life!
Networking and building community have been huge for Allan in building this magazine. He shares about the joys and the struggles.
Originally from the South, Allan also discusses what it has been like to transition to the Midwest.
enjoy the episode and thanks for listening!
Stuart Andrews joins Karissa for conversation this week on AI governance and compliance.
Stuart is a AI Governance & Compliance Architect and works to Future-Proof Twin Cities SMEs with Responsible AI Policy.
This conversation started as a regular network discussion, but then it was so good that we decided that we should start recording it!
Enjoy and thanks for listening!
Karissa went across states on the inter-webs to have this powerful conversation with Ryan Botner.
Who is Ryan? For over 17 years, Ryan Botner has been positively impacting the lives of thousands of people through his motivational speaking, HIGH-Level Sales, and business consulting. A true entrepreneur, Ryan has started and operated numerous businesses producing TENS of millions of dollars in revenue. Now his life purpose is to spread his message to the world.
Ryan and Karissa have a powerful conversation about the past spanning business, success, failure, addiction, brokenness, and finally healing + growth.
Karissa Dunham sat down with Seran Otterson from Rumi Wall Design.
From painting tiles to creating and painting custom murals to being featured in Europe's most popular tile magazine. Seran’s journey is full of depth, culture, and creativity. This conversation goes far beyond the paint and into the heart of her story — her openness, her travels, her love for art, and the passion she shares through everything she creates.
From the wealth of knowledge she’s gathered across countries to the heart she brings to Minnesota, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and connection that will keep you listening until the very end.
One of our favorite takeaways is that sometimes it’s the people you don’t agree with who help you grow the most. When you take the time to have those open conversations and truly understand where someone is coming from, you realize you can still care deeply even when you see things differently.
🎧 Tune in to this week’s episode of Shining Light on Minnesota and let Seran’s journey remind you how much beauty there is in following your passion and learning from every person you meet along the way.
#ShiningLightOnMinnesota #PodcastDrop #MinnesotaCreatives #RumiWalls #ArtInspiration #Community #LocalStories #Growth #Connection
💡This week we decided to switch things up and give the opportunity for our listeners to meet our team!
Karissa is joined by the marketing team, John Brickweg, who produces Shining Light on Minnesota.
They discuss backgrounds, origins, and experiences.
🎨 Finally, two announcements were made at the end of the episode! Listen to learn more.
Enjoy!
Today, Karissa Dunham sat down with Emmanuel Wheagar — author of Modern Servant Leader and a Minneapolis business owner who truly lives out what it means to lead with purpose.
In this episode, Emmanuel shares his inspiring journey and what has shaped him into the leader he is today — from the influence of faith and family to the lessons learned through humility, mentoring others, and giving back to his community.
Together, they dive into what true leadership looks like: serving first, leading with integrity, setting intentional goals, and lifting others up along the way. Emmanuel’s insights are a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about position or recognition — it’s about impact and heart.
This conversation is full of wisdom, authenticity, and inspiration for anyone striving to grow personally and professionally.
Host Karissa Dunham sat down with Lee Dorholt from Fluid Interiors for a conversation that goes way beyond business. From Shriners Children’s work worldwide, to first responders and veterans, to the simple power of picking up the phone and saying, “I care”—this episode is full of wisdom, kindness, and lessons on making a real difference. 🌎💡
Take a listen—you’ll walk away inspired and maybe even ready to make someone’s day better.
#ShiningLightOnMinnesota #Leadership #Inspiration #Kindness #MinnesotaVoices #MakingADifference
This week, Host Karissa Dunham had the privilege of sitting down with Trisha Miller, owner of Ah-sirt Body.Beauty.Balance in Zumbrota, MN.
We covered so much during our conversation, from health and wellness to the ups and downs of small business ownership, the importance of really listening to your body, and how finding the right instruction can completely change your results. Trisha also shared the value of Pilates, the role of proper technique, and how personal training can make a real difference. 🙌
We even dove into women in business, hair and nail salons, farming, and the journey of balancing it all. So many life lessons came forward from struggles and setbacks to successes, and the power of staying true to yourself.
And yes… I even got to try the reformer 👀. Trisha gave me a full tour of her beautiful studio space, equipment, and even shared how she offers rentals or will come to you. Such an inspiring episode with so much to take away truly grateful for the chance to shine a light on Trisha and her story!
#ShiningLightOnMinnesota #HealthAndWellness #WomenInBusiness #Pilates #MinnesotaSmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MindBodyBalance #SmallBusinessSpotlight #CommunityStrength #WellnessJourney
This week on Shining Light on Minnesota we had the absolute honor of sitting down with Kelly Williamson and Lisa Bailey—two powerhouse executives who completely blew me away with their knowledge, strength, and perspective. 🙌
We dove into:
🔹 Marketing & sales roles
🔹 The challenges of today’s tough job market
🔹 Their long careers of success and how that experience shapes their job search today
🔹 The importance of examining your skills, the way you present your value, and how to keep growing through transitions
One of the biggest takeaways? Sometimes you have to step back and take a real, honest look at yourself. That can mean getting coaching, re-marketing yourself, and even relearning who you are—not just professionally, but personally. It’s powerful, uncomfortable at times, but necessary for real growth. 💡
It was such a real, eye-opening conversation about resilience, transition, and finding new ways to rise in today’s market. 🌟
On this week’s podcast we sit down with Jendayi Berry of Jendayi Berry Art. Jendayi is more than an artist—he’s also a business owner running his own painting and wallpaper company, JBA Jendayi Berry Art. His passion for fine art really shines through, but what makes this conversation so good is how far we go beyond just the art itself.
We talk about the grind and the beauty of business ownership, what it’s like to navigate contracts and construction, the importance of mentoring and networking, and how small businesses build community. Jendayi also opens up about family—his wife, his kids, and everything they’ve got going on—and how that all ties back into his work and purpose.
It’s a conversation about art, business, storytelling, and life all wrapped into one.
We had the absolute honor of welcoming two extraordinary heroes on today’s episode, Colonel B. Wayne Quist and Dr. Steve Lansing from Veterans Empowered Inc.These two are more than veterans; they are lifesavers, heroes, advocates, and authors who are making a real difference in the lives of those who have served.💥 They've co-authored three powerful books (soon to be FOUR!) written to support veterans battling PTSD, with the upcoming release specifically for spouses of service members.
📚 Every book is given away for FREE to those who need it most — our veterans and warriors in crisis. You’ll hear their inspiring stories of military service, their time in Vietnam, and the incredible impact they’re making today.🙏 Right now, they’re seeking support to help fund the next book. Let’s help them continue this life-saving mission.🔗 Learn more or donate: https://www.vetsempowered.org/
We’re excited to share a powerful conversation with Collins Oppong, founder of Beyond Seasons Golf Tournament and Beyond Media Entertainment.
We discussed how golf is becoming more than a sport—it’s becoming a movement. Although Collins only recently picked up golf himself, he quickly discovered how much it offers: from personal focus and stress relief to networking and building community. Now, he’s on a mission to make golf accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for everyone—especially young people and those who’ve never seen themselves represented on the course.
We talk about how golf can be a space for mentorship, growth, and connection—and how the sport can (and should) belong to all of us.
Rachel Edwards is the Founder & CEO Insperai Inc. This company "is the leader in Personality Intelligence, bringing next-generation insights to how individuals, teams, and organizations understand and optimize human potential."
Karissa and Rachel had a wonderful conversation ranging from personal value to finding success in business.
It was an absolute pleasure to have Rachel on the show and we hope you enjoy the conversation.
Matt Kading is a Regional Sales Manager at 3M Films with a strong background in the graphic space. He has been with 3M just shy of 20 years. It's safe to say he truly knows his company. It's also true that he knows his clients needs, and that he truly is someone who listens.
Matt and Karissa discuss his career, window film, and present day adventures. There was a lot to cover, especially because of the long established relationship between our companies.
We greatly appreciate, Matt, here at Sun Control and we were so excited to have him on the podcast.
Erica Haataja and Ali (Alexandra Ohland) are the powerhouse duo behind this young, ambitious, women-owned post-construction commercial cleaning business making serious waves in the male-dominated construction field. They're not afraid to hold their own, and it shows.
Nordic Shine is prompt, professional, and consistently leaves every job cleaner and better than expected. They're always pushing to try new things, growing their name, adding more crew members and positions so Erica can step even further into her role as Boss Lady, CEO, and wear all the hats she's meant to.
They just added a new van to the fleet, and they’re only getting started. Our conversation was full of laughs, inspiration, and real talk about what it takes to build a business that truly shines. Don’t miss this one.