About Shining Light on Minnesota
Shining Light on Minnesota, hosted by Karissa Dunham, celebrates the people, businesses and ideas that make Minnesota shine. Real stories from the people building something good, every Wednesday.
Our story
Shining Light on Minnesota, hosted by Karissa Dunham, celebrates the people, businesses and ideas that make Minnesota shine. Through honest conversations with local business owners and entrepreneurs, Karissa explores where their journeys began, the challenges they have faced, the lessons they have learned, and what keeps them moving forward.
Why we started the show
Our goal is simple: shine a light on local businesses, celebrate their journeys, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Because behind every business is a story worth sharing.
Meet your host, Karissa Dunham
Karissa leads business development at Sun Control of Minnesota, working with contractors, architects, property managers and business owners across the Twin Cities. Relationships come first with her. The work follows. She is a co-founder and VP of LEGS Minneapolis, a board director for NAWIC Chapter 164, and a speaker on networking and women in business. She was named a 2024 3M Marketer of the Year, a 2025 Finance and Commerce Unsung Hero, and a 2026 Influential Woman award recipient. She is also a mom, a girlfriend, and a golfer happiest out at TPC Twin Cities. She started this show because Minnesota is full of people quietly building something good, and somebody should be asking them about it.
What we are about
Real conversations with the people building something good in Minnesota.
Positive
We focus on the people, ideas and businesses making a difference across Minnesota.
Intentional
Every conversation has a purpose: to share real experiences and create meaningful connections.
Momentum
Success does not happen overnight. We celebrate the small steps, big risks and continued growth.
Their beginnings
Every business starts somewhere. Hear how guests turned an idea, passion or opportunity into what they have today.
Challenges faced
The road to success is not always easy. Guests share the obstacles and setbacks along the way.
Lessons learned
Every challenge brings a lesson. Discover the insights and advice our guests have gained.
Growth and success
Big accomplishments are built one step at a time. We celebrate the milestones that shaped each business.
What is next
The journey does not stop here. Hear what our guests are working toward and where they are headed.
Every Wednesday
A new episode drops every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Our journey so far
From the first episode to the 100th, three moments that shaped the show.
2022: Episode #001
It started with a peach cobbler. Lutunji Abram of Lutunji's Palate joined Karissa for the very first conversation, going from hobby to bakery and cafe.
2025: Episode #050
Halfway to 100. Dr. Luke Benoit of Interlachen Country Club explained why most golfers never fix their swing.
2026: Episode #100
The 100th conversation. Cherie Concannon of RPO Global shared her path from an Australian sheep farm to a UK leadership company.
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