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- 429 - Max Romey’s outdoor art | Outdoor Explorer
Max Romey is a watercolor artist and outdoor filmmaker from Anchorage, who is known internationally for his work. He has joined us before to tell us about his creative style of using watercolors in his films focusing on the outdoors. Using pictures instead of words to tell stories was born from his life with dyslexia. Romey's grandmother was a huge influence on him and he is currently visiting locations around the world that she visited and he is recreating the sketches from her prolific collection. Since last visiting us, he has had two films show at the Banff Film Festival, “If you Give a Beach a Bottle,” and most recently, “Footprints on Katmai.” He is also the creator of the new Fish Creek Art Installation at Cuddy Park.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Max Romey
LINKS:
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 - 58min - 428 - Sarah Poynter: Alone | Outdoor Explorer
Sarah Poynter competed on the most recent season of the History Channel’s show, "Alone." The competitors on the show are truly alone. They rely on their knowledge and skills, building their own shelter, hunting and fishing and gathering plants and berries. While they eke out living off the land, they are also carting around camera gear and setting up their own shots, narrating the journey to survive. It is often a starvation game of body and soul as food is difficult to procure and there is no human contact. Sarah lives in Skwentna, and along with her husband Chris, owns the Talvista Lodge, a popular destination for locals and out-of-state adventurers alike.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Sarah Poynter, recently competed on History Channel's "Alone"
LINKS:
History Channel Sarah Poynter videos
Thu, 14 Nov 2024 - 58min - 427 - "The Aurora Guy" | Outdoor Explorer
This week on Outdoor Explorer, we dive into the science and magic of the aurora borealis with Vince Ledvina, aka "The Aurora Guy." Vince, an aurora chaser and Space Physics PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, shares his passion for the northern lights and offers insights into what creates this stunning phenomenon, why it’s so tricky to predict and how to increase your chances of seeing it. Whether you're an aurora veteran or dreaming of your first sighting, you'll have an illuminating journey into the night skies!
HOST: Martha Rosenstein
GUEST: Vince Ledvina, "The Aurora Guy," Space Physics PhD student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
LINKS:
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 - 58min - 426 - 60 Years of the Wilderness Act | Outdoor Explorer
In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson signed the federal Wilderness Act into law, culminating decades of effort and compromise. Over the past 60 years, Congress has designated millions of acres as Wilderness, including over 57 million acres in Alaska. During that time the concept of Wilderness and how it is managed has changed. For instance, the original definition of Wilderness as being 'untrammeled by man' is challenged by the fact of thousands of years of Indigenous use. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses the past, present and future of the Wilderness Act with James Edward Mills, an African American filmmaker, and Karlin Itchoak, United States Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Regional Director of Refugees in Alaska and an Alaskan Native. Alaska Wilderness Film Week is 11/12 to 11/15 and will feature "American Ascent," James Mills film about the first all African American ascent of Denali.
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 - 58min - 425 - Becoming an Outdoors Woman | Outdoor Explorer
When was the last time you took on a completely new outdoor skill? Outdoor skills like hunting and fishing are part of Alaska’s rich cultural history, But they can also be intimidating to learn or prohibitively expensive to dive into, especially if you don’t know someone who can show you the ropes.
Fortunately, people in Alaska have access to an affordable program that can help. Offered by the state’s Department of Fish and Game, classes under the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program provide a fun, friendly environment where students can learn new skills. In this episode of Outdoor Explorer on Alaska Public Media, we’ll talk to some folks who run it about what makes this program special and how Alaskans can participate.
HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUESTS:
Maria Bakic, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Outreach & Education Coordinator
Katelyn Zonneville, Information Officer and instuctor, Alaska Department of Fish and Game sport fish division
Abby McAlister, Becoming an Outdoors Woman Alaska Southeast coordinator
LINKS:
Sign-up for classes with BOW Alaska HERE
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 - 58min - 424 - Risk tolerance in the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer
Is the outdoors any riskier than our day to day lives? How does our risk tolerance affect our decision making? What variables influence our level of risk tolerance? On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses these questions and more with Deb Ajango and Luc Mehl. Deb teaches risk management and wilderness first aid and Luc is an Alaska-born adventurer who teaches water safety and avalanche classes. The concept of risk is as old as humanity, influencing us consciously and unconsciously. As we plan and undertake trips with friends and family, or go on a class or guided outing, understanding the risks and how we react to them can lead to successful and enjoyable outings. Deb, Luc and Paul will talk about the history and definitions of risk, how our risk tolerance evolves with age and experience, and how group dynamics are affected by risk.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Deb Ajango, risk management and wilderness first aid educator
Luc Mehl, adventurer, water safety and avalanche educator
LINKS:
"Keeping safe during Summer adventures | Talk of Alaska"
Things To Luc At: Luc Mehl's website
Thu, 03 Oct 2024 - 58min - 423 - The Making of a Trail: Curry to K'esugi Ridge Connector | Outdoor Explorer
What goes into making a new trail? After four years of work this summer the new Curry to K'esugi Ridge Connector trail opened. The 15 mile trail connects the Curry Ridge trails that start at Ken K'esugi camp ground and the K'esugi Ridge trails to the north, all in Denali State Park. A partnership between State Parks, Mat/Su Trails and Parks Foundation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Interior Trails worked together to procure funding, design and build the trail. The trail was made possible by a grant from the Federal Government's Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project, aka Pittman Robertson Act. Besides the partnerships above a dedicated trail crew worked on the trail.
On this episode, host Paul Twardock learns the history and the process of building the trail from the people who made it happen. We also hear tips on hiking the new trail, including completing the 50 miles between Ken K'esugi to Little Coal Creek.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Christine Byl, Gabe Travis, Blaine Smith, Interior Trails
Stuart Leidner, Superintendent of Mat/Su/Copper Basin State Parks
LINKS:
Mat/Su Trails and Parks Foundation
Maps of Denali State Park trails
Alaska Department Fish and Game Curry and K'esugi Ridge Information and Maps
Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - 58min - 422 - Outdoor recreation at the Alaska State Fair | Outdoor Explorer
The Alaska State Fair in Palmer draws thousands of people each year to the Matanuska-Susina Valley for food, rides, craft booths and – of course – the farm exhibits. It’s also a top spot for community connection. But can the State Fair also be a place for Alaskans to connect with outdoor recreation?
In this episode hear host Amy Bushatz explore that question while on location at the fair as she attends events ranging from the annual directors’ reception to the great pumpkin weigh-off, with special guest appearances by fair historians, outdoor enthusiasts, pumpkin growers and cabbage fairies.
HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUESTS:
Jeff Curtis, Alaska State Fair CEO
Talis Colberg, former Alaska Attorney General
Burl Dickman, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Ken Baylock, giant pumpkin master of ceremonies
Silas and Seth Dinkel, giant pumpkin competitors
Kierre Childers, cabbage fairy
Ailis Vann, cabbage fairy
Nick Hanson, Alaska Ninja Warrior
Megan Justus, Skee tawk manager
Jessi Morse, Alaska Division of Forestry
LINKS:
Talis Colberg’s work on Alaska State Fair history
Alaska State Fair pumpkin weigh-off
Thu, 19 Sep 2024 - 58min - 421 - Swimming Cook Inlet | Outdoor Explorer
This episode of features Jordan Iverson and Shannon Titzel. In June, Jordan completed the Triple Crown of Swimming, a challenge that includes three iconic swims: the English Channel, the Catalina Channel and the Swim around Manhattan. Only 333 people in the world have completed the Triple Crown, and Jordan did all three swims in a year, becoming the second Alaskan to finish the challenge. Meanwhile, her friend Shannon had been eying a swim across Cook Inlet, from Point MacKenzie to the Anchorage Small Boat Harbor. The distance straight across is three miles, but due to currents, the route is six miles. It wasn’t hard for Shannon to convince Jordan to join her on this historic swim. The swim had been completed only once before by Bob Kaufman and Chris Hodel, although the pair had been in wetsuits. To be considered an official open swim by the governing body, it would have to be in swimsuits only.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Jordan Iverson and Shannon Titzel, open water swimmers
LINKS:
Thu, 12 Sep 2024 - 58min - 420 - Looking back at some of our favorite episodes of the year | Outdoor Explorer
As Autumn descends upon Alaska, Outdoor Explorer is taking a moment to look back at the year so far. This week we’ll be taking a listen to some favorite segments of interviews conducted by our wonderful hosts, including chats with a champion cyclist from Homer, Alaska avalanche forecasters, and an elite outdoor runner. We also hear about the benefits of outdoor activities on mental health and how it can help heal from trauma.
Thu, 05 Sep 2024 - 58min - 419 - Come along as we look for and learn about loons | Outdoor Explorer
The songs and calls of birds on the lakes and waterways of southcentral are a familiar and comforting soundtrack to summer, including the familiar loon. Just how well these species are fairing is said to be an excellent indicator of the air and water quality and nearby open space.
And that’s exactly why Maxine Franklin, a longtime parks employee, volunteer and loon enthusiast got little worried when she noticed over the summer of 2023 that she hadn’t seen many loon chicks at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area where she was working. She flagged her concern to Tamara Zeller, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, and revitalized an effort to monitor the loon population there.
In this episode of Outdoor Explorer you’ll learn all about loons in Southcentral, hear what the monitoring team is up to and go on a loon adventure with us at Nancy Lake.
HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUESTS:
Tamara Zeller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist
Maxine Franklin, former state park employee and volunteer
LINKS:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife loon website
Thu, 29 Aug 2024 - 58min - 418 - Lost Lake Run and Cystic Fibrosis | Outdoor Explorer
The Annual Lost Lake Run is an iconic Alaska mountain race traversing the Lost Lake trail in the Kenai Mountains north of Seward. Started in 1992 to raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis by Marsha Vincent, the original race had 55 participants and has grown to over 700 participants and many volunteers. The registration for the event fills in minutes. The event has raised over $2 million dollars for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, contributing to research that resulted in life saving medications. Host Paul Twardock interviews race director Pat Simpson and board member Sabrina Walker. They discuss their connections to the race, Cystic Fibrosis and the challenges and rewards of organizing a mountain running race on public lands.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Pat Simpson, Director, Lost Lake Run
Sabrina Walker, Board Member, Lost Lake Run
LINKS:
Lost Lake Trail Forest Service Information
Thu, 22 Aug 2024 - 58min - 417 - Skinny Raven turns 30 | Outdoor Explorer
Skinny Raven turns 30 this year! They are planning an anniversary block party on Saturday, August 17, that will coincide with the Anchorage Mile, one of the competitive events that are part of the Anchorage RunFest weekend. Daniel Greenhalgh and Tasha Heikkila-Adam are co-owners of Skinny Raven Sports and have been with the iconic store from the beginning, in one capacity or another. There have been ups and downs throughout the years, including a point at which the original owner almost liquidated the store and Daniel and Tasha stepped up and bought the business. Skinny then survived COVID, pivoting to an innovative online presence. The store has a culture unto itself and is recognized as one of the top running stores in the nation.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Daniel Greenhalgh and Tasha Heikkila-Adam, co-owners of Skinny Raven Sports
LINKS:
Thu, 15 Aug 2024 - 58min - 416 - What's new in Mat-Su parks? | Outdoor Explorer
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is home to a wide variety of parks and recreation lands managed by the state or Mat-Su Borough. From Hatcher Pass down to Jim Creek Recreation Area and out to Denali State Park, there’s plenty happening all year long to make space for a wide variety of motorized and nonmotorized sports enthusiasts, protect the wild spaces many users love, and welcome in both locals and tourists.
So what’s new in Mat-Su and what are you missing by not exploring the Valley more? In this episode we hear from Stuart Leidner, superintendent of the Mat-Su’s state parks, and Hugh Leslie, recreation manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUESTS:
Stuart Leidner, Alaska State Park superintendent for the Mat-Su/Copper River Basin region
Hugh Leslie, Recreational Services Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
LINKS:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough parks and recreation
Mat-Su/Copper River Basin State Parks
Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation
Thu, 08 Aug 2024 - 58min - 415 - Biking Anchorage: Bike to Work Day and the new downtown dedicated bike lane | Outdoor Explorer
Anchorage's plethora of bike trails provide many possibilities for cycling enthusiasts. Over many decades, individuals and organizations have worked hard to preserve and expand bike trails and routes. This Outdoor Explorer features two events that highlight those efforts. The first half of the show features Bike to Work Day, an event organized by Bike Anchorage. The event consists of around 80 treat stations and 4,000 riders along the bike trails and bike commuter routes in Anchorage in the morning and afternoon commuter hours of May 17, 2024. Stations had food and drinks, swag and information on biking. Host Paul Twardock biked between Westchester Lagoon and the U-Med district interviewing participants, treat station hosts and Bike Anchorage Executive Director Alexa Dobson.
The second half the show highlights the new temporary dedicated bike lane in downtown Anchorage. The lane, a bike only, two way path separated from traffic, runs along 6th Ave. through the heart of downtown. It continues on A Street to connect to the Chester Creek greenbelt. The path creates an easy loop from downtown to the Chester Creek bike path to the Coastal Trail back to downtown. The path is an experiment by the Municipality of Anchorage and the State Department of Transportation to test the feasibility of dedicated bike lanes in Anchorage. Host Paul Twardock attended the dedication of the new lane on May 30, 2024 and interviewed attendees and the people that made it happen.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Bike to Work Day commuters
Alexa Dobson, Executive Director, Bike Anchorage.
Downtown dedicated bike lane organizers and dedication attendees
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, August 1st, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST:Thursday, August 1st, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 01 Aug 2024 - 58min - 414 - Meet Olympic cyclist Kristen Faulkner | Outdoor Explorer
Did you know that one of the best professional cyclists in the world is an Alaskan? Kristen Faulkner from Homer is a member of the U.S. Olympic track cycling team for this summer’s Paris games. This week she joins Outdoor Explorer to discuss the finer points of riding a bike inside a velodrome.
HOST: Adam Verrier
GUEST: Kristen Faulkner, U.S. Olympic track cycling team
LINKS:
Thu, 25 Jul 2024 - 58min - 413 - Alaska Made: Revel Treks and Tours | Outdoor Explorer
Alaskan's adventurous nature can lead down many paths. For some, starting their own business in the outdoors is one. The risks and rewards of traveling through the mountains, rivers, and oceans are similar to being an entrepreneur: exploring new terrain with uncertain outcomes and potentially high benefits. This Outdoor Explorer is part of an informal series featuring Alaskans that started their own business. This episode features Kierre Childers with Revel Treks and Tours based in Palmer, Alaska. Kierre shares her story of becoming a small business owner leading hiking and backpacking trips in Southcentral Alaska.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Kierre Childers, Revel Treks and Tours
LINKS:
Thu, 18 Jul 2024 - 58min - 412 - Honoring the lost and hiking Gold Star Peak | Outdoor Explorer
Memorial Day may be the traditional first day of summer, but veterans, their families and the loved ones left behind know it’s also about something much bigger—remembering those who lost their lives in service to the nation.
While some mark the day with ceremony, many others honor the lost by taking to mountains and trails. That includes the challenging journey up Gold Star Peak, where a moving memorial site is perched on the rocky top.
Gold Star Peak sits on a slightly angled ridgeline in the Chugach Range, adjacent to Mount POW MIA, west of Pioneer Peak and the Twin Peaks and easily spotted from Mat-Su. It’s a tough climb tackled each year by hundreds of military-connected Alaskans and visitors. Explore why doing something hard outside helps us mark military loss and find out how you can participate.
HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUEST:
Mark DeRocchi, Army veteran and president of The 98 Fund
Mike McCauley, Navy veteran and volunteer with The 98 Fund
LINKS:
Thu, 23 May 2024 - 58min - 411 - Paddling into Summer | Outdoor Explorer
It is time for boating! After a long winter kayaks and canoes are finally appearing from beneath piles of snow, rivers are running, lakes are thawing, and the ocean beckons. This episode of Outdoor Explorer is about getting ready for rafting, kayaking, canoeing and other non-motorized paddle sports. Topics include preparing yourself and your equipment for a summer of paddling. We also talk about Knik Canoers and Kayakers, or KCK. The club is instrumental in river conservation, access, and education in Southcentral Alaska. It hosts a safety education meeting, a paddle film festival, Paddle Fun
Day and organizes trips.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Jule Harle, packrafting author and instructor
Eric Downey, Knik Canoer and Kayaking club president
Chris Hellmann, organizer of the KCK paddle film festival and KCK vice president
Alaska Packrafter School and Jule Harle
Alaska Office of Boating Safety
Alaska Pacific University Outdoor Programs
Things to Luc At: Wilderness Safety and Alaskan Adventure
Thu, 16 May 2024 - 58min - 410 - Voices of the Wilderness | Outdoor Explorer
For as long as humans created art nature has inspired us. From cave paintings in France to Indigenous art in Alaska to western artists like Rockwell Kent artists and their work celebrate the wonders of the natural world. The Forest Service's Voices of the Wilderness program continues the tradition with an artist in residence model of service and art. Individuals apply to the program and if accepted spend a week or more in a Wilderness or Wilderness Study Area with wilderness specialists. During that time they help with service projects and work on a creative piece that is then shared with the agency and the general public. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock discusses the program with Barbara Lydon, program coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service; Marybeth Holleman, author and poet; Youpa Stein, multimedia artist; and Klara Maisch, painter. We learn about the program and the work they created from the inspiration they got during their time with the program in the wilderness.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Barbara Lydon, program coordinator with the U.S. Forest Service
Marybeth Holleman, author and poet
Youpa Stein, multimedia artist
Klara Maisch, painter
LINKS:
Forest Service Voices of the Wilderness
Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium
Thu, 09 May 2024 - 58min - 409 - Volunteering in the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer
Volunteers contribute immensely to our ability to access and enjoy the outdoors. Whether building and maintaining trails, organizing races, teaching and mentoring beginners, pulling invasive weeds, picking up trash or serving as board members, volunteers are the core of the outdoor community. Volunteers also require work and commitment from the organizations they contribute to.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Kikkan Randall, Executive Director, Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage
Maya Kaup, Volunteer and Communication Coordinator, Alaska Trails
Mike Morganson, Single Track Advocates and a volunteer with Alaska Trails
Peter Taylor, President, Mountaineering Club of Alaska
LINKS:
Alaska Trails Volunteer Opportunities Page
Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage
Thu, 02 May 2024 - 58min - 408 - Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | Outdoor Explorer
On this Outdoor Explorer host Lisa Keller sits down with Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On April 30, the Hall will induct the class of 2024. Harlow tells us about the people and the moment that comprise this year’s class, as well as the annual Director’s Awards and the popular 100 Miles in May.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director, Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
LINKS:
Healthy Futures 100 Miles in May
Thu, 25 Apr 2024 - 58min - 407 - Mountains to Sea Trails | Outdoor Explorer
Alaska's mountains and oceans provide some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Anchorage trails have connected the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet for decades, with a few gaps. Just recently newly created trails make it possible to bike, hike, run, or ski from Glen Alps to Knik Arm of Cook Inlet without crossing a single road. The Anchorage Park Foundation designated a route called "Mountains to Sea Trails," with a video, signage, and other information to help people navigate from Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park to Westchester Lagoon and the Anchorage Small Boat Launch, around 24 miles. To help explain the route and its history Host Paul Twardock is joined by Anchorage Park Foundation's Diana Rhodes, cyclist Christina Grande, and filmmaker William Melton.
Thu, 18 Apr 2024 - 58min - 406 - Arctic Traverse: A Brooks Range Journey | Outdoor Explorer
In 2012 Michael Engelhard, an outdoor guide, writer, and anthropologist decided to hike and paddle from Canada to Kotzebue, acting on a lifelong goal. Though not the first to make the trip, and just the start of the "through hike" trend occurring in the far north, Engelhard brought his unique Alaskan background to the trip. This spring The Mountaineers published his memoir of the trip "Arctic Traverse." The book is a mix of travelogue, natural and cultural history and philosophy. Michael joins host Paul Twardock to discuss his motivations for the trip, how the book came about, doing a two month solo trip, the natural history of the Brooks Range and his musings on wild lands and development.
Thu, 04 Apr 2024 - 58min - 405 - Veterans and outdoor therapy | Outdoor Explorer
On the this Outdoor Explorer, we hear from MaryBeth Goodman, director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health. The Cohen Clinic is on the leading edge of recognizing that the outdoors is a critical piece of mental health. Along with their partners, the clinic offers programs that address the wholistic needs of veterans, using the outdoors as a path to healing from trauma.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: MaryBeth Goodman, Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic
LINK:
Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health
BROADCAST: Thursday, March 28th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 28th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 28 Mar 2024 - 58min - 403 - Arctic Winter Games | Outdoor Explorer BONUS EPISODE
The Arctic Winter Games is a biennial event celebrating the sports and culture of the people who live in the circumpolar north. Delegations from Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland and northern Scandinavia gather to compete in 21 different sports and share their cultures with one another. This year it’s Alaska’s turn to host the Arctic Winter Games, which will take place during the school spring break, March 10-16, in the Mat-Su Valley.
HOST: Adam Verrier
GUESTS:
Amy Spargo, Chair of the Arctic Winter Games Board
Telsche Overby, Arts and Culture Program Coordinator
LINKS:
Arctic Winter Games Livestream
NOTE:This episode was recorded prior to the start of the Arctic Winter Games.
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 58min - 402 - Challenge Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
People with disabilities live and thrive in Alaska and Anchorage. Challenge Alaska is a nonprofit that is a key organization making that happen. Challenge works with Alaskans with disabilities, giving them access to adaptive sports, education and a supportive community. Known for its adaptive ski and snowboard program in Girdwood Challenge also offers a variety of programs in Anchorage for a wide range of people, including veterans. Challenge was established in 1980 by Doug Keil, a Para-Olympic medalist in para-alpine skiing. The organization has grown to include the Raven Program for people with intellectual disabilities, the Warrior Program for Veterans with disabilities, the Para-Sport program for people with physical and visual disabilities and the Adaptive Ski and Ride School in Girdwood.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Jeff Dick, recreation therapist
Quinzee Elsberg, volunteer
JP Wood, board member
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, March 14th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 14th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 58min - 401 - The Alaska Long Trail | Outdoor Explorer
Alaska is home to some amazing trails, but one thing it doesn’t have is a long trail of its own. This week on Outdoor Explorer we dive into the Alaska Long Trail, a trail that would connect Seward and Fairbanks via a multi user trail system. We also talk about the potential for this trail to be designated as a National Scenic Trail as well as get some trail updates about the Iditarod Historic National Trail Southern Trek, which is currently the most complete section of the Alaska Long Trail.
HOST: Martha Rosenstein
GUEST: Mariyam Medovaya,Alaska Long Trail Project Coordinator
LINKS:
Alaska Trails: Alaska Long Trail
Bureau of Land Management: Alaska Long Trail
Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 58min - 400 - Skiing Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass | Outdoor Explorer
Hatcher Pass outside Palmer in the Talkeetna Mountains has recently become a destination for groomed downhill skiing and riding thanks to the development of the area known as Skeetawk. Running the show is Megan Justus, who came to the job after managing a Syrian refugee camp. Join guest host Amy Bushatz on this episode of Outdoor Explorer as we head into Hatcher Pass to chat with Megan about managing a ski operation, plus what's coming for the ever growing Skeetawk.
GUEST HOST: Amy Bushatz
GUEST: Megan Justus,Manager, Skeetawk
LINKS:
Find information about the Arctic Winter Games
BROADCAST: Thursday, February 29th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 29th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 58min - 399 - Alyeska Volunteer Ski Patrol stories | Outdoor Explorer
Volunteer ski patrols have assisted Alaska's ski areas since the 1950's. The Alyeska Ski patrol was founded in 1953 working at Alyeska and Arctic Valley. Through various iterations, the latest being the Alyeska Volunteer Ski Patrol, volunteers have provided aid and assistance to skiers while supporting the professional Alyeska patrol. From the mundane like helping set boundary lines to dramatic like assisting with tram evacuations volunteers have a long history of stories and experience to share. This past fall the resort decided to not use volunteers, thus ending, at least for now, the tradition of the volunteer ski patrol at Alyeska. To commemorate the patrol's history they gathered in December of 2023 to tell stories and reminisce. With the assistance of William Melton Media Outdoor Explorer was able to record some of the stories and present them to you on this episode. Matt Martyn, Patrol Director, MC'ed the event.
HOST: Paul Twardock
LINKS:
"Women Ski Patroller of Alyeska" (Outdoor Explorer 3/13/2020 show)
BROADCAST: Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 58min - 398 - Ice skating on Solstice in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
What's the history of outdoor ice skating in Anchorage? How did the midtown Cuddy Park Ice Oval come to exist? What is Anchorage's Winter Solstice Festival and how is it linked to Anchorage ice skating and the Park? This Outdoor Explorer answers these questions and more. Every year the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department and their partners host a Winter Solstice Festival at the Cuddy Family Midtown Park. The event features ice skating on the park's ice oval, horse drawn sled rides, food trucks and dog sled rides. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock roamed the event interviewing participants, organizers, volunteers, politicians and the events and ice ovals founders. In the second half of the show Jim Renkert talks about growing up in Anchorage ice skating and skiing, how the sports have become the core of Anchorage's winter city ethos and his vision of bringing winter sports to all Alaskan youth.
HOST: Paul Twardock
Interviewees:
Ellen Devine, Anchorage Parks and Recreation
Dave Bronson, Anchorage Mayor
Anna Brawley, Anchorage Assembly
Petra, volunteer/tourist from California
Jim Renkart and Art Geiss, founders and organizers of the Oval and event
LINK:
Anchorage's Winter Solstice Festival
Mon, 12 Feb 2024 - 58min - 397 - Hiking in Yukon Territory | Outdoor Explorer
This week on Outdoor Explorer, we visit our neighbors to the east in Whitehorse, Canada, to speak to Meghan and Marko Marjanovic about hiking in the Yukon Territory. The Yukon is a land of long rivers, big mountains and vast wilderness, but there aren’t a lot of marked hiking trails. Sometimes you need a little guidance in a wild landscape, and we’ll discuss Marko and Meghan’s book and their website that describes many of their favorite hikes in the Yukon Territory.
HOST: Adam Verrier
GUESTS:
Meghan and Marko Marjanovic, authors, Yukon hiking enthusiasts
LINKS:
"Yukon Hiking: A little Guidance in a wild landscape"
Thu, 01 Feb 2024 - 58min - 396 - What's New in Avalanche Forecasting for Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula? | Outdoor Explorer
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
1st segment:
Wendy Wagner, Director, Chugach Avalanche Center
Mary Gianotti, Chugach front range forecaster
Mik Dalpes, Seward area forecaster
Daniel Krueger, Seward area forecaster
2nd segment:
Anne St Claire, APU faculty, avalanche researcher
LINKS:
Chugach Avalanche Center Staff
Simon Fraser University Avalanche Research
Alaska Avalanche Information Center
American Avalanche Association
The Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies
BROADCAST: Thursday, January 25th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 25th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 25 Jan 2024 - 58min - 395 - Becoming a sustainable runner | Outdoor Explorer
On today’s show we are talking with elite ultra runner and author Zoë Rom about her book "Becoming a Sustainable Runner." We talk about the importance of emphasizing long-term goals over immediate outcomes and how not to let your ego get in the way of your training. We dive into how climate activism and running are related and how having a running community is important for sustainability. We also touch on one of everyone’s favorite topics, gear, and how you can make your gear acquisitions have less of an impact on the planet. Even though we are talking about running and endurance sports, you’ll still get some good tips to help you stay active across your entire lifespan.
HOST: Martha Rosenstein
GUEST: Zoe Rom, author, "Becoming a Sustainable Runner"
BROADCAST: Thursday, January 18th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 18th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Tue, 23 Jan 2024 - 58min - 394 - 'A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains' | Outdoor Explorer
On this Outdoor Explorer we hear from Graham Zimmerman, a professional climber who is the author of the recently released book "A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains." Graham tells the stories of his many epic climbs, how he confronts the dangerous consequences the sport bears on climbers’ friendships and loved ones and how he is a witness to the rapidly changing climate that impacts the mountains he loves.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Graham Zimmerman,professional climber, author of "A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains"
LINKS/MEDIA:
"A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains"
BROADCAST: Thursday, January 11th, 2024. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 11th, 2024. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 58min - 393 - "Snow Stories" | Outdoor Explorer
It's that time of year when lovers of winter are headed to the trails and mountains to slide and glide on white crystals of snow. To help prepare them organizations such as Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center host events like "Snow Stories" that aim to increase safety awareness and get people excited about the upcoming winter season. This year's Snow Stories was at the Beartooth Theater in late October. Outdoor Explorer was there to record the event with the assistance of the Beartooth staff for this show. The speakers featured on this show are author, guide and avalanche instructor Joe Stock. Joe just published his latest book "The Avalanche Factor," which is the focus of his talk. Heather Johnson is the second speaker. Heather was a novice skier when she arrived in Alaska in 2014, headed to the mountains and has skied every month since, the topic of her talk. She is the Assistant Director of the Alaska Avalanche School. John Sykes is an Avalanche Forecaster for the Chugach Avalanche Center, a 4th year PhD student in snow science at Simon Fraser University, and board member of the Alaska Avalanche School. His talk is on a ski mountaineering trip between Mount Iliamna and Mount Spur. This show is a live recording with some references to slides, but the stories are informative and entertaining. Get psyched for winter!
HOST: Paul Twardock
SPEAKERS:
Joe Stock, author, guide, avalanche instructor
Heather Johnson, Assistant Director, Alaska Avalanche School
John Sykes, avalanche forecaster
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, December 14th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, December 14th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Mon, 18 Dec 2023 - 58min - 392 - Hope for Prince William Sound | Outdoor Explorer
Oil Spill of 1989, and long term issues like climate change and invasive species. Even it's popularity contributes to increased human impacts. Despite the challenges the Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation and Silvia Earl's organization Mission Blue have teamed up to designate PWS an Ocean Blue "Hope Spot." On this edition of the show host Paul Twardock discusses what this means for Prince William Sound with the Foundation's Executive Director Charla Hughes, Georgia Aquarium's Dr. Dayne Buddo, and Mission Blue's Hope Spot Program
Manager Shannon Rake.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Charla Hughes,Executive Director, Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation
Dr. Dayne Buddo, Georgia Aquarium
Shannon Rake, Mission Blue Hope Spot Manager
LINKS:
Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation website
Thu, 07 Dec 2023 - 57min - 391 - How a love of design helps this graphic artist promote outdoor accessibility | Outdoor Explorer
When freelance graphic designer Aurora Hablett was invited on the show, the goal was interview her about winter single track. Aurora is a big part of placing winter single track trails in Far North Bicentennial Park. However, as the interview progressed her role in mapping trails became a focus. Hablett has created maps and trail panels for Singletrack Advocates, integrated legacy maps of the Alaska Pacific University trail system into one cohesive map and designed a ride in the shape of a bull for the Bike Durham Bull Ride in Durham, North Carolina. Hablett uses geographic data to create maps in shapes, a technique called GPS visualization. While most of the time is spent talking about mapping, the interview does cover a short overview of winter single track.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Aurora Hablett, freelance graphic designer
BROADCAST: Thursday, November 30th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 30th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 30 Nov 2023 - 1h 00min - 390 - Made in Alaska: Revelate Designs | Outdoor Explorer
Mountain biking started in the 1980's and since then people have biked the world from Alaska to Chile to the Himalayas. More recently, Alaskans created and developed fat bikes for Alaska's winter. As bikers discovered what they could do with improved bike technology they came up with ways to carry all their gear. Bike trailers and paniers worked on pavement, but once on trails and snow new systems were needed. Eric Parsons with Revelate Designs started fiddling with bags that fit on bike frames to enable his epic trips. Eventually he quit his day job and started what would become Revelate Designs. On this Outdoor Explorer Eric talks with host Paul Twardock about biking all over the world and how that inspired and influenced his business.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Eric Parsons, Founder of Revelate Designs
LINK:
BROADCAST: Thursday, November 9th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 9th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 09 Nov 2023 - 58min - 389 - Public use cabins and huts in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Kenzie Barnwell, Chugach Stewardship Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation
Philip Swiny, Executive Director of the Alaska Huts Association
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 2nd, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 02 Nov 2023 - 58min - 388 - Outdoor Explorer: New book examines how hunting and being outdoors with your dog can nurture the human spirt
Fall in Alaska is hunting season. Throughout the state Alaskans pursue moose, caribou and waterfowl, stocking up their freezers while enjoying the outdoors. That relationship to the natural world is the focus of Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham's new book "The Land We Share." Steve and Christine are avid hunters, primarily of game birds working with their retrievers and Labrador working dogs. On this Outdoor Explorer Steve and Christine talk with host Paul Twardock about their holistic approach hunting and being in the outdoors with their dogs.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS: Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham, authors of "The Land We Share"
LINK:
The Land We Share: A love affair told in hunting stories - Alaska Geographic
Thu, 26 Oct 2023 - 58min - 387 - Outdoor Explorer: Creating an outdoor clothing company in Alaska
What does it take to create and run an outdoor gear company? Alaska is an ideal testing ground for outdoor gear and apparel. A surprising number of small outdoor apparel businesses have started and thrive in Alaska, testing their clothing in Alaska's wind, rain, cold and snow. Jen Loofbourrow started Alpine Fit with a vision of manufacturing base layers for Alaskans. The business survived the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, and Alaska's logistical challenges to become a thriving business. On this Outdoor Explorer Jen discusses the path she took and challenges she has overcome with host Paul Twardock.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Jen Loofbourrow, Alpine Fit founder
LINKS:
Alaska Public Media story: "Anchorage outdoor apparel company Alpine Fit wins small business award"
Thu, 19 Oct 2023 - 58min - 386 - Outdoor Explorer: The Chugach Park Fund
On this episode of Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Haley Johnston, the co-chair of the Chugach Park Fund’s Citizens Advisory Board. The Chugach Park Fund was established in 2016 under the umbrella of The Alaska Community Foundation and since that time has been a critical part of improving trails, signs and facilities in Chugach State Park. Haley fills us in on past, present and future projects.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Haley Johnston
LINKS:
Chugach State Park - Citizens Advisory Board Facebook
The Alaska Community Foundation - Chugach Park Fund
Thu, 12 Oct 2023 - 58min - 385 - Outdoor Explorer: Hear what the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage has planned for the upcoming season
Our guest on this episode of Outdoor Explorer is Kikkan Randall, executive director of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. She last spoke with host Lisa Keller two years ago when Randall had first taken the helm of NSAA.
Randall had recently returned from living in British Columbia and she was active on Olympic committees, the non-profit Fast and Female, and ACTIV Against Cancer, a Norwegian organization dedicated to ensuring that physical activity becomes part of standard cancer treatment. Since then, she has steered NSAA through the pandemic and is dreaming big about the future of the organization that shaped not only her competitive career, but also Anchorage as a Nordic ski town.
In January, NSAA is celebrating 60 years. The conversation is wide-ranging, from the programs and events NSAA has planned for the upcoming ski season, to the impacts of climate change on snow, to volunteer and employment opportunities, and present and future projects.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Kikkan Randall, Executive Director of the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage
LINKS:
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage website
Thu, 05 Oct 2023 - 58min - 384 - Outdoor Explorer: Burning Man 2023
Every year at the end of August in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, Black Rock City is built, and for about a week it becomes the third largest city in Nevada, with around 60,000 inhabitants. It is the host city for the annual event called Burning Man and it has all the amenities you’d expect to see in any other city of this size. It has with bars, restaurants, bike shops, clothing boutiques, auto mechanics and recreation centers. But the thing that differentiates this city from other American cities is that nothing at Burning Man is bought or sold, traded or bartered; Black Rock City runs on a gift economy. Every resident is expected to participate, and to bring something to contribute for the common good. What you decide to contribute – that’s up to you.
On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Adam Varrier explores Burning Man. He speaks with Cherie Yanek. She’s the race director for the annual Burning Man Ultramarathon, which takes place in the middle of the week at 5 o’clock in the morning, to beat the mid-day desert heat. In the second half of the show, we hear from the artist Miguel Guzman about the art piece he created along with his partner, Iyvone Khoo, using recycled and biodegradable materials including Mycelium. The sculpture is presented in an area of Burning Man called “Deep Playa," which is open desert, some distance from the tent city that holds the occupants of Black Rock City. The art piece represents the Mayan Rain God, Chaac, and our conversation took place at around 3:00am under a full moon and the stars of the Milky Way galaxy stretching from horizon to horizon across the night sky.
HOST: Adam Varrier
GUESTS:
Cherie Yanek, race director for the annual Burning Man Ultramarathon
Miguel Guzman and Iyvone Khoo, artists
LINKS:
Miguel Guzman's Instagram page
BROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 28 Sep 2023 - 58min - 383 - Outdoor Explorer: What makes an outdoor trip successful?
What makes an outdoor expedition successful? Most trips in the outdoors, whether one day or two weeks, are enjoyable and fun, that's why Alaskans, even on wet summers like this one, flock to the outdoors. But some outings turn into epics and even tragedy. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks about what makes a good expedition happen with retired Denali Mountaineering ranger Daryl Miller and current South District Ranger for Denali National Park Tucker Chenoweth. They discuss what made some of their expeditions succeed despite life-threatening weather and what they've learned advising and observing expeditions on Denali.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Daryl Miller, retired Denali Mountaineering ranger
Tucker Chenoweth, South District Ranger for Denali National Park
LINKS:
Leave No Trace.org: Plan Ahead and Prepare
National Park Service: Climbing Denali
Fri, 22 Sep 2023 - 59min - 382 - Outdoor Explorer: Author Don Rearden on writing about Alaska
Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's culture, history and environment and how they influenced his writing.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Don Rearden, author
LINK:
Thu, 07 Sep 2023 - 58min - 381 - Outdoor Explorer: Mountain biking Eagle River and the Mat-Su, the Alaska Mountain Bike Summit
Biking single track trail on mountain bikes has become very popular in Southcentral Alaska. Trails have proliferated and more are planned. Long trails like the Alaska Traverse will help connect communities and increase non-motorized recreational opportunities. In the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River individuals and groups are busy building and maintaining trails. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul
Twardock welcomes Will Taygan with the Chugach Mountain Bike Riders and Rene Dervaes with the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers to discuss what is happening in Mat-Su Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River and the upcoming Alaska Mountain Bike
Summit.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Will Taygan, Chugach Mountain Bike Riders
Rene Dervaes, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
LINKS:
Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
Fri, 25 Aug 2023 - 58min - 380 - Outdoor Explorer: A field geologist's life with Joe Kurtak
Joe Kurtak embodies a modern day Alaskan. He was raised at a remote mining camp in eastern California, went to college, then came to Alaska in 1971 for a summer job. He quickly fell for everything the Great Land had to offer, especially its geology. Joe worked for 40 years mapping Alaska's geology while working for both private firms and the federal government. Along the way he also pursued his love of skiing and sea kayaking. On this Outdoor Explorer Joe shares his wealth of knowledge of Alaska's geology, including Prince William Sound, and some of his many adventures with host Paul Twardock.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Joe Kurtak
LINKS:
"Of Rock and Ice: An Explorer's Guide to the Geology of Prince William Sound, Alaska"
Thu, 17 Aug 2023 - 58min - 379 - Outdoor Explorer: Petra the Adventure Cat
On the next Outdoor Explorer our guest is Nicole Chamberlain and the Meowtaineer, Petra the Adventure Cat. Petra is a Siberian Forest Cat, well-adapted to the cold, and Nicole has taken her on many adventures on the snow and the water. They recently spent time at the Sheldon House in Denali and Petra became the first cat to ski on the Ruth Glacier.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Petra the Adventure Cat,meowtaineer
Nicole Chamberlain,meowtaineer guide
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 10 Aug 2023 - 58min - 378 - Wheels on Ice: Cycling in Alaska 1898-2021
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Jessica Cherry, editor of "Wheels on Ice"
Andromeda Romano-Lax, author, contributor to "Wheels on Ice"
LINKS:
More than a century of tales from the trails in ‘Wheels on Ice: Stories of Cycling in Alaska’
BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Mon, 07 Aug 2023 - 58min - 377 - Outdoor Explorer: "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us"
On this Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Alison Mariella Dèsir, author of "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us." Her book unveils the running movement as being centered around and represented by White people, not only ignoring the foundational work and performances of Black distance runners but also not acknowledging that running while Black can be dangerous.
HOST: Lisa Keller
GUEST: Alison Mariella Dèsir
LINKS:
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Run Alaska Trails POC Trail Running and Adventure Retreat
Out & Back with Alison Mariella Dèsir
Thu, 27 Jul 2023 - 58min - 376 - Movers and Shakers: Peg Tileston
Many Alaskans have helped preserve the open spaces we enjoy. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance gave us our state parks, trails and environmental standards that we enjoy. This Outdoor Explorer features Peg Tileston. Peg has been active in organizations including the Alaska Center for the Environment (now called the Alaska Center), the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network, the Alaska Conservation Foundation, the Alaska Water Resource Board, Trustees for Alaska, the Alaska and Alaska Common Ground. She has also been on the board of Chugach Electric Association, the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Council, and the Anchorage Recycling Task Force to name a few. She has received numerous awards including being inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame. Along the way she explored much of Alaska. She joins host Paul Twardock to discuss her many contributions and adventures.
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUEST: Peg Tileston
LINKS:
Alaska Conservation Foundation
BROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 20 Jul 2023 - 58min - 375 - Fireweed bike race returns this weekend
The bike race formerly known as the Fireweed 400 is back. Now simply called “The Fireweed,” this 200-mile race makes its comeback this weekend taking riders from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Valdez! This week on Outdoor Explorer, we talk with president of the board of directors, Sara Wendling about all things race details and catch up with the a few members of the 1wheel1ders, a unicycle team that will be participating in this years race.
HOST:Martha Rosenstein
GUESTS:
Sara Wendling, President, Fireweed Board of Directors
1wheel1ders, unicycle team
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 13 Jul 2023 - 58min - 374 - 50 Years of Photography with Mark Kelley
People come to Alaska for a variety of reasons. Award-winning photographer Mark Kelley came with the hopes of meeting a whale, and almost 50 years later, he’s still here. On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Martha Rosenstein and Kelley talk about the challenges of photographing wildlife in Alaska, turning his passion into a career and what it’s like to return to a special spot year after year to observe and photograph bears.
HOST:Martha Rosenstein
GUEST:Mark Kelly
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 01 Jun 2023 - 58min - 373 - The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf’s Final Journey
On the this Outdoor Explorer, host Lisa Keller is joined by Tom Walker, author of the book "The Wanderer." In less than 6 months, Wolf 258 traversed almost 3000 miles in Alaska and Canada. His amazing journey, documented through his GPS tracking collar, is the subject of a story that mixes what we know about his movement with speculation on what he was doing during his travels.
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUEST:Tom Walker, author
LINK:
"The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf’s Final Journey" at Mountaineers Books
BROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 25 May 2023 - 58min - 372 - Chugach Front Linkup 2023: New Peak, New Record
In March, Ben Americus accomplished many firsts on the Linkup: the first late winter completion, the first to ski off the peaks and the first to complete the Linkup since Ptarmigan Peak was added as the 13th summit over 5000 feet. This week on Outdoor Explorer Ben joins host Lisa Keller to talk about how he added his name to Chugach Front Linkup history.
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUEST:Ben Americus
LINKS:
Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, May 2018, “The 12-Peak Challenge and Chugach Trails.”
Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, March 10, 2020, “Sophia Tidler’s Winter Solstice Adventure.”
Thu, 18 May 2023 - 58min - 371 - Search and Rescue in Southcentral Alaska
Summer in Alaska brings a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities. Boating, hiking, climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting ramp up and so do the calls for help. Southcentral Alaska is fortunate to have good search and rescue capabilities compared to most of the country. However much of it is provided by volunteer organizations. This Outdoor Explorer has representatives from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, the Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, and the Alaska Incident Management Team. With host Paul Twardock they will discuss their roles, how search and rescue works in Alaska, how to volunteer, and most importantly how avoid needing a rescue.
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Erin Boklage, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs
Mark Miraglia, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group
Amy Holman, Alaska Incident Management Team
Zach Liller, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol
LINKS:
Alaska Incident Management Team
Alaska Search and Rescue Association
BROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 11 May 2023 - 58min - 370 - A Tongass Odyssey: John Schoen
What was it like to be a field scientist in Alaska during the 1970s and 80's? John Schoen spent 20 years working for Alaska's Department of Fish and Game as a scientist studying Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats and brown bears in the Tongass National Forest. John's research influenced the prevailing thoughts on the effects of clearcutting on deer habitat, and added to our understanding of Brown Bears importance to their ecosystem. His strong conservation ethic, influenced by Aldo Leopold and others, melded with science and advocacy continued after he left Fish and Game to work for Audubon Alaska. John is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in field science, the Tongass temperate rainforest, and conservation. John joins host Paul Twardock to discuss his fascinating career and memoir titled "Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees, A Biologist's Memoir."
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUEST:
John Schoen, author, former Fish and Game field scientist
LINKS:
"Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees: A
More information about John Schoen
Southeast Alaska Conservation Council
Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium
BROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 04 May 2023 - 58min - 369 - Breaking Trail: Arlene Blum
HOST: Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Arlene Blum, mountaineer, scientist
Pam Miller, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
LINKS:
Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Green Science Policy Institute
BROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 27 Apr 2023 - 58min - 368 - Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
LINKS:
Healthy Futures 100 Miles in May
Thu, 20 Apr 2023 - 58min - 367 - Eating Disorders and Exercise AddictionThu, 13 Apr 2023 - 58min
- 366 - Building Trails and Parks: The Importance of Landscape ArchitectureThu, 13 Apr 2023 - 58min
- 365 - Gearing up for SummerFri, 31 Mar 2023 - 58min
- 364 - Outdoor Explorer: Onward and Upward helps kids through adventure and learning
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Randy Dowd, Executive Director and founder of Onward and Upward
Onward and Upward Staff
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 16 Mar 2023 - 58min - 363 - Recreation on the BallotThu, 09 Mar 2023 - 58min
- 362 - A Denali Himalaya connection
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUEST: Steve Mock, Denali Rescue Volunteers, the Alex Lowe Foundation, and the Khumbu Climbing Center
LINKS:
Mon, 06 Mar 2023 - 58min - 361 - Biathlon
HOST:Adam Verrier
GUESTS:
Sara Studebaker-Hall, Director of Operations at TeamUSA Biathlon
Zach Hall, Team Manager and Head Coach at the Soldier Hollow Olympic Legacy Program
LINKS:
Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage: Biathlon
Thu, 23 Feb 2023 - 58min - 360 - The Story of Title IX Part 2Thu, 16 Feb 2023 - 58min
- 359 - The history of Kincaid Park
HOST:Adam Varrier
GUEST:Jim Burkholder
LINKS:
BROADCAST: Thursday, February 9th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: February 9th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 09 Feb 2023 - 58min - 358 - Alaska Ski for Women
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Sally Burkholder, the Alaska Ski for Women co-founder
Molly Mylius, Alaska Ski for Women race director
BROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 09 Feb 2023 - 58min - 357 - 1970 Denali Climb
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUESTS:Dan Osborne, Dick Jabonowski, Ed Minot, Steve O'Brien, Tom Kensler, and Mike
Sallee
LINKS:
BROADCAST:Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 02 Feb 2023 - 58min - 356 - Tender Gravity: Marybeth HollemanThu, 19 Jan 2023 - 58min
- 355 - The Story of Title IX Part 1Fri, 13 Jan 2023 - 58min
- 354 - Outdoor Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 2
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUESTS:
Chris Reynolds, treasurer of Friends of the Stewart Public Trail
Kelly Becker, a long-time trail adjacent homeowner
LINKS:
Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 1
“Judge rules that Anchorage’s historic Stewart Trail is open to the public” - The Alaska Landmine
Friends of Stewart Public Trail Facebook page
Fri, 16 Dec 2022 - 58min - 353 - Epic Alaskans: Tom Choate the Mountain Goat
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUEST: Tom Choate
LINKS:
Tom Choate Biography
BROADCAST:Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Fri, 16 Dec 2022 - 58min - 352 - Planning for the outdoors: The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and What's new in outdoor gear
HOST:Paul Twardock
GUESTS:
Ricky Geese: Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Zachary Babb: Program Manager, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)
Alaska; NPS
LINKS:
Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
BROADCAST:Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Fri, 16 Dec 2022 - 58min - 351 - Outdoor Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 1
On this next Outdoor Explorer, our guests are Jeff Landfield and Paxson Woelber from The Alaska Landmine. The two journalists have reported extensively on disputed access to public lands in Anchorage. Our conversation focused on the history and battle for access to Chugach State Park from the Stewart Trail.
Wed, 07 Dec 2022 - 58min - 350 - On Track! in Anchorage with Alice Tower Knapp
On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk to Alice Tower Knapp, who grew up in Anchorage, skiing on the local ski trails and participating in events organized by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA). She eventually ended up in the Middlebury College Athletics Hall of Fame, and was named to the US Ski Team. She recently published a book about the NSAA, called “On Track!”. The book focuses on the history of the organization, its role in the broader community, the advocacy and events organized by the group, and the individuals who have made the NSAA what it is today. Our conversation was recorded while out for a walk during a steady, cold rain at Russian Jack Springs Park one afternoon, soon before the arrival of the first snowfall of the winter.
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 58min - 349 - Rick Steves and Art in Europe
On this show, our guest is Rick Steves. If you’ve watched public television in the last 20 years, you likely know him from his travel shows Rick Steves Europe and Travel with Rick Steves. Our discussion covers how he turned his passion for travel into a business as well as climate change and travel, why it’s important to say yes to travel opportunities, and his new show The Art of Europe.
Thu, 03 Nov 2022 - 58min - 348 - The Walking Monk in Alaska
On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll go for a walk with a man known as The Walking Monk, because he’s walked across North America five separate times and he recently published a book about the people he’s met along the way. Join host Adam Verrier on Outdoor Explorer to
hear our discussion about the joys and pleasures of taking a good long walk.
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 58min - 347 - Off the Chain Bicycle Collective
Anchorage's Off the Chain Bicycle Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization aiming to increase bicycle ridership, awareness, and safety. Started as a UAA bike club Off the Chain is housed in a full, but well organized, workspace in Spenard. Open a few evenings a week the shop has all the tools and most parts to fix a bike and volunteers that teach you how to do it. Off the Chain also sells used bikes, and accepts bikes as donations, as a way to cover their costs. Low cost and fun, the organization also offers clinics and outreach all meant to make biking affordable and accessible. On this show host, Paul Twardock visits the shop, with his bike, and gets a tour of the facility, along with some bike repair advice!
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 58min - 346 - Tidelines Institute of Alaska
ur guests for this show are Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines Institute. On two campuses along Icy Strait in Southeast Alaska, Tidelines Institute offers a variety of programs from a six-month immersive gap year experience to short courses lasting one to three weeks to community workshops. They also host research scientists and a residency program for anyone seeking to advance knowledge, beauty, justice, health,
or sustainability. A key piece of the Tidelines Institute experience is being outdoors working, harvesting, hiking, and paddling. Laura and Zach both have unique life paths that led them to collaborate on an environmental leadership and science education experience in one of the most remote and beautiful locations in the world.
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUESTS: Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines
Institute
LINKS:
Tidelines Institute Facebook pageTidelines InstituteBROADCAST:Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
Thu, 10 Nov 2022 - 58min - 345 - Anchorage Park Foundation
HOST:Lisa Keller
GUEST: Beth Nordlund, executive director of Anchorage Park Foundation
LINKS:
Register for the Moose Loop Virtual Race
BROADCAST:Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKT
REPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT
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iTunesEmailRSS FeedPodcastThu, 15 Sep 2022 - 58min - 344 - Orienteering in and around Anchorage, Alaska
Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it's like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author of Fogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.
LINKS:
Thu, 01 Sep 2022 - 58min - 343 - Orienteering in and around Anchorage, Alaska
Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it’s like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author ofFogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.
LINKS:
Thu, 01 Sep 2022 - 58min - 342 - The Chugach 120
Our guest for this show is Jen Aschoff, a geology professor at UAA who recently became the tenth person and the second woman to complete the Chugach 120. The Chugach 120 is the 120 peaks in the Chugach State Park with a prominence of 500 feet or more. Unlike the Chugach Linkup, which links all front range 12 peaks over 5000 feet in one go, the Chugach 120 can only be achieved over a period of years. It entails some relatively easy walk-up summits but also some technical climbs, including rock and ice climbing, with long approaches that may include glacier travel. Jen looks at the Chugach 120 as a personal challenge that anyone who likes to hike can work up to; she will share how to get started and connected to the peak bagger community.
Peakbagger “List of Lists,” listing peaks worldwide
Chugach State Park 120 Peak List (official Mountaineering Club list)
Thu, 25 Aug 2022 - 58min - 341 - Wild Trails with Brad Meiklejohn
What is it like to be an avalanche specialist? A conservationist? A wilderness traveler? A Buddhist? Brad Meiklejohn is a long-time Alaskan who has written a new book titledThe Wild Trailsthat explores these topics and more. On this show Brad discusses the challenges and rewards of helping others and the natural world, including his work on restoring the Eklutna watershed by removing an old dam by working with the Eklutna People and others. His insights on recreation, conservation, and self-growth are based on his work as an avalanche forecaster and educator, co-founder of the American Packrafting Association, his role as the Alaska State Director of the Conservation Fund, and his many significant trips to the Arctic and other wild places.
Fri, 19 Aug 2022 - 58min - 340 - The outdoor life of Congressional Candidates
Our guests for this show are congressional candidates Nick Begich and Mary Peltola. Your host, Lisa, reached out to the Sarah Palin campaign three times but never received a response. In these interviews with Nick and Mary, she asked questions sourced from four leaders in the outdoor industry in Alaska: Mary Goddard of Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Steve Cleary of Alaska Trails, Lee Hart of Alaska Outdoor Alliance, and Kikkan Randall of Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage. They also chatted about their own personal experiences in the outdoors, what makes the Alaska outdoors special, and where they are happiest in the Alaska outdoors.
Fri, 12 Aug 2022 - 58min - 339 - Organizing a big sporting event during a pandemic
On this week’s Outdoor Explorer, we’ll speak with the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s executive director, Ben Popp, about the changes that were put in place to allow thousands of competitors to gather in Wisconsin for America’s largest ski race, even during the pandemic.
Fri, 19 Mar 2021 - 58min - 338 - The life of Richard Nelson
On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Hank Lentfer, author of the book “Raven’s Witness: The Alaska Life of Richard K. Nelson.” Richard was Alaska’s Writer Laureate from 1999 – 2001, but he is maybe best remembered for his National Public Radio show “Encounters” that was centered around the sounds of Alaska.
Sat, 06 Mar 2021 - 58min - 337 - Emotional intelligence in the outdoors
What is emotional intelligence how does it affect our outdoor activities? This week we'll discuss why it's important in contributing to enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 - 58min - 336 - Alli Harvey, traveling landscape artist
On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Alli Harvey, outdoor columnist for the Anchorage Daily News and landscape artist. Alli is making a return to the show to share her adventures after picking up her new mobile art studio in Ohio. The custom-built Airstream trailer allows her to connect with the outdoors as she creates her paintings.
Fri, 22 Jul 2022 - 58min - 335 - Youth Employment in Parks
Youth Employment in Parks offers Anchorage High Schoolers the opportunity to work on trails and parks in Anchorage. Host Paul Twardock visits a trail crew at University Lake to learn about the program
Tue, 19 Jul 2022 - 58min - 334 - Diversifying the outdoors in Alaska: Jody Potts -Joseph
Alaska Indigenous Peoples have been living, playing, and thriving in Alaska for thousands of years. Outdoor recreation and tourism is perceived as being primarily a white person's game. Jody Potts-Joseph, Han Gwich'in and founder of Native Youth Outdoors is breaking that stereotype. Join Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock to hear Jody tell her story
Thu, 02 Jun 2022 - 58min - 333 - Denali National Park and Preserve
On the next Outdoor Explorer, we will be exploring Alaska’s most iconic park, Denali National Park and Preserve. Sharon Stiteler, the park’s Public Affairs Officer, and Tucker Chenowith, the park’s South District Ranger, will cover ground from the first successful summit of Denali to the impact of the Pretty Rocks landslide on travel in the park.
Fri, 20 May 2022 - 58min - 332 - Alaska Adventure: 55 Ways
Need ideas for summer adventure? Join your host Paul Twardock and guests Helen Nienhueser, and John and Rebecca Wolfe as they discuss their new book Alaska Adventure 55 Ways Southcentral Wilderness Explorations. Not only will they introduce us to the new book, but they'll share about researching and writing it as a family.
Fri, 13 May 2022 - 58min - 331 - Epic Alaskans: Dave Johnston, climber, ranger, and father
Dave Johnston has had many firsts: the first winter ascents of Denali and Mount Foraker, and the first Denali State Park Ranger being just a few. He also has climbed the 50 highest peaks in the U.S. with his family. Join your host Paul Twardock with Dave, his wife Cari and son Galen for the next Outdoor Explorer.
Wed, 11 May 2022 - 58min - 330 - 2022 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame and 100 Miles in May
On this Outdoor Explorer, Harlow Robinson will catch us up on the 2022 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Directors’ Awards and the Healthy Futures 100 Miles in May. The Directors’ Awards honor athletes and supporters who have made a significant impact on the culture of sport in Alaska. 100 Miles in May is the annual fundraiser for Healthy Futures.
Wed, 04 May 2022 - 58min - 329 - Bird migration in Alaska
Every spring millions of birds stream into Alaska from all over the globe to feed, mate, and raise their young. On this Outdoor Explorer features Dan Ruthrauff with the USGS Alaska Science Center and Melanie Dufour with the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival.
Wed, 04 May 2022 - 58min
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