Mushing

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race moves into its final phase with just a handful of mushers remaining on the trail as they prepare to leave White Mountain and complete the final miles to Nome. Weather conditions, including a developing storm, are affecting the timing and strategy of the remaining teams.Jesse Terry is officially named Rookie of the Year after finishing in 14th place, completing the race in just under 11 days with a strong and steady performance. His run highlights the strength of this year's rookie class, many of whom are still on the trail and finishing close together.The episode also provides an update on the Expedition Class, including Steve Curtis' decision to end his run due to deteriorating trail conditions and safety concerns. The discussion highlights an important leadership lesson: knowing when to prioritize team safety over moving forward.Listeners also hear a musher profile of veteran competitor Jessie Royer and a discussion about the unusually high number of rookies finishing together, setting up a unique and potentially historic finish to this year's race.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

On this Day 11 update of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race has its champion as Jessie Holmes crosses under the burled arch in Nome, securing victory in just over nine days. His performance was marked by strong strategy, consistent pacing, and a healthy, high-performing team throughout the race.Travis Beals follows in second place just a few hours later, with Jeff Deeter, Paige Drobny, and Wade Mars rounding out the top five. As teams continue to arrive in Nome, the race shifts from competition to completion, with mushers finishing their thousand-mile journey across Alaska.The episode also highlights the ongoing battle for Rookie of the Year, with contenders still on the trail, and provides updates on the remaining teams working their way through White Mountain and Safety.Listeners also hear a musher profile of Bailey Vitello, a second-generation musher building his career through years of racing and dedication, as well as a historical look back at Martin Buser's 1997 Iditarod victory and what it meant for the sport.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 10 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the finish line is in sight as Jessie Holmes approaches Nome with a commanding lead. Holmes earns the North Rim Bank Achieve More Award and is just miles away from claiming victory under the burled arch. Travis Beals remains in second place but would need a major shift in pace to close the gap in the final stretch. Meanwhile, teams continue moving through the trail behind them, with the back of the pack still hundreds of miles out. The episode also covers two significant scratches: Jody Potts-Joseph, who withdrew after concerns about kennel cough in her team, and Mille Porsild, following the loss of a dog on the trail. Listeners also hear a musher profile of rookie Kevin Hansen, an Inupiaq musher from Kotzebue, and a discussion on life in Nome, including food, culture, and what awaits mushers at the finish line. The episode wraps with a look back at a dramatic 1976 moment involving Norman Vaughan on the trail.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 9 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race reaches a major milestone as the first expedition musher crosses under the burled arch in Nome. Norwegian expedition musher Kjell Rokke completes the trail in under eight days, drawing attention to the evolving Expedition Class and its role in the event.Meanwhile, on the competitive race trail, Jessie Holmes holds a strong lead with just over 100 miles to go, running a fast pace with Travis Beals in second place and closing the gap as both teams push along the Bering Sea coast toward Nome.The episode also features an in-depth musher profile of Travis Beals, highlighting his lifelong connection to sled dogs, his experience in junior racing, and his development into one of the sport's top competitors. Listeners also hear discussions about race strategy heading into White Mountain, trail conditions, and traditions such as food deliveries and life on the trail.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 8 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the competition intensifies as the leading teams approach the Bering Sea coast. Defending champion Jessie Holmes continues to lead the field, with Travis Beals running just miles behind as the race transitions into its final stretch.Holmes added another honor to his growing list of awards by claiming the Ryan Air Gold Coast Award after arriving in Unalakleet with 13 dogs in harness. The award includes gold nuggets and commemorative artwork recognizing the first musher to reach the Bering Sea coast.The episode also discusses the evolving situation with the Expedition Class as one support musher withdraws while another continues toward the ceremonial finish in Nome. Listeners also hear a musher profile of defending champion Jesse Holmes and learn more about the history and superstition of Old Woman Cabin along the Kaltag Portage.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto continues his conversation with early Iditarod racer Rod Perry. Rod shares firsthand stories from the race's rugged early years, including his experiences running the 1974 and 1977 Iditarod.The discussion dives into what racing was like when the event was still a rough, experimental challenge rather than the highly organized race we see today. Rod describes brutal storms on the trail, the steep learning curve faced by the first competitors, and the constant innovation required in gear, sled design, and dog care.He also shares stories about legendary sled dogs, early sponsorships, and the evolving culture of the race. The episode closes with Rod reflecting on how the Iditarod has changed over the decades and what the future may hold for dog mushing.For fans of sled dog racing and Iditarod history, this conversation offers a rare look into the experiences of one of the sport's early participants.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

On this Day 7 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the field continues moving along the Yukon River as the race begins transitioning toward the coast. Jessie Holmes continues his strong performance on the trail, winning the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Fish First Award after arriving in Kaltag with 13 dogs in harness. The episode breaks down the current leaderboard, with the top teams spread across dozens of miles of trail while the back of the pack continues to make its way through the Yukon checkpoints.The show also highlights rookie musher Jody Potts-Joseph, a Han Gwich'in musher from Eagle Village whose journey to the Iditarod is deeply connected to family, cultural tradition, and life along the Yukon River. Listeners also hear another segment of Moment in Mushing History, revisiting Susan Butcher's historic third straight Iditarod victory in 1988 and reflecting on how the race has evolved over the decades.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with a very special guest: nine-year-old junior musher Teos, also known as the “Tiny Musher.” Teos has already been racing in junior sled dog events in Anchorage and is gaining attention for interviewing mushers on social media to help promote the sport.Teos shares how he first stepped onto a dog team at six years old and describes what it feels like to race one- and two-dog teams in junior competitions. He also talks about the responsibilities of working in a kennel, from feeding dogs to helping prepare teams for races.Beyond racing, Teos has begun interviewing mushers such as Destiny Lytle, Buddy Streeper, and others, asking questions about their experiences and helping introduce new audiences to dog mushing. His goal is simple but powerful: to help keep the sport alive and inspire others to learn about mushing.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 6 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, teams are moving onto the long and demanding Yukon River stretch of the trail. Jessie Holmes becomes the first musher to reach Ruby on the Yukon River, earning the “First Musher to the Yukon” award and continuing a strong performance in this year's race.The episode breaks down the current leaderboard and examines how the top teams are managing their mandatory rests and race strategy as they head deeper into the second half of the race. Paige Drobny continues to run a strong race from Squid Acres Kennel and remains in close pursuit of Holmes.Listeners also hear a detailed musher profile of Paige Drobny, including her background in fisheries biology, her life along the Denali Highway with fellow musher Cody Strathe, and the story behind their well-known kennel, Squid Acres. The show also explores the unique villages along the Yukon River and includes a moment in mushing history recalling the dramatic 1978 Iditarod finish between Dick Mackey and Rick Swenson.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 5 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the field begins moving into the second third of the race as teams head toward the Yukon River. Jessie Holmes claims the Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award after reaching the checkpoint first with a full team of 16 dogs.The episode also covers dramatic wildlife encounters on the trail, including reports of mushers confronting woodland bison while traveling between checkpoints. These incidents highlight the unpredictable challenges of long-distance mushing in Alaska's wilderness.In addition to race updates and analysis with guest Jonathan Hayes, the show features a musher profile of rookie Joey Sabin and a look back at sled dog racing history, including debates about breed diversity in racing from decades past.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 4 update of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, teams are settling into the strategic middle portion of the race as many mushers begin taking their mandatory 24-hour rests. Jessie Holmes earns the Alaska Air Transit Spirit of Iditarod Award for being the first musher to reach McGrath. day-4-iditarodThe episode also features an in-depth conversation with musher and biology teacher Jonathan Hayes from Maine. Hayes shares insights from his 30 years of dog mushing, including his participation in the Centennial Serum Run expedition and his work preserving the historic Seppala Siberian sled dog bloodlines. day-4-iditarodThe discussion dives into race strategy, including how mushers plan their run-rest schedules, how trail conditions influence decisions during long-distance races, and how the new Expedition Class may affect the future of the Iditarod. The episode also includes a musher profile of Matt Hall and a historical look back at the 1976 Iditarod race.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this Day 3 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, teams are pushing through challenging terrain across the Alaska Range as leaders approach the race's early checkpoints. Jessie Holmes currently holds the lead while several mushers rest and prepare for their mandatory 24-hour breaks.The episode covers the first scratch of the race after rookie musher Jaye Foucher suffered a crash that destroyed much of her sled and equipment near Rainy Pass. The discussion also highlights the impact of heavy snow and difficult trail conditions that are testing mushers, gear, and teams.Listeners also learn about mandatory gear requirements, the historic checkpoint village of Takotna and its famous pies, and the story of Expedition Class musher Kjell Inge Røkke. The episode wraps with a look back at a memorable moment in Iditarod history and the ongoing evolution of sponsorship and merchandise in the race.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The 2026 Iditarod is officially underway, and the first 24 hours of racing are already shaping the early storylines. Defending champion Jessie Holmes leads the field near mile 188 as teams push through Finger Lake, the Steps, Rainy Pass, and the Gorge on their way toward Rohn. Early reports from the trail indicate strong winds reaching up to 50 miles per hour across the Alaska Range, creating challenging conditions for mushers and their dog teams.Robert and Michele Forto break down the early race standings, discuss how tightly packed the field remains, and analyze the significance of the first major trail section. They also examine the debut of the new Iditarod Expedition Class, a program allowing non-competitive participants to experience the thousand-mile trail through a pay-to-participate model.The conversation explores the financial realities facing the Iditarod, including new funding streams and sponsorship challenges. The hosts also profile rookie musher Richie Beattie and share a memorable moment from Iditarod history featuring Joe May's record-setting 1980 victory.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially began from the Willow Restart and the teams are now on the trail heading toward the Alaska Range. In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert and Michele Forto report directly from Willow, Alaska, after spending the afternoon in the staging area speaking with mushers, handlers, and fans before the start of the race.They share the atmosphere of the restart, including tailgate-style trail cooking for Paige Drobny's team, conversations with sprint racers Bailey Vitello and Keaton Loebrich about sled design and race strategy, and an interview with rookie musher Jody Potts-Joseph from Eagle Village.The episode also features insights from the new Expedition Class mushers discussing why they chose to attempt the race and what this category could mean for the future of long-distance dog mushing.The show concludes with a musher profile of Wade Mars and a historical look back at Libby Riddles' historic 1985 Iditarod victory during the new “Moment in Mushing History” segment.With the first miles already behind the teams and early leaders emerging on the tracker, the race has officially begun, and the strategies for the first night on the trail are starting to take shape. Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

What was it really like to race in the very first Iditarod in 1973?In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto continues his conversation with Rod Perry, one of the original participants in the inaugural Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Rod shares firsthand stories from the historic race that helped shape Alaska's most famous sporting event.Rod describes the atmosphere at the start of the race, when only a small crowd gathered at Tudor Track in Anchorage, long before the Iditarod became a global phenomenon. He explains how mushers assembled their teams from whatever dogs they could find, often borrowing animals or pulling together mismatched teams with little training.The discussion explores what it was like to race across Alaska in those early days. With few checkpoints, limited supplies, and almost no established infrastructure, mushers relied heavily on wilderness survival skills. Rod also recounts the story of his legendary lead dog, Fat Albert, and how that dog helped carry his team across the state.The episode also explores how dramatically the race has evolved. Early mushers ran with patched gear, homemade sleds, and minimal nutrition for their dogs, while modern racers compete with specialized equipment, professional training programs, and elite canine athletes.Rod concludes by describing the emotional moment of reaching Nome after nearly a month on the trail and reflecting on how the first Iditarod helped launch one of the world's most iconic endurance races.If you are interested in the history of dog mushing, the origins of the Iditarod, or the stories of the pioneers who helped build the sport, this episode offers a rare look into one of the most important chapters in sled dog racing history.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The 54th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is officially underway, and it all began with the ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage. In this episode of The Burled Arch, hosts Robert and Michele Forto recap the energy, excitement, and controlled chaos of race day as mushers and their teams lined up along 4th Avenue for the traditional start of Alaska's most famous race.Michele reports from the scene with interviews from handlers, fans, and even a few young future mushers while sharing what the crowd atmosphere looked like this year. The hosts also discuss the new Expedition Class, highlight a rookie musher to watch, and preview what fans can expect at the Willow restart as the race truly begins.If you follow the Iditarod or love sled dog racing, this episode gives you an insider's perspective on the traditions, personalities, and moments that make the ceremonial start such a special part of the race.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto speaks with 2026 Junior Iditarod Champion Stanley Robinson of Robinson Racing Kennel in Nenana, Alaska. Stanley discusses what it felt like to cross the finish line of his first Junior Iditarod victory and how his dogs performed in the cold conditions of the 150-mile race.Stanley comes from a deep mushing family background, with his sister a four-time Junior Iditarod champion and his father an Iditarod veteran. During the conversation, he talks about growing up with sled dogs, running traplines with his team, and managing race dogs alongside traditional working sled dogs.The episode also explores a remarkable adventure Stanley took with his family traveling from Nenana to Nome along the Iditarod Trail, giving listeners a firsthand look at life on Alaska's historic mushing routes.Listeners will hear about Stanley's race strategy, his lead dog Vicky, and what the future may hold, including a possible run in the Iditarod in the coming years. Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is about to begin, and the excitement is building across Alaska. In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, hosts Robert and Michele Forto preview the upcoming race with a deep look at the ceremonial start in Anchorage, the official restart in Willow, and the full bib draw and starting order for this year's field of mushers. ceremonial-startThey also share their predictions for the race, including their top five contenders to reach Nome and their Rookie of the Year picks. With past champions like Jessie Holmes, Pete Kaiser, and Ryan Redington in the field, the 2026 race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.The episode also introduces a new segment, Memorable Moments in Mushing History, highlighting the story of the first Iditarod in 1973 and the incredible effort that launched the race into the global spotlight.If you are planning to attend the ceremonial start in Anchorage or the restart in Willow, this episode also includes helpful information about parking, travel logistics, and what fans can expect on race weekend.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race begins long before the teams reach the trail. One of the most anticipated events of race week is the Iditarod Mushers Banquet, where fans, sponsors, and mushers gather in Anchorage for an evening that officially launches the Last Great Race on Earth.In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, hosts Robert and Michele Forto take listeners inside this iconic event. The banquet features the famous bib drawing from a traditional mukluk, meet-and-greet opportunities with mushers, auctions that help support the race, and special tributes to important figures in Iditarod history.The show also explores updates to the Iditarod Insider platform, including multi-camera livestreams, improved GPS tracking, fan chat features, and SMS alerts that allow followers around the world to stay connected to the race.Finally, the hosts discuss the newly announced IditaHealth: Smiles for Miles program, a pediatric dental initiative that will bring preventative oral health care and education to children in rural checkpoint communities along the Iditarod Trail. The program highlights how the race continues to support Alaska's trail communities beyond the competition itself. Listeners will also hear about new features coming to this year's Mushing Podcast coverage, including nightly race recaps, historical insights, rulebook discussions, and fan interaction throughout the race.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The countdown to the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race has begun, and the Burled Arch podcast returns for another season of nightly race coverage.In this kickoff episode, hosts Robert and Michele Forto break down everything fans need to know before the ceremonial start. Broadcasting from Willow, Alaska, just miles from the official restart, the show dives into the field of 37 mushers, including defending champion Jessie Holmes, former champions Ryan Redington and Pete Kaiser, and a strong group of rookies entering the race.The episode also explores a unique storyline this year: the introduction of expedition mushers, participants who travel the trail outside traditional competition while supporting charitable initiatives and contributing to the race purse.You'll also learn about the race format, checkpoints, trail conditions, nightly podcast coverage, listener participation, and new features for this year's show as the team prepares to follow every mile of the nearly 1,000-mile journey to Nome.If you want a front-row seat to the Last Great Race on Earth, this is where the trail begins.In this episode:Introduction to the 2026 Iditarod coverage on the Burled ArchRace overview: 37 mushers, 14 rookies, and 3 past championsDefending champion Jessie Holmes returns to defend his titleLate race entry by Pete KaiserSpotlight on promising rookie mushersNew expedition musher category and what it means for the raceTrail conditions across Alaska, including heavy snow on parts of the routeDetails about the Iditarod banquet and ceremonial startHow listeners can participate with questions, voice messages, and triviaWhat to expect from nightly race coverage through the finishers banquetSupport our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Michele Forto shares a summary of the 2026 State of Mushing Letter from Robert Forto and the team at Mushing Magazine and the Team and Trail Foundation.Each year during Iditarod season, this letter reflects on the direction of dog-powered sports and the evolving role of the media that documents it. This year's message centers on a powerful idea: differentiation.While many publications are shrinking or shifting entirely online, Mushing Magazine has chosen a different path by deepening its commitment to serious storytelling, field reporting, and preserving the history of the sport.In this episode, Michele discusses:Why print media still matters in the world of mushingThe transition of Mushing Magazine into the Team and Trail FoundationHow the sport is adapting to environmental change and shorter snow seasonsThe rise of dryland disciplines like canicross and bikejoringWhy authentic storytelling still requires human journalists and photographersThe State of Mushing letter is both a reflection on the sport's past and a roadmap for its future, grounded in leadership, endurance, and the traditions that make dog-powered sports unique.If you care about sled dogs, racing, outdoor leadership, and the culture surrounding mushing, this episode offers an important perspective on where the sport is heading next.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this special series opener, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod veteran Rod Perry to tell the real story behind the 1973 race. Rod ran in the inaugural Iditarod and shares firsthand insight into the meetings, the skepticism, and the last-minute efforts that made the race possible.You'll hear how Joe Redington Sr., Tom Johnson, and others and why they pushed when others walked away, why 1973 was the only year the race could have worked, and how the U.S. Army played a critical role in putting in the original trail.Rod also breaks down the true history of the Iditarod Trail itself, explaining how multiple historic routes combine to form today's race.If you care about Iditarod history, sled dog racing, and the roots of modern mushing, this episode sets the foundation.Support our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.comFollow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights ReservedKeywords: First Iditarod, 1973 Iditarod, Iditarod history, Joe Redington, Alaska sled dog racing, Dog mushing podcast, Long-distance mushing, Iditarod Trail, Anchorage Alaska, Sled dog race origins, Rod Perry, Anchorage Mushing District, Mushing Magazine, Robert Forto

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP welcome back Daniel Bocock, a veteran competitor with extensive experience at the highest levels of dog-powered sports. Daniel reflects on his return to the podcast and shares insights from racing six-dog and four-dog teams at the IFSS World Championships in Spain and Wisconsin.The conversation covers Daniel's progression from canicross to elite team racing, working with Eurohounds, Greysters, and Siberian Huskies, and managing a mixed kennel with his partner Anna Marman. Daniel also breaks down the realities of international racing, including airline logistics, customs challenges, equipment transport, and the cost of taking a six-dog team overseas.This episode offers a candid, experience-based look at what it takes to compete on the world stage in modern mushing.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Bridgett Watkins to talk about her powerful new documentary, Without Warning, now streaming on Amazon and other platforms.Bridget shares the full story behind the film, including a violent moose attack on her dog team, the emotional and physical toll of her first Iditarod attempt, and the mental battle of returning to the trail after being forced to scratch. She opens up about the unbreakable bond between musher and dog team, the unseen role of family and support crews watching trackers from home, and how the mushing community shows up when it matters most.This episode goes far beyond race results. It's about survival, leadership, trust, and knowing when to push forward and when to prioritize life. Whether you're a longtime fan of sled dog racing or new to the sport, this conversation offers rare insight into the realities of long-distance mushing in Alaska.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a podcast pitch? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Mikki Douglas, one of the most dominant competitors in modern dryland mushing. Fresh off the IFSS World Championships, Mikki shares how she captured three gold medals and a bronze across multiple disciplines, including four-dog rig, bikejoring, scooter, and relay racing.The conversation explores Mikki's background in professional motocross and mountain biking, how speed sports shaped her racing mindset, and how she applies exercise physiology principles to dog training. Mikki also discusses building and racing a kennel of Eurohounds, preparing independently in the Pacific Northwest, hosting Iron Paws races, and navigating the realities of life disruptions, including fires, storms, and rebuilding.This episode is a deep dive into elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to win at the highest level of dryland dog racing.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Dryland mushing is one of the fastest-growing areas of dog-powered sports, especially in regions with limited winter snow. In this episode of The Dog Driver, we talk with an experienced dryland musher, Leendert Van Dorp, about how teams train, race, and compete at the IFSS Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin.The conversation covers real-world dryland mushing equipment, including scooters, bikes, canicross, four-dog rigs, and six-dog rigs, as well as kennel size, dog selection, nutrition, and training schedules. We also discuss balancing work, family, and dogs, how dryland racing has expanded over the years, and why more mushers are shifting toward dryland competition.This episode is a practical, experience-based look at life as a dog driver off snow.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Michigan-based racer Samantha Wawiernia to talk about one of the most unique paths into dog-powered sports. Samantha began mushing to condition her bear and coon hounds for hunting, then transitioned those same dogs into competitive dryland racing.The conversation explores running hunting hounds alongside sled dogs, building a family-centered kennel, training without reliable snow, and racing primarily in dryland formats across the Midwest. Samantha also shares her preparation and experience at the IFSS World Championships, including racing a young six-dog team to a championship win.This episode highlights adaptability, family involvement, and how modern mushing continues to evolve beyond traditional sled dog models.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereFacebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP are joined by dryland racer Nova Clifford from New Hampshire. A third-generation musher, Nova shares how she grew up in sled dog racing and how the sport has evolved from large family kennels to modern dryland and mono-sport competition.The conversation covers building a small competitive kennel, training four-dog rig teams, developing leaders, and racing in changing snow conditions across New England and Canada. Nova also discusses competing at the IFSS World Championships, traveling long distances with dogs, and balancing performance with long-term dog development.This episode offers an honest look at the future of mushing through the eyes of a younger generation that values tradition, adaptability, and the bond with their dogs.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereFacebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto turns the tables and interviews longtime musher KP about his 40-plus years in sled dog racing. The conversation spans sprint, dryland, and open-class racing across Europe, the Lower 48, Canada, and Alaska.KP shares his favorite and most challenging races, including the Eagle River Classic, Fur Rondy, and international events in Spain and Scandinavia. He talks about racing Siberians, transitioning to Eurohounds, building kennels in Europe and Alaska, and how the sport has changed financially, culturally, and structurally over the decades.The episode also includes a candid discussion about lifestyle sacrifice, the true cost of mushing, and why this season may be KP's final year of competitive racing. This is a reflective, honest look at mushing from someone who has lived it at every level.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

After a multi-year hiatus, The Dog Driver is back. In this episode, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow explain why they decided to revive the podcast and why the timing matters for the future of mushing and dog-powered sports.The conversation looks back at the original Dog Driver series, which featured over 200 guests from around the world, and explores how the sport has changed in recent years.Topics include the growth of dryland racing, the decline in traditional open-class participation, the role of local clubs such as the Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, and the challenges of maintaining trails, races, and community in a changing sport.This episode lays the foundation for The Dog Driver's new direction, focusing on sprint mushing, dryland racing, real people in the sport, and keeping the fire alive for the next generation of dog drivers.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Dryland mushing isn't just for Alaska. In this episode of Mushing, Robert Forto interviews Christine Taylor and Alexandra Crossett, two competitive mushers from New Jersey who are proving that dog-powered sports can thrive far from traditional sled dog country.Christine and Alexandra explain how they discovered the sport, the early dogs who started it all, and how their local club, the Jersey Sands Sled Dog Racing Association, helped them move from recreational runs to the IFSS Dryland World Championships. They share what training looks like in the Pine Barrens, why some trails won't allow bikes, the impact of weather on racing conditions, and the community support that got their teams to a global event.They also talk about:Bikejor, scooter, and rig racingTraining before dawn and after dark to protect dog healthTrail access issues and laws impacting the sportThe gear they never run without (helmets and eye protection)How climate and race logistics will shape the future of mushingGrowing canine sports for new pet owners and working breedsWhether you're a racer, adventurer, or curious dog enthusiast, this is a powerful inside look at the evolving world of dryland mushing.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

What does it take to represent Mexico on the world stage of dryland mushing? In this episode, we talk with Elly Lugo, a CaniCross and scooter musher who traveled from central Mexico to compete at the Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Elly is a mom of three, a former marathon runner, and a dedicated athlete building the future of dog-powered sports in her region.She shares how she qualified for Team Mexico, how the public is learning to understand mushing, the breeds her family runs (GSPs, Eurohounds, a Border Collie, and a Golden Retriever), and what's next as Mexico prepares to host the Continental Championships in November 2026.If you care about spreading the sport, building community, and running dogs with heart, you'll love this conversation.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Former Air Force pilot turned musher Konrad Jakob joins us from the IFSS Dryland Championships in Wisconsin to talk about the rapid growth of dog mushing in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and across Latin America. Konrad shares how he launched sled dog tours in the Andes, helped expand IFSS participation, and what to expect from the 2026 Pan-American Championship in Mexico.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of Mushing, Robert Forto sits down with returning guest Joy Weis, a canicross athlete, coach, and founder of the Friends of Oso Foundation. Joy shares how she got started in dog-powered sports, what makes a great canicross dog, what new athletes should know before entering their first race, and why the sport is more accessible than most people think. She also dives into her coaching work through Lucky Fox Coaching, explaining how she trains canicross teams, cyclists, runners, and multi-sport athletes using a data-informed, holistic approach. Joy breaks down the TrainingPeaks system she uses to review athlete metrics like pace, sleep, heart rate, and training load. The conversation shifts to the emotional origin of the Friends of Oso Foundation, which was created to honor her rescue husky and canicross partner, Oso. Joy discusses how the foundation provides grants to northern breed rescues to address immediate needs, such as food, medical care, and transportation, as well as resources like marketing and campaign materials. She closes with practical advice for anyone curious about dog-powered sports: start small, ask questions, and don't be afraid to get involved. Whether you're exploring canicross, considering a coach, or looking for ways to support northern breed rescue, this episode will give you a clear place to start.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of The Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with Andrew Comoletti, a Boston-based dog walker, musher, and filmmaker whose Border Collies launched him into the world of dog-powered sports. Andrew shares how he turned dog walking into a full-time career, how he races with both his own dogs and client dogs, and why he films mushing events across the US and Canada. Robert and Andrew talk about dog behavior, non-traditional mushing breeds, building a camera rig for racing, and what it takes to produce high-quality videos from 20 terabytes of footage. Andrew also gives insight into the community, the races he attends, and his philosophy on putting dog welfare first.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Michele Forto shares the biggest shift in Mushing Magazine's history: the move to the new Team & Trail Foundation. After two years of fighting to keep the publication alive, the Fortos reveal what really happened behind the scenes, why they chose a nonprofit path, and how readers can keep print mushing journalism thriving for decades to come. This episode explains how nonprofit outdoor magazines survive, what this means for mushers, fans, and clubs, and how Mushing+ members will support print issues, education programs, grants for village teams, and much more.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Canicross is exploding across North America, and few people have been more instrumental in that growth than athlete, organizer, and Team USA captain Lizzy Hill. Recorded live at the IFSS Dryland World Championships, this episode dives into what it really takes to compete at the elite level while also helping shape the future of dog-powered sports in the United States.Lizzy discusses running at Worlds with her young dog, Alibi, how she qualified after an injury-filled season, and what it means to help lead the United States Federation of Sled Dog Sports. She shares the origin story behind North America Canicross, explaining how a small Facebook group evolved into a huge international community, and why their challenge coins and titling programs have become so popular among both new and experienced runners.We also get into World Championship logistics, why organizers had to recruit competitors from Australia to make certain classes official, and how Canicross is one of the most accessible ways for anyone to enter dog-powered sports.If you're curious about Canicross, want to understand how the sport is evolving, or want a behind-the-scenes look at the World Championships, this is a can't-miss interview.Topics include:• What it takes to qualify for IFSS Worlds• How the NA Canicross community grew so fast• Challenge coins, titling, and lifetime mileage programs• Why Canicross classes were some of the largest at Worlds• Travel logistics and racing with one dog• How beginners can get started right nowThe Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

What happens when a lifelong Border Collie enthusiast enters the world of competitive sled dog racing? Meet Tabetha Kopta, a Pennsylvania musher who proved that determination, structure, and a pack of hard-driving Border Collies can compete with the fastest hounds and Siberians in the sport.In this episode, host Robert Forto talks with Tabitha about her journey from grooming dogs to representing Team USA at the IFSS World Championships, how she trains and selects her dogs, and why Border Collies might be the most underestimated athletes in mushing.You'll also hear about her most humbling trail experience, her favorite heavy-metal playlist for training days, and the gear hack she swears by, using a deer antler as her snub line.Whether you're a musher, dog trainer, or outdoor enthusiast, this episode will change how you think about what makes a great sled dog.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of Mushing, host Robert Forto sits down with Fernando and Dana, the husband-and-wife team behind Rancho Luna Lobos in Park City, Utah. From running a rescue kennel and family-run sled dog tour business to shaping the next generation of mushers, they share how faith, community, and love for dogs power everything they do.We explore their Peace Garden, where dogs heal from past trauma, how they blend mushing and ministry, and what the future of the sport looks like, from sprint racing to the rise of dryland mushing and monodog sports.Fernando also shares his most humbling moment on the trail (spoiler: it involves a wrong turn and icy trail!), and Dana reflects on legacy, leadership, and Leonard Seppala's enduring influence.Listen for:Why humility and faith matter in modern mushingHow Rancho Luna Lobos blends rescue, sport, and storytellingThe future of sled dog racing and outdoor adventure in UtahThe Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this powerful episode of Mushing, Maine musher Jonathan Hayes reflects on the final leg of his Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska—his emotional arrival in Nome and the lessons learned along the way. From honoring the legacy of Leonhard Seppala to finding faith, purpose, and resilience on the trail, Hayes shares what it truly means to carry history forward. This is Part Five of our in-depth series exploring the heart, heritage, and humanity behind one of mushing's most meaningful journeys.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Tone Coughlin of Endurance Kennels in Duluth, Minnesota, to pull back the curtain on the realities of sled dog culture. They discuss the differences between sprint racing Alaskan Huskies and the stereotypical “Disney dogs,” how selective breeding has shaped performance, and why public education is crucial for the sport's future. Tony shares insights from growing his kennel, building a massive TikTok following, and balancing tradition with modern challenges, such as climate change and social media trolls.Whether you're a seasoned musher or new to the sport, this conversation offers a raw, authentic look at what it takes to raise, train, and advocate for sled dogs today.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode, we sit down with Maine musher Jonathan Hayes to relive the Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska, a journey that tested both human grit and canine heart. From the harrowing winds of the coast to the untold lessons learned on the trail, Jonathan shares raw stories of survival, leadership, and the enduring spirit of Seppala Siberians. This is part one of our series diving deep into one of the most ambitious expeditions of our time.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, hosts Greg and Jen share their journey into the world of dog sledding, discussing their backgrounds, current activities, and future aspirations in the sport. They delve into training techniques, the dynamics of their dog team, and the importance of community and networking within the mushing scene. The conversation also highlights personal stories about their dogs, Eska and Polar, showcasing the bond between mushers and their canine companions. The episode concludes with a look ahead to upcoming races and the excitement of the mushing community.TakeawaysMushing is a unique blend of teamwork and outdoor adventure.Training techniques vary significantly between sprint and long-distance racing.Building a dog team requires careful consideration of each dog's strengths and weaknesses.Networking within the mushing community is crucial for success.Personal stories about dogs can highlight the emotional connection in mushing.The Iditarod is a significant goal for many mushers, including Greg and Jen.Canicross and ski-joring are great entry points into the mushing world.The terrain and weather conditions greatly affect training and racing.Community events and races foster camaraderie among mushers.The bond between mushers and their dogs is central to the sport.Sound Bites"I got started with my Australian shepherd.""I kind of took that as a challenge.""Good luck to you in your upcoming season."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mushing and the Guests04:31 Backgrounds and Early Experiences in Mushing09:14 Current Mushing Activities and Future Aspirations13:45 Training Techniques and Dog Team Dynamics18:31 Networking and Community in the Mushing Scene22:54 Stories from the Trail: Eska and Polar25:02 Conclusion and Future EndeavorsThe Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Join us on the Team and Trail tour as we sit down to talk to Rémy and Aurelie Coste in Alaska. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In part three of our series, Maine musher Jonathan Hayes takes us deeper into his Centennial Seppala Expedition, from Galena to Unalakleet. Along the way, he shares the magic of the historic portage and honors traditions at Old Woman Cabin. He witnesses the Northern Lights before facing the humbling chaos of being dragged into town across the glare ice. This episode captures both the spiritual highs and the unpredictable realities of mushing across Alaska's unforgiving coast.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Join Michele as we explore the exciting world of dog-powered sports with the launch of Mushing+, a new membership offering that goes beyond traditional magazine subscriptions.Highlights:Discover the benefits of Mushing+, including exclusive articles, behind-the-scenes interviews, and special discounts. Learn about the heritage and adventure of mushing, and the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs. Get access to unlimited digital content, live events, and a bi-weekly newsletter with curated articles and recipes.Membership Details:Mushing+ is available for $5 per month or $50 annually, offering two months free. Sign up at mushing.com/mushingplus to support independent mushing journalism and join our community.Subscribe now to unlock content and help shape the future of mushing. Visit mushing.com or find us on your favorite podcast platform.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

Join us as we dive into the thrilling world of mushing with lifelong Minnesota resident Renee Casey. Discover the passion behind dog-powered sports, the community spirit at races, and the future of mushing. Renee shares her experiences, favorite races, and the joy of raising Siberian Huskies.Key Highlights:Introduction: Renee's favorite races: The Beargrease and Klondike, and the vibrant racing scene in Wisconsin. The future of mushing: Smaller kennels and the rise of mono sports. Heartwarming stories about Renee's dogs, including her 14-year-old Siberian Husky, Cinder. The supportive mushing community and the importance of responsible dog ownership.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In part two of our series with Maine musher Jonathan Hayes, we follow the first leg of his Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska: from Nenana to Galena, through brutal conditions few thought possible. Jonathan recounts harrowing moments on the trail, including falling through overflow, surviving subzero extremes, and even rescuing a stranded elder along the Yukon. This episode reveals the grit of both musher and dogs as they honor the 1925 serum run in a once-in-a-lifetime journey.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

In this first episode of our series, we sit down with Maine musher Jonathan Hayes to uncover the origins of his Centennial Seppala Expedition across Alaska. Jonathan shares how a fundraiser for a Togo monument during COVID grew into a once-in-a-lifetime journey retracing the 1925 serum run with his rare Seppala sled dogs. Join us as we explore the inspiration, preparation, and leadership lessons that shaped the beginning of this extraordinary adventure.The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

This is a bonus episode about an article appearing in Issue 201 of Mushing Magazine discussing exercising your dogs post-workout with Dr. Erica BolingThe Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

This is a bonus episode discussing the article Beyond the Miles that appeared in Mushing Magazine Issue 200 with Dr. Erica Boling. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A hereDo you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out hereTrail Bytes 2025Facebook | X | InstagramLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREWe would love to hear your feedback about the show!You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com