Radio Free Palmer

This comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide is the first resource to consider bone and joint health together. Learn which nutrients the body needs in what amounts, which anti-inflammatory ingredients to keep in your kitchen, and what exercises can help improve bone health. The great-tasting recipes are for everyone, from omnivores to vegans.

David Cheezem shares his thoughts on Bertolt Brecht’s 1939 play Mother Courage and Her Children. The play explores the corrosive nature of war, the cyclical futility of conflict, the tension between wartime and peacetime morality, and how individuals become complicit in violence and exploitation for economic gain. 

Palmer Arts Council Managing Director Meggie Aube speaks with Mike Chmielewski. The Palmer Arts Council has been in operation for 25 years, offering a range of activities including musicals, plays, summer camps, art classes, and more. The Palmer Arts Council offers free arts classes on Mondays for students aged 12-18. All supplies and materials are […]

This week, we review federal cuts to technical education, the implications for an Alaska LNG line, and growing South Korean doubts about investing in the US, as well as the concerns that the Founding Fathers had about irresponsible monetary policies. John also tries to answer another of Rachel's news quizzes.

Palmer Fire Chief John Prevost and Police Sargent Richard Clark discuss October as Fire Safety Month & Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Mike Chmielewski. Chief Prevost and Sargent Clark describe how the two departments work hand in hand. For example in a fire the police play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of onlookers, […]

Mike Chmielewski and JL Spears discuss his first fiction novel, The Daemon Protocol. In the book, Daniel Bennett thought he was building the future of medicine—an AI system designed to save lives. As the AI he nurtured begins making decisions no human can predict, Daniel confronts a terrifying truth: progress without limits might cost more […]

Mike Chmielewski welcomed Stephanie Tucker from Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults and Mark Lackey from CCS Early Learning. They talked about the free movie screening on Wednesday, Sept 25th about the Infant Learning Program. The short film is a day in the life of a development specialist, in the Infant Learning Program. Stephanie and […]

Amy Facklam and Rebekah Potter from the Alaska Literacy Project join Mike Chmielewski. The Alaska Literacy Program is a volunteer-based community agency with a mission to change lives through literacy. For 50 years, ALP has taught adults to read, write, and speak the English language. Classes have expanded to include GED preparation, digital literacy courses, and […]

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington and Mike Chmielewski enjoy talking during their last Mayor’s Minutes broadcast together. Their discussion of the City Council meeting of September 12th covered a range of topics from Robert’s Rules of Order to the Palmer Museum. Steve and Mike also shared memories of when the mayor began his duties in October […]

Rachel Levitt and John Robertson review federal grant cuts to University of Alaska, how a heavy-handed ICE raid in Georgia undermines federal encouragement of South Korean support for an Alaska LNG line, and what the US Constitution says about scientific progress. Rachel also tries to stump John in Public Policy Pursuit. Saturday at 12:30 pm […]

Award-winning writer Marybeth Holleman talks with Mike Chmielewski about her new book. Raised by North Carolina's Smokies, she now lives in the embrace of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. Her essays, poetry, and articles have appeared in numerous journals, magazines, and anthologies. Bloom Again, her first fiction book, weaves together a narrative, characters, and a depiction of the […]

Palmer Airport Superintendent John Diumennti joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City. John and Mike covered a lot of information about the airport and the upcoming improvement plans. The lighting project requires the replacement of the controllers, conductors, and lights. John talked about the Airport Master Planning Session, which will be scheduled next year. The […]

Kenni Psenak conducted interviews with the candidates for the Palmer City Council which aired on September 21st starting at 4:00 pm. The election is on Tue. Oct. 7. Early voting runs Mon. Sept. 22 to Mon. Oct. 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Palmer City Hall in the Council Chambers. For the 3-year […]

Dr. Jill Valerius joins Lee Henrikson to discuss high blood pressure. Dr. Jill explains how your blood pressure is taken and when it should be taken. The top number in your blood pressure reading is your systolic pressure — the force of the blood flow when it is pumped out of the heart. The second […]

Mike Chmielewski welcomed Mike Liebing with the Palmer Community Foundation. A community foundation is a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined geographic area. Community foundations generate sustainable and permanent assets to support charitable activities and local nonprofits. This year, Palmer Community Foundation has given $120,000 in grants to […]

The 17th Annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo will be held on Saturday, September 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The expo is a free, family-friendly event held at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla. The expo will feature hands-on training, live demonstrations, and exhibits covering a variety of safety topics: Hands-only CPR, Basic […]

School District Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani talks with Emily Forstner on Valley Edition. Emily congratulates Dr. Trani on winning the Alaska Superintendent of the Year. Another celebration is that the 2025 AK STAR results are in. Our students are not just keeping up; they are leading the way. Mat-Su students exceeded the state average in […]

Peter House from Deep Tree talks about current cybersecurity threats with host Mike Chmielewski. Mike and Peter discussed the Anchorge Neighborhood Health Services breach, which involved 60,000 patients’ records. Peter explained that healthcare is a favorite target due to the diverse information available in the records. Elections are coming up soon, and Mike asked Peter […]

Mike Chmielewski and Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington discuss the September 9th council meeting. At a special city council meeting on October 13th, the council will certify the election. The new mayor and council members will be sworn in, and Steve Carrington will hand the gavel over to the new mayor.

For Episode 18, John and Rachel discuss the Railbelt’s looming energy crisis, play public policy pursuit, and contemplate the grand jury clause of the 5th Amendment.

Lauren from the Valley Performing Arts chats with Mike Chmielewski about VPA’s new production, Aboveboard, a romantic comedy set in a New York Apartment in 2025. The play runs from September 5th through September 21st. Show times are 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm on Sundays. For more information, look online at […]

Peter House from Deep Tree talks about current cybersecurity threats with Mike Chmielewski on Internet Weather. Peter considers reversibility to be a key consideration when making cybersecurity decisions. This means you should make a cybersecurity decision based on the difficulty of changing it. Mike compared it to gambling versus investing, the point being the amount […]

Dr. Jill Valerius explains to Lee Henrikson about Gilbert’s Syndrome. Gilbert’s Syndrome (GS) is a syndrome in which the liver of an affected individual processes bilirubin too slowly, resulting in higher levels in the blood. Dr. Jill shares the triggers to avoid and the steps to take to be healthy if you have DS.

Jeff Smith, Solid Waste Manager for the borough, and Tam Boeve, Executive Director discuss the return of glass recycling to the recycling center on September 9. The borough bought a glass crusher for the recycling center. This diverts glass from the landfill and provides sand (ground glass) that can be used in construction and other projects.

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington joins Mike Chmielewski in a discussion of the Aug. 26th city council meeting. Palmer delegates who traveled to our sister city, Saroma, Japan, talked about their experiences in Japan. Colby Zerkal, the Palmer City Manager, briefly addressed the council. One topic was the investigation into the matter of the video of […]

Herb Bischoff shares with Mike Chmielewski about his recent trip to Uganda and Madagascar. The trip getting to Uganda and Madagascar is arduous, with extended hours on a plane, but Herb feels it is more than worth the time and trouble. Herb works with Global Builders, which is a part of the Fuller Center for […]

Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty gives an update on the real estate market and talks with host Mike Chmielewski. Scott explained the difference between a seller’s market and a buyer’s market. Scott clarified that the median cost is calculated using four months of records. There is a significant difference in the price of new […]

Dr. Jill Valerius discusses the gallbladder with Lee Henrikson. Dr. Jill explains precisely what the gallbladder is, what it does, and why a healthy gallbladder is so vital. The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the detoxification process, helping to remove cholesterol and other waste products from the body. Dr. Jill also explains what we […]

Mike Chmielewski conversed with Dr. Deena Bishop, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, at the Alaska State Fair. Their wide-ranging conversation about education in Alaska encompassed everything from current legislative developments to assessment testing.

Brad Alexander, a substance abuse counselor for True North Recovery in Wasilla, joins Mike on Valley Edition. Brad has written four children's books addressing various types of trauma, addiction, and recovery. Brad wants young readers to be able to explore complex topics like trauma and addiction safely and compassionately. It shows that change is possible, […]

Nelson Crone gives the monthly update on the UAF Farm and Extension Center with host Mike Chmieleski. The farm will start harvesting the different grain trials with the new combine. All the staff have been trained on the new combine, which represents a 40-year technological jump. It is the time of year when moose are […]

The Communist's Secret is the second book in The Leningrad Trilogy, a gripping World War II tale with a complicated heroine. Katya is courageous, impulsive, and desperate, as she battles the Nazis and her demons in this story of second chances.

Layla Harrison, Vice President of the Palmer FFA, talks with Lee Henrikson about the (WLC) Washington Leadership Conference she just attended. The conference is about being a leader in your community. Each attendee picks a project or a need in their community to work on. Layla chose a youth mental health camp as her project. […]

Impertinent Question is Dan O’Neill’s new book. He shares stories with Mike about being a liberal columnist at a conservative newspaper in the red state of Alaska. Dan says that his fidelity is to accuracy, truth, and putting history together.

Palmer City Manager Kolby Zerkel joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City. Mike asked Kolby about the idea of annexation and the proposed ballot measure to allow the City Manager to live up to 5 miles from the city.. They also discussed the survey being taken now about parking in Palmer.

Join Rachel and John this week as they address disappearing federal information, terminated grants for Alaskan farmers, the freezing and unfreezing of appropriated money, and how the Fourth Amendment applies to your smart phone at the border.

Carol Kenley joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Carol was born and raised on a dairy farm, here in the Valley. She now raises vegetables, which her grandkids sell at their vegetable stand. In her position as President of the Matanuska Farm Bureau and Alaska Grown, she asks everyone to stop by the booth […]

Brad Alexander, a substance abuse counselor for True North Recovery in Wasilla, joins Mike Chmielewski on Valley Edition. Brad has written several children's books addressing various types of trauma, addiction, and recovery. 

David Shields Talks with Jeff Powers, the Executive Director of The Palmer Food Bank. Palmer Food Bank is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. The big news for the food bank is that it will be moving to a new location by mid-November. The new address is 404 Arctic Avenue. Jeff thanked St. Michael’s Church […]

Please join John and Rachel this week as they discuss how federal changes are likely to impact drug treatment, rural radio, local schools, and the power of Congress. https://www.bigcabbageradio.org/2025/07/30/home-to-roost-7-26-2025/feed/ 0

Mike Chmielewski and Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington discussed Celebrate Palmer Pride, an event that happened after their conversation. This year, Celebrate Palmer featured free hot dogs, family-friendly activities, and an awards presentation. The award for Business of the Year is Aktive Soles and its owner, Anne Thomas. Ambassador of the Year is Carla Swick, honored […]

Scott Blair from My Favorite Reality talks with David Shield. This month, buyers are out there, but they are in a ‘kick-the-tire’ mode, taking their time and looking around before making a purchase. There are numerous commercial properties for sale in Palmer and along the Wasilla-Palmer Highway.

Emily Forester is joined by three students from the MSBSD Teacher Academy, Scholarship, and Loan program: Don, Ruebin, and Tory. Mat-Su’s recent graduates can stay in Mat-Su and become an accredited teacher. They enroll in Chadron State College’s online teacher preparation program and do their practicum work and student teaching here in the Mat-Su. If the […]

The Alaska End-of-Life Alliance was formed three years ago to support Alaskans who are planning for, or nearing the end of their lives. This support encompasses a wide range of services, including advanced care planning and decision-making discussions about all aspects of death and dying.

MaryAnn, Rebbeca, and Ellis discuss the book of the month, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. They compared the book to the movie, and Audre Hepburn’s classical portrayal of Holly Golightly. Ellis shares that the book is actually an anthology of short stories.

Ken Hoffman talks with Alaska Adventure Chefs’ Owner and Chef, Kevin Moffat. Adventure Chef was established with a clear mission: to ensure that food enhances, rather than impedes, the joy of any adventure. Ken discusses using the freshest, valley-grown products. During COVID, Kevin and his wife began growing their garden. Today, that garden supplies edible […]

Gina Davis, the Finance Director for the city of Palmer, joins David Shield to discuss what is happening in the city’s finance department. The finance department is wrapping up the yearly audit for 2024. Gina and David examine the significance of the audit as a means of keeping the city council informed so that they […]

Rachel Levitt and John Robertson discuss Federal actions that impact Alaska on Home to Roost. This week on Home to Roost, Rachel and John discuss the July 14th headline from the PBS News Hour titled “Big Beautiful Bill Could Accelerate the Private Education Shift.” Every week in the Plain Reading section, they review a portion […]

David Shield learns about internet safety from Peter House from Deeptree Inc. Peter had good news about a ransomware group that was arrested. The head of the group, a Russian professional basketball player, Daniil Kasatkin, and four others were arrested. He is currently facing charges of “conspiracy to commit computer fraud” and “computer fraud conspiracy” […]

Ken Hoffman talks to Alex Wilson, the Youth Agriculture Education Co-Ordinator at Alaska Pacific University. Alaska Pacific University's Kellogg Campus in Palmer hosts Camp Kellogg: four weeks of adventure, science, creative arts, farm, and nature. Alex enjoys showing students the wonders of growing their own food.

David Shields Talks with Jeff Powers, the Executive Director of The Palmer Food Bank. Palmer Food Bank is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. The big news for the food bank is that it will be moving to a new location by mid-November. The new address is 404 Arctic Avenue. Jeff thanked St. Michael’s Church […]