Podcasts about kska

Every year at the end of August in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, Black Rock City is built, and for about a week it becomes the third largest city in Nevada, with around 60,000 inhabitants. It is the host city for the annual event called Burning Man and it has all the amenities you'd expect to see in any other city of this size. It has with bars, restaurants, bike shops, clothing boutiques, auto mechanics and recreation centers. But the thing that differentiates this city from other American cities is that nothing at Burning Man is bought or sold, traded or bartered; Black Rock City runs on a gift economy. Every resident is expected to participate, and to bring something to contribute for the common good. What you decide to contribute – that's up to you.On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Adam Varrier explores Burning Man. He speaks with Cherie Yanek. She's the race director for the annual Burning Man Ultramarathon, which takes place in the middle of the week at 5 o'clock in the morning, to beat the mid-day desert heat. In the second half of the show, we hear from the artist Miguel Guzman about the art piece he created along with his partner, Iyvone Khoo, using recycled and biodegradable materials including Mycelium. The sculpture is presented in an area of Burning Man called “Deep Playa," which is open desert, some distance from the tent city that holds the occupants of Black Rock City. The art piece represents the Mayan Rain God, Chaac, and our conversation took place at around 3:00am under a full moon and the stars of the Milky Way galaxy stretching from horizon to horizon across the night sky.HOST: Adam VarrierGUESTS:Cherie Yanek, race director for the annual Burning Man UltramarathonMiguel Guzman and Iyvone Khoo, artistsLINKS:Burning Man websiteBurning Man Ultramarathon 50kMiguel Guzman's Instagram pageIyvone Khoo's websiteBROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 28th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

What makes an outdoor expedition successful? Most trips in the outdoors, whether one day or two weeks, are enjoyable and fun, that's why Alaskans, even on wet summers like this one, flock to the outdoors. But some outings turn into epics and even tragedy. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks about what makes a good expedition happen with retired Denali Mountaineering ranger Daryl Miller and current South District Ranger for Denali National Park Tucker Chenoweth. They discuss what made some of their expeditions succeed despite life-threatening weather and what they've learned advising and observing expeditions on Denali.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Daryl Miller, retired Denali Mountaineering rangerTucker Chenoweth, South District Ranger for Denali National ParkLINKS:Leave No Trace.org: Plan Ahead and PrepareNational Park Service: Climbing DenaliREI: Food PlanningThe Hall of the Mountain King]]>

Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's culture, history and environment and how they influenced his writing.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Don Rearden, authorLINK:Don Rearden's website]]>

Biking single track trail on mountain bikes has become very popular in Southcentral Alaska. Trails have proliferated and more are planned. Long trails like the Alaska Traverse will help connect communities and increase non-motorized recreational opportunities. In the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River individuals and groups are busy building and maintaining trails. On this Outdoor Explorer host PaulTwardock welcomes Will Taygan with the Chugach Mountain Bike Riders and Rene Dervaes with the Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers to discuss what is happening in Mat-Su Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River and the upcoming Alaska Mountain BikeSummit.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Will Taygan, Chugach Mountain Bike RidersRene Dervaes, Valley Mountain Bikers and HikersLINKS:Chugach Mountain Bike RidersValley Mountain Bikers and HikersAlaska TrailsSingle Track Advocates]]>

45 years ago KSKA flipped a switch and became the very first public radio station in Southcentral Alaska. On the next Hometown, Alaska we revisit some of the station's best memories with KSKA's original general manager and the station's longtime program director of nearly 40 years.HOST: Dave WaldronGUESTS:Alex Hills, KSKA's original general managerBede Trantina, KSKA's program director for 39 years]]>

Joe Kurtak embodies a modern day Alaskan. He was raised at a remote mining camp in eastern California, went to college, then came to Alaska in 1971 for a summer job. He quickly fell for everything the Great Land had to offer, especially its geology. Joe worked for 40 years mapping Alaska's geology while working for both private firms and the federal government. Along the way he also pursued his love of skiing and sea kayaking. On this Outdoor Explorer Joe shares his wealth of knowledge of Alaska's geology, including Prince William Sound, and some of his many adventures with host Paul Twardock. HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Joe KurtakLINKS:"Mine in the Sky : The History of California's Pine Creek Tungsten Mine and the People Who Were Part of It""Of Rock and Ice: An Explorer's Guide to the Geology of Prince William Sound, Alaska"Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol]]>

On the next Outdoor Explorer our guest is Nicole Chamberlain and the Meowtaineer, Petra the Adventure Cat. Petra is a Siberian Forest Cat, well-adapted to the cold, and Nicole has taken her on many adventures on the snow and the water. They recently spent time at the Sheldon House in Denali and Petra became the first cat to ski on the Ruth Glacier.HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS:Petra the Adventure Cat, meowtaineerNicole Chamberlain, meowtaineer guideLINKS:Petra and Nicole's InstagramPetra and Nicole's TikTokPetra and Nicole's WebsiteSheldon Chalet WebsiteBROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 10th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Jessica Cherry, editor of "Wheels on Ice"Andromeda Romano-Lax, author, contributor to "Wheels on Ice"LINKS:"Wheels on Ice"More than a century of tales from the trails in ‘Wheels on Ice: Stories of Cycling in Alaska'BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, August 3rd, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

On this Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Alison Mariella Dèsir, author of "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us." Her book unveils the running movement as being centered around and represented by White people, not only ignoring the foundational work and performances of Black distance runners but also not acknowledging that running while Black can be dangerous.HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Alison Mariella DèsirLINKS:Alison Mariella Dèsir websiteHarlem RunRun4AllWomenThe Running Industry Diversity CoalitionRun Alaska Trails POC Trail Running and Adventure RetreatSkinny Raven Book SigningOut & Back with Alison Mariella Dèsir]]>

Many Alaskans have helped preserve the open spaces we enjoy. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance gave us our state parks, trails and environmental standards that we enjoy. This Outdoor Explorer features Peg Tileston. Peg has been active in organizations including the Alaska Center for the Environment (now called the Alaska Center), the Alaska Women's Environmental Network, the Alaska Conservation Foundation, the Alaska Water Resource Board, Trustees for Alaska, the Alaska and Alaska Common Ground. She has also been on the board of Chugach Electric Association, the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Council, and the Anchorage Recycling Task Force to name a few. She has received numerous awards including being inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame. Along the way she explored much of Alaska. She joins host Paul Twardock to discuss her many contributions and adventures.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Peg TilestonLINKS:Alaska Women's Hall of FameAlaska CenterAlaska Common GroundAlaska Conservation FoundationTrustees for AlaskaBROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 20th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

The bike race formerly known as the Fireweed 400 is back. Now simply called “The Fireweed,” this 200-mile race makes its comeback this weekend taking riders from Sheep Mountain Lodge to Valdez! This week on Outdoor Explorer, we talk with president of the board of directors, Sara Wendling about all things race details and catch up with the a few members of the 1wheel1ders, a unicycle team that will be participating in this years race.HOST: Martha RosensteinGUESTS: Sara Wendling, President, Fireweed Board of Directors1wheel1ders, unicycle teamLINKS: Fireweed race websiteFacebookInstagramBROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, July 13th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

People come to Alaska for a variety of reasons. Award-winning photographer Mark Kelley came with the hopes of meeting a whale, and almost 50 years later, he's still here. On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Martha Rosenstein and Kelley talk about the challenges of photographing wildlife in Alaska, turning his passion into a career and what it's like to return to a special spot year after year to observe and photograph bears.HOST: Martha RosensteinGUEST: Mark KellyLINKS:Mark Kelly PhotographyFacebookInstagramBROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

On the this Outdoor Explorer, host Lisa Keller is joined by Tom Walker, author of the book "The Wanderer." In less than 6 months, Wolf 258 traversed almost 3000 miles in Alaska and Canada. His amazing journey, documented through his GPS tracking collar, is the subject of a story that mixes what we know about his movement with speculation on what he was doing during his travels.HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Tom Walker, authorLINK:"The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf's Final Journey" at Mountaineers BooksBROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 25th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

In March, Ben Americus accomplished many firsts on the Linkup: the first late winter completion, the first to ski off the peaks and the first to complete the Linkup since Ptarmigan Peak was added as the 13th summit over 5000 feet. This week on Outdoor Explorer Ben joins host Lisa Keller to talk about how he added his name to Chugach Front Linkup history.HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Ben AmericusLINKS:Chugach Front Linkup websiteAlaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, May 2018, “The 12-Peak Challenge and Chugach Trails.”Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, October 25, 2019, “Imagine hiking all the tallest summits of the Chugach Front Range in one trip. These people did it this year.”Alaska Public Media Outdoor Explorer, March 10, 2020, “Sophia Tidler's Winter Solstice Adventure.”]]>

Summer in Alaska brings a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities. Boating, hiking, climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting ramp up and so do the calls for help. Southcentral Alaska is fortunate to have good search and rescue capabilities compared to most of the country. However much of it is provided by volunteer organizations. This Outdoor Explorer has representatives from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, the Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, the Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, and the Alaska Incident Management Team. With host Paul Twardock they will discuss their roles, how search and rescue works in Alaska, how to volunteer, and most importantly how avoid needing a rescue.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Erin Boklage, Alaska Search and Rescue DogsMark Miraglia, Alaska Mountain Rescue GroupAmy Holman, Alaska Incident Management TeamZach Liller, Anchorage Nordic Ski PatrolLINKS:Alaska Incident Management TeamAnchorage Nordic Ski PatrolAlaska Mountain Rescue GroupAlaska Search and Rescue DogsAlaska Search and Rescue AssociationBROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 11th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

What was it like to be a field scientist in Alaska during the 1970s and 80's? John Schoen spent 20 years working for Alaska's Department of Fish and Game as a scientist studying Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats and brown bears in the Tongass National Forest. John's research influenced the prevailing thoughts on the effects of clearcutting on deer habitat, and added to our understanding of Brown Bears importance to their ecosystem. His strong conservation ethic, influenced by Aldo Leopold and others, melded with science and advocacy continued after he left Fish and Game to work for Audubon Alaska. John is a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in field science, the Tongass temperate rainforest, and conservation. John joins host Paul Twardock to discuss his fascinating career and memoir titled "Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees, A Biologist's Memoir."HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST:John Schoen, author, former Fish and Game field scientistLINKS:"Tongass Odyssey: Seeing the Forest Ecosystem Through the Politics of Trees: ABiologists Memoir"More information about John SchoenSoutheast Alaska Conservation CouncilThe Landmark Trees ProjectAudubon AlaskaPrince William Sound Natural History SymposiumBROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, May 4th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Arlene Blum, mountaineer, scientistPam Miller, Alaska Community Action on ToxicsLINKS:Arlene Blum websiteAlaska Community Action on ToxicsGreen Science Policy InstituteBROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, April 27th, 2023. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of FameLINKS:Alaska Sports Hall of FameHealthy Futures 100 Miles in May]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Steve Cleary, Executive Director of Alaska TrailsDonnie Hayes, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Fairbanks North Star BoroughMark Kimerer,]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Holly Brooks, two-time Olympian and licensed professional counselorLINKS:Holly Brooks' websiteAlaska Eating Disorders Alliance with link to “Winning at All Costs: Breaking the Silience on Athletes and EatingDisorders”Project Red-S]]>

The first migratory birds are showing up and bear tracks have been sighted in the Chugach. That means it's time to dust off the backpacks, boats, and tents and start planning for summer! Join host Paul Twardock and guests on this week's Outdoor Explorer to get a start on summer.]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Randy Dowd, Executive Director and founder of Onward and UpwardOnward and Upward StaffLINKS:Onward and Upward websiteFacebookInstagramYoutubeBROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, March 16th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Beth Nordlund, executive director Anchorage Park FoundationJoe Connolly, chair of the Glen Alps Road Service Area Board of SupervisorsLINKS:Anchorage Park FoundationGlen Alps Board of SupervisorsBallot information]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Steve Mock, Denali Rescue Volunteers, the Alex Lowe Foundation, and the Khumbu Climbing CenterLINKS:Denali Rescue VolunteersKhumbu Climbing CenterDenali Climbing HistoryAlex Lowe Foundation]]>

HOST: Adam VerrierGUESTS:Sara Studebaker-Hall, Director of Operations at TeamUSA BiathlonZach Hall, Team Manager and Head Coach at the Soldier Hollow Olympic Legacy ProgramLINKS:Biathlon AlaskaAnchorage Biathlon ClubNordic Skiing Association of Anchorage: BiathlonTeam USA: Biathlon]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Beth Bragg, former sports editor at the Anchorage Daily News]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Sally Burkholder, the Alaska Ski for Women co-founderMolly Mylius, Alaska Ski for Women race directorBROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, January 26th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Adam VarrierGUEST: Jim BurkholderLINKS:Kincaid Park Web PageKincaid Park Ski Trail MapBROADCAST: Thursday, February 9th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: February 9th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Dan Osborne, Dick Jabonowski, Ed Minot, Steve O'Brien, Tom Kensler, and MikeSalleeLINKS:Denali Climbing HistoryBROADCAST: Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, February 2nd, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

What draws us to the outdoors? Marybeth Holleman is an Alaskan writer who's new book of poetry, titled tender gravity, expresses many reasons. Marybeth is a long time Alaskan whose works include The Heart of the Sound and Among Wolves. Her collection of poems are accessible and cover everything from moss to comets and from her garden to the Brooks Range. In her interview with host Paul Twardock she discusses how loss, exploration, activism and day to day life intertwine with her poetry to create this deep and lovely collection.

On the next Outdoor Explorer, the first part of a continuing series of stories about Title IX, the historic legislation passed 50 years ago that changed the landscape of women's sports. We'll learn about the start and evolution of Title IX and you'll hear from Chloe Ivanoff, who is bringing her love of wrestling to the girls of Alaska.

HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Ricky Geese: Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor RecreationZachary Babb: Program Manager, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)Alaska; NPSLINKS:Statewide Outdoor Recreation PlanDivision of Parks and Outdoor RecreationBarneys Sports ChaletHoarding MarmotPlay It Again SportsREI AnchorageBROADCAST: Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, November 17th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Tom ChoateLINKS: Tom Choate BiographyBROADCAST: Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS:Chris Reynolds, treasurer of Friends of the Stewart Public TrailKelly Becker, a long-time trail adjacent homeownerLINKS:Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 1“Judge rules that Anchorage's historic Stewart Trail is open to the public” - The Alaska LandmineFriends of Stewart Public Trail Facebook page“Road rage AK” - Craig Medred ]]>

On this next Outdoor Explorer, our guests are Jeff Landfield and Paxson Woelber from The Alaska Landmine. The two journalists have reported extensively on disputed access to public lands in Anchorage. Our conversation focused on the history and battle for access to Chugach State Park from the Stewart Trail.]]>

On this Outdoor Explorer, we'll go for a walk with a man known as The Walking Monk, because he's walked across North America five separate times and he recently published a book about the people he's met along the way. Join host Adam Verrier on Outdoor Explorer tohear our discussion about the joys and pleasures of taking a good long walk.]]>

ur guests for this show are Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines Institute. On two campuses along Icy Strait in Southeast Alaska, Tidelines Institute offers a variety of programs from a six-month immersive gap year experience to short courses lasting one to three weeks to community workshops. They also host research scientists and a residency program for anyone seeking to advance knowledge, beauty, justice, health,or sustainability. A key piece of the Tidelines Institute experience is being outdoors working, harvesting, hiking, and paddling. Laura and Zach both have unique life paths that led them to collaborate on an environmental leadership and science education experience in one of the most remote and beautiful locations in the world.HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the TidelinesInstituteLINKS:Tidelines Institute Facebook page Tidelines InstituteBROADCAST: Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, October 27th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKT]]>

Anchorage's Off the Chain Bicycle Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization aiming to increase bicycle ridership, awareness, and safety. Started as a UAA bike club Off the Chain is housed in a full, but well organized, workspace in Spenard. Open a few evenings a week the shop has all the tools and most parts to fix a bike and volunteers that teach you how to do it. Off the Chain also sells used bikes, and accepts bikes as donations, as a way to cover their costs. Low cost and fun, the organization also offers clinics and outreach all meant to make biking affordable and accessible. On this show host, Paul Twardock visits the shop, with his bike, and gets a tour of the facility, along with some bike repair advice! ]]>

On this Outdoor Explorer, we'll talk to Alice Tower Knapp, who grew up in Anchorage, skiing on the local ski trails and participating in events organized by the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage (NSAA). She eventually ended up in the Middlebury College Athletics Hall of Fame, and was named to the US Ski Team. She recently published a book about the NSAA, called “On Track!”. The book focuses on the history of the organization, its role in the broader community, the advocacy and events organized by the group, and the individuals who have made the NSAA what it is today. Our conversation was recorded while out for a walk during a steady, cold rain at Russian Jack Springs Park one afternoon, soon before the arrival of the first snowfall of the winter.]]>

On this show, our guest is Rick Steves. If you've watched public television in the last 20 years, you likely know him from his travel shows Rick Steves Europe and Travel with Rick Steves. Our discussion covers how he turned his passion for travel into a business as well as climate change and travel, why it's important to say yes to travel opportunities, and his new show The Art of Europe.]]>

HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Beth Nordlund, executive director of Anchorage Park FoundationLINKS:Anchorage Park FoundationRegister for the Moose Loop Virtual RaceBROADCAST: Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BROADCAST: Thursday, September 15th, 2022. 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. AKTSUBSCRIBE: Receive Outdoor Explorer automatically every week via:iTunes EmailRSS FeedPodcast]]>

Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it's like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author of Fogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.LINKS:Arctic Orienteering ClubScott Patterson's bioFogrunner by Jen Jolliff]]>

Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering races and events during the summer months that are open to everyone, competitors, or those just out to learn new trails and open spaces. This Outdoor Explorer introduces the sport, discusses how new technology and mapping are influencing orienteering, and we learn from Olympic nordic skier Scott Patterson what it's like to be a beginner. Also on the show are Jen Jolliff, author of Fogunner, and Mike Robinson, Arctic Orienteering Club board president.LINKS:Arctic Orienteering ClubScott Patterson's bioFogrunner by Jen Jolliff]]>

Our guest for this show is Jen Aschoff, a geology professor at UAA who recently became the tenth person and the second woman to complete the Chugach 120. The Chugach 120 is the 120 peaks in the Chugach State Park with a prominence of 500 feet or more. Unlike the Chugach Linkup, which links all front range 12 peaks over 5000 feet in one go, the Chugach 120 can only be achieved over a period of years. It entails some relatively easy walk-up summits but also some technical climbs, including rock and ice climbing, with long approaches that may include glacier travel. Jen looks at the Chugach 120 as a personal challenge that anyone who likes to hike can work up to; she will share how to get started and connected to the peak bagger community.Peakbagger “List of Lists,” listing peaks worldwideChugach State Park 120 Peak List (official Mountaineering Club list)Mountaineering Club of Alaska]]>

What is it like to be an avalanche specialist? A conservationist? A wilderness traveler? A Buddhist? Brad Meiklejohn is a long-time Alaskan who has written a new book titled The Wild Trails that explores these topics and more. On this show Brad discusses the challenges and rewards of helping others and the natural world, including his work on restoring the Eklutna watershed by removing an old dam by working with the Eklutna People and others. His insights on recreation, conservation, and self-growth are based on his work as an avalanche forecaster and educator, co-founder of the American Packrafting Association, his role as the Alaska State Director of the Conservation Fund, and his many significant trips to the Arctic and other wild places. ]]>

Our guests for this show are congressional candidates Nick Begich and Mary Peltola. Your host, Lisa, reached out to the Sarah Palin campaign three times but never received a response. In these interviews with Nick and Mary, she asked questions sourced from four leaders in the outdoor industry in Alaska: Mary Goddard of Sustainable Southeast Partnership, Steve Cleary of Alaska Trails, Lee Hart of Alaska Outdoor Alliance, and Kikkan Randall of Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage. They also chatted about their own personal experiences in the outdoors, what makes the Alaska outdoors special, and where they are happiest in the Alaska outdoors.]]>

On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Alli Harvey, outdoor columnist for the Anchorage Daily News and landscape artist. Alli is making a return to the show to share her adventures after picking up her new mobile art studio in Ohio. The custom-built Airstream trailer allows her to connect with the outdoors as she creates her paintings.

Youth Employment in Parks offers Anchorage High Schoolers the opportunity to work on trails and parks in Anchorage. Host Paul Twardock visits a trail crew at University Lake to learn about the program

Alaska Indigenous Peoples have been living, playing, and thriving in Alaska for thousands of years. Outdoor recreation and tourism is perceived as being primarily a white person's game. Jody Potts-Joseph, Han Gwich'in and founder of Native Youth Outdoors is breaking that stereotype. Join Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock to hear Jody tell her story

On the next Outdoor Explorer, we will be exploring Alaska's most iconic park, Denali National Park and Preserve. Sharon Stiteler, the park's Public Affairs Officer, and Tucker Chenowith, the park's South District Ranger, will cover ground from the first successful summit of Denali to the impact of the Pretty Rocks landslide on travel in the park.