Podcasts about matanuska valley

In this episode, we chat with Chandra Brown, founder of the Freeflow Institute, to explore the power of connecting with nature through creative and immersive outdoor experiences. Originally from Alaska's Matanuska Valley, Chandra brings a unique blend of education, river guiding, and environmental writing to her work. Her journey has taken her from designing curriculum to founding an institute that bridges the gap between art and the wild.At the Freeflow Institute, Chandra and her team curate immersive learning experiences that allow individuals from all walks of life to develop skills, cultivate resilience, and experience connections in some of Earth's most breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a writer, artist, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors. Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcastSince 2017 Illumine has donated over $40,584 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 219 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.

There are just certain outdoor things that drive me absolutely bonkers. They make my nerves feel like tattered edges, especially if they've been going on for awhile. And that's a problem, because I am committed to getting outside every single day, no matter what. … and that “no matter what” includes stuff I don't like, and even stuff I hate. So what do I do when this happens? I take these three steps. Listen now. Connect with this episode: Join the Humans Outside Challenge Follow Humans Outside on Instagram Follow Humans Outside on Facebook Some of the good stuff: [:35] I'm betting you have some outdoor thing you hate. Don't be a hero about this. [1:01] Here are some really good examples [1:55] And here's the thing I hate, thank you. [2:04] I need you to hang on while I get this off my chest. [4:06] Obviously, it's not going to keep me inside [4:34] Which means I have to take a few steps to move through it [6:54] Here's a fun fact about Amy in March

On July 17, 1980, electrical workers outside of Anchorage uncovered the badly decomposed body of a woman buried in a shallow grave. She became known as Eklutna Annie and was the first in a series of murders to sweep across Southcentral Alaska. Sex workers started disappearing at an alarming rate. Was there a serial killer on the loose or were these vulnerable young women simply choosing to move on? As the bodies started to pile up and shell casings from a .223 rifle appeared at every crime scene, it was clear a deranged man with a lust for blood was on the loose. That man was Robert Hansen, the town baker. With a long history of arson, theft and abduction under his belt, Hansen was no stranger to darkness. His deep-seated resentment toward women resulted in a slew of gruesome murders that continue to haunt the Matanuska Valley to this day. We'll discuss Hansen's past, uncover how he was so easily able to murder so many women and memorialize the victims who tragically lost their lives to a monster. This one hits a little too close to home for Elise. It's a long walk home through the dark Alaskan night. Happy haunting! 

START HERE!  Follow, Interact Connect & Share on: Instagram & FacebookListen in at: Free Flow Institute PodcastSign up for a course at: Free Flow Institute.Support & Donate to: Free Flow FoundationCheck out & Support their sponsors: Yeti +Immersion Research. For the full list of sponsors, click here------------------------------------------------------------IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT:Chandra's Personal & Professional Timeline, River Journey & ShoutoutsOld stomping grounds at the: Matanuska & SusitnaMentor Chuck Spaulding  Founder of Nova Alaska Guides & Trips on 6 Mile CreekDOC (Denali Outdoor Center) and the Nenana River in AlaskaEcuadorian Rivers InstituteMatty Perry & FulBright GrantJondachi FestGauley FestWhite Salmon in WashingtonRio GrandeUganda Whitewater Scene on the NileCanyon Explorations Company in the Grand CanyonMoab. Desolation Canyon & WestwaterJay Healy & Scott SolleCheck out the links below to people doing great work and protecting rivers in Ecuador:Defense of human rights + rights of Nature: Defensoría del puebloMatt Terry @ Ecuadorian Rivers InstituteDarcy Gaetcher @ Small World AdventuresAbe Herrera @ Boof SessionsDiego Robles @ Ecuador Whitewater / Jungle RootsAbby Dent @ Abby's HideawayChandra's dear friend, Ben Stookesberry has done important storytelling + expedition work down there recently, along with Willie Henkel------------------------------------------------------------LOVED THE EPISODE?  SUPPORT OUR PODCAST ON PATREON OR DONATE DIRECTLY ON OUR WEBSITEGive us a 5 star review on Apple PodcastsFollow us on social! Instagram -AND- Facebook

Some of the most intense encounters I have recorded so far are in this episode. I now know why Josh camps in groups from here on out and so will you after this episode.From the interviewee: My name is Josh I grew up in the Matanuska Valley during the 80's and 90's. I was raised to hunt and fish. I lived in a house that was on the edge of the Alaskan wilderness. I had a passion for exploration. I often spent my youth playing in the wilderness. I had many encounters with wildlife. At the time I didn't understand the signs or what I was looking at when I encountered Sasquatch.I now live in Oregon and am fully aware of their presence. I hope you will take my accounts at face value, and hear my story.Resources:Caribou grunt noise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2fOI845JecMap: https://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/TrainingServices::-bigfoot-sightings/exploreWATCH THE IOWA EPISODE IN THE “SASQUATCH: A SEARCH FOR SABE” DOCUMENTARY SERIES BY TATE HIERONYMUS // FIND OUT ALL ABOUT MY FIRST BIGFOOT ENCOUNTERS! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo8O4rvywzECall the Bigfoot Society BIGFOOT ENCOUNTER hotline! Have you seen a Sasquatch and would like to get what happened “off your chest” but don't have time for an interview? NOW YOU CAN DO IT ON YOUR TIME AND SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD! Share it here - https://www.speakpipe.com/bigfootsocietyTo unlock more bonus content and much more, become a supporting member of Bigfoot Society by joining the Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/thebigfootsocietyBecome a Youtube Channel member here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Qq45W6iaTU8FE9kelxT7Q/joinSupport Bigfoot Society one time by buying me a coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bigfootsocietyTo pick up a Bigfoot Society shirt, stickers and more, check out our merch by heading on over to https://www.etsy.com/shop/BigfootSocietySend me a voice message to potentially be used for the show by calling 515-809-0165 Here's a fun prompt - “Hey, my name's [your name] and you're listening to the Bigfoot Society podcast!”If you'd like to send me fan mail, Bigfoot related products to check out or written out Bigfoot encounters then you reach me at the following address:Bigfoot Society125 E 1st St. #233Earlham, IA 50072Join our private Facebook group "Bigfoot Sasquatch Encounters" for a chance to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Follow the directions to ensure your entry is accepted.https://www.facebook.com/groups/5762233820540793/?ref=share_group_linkTune in to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8Qq45W6iaTU8FE9kelxT7Q) for new episodes of Bigfoot Society, and visit our website (www.bigfootsocietypodcast.com) for all the links mentioned above and more.Don't miss out on the Bigfoot action! ——Affiliate links mean I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel at no additional cost to you. ——MY GEAR ——My Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3L1q8XYMy Podcast Mic: https://amzn.to/3AlYwb9My Computer: https://amzn.to/40CCjQyMy Headphones: https://amzn.to/40A8gcrMy Webcam: https://amzn.to/3NqfddhThe best Bigfoot book: https://amzn.to/41x8IcNLose the weight along with me on Noom. Get 20% off your subscription with link below. (Consult your doctor first) https://noom.com/r/GdkaWNddL?1251Join Whatnot and pick up some sweet video games and vintage shirts. Use my link below and we both get $10 credit after you place your first order. https://whatnot.com/invite/bigfootsocietyLearn more and up your creative game with Skillshare. Use my link and get a $50 gift card. https://share.skillshare.com/bigfootsocietyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5828342/advertisement

Get ready to learn about Alaskan Thunderfuck, a special kind of cannabis They say it originated in Alaska's Matanuska Valley as a cross between an unnamed Northern California strain and an unnamed Russian ruderalis, The baby of these two strains was then crossed with an Afghani indica landrace. Tune in to see why this incredible Sativa was not the experience Jesse was expecting To try Discreet go to : ⁠https://discreet.biz/collections/all⁠ Use code School at Checkout for 20% off your first order Help the show hit its goal of 420 Supporters!  https://www.patreon.com/CannabisSchool For Questions or to submit feedback please email  Hosts@cannabisschool.us https://www.youtube.com/@cannabisschool A Flow Media Production www.cannabisschool.us  Cannabis education, Cannabis podcast, Cannabis information, Cannabis enthusiasts, Exploring cannabis, Cannabis insights, Cannabis culture, Cannabis industry, Cannabis knowledge, Cannabis tips, Cannabis trends, Cannabis news, Cannabis facts, Cannabis benefits, Cannabis usage, Cannabis consumption, Cannabis safety, Cannabis dosage, Cannabis effects, Cannabis strains, Cannabis products, Cannabis legalization, Cannabis legislation, Cannabis health, Cannabis wellness, Cannabis lifestyle, Cannabis community, Cannabis experiences, Cannabis stories, Cannabis Q&A, Cannabis research, Cannabis science, Cannabis therapy, Cannabis history, Cannabis plant, Cannabis cultivation, Cannabis extraction, CBD insights, THC insights, Cannabis and wellness, Cannabis and mental health, Cannabis and physical health, Cannabis and creativity, Cannabis and relaxation, Cannabis and stress relief, Cannabis and pain management, Cannabis and sleep, Cannabis and productivity, Cannabis and mindfulness, Cannabis and self-care.  Psalm Trees, James Berkeley - Ah Yeah https://chll.to/d08ed5fb --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cannabisschool/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cannabisschool/support

Young farmer Zoe Fuller talks about the growing agriculture scene in Alaska, where US farming statistics are being turned on their heads. You'll hear about small-scale farmers coming together in the Matanuska Valley and creating a community-based economy in Alaska. Hear also about indigenous foodways and salmon-safe farming practices to protect salmon sources and waterways.  Learn about what it's like to farm at Singing Nettle Farm in Southcentral Alaska's short but productive growing season. And learn about root cellaring as Zoe shares her root cellar experience and recent experimentation for keeping farm-grown food through the winter.  Listen to the end to hear Zoe's favorite all-local Alaskan food meal. It's so simple and perfect for the busy farming season. Singing Nettle Farm Singing Nettle Farm on Instagram Singing Nettle Farm on Facebook

Join me for happy hour seven with my godmother Tillie! Tillie tells us about a frightening encounter scuba diving to recover a ship. Oh, and that time her Grandma's ghost came to visit and make good on a promise. Tillie's Boo ClubThe Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. From the book description: “Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.”Tillie's Shares not ScaresCheck out the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, Alaska! Each year, Tillie donates $100 to cover the expenses of a musk ox named Mandy. Here's more info from muskoxfarm.org: “The non-profit Musk Ox Farm is dedicated to the domestication of the musk ox, an Ice Age mammal that once roamed the earth alongside saber-tooth tigers and woolly mammoths. Known to Alaska Natives as “Oomingmak”, which means “The Bearded One”, this once-endangered animal produces an annual harvest of qiviut (kiv'-ee-ute), the finest wool in the world. We welcome visitors to the farm for a close up experience of these magnificent Paleolithic ruminants with guided tours, engaging exhibits, a gift shop featuring some of the world's only gently hand-combed qiviut fiber, qiviut yarn, and qiviut garments.  We also host community fundraising events and educational programming throughout the year.  Visit our picturesque farm surrounded by the majestic Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. Our historic 1930s-era Colony farm is located just 45 miles north of Anchorage in the Matanuska Valley, the heart of Alaskan agriculture.”

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have cultivated an unusual, shared belief, that in the Autumn season, the Vale between this world and the next thins.. and the dead return to roam.  The Hungry Ghost Festival in Hong Kong and India's Pitney Paksha are just a couple of examples, but the most well-known, of course, is Samhain, the ancient Celtic holiday that gave birth to Halloween. One can't help but wonder if these traditions, in fact, honor a real supernatural occurrence. A mass visitation of nocturnal visitors... What do these spirits seek, and what sorts of otherworldly creatures follow them through this transient gateway? On this episode of Belief Hole, we explore chilling accounts of a shadowy cast of characters, from the ancient Tuatha De Danann, to the fear-eating Dogmen of Matanuska Valley, and all sorts of eerie entities in between. Join us, as we light a candle, set out the candy, and conjure up, true tales of Halloween Horror! Also.. Jon dreams of other realities, Jeremy chooses tricks over treats, and Chris threatens to use the Ouija! TIMESTAMPS: 0:01 | Topic Introduction | Halloween, Samhain, the Lifting of the Vale and a mass visitation of nocturnal visitors 2:28 | Halloween.. Tornado? 3:50 | Topic Introduction 2 | True Halloween Horror Stories 5:16 | Shout Out: Sue La Rose! Thanks for the book (Quackery)! 6:28 | Jeremy's Manhattan PKE Mystery 9:21 | Oweynagat Cave – The Reality of Celtic Samhain Traditions 11:11 | Perchten Pagan Festival 12:30 | Celtic Otherworld, the Tuatha Dé Danann, Tír na nÓg – Missing 411, Fortean Fogs, Fairy / Faie Lore and the Dogman Connection 19:42 | Harry Hand in the Hall | Story 23:05 | Green Children of Woolpit (brief mention) 25:10 | The Swaying Observer | Story 28:09 | 2 Corroborating Accounts (Bannik) | Story 30:39 | Swaying Spooks, The Night Walkers, and other unexplained visitors 32:18 | A Lift From The Grave (or) Graveyard Shocker | Minette | Story 40:15 | The Halloween Prop (A Dogman Story) | Melissa H. | Story 46:43 | NEW Dogman T-Shirt! | Fancy Crafts 47:48 | Graveyard Ghosts, Cemetery Creepers and Dogman of the Dead! | EXPANSION Discussion 50:37 | Halloween Fire Burial (A Ouija Board Story)| Story 56:29 | The Woman in the Basement | Jennifer | Story 1:06:11 | Patron And Expansion Member Thank Yous FULL SHOW NOTES:https://beliefhole.com/3-17-it-happened-on-halloween-true-stories-of-otherworldly-crossings EXPANSION EPISODE:3.17 EXP | Graveyard Ghosts, Cemetary Creepers, and Dogman of the Dead!

In this episode we are talking with Donna Smith with Donna Marie Photography. Donna is an extremely talented photographer in the Matanuska Valley who is passionate about capturing love. We will be talking entrepreneurship, the “hustle” mentality and setting boundaries, the comparison trap, prioritizing your personal life, the wedding industry in Alaska and resources within our community, the importance of finding your niche to best serve both your clients and yourself, and so much more! We touched on so many different important topics and can't wait for you to listen! Grab your favorite beverage and/or snack and listen up, babe!

The HR departments across the utility sector are facing numerous challenges as they continue to develop and build up the workforce of the power sector. Not only is there the brain drain being experienced as career-long employees continue to hit retirement age at record pace, but recruiting for the best and brightest out of school is pitting utilities against Silicon Valley, big tech, and more. That means the utility recruiter needs to get smarter, more deliberate, and highlight the unique aspects of the utility business to attract and retain the best talent. For the guest of today’s episode of the podcast, that imperative is in overdrive because she also has to demonstrate to recruits why moving out to Alaska can create such an appealing life and career, despite potential hesitations from applicants about leaving the contiguous United States and moving to a colder and more remote community. Despite those hurdles, Shirley Akelkok shares with host Jason Price and producer Matt Chester all the ways that working in the Matanuska Valley has perks that can’t be replicated elsewhere. She also shares her wisdom of recruiting practices that are applicable no matter where your utility is visited, from focusing on relationship building to embracing site visits to selling positions as part of a lifestyle rather than just a job. Shirley’s commitment to her community is evident, and by the end of this episode she may just have you checking out property in America’s northernmost state. Key Links Shirley Akelkok’s Energy Central Profile: https://energycentral.com/member/profile/shirley-akelkok Recruiting Experiences at Matanuska Electric Association: https://energycentral.com/c/hr/recruiting-experiences-matanuska-electric-association Link to register as a member of the Energy Central community: energycentral.com/user/register Energy Central Post with Transcript of Episode: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/energy-central-power-perspectives%E2%84%A2-podcast-episode-30-think-your-utility-has Did you know? The Energy Central Power Perspectives Podcast has been identified as one of the industry's 'Top 25 Energy Podcasts': blog.feedspot.com/energy_podcasts/

Heather Greenwood, owner of I DoughKnow, the first gourmet donut food truck in the Matanuska Valley, and I dive into the food industry, our plans for the future in this community, owning and building a business in 2020, and so much more. Heather is an active memeber in the community and is doing her part to raise the standard for Alaskan businesses.  Are you ready? Because we can't wait for you to join the conversation!

Ever wondered what it’s like to run a farm in extreme climates?  Hailing from Alaska, Allie Barker of Chugach Farm joins us for today’s episode. Chugach Farm’s mission is to support biological and soil health by nurturing plants and animals to provide an abundance of nutrient-dense food, empower the community to re-connect to local food systems, enable personal health and wellness through herbal medicine, food as medicine and energy-efficiency, adopt food storage methods that maintain years of food without consuming fossil fuel, and to develop energy-efficient farming methods and tool hacks as a model for others to live luxuriously with less. As lofty a mission as this is, Allie tackles them head on with gusto! Growing up as part of a passionate outdoorsy family, responsibility and discipline came early in life and has continuously developed ever since...and it certainly shows on the farm! Tune in to find out all about Chugach Farm’s complex operations and how they stay thriving in their atypical climate!   You’ll hear: An overview of Chugach Farm’s operations 2:13 About the impact of having 20 hours of daylight in the Summer and cold dark Winters on the farm 3:40 How Allie handles the heavy summer workload 7:41 Which vegetables work best in the short/cold season 9:07 How their crops and ferments are sold 11:45 What the ferment development process looks like 12:42 About the state of local food in Alaska 15:52 What the scope of the animal side of the Chugach operation looks like 21:02 How Allie manages the numerous tasks on the farm 27:54 About the hardest thing Allie had to do while building Chugach Farm 29:57 Who Allie’s mentors were throughout her farming journey 35:51 How Allie runs the fan systems for her greenhouses 35:45 What Allie would go back and change at the beginning of her farming operation 36:11 How Allie manages labor on the farm 38:15 Where Chugach Farm sells their products 40:42 About the transplants side of Chugach Farm 44:52 How Allie maintained her customer base when moving to online sales 46:36 The biggest mistakes Allie sees newer farmers making 48:12 What newer farmers should avoid during their first year of farming 49:00 Allie’s favorite farming tool 51:10 How Allie feels about starting a farm today 53:29 Where you can find out more about Allie and Chugach Farm 54:26 What Allie uses as a food preservation system 55:03   About the Guest: Allie spent her early years in Ohio on her parent’s farm shoveling manure, playing in the dirt, and observing her mother put-up more tomatoes than anyone could eat in a lifetime.  These formative years were not easy to wash off and helped to nurture her intuitive passion for self-sufficiency. Growing up as part of a passionate outdoorsy family, responsibility and discipline came at an early age.  Her commitment to athletic pursuits, combined with an incredibly positive father as a role model, gave her the determination and courage to follow her dreams. At 18 years of age, Allie migrated to Alaska to attempt a winter ascent of Mt. Marcus Baker. She found more than mountains to climb.  In addition to endless epic mountains she saw the potential to build a homestead, grow food, and live off-grid. Knowing she would soon return to Alaska permanently, Allie finished up her Bachelor of Arts Degree majored in sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, alternative energy and sustainable architecture at Evergreen State College. Most of Allie’s adult life has been spent in the outdoors as a mountain guide, avalanche forecaster, and homesteader.  She naturally settled in the quiet town of Chickaloon nested between the beautiful Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains, nurtured by the rapids of the Matanuska and Chickaloon Rivers, located at the end of a beaten path deep in the heart of the Matanuska Valley, Alaska. After meeting her husband on a 40-day mountaineering trip on the Nelchina and Matanuska Glaciers, she convinced him to stay and be part of the adventure. Since purchasing land in Alaska in 2002, Allie and Jed have put their hearts, souls, blood and a few tears into creating a small scale, off-grid homestead and farm. In 2010, with Jed’s encouragement, Allie began to lead the charge in farming after deciding to produce on a different scale and committing to farming, nutrition, making ferments, and putting up food “full time.” Having been diagnosed with celiac disease in her mid-20’s, Allie was motivated to commit to a 100% local and nutrient dense diet of wild game, farm raised meat, good local fat, ferments, root veggies, raw goat milk, and eggs. She is proud of not having to rely on the grocery store for over 14 years and feels better than ever, never looking back. Allie melds her education, strong work ethic, love for the soil, and passion for herbal medicine and a nutrient-dense diet, into a full-time farm-life obsession. Chugach Farm has been in full operation since 2010, selling their goods at farmer’s markets, restaurants, on and off CSAs, CSF, local customers, and now direct marketing through the NEW Chugach Farm online store.   Resources: Website - https://www.chugachfarm.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chugachfarm/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chugachfarm/

If there's one thing we know about Alaska, it’s that it is big. The bears are big. The fish are big. The buds are big. So when you find yourself as one of the five million tourists a year with a head full of Matanuska Thunderfuck, you're going to want to have somewhat of a map to reference when looking for your Alaskan adventure. In this show we launch the first in this new series for every city to which we venture called Things To Do When You’re Stoned. Because we've all been guilty of misplacing our keys at least once, but we can never be accused of not looking for a good time in an unexplored city. In fact, isn't that why you came to Leaf Life in the first place. Pro tip: if you see a bear in Alaska, don't blow your dab hit at him. But don’t run, either. GUESTS: Ron BassBetter known in these regions as the King of Chronic, Ron, who suffers from MS, has been vocal in his struggles with the disease and the relief he gets from his favorite plant. He’s the owner of Common Collective Dispensary and actually had the very first grow room in the Matanuska Valley. SUBJECT DISCUSSED: Take Notes From The King Of Chronic Josh StahleJoshua Stahle is the Director of Alaska Leaf and a consummate outdoorsman who loves connecting Cannabis with popular activities. He spends his summers fishing with his family and enjoying the midnight sun along with some of the fine Cannabis products featured in Alaska Leaf magazine. SUBJECT DISCUSSED: Places To Go And Things To Do GREG THE GUINEA PIG: Michelle La Rissa (Chef Bomb Shell) Top Cannabis Chef of the North SPONSORS:Cold Creek Extracts Avitas Houston Grass Station Acme DieselDabstars HypeHerbally Don't Forget to Subscribe to the Show!

Allie grew up in Ohio on her parents' farm shoveling poop, climbing trees, and playing in the dirt. These formative years were not easy to wash off and stuck with her. She ended up studying sustainable agriculture, herbal medicine, alternative energy and sustainable architecture at The Evergreen State College. Most of Allie’s life has been spent in the out-of-doors, mountain guiding and growing food. She naturally migrated to Chickaloon, Alaska, in the heart of the Matanuska Valley at the age of 21. Striving to have more time than money, Allie focuses on off-grid living, chainsaw milling, and a "hunt-fish-gather- grow" lifestyle, where she wildcrafts plants into medicine, harvests berries, catches salmon, and hunts moose. Allie, her husband Jed, and dog Dylan, run Chugach Farm. Chugach Farm is a modern day homestead farm that focuses on growing nutrient dense, human powered, beyond organic, and off grid vegetables. Chugach Farm grows enough food to feed the family year round, sells at the farmers market and to local restaurants, runs CSA and CSF (Community Supported Ferments) programs, and sells a variety of value added products.

Ruth grew up in the Matanuska Valley and spent her childhood running wild and barefoot through the hills with all her siblings and more animals than she can count. She moved to the big city after college, and has been privileged to work on some really neat projects: 10 years on the pipeline; 10 years designing and constructing the Anchorage International Airport Concourse C; and three months out in the Aleutian Chain with the U.S. Census Bureau. Currently, Ruth works for a small architectural firm, saving up enough money to travel.

Our modern way of living has brought us many conveniences and advances, but we also live amongst many more chemicals and other potentially harmful substances than ever before as a result. So this time we're exploring the ways in which we encounter toxics and chemicals in our daily lives. What kinds of effects can toxins have on women of childbearing age? Who is most at risk for complications in Alaska and why? And how can you – a caregiver and a consumer – be aware and make informed choices? IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining KTD Host Shana Sheehy in the studio to help sift through the stories, studies and scares surrounding environmental toxins are four experts and advocates: Marta Dina Arguello is the Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles. She visited the state this year and spoke to Alaskans of her group's concerns about harmful chemicals in our environment and what individuals can do to keep informed and safe. Vi Waghiyi (Native Village of Savoonga, and Program Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics). Andrea Carmen (Executive Director of the International Indian Treaty Council/Yaqui) both took part in a recent International Indigenous Women's Environmental and Reproductive Health Symposium held in Chickaloon Village in the Matanuska Valley in May, 2012. Participants developed a report that will be presented to the United Nations. Dr. Liz Snyder is an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her training is in environmental health and soil science, with a focus on characterizing the fate, transport, and risk of environmental contaminants.