The Last Frontier Podcast

It is still March which means spring training for Major League Baseball. On the last episode we stepped up to the plate and went through the American League teams, replacing their mascots with Alaska-inspired counterparts. But that was only the first inning of this two-part series. On today’s episode we turn our attention to the National League as we continue getting creative and educational with Alaska mascots. What red birds do we have in Alaska? What's the Alaskan equivalent of a Padre? And what were Pirates called in the Last Frontier?! It's the episode you'll grab your peanuts an...

It is March which means spring training for Major League Baseball. As we do roughly once a year, we tackle some sort of sport league by changing their mascots to their similar themed, but Alaska related counterparts. This year, we made good contact and hit a double which means you get a two parter! On today's episode, we go through the American League teams so please join us as we get creative and education with Alaska mascots! How uncreative were some original team mascots back in the day? Which team logo would make for a good tattoo? And would...

March Madness is just around the corner for all you basketball fans out there, but for Alaska lovers, this episode is for you. On today’s episode of The Last Frontier Podcast, we’re running our own Alaska-themed bracket. We take 32 iconic things Alaska is known for, put them head-to-head, and battle it out to determine what we subjectively believe is the most iconic symbol of the Last Frontier. Who makes it to the Final Four? Which flower goes on a Cinderella run? And what will ultimately be crowned champion? It’s the episode that’s guaranteed to bust your bra...

We wrap up our three-part mini-series with part 3 of our 49 questions interview with born-and-raised Alaskan Jared Fink. In this final episode, we turn our focus to wildlife, climate, and what it really means to live alongside nature in the Last Frontier. What animals do Alaskans respect the most? How many climate zones does Alaska have? And why should you always give the ball to Beast Mode on the one yard line?! It's the episode you can't control, but can coexist with!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Fisherman's Porter by Grace Ridge Brewing Company

Music By...

We continue on with part 2 of our 3 part mini-series where we are asking 49 questions to born and raised Alaskan Jared Fink. On today's episode, we get into history and culture so join us as we delve further into what makes the Last Frontier such a unique place in the world. How did backroom politics play a role is the purchase of Alaska? What does the word remote mean to an Alaskan? And does Alaska actually pay you to live in the state?! It's the episode that'll give you an extra special taste in your mouth!

Alaskan Beer...

This episode begins a three part mini-series where we ask 49 questions split out among three episodes about the 49th state. Who better to answer than pod fan favorite Jared Fink who was born and raised in the bush of the Last Frontier. While most of us might be smarter than a 5th grader (debatable!), see how your Alaska knowledge compares with someone who had airplane engine oil on his wood stove every winter night as a kid. Why is local knowledge so important in Alaska? Why is foot ware so important in the Last Frontier? And how much does...

On today's episode, we unpack one of the most influential yet misunderstood laws in America...the Jones Act. From shipping costs to national security, we reveal how the Jones Act came to be and its affects on Alaska and beyond. How does the Jones Act benefit Alaska mariners? Why are consumer prices higher due to the Jones Act? And how does the Jones Act keep those Russian spies away from Alaska?! It's the episode you've been jonesing to listen to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Sin Offering by Brewerks

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www...

This episode drops on the darkest day of the year. And while most people visit Alaska in the summer months to view some of our incredible wildlife, we got to thinking about how these animals survive the winter months once the crowds leave. So join on today's episode as we delve into some incredible winter adaptations our animals of Alaska have that enable them to survive the cold, dark winters of the Last Frontier. What animal can survive with a body temperature below freezing? How thick of blubber does a polar bear have? And why were a record number...

While your favorite Alaskan bald eagles are excellent fish catchers, hunting in Alaska is something we have yet to experience. For most folks in Alaska, hunting is more than just a sport, it's a way of life that helps keep the freezer full during the cold, dark winter. Join us on today's episode as we invite friend of the pod Greg Haas on the episode to chat about some of his hunting experiences up here in Alaska and how it's become an important part of being connected to the Alaskan community. Oh, and Greg is also the owner of...

Traditional Thanksgiving dishes have historically been hard to come by in the Last Frontier. And with plenty of the state not living on the road system, Thanksgiving meals often don't look like the ones many of us grew up with. Join us on today's episode as we take a look at several common Thanksgiving food items and discuss what their Alaskan counterpart might be. What could possibly replace a turkey? What type of pie would be for dessert? And why won't you find corn at our dinner table?! It's the episode that'll make you hungry!

Alaskan Beer...

For centuries, many explorers tempted fate to embark on a mission to find the fabled Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans north above Canada and Alaska. We have eye witness testimony that the passage exists as Andrew has returned in one piece to tell his tale. Join us on a journey on today's episode as we highlight the historic significance of the Northwest Passage and delve into Andrew's recent journey far above the Arctic Circle. Who was the first explorer to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage? How many years did that expedition take versus how long does...

We continue our Halloween tradition of blending the Last Frontier and Dungeons & Dragons universes. Every good D&D campaign has a good monster to combat and a clever dungeon to navigate. Join us on today's episode as we explore some Alaskan themed monsters and dungeons that would make great additions to the 6th edition of D&D. Why would a glacier make an excellent dungeon? What is the origin of the sled dog? And what creature can turn you into an otter man?! It's the episode that'll give your Dungeon Master some great ideas!

Alaskan Beer of...

While difficult to see the stars during the summer months in the land of the midnight sun, winter stargazing is out of this world in the Last Frontier. Most places in Alaska have very little light pollution where it is easy to get away and enjoy the beautiful night sky. On today's episode, we discuss many of the constellations you can see in the Alaskan sky and some of the mythical stories behind them. How many constellations are there? How did a constellation asterism end up on the Alaska state flag? And what animals did Zeus turn into in...

From indigenous origins to animal migrations to World War II, Alaska and Japan have been linked in a variety of ways going back to early human migration. Andrew and friend of the pod Jared recently visited the great country of Japan and we spend today's episode discussing the commonalities between the country of Japan and the Last Frontier State of Alaska. What is the Kelp Highway Hypothesis? Where was the only land battle on U.S. soil fought during World War II? And why are Japanese toilets amazing except when you have food poisoning?! It's the episode you'll be...

We have some pretty intelligent species up here in Alaska. One of our local researchers, Dan Olsen, has spent a considerable amount of time studying these animals with a specialty on the Killer Whale. Dan joins us on today's episode to delve into the topic of animal intelligence in the Last Frontier. What does a killer whale call sound like? How do things like environment, social structure, and migration affect intelligence? And why do killer whales go to the spa?! It's the episode that'll make you smarter!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Manganero Sour by Turnagain Brewing <...

Can you believe that many of the largest animals on the planet don't have teeth?! It's true! Many of our whales consume large amounts of food on a daily basis utilizing a system called filter feeding and on today's episode, we delve into that filter feeding behavior of several whales we see in the waters of the Last Frontier. What tool do humpback whales use? Why is the Alaskan summer an all you can eat buffet? And which whales have a mustache?! It's the episode that'll have you separating your food with your tongue!

Alaskan Beer of...

Shipwreck episode today on the Last Frontier Podcast. A lesser known wreck due to other worldly events at the time, the SS Princess Sophia shipwreck of 1918 is known still as the deadliest shipwreck of the entire west coast of North America. Join us on today's episode as we explore what happened on this fateful final voyage. How did the crew try to use dead reckoning to find their location? What prevented the rescue boats from saving the people on board? And how many dinosaur movies we do want to see before we die?! It's the episode you'll listen to...

A mode of transportation 4,000 years in the making, the kayak is one of the oldest modes of transportation in the world. As former professional sea kayak guides, this vessel is near and dear to our hearts so please join us on today's episode as we discuss the origin of the kayak and talk through its design, construction, original purpose, and use in modern society. Why was kayak rolling essential for survival? When was kayaking introduced as an Olympic sport? And how the heck do you hunt caribou from a kayak?! It's the episode you'll listen to on your next...

While you can do a lot of things in Alaska you can find elsewhere, one fairly unique aspect of Alaska travel is the opportunity to get up close and personal with glacial ice. There is no other place in the country like it and very few places in the world have the breathtaking scenery that comes with adventuring around glaciers. On today's episode, we discuss six different ways to experience the ice when exploring the Last Frontier and the benefits of choosing each of those adventures. What is a stone fruit? What's the best way to experience a glacier...

Alaska is a great state to visit no matter your age or ability level. There are plenty of options for all including families that visit with young ones. It's not always a cheap flight to Alaska so it's not a bad idea to take advantage of the free lap infant flight for babies under the age of two, but what can you do with them once you are here? Fear not, your trusty bald eagles, one of whom has a one year old daughter himself, are here to provide some top travel tips for families adventuring to the Last...

How do you write an introduction on one of the most iconic creatures on the planet? The killer whale, also known as the orca, is always a top the wishlist of animals Alaskan visitors hope to see. Join us on today's episode as we just scratch the surface on what makes these animals so special. How many names do they go by? What are the three ecotypes we see in Alaska? And is it terrifying when a marine mammal killer swims under your kayak?! It's the episode that'll have you breaching for joy!

Alaskan Beer of the...

Disclaimer: Some content in this episode may not be suitable for the younger listeners.

We finally did it! After five years, we got to check that Explicit Content box. It felt good. On today's program, we were thrilled to have three stand up comedians take a break from their Kenai Peninsula comedy tour and join us to chat about the comedy scene in the Last Frontier. They provide their insights into the comedy culture of Alaska, share their true thoughts on improv, and provide our lovely beer review rating scale comparing (bleep) size to earthquake magnitude. Small...

The summer season is finally upon us! How can you tell? Well, the sun is shining longer, animals are making their return, and tourists are entering the landscape. These are all telltale signs that summer is approaching. Join us on today's episode as we delve into some of the major harbingers of the Alaska summer season. Which birds have a claim to the longest migration on the planet? Why do humpback whales leave their warm Hawaiian waters to come to Alaska? And why are there so many kayakers in the water?! It's the episode that'll kickoff a great summer...

This episode drops when many seasonal employees are beginning their Alaskan summer experience. We had a request from someone coming up for the summer to record an episode providing top tips and advice for people embarking to the Last Frontier for summer employment. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the seasonal lifestyle and share how our own experiences shaped us into the beautiful bald eagles we are today. Do you need much experience to work in Alaskan tourism? What are important considerations when making your decision to come up to Alaska? And what are the...

Farmers in Midwestern America were hit hard by the Great Depression. Alaska had land to tame. Both sides swiped right and a match was made. On today's episode, we delve into the history of the Matanuska Valley Colony which was an agricultural relocation settlement part of President FDR's New Deal to combat the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of that project and its lasting legacy seen today. What was the first main Alaskan cash crop? Why so many Cubs fans in Alaska? And how do you correctly...

The summer visitor season is upon us and so we delve into another educational travel episode. On today's program, we discuss 20 travel trends that are taking place in the Last Frontier. We nerd out on numbers for a bit and then share some of the types of travel trends unique to Alaska that keep bringing visitors up in increasing volume. Our main sponsor of the podcast, Sunny Cove Kayaking owner and newest president of the Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Stephanie Millane, joins us to share her anecdotes from having worked in Alaska tourism for most of...

Seward, Alaska was established on an alluvial fan in the Kenai Fjords where mountains shoot straight into the ocean. Surrounded by features that make it hard to develop and built on a land feature known for flooding, Seward has had its challenges over the years as it attempts to grow. As Seward prepares for its future growth, the town has embarked on the process to update its Comprehensive Plan and so for today's episode, we invite the Seward City Planner, Courtney Bringhurst, on the program to discuss the unique aspects of city planning in the Last Frontier. What is...

Alaska has a vibrant live music scene especially in the summer months. On today's episode, we explore some of our favorite bands and spots to get away and enjoy some great music in the Last Frontier. What type of dancing does Andrew need to learn? Where does Danny rank the song, A Whole New World? And how did Jared burst his appendix while listening to live music?! It's the episode you'll jam out to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Forget Wee Not Heavy by Denali Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com...

We have a listener who will be traveling to Seward this summer and was interested in hearing about local camping recommendations in the area. Since we love getting episode requests, join us today as we discuss our favorite spots to set up camp in and around the place we call home in Seward, Alaska. Why does Seward have so much waterfront camping? How important is it to reserve a spot ahead of time? And what's our personal favorite spot to camp?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your tent!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Whiskey Gulch...

This episode drops the day before President's Day which got us asking the question, how many presidents have visited the Last Frontier State of Alaska? While there have been numerous presidential stopovers in Alaska to refuel Air Force One, join us as we explore the stories behind all the presidential visits of Presidents who visited Alaska while in office and got out and about to spend some time in this place we call home. Who was the first sitting president to visit Alaska? Which president actually lived in Alaska for a short time? And what famous meetings with world...

Kayakers Cove is a great off the road system hostel you can access by water taxi from Seward, Alaska. It is a fan favorite of those who know it well. And breaking news, it's under new ownership by none other that our podcast's most frequent guest and sometimes co-host Jared Fink. Jared joins us on the program today to discuss this new life endeavor and talk about what makes Kayakers Cove and places like it such a magical place to visit. Do you need to be a kayaker to stay at the Cove? What makes this experience extremely economical...

There are all sorts of fun jobs one can do working for the National Park System. Today, we are excited to bring back Andrew's wife Cara on the program to talk through her first summer working for Kenai Fjords National Park. As the logistical coordinator for several research trips into the park, join us today as Cara teaches us the ins and outs of working in some of the most remote places Alaska has to offer. What do researchers call bald eagles? What are CMTs? And why was Cara looking for poop?! It's the episode Cara finally listened to!<...

The walrus came up in a recent episode of our podcast and we felt it was time to give these incredible creatures their due with their very own wildlife spotlight. Join us on today's episode as we learn all about the largest member of the seal family. How long has the walrus been on the planet? What's the status of the Alaska Sea Life Center's latest walrus rescue? And what the heck is an oosik?! It's the episode you'll need a dictionary for!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Silt Milk Stout Ale by Devil's Club Brewing Company<...

The winter solstice seems to have more meaning the higher in latitude you travel on the globe. With this episode dropping the weekend of winter solstice, we explore the significance of the winter solstice in the Last Frontier. Join us as we discuss how the solstice has been celebrated historically by Alaska Natives to ways you can enjoy the winter solstice today. How much sunlight do various parts of Alaska receive on the winter solstice? What symbolism does the winter solstice take on in the Last Frontier? And how is Andrew's spiritual transformation affected by his Dungeons & Dragons character...

We recently found a beer named for the Alaska Railroad to review on the podcast and thought, that would be a good topic to discuss. Join us as we navigate the history of the Alaska Railroad Corporation leading up to the trips they offer passengers today as a unique way to travel in the Last Frontier. Why is the Alaska Railroad considered the backbone of the Last Frontier? Which president drove in the final golden spike? And how can passengers utilize the train today?! It's the episode you'll whistle for!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Railroad Golden...

With the days around Thanksgiving boasting the three most traveled days of the year in the United States, Andrew and Danny thought a great Thanksgiving tie in episode would be to learn about the great Alaska migrations. Alaska is home to the largest migrations in the world by land, air, and sea! Join us as we delve into what animals make such incredible journeys that would make your Thanksgiving travel plans look like a cake walk. What animal boasts the longest migration in the world? How far will caribou walk in their life time? And what animal doesn't need...

Andrew's maritime career took a wild turn recently as an international expedition cruise ship company short on Alaskan seamen called up Andrew from the bullpen. In a few short days, Andrew flew down to Seattle, back to Anchorage and then out to Nome, Alaska to embark on an Alaskan adventure that would take him a dozen places over in the Last Frontier he hadn't laid eyes on before. Listen in as we put Andrew on the hot seat to share his experience sailing the seas of Alaska.

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Cold Pale Ale by Alaskan...

Our schools of red and silver salmon fared quite well in Part One of our two part mini D&D series chronicling the life cycle of a salmon. But that's all about to change. The most treacherous part of our journey, the swim upstream, is not for the faint of heart. Join us as we brave the return waters of our natal stream. How many salmon can a brown bear eat? What percentage of salmon make it back home to spawn? And how does the poop cloud fare against an ancient white dragon?! It's the episode that's been universally...

Last Halloween, we introduced another nerd component from our lives to this podcast with our first annual Halloween themed Dungeons & Dragons episode. And while last year was fun in discussing the intersects between Alaska and the fantasmic realms, on today's episode we get out our dice set and play. Join us on this two-part adventure where we play out the life cycle of a school of salmon to see how many, if any, of our redd will survive long enough to spawn. Can fantasy salmon talk? Is it okay for red and silver salmon to mingle? And how effective...

Coming to Alaska for the first time can be a jaw dropping experience. Huge snow capped mountains that shoot straight into the ocean, giant brown bears in front of a waterfall snatching up salmon as they travel upstream, or a dozen humpback whales surfacing at the same time feeding on a school of herring. It's always fun to witness that experience for a traveler, but what about the opposite perspective? On today's episode, friend of the pod Jared joins the program to discuss his experiences growing up in the state of Alaska and the stand out moments of his...