Meditation and mindfulness are practices that many of us use either formally or informally, but what are the actual benefits we get from them? How do those practices affect our mental health? On this episode, we have a local meditation teacher answer those questions and teach us some meditation techniques. HOST: Dave Waldron GUEST: Rick Zelinsky LINKS: Meditate in Alaska Rick Zelinsky website ]]>...
You've likely heard of Comic Con before, the annual convention that happens in San Diego celebrating comics, video games and all things geeky, but did you know Anchorage has one too? Arctic Comic Con is now in its seventh year and happens this weekend at the Dena'ina Center. On this episode, we hear from one of the convention's founders and a pair of local video game developers trying to make their mark in the gaming industry. HOST: Dave Waldron GUESTS: Mike Lajoie , Co-Founder, Arctic Comic Con...
Don’t let this recent snowfall fool you. Anchorage had a historically low snow year. On this episode we find out what that lack of snow means for everything—from fire to mosquitos. We did get our usual Fool’s Spring last week, with about four inches of snowfall happening right when we thought we were in the clear. Earlier this year, the National Weather Service reported Anchorage had received 4.3 inches of snow from December 1 to February 17, the lowest snowfall ever recorded in Anchorage’s hist...
Our great state of Alaska encompasses eight hardiness zones and Anchorage is ranked 9th in the US for cities with the greatest number of community garden spaces. On this episode of Hometown, Alaska we hear from two guests excited about the upcoming Alaska summer growing season. The first half of the show is all about Anchorage's community gardens. The second half of the show discusses the Alaska Pioneer Fruit Growers Association and their long-time efforts to share fruit growing knowledge. HOST:...
Join us for a tour of Anchorage Distillery with CEO, John Blasco, and head distiller, Devin Wagner. We learn about using local Alaska ingredients in the grain to glass process of distilling in Anchorage and even taste test some young whiskey. HOST: Kim Sherry GUESTS: John Blasco , CEO, Anchorage Distillery Devin Wagner , head distillery, Anchorage Distillery ]]>...
Today is St. Patrick's Day and while many of us will be wearing green and eating corned beef and cabbage for one day, there is a much larger slice of Irish culture that is often overlooked. On the this Hometown, Alaska we explore the other patron saints of Ireland, learn how to speak Gaelic and hear some fantastic traditional Irish Music. HOST: Dave Waldron GUESTS: Kate O'Dell , President, Irish Club of Alaska Terri Mccoy, John and Vicki Lewis and Donna Feary , musicians LINK: Irish Club of Alas...
Ice cream holds a special place in many Alaskans' hearts. Our Alaska Native cultures have been making traditional ice cream for longer than any of us have been around. Typically made with a mixture of snow, seal oil, fish and berries, depending on the region. These days, Alaskans consume the most ice cream per capita than any other state, with an annual consumption of 3 gallons per person! So, why the obsession with ice cream? On this episode, we visit Wild Scoops , an Anchorage micro-creamery m...
On this episode, we dive into the latest developments of Alaska’s volcanoes, specifically Mount Spurr which was recently given a 50/50 chance of eruption. It's the closest volcano to Anchorage and currently remains at a code yellow advisory. Matt Haney, scientist in charge at Alaska Volcano Observatory, joins host Dave Waldron to delve into the science behind volcanos. Later on the program we’ll get into some of Alaska’s history with volcanoes and the science that goes into observing and underst...
On this episode, host Kim Sherry speaks with Cory Stantorf, a biologist from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, to learn more about the massive moose that roam our city streets. They discuss all the moose facts you've always wanted to know, from the sounds they make to they mystery of that thing dangling from their chin. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Cory Stantorf, biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game ]]>
We've been having some amazing northern lights this year, but there are some other cosmic events happening in Anchorage that you won't need to stand outside in the cold for. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will be coming to Alaska for a presentation this summer, and is also the host of a planetarium show happening now at the Anchorage Museum. We hear from Dr. Tyson and Aaron Slonecker, the director of the planetarium. HOST: Dave Waldron GUESTS: Neil deGrasse Tyson , astrophysicist, science co...
Host Kim Sherry is joined by Elisabeth Nadin, a geologist from the Alaska Earthquake Center. They discuss the basics of what earthquakes are, how they affect the state and how we can be ready for the next one. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Elisabeth Nadin, Geologist, Alaska Earthquake Center LINKS: Alaska Earthquake Center The Great Alaska Shakeout ]]>...
It seems like most Alaskans can agree that this winter stinks. Whether it’s the wind storms, the warm temperatures or lack of snow, this winter has yet to feel like one. On this Hometown, Alaska we hear from longtime meteorologist Jackie Purcell about exactly how unique this winter is, and how it stacks up to others in Anchorage's history. We’ll also look back on her 35 years of broadcasting in Alaska. ]]>
Ossie Kairaiuak is a Yup'ik storyteller, artist, dancer and musician. He also performs as a member of the "Inuit soul music" group Pamyua. On this episode Ossie sits down with host, Kim Sherry, to discuss the generational importance of storytelling, learning life lessons through traditional tales and how these stories continue through the modern age. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Ossie Kairaiuak LINKS: Pamyua website art.by.ossie Instagram Ossie's Custom Artworks Facebook ]]>...
As the days get darker and the temperatures drop, many of us like to huddle inside and play games. Whether you like card games, board games or games with words, we've got you covered. Host Dave Waldron introduces you to a local meetup group that specializes in gaming and he talks with a local card and board game shop owner about some of the most interesting games in his store. HOST: Dave Waldron GUESTS: 1st segment: Anchorage Board Gaming: Sarah Cheverie Ellen Segal Vennie Nemecek 2nd segment: A...
On this episode host Kim Sherry speaks with cookbook editor and food journalist, Francis Lam. Lam is also host of " The Splendid Table " and judge on " The Great American Recipe ." That's where Sherry first met Lam, when she was the very first contestant on the show to come from Alaska. We hear about his experience travelling in Alaska and talk about how culture shapes our love of food. Later in the show we hear ideas on incorporating Alaska ingredients in your next holiday meal. HOST: Kim Sherr...
It's not always easy to find locally grown or raised food items in Alaska, but you might be surprised at what is out there. Kyla Byers is a founder and owner of Arctic Harvest Deliveries. The company specializes in supplying produce, meat, eggs and artisan grocery products from local, Alaskan farmers and food entrepreneurs around the state. Byers tells us how the business got started, about supplying home cooks and professional chefs alike and what we can do to ensure our state’s food security. ...
Alaska’s Latino community has roots stretching back long before statehood. In fact, according to Gabriela Olmos Rosas, a doctoral student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska’s Latino roots can be traced back to Ketchikan in the 1910s. “Alaska was having an attractive economy back then based on gold, and later on oil,” explains Rosas. “[Alaska] had a male workforce for a long time and there are many immigration documents for men. Not long ago, I found an immigration document for a woman...
Sit back, relax and listen to these eerie stories to get you in the mood for Halloween. The first segment features local authors reading their works. We hear from Jamey Bradbury, Kellie Doherty and Lindsay Belle Sobolik, who writes as LB Blackburne. The second segment features local actors from the Midnight Summit Ensemble—Kalli Denali Randall, Elyssa Loughlin and Shanice Lawton—performing "Imaginary Friends" by Jeffrey James Keyes. HOSTS: Dave Waldron/Ammon Swenson GUESTS: Jamey Bradbury, autho...
What is one part improv, one part concert, and one part musical game show? The answer is the concert series Parlor in the Round. The eclectic group will be debuting their 10th season on Thursday, October 17 at the Bear Tooth Theater. Host Dave Waldron sits down with Parlor in the Round founder and producer Kevin Worrell and musician Selma Casagranda, who will be performing at the upcoming event. They discuss the history of the program, how it works and give us a taste of what to expect. GUESTS: ...
Join us for an interview with Alaska legend and Anchorage birder, Mr. Whitekeys. We dive into the best birdwatching spots around the city and explore the incredible variety of bird species that call Alaska home. From bald eagles soaring overhead to the rare sightings of migratory birds, Anchorage offers birders a unique experience. We’ll also talk about how you can get involved in local birdwatching events and discover the hidden world of birds in your own backyard. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Mr. W...
This week on Hometown Alaska we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of fungi! From foraging wild mushrooms in Alaska’s untamed wilderness to cultivating them right here in the Anchorage—we explore the magic of mushrooms with a local expert from Far North Fungi, Gabe DeGange. He gives host Kim Sherry mushroom cooking tips, discusses health benefits and lays out other helpful fungi facts. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Gabe DeGange , co-owner, Far North Fungi LINKS: Far North Fungi website US Fores...
This week we’re getting up close and personal with some of the smallest, but most important residents of Alaska—the insects! Whether they’re buzzing around in the midnight sun or helping to keep our wild spaces thriving, Alaska’s bugs have fascinating stories to tell. Host Kim Sherry is joined by entomologist Alex Wenninger to find out about the diverse species of insects in the state, how to plan your garden for bug success and citizen science projects. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Alex Wenninger , ...
Join host Kim Sherry on a tour of the Alaska Zoo with Education Director Rich Capitan. On the walking tour, we hear the sounds, smell the scents and talk about the zoo’s animal residents. We hear about the unique history of how our zoo got started and learn some interesting facts about the local fauna that we share this great state with. HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Rich Capitan , Education Director, Alaska Zoo LINKS: Alaska Zoo website Facebook Instagram ]]>...
True-crime podcasts and television are popular, but why exactly is that? What is it about the seedy underbelly of society that draws us in? On this Hometown, Alaska we learn about the earliest criminals of Anchorage and why their stories are still filled with intrigue 100 years later. We're joined by historian and columnist David Reamer who discusses his recent article in the Anchorage Daily News. Reamer will be giving a talk about Alaska representation in film in the Bear Tooth theater on Satur...
There is nothing quite like the state fair whether it be the food, the performers or the fact that Alaskans from all over the state are drawn to it no matter their ages or interests. On this next Hometown, Alaska host Dave Waldron and producer Ammon Swenson talk with some of the people that make the fair such a treat, whether it's the workers or those in attendance. HOSTS: Dave Waldron Ammon Swenson LINKS: Alaska State Fair website State Fair daily schedule State Fair calendar ]]>...
A group of business leaders in Anchorage is proposing a sales tax that would fund new community projects and relieve some property tax burdens. But how does this proposal actually work? Why a sales tax, and why now? We took listener calls to discuss Project Anchorage with Anchorage Economic Development Corporation President and CEO, Jenna Wright, and journalist Larry Persily. HOST: Anne Hillman GUESTS: Jenna Wright , President and CEO, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation Larry Persily , j...
Alaska is known for its short, but bountiful growing season. Did you know that Alaska is also known for our commercial peony market? On this episode we learn what makes Alaska such a special place to grow these beautiful, showy flowers. We also hear about care tips for the home gardener and how to approach cooking with peonies. GUEST HOST: Kim Sherry GUEST: Martha Lojewski , Alaska Peony Cooperative LINKS: Alaska Peony Cooperative website The Peony Journal Peony press and resources ]]>...
School is back in session next week for many Alaskans and with the new school year comes new challenges and changes. On this Hometown, Alaska we hear about those, including new start times, larger middle schools and how snow days are decided. We also get to know Dr. Jharett Bryantt, who will be entering his third year as the superintendent for the Anchorage School District. HOST: Dave Waldron GUEST: Dr. Jharett Bryantt , Superintendent, Anchorage School District LINKS: Anchorage School District ...
On Monday PBS will debut its brand new season of "The Great American Recipe." The show features eight home cooks from around the country competing with their best recipes. For the first time in three seasons, the show will feature an Alaskan chef. On the this episode of Hometown, Alaska host Dave Waldron sits down with Anchorage resident Kim Sherry who talks about how a home cook gets discovered, what it was like to cook on national television and serving as a culinary ambassador for our state. ...
Starting a thriving small business is daunting on even the best days. But what happens when you want to start a small business in an often stigmatized Anchorage neighborhood like Fairview, Spenard, Muldoon and Mountain View? According to the Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT) and its partners like the Cook Inlet Lending Center and the Cook Inlet Tribal Council, the path forward to revitalizing these neighborhoods is business creation, local job growth and resident leadership through innovativ...
