In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Bill Elam, a current Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman and candidate for the Alaska State House. Bill discusses why he's running for State House, what he would prioritize first if elected, and the challenges and victories he's experienced during his tenure on the Assembly. Check out Bill here: www.billelam.com
Sep 14, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 422
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Mike Cronk, a former 1989 Northwest Conference NCAA basketball champion now running for the Alaska Senate. Mike shares how his athletic career shaped his leadership under pressure, his 20+ year teaching career, and his dedication to Alaska's rural communities. Listen as Mike explains what sets him apart from his opponent, why he’s running for Senate, and how teamwork continues to guide his approach to leadership and service...
Sep 04, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 421
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews John Hillyer, a retired veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, as he enters the race for Alaska's House District 8. Hillyer, who has spent 32 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, shares his motivations for running, his key priorities if elected, and what distinguishes him from other candidates.
Aug 29, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 420
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Mayor Edna DeVries, the current Mayor of Mat-Su Borough, to discuss her decision to run for re-election. Edna shares her motivations for seeking another term, outlines her key priorities if re-elected, and explains what sets her apart from the other candidates in the race. Tune in to hear an in-depth conversation about the future of Mat-Su Borough and why Edna believes she’s the right choice to continue leading the comm...
Aug 29, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 419
In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Janice Park, candidate for State Senate District F. Janice shares why she is running, what she stands for, and what sets her apart from her opponents. She also discusses her plans to address key issues for Alaskans and how people can get in touch with her campaign. Janice has a background in public health, co-founded Alaska Water Systems, and has lived in Abbott Loop for over 20 years.
Aug 17, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 418
In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Jeremy Bynum, candidate for Alaska State House District 1. Jeremy discusses why he is running for State Representative, his key priorities, and what sets him apart from his opponents. With experience as an elected assembly member on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, Jeremy shares how his background has prepared him for this role and his vision for the future of Southern Southeast Alaska. Tune in to hear more about his...
Aug 17, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 417
In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Gretchen Guess, the new President and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. Gretchen shares insights on how her previous roles as an elected official in Alaska, including serving as a member of the state legislature and president of the Anchorage School Board, have prepared her for this leadership position. Gretchen discusses the vital role Rasmuson Foundation plays in Alaska, supporting communities through grant programs and initiat...
Aug 06, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 416
In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rick Whitbeck, State Director for Power The Future, to discuss the impact of the Biden administration on Alaska, the state of Cook Inlet energy, the implications of the Chevron's decision and whether Rick is hopeful for Alaska's future. With a 35-year career in Alaska, Rick brings a wealth of experience from managing political campaigns and hosting the Power The Future Energy Hour radio program. Tune in for an engaging ...
Aug 06, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 415
Host John Quick welcomes Senator Matt Claman to The Must Read Alaska Show as part of our Candidate Spotlight Forum. Senator Claman, who has served West Anchorage in the Alaska State Senate since 2023 and previously in the State House, discusses his campaign for re-election and his top priorities. In this episode, he outlines his focus on improving public safety, managing the state budget, and protecting constitutional rights. Matt shares his approach to collaboration and his vision for Alaska’s ...
Aug 01, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 414
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, your host John Quick sits down with Joelle Hall, President of the Alaska AFL-CIO and a key member of Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's transition team. Join us as we delve into the roles and responsibilities of the transition team focused on good government, safe streets and trails, and building our future. Joelle shares details about the team's meetings, the collaborative process of developing actionable recommendations for the new mayor, and the i...
Jul 03, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 413
Tune in to The Must Read Alaska Show for a compelling conversation with Brandy Pennington, a lifelong Alaskan and candidate for State House. Brandy brings a wealth of experience as a business owner, landlord, and dedicated community member, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to the growth and prosperity of District 9. In this episode, Brandy articulates her vision for District 9, focusing on fiscal responsibility, resource development, and energy independence. She discusses her plans to support ...
Jul 02, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 412
Host John Quick dives into a compelling conversation with Andrew Shane, a dedicated community leader and candidate for school board in the Mat-Su. Andrew shares his journey from firefighter to small business owner, highlighting his passion for education and public safety. Discover Andrew's motivations for running, his top priorities if elected, and his commitment to integrity and fiscal responsibility. Learn about his initiatives to protect women's sports, enhance school safety, and expand workf...
Jul 02, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 411
Join Host John Quick on this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with former State Representative Sharon Jackson, a dedicated public servant with a rich history of advocating for Alaskan values. Sharon Jackson's journey from Philadelphia, PA to the Alaskan State House of Representatives is a testament to her unwavering commitment to service and leadership. Sharon proudly served in the United States Army, which brought her to Alaska in 1983. After completing her service, she becam...
Jun 28, 2024•12 min•Ep. 410
Join Host John Quick, on this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with Corey DeAngelis, a leading voice in the education reform movement and a passionate advocate for school choice. Corey is a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, the executive director at the Educational Freedom Institute, and a senior fellow at the Reason Foundation. He has been recognized on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his impactful work in education policy and has received numerous awards...
Jun 28, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 409
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Jared Goecker, a candidate running for State Senate, District L, representing Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, and Peters Creek. Jared shares his deep-rooted connection to Alaska, his personal story, and his goals for the future. Join us as we discuss: - Jared's motivations for running for office. - His top priorities if elected, including government accountability, crime reduction, budget management, tax policies, and ...
Jun 19, 2024•10 min•Ep. 408
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Senator James Kaufman to discuss his highlights during the recent legislative session. Senator Kaufman, a common sense leader with over 35 years of experience in Alaska’s oil and gas industry, shares how his background in quality management has influenced his work in the Senate. He talks about his commitment to improving the safety, security, and resiliency of the Anchorage Hillside community and beyond. Tune in to lear...
Jun 18, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 407
Join host John Quick on this episode of Must Read Alaska as he sits down with Nancy Dahlstrom, the current Lt. Governor of Alaska, who is stepping up to run for the United States Congress. Nancy shares her vision for Alaska's future and her commitment to bringing tough, proven, Alaska First leadership to Washington. Discover her strategies for tackling border security, defending Alaskan energy, combating inflation, and protecting our freedoms. Nancy also delves into her plans for public safety, ...
May 31, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 406
Join us on the Must Read Alaska Show with your host, John Quick, as we dive into the world of real estate with Chris Story, a lifelong Alaskan, author, speaker, and owner/broker of Story Real Estate. With over 30+ years of experience in the Homer real estate market, Chris shares his journey, the valuable lessons he's learned, and the secrets to his success. We'll discuss his popular books, including "The Backyard Millionaire" and his latest release, "The Millionaire Maker," and explore his insig...
May 31, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 405
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Trent and Trevor, the dynamic duo behind Walden Bros, a custom clothing business in Alaska. Walden Bros specializes in creating unique hats, shirts, and hoodies for both individuals and businesses, catering to orders of all sizes. John delves into their journey, discussing what inspired them to start Walden Bros, the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the memorable moment when US Senator Dan Sullivan vi...
May 30, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 404
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Scott Kendall, a prominent litigator, strategic consultant, and authority in campaign and election law. Scott shares his insights on Ranked Choice Voting vs. Star Voting and discusses his experiences supporting various candidates, including his stance in the recent Anchorage Mayor race. Scott also provides an analysis of critical issues facing Alaska, such as education funding, teacher recruitment, and retention. Additional...
May 30, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 403
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Mark Frohnmayer, a software and electric vehicle entrepreneur, and a pioneering advocate for electoral reform. Mark shares his fascinating journey from the gaming industry to sustainable transportation and election science. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley, Mark's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to create innovative solutions across various fields. We delve into Mark's ent...
May 22, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 402
In this episode of the Must Read Alaska show, host John Quick sits down with Tim Murtaugh, the former communications director for the 2020 Trump reelection campaign. Tim shares his incredible journey from waking up in a jail cell in Fairfax County, Virginia, to flying on Air Force One with President Donald J. Trump. His story of overcoming desperate alcoholism and reviving his career to reach the top of the political world is detailed in his book, "Swing Hard in Case You Hit It: My Escape from A...
May 16, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 401
In this episode of Must Read Alaska, host John Quick sits down with Joelle Hall, president of the Alaska AFL-CIO, for an insightful conversation. Joelle talks about her stance on teacher retention and recruitment, they explore the vastly different perspectives of liberals and conservatives on this topic. Joelle shares her thoughts on the various union apprenticeship programs in Alaska, discusses the potential Alaska Airlines strike, and expresses her hopes for the state's future. Joelle also pro...
May 15, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 400
Join host John Quick on the Must Read Alaska Show for a compelling discussion with Dan C. Rogers and Todd M. Lindley, both candidates for the Chugach Electric Board of Directors. In this episode, we delve into their visions for Alaska’s energy future, exploring their extensive experience in engineering and renewable energy systems. Dan shares his journey from a lifelong Alaskan to a leader in power system engineering, while Todd discusses his background in mechanical engineering and his commitme...
May 10, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 399
Join host John Quick on the Must Read Alaska Show as he connects with Founder, Suzanne Downing to unpack the compelling story behind Must Read Alaska. In this episode, Suzanne shares her vision in founding a leading conservative news platform in Alaska. Together, they recount the evolution of this podcast, highlighting memorable episodes like their impactful election night coverage featuring the legendary Congressman Don Young. Special mentions to fellow co-hosts James Baisden and Scott Levesque...
May 08, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 398
In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Guy Benson to delve into the impact of Joe Biden's economic and energy policies on the nation and specifically on Alaska. From examining the repercussions of what some consider to be flawed economic strategies to discussing the implications of energy decisions on a state known for its resource abundance, Quick and Benson explore critical issues facing both the nation and the Last Frontier. They also ponder the state of ...
May 06, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 397
Join host John Quick for another enlightening episode of The Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with Mayor Dave Bronson to discuss some of the pressing issues and initiatives currently shaping Anchorage. Mayor Bronson shares insights into the recent effort to pack Narcan kits, a critical step in combating the opioid crisis and enhancing community safety. We also dive into his appointment of the new Police Chief, Michael Kerle, and explore the impact this leadership change aims to have on local...
Apr 30, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 396
In this inspiring episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick welcomes Jubilee Underwood, a dedicated Valley resident and current Mat-Su Borough school board president, as she shares her journey from local advocacy to political candidacy. Jubilee discusses her successful efforts to end mask mandates for children just two months after joining the school board and reveals her motivations for running for the state house. She offers invaluable advice for anyone considering a foray into pub...
Apr 23, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 395
Join host John Quick on this compelling episode of The Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with State Senator Mike Shower to delve into the pressing issues facing Alaska today. Senator Shower shares his candid insights on education funding, the impacts of Governor Mike Dunleavy's budget veto, and his experience as a minority member in the Senate. We also tackle the topic of media bias, with a particular focus on government-funded media. Don’t miss this deep dive into the intricacies of Alaskan ...
Apr 21, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 394
Join host John Quick as he delves into the life and music of Zak Kirkpatrick, a fourth-generation Alaskan whose journey from boat deckhand to licensed captain is as riveting as his soulful melodies. In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Kirkpatrick shares insights into his unique upbringing and the influences that shaped his musical career against the rugged backdrop of Alaska's wilderness. Discover what ignited Kirkpatrick's passion for music and how his experiences working on boats and...
Apr 20, 2024•19 min•Ep. 393
