In this episode, entrepreneur and author Danny Lehr and I discuss his first book Win Your Next Hour. We discuss high income skills, why it's important to have at least one, opportunities that come with seeking challenges, similarities between weightlifting, business, and the need for consistency and dedication across different life pursuits. Danny also talks about the importance of saying 'yes' to new experiences and how familial resilience has shaped personal endeavors. Danny's book is availabl...
Jan 07, 2025•55 min•Ep 74•Transcript available on Metacast Abby and I discuss the impact of environment, family, and friends on educational experiences. We talk about the pressure of performing in a prestigious Boston suburb where Ivy League dreams are fostered and compare it to the close-knit, resourceful communities of Alaska. We breakdown the need for balancing academic pursuits with practical skills and the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity amidst societal pressures and distractions. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe o...
Dec 31, 2024•27 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Abby and I recap 2024 - skiing, camping, hiking and fishing in Juneau, fishing on Prince of Wales Island, hunting after Haleigh was born and what hunting tags we won't draw in 2025. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hu...
Dec 24, 2024•34 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Seawind Aviation owner Steve Kamm shares his family's fishing history and how he found his true calling in the skies. Steve recounts his early days in Ketchikan, from carefree childhood memories of biking and baseball to the pivotal moments that steered him towards aviation. Steve also reflects on the past and present of Ketchikan's aviation industry, the evolving aviation landscape and the unique challenges and triumphs of running a flightseeing/charter service. Book a charter ...
Dec 17, 2024•42 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast Adam Krick and Nathan Endicott share their August blacktail deer adventure in the wild alpine of Southeast Alaska. We discuss the three years of planning, the balance between chasing the thrill of the hunt and maintaining safety. We also discuss the complex emotions of departure, nurturing our adventurous spirit, and the profound impact these experiences have on our lives as fathers, husbands and at work. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and al...
Dec 10, 2024•50 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast Dave White is a retired commercial fisherman and teacher from Ketchikan. In this episode he recounts his early experiences as a novice commercial fisherman, navigating the obstacles of gillnetting and longlining. We also discuss the hardships of being in the classroom for five days then on the water for two during the edges of the school year. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan...
Dec 03, 2024•47 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project In this episode we talk about the journey to 200 podcast episodes and how creating content became second nature. In December of 2023 Daniel had total knee replacement and then drew a coveted mountain goat tag which drove his rehab. We discuss that hunt then the moose hunt shortly thereafter. We also touch on future plans, including new hunting adventures and the exciting prospects for the Alaska Wild Project podcast. Check out the On Step Al...
Nov 26, 2024•54 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast Matt and Heather Ozerkov are the owners of a unique lodge and mobile sauna business in Seward, Alaska. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and joys of owning a lodge, the inspiration behind their mobile saunas, and their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. They emphasize the importance of dreaming big, perseverance, and continuous growth. Link to Seward Saunas . Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all thin...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast Sam and Lauren are the owners of Ketchikan's newest coffee place, Island Brew Cafe. In this episode we discuss their journey to the Dominican Republic to find the right coffee beans, the importance of quality ingredients in good food, bacon, breakfast burritos and other food offerings including gluten free options. We also discuss their move from Florida to the close-knit community of Ketchikan, their vision for the cafe and how they plan to integrate their passion for food and community into th...
Nov 14, 2024•38 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast Bjorn Dihle is an accomplished writer and wildlife film guide from Juneau. In this episode Bjorn shares his journey into writing, his career as a wildlife film guide, the challenges of filming in Alaska's rugged landscapes, particularly with brown bears, and the importance of maintaining safety and respect for wildlife. The conversation takes a deeper dive into Alaska's conservation efforts, focusing on Bjorn's involvement with Hunters and Anglers for the Brooks Range advocating against the Road...
Nov 12, 2024•38 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Having Melissa Castle on the podcast to talk about wild Alaskan mountain goat hunts is becoming an annual thing. In this episode we recap her hunt with Marian Giannulis (another adventurous Alaskan who happened to have the tag) which involved, among other things, traversing a glacier and the billy falling off a cliff. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Sage Marshall is a freelance journalist and writer for Field and Stream. He is also the author of Echolocation his first book. In this episode we discuss writing, clickbait content, Field and Streams product testing methodology, fly fishing, Gila trout and his book. Here is the link to the Field and Stream fly rod test mentioned. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned busines...
Oct 29, 2024•36 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast Ryan John and I recap his fly out moose hunt in interior Alaska from September. We discuss good hunting buddies, breaking down moose, packing, hanging meat, hunting calibers and the details of the hunt itself. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Ba...
Oct 22, 2024•38 min•Ep 62•Transcript available on Metacast Kyle Wilkinson recaps his moose hunting program. We discuss calling, rut activity, scouting, hunting possible high-traffic areas, caliber, moose population and his successful moose hunt. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and A...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 61•Transcript available on Metacast Kyle Wilkinson from Bear Paw River Guides is back to recap the summer fly fishing season. We discuss the runs and also dive into waders, fly line, wading boots, rods, reels and of course flies. If you're thinking about spending your Perm Fund check on fly fishing gear, or if you're in the Lower 48 and you're working on the Christmas list, listen to this episode. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sag...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep 60•Transcript available on Metacast Harrison Gottschling recaps his caribou hunt, making friends at air strips, his favorite ways to eat game meat, journaling and being attacked by owls.
Oct 01, 2024•58 min•Ep 59•Transcript available on Metacast Carson Keys was born and raised in Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about leaving the state and returning. We also discuss making the most out of opportunities, favorite hunts, rain gear, and the role of advocacy groups like Safari Club International where he works. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premiu...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast Joey Karlik grew up in Ketchikan ('18) and is a graduate of Texas ('22). After college Joey worked at Popeye's, then a mailroom and is now an assistant at a talent agency that represents comedians. In this episode we discuss his creative journey so far, favorite movies, remakes, sequels and the short film he finished and submitted to festivals this year. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush D...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast Tyler Freel is a Fairbanks resident, sheep hunting veteran, gun enthusiast and staff writer for Outdoor Life. In this episode we talk about all of the above and dive into hunter access issues despite Alaska being 90% public. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owne...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Brayden and Degan Linne recap their Southeast Alaska August hunting adventures. We discuss hunting in the heat, crowded fly outs, gear, finding bucks and the best time of day to find bucks. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters an...
Sep 03, 2024•39 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Sena and Rich Wheeler join me to talk about Sena Sea Wild Alaska Fish and 60 North Seafoods, their commercial fishing business (based out of Cordova) that encapsulates all levels of a fish sale, from catching and processing to selling and shipping. We talk about the current state of salmon runs, proper care and battling Lower 48 stereotypes regarding farmed fish.
Aug 27, 2024•47 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast Harrison Gottschling recaps his opening day walk-in sheep hunt and we discuss expectations, isolation and slowing down.
Aug 20, 2024•40 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Freelance writer Katie Hill and I discuss her start in the outdoor writing industry, the importance of nuance in the hunting conversation, hunters as "environmentalists" but not the antagonistic variety, influencers, authenticity and stories she likes to write. Katie has written for Meateater, Outdoor Life and is the managing editor of The Westrn. She was the National Deer Association's youngest and first female Signpost Communicator of the Year in 2023. Check out the On Step Alaska website or s...
Aug 13, 2024•46 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast Ryan and I recap the mixed results we had on our blacktail deer opening hunts. We discuss hunting in the heat, positioning, water, losing gear, lucky bucks and unexpectedly deploying bear spray.
Aug 06, 2024•45 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Ryan John and I preview the beginning of the alpine hunting season in Southeast Alaska. We discuss scouting, physical fitness, tactics, coping with the rain, choosing camp locations and morning routines on the mountain.
Jul 30, 2024•42 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast Tonya Busse grew up in Klawock and now teaches in Jamaica. In this episode we discuss her king salmon, triathlons, being active after high school and unruly children on planes.
Jul 23, 2024•38 min•Ep 49•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode I read a draft of one of the short essays that will appear in my next book and give the rough outline of the remarks I will make at the author's talk I will be giving at the Craig Public Library July 12, which you will not be able to hear since by the time this podcast airs, it will be over.
Jul 16, 2024•12 min•Ep 48•Transcript available on Metacast Harrison Gottschling and I breakdown telecommunications, parenting styles in the age of social media/smartphones and our favorite Alaskan books.
Jul 09, 2024•51 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast Dante Troina is the Assistant Shore Excursions Manager for Norwegian Cruise Lines on the Norwegian Bliss, a 1000-foot, 4,600 passenger cruise ship. In this episode we discuss him leaving college for a job in the cruise lines, seeing the world, taking advantage of opportunities, organizing tourists, and the importance of networking and people skills. Dante is a 2018 graduate of Ketchikan High School.
Jul 02, 2024•40 min•Ep 46•Transcript available on Metacast Trout Unlimited's Matt Boline and I recap the stream survey we did in the Juneau area earlier this month. We discuss salmon populations, spawning habitat, education and the importance of collecting information on even the smallest rivers in Southeast.
Jun 25, 2024•49 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast 
