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.…

Harrison Gottschling and I breakdown telecommunications, parenting styles in the age of social media/smartphones and our favorite Alaskan books.By On Step Alaska

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…

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.By On Step Alaska

David Coggins is the author of The Optimist and The Believer, two books about fly fishing I absolutely recommend. In this episode we discuss destination angling, expectations, changes in media, social media and audiobooks.By On Step Alaska

Triston Chaney is a commercial fisherman and fly fishing guide in Dillingham. In this episode we talk about his childhood in Dillingham, how he got into guiding, the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy, his favorite flies and how unpopular and destructive Pebble Mine would be.By On Step Alaska

David Dance is a fly fishing guide and avid steelhead angler. In this episode we talk about his steelhead season, guiding in Bristol Bay, why Pebble Mine is a bad idea and catastrophic toxic spills in California and Colorado.By On Step Alaska

Hannah Moody is a 2022 graduate of Ketchikan High School and charter captain. In this episode we talk about fishing for kings, getting her captain's license, why she chose a 2-year rather than 4-year university for college, people skills, docking and how clients react to a young female guide.By On Step Alaska

Cory Hansen from Alaska Fly Fishing Goods (Juneau) and I talk steelhead, trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead set ups, flies, water depth, temperature and all things fly fishing.By On Step Alaska

In this episode Mary Glaves, Ryan Schuman and I discuss the latest proposals involving a second bridge from Juneau to Douglas Island through the Mendenhall Wetlands, the road to Ambler, our favorite hunts and the goals of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.By On Step Alaska

In this solo episode I breakdown my favorite places to eat in Southeast Alaska as well as Anchorage. I also recommend the top sights to see for those on vacation. This is kind of a feeler episode and if it hits then I will go into more depth or do a follow-up.By On Step Alaska

Casey McConnell is a Hoonah resident and in this episode we talk about spring activities such as steelhead fishing, grouse hunting, assessing the snowpack and preparing for the tourism season. His family owns Glacier Wind Charters and he guides whale watching and wildlife viewing tours.By On Step Alaska

Travis Boughton is a filmmaker and father of four. In this episode we recap his recently released Stone Glacier film Ursidae, calling in black bear, how to stay adventurous after becoming a father, and dealing with hunting pressure.By On Step Alaska

Kelly Reynolds is a pilot, photographer and hunter from Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about women hunters, what happens when someone is at the airstrip you intended to hunt, ethics, her 1949 Piper PA-14 and how to photograph the northern lights.By On Step Alaska

Ty Hewitt grew up in Ketchikan then spent time in New York pursuing a career in theater. In this episode we talk about leaving home, New York City, quality of life, the journey of the 20s, coming back to Ketchikan, AI and the film The Ladder, a film shot locally in which he plays the protagonist's son.…

Abby and I discuss steelhead variables such as flow, flies and picky fish. We also get into plant growth, slug management, pollination and the satisfaction of growing your own produce to go with your game meat.By On Step Alaska

Ross Dorendorf is a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In this episode we talk about all things mountain goat including habitat, management, predation, tendencies, locally introduced populations and a little about Dall sheep.By On Step Alaska

Marian Giannulis is the communications and engagement director for Trout Unlimited Alaska. In this episode we talk about the importance of spawning habitat for fish, restoration projects and the current situation with the Eklutna dam which blocks returning fish from what was once important spawning habitat for all five species of Pacific salmon.…

Longtime friends Melissa Castle and Nani Weimer recap their fly-in (Melissa did the flying) mountain goat hunt last fall.By On Step Alaska

This episode is an audio version of Part I of my book Beyond the Hunt read by me because the cost of professional studios and readers is way too much for a small budget guy like me. Part II (Mentors) and Part III (Life) are available for download at OnStepAlaska.com. Part IV (Tags) and Part V (The Industry) will be available soon.…

Jamie Hollingsworth is a faculty member at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and an avid cyclist. In 2023, he biked the Iditarod Trail (1000 miles) on a fat tire bike with a few others. In this episode we talk about cold weather biking, gear, logistics and details of the trip.By On Step Alaska

Max Ludwigsen is a pilot in Ketchikan and graduate of Ketchikan High School. In this episode we talk about his aviation career path, his family's aviation history, Ketchikan history, hunting and the trusty 7-iron.By On Step Alaska

Phil Wight is an assistant professor of history and northern students at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about the Gold Rush in the interior, origins of Fairbanks, con artists, the pipeline and Dalton Highway.By On Step Alaska

Harrison Gottschling and I talk about winter caribou hunts, dealing with the cold, sheep hunting and blowing up spots.By On Step Alaska

Rick Collins is a retired teacher, lifetime fisherman and owner of Explore Alaska Charters in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about his commercial fishing days, getting started in the charter fishing industry, technology, boats and Humpy Stew.By On Step Alaska

Christine Cunningham and Steve Meyer are outdoor writers who have written for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska and other publications. In this episode we talk about hunting in Alaska, writing, compiling a book, hunting dogs and the future. Their book The Land We Share: A love affair told in hunting stories, was published last summer.…

Danny Lehr is the co-founder of Caffeine and Kilos, Excel Health and Fitness (Manteca, CA) and The Lifting Fix (Youtube). In this episode we talk about his new book writing project, nutrition, exercise and goal setting.By On Step Alaska

Heather Kelly is the founder of Heather's Choice and makes lightweight packable meals for adventures. In this episode we recap her appearance on Shark Tank (episode aired Jan. 12) and dive into the reality of entrepreneurship.By On Step Alaska

Isaac Updike is a 2010 graduate of Ketchikan High School who finished 3rd in the steeplechase at the United States Track and Field Championships in July. In this episode we talk about his high school running days, nutrition, shoes, injuries, and his journey to becoming a pro.By On Step Alaska

Abby and I kick off 2024 with a brief recap of our trip to Tucson. We discuss resolutions and the the importance of adventures in a world more and more consumed by social media and also discuss Scarcity Brain a book by Michael Easter that we listened to while we killed a 6-hour layover in Seattle.By On Step Alaska

Abby and I recap 2023. We talk about finishing the house, building the greenhouse, planting seeds, fishing, hunting, gear and what we're looking forward to in 2024.By On Step Alaska

In this episode I look back at the best stuff from 2023 - gear, podcasts, packs, books and films.By On Step Alaska

Harrison Gottschling and I discuss trapping, mining, sustainability and the Alaska draw which closes Dec. 15.By On Step Alaska

Jen Loofbourrow is founder of Alpine Fit, a gear brand based in Anchorage. In this episode we talk about the technology behind (and development of) good gear, kayak adventures, skiing and the importance of finding active groups to make winter fun. Originally aired Feb 6, 2023By On Step Alaska

Jayleen Bydlon is the owner of Jayleen's Alaska which provides private whale watching tours in Juneau, Alaska. Jayleen is a lifelong resident of Juneau and started the business when she was 22-years old. In this episode we talk about business models, marketing, the tourism industry, whale attitudes and how to make it through winter. Originally aire…

DJ Hansen is a life-long resident of Craig, Alaska, and owner of DJ's Alaska Adventure Rentals. In this episode we talk about growing up on Prince of Wales Island, coaching basketball, the importance of a tight-knit community and how economic opportunities have changed since we were in high school. Originally aired Jun 27, 2022…

Chris Alderman is co-owner (along with his wife) of Screaming Eagle Archery in Wasilla and Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about what you need to get started in archery, upgrades, and details about hunting moose with a bow. We also discuss caribou archery hunts and the need to be able to mentally adjust to Plans C-Z. Originally aired June 22, 20…

Meta Mesdag is a photographer turned oyster farmer (Salty Lady Seafoods) in Juneau. In this episode we talk about her career transition, the entrepreneurship scene in Southeast Alaska, challenges brought on by Covid and bad weather, the science behind the life cycle and growing conditions or oysters. Originally aired March 7, 2022…

Alaska Fly Fishing Goods owner Brad Elfers joins me to talk all things fly fishing in Alaska. We discuss fishing opportunities in Juneau, dissect the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, fishing with mouse patterns, steelhead flies, regionally effective flies and industry improvements in rods, reels and waders. Originally aired Dec 15, 2021…

Road bike or urban bike? Mountain bike with full suspension or a hard tail? In this episode I talk with Cycle Alaska co-owner John McConnochie about the biking culture in Juneau, owning a shop, his favorite trails, selecting the style of bike that best fits your lifestyle, and how to then choose the bike that's right for you. Originally aired Aug 1…

In this episode I discuss being an ambassador for the state, fishing etiquette, "necessary toys" for Alaska living and the importance of being part of, and improving the quality of, your community with Daniel Buitrago. Daniel is the owner of Anchor Town Dogs and co-founder of the Alaska Wild Project. Originally aired July 14, 2021…

In this episode I talk about fly fishing for king salmon, whether or not sockeye bite flies, moose camp, float hunts, starting a business, brewing colonial dry cider, recapturing carbon and promoting sustainability with Jack Lau. Jack is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project, co-owner of Double Shovel Cider Company. Originally aired July 7, 2021…

"I wanted to put quality food in people's packs." In this episode I talk with Heather's Choice owner Heather Kelly. Heather was born and raised in Alaska and owns a dehydrated food company based in Anchorage. We talk why Alaska is worth coming back to, why nutrition is important and combatting entrepreneurial obstacles. Originally aired Dec 19, 201…

John Peterka runs Sagebrush Dry in Kake, Alaska. Not exactly the hub of outdoor gear, so in this episode John and I talk business dynamics and small town life in southeast Alaska. We talk about how he arrived in Kake, how he became accepted by the community, why his latest float plane flight got turned around and of course, what makes Sagebrush Dry…

Travis and Mark are co-founders of Uncharted Alaska Distillery in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about opening a business during COVID, creating a welcoming environment, making quality products, their new location and the importance of being part of the community to make it through winter.By On Step Alaska

Abby and I recap the blacktail rut season so far. We tell the stories of our three bucks, break down some tactics and review our hunting pants and hot tent.By On Step Alaska

Tyler Freel is a staff writer for Outdoor Life and hosts the Tundra Talk podcast. In this episode we discuss why you may or may not need to upgrade your rifle, choosing a quality cartridge, shooting groups, moose camp, getting through winter and podcast merchandise.By On Step Alaska

Jessica Rostad was born and raised in Fairbanks and now is an owner of Big Ray's, the family business that opened in 1947. We talk about the history of the store, challenges that come with running a business in Alaska, competing with online websites, the tenacity that comes with growing up in Alaska, 30-inch rainbow trout and the upcoming Black Fri…

One of the most popular podcasts I've done was how to call blacktail deer with the Drop Shot Calls guys at their place in Craig. So here it is, everything you want to know about making calls and calling deer in Southeast Alaska. Episode 68 (Nov. 25, 2018) - I visited the Drop Shot Calls workbench to talk about how they got started, what makes a goo…

Jen Loofbourrow is back to talk more about her award-winning, Alaska-owned business Alpine Fit. We discuss outdoor technology, entrepreneurial issues involving obtaining start-up money, outdoor recreation pairings, the importance of living the lifestyle rather than just running a business, why it's important to stay Alaskan rather than move to an i…