Solstice trees and holiday wishes from Anchorage
As the year of 2021 comes to a close we feature two traditions in Anchorage: The Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage's Solstice Tree Tour at Kincaid Park and the Alaska Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights. This week's Outdoor Explorer features these winter festivities, plus some holiday wishes with co-host Lisa Keller and others.
Nature and indigenous Alaskan art with Joe and Martha Senungetuk
Alaska Natives have been creating art influenced by nature and culture for thousands of years. The clothing, tools, kayaks, weapons, baskets and other items of everyday life and ceremony were, and are, functional and artistic. Joe and Martha Senungehtuck join host Paul Twardock to talk about their long lives of adventure and art in Alaska.
Returning to activity after a Covid infection
On this Outdoor Explorer, the journey back to activity after a Covid infection. Our guests will include the team physician for the University of Washington football team who has been researching the impacts of Covid on athletes, a physical therapist who treats post-Covid breathing issues, and an Ironman athlete who has had his season turned upside down.
Trip planning and risk analysis in Alaska with Luc Mehl
Trip planning and risk analysis are key to safe and successful outings. Luc Mehl joins host Paul
Twardock to share his insights gleaned from his life time of adventures in Alaska.
Outdoor Explorer: Catching up with Kikkan Randall and the year ahead for Anchorage’s nordic ski club
On this week's Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Olympic gold medalist Kikkan Randall. When Randall was young, she participated in Junior Nordic, a popular Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage program. Now Kikkan has returned to her roots as the new executive director of the organization.
NOLS: 50 Years in Alaska
The National Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS, has been operating in Alaska since 1971
This week's Outdoor Explorer highlights the many influences NOLS has had on Alaska and the outdoor industry. We'll be joined by John Gans, former NOLS President, and Ashely Wise, current NOLS Alaska Operations Manager.
Catching up with artist Max Romey
On this Outdoor Explorer, our guest will be Max Romey. Max is a watercolor artist and outdoor filmmaker from Anchorage whose creative films have gained international recognition. His most recent film, “If You Give a Beach a Bottle,” is a finalist at this year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival at the end of this month.
Talking about speedskating with some experts
It’s been said that Alaska’s a land of ten million lakes but in the winter time when all that water turns to ice I can’t think of anything better than going out speed skating. This week on Outdoor Explorer we’ll be speaking with Carl Oswald and Paxson Woelber about speed skating in all its forms.
Talking about the economic impact of outdoor activities with Lee Hart of the Alaska Outdoor Alliance
On this Outdoor Explorer, our guest will be Lee Hart, Executive Director of Alaska Outdoor Alliance, an organization that advances the political and economic power of outdoor recreation in Alaska. The outdoor economy is an under-
recognized economic driver in our state with the average Alaskan spending almost $5000 per year on outdoor gear and services.
The First People in what is now Chugach State Park
In this Outdoor Explorer, we will learn about the First People in what is now Chugach State Park. My guest will be Aaron Leggett, Senior Curator of Alaska History & Indigenous Culture at the Anchorage Museum and President of the Tribal Council of the Native Village of Eklutna.
Changing Seasons: Using fall to prepare for winter
On this show, our guests are Sarah Histand and Heather Caldwell. We talk about easing the transition of both your brain and your body from summer into winter. We cover some important areas of strength and fitness to focus on as you think about winter sports as well as how a less frantic summer can lead to a less abrupt change in energy with the season change. We take a deeper dive into using a connection to nature to ease our seasonal transitions as well as preparing our minds and bodies for the arrival of winter.
Exploring your own backyard
On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’ll stay close to home and explore our own backyards. Jeff Lowenfels, author of a series of books on organic gardening and long-time Anchorage Daily News garden columnist, will talk about the changing gardening climate, sustainable yardening, and the amazing role bacteria plays in growing your plants.
Funding your outdoor lifestyle
Enjoying the outdoors can be done on a tight budget or with all the latest gear and gadgets. All you really need is a pair of shoes and a sense of adventure. But what about when you want to go on a big trip or you need to upgrade your jacket? On this Outdoor Explorer our guest is financial planner and outdoor enthusiast Mike Branham. We talk about finding balance between your outdoor pursuits and saving for your future, ways to maximize your gear budget, and more.
Gathering and foraging in Alaska
Late summer and fall are the time for picking blueberries, hunting for mushrooms, and getting ready for winter. Gathering edible berries and plants has many benefits besides their great taste. Jackie Qataliña, Tony Perelli, and Dana Diehl join me, your host Paul Twardock, to discuss what their favorite edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms are, their uses, the physical and emotional benefits of foraging, and ethical considerations.
Lee Bolling & Singletrack Advocates
Do you like mountain biking? If so, you’ll want to join Adam Varrier, your host for this Outdoor Explorer, where we’ll be speaking with the president of Singletrack Advocates, Lee Bolling. We’ll talk about all the best riding spots in town, and how they got to be there.
Epic Alaskans: Mountaineering and sea kayaking with John Bauman
Alaska has thousands of unheard of world class outdoor men and women. On this show we'll hear from one, John Bauman, who completed numerous first winter ascents and sea kayaking routes.
Revisiting Fly for pie
On this Outdoor Explorer, we will air a repeat of the show “Fly for Pie.” The show about women pilots in Alaska, which first aired in May 2020, has won awards from the Alaska Professional
Communicators and the National Federation of Press Women.
Boating safety in Alaska
As we prepare for the boating season it is worthwhile to review the equipment and safety precautions needed.
Travel School #4: Homeward bound
On thi next Outdoor Explorer, we will have the last of the series Travel School with Jodi Harskamp and Neal Stanbury and their children, Tui and Leif. The last time we checked in they were visiting the parks of Florida. Unexpectedly, Jodi gets called back to work and the homeward bound journey begins.
Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors
Most accidents occur for similar reasons: not being prepared, poor equipment, being in a rush, or a lack of skill. Some accidents, however, are unpredictable. Learning from others is a great way to avoid the perils of being outdoors. Emma Walker, author of Dead Reckoning, will share her stories.