Ammon Swenson, Alaska Public Media
Ammon Swenson is Alaska Public Media’s Audio Media Content Producer. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated from UAA in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and integrated media. He’s previously worked for KRUA radio, the Anchorage Press, and The Northern Light.
LISTEN: Discussing food culture in Alaska
Alaska’s food and restaurant culture is a massive and ever-shifting adhesive for the local economy, serving and effecting both customers and business owners alike. But why is it so crucial? And how are local restaurant and food truck owners riding the wave back to success during COVID? Join host, Justin Williams, with two champions of the local restaurant community to discuss our food culture here in Alaska.
State of Art: Anchorage Museum podcast host finds enlightenment and connection through conversation
On this week's State of Art we're hearing from Cody Liska, independent journalist and host of the Anchorage Museum's "Chatter Marks" podcast. Each episode of "Chatter Marks" features a long-form discussion with scientists or creatives whose work relates to Alaska.
LISTEN: Anchorage Economic Development Corporation present 2021 three-year outlook
Learn how Anchorage's economy is performing after taking a hit in 2020 and where the trends are headed.
Hear this panel discussion on homelessness in Anchorage
This episode of Addressing Alaskans features a panel representatives from local organizations examining solutions to homelessness. The event was hosted by Rep. Ivy Spohnholz and moderated by Alaska Public Media's Lori Townsend.
State of Art: Former Alaska wildlands firefighter turned romance author takes the indie route
LoLo Paige retired from the Department of Interior in Alaska after a career as a wildlands firefighter.
State of Art: Anchorage musician Bethlehem Shalom does things her way
Bethlehem Shalom has multiple releases that showcase her eclectic tastes and a kind of Jackson-Pollock-style songwriting. Her albums will keep you on your toes as she blends genres and moods from indie rock to jazz to hip-hop.
State of Art: Anchorage Museum program aims to empower teens to address climate change
In the new program, teens in grades 9-12 will work with museum educators and use museum resources to discuss and find solutions to climate change.
State of Art: Anchorage student journalist wins international award
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Daisy Carter who recently won Youth Journalism International’s Student Journalist of the Year award. Carter is a producer for Alaska Teen Media Institute and has written for UAA’s student newspaper The Northern Light.
Discussing Juneteenth with the Alaska Black Caucus
The 19th of June has long been celebrated in African American communities to commemorate the end of slavery. Earlier this month President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday.
State of Art: Learn about early Anchorage residents with Stories at the Cemetery
This week on State of Art we're talking about Stories at the Cemetery. Every summer visitors can make a few trips to the Anchorage Memorial Park to watch actors perform as some of the cemetery's more notable residents. We're joined by Audrey Weltman Kelly and Bruce Kelly as they perform their parts as Sydney and Jeanie Laurence.
State of Art: 18-year-old Alaska singer-songwriter Ava Earl releases fourth album
Ava Earl grew up in Girdwood and has been writing songs since she was a little kid. The teenage musician recently released her fourth album called "The Roses." On this week's State of Art Earl talks about the new album, being a young performer, and more.
State of Art: Fairbanks teacher makes Shakespeare accessible with new book
Rachel DeTemple wanted a better way to teach students Shakespeare that didn’t equate to period correct dentistry, so she put together a version of Hamlet that even the most Bard-hating reader could enjoy. That's why she released “Hamlet by William Shakespeare: The Know-it-All Version.”
State of Art: Anchorage garage band Outta Place is ready to rock your garage sale
This week on State of Art we're hearing from members of Anchorage band Outta Place. Father son duo Duke and Shane Russell have been playing music together forever, but with more musicians in the mix and gig opportunities returning, they’re champing at the bit to take audiences on a musical journey.
State of Art: FORUM magazine casts a wide net to showcase Alaska culture in their spring 2021 issue
This week on State of Art we're learning about FORUM magazine, a quarterly publication from the Alaska Humanities Forum. The spring 2021 issue is out now and features stories ranging from dogsledding in Denali to a toolkit for reader-lead discussions.
State of Art: Forget your troubles with this sci-fi comedy from Anchorage Community Theater
This week on State of Art we're learning about Anchorage Community Theater's current production "Shaula: Queen of the Universe." The play can be seen live from May 14 to May 30 and streamed from May 21 to to the end of the production.
State of Art: Marine biologist turned photographer pays it forward
When Cory Lescher heads out to the Aleutian Islands to help fishing crews manage bycatch or escapes to the mountains to play, he'll bring his camera to document the experience. As he improved his skills he didn't want to just use his photos to brag to his family in Oregon, he wanted to help out. That's why every month he donates 50 percent of his photo earnings to a different nonprofit organization.
State of Art: Hear about RKP Production’s third virtual roadhouse play
This week on State of Art we hear from director Dick Riechman and actor Jill Bess about the play "The Inner Man."
Discussing anti-Asian racism
Recent events have put a spotlight on anti-Asian racism. Many Americans even seem shocked & surprised that it’s happening. But is anti-Asian racism new? Is anti-Asian racism rare? What does it look like? Where does it happen? And how does it impact Asian Americans? Join us as we discuss the complexities of anti-Asian racism on this episode of Hometown, Alaska.
Hear Anchorage mayoral candidates discuss their plans for the city
The runoff election for Anchorage's mayor ends Tuesday, May 11. The candidates have been narrowed down to Forrest Dunbar and Dave Bronson.
State of Art: Find out how Anchorage School District students honored healthcare workers
This week on State of Art we're hearing from Eagle River High School art teacher Jacob Bera and Anchorage School District fine art coordinator Leah Maltbie. They tell us about an art project meant to show appreciation for everything healthcare workers have done during the COVID-19 pandemic.