The life of Richard Nelson
On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Hank Lentfer, author of the book “Raven’s Witness: The Alaska Life of Richard K. Nelson.” Richard was Alaska’s Writer Laureate from 1999 – 2001, but he is maybe best remembered for his National Public Radio show “Encounters” that was centered around the sounds of Alaska.
Surfing and hiking
When most of us think of the outdoor activities that Alaskans love, we tend to think of hiking, biking, skiing, and skating. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we talk about one not so common Alaskan outdoor activity, surfing - we talk about where to do it and how to get started as a beginner. We also talk about a more common outdoor activity, hiking, and how one woman prepared for her trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro by hiking in Southcentral Alaska.
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Viewing coastal brown bears
We’re talking about bears on Outdoor Explorer. Our region of Alaska happens to be the best place in the world for ordinary people to get out in the woods and see lots of gigantic bears. The coastal brown bear can grow to enormous size, but while they are gorging on the salmon that make them so large, they don’t pay attention to anything else. Visitors to certain key streams can get very, very close. We’ll talk about that experience, and the life of the bears.
KSKA: Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8 :00pm
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Kodiak archaeology with Patrick Saltonstall
On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’ll be talking with Patrick Saltonstall. Patrick is the curator of archaeology at the Alutiiq Museum, which means part of his job is to explore the Kodiak Archipelago, documenting the ancestral culture of the area.
REVISTING Hidden Animals
On the next Outdoor Explorer we’ll be talking about the hidden animals of Alaska. There are animals in our urban spaces that you may never see and there are also animals that are making their way to Alaska, including a new prey animal and its predator that are a random presence in our state now but may soon be a permanent presence.
What’s New in Avalanche Forecasting for Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula? | Outdoor Explorer
With record amounts of snow comes lots of interest in recreating in the mountains. Hear from avalanche experts about staying safe outside.
Outdoor Explorer: Author Don Rearden on writing about Alaska
Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's culture, history and environment and how they influenced his writing.
Youth downhill ski racing & raising Olympians
KSKA: Thursday, February 15, at 2 & 8 p.m. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’re focusing on winter sports and, for all those Olympics junkies listening, the question on your mind, how do I get my kid on a Wheatie’s box? The best answer seems to be-- cool it. Those amazing elite athletes create themselves. We’ll learn from the people who know best, with tips on how parents can -- and should -- give kids the opportunity to get outside and compete.
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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.
Hunting and writing
KSKA: Thursday, August 24, at 2:00 p.m. As fans of great writing, and lovers of Alaska’s outdoors, we're always fascinated when we read something that captures what’s really special and important about our state. When someone captures a bit of that magic on the page, it’s worth paying attention to. That's why the newspaper columns written by the guests on this show are so impressive. They somehow bring their perspectives as a couple to their experience of the outdoors and the way they describe it.
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Pieces of Alaska History, Part One
On this Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Millett Keller. Millett came to Alaska in the early 1960s with a great love for the outdoors. In his 30 years in Anchorage, he touched critical parts of our history. His influence ranged from the initial development of Prudhoe Bay to the first community YMCA to providing opportunities for girls in sports.
Revisiting Wildlife Hazards in Context
KSKA: Thursday, Oct. 27, at 2:00 p.m. On the next show we'll put wildlife hazards in context. What should you know to be safe, how can you improve your chances, and why aren’t you thinking about all the other things that could get you, and that are a lot more common?
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Athletes with Diabetes
KSKA: Thursday, June 09, at 2:00 and Thursday, June 16, at 8:00 p.m. Diabetes does not mean the end of an athletic career. On the next Outdoor Explorer we’ll meet elite athletes and adventurers who deal with this disease. I'ts fascinating how these athletes meet this challenge, dealing with blood chemistry while climbing mountains or swimming in a triathlon. We'll also discuss how kids and parents work through it and stay active in Alaska as well.
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Chilkoot Pass
This week's Outdoor Explorer comes to you from the Chilkoot Trail, the infamous route used by Klondike gold rushers during the late 1800s. As you walk the trail, signs of that crazy gold rush period are evident, but even more impressive is how a century has erased much of the gold rush's footprint. Host Charles Wohlforth and friends take on the 33-mile trail over five days of hiking.
KSKA: Thursday, July 24, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.
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Biking throughout Alaska
Bicycling is a great way to get outside, get fit, meet people, and exercise your competitive juices. The number of trails, organizations, and biking events continues to grow in Alaska. This show will feature folks from Anchorage and Fairbanks sharing thier passion for the sport.
Trail building and Olympic skiing with John Morton
The Winter Olympics begin soon in Beijing, China. On this Outdoor Explorer, will be speaking with bi-athlete and former Alaskan John Morton, who's participated in 10 Olympics, as an athlete, a coach, a team leader, and as a spectator. He's got plenty of stories to tell from 50 years worth of Olympic experiences and his time stationed at Fort Richardson in the 1960s and 70s in the Army biathlon program.
Sailing the Aleutians on the MV Tustumena
The Alaska Marine Highway System has been in the news a lot lately, beginning with the governor's veto of the ferry budget in the...
Alli Harvey, traveling landscape artist
On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Alli Harvey, outdoor columnist for the Anchorage Daily News and landscape artist. Alli is making a return to the show to share her adventures after picking up her new mobile art studio in Ohio. The custom-built Airstream trailer allows her to connect with the outdoors as she creates her paintings.
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | Outdoor Explorer
Hear from Harlow Robinson, executive director of the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On April 30, the Hall will induct the class of 2024.
Recovery, injury prevention, and treatment for an active life
Recovery from activity, injury prevention and injury treatment are all part of an active lifestyle. On the next Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk about cutting edge equipment and new physical therapy options to keep you moving.