Local startup: Getting the shoe to fit—on both feet

What if your feet are not the same size? By a long shot. That happens to lots of people managing common medical conditions. Three Alaska entrepreneurs launched an international company to meet the need. Thanks for listening!

The Hmong in Anchorage: a conversation across generations

Anchorage is home to 3,500 Hmong, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. On today's program, a Hmong elder tells her story of migration, translated by Hmong teens from East High. Thanks for listening!

Squeezing books into busy Alaska summers

We up the ante on your summer reading with a new book about Alaska, recommendations from two Alaska authors and an Alaska Collection librarian, plus details on Alaska Reads and The Great American Read from PBS. Now, curl up and read! Thanks for listening!

Lyrics and riffs with Portugal. The Man’s Eric Howk

Their Grammy-winning "Feel It Still" is kinetic, playful but also provoking. How did it happen and what's next? We listen to tunes and get an update from band member Eric Howk. Thanks for listening!

Protecting victims’ rights

A state agency and a local nonprofit collaborate to protect victims' rights as they navigate the court system. Find out how it works and what the challenges are. Thanks for listening!

Happy 25 to Alaska Botanical Garden

The gardening season is short and very intense in Alaska, so it may surprise you to know our community has a botanical garden enjoying its 25th year. In today's show, we'll talk to garden writer Jeff Lowenfels and the garden's executive director, Mike Monterusso, about its history and mission, and how it has shaped and informed gardening in Anchorage and Alaska. Thanks for listening!

How a state court and a tribal court collaborate on the Kenai

What if a state judge and a tribal judge could work together to tackle community substance abuse cases. That's happening right now on the Kenai Peninsula. Let's check in with the two judges and find out how it's working. Thanks for listening!

Getting the run down on CBD

CBD, or cannibidiol, is for sale all over Anchorage. The side of a building along Benson Boulevard proclaims, "CBD sold here." Further down the street, another sign promises CBD tea. What is it, what claims are accurate, and what does a savvy consumer need to know? Thanks for listening!

Learning about Alaska farms and farmers

Summer is the season of abundant farmer's markets, filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs and more. Join us to meet some Alaska farmers and learn the back story on the challenges they face. And why, especially in Alaska, we should care. Thanks for listening!

Strengthening the safety net under homeless teens

We'll host the Covenant House executive director Alison Kear, along with at least two homeless or formerly homeless youth, to hear their stories. What are the risks for a teen who is homeless? What obstacles exist for a young person to overcome homelessness? How does mental and physical health play into this picture? Thanks for listening!

What you need to know about this pest

How to identify a spruce bark beetle-infested tree. Can you use it as firewood? How do you keep spruce in your own yard healthy? How serious is the outbreak in Southcentral? Thanks for listening!

Alaska independent musicians head to Nashville

If you could cash in determination for dollars, Alaska independent musicians would have bulging pockets. This week, organized by AKIMI, they head to Nashville to sell their made-in-Alaska songs. Thanks for listening!

Self defense and “stand your ground” laws in Alaska

What do you know about self defense and Alaska's 'stand your ground' status? Prosecutor James Fayette and defense attorney John Cashion explain the law and take your questions. Thanks for listening!

Saving the stories from Bristol Bay’s Naknek cannery

Bristol Bay just came off an historic salmon harvest. This year's peak has a long tail of success, dating back to the 1890s. Now, public historians are working to save the multicultural stories from Bristol Bay's Naknek Cannery, and to position this rich maritime district in a global context. Thanks for listening!

Alaska’s therapeutic courts

September is National Recovery Month. On our next show, find out more about the role therapeutic courts play in coming to grips with the causes of crime instead of simply punishing the crime—again and again. Thanks for listening!

Loving and learning from jazz

What can you learn from jazz? Find out from these Alaska students, including high school, college and an adult learner, along with their teacher, John Damberg. They'll play a few tunes, too. Thanks for listening!

Eyes Closed: When you are 10, and you have dreams

Can you remember being 10 years old, and having a dream? Join us on Hometown Alaska to hear the dreams of three participants in 'Eyes Closed,' a community celebration highlighting the stories and dreams of 19 very diverse youngsters in Anchorage. Join us! Thanks for listening!

Is Alaska ready for its next health emergency?

First of two parts on emergency preparedness. This week, how is the state of Alaska prepared? Next week: How should you, private citizen, prepare? Thanks for listening!

How Alaska chooses its judges; how voters weigh in

Before Alaska's statewide election on Nov. 6, where 15 judges appear on the ballot, learn how Alaska selects judges through an independent citizens' commission, and how voters have a say in retaining those judges at election time. Thanks for listening!

Are YOU ready for the next emergency disaster? Here’s how to be.

Our previous show explained how Alaska prepares for natural and man-made disasters. Today's show shifts to our responsibility to be prepared ourselves. Learn how. Thanks for listening!