A conversation with Alaska author Debbie S. Miller | Outdoor Explorer

By Amy Bushatz

Published July 31, 2025 at 3:31 PM AKDT

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Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn sit outside of a tent next to author Debbie Miller.

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Debbie Miller sits with former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter near Okpilak Lake in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 1990.

Debbie Miller

A woman sits against a backpack next to a tent.

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Debbie Miller sits on the coastal plain along Okpilak River in 1976 during her first long hike over the Brooks Range, and down the East Fork of Chandalar River. "This area is smack dab where acres could be leased to oil companies. -- still wild and free now after 40 years of fighting to protect it.," Debbie says.

Debbie Miller

A woman carries a baby in a backpack in front of a lake and mountain.

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Debbie Miller hikes with her grandson.

Debbie Miller

Two people sit at a table for a book signing.

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Debbie Miller and Jon Van Zyle at a 2024 book signing in Sitka at Gallery by the Sea for Glaciers Are Alive.

Debbie Miller

Prolific author and longtime Alaskan Debbie Miller writes books that dive into nature and help both children and adult readers explore and understand the outdoors in the state. In this episode we hear about her adventures in writing about, visiting and living near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, sharing that and many other outdoor experiences with others – including former President Jimmy Carter – ways the refuge has changed over time or stayed the same, and why she believes it's still vitally important to protect today.

HOST: Amy Bushatz

GUEST: Debbie S. Miller, author

LINKS:
Debbie Miller website
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