Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media
Episodes
Finding hope in the natural world | Outdoor Explorer
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Outdoor Explorer, we're catching up with author and wildlife biologist Caroline Van Hemert — whose new book has grown from years ...
David Hart: An Alaska Mountaineer | Outdoor Explorer
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David Hart is one of many Alaskans with impressive mountaineering resumes that few people know about.Dave's early formative years were spent in his ba...
Search and rescue in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Search and rescue in Alaska is complex and difficult. Even close to Anchorage, a city of around 289,000 people, search operations are challenged by st...
Hiking for healing and adventure | Outdoor Explorer
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eagle River residents and military veterans Justin and Wella Jay know what it’s like to spend weeks on a trail hiking and exploring together after t...
The Kenai River, Antarctica and beyond with Kelsey Kroon | Outdoor Explorer
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska shapes you in particular ways. It teaches you to read weather, to know your exits, to pay attention to what's underneath the surface. For Kelse...
Sailing in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska isn't always the first place that comes to mind when you think of sailing, but sailing clubs have a long history in Alaska. On the this Outdoor...
Outdoor photography and the faces of the Iditarod | Outdoor Explorer
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Photographer Jeff Schultz has built a career in Alaska capturing stirring images of the state’s wildlife, outdoor spaces, and the people, drama and ...
The State of Nature: "Bloom Again" with Marybeth Holleman and Gray-headed Chickadees with Brad Meiklejohn | Outdoor Explorer
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do Chickadees, Polar bears, Kudzu and Alaska have in common? On this Outdoor Explorer Paul Twardock is joined by author Marybeth Holeman, artist ...
Preparing for a marathon | Outdoor Explorer
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join Outdoor Explorer for a conversation with Jerry Ross, one of Alaska’s most durable and well-known distance runners, about how to prepare for a m...
Racing toward the Iditarod | Outdoor Explorer
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For mushers, dog racing is not just how they explore Alaska—it’s an all-consuming lifestyle. But just what goes into this sport?In this episode, w...
Adventures of an Alaska Woman Biologist | Outdoor Explorer
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Margaret Merritt arrived in Alaska in 1977 to visit a friend for two weeks, and instead got a job at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.The fi...
Running in Mat-Su | Outdoor Explorer
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Mat-Su Borough is home to some of the toughest running races in the state. including the Mat Peak Challenge each August and the Susitna 100 in the...
Alaska Rock Gym: Past Present and Future | Outdoor Explorer
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Alaska Rock Gym was founded in 1995 by local climbers wanting a place to train, socialize and expand the sport. For 30 years and at two different ...
Ice skating in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska is a land of snow and ice, and southcentral Alaska has lots of great places to go ice skating. This week on Outdoor Explorer, we search for ear...
Joe Stock: 'The Avalanche Factor" | Outdoor Explorer
15 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Snow is on the mountains and that means it's time to think about recreating safely in avalanche terrain. There are many avenues to learn about avalanc...
'Arctic Alchemy' with Roman Dial | Outdoor Explorer
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Arctic Alchemy" is a new documentary featuring Roman Dial and his life spent in the outdoors, including his work studying rusting rivers in the Arcti...
What's new in winter outdoor gear and clothing | Outdoor Explorer
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year outdoor gear and clothing manufacturers introduce new items for backcountry enthusiasts. As Alaskans gear up for winter this episode discus...
Stories from the trail | Outdoor Explorer
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can you imagine hiking the Cross Pass trail, all 24 miles of it, when you are over 80 years old? How about losing your beloved dog off the side of a m...
Air National Guard Pararescue | Outdoor Explorer
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests this week include Miles Brodski, a Combat Rescue Officer with the 212th Rescue Squadron, Chris Robertson, a recently retired Pararescu...
Farewell Lisa | Outdoor Explorer
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Outdoor Explorer we sit down with Lisa Keller as she says goodbye to the show. We talk about her roots in Anchorage, how she’s inspired...
Outdoor gear design | Outdoor Explorer
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wanted to make your own outdoor gear? On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock interviews two professional gear designers ...
The Alaska Glacier Dictionary | Outdoor Explorer
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Of the thousands of glaciers spread across Alaska, only about 700 have names. These ever-evolving features have lacked a centralized source for inform...
"No Place Like Nome" with author Michael Engelhard | Outdoor Explorer
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we sit down with writer and wilderness guide Michael Engelhard, who brings the history of Nome alive with a rare mix of lived experien...
Stories from Alaska field biologists | Outdoor Explorer
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many federal workers are retiring or moving on from their jobs studying the natural world. This episode features two field biologists with years of ex...
Tips and tricks for family adventures in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does a family that camps together stay together? The Graziano family camps, hunts, paddles and skis year-round with each other and still enjoy exp...
Experiencing Alaska with families | Outdoor Explorer
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to get outside as a family and explore everything Alaska has to offer? If you’re new to the state, have very young kids or are trying to get y...
A conversation with Alaska author Debbie S. Miller | Outdoor Explorer
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prolific author and longtime Alaskan Debbie Miller writes books that dive into nature and help both children and adult readers explore and understand ...
Made in Alaska: Blue Ice Aviation | Outdoor Explorer
19 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the summer speeds by, Alaskans are making the most of the long days playing and working outside. This episode features one young Alaskan family who...
Wild Places and the Thawing Arctic | Outdoor Explorer
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to live a life shaped by wild places? This week on Outdoor Explorer, we talk with author and adventurer Jon Waterman. From rescuing ...
Taking care of our Alaska state parks | Outdoor Explorer
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's spring and time to prepare to visit Alaska's lakes, mountains, oceans and rivers to enjoy the outdoors. Many of us head to our state parks and in...
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | Outdoor Explorer
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer, we hear from Harlow Robinson, the executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On June 5, the H...
What's new with cabins and huts in Southcentral Alaska? | Outdoor Explorer
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Public use cabins are very popular in Alaska, with demand exceeding supply. Various organizations are working on new huts and on this Outdoor Explorer...
A weird winter, a volcano and your yard with Jeff Lowenfels | Outdoor Explorer
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since 1976, Jeff Lowenfels has been observing the climate and giving gardening and yardening advice in his weekly Anchorage Daily News column, the lon...
Mount Marathon | Outdoor Explorer
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seward’s hometown Mount Marathon Race holds legendary status among professional and novice runners alike as the world’s toughest 5K. Each year, mo...
Hawk Watch | Outdoor Explorer
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year thousands of hawks and other raptors migrate into Southcentral Alaska by Gunsight Mountain on the Glen Highway. Redtail Hawks, Rough Legged...
State of the Trails | Outdoor Explorer
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As spring approaches and the snow disappears, summer trails reemerge from their own hibernation. At the same time, trail crews are gearing up for thei...
Outdoor Gear Care and Repair | Outdoor Explorer
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Well cared for outdoor gear makes for successful outings, and saves money! On this episode of Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks gear care and...
Finding comfort and adventure on Alaska’s trails | Outdoor Explorer
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hitting the trails is a great way to explore Alaska, but it can also be a deeply personal experience about so much more. That’s something Alaska mou...
Sitting down with trail builder and Anchorage ski racing pioneer Jim Mahaffey | Outdoor Explorer
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trail builder and Anchorage ski racing pioneer, Jim Mahaffey, visits the studio to discuss his arrival in Alaska in the 1960s, the early years of the ...
Touring the Nike Site Summit | Outdoor Explorer
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the top of Mount Gordon Lyon, overlooking Anchorage and the Arctic Valley Ski Area, is a set of buildings holding an important piece of Alaska's Hi...
A Place Among Giants: 22 Years at Denali Basecamp with Lisa Roderick | Outdoor Explorer
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Roderick spent 22 years managing Denali Basecamp on the Kahiltna Glacier, acting as flight control for glacier pilots, weather reporter, first re...
Art of all kinds is inspired by the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Creativity and the natural world go hand in hand. From the sound of trickling water to the colors of the sunset, nature inspires artists of all kinds ...
Many Things Under a Rock | Outdoor Explorer
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Octopuses capture the public's attention with their intelligence, ability to change color and amazing lives. Ever since Alaska Pacific University Prof...
Around the World with Lael Wilcox | Outdoor Explorer
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we hear from Lael Wilcox and Rue Kaladyte. Lael is an ultra-endurance bike rider and racer. Her many accomplishments include fastest k...
Snowmachining in Southcentral | Outdoor Explorer
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to access remote and magical outdoor spots during Alaska’s cold and snowy months? Snowmachine lovers know how to get out there. But how do thes...
Visiting Alaska Pacific University’s Kellogg Campus in Palmer | Outdoor Explorer
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A historic working farm in Palmer is home to a unique outdoor education experience that blends agriculture, a Masters Degree program and a place-based...
Getting to know the Eagle River Nature Center | Outdoor Explorer
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Eagle River Nature Center opened in 1996 and has served as a gateway to Chugach State Park ever since. Located at the end of Eagle River Road the ...
Running through grief | Outdoor Explorer
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What drives someone to attempt a Fastest Known Time? We talk with author and endurance athlete Emily Halnon about her record-breaking run on a section...
Max Romey’s outdoor art | Outdoor Explorer
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Max Romey is a watercolor artist and outdoor filmmaker from Anchorage, who is known internationally for his work. He has joined us before to tell...
Sarah Poynter: Alone | Outdoor Explorer
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Poynter competed on the most recent season of the History Channel’s show, "Alone." The competitors on the show are truly alone. They rely on t...
"The Aurora Guy" | Outdoor Explorer
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Outdoor Explorer, we dive into the science and magic of the aurora borealis with Vince Ledvina, aka "The Aurora Guy." Vince, an aurora ch...
60 Years of the Wilderness Act | Outdoor Explorer
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson signed the federal Wilderness Act into law, culminating decades of effort and compromise. Over the past 60 years...
Becoming an Outdoors Woman | Outdoor Explorer
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When was the last time you took on a completely new outdoor skill? Outdoor skills like hunting and fishing are part of Alaska’s rich cultural histor...
Risk tolerance in the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the outdoors any riskier than our day to day lives? How does our risk tolerance affect our decision making? What variables influence our level...
The Making of a Trail: Curry to K'esugi Ridge Connector | Outdoor Explorer
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What goes into making a new trail? After four years of work this summer the new Curry to K'esugi Ridge Connector trail opened. The 15 mile trail ...
Outdoor recreation at the Alaska State Fair | Outdoor Explorer
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Alaska State Fair in Palmer draws thousands of people each year to the Matanuska-Susina Valley for food, rides, craft booths and – of course –...
Swimming Cook Inlet | Outdoor Explorer
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of features Jordan Iverson and Shannon Titzel. In June, Jordan completed the Triple Crown of Swimming, a challenge that includes three ic...
Looking back at some of our favorite episodes of the year | Outdoor Explorer
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Autumn descends upon Alaska, Outdoor Explorer is taking a moment to look back at the year so far. This week we’ll be taking a listen to some favo...
Come along as we look for and learn about loons | Outdoor Explorer
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The songs and calls of birds on the lakes and waterways of southcentral are a familiar and comforting soundtrack to summer, including the familiar loo...
Lost Lake Run and Cystic Fibrosis | Outdoor Explorer
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Annual Lost Lake Run is an iconic Alaska mountain race traversing the Lost Lake trail in the Kenai Mountains north of Seward. Started in 1992...
Skinny Raven turns 30 | Outdoor Explorer
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Skinny Raven turns 30 this year! They are planning an anniversary block party on Saturday, August 17, that will coincide with the Anchorage Mile, one ...
What's new in Mat-Su parks? | Outdoor Explorer
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is home to a wide variety of parks and recreation lands managed by the state or Mat-Su Borough. From Hatcher Pass down to...
Biking Anchorage: Bike to Work Day and the new downtown dedicated bike lane | Outdoor Explorer
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anchorage's plethora of bike trails provide many possibilities for cycling enthusiasts. Over many decades, individuals and organizations have worked h...
Meet Olympic cyclist Kristen Faulkner | Outdoor Explorer
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that one of the best professional cyclists in the world is an Alaskan? Kristen Faulkner from Homer is a member of the U.S. Olympic track ...
Alaska Made: Revel Treks and Tours | Outdoor Explorer
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alaskan's adventurous nature can lead down many paths. For some, starting their own business in the outdoors is one. The risks and rewards of travelin...
Honoring the lost and hiking Gold Star Peak | Outdoor Explorer
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Memorial Day may be the traditional first day of summer, but veterans, their families and the loved ones left behind know it’s also about something ...
Paddling into Summer | Outdoor Explorer
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is time for boating! After a long winter kayaks and canoes are finally appearing from beneath piles of snow, rivers are running, lakes are thawing,...
Voices of the Wilderness | Outdoor Explorer
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For as long as humans created art nature has inspired us. From cave paintings in France to Indigenous art in Alaska to western artists like Rockwell K...
Volunteering in the outdoors | Outdoor Explorer
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Volunteers contribute immensely to our ability to access and enjoy the outdoors. Whether building and maintaining trails, organizing races, teaching a...
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame | Outdoor Explorer
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer host Lisa Keller sits down with Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. On...
Mountains to Sea Trails | Outdoor Explorer
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska's mountains and oceans provide some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. Anchorage trails have connected the Chugach Mountains and C...
Arctic Traverse: A Brooks Range Journey | Outdoor Explorer
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In 2012 Michael Engelhard, an outdoor guide, writer, and anthropologist decided to hike and paddle from Canada to Kotzebue, acting on a lifelong goal....
Veterans and outdoor therapy | Outdoor Explorer
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the this Outdoor Explorer, we hear from MaryBeth Goodman, director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health. The C...
Arctic Winter Games | Outdoor Explorer BONUS EPISODE
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Arctic Winter Games is a biennial event celebrating the sports and culture of the people who live in the circumpolar north. Delegations from Alask...
Challenge Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
People with disabilities live and thrive in Alaska and Anchorage. Challenge Alaska is a nonprofit that is a key organization making that happen. Chall...
The Alaska Long Trail | Outdoor Explorer
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alaska is home to some amazing trails, but one thing it doesn’t have is a long trail of its own. This week on Outdoor Explorer we dive into the Alas...
Skiing Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass | Outdoor Explorer
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hatcher Pass outside Palmer in the Talkeetna Mountains has recently become a destination for groomed downhill skiing and riding thanks to the developm...
Alyeska Volunteer Ski Patrol stories | Outdoor Explorer
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Volunteer ski patrols have assisted Alaska's ski areas since the 1950's. The Alyeska Ski patrol was founded in 1953 working at Alyeska and Arctic Vall...
Ice skating on Solstice in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What's the history of outdoor ice skating in Anchorage? How did the midtown Cuddy Park Ice Oval come to exist? What is Anchorage's Winter Solstice Fes...
Hiking in Yukon Territory | Outdoor Explorer
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Outdoor Explorer, we visit our neighbors to the east in Whitehorse, Canada, to speak to Meghan and Marko Marjanovic about hiking&nbs...
What's New in Avalanche Forecasting for Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula? | Outdoor Explorer
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:1st segment:Wendy Wagner, Director, Chugach Avalanche CenterMary Gianotti, Chugach front range forecasterMik Dalpes, Seward ...
Becoming a sustainable runner | Outdoor Explorer
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s show we are talking with elite ultra runner and author Zoë Rom about her book "Becoming a Sustainable Runner." We talk about the importa...
'A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains' | Outdoor Explorer
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer we hear from Graham Zimmerman, a professional climber who is the author of the recently released book "A Fine Line: Searching...
"Snow Stories" | Outdoor Explorer
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's that time of year when lovers of winter are headed to the trails and mountains to slide and glide on white crystals of snow. To help prepare them...
Hope for Prince William Sound | Outdoor Explorer
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Oil Spill of 1989, and long term issues like climate change and invasive species. Even it's popularity contributes to increased human impacts. Despite...
How a love of design helps this graphic artist promote outdoor accessibility | Outdoor Explorer
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When freelance graphic designer Aurora Hablett was invited on the show, the goal was interview her about winter single track. Aurora is a big part of ...
Made in Alaska: Revelate Designs | Outdoor Explorer
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mountain biking started in the 1980's and since then people have biked the world from Alaska to Chile to the Himalayas. More recently, Alaskans create...
Public use cabins and huts in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Kenzie Barnwell, Chugach Stewardship Coordinator for the National Forest FoundationPhilip Swiny, Executive Director of the Al...
Outdoor Explorer: New book examines how hunting and being outdoors with your dog can nurture the human spirt
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fall in Alaska is hunting season. Throughout the state Alaskans pursue moose, caribou and waterfowl, stocking up their freezers while enjoying the out...
Outdoor Explorer: Creating an outdoor clothing company in Alaska
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to create and run an outdoor gear company? Alaska is an ideal testing ground for outdoor gear and apparel. A surprising number of sm...
Outdoor Explorer: The Chugach Park Fund
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Haley Johnston, the co-chair of the Chugach Park Fund’s Citizens Advisory Board. The Chugach Par...
Outdoor Explorer: Hear what the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage has planned for the upcoming season
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest on this episode of Outdoor Explorer is Kikkan Randall, executive director of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. She last spoke with...
Outdoor Explorer: Burning Man 2023
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every year at the end of August in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, Black Rock City is built, and for about a week it becomes the third larg...
Outdoor Explorer: What makes an outdoor trip successful?
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What makes an outdoor expedition successful? Most trips in the outdoors, whether one day or two weeks, are enjoyable and fun, that's why Alaskans, eve...
Outdoor Explorer: Author Don Rearden on writing about Alaska
07 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 co...
Outdoor Explorer: Mountain biking Eagle River and the Mat-Su, the Alaska Mountain Bike Summit
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Biking single track trail on mountain bikes has become very popular in Southcentral Alaska. Trails have proliferated and more are planned. Long trails...
Outdoor Explorer: A field geologist's life with Joe Kurtak
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Kurtak embodies a modern day Alaskan. He was raised at a remote mining camp in eastern California, went to college, then came to Alaska in 1971 fo...
Outdoor Explorer: Petra the Adventure Cat
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the next Outdoor Explorer our guest is Nicole Chamberlain and the Meowtaineer, Petra the Adventure Cat. Petra is a Siberian Forest Cat, well-adapte...
Wheels on Ice: Cycling in Alaska 1898-2021
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Jessica Cherry, editor of "Wheels on Ice"Andromeda Romano-Lax, author, contributor to "Wheels on Ice"LINKS:"Wheels on Ice"Mo...
Outdoor Explorer: "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us"
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer we're joined by Alison Mariella Dèsir, author of "Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us...