Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media
Episodes
Movers and Shakers: Peg Tileston
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many Alaskans have helped preserve the open spaces we enjoy. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance gave us our state parks, trails and environm...
Fireweed bike race returns this weekend
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The bike race formerly known as the Fireweed 400 is back. Now simply called “The Fireweed,” this 200-mile race makes its comeback t...
50 Years of Photography with Mark Kelley | Outdoor Explorer
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Martha RosensteinGUEST: Mark KellyLINKS:Mark Kelly PhotographyFacebookInstagramBROADCAST: Thursday, June 1st, 2023. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m....
The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf’s Final Journey
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the this Outdoor Explorer, host Lisa Keller is joined by Tom Walker, author of the book "The Wanderer." In less than 6 months, Wolf 258 traversed a...
Chugach Front Linkup 2023: New Peak, New Record
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In March, Ben Americus accomplished many firsts on the Linkup: the first late winter completion, the first to ski off the peaks and the first to compl...
Search and Rescue in Southcentral Alaska
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Summer in Alaska brings a plethora of outdoor adventure opportunities. Boating, hiking, climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting ramp...
A Tongass Odyssey: John Schoen
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What was it like to be a field scientist in Alaska during the 1970s and 80's? John Schoen spent 20 years working for Alaska's Department of Fish and G...
Breaking Trail: Arlene Blum
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Arlene Blum, mountaineer, scientistPam Miller, Alaska Community Action on ToxicsLINKS:Arlene Blum websiteAlaska Community Ac...
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Harlow Robinson, executive director of Healthy Futures and the Alaska Sports Hall of FameLINKS:Alaska Sports Hall of FameHealt...
Eating Disorders and Exercise Addiction
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Holly Brooks, two-time Olympian and licensed professional counselorLINKS:Holly Brooks’ websiteAlaska Eating Disorders Allian...
Building Trails and Parks: The Importance of Landscape Architecture
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Steve Cleary, Executive Director of Alaska TrailsDonnie Hayes, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Fairbanks North Star ...
Gearing up for Summer | Outdoor Explorer
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The first migratory birds are showing up and bear tracks have been sighted in the Chugach. That means it's time to dust off the backpacks, boats, and...
Outdoor Explorer: Onward and Upward helps kids through adventure and learning
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Randy Dowd, Executive Director and founder of Onward and UpwardOnward and Upward StaffLINKS:Onward and Upward websiteFacebo...
Recreation on the Ballot
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS: Beth Nordlund, executive director Anchorage Park FoundationJoe Connolly, chair of the Glen Alps Road Service Area Board ...
A Denali Himalaya connection
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Steve Mock, Denali Rescue Volunteers, the Alex Lowe Foundation, and the Khumbu Climbing CenterLINKS:Denali Rescue Volunteers...
Biathlon
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Adam VerrierGUESTS:Sara Studebaker-Hall, Director of Operations at TeamUSA BiathlonZach Hall, Team Manager and Head Coach at the Soldier Hollow ...
The Story of Title IX Part 2
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Beth Bragg, former sports editor at the Anchorage Daily News
The history of Kincaid Park
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Adam VarrierGUEST: Jim BurkholderLINKS:Kincaid Park Web PageKincaid Park Ski Trail MapBROADCAST: Thursday, February 9th, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:0...
Alaska Ski for Women
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS:Sally Burkholder, the Alaska Ski for Women co-founderMolly Mylius, Alaska Ski for Women race directorBROADCAST: Thursday, Janu...
1970 Denali Climb
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Dan Osborne, Dick Jabonowski, Ed Minot, Steve O'Brien, Tom Kensler, and MikeSalleeLINKS:Denali Climbing HistoryBROADCAST:&n...
Tender Gravity: Marybeth Holleman
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What draws us to the outdoors? Marybeth Holleman is an Alaskan writer who's new book of poetry, titled tender gravity, expresses many reasons. Marybet...
The Story of Title IX Part 1
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the next Outdoor Explorer, the first part of a continuing series of stories about Title IX, the historic legislation passed 50 years ago that chang...
Outdoor Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 2
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUESTS:Chris Reynolds, treasurer of Friends of the Stewart Public TrailKelly Becker, a long-time trail adjacent homeownerLINKS:Recrea...
Epic Alaskans: Tom Choate the Mountain Goat
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Tom ChoateLINKS: Tom Choate BiographyBROADCAST: Thursday, December 1st, 2022. 10:00 am – 11:00 a.m. AKTREPEAT BR...
Planning for the outdoors: The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and What's new in outdoor gear
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS: Ricky Geese: Director, Division of Parks and Outdoor RecreationZachary Babb: Program Manager, Rivers, Trails, and Conservat...
Outdoor Recreation Access in Anchorage Vol 1
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this next Outdoor Explorer, our guests are Jeff Landfield and Paxson Woelber from The Alaska Landmine. The two journalists have reported extensivel...
The Walking Monk in Alaska
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll go for a walk with a man known as The Walking Monk, because he’s walked across North America five separate times a...
Off the Chain Bicycle Collective
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Anchorage's Off the Chain Bicycle Collective is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization aiming to increase bicycle ridership, awareness, and safety. ...
Tidelines Institute of Alaska
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
ur guests for this show are Laura Marcus and Zach Brown, the founders and co-executive directors of the Tidelines Institute. On two campuses along Icy...
On Track! in Anchorage with Alice Tower Knapp
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this Outdoor Explorer, we’ll talk to Alice Tower Knapp, who grew up in Anchorage, skiing on the local ski trails and participating in events orga...
Rick Steves and Art in Europe | Outdoor Explorer
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this show, our guest is Rick Steves. If you’ve watched public television in the last 20 years, you likely know him from his travel shows Rick Ste...
Anchorage Park Foundation
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Lisa KellerGUEST: Beth Nordlund, executive director of Anchorage Park FoundationLINKS:Anchorage Park FoundationRegister for the Moose Loop Virtu...
Orienteering in and around Anchorage, Alaska
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering r...
Orienteering in and around Anchorage, Alaska
01 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Orienteering is the sport of using a map and compass to navigate the outdoors. The Arctic Orienteering Club in Anchorage organizes orienteering r...
The Chugach 120
25 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest for this show is Jen Aschoff, a geology professor at UAA who recently became the tenth person and the second woman to complete the Chugach 1...
Wild Trails with Brad Meiklejohn
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to be an avalanche specialist? A conservationist? A wilderness traveler? A Buddhist? Brad Meiklejohn is a long-time Ala...
The outdoor life of Congressional Candidates
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests for this show are congressional candidates Nick Begich and Mary Peltola. Your host, Lisa, reached out to the Sarah Palin campaign three tim...
Alli Harvey, traveling landscape artist
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
• A commission in progress of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, on the easel near Reno, photo by Alli Harvey.The happy artist pictured with the Colorado...
Youth Employment in Parks
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Youth Emplyment in Parks crew. Photo by Paul Twardock.A Youth Emplyment in Parks crew. Photo by Paul Twardock.The Youth Emplyment in Parks logo.A Yo...
Diversifying the outdoors in Alaska: Jody Potts-Joseph | Outdoor Explorer
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Jody Potts-Joseph, founder of Native Youth OutdoorsLINKS:Arctic WildAlaska Wilderness LeagueData for Indigenous Justice...
Denali National Park and Preserve
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Walter Harper, photo courtesy NPSThe view from the spotting scope of a busy day on the headwall, photo courtesy of NPS Photo, Chris EricksonTucker Che...
Alaska Adventure: 55 Ways
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
iking Resurection Pass by John Wolfe.Skiing to the Skookum Glacier, byJohnWolfeRebecca Wolfe, credit Gretchen Nelson.John Wolfe, credit Anne Raup.Becc...
Epic Alaskans: Dave Johnston, climber, ranger, and father
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Johnson and family camping on Curry Ridge, Denali State Park. Photo courtesy of Pete Robinson.Adventure Journal ArtDave Johnston has had many fir...
2022 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame and 100 Miles in May
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah Halvorsen (r) accepts the Trajan Langdon Award from Nina Kemppel (l), photo courtesy Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.Beth Bragg accepts the Joe Floy...
Bird migration in Alaska
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A bar-tailed godwit. Photo courtesy of Steve Maslowski.Dan RuthrauffBird migration is one of the natural wonders of the world. Every spring milli...
Climate change in Alaska
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a lot less sea ice in the Arctic, and only 1% of it is old ice, which is thicker and more resilient. (Image: NOAA Climate.gov)In this Sunday...
Pieces of Alaska history, part two
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millett Keller on Mount Marathon, photo courtesy Lisa Keller.Millett Scissorhands Keller article, courtesy Lisa Keller.Millett Keller, far left, viewi...
Pieces of Alaska History, Part One
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Millett Keller, screenshot from the interview.Pat and Millett Keller with baby Lisa, in their Turnagain neighborhood one year after the 1964 earthquak...
Get outside Alaska!
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Bushatz, photo courtesy Amy Bushatz.Heather Helzer, photo by Andre Horton.The Humans Outside medal, photo courtesy of Amy BushatzTurnagain Trainin...
Alaska University Outdoor Degree Programs
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karina Movement Class Photo: Paul TwardockYukon Classroom by Paul TwardockSnow Science by Paul TwardockSea Kayaking by Paul TwardockMap Reading PWS by...
Regenerative Tourism
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mary Goddard, Regional Catalyst for Regenerative Tourism with the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, photo courtesy Mary Goddard.Lee Hart, Executive D...
Dog mushing in Alaska 101 + Ms. Uff Da
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
March is prime time for winter sports in Alaska. The light is back, the snow is good, andAlaskans are ready to enjoy it all. Dog mushing has been part...
Alli Harvey, outdoor writer, and artist in Anchorage
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alli Harvey finishing the 2021 Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks, photo courtesy of Alli Harvey.Alli Harvey, photo courtesy of Alli Harvey.“Hiking Ancho...
Peter Steele: A doctor on Everest
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Team doctor for the 1971 International Everest Expedition.Peter Steel in his home in Whitehorse, from early 2022. Photo: Adam Verrier.Peter Steele in ...
Trail building and Olympic skiing with John Morton
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John MortonThe Winter Olympics begin this week in Beijing, China. To mark the occasion, this week’s guest on Outdoor Explorer will be biathlete, aut...
Seth Kantner: Living with caribou in Alaska
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Seth Kantner’s new book A Thousand Trails Home: Living With Caribou details his life where caribou, hunting, and subsistence are the center of every...
The 50th Anniversary of the Hillside ski trails in Anchorage
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Service High School cross country running team in 1972.Tom Corbin in 1969.Tom Corbin today.Tom Corbin’s hand-drawn map of the Hillside Ski Trails fr...
An evolutionary look at exercise
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Daniel Lieberman at home with his dog, Echo, photo courtesy Daniel Lieberman.Exercised book jacket, photo courtesy Daniel Lieberman.If you have read t...
Solstice trees and holiday wishes from Anchorage
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A tree seen at the Solstice Tree Tour at Kincais park. Photo by Paull Twardock.An illuminited van at the Alaska Botanical Garden. Photo by Paul Twardo...
Nature and indigenous Alaskan art with Joe and Martha Senungetuk
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mask by Joe SenungetukMask by Joe SenungetukJames TempteJoe and Martha SenungetukArtwork by Joe SenungetukAlaska Natives have been creating art influe...
Returning to activity after a Covid infection
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron Ramirez and Lisa Keller at the Lavaman Triathlon, photo courtesy Lisa Keller.Alisa Carroll, photo courtesy Alisa Carroll.Dr. Kim Harmon, photo c...
Trip planning and risk analysis in Alaska with Luc Mehl
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Luc Mehl. Photo with permission from the owner.Luc Mehl. Photo with permission from the owner.Luc Mehl packrafting the Matanuska River.Luc Mehl backco...
Outdoor Explorer: Catching up with Kikkan Randall and the year ahead for Anchorage’s nordic ski club
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kikkan and Breck riding to school, photo courtesy Kikkan Randall.Former NSAA Junior Nordic skier Kikkan Randall, photo courtesy Kikkan Randall.NSAA Ex...
NOLS: 50 Years in Alaska
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Kayaks at the NOLS headquarters.John Gans, former NOLS Alaska director and NOLS PresidentAshley Wise, NOLS Alaska Program ManagerThe NOLS Red Barn in ...
Catching up with artist Max Romey
22 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Crow Pass Trail, photo courtesy Max RomeyDebris found on the beach, photo courtesy Max RomeyMax Romey sketching Raven Glacier at Crow Pass, photo cour...
Talking about speedskating with some experts
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Much of Alaska’s landmass is covered in water. During the winter when those lakes and rivers freeze solid, and if the snow isn’t deeper than an in...
Talking about the economic impact of outdoor activities with Lee Hart of the Alaska Outdoor Alliance
08 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Economic impact of outdoor activities, image courtesy Alaska Outdoor Alliance.Lee Hart, Executive Director of Alaska Outdoor Alliance, photo courtesy ...
The First People in what is now Chugach State Park
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron Leggett, President of the Native Village of Eklutna, photo courtesy Aaron Leggett.This show is a follow-up to a show that aired in February of 2...
Changing Seasons: Using fall to prepare for winter
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Heather CaldwellSarah HistandOn this show, our guests are Sarah Histand and Heather Caldwell. Sarah is a mental health professional as well as a fitne...
Exploring your own backyard
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Teaming With Series, photo courtesy Jeff Lowenfels.Jeff Lowenfels, Lord of the Roots, photo courtesy Jeff LowenfelsDIY Autoflowering Cannabis book...
Funding your outdoor lifestyle
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike BranhamOn this show, our guest is Mike Branham. Mike is a financial planner with a passion for the outdoors. We talk about how you can fund your ...
Gathering and foraging in Alaska
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Perelli and Becky King with morels_Photo: Tony PerelliMushroomsRaina picking blueberries.Understory.Highbush cranberries.Late summer and fall are...
Lee Bolling & Singletrack Advocates
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Lee Bolling’s book “Welcome to Earth Fellow Human”.Lee Bolling.Lee Bolling riding in Anchorage.The Anchorage Bowl is known for its trail network...
Epic Alaskans: Mountaineering and sea kayaking with John Bauman
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
St Elias the trench, photoby John Bauman.Russell base camp, photo by John Bauman.Mt Deborah basecamp igloo, photo by John Bauman.Bauman Kayaking 1Padd...
Revisiting Fly for pie
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Outdoor Explorer first aired on May 14, 2020. In the fall of 2020, it was submitted to the Alaska Professional Communicators 2020 – ...
Boating safety in Alaska
29 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A paddle boarder on Goose Lake, wearing a life vest.Children in a kayak on Goose Lake, wearing life vestsA fishing boat on the ocean.Paddle boarders a...
Travel School #4: Homeward bound
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Stan-Kamps on the last leg of their journey in Utah, photo courtesy Jodi Harskamp.Leif and Tui Stanbury with Nukka at Capitol Reef National Park, ...
Dead Reckoning: Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most accidents occur for similar reasons: not being prepared, poor equipment, being in a rush, and lack of skill. Some accidents, however, a...
Brewing coffee in the outdoors
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tim GravelGina ShivelyOn this show, we are talking about enjoying coffee in the outdoors. First, you’ll hear from Tim Gravel who is the co-owner of ...
Trail building in Alaska: Summer of 2021
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A tool at work. Photo from MatSu Trail Parks Foundation.A trail near Kachemak BayAlaska Trails VolunteersTrails at Kincaid Park, photo by Paul Twardoc...
Travel School #3: Parks of the southwest and southeast
29 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Stan-Kamps at Horseshoe Bend in the Grand Canyon, photo courtesy Jodi Harskamp.The Stan-Kamps at the Nevada-Arizona State Border, photo courtesy J...
Drones: Uses and regulations
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are becoming more common in Alaska andelsewhere every month. This past year they were one of the hottest s...
Travel School #2: Parks of California
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Stan-Kamps at Half Dome in Yosemite, photo courtesy of Jodi Harskamp.Tui and Leif Stanbury looking out over Yosemite, photo courtesy of Jodi Harsk...
80 years of climbing, skiing, and boating with Sepp Weber
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sepp Weber, photo by Paul Twardock.Sepp Weber has climbed, kayaked, and skied for at least 80 years, and is still at it! Sepp’s first experience in ...
Travel School: Parks of the northwest
20 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Neal Stanbury, Tui Stanbury, Leif Stanbury and Jodi Harskamp at Crater Lake, photo courtesy Jodi Harskamp.The retrofitted truck, photo courtesy of Jod...
Organizing a big sporting event during a pandemic
20 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For the past year, the Coronavirus Pandemic has been canceling sporting events all around the world. But the organizers of North America’s biggest s...
The life of Richard Nelson
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hank Lentfer, Griselda Landa-Posas, and Richard Nelson at Lake Minichumina, photo by Davyd Betchkal.Richard K. Nelson and the cover of Raven’s Witne...
Emotional intelligence in the outdoors
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emotional intelligence contributes to healthy relationships and successful adventures. Personal traits such as knowing your strengths and weaknesses, ...