Episodes

  • The State of Nature: "Bloom Again" with Marybeth Holleman and Gray-headed Chickadees with Brad Meiklejohn | Outdoor Explorer

    The State of Nature: "Bloom Again" with Marybeth Holleman and Gray-headed Chickadees with Brad Meiklejohn | Outdoor Explorer
    Feb 19 2026
    What do Chickadees, Polar bears, Kudzu and Alaska have in common? On this Outdoor Explorer Paul Twardock is joined by author Marybeth Holeman, artist Kristen Link and writer Brad Meiklejohn to discuss their latest projects, including Marybeth's novel "Bloom Again" and Brad's writing about the Gray - headed Chickadee. On the first half of the show, Marybeth and Kristin discuss how art and literature, specifically Marybeth's novel "Bloom Again," and Kristin's artwork featuring a polar bear and kudzu, can help communicate science. On the second half, Brad talks about his article on the Gray-headed Chickadee, a rare bird in Alaska's arctic. He is one of the last people to see the bird in Alaska.
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    59 mins
  • Preparing for a marathon | Outdoor Explorer

    Preparing for a marathon | Outdoor Explorer
    Feb 12 2026
    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 marathon. We’ll discuss the methods and techniques for making your marathon a success, as well as the best winter training spots here in Anchorage. Also speaking with the show is Ian Marks, one of the organizers of the annual Mayor’s Marathon - the biggest marathon in Alaska each summer.
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    57 mins
  • Racing toward the Iditarod | Outdoor Explorer

    Racing toward the Iditarod | Outdoor Explorer
    Feb 6 2026

    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, we hear from AddieAnn Randall, a teenage musher and future Iditarod hopeful whose family runs the Rock on Racing kennel in Caswell. Randall tells us about the basics of mushing, how she trains and what she sees and experiences out on the trail. She’s got big plans for the future—including becoming the youngest-ever Iditarod racer in 2027 when the race starts the day after her 18th birthday.
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    57 mins
  • Adventures of an Alaska Woman Biologist | Outdoor Explorer

    Adventures of an Alaska Woman Biologist | Outdoor Explorer
    Jan 29 2026
    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 first-ever woman to tackle a wide variety of exciting and sometimes challenging biology jobs in the state, Margaret, who also goes by Peggy, spent a career steeped in exploration and adventure throughout Alaska.That’s a journey she details in her book "Adventures of an Alaskan Woman Biologist" and shares in this episode of Outdoor Explorer.
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    59 mins
  • Running in Mat-Su | Outdoor Explorer

    Running in Mat-Su | Outdoor Explorer
    Jan 23 2026
    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 frigid winter. Now one runner-turned-race director is working to expand the region’s running events into new options, including ultra-distance and trail races designed to be newcomer-friendlyIn this episode, we talk to race director Heidi Quinn about her newly launched company Black Wolf Endurance, expanding the sport to more individuals across our state and what is so special about runners and racing in Mat-Su.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Heidi Quinn
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    57 mins
  • Alaska Rock Gym: Past Present and Future | Outdoor Explorer

    Alaska Rock Gym: Past Present and Future | Outdoor Explorer
    Jan 15 2026
    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 locations, the business has provided a facility and programs that help introduce newbies to the sport, allow climbers to train, hold climbing and fitness classes and organize climbing competitions. Hear the general manager and original founders discuss the history of the gym, including the building of the original and current facilities, the programs and competitions they offer, the role of indoor climbing and where indoor climbing is heading.HOST: Paul TwardockGUESTS:Nicole Jolyn, general manager of Alaska Rock GymSiri Moss, former general manager, original founder of Alaska Rock GymBruce Adams, builder, climber, original founder of Alaska Rock GymLINKS:Alaska Rock Gym websiteAlaska Rock Gym events
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    59 mins
  • Ice skating in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer

    Ice skating in Southcentral Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
    Nov 20 2025
    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 early-season skateable ice in the Susitna Valley, and we find out about all the places we can go skating right here in Anchorage.HOST: Adam VerrierGUESTS:Paxson WoelberDana KerrBrad Cooke, Anchorage Parks & RecreationJohn Monroe, Head coach and program director for the Anchorage Skate ClubLINKS:Anchorage Parks & Rec Winter Ice MaintenanceAnchorage Skate ClubAlaska Speedskating ClubWild Ice Skating Club of Alaska
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    58 mins
  • Joe Stock: 'The Avalanche Factor" | Outdoor Explorer

    Joe Stock: 'The Avalanche Factor" | Outdoor Explorer
    Nov 15 2025
    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 avalanches and what causes them, how to assess slopes for stability, how to travel through avalanche terrain and how to perform rescues. One recent addition is guide and educator Joe Stock's book "The Avalanche Factor." Last spring, host Paul Twardock sat down with Joe and discussed his book, including topics like decision making in a group, science and uncertainty, the roles risk and fear play in decision making, how to develop knowledge and judgement while staying safe and more.HOST: Paul TwardockGUEST: Joe Stock, guide, educator, author of "The Avalanche Factor"LINKS:The Avalanche Factor WebsiteAlaska Avalanche SchoolChugach National Forest Avalanche CenterHatcher Pass Avalanche Center
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    57 mins