On Step Alaska

Jayleen Bydlon is the owner of Jayleen's Alaska which provides private whale watching tours in Juneau, Alaska. Jayleen is a lifelong resident of Juneau and started the business when she was 22-years old. In this episode we talk about business models, marketing, the tourism industry, whale attitudes and how to make it through winter.

Originally aired Oct 17, 2022

DJ Hansen is a life-long resident of Craig, Alaska, and owner of DJ's Alaska Adventure Rentals. In this episode we talk about growing up on Prince of Wales Island, coaching basketball, the importance of a tight-knit community and how economic opportunities have changed since we were in high school.

Originally aired Jun 27, 2022

Chris Alderman is co-owner (along with his wife) of Screaming Eagle Archery in Wasilla and Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about what you need to get started in archery, upgrades, and details about hunting moose with a bow. We also discuss caribou archery hunts and the need to be able to mentally adjust to Plans C-Z.

Originally aired June 22, 2022

Meta Mesdag is a photographer turned oyster farmer (Salty Lady Seafoods) in Juneau. In this episode we talk about her career transition, the entrepreneurship scene in Southeast Alaska, challenges brought on by Covid and bad weather, the science behind the life cycle and growing conditions or oysters.

Originally aired March 7, 2022

Alaska Fly Fishing Goods owner Brad Elfers joins me to talk all things fly fishing in Alaska. We discuss fishing opportunities in Juneau, dissect the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, fishing with mouse patterns, steelhead flies, regionally effective flies and industry improvements in rods, reels and waders.

Originally aired Dec 15, 2021

Road bike or urban bike? Mountain bike with full suspension or a hard tail? In this episode I talk with Cycle Alaska co-owner John McConnochie about the biking culture in Juneau, owning a shop, his favorite trails, selecting the style of bike that best fits your lifestyle, and how to then choose the bike that's right for you.

Originally aired Aug 11, 2021

In this episode I discuss being an ambassador for the state, fishing etiquette, "necessary toys" for Alaska living and the importance of being part of, and improving the quality of, your community with Daniel Buitrago. Daniel is the owner of Anchor Town Dogs and co-founder of the Alaska Wild Project.

Originally aired July 14, 2021

In this episode I talk about fly fishing for king salmon, whether or not sockeye bite flies, moose camp, float hunts, starting a business, brewing colonial dry cider, recapturing carbon and promoting sustainability with Jack Lau. Jack is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project, co-owner of Double Shovel Cider Company.

Originally aired July 7, 2021