On Step Alaska

Episode 300 - What mediocre means

I almost changed the name of the podcast because contemporary society's obsession with the removal of challenges and acceptance of underachieving. I reject the sentiment that a life free of physical and mental challenges is what we should strive for and that seeking them is toxic masculinity. When I used "mediocre" the intent was to resonate with those who have worked through, or who are currently battling to improve. No one starts out an expert. This podcasts is for the grinders, the workers and the doers who are honest about the lows and struggles.

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Episode 299 - Preview: Brooks Range caribou

Ryan John and I preview our caribou hunt in the Brooks Range. We discuss expectations,, gear and how hunts differ around the state.

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Episode 298 - Gear for Alaska

Ketchikan resident Ryan John and I go through our gear for Southeast Alaska blacktail, most of which we will be using on our caribou trip next week. We talk bows, optics, trekking pole, the whole works. Most of the popular brands are quality so decisions like packs are completely personal. Just because I use Stone Glacier or replaced my Sitka rain pants with Black Diamond, doesn't mean that is the way to go. If you're in the market for gear, try on what you can, ask around, read and listen to people who use certain items. Unless you are sponsored, it might take a few years to put together your set up through trial and error or just thanks to sheer expense. My sleeping bag is 17 years old and my cold, wet weather rut hunting gear is Cabela's circa 2008.

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Episode 297 - Outdoor education

In this episode I talk with Matthew Clark who is leaving GoHUNT to become a high school English teacher. I field a couple questions about teaching and we discuss how often people in the outdoor content industry talk about unfortunate educational experiences. We talk about the importance of rejuvenating hobbies like fishing and hunting to prime people for the work week and give them something to look forward to.

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Episode 296 - Caribou hunting and cabin building

Fairbanks resident Harrison Gottschling is back to talk about his cabin building project and early season caribou hunting. We discuss food, gear, overthinking, and other caribou hunting considerations.

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Episode 295 - Bear encounters and content making

Alaskan Erika Smith is back to talk influencing people vs. being, or trying to be an "influencer," brown bear encounters, the importance of practicing bear defense devices (10mm and bear spray), salmon burger recipes and the difference between writing stress and content making stress.

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Episode 294 - Summer on Prince of Wales

Abby and I recap our time on Prince of Wales before heading back to the big city of Ketchikan. We talk about the highlights of the last month, king salmon fishing, forest service cabins and the benefits of being rural.

Note: My family moved to Prince of Wales in 1986. In June, mom sold the house and thus ended our time on POW. Abby and I will still visit friends from our home in Ketchikan, but it is the end of an era for sure.

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Episode 293 - Does a point system make sense for Alaska?

Jaden Bales has spent years understanding, explaining and navigating Lower 48 point systems as a Wyoming resident. In this episode we talk about the pros and cons of draws, points and other ways states regulate hunting opportunities. We also talk about coping with cold during hunts, being in shape and hot tents.

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