On Step Alaska

Episode 429 - Rural vs suburban education

Abby and I discuss the impact of environment, family, and friends on educational experiences. We talk about the pressure of performing in a prestigious Boston suburb where Ivy League dreams are fostered and compare it to the close-knit, resourceful communities of Alaska.

We breakdown the need for balancing academic pursuits with practical skills and the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity amidst societal pressures and distractions. 

 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Episode 428 - 2024 recap: skiing, fishing, hunting and camping

In this episode Abby and I recap 2024 - skiing, camping, hiking and fishing in Juneau, fishing on Prince of Wales Island, hunting after Haleigh was born and what hunting tags we won't draw in 2025. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Episode 427 - Flying for a living with Steve Kamm

In this episode, Seawind Aviation owner Steve Kamm shares his family's fishing history and how he found his true calling in the skies. Steve recounts his early days in Ketchikan, from carefree childhood memories of biking and baseball to the pivotal moments that steered him towards aviation. 

Steve also reflects on the past and present of Ketchikan's aviation industry, the evolving aviation landscape and the unique challenges and triumphs of running a flightseeing/charter service. 

Book a charter at www.seawindaviation.com/

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

 

Episode 426 - Fly out blacktail deer

Adam Krick and Nathan Endicott share their August blacktail deer adventure in the wild alpine of Southeast Alaska. We discuss the three years of planning, the balance between chasing the thrill of the hunt and maintaining safety.

We also discuss the complex emotions of departure, nurturing our adventurous spirit, and the profound impact these experiences have on our lives as fathers, husbands and at work. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

 

Episode 425 - Commercial fishing and teaching with Dave White

Dave White is a retired commercial fisherman and teacher from Ketchikan. In this episode he recounts his early experiences as a novice commercial fisherman, navigating the obstacles of gillnetting and longlining. We also discuss the hardships of being in the classroom for five days then on the water for two during the edges of the school year. 

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

 

Episode 424 - Goats, moose and new knees with Daniel Buitrago

Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project In this episode we talk about the journey to 200 podcast episodes and how creating content became second nature.

In December of 2023 Daniel had total knee replacement and then drew a coveted mountain goat tag which drove his rehab. We discuss that hunt then the moose hunt shortly thereafter. We also touch on future plans, including new hunting adventures and the exciting prospects for the Alaska Wild Project podcast.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

Thanks to the sponsors:
Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)

Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

 

 

Episode 423 - Saunas and sockeye in Seward with the Ozerkovs

Matt and Heather Ozerkov are the owners of a unique lodge and mobile sauna business in Seward, Alaska. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and joys of owning a lodge, the inspiration behind their mobile saunas, and their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. They emphasize the importance of dreaming big, perseverance, and continuous growth. Link to Seward Saunas. 



Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.



Thanks to the sponsors:

Sagebrush Dry
(Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.)


Alpine Fit 
(Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.)

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Special Episode: Island Brew Cafe

Sam and Lauren are the owners of Ketchikan's newest coffee place, Island Brew Cafe. In this episode we discuss their journey to the Dominican Republic to find the right coffee beans, the importance of quality ingredients in good food, bacon, breakfast burritos and other food offerings including gluten free options. 

We also discuss their move from Florida to the close-knit community of Ketchikan, their vision for the cafe and how they plan to integrate their passion for food and community into this new venture.