Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

On this episode we celebrate Women’s History Month by showcasing some Alaska women who were honored at the 2026 ATHENA Awards. The awards are given to only a select few women that have shown professional excellence, commitment to community and leadership potential. We hear from the founder of the Anchorage chapter of the ATHENA Society, Eleanor Andrews and this year's leadership award winner, Dr. Anne Zink. We also get to know two more ATHENA Society inductees from this year. 

Falconry is where tradition and modern skill "take flight," and falconers prove that mastering it is never just "winging it." Falconry is the ancient art of hunting in partnership with a trained bird of prey, and it has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. In Alaska, falconry takes on a unique character, shaped by the state’s vast landscapes, wildlife and strong hunting traditions. From tundra to forest, Alaska provides an ideal environment for birds like falcons and hawks to thrive and hunt. Today, falconry in Alaska is both a living tradition and a tool for conservation, education, and deep connection to the natural world.

On this episode, we uncover some of the wildest and oddest stories Alaska has to offer. The idea for this show was inspired by an article titled "When Walt Disney Came to Fairbanks." It uncovers the not-so-well-known trip that Walt Disney took well before Alaska was a state, and before Disneyland was built. The story is full of intrigue, including a secret mural that was painted by Walt himself, an unsolved murder, and an early Disney movie filmed in Alaska. Later on the program we will have more Alaskan oddities from local historian David Reamer. 

On today’s show we celebrate Black History Month. Although we only have about a week of February left, there are still lots of ways to do that. Hear from two members of the Alaska Black Caucus to find out what their role is in our state, what their focus is in a time where racial tensions have risen to new heights and to learn about the upcoming Bettye Davis African American Summit.

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so it seemed fitting to be joined by Paloma Pavel. She is the co-author of the book “Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty.” At first glance, the book looks like children’s literature, but is a parable, of sorts, showing how through small acts, we can break away from behaviors that lead to violence and war by making new choices and working together. Pavel’s co-author Anne Herbert is credited with coining the phrase “random kindness and senseless acts of beauty” back in 1982 and the words and sentiment spread from there.Paloma Pavel moved to Anchorage about two years ago and works on Providence Hospital’s Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education Team.Later in the show we hear about Alaska Public Media's project honoring people giving back the the community called "Every Little Bit." 

This weekend is Valentine’s Day, and while many couples will be spending a night out at a restaurant or hitting the theaters for the newest romcom, we at Hometown, Alaska thought it would be fun to plan the perfect date night in. Going out is great and all but it can be stressful and expensive, so why not put on some clothes that are actually comfortable and play a card game, or make a new and exciting cocktail?If that sounds like a date night that is more your speed, then you’re going to love our guests. We hear from a local mixologist, who will be sharing the perfect Valentine’s Day drink, and from a local games expert, who shares the best games to play with that special someone.

This week, we step inside Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Denéłchin Fab Lab, where Alaska Native youth are exploring cutting-edge technology and hands-on creativity. We talk with CITC staff about their mission, the programs shaping future leaders, and the incredible projects happening in the lab.CITC is a nonprofit organization that serves Alaska Native and Native American people in the Anchorage and Cook Inlet region through programs focused on education, employment, recovery and family support. Its mission centers on empowering individuals and strengthening community wellness, culture and self-determination.The Denéłchin Fab Lab is part of CITC’s education and youth development efforts, offering a hands-on, high-tech space where students explore STEM, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving. Together, they support the next generation by blending innovation, culture, and learning in a way that uplifts the whole community.

Have you ever wanted to learn the game of chess or sharpen your skills? Last year, the Alaska Chess Federation was accepted on a national level, giving Alaska its first state chapter in more than half of a decade. It brings local chess players together, as well as represents Alaska on the national level. On this episode, host Dave Waldron speaks with a Chess Federation member from Palmer about how to get involved in the game locally, as well as the social and cognitive benefits of playing chess. HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Anthony Irsik, board member of the Alaska Chess Federation, Palmer Chess Club

On this episode, we chat with a marine mammal specialist about our beloved Cook Inlet Belugas. We explore the science behind these endangered whales, the challenges they face and the recovery efforts happening right now—including exciting partnerships and community involvement.HOST: Kim SherryGUEST: Jill Seymour, Cook Inlet Beluga Recovery Coordinator, marine mammal specialistLINKS:NOAA Beluga WhalesNOAA Beluga conservation and managementHow to help

On this episode we look back on some of the show’s best moments of 2025. From winter beekeeping to making music with solar radiation, we’ve covered some really interesting Alaskans and how they make this state such a unique and fantastic place to live.HOSTS:Dave WaldronKim Sherry

Alaska has a rich homesteading history that stretches back to the early 1900s, when settlers came north in search of freedom, self-reliance and a new start. After World War II, the Homestead Act opened up millions of acres here, offering land to anyone willing to build a life in some of the harshest, most beautiful conditions on Earth. Though the official homestead era ended in the 1980s, the spirit of that lifestyle still lives on today in people who choose to trade convenience for connection and comfort for independence.Our guest today is one of those modern homesteaders. Living off-grid near Talkeetna, he’s built his own home, raises his own food and in one of the most unique Alaskan experiences you’ll find, he invites visitors to come and share a hug with his herd of gentle Highland cows.We hear about what it takes to live this kind of life, how he made it happen and why something as simple as hugging a cow can make such a deep impact.HOST: Kim SherryGUESTS: Carmelo Panucci, Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsBodie Panucci, second-generation Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsLINKS:Alaska Highland HugsInstagram

"The Nutcracker" ballet, which takes place at the Performing Arts Center, has become a tradition of many Anchorage residents as a way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas season. To celebrate its 35th year, we hear from two members of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, including a musician who plays the celeste (don’t worry if you don’t know what that is, you'll find out.), and from the Anchorage Concert Association. They are the group responsible for coordinating "The Nutcracker" performance that many of us get to enjoy this time of year.SHOW INFO:Atwood Concert Hall:Friday, November 28, 2025 @ 2:00pmFriday, November 28, 2025 @ 7:30pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 2:00pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 7:30pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 1:00pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 5:30pmHOST: Dave WaldronGUESTS:Mitchell Hanson, Communications Director, Anchorage Concert AssociationKathryn Easley, Event Manager, Anchorage Concert AssociationSusan Wingrove-Reed, Principal Pianist, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraNick Cooper, Executive Director, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraLINKS:Anchorage Concert AssociationAnchorage Symphony OrchestraEugene Ballet TICKETS

It's the time of year where many of us are plotting every last morsel that we will either be cooking or simply just enjoying with our friends and family. While so much of the spotlight is given to the turkey and the side dishes, there are some of us that are biding our time, and strategically saving room in our stomachs, for dessert. On this week's show we celebrate that final dish that so many people claim they do not have any more room for—and what is a more iconic Thanksgiving dessert than pie? We're joined by Julia O'Malley, a James Beard Award winning writer who has written for the Anchorage Daily News and also authored the book "The Whale and the Cupcake: Stories of Subsistence, Longing, and Community in Alaska."HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Julia O'Malley, food writer, journalistLINKS:Julia O'Malley websiteFacebookInstagram"For this year’s holiday feast, try a vintage tart cherry pie" | Anchorage Daily News

We’ve all heard sounds in nature that capture our ears, whether it’s a bird call, a gentle stream or a thunderstorm. But what about other sounds? What noise does a glacier make? Or the tundra? And are they musical like those bird calls, chaotic, or just plain strange? Matthew Burtner is a composer, sound artist and eco-acoustician. He discusses his work, a recent Canadian exhibition and his newest album "Profiled from Atmospheres."HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Matthew Burtner, musician, composer, eco-acousticianLINKS: Matthew Burtner websiteInstagramFacebookMusic

Hometown, Alaska presents: Alaska Public Media’s "Dracula," a modernized take on the original work by Bram Stoker, adapted for the radio in four parts by Crystal Hyde.The following audio drama contains content that may be frightening or disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Wesley Early as the narratorMary Lou Asicksik as Mina MurrayAmmon Swenson as Jonathan HarkerMadilyn Rose as Dr. Jacqueline SewardKim Sherry as Artie HolmwoodAmanda Agnelly as Quinn MorrisJeremy Hsieh as Abraham Van HelsingLori Townsend as Countess DraculaCrystal Hyde as Maria, the nurse and Mina’s voicemailMatt Faubion as the carriage driver.Adam Nicely as Luke WestenraToben Shelby as the newscasterSusan Metcalf as the eyewitnessWritten by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Kalli RandallEdited by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Dave Waldron and Adam Nicely,Music by Matt FaubionProduced by Crystal Hyde and Ammon Swenson.

A final confrontation with the countess Dracula, as Mina faces and chooses her fate.

On this show we be play some of our favorite Halloween segments we’ve worked on over the years at Alaska Public Media. We have spooky radio plays, Halloween movie favorites and an interview and book reading from a local horror author. Lastly, we hear the finale of Alaska Public Media’s Dracula, a rendition of the classic tale that has been airing all month on Hometown Alaska.HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Ammon Swenson, Producer of Hometown, Alaska 

Hometown, Alaska presents: Alaska Public Media’s "Dracula," a modernized take on the original work by Bram Stoker, adapted for the radio in four parts by Crystal Hyde.The following audio drama contains content that may be frightening or disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Wesley Early as the narratorMary Lou Asicksik as Mina MurrayAmmon Swenson as Jonathan HarkerMadilyn Rose as Dr. Jacqueline SewardAdam Nicely as Luke WestenraKim Sherry as Artie HolmwoodAmanda Agnelly as Quinn MorrisJeremy Hsieh as Abraham Van HelsingLori Townsend as Countess DraculaWritten by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Kalli RandallEdited by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Dave Waldron and Adam Nicely,Music by Matt FaubionProduced by Crystal Hyde and Ammon Swenson.Join us next week for Episode 4.

This is a special edition of Hometown, Alaska where we explore all the exciting Halloween and fall festival happenings this spooky season! From pumpkin patches to haunted houses, fall flavors to "trick or trunks" — we’re covering it all. We're joined by Daniella May, our go-to source for seasonal fun, event coverage and all things festive on social media.And stick around for Episode 3 of Alaska Public Media’s production of Dracula later in the show.HOST: Kim SherryGUEST: Daniella May, @eatlocal_drinklocalEVENTS:Family events:Zoo Boo, which will be Saturday, October 25th. This is a ticketed event. There are candy stations all around the zoo, and they put up decorations. It’s a really fun day to visit the animals.Fall Festival at the Reindeer farm in Palmer. This is another ticketed event happening on the 25th. There are activities for the kids including a hayrack ride, and hay bale obstacle courses, a spooky walk, pony rides and live music.Halloween Nature Walk at Eagle River Nature Center, which always happens the weekend before Halloween. free eventHalloween On Our Little Farm in Palmer: Visit the farms animals, Pony Rides, games, Haunted Woods, Food Trucks, Haunted Trailer and way more! FRIDAY NIGHT 10/24 from 5 pm to 8 pm (suggested for older children and adults). Saturday and Sunday (10/25 & 10/26) from 11am to 6pm is open to the whole family, all ages!!!Trick or Treat Street downtown on the afternoon of 10/25.Boo-water Basecamp trail of treats the evening of 10/31 family friendly event with a trick or treat trail in the woods.APU Trick our Treat on 10/24Fall Festival at the Hillside Baptist church on 10/24Trunk or Treat at Changepoint at 4pm on 10/25Monster Mash Dance Party on 10/31 at the Midtown Mall.Halloween at the Anchorage museum at 3pm on 10/24.UAA Student Union indoor trick or treat event on 10/25. Which is Anchorage’s largest indoor trick or treat event.10/26 Palette "mystery monster creature feature" paint night at South Restaurant & Coffeehouse. Costumes encouraged.Annual trick or treat Fish Creek Trail on 10/31 from 4:30-6:30pm. Stations run from Barbara Street Park to Woodland Park.Addams Family production by Anchorage Community Theatre running from 10/24-11/9 at the PAC.Fridays & Saturdays in October Museum of Alaska in Wasilla presents Nightmare at the Museum haunted house & hayride. 13+ recommended.Adult events:Alaska Botanical Garden’s Spooky plant trivia on 10/28 costumes encouraged!A Halloween rave is happening on 10/31 called Dub of the Dead downtown at Club Nyt Lyt.Sweet Cheeks Cabaret puts on several Halloween themed burlesque shows including a Spooky burlesque brunch show on 10/26, and evening shows every Friday and Saturday until Halloween at 7:30pm, they are also doing a late night show on 10/18 and 10/25 at 10:30pm. Shows are at the Broken Blender.EEEK-A-BOO Revue burlesque show at Koot’s Ice Bar October 24th & 25th.Alaskana Social club at the Meier Lake Lodge in Hatcher Pass is having their first ever Halloween party. This spot totally gives adult summer camp vibes so will be a cool event to attend and you can even book an overnight lodge. accommodations. Gates open at 6PM First 30 through the door get a ticket for our $1,500+ door prize giveaway Live music by The Robotz at 7PM Your cover includes: 2 drinks , light snacks live music.Monster Ball Halloween Lady Gaga themed dance party with drag performances at Beartooth Grill on Friday 10/24.Saturday 10/25 there is a Halloween concert by Great American Taxi at the Sitzmark in Girdwood.Green Connection Halloween Bazaar & food drive from noon-5pm on 10/25 there will be trick or treating for kids, local food and art vendors!Spenard Soup Social and Haunted Market 10/26 from 3-7pm.Haunted Harvest brunch at Crimson Anchorage on 10/26.Mystery Halloween movie night on 10/31 at 7:30pm at the Beartooth theaterpub. Will be a rated R Retro movie!November 1st Blackwater Railroad will be playing at Bernie’s Bungalow at 9pm. Costumes are encouraged!Dia De los Muertos party on November 1st at Tequila 61 with a $22 endless taco buffet. DJ dance party 7-10pm and a costume contest.Food Bank of Alaska is running their 2nd annual restaurant week from 10/20-10/26 where you can dine out while raising money to combat food insecurity in Alaska.Last year, participating restaurants helped raise $20,000, providing the equivalent of 40,000 meals for Alaskans in need. This year, the goal is even bigger: 50 participating restaurants and $50,000 raised to help feed our communities. Every meal enjoyed at a participating restaurant helps raise awareness about food insecurity, which affects 1 in 7 Alaskans, including children, seniors, veterans, and families across the state.Some restaurants are running special menus for this week while others will be donating a percentage of their sales from this week to the food bank. The information regarding this week can be found at foodbankofalaska.org.

Hometown, Alaska presents: Alaska Public Media’s "Dracula," a modernized take on the original work by Bram Stoker, adapted for the radio in four parts by Crystal Hyde.The following audio drama contains content that may be frightening or disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.FEATURING: Wesley Early as the narratorMadilyn Rose as Dr. Jacqueline SewardMary Lou Asicksik as Mina MurrayAdam Nicely as Luke WestenraKim Sherry as Artie HolmwoodAmanda Agnelly as Quinn MorrisJeremy Hsieh as Abraham Van HelsingToben Shelby as the newscasterSusan Metcalf as the eyewitnessCrystal Hyde as the nurse and Mina’s voicemail.Join us next week for Episode 3.