Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

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

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

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. 

On this episode, we’re buzzing into the world of honey bees with a local beekeeper, Dusty Finley. We learn why bees are vital to our environment, the challenges of keeping them in Alaska’s unique climate and how their honey takes on the flavor of our northern flowers. It's a sweet conversation about bees, pollination and the taste of Alaska.Later in the show we hear Episode 2 of Alaska Public Media's "Dracula."HOST: Kim SherryGUEST: Dusty Finley, beekeeperLINKS:Pollinators in Alaska Alaska Bee Atlas

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 narratorAmmon Swenson as Jonathan HarkerLori Townsend as Countess DraculaCrystal Hyde as MariaMatt Faubion as the carriage driver.Join us next week for Episode 2. 

It’s the first week of October, and you know what that means. Thousands of Alaskans woke up on Friday to find Permanent Fund Dividend checks deposited into their bank accounts. The modest amount of $1,000 was the lowest in five years, and with inflation factored in, the lowest in state history. But even though the dollars received has shrunk, it hasn’t slowed down Alaskans generosity to Pick Click Give, a program that allows residents to donate a portion of their PFD to non-profits of their choosing. On today’s show we look at where those Pick Click Give resources go and look ahead to what smaller PFDs could mean for the program.Also featured: Episode 1 of Alaska Public Media's Dracula.HOST: Dave WaldronGUESTS:Jennifer Cross, Program Officer, Pick Click GiveDaniel Bentle, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Food Bank of AlaskaLINKS:Pick Click GiveFood Bank of Alaska

Picture yourself on your favorite trail in Anchorage, the scent of spruce in the air and the soft crunch of leaves beneath your boots. It seems quiet, but are you truly alone? No. Concealed critters are all around you, hidden in the trees, underbrush and in the shadows, living their wild lives just out of sight. On this episode we hear from a local biologist and ornithologist as we explore how urban wildlife thrives quietly alongside us and how to start seeing the unseen.HOST: Kim SherryGUESTS:Cory Stantorf, biologistLisa Pajot, ornithologistLINKS:Alaska Department of Fish and GameADF&G Bird and Bat BoxesBird TLC

The Municipality of Anchorage is turning 50-years-old, and to celebrate the occasion the Muni is hosting a series of events that showcase the city of Anchorage, and how far we've come. On this episode we hear from historian and Anchorage Daily News writer David Reamer, who will be presenting at one of the events.Hear about the history of Anchorage's neighborhoods, what lead to creating the Municipality, and Reamer's upcoming talk "A History of Anchorage’s Older Neighborhoods: Government Hill, Mountain View, Fairview, and Spenard.”HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: David Reamer, historianLINKS:Municipality of Anchorage 50-year-anniversary pageMuni 50th anniversary eventsDavid Reamer's "A History of Anchorage’s Older Neighborhoods: Government Hill, Mountain View, Fairview, and Spenard"

Get ready for sequins, sass and stories from the stage, because on this episode we chat with two fabulous drag queens from Anchorage about the art, joy and community of drag in Alaska. From their first heels to fundraising for nonprofits, this is a fun and glamorous peek behind the curtain of the local drag scene!HOST: Kim SherryGUESTS:Golden DeliciousAthena NuffLINKS:Golden Delicous InstagramAthena Nuff Instagram Drag Me to the Movies