Big Cabbage Radio

Radio Free Palmer is a listener sponsored community radio station broadcasting from Palmer, Alaska.

Ag Matters: Frank Bell From Palmer Brewing Co.

Frank Bell from Palmer Brewing Company joins host Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Palmer Brewing Co. is located in Palmer’s Industrial Park, where Arkose Brewery used to be. Frank got his start in home brewing and enjoyed not just the science but also the art of creating beer, as well as the camaraderie he has […]

10-27
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Morning Interviews: Youth Arc-hive Carol Dorman

Mike Chmielewski visits with Carol Dorman, Director of Youth Arc-hive. Carol explained what Youth Arc-hive stands for: Youth Arc stands for Youth Amusement Recreation Center and Hive stands for Hope, Integrity, Veriitas, and Education. To join the children sign an insurance waiver and a conduct pledge. It is located in the basement of the Eagle […]

10-24
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Real Estate Update with Scott Blair

Scott Blair from My Favorite Realty talks with Mike Chmielweski about the real estate market. Scott notes there is a slight seller’s advantage this month. Mike and Scott compared Palmer’s market to Wasilla’s market. In Palmer, you get a bigger house but less land. In Wasilla, you get a smaller home with half an acre […]

10-24
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Author Interviews: The Bolden Cylinder by Norman Woolworth

Mike Chemielewski talked to Norman Woolworth about his second novel, The Bolden Cylinder. Norman talked about why he writes historical novels set in New Orleans and why he is fascinated by the city. Quirky New Orleans antiques dealer Bruneau Abellard is the protagonist in his two books. In The Bolden Cylinder, Bruneau listens to a […]

10-24
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Inside the City: John Diumenti

Airport Superintendent John Diumenti joins Mike Chmielewski on Inside the City Airport Superintendent John Diumenti describes the history of the purchase of the land for both the Palmer Airport and the golf course. Both entities have become bigger and more useful to the city. There is a potential collision in the near future that involves […]

10-24
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Valley Edition: Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani

Emily Forstner chats with School District Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani on Valley Edition. Emily and Dr. Trani discussed Mat-Su Central School and hybrid learning. Then noted that home school high school students tend to take core curriculum classes, such as math, while elementary students tend to take enrichment classes, such as music and art. Dr. […]

10-22
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Your Health with Dr. Jill: Bell’s Palsy

Lee Henrikson talks with Dr. Jill Valerius about Bell’s Palsy. Dr. Jill explained that Bell’s Palsy is a weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. It is caused by paralysis of the facial nerve on one side of the face. Bell’s Palsy usually begins improving in a couple of weeks. One in […]

10-22
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Inside the City: Jude Bilafer, Director of Public Works

Jude Bilafer talks with Mike Chmielewski about numerous ongoing projects and future projects. Jude told Mike that the crews are out working, clearing the leaves to facilitate drainage. He also reports that Public Works is ready for snow. The salt and sand have been mixed, and all the vehicles have been inspected. Jude asks for […]

10-22
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Home to Roost

On this week’s show, John and Rachel discuss the implications of a free speech case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court and the global strategic importance of Alaska. They also revisit the 10th Amendment in light of recent National Guard deployments.

10-21
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Borough Candidate interviews

Big Cabbage Radio invited candidates for contested races in Borough Districts 1 and 2. We aired the interviews on Oct. 19. Not all candidates responded to our request. Here are the interviews we recorded. Micheal Bowles District 1 Michelle Heun District 1 Dana Raffaniello District 2 Stephanie Nowers District 2 Gage Saxon School Board District […]

10-20
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Author interviews: The Missing Pages Alyson Richman

Mike Chiemlewski talks with Alyson Richman about her 10th novel, The Missing Pages. Alyson explains why she writes historical novels and the research that she puts into learning about the time period. In the novel, Violet Hutchins is working as a page at the Widener Library. When mysterious things begin happening at the library, Violet […]

10-16
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Internet Weather Report

Mike Chielewski welcomes Peter House from Deep Tree to talk about current cybersecurity threats and tech issues. October is Cyber Security Month. Mike asked ChatGPT about any security issues in Alaska in the past month. ChatGPT answered that no major breach or attack has been recorded. Peter explains why, unless they are legally or statutorily […]

10-16
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Fun Run to Support CCS Early Learning

Palmer High School students created a Fun Run to earn money for the CCC Early Learning. The Fun Fun will take place at the Palmer High School Cross Country Trails on Sunday, October 19th. Palmer High students will be along the race route, handing out candy. There will be a diaper dash, a 1K run, […]

10-16
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Ag Matters:Blankenship Farms

Dylan Blankenship of Blankenship Farms visits with Ken Hoffman on Ag Matters. Dylan says, “I’m a plowboy, not a cowboy.” He explains to Ken the different levels of hay and their grading system. This knowledge helps set prices and allows the consumer to know the quality of the hay. Dylan discusses the growing season and […]

10-16
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Sweeney Todd at The Glenn Massay

The Tony award-winning Broadway sensation premieres on October 24th, so get your tickets EARLY and beat the rush! Support the talented local performers and musicians as they bring this one-of-a-kind musical to the Glenn Massay Theatre stage. This production does have mature themes, and we encourage guests to do their own research regarding the content […]

10-14
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Home To Roost 2025-10-11

On Home to Roost, Rachel Levitt and John Robertson review ICE enforcement and contracts in Alaska, uncertainties regarding rural air subsidies, and the significance of having a separate judicial branch. John also tries to win at Rachel’s Public Policy Pursuit.

10-14
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Ag Matters Farm 779

Dr. Julie Meer from Farm 779 Fermented Foods joins Ken Hoffman. Ken asked Julie, “Where did you get the name Farm 779?” Julie explained that there had been many calls to the USDA about a grant for a high tunnel greenhouse. Julie had grown accustomed to hearing and using the name Farm 779, which was […]

10-13
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Valley Edition Oct. 10: Alex Strawn

Borough Planning and Land Use Director Alex Strawn discusses borough-wide cleanup efforts with Mike Chmielewski on Valley Edition. Alex thanked the many folks that helped with the Williwaw cleanup on September 11- 13. He first thanked Jason Ortiz, the Deputy Director of the Planning & Land Use, who came up with the idea. He also […]

10-13
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Author Interview: The Last Book to be Written by a Human by Jeff Burningham

Jeff Burningham talks with Mike Chmielewski about his new book. From jeffburningham.com: “In The Last Book Written by a Human, national best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Jeff Burningham delivers a profound and urgent exploration of what it truly means to be human in the age of AI—challenging us to embrace wisdom, love, and deep human connection […]

10-13
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From the Farm 2025-10-7

Nelson Crone gives Mike Chmielewski the monthly update on the UAF Farm and Extension Service, along with his sage advice. Nelson noted that this year’s harvest included barley, wheat, cabbage, carrots, and a large quantity of potatoes. Big Lake Food Bank, Willow Food Bank, and others will benefit from this abundance. This month’s temperature and […]

10-13
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