For centuries, many explorers tempted fate to embark on a mission to find the fabled Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans north above Canada and Alaska. We have eye witness testimony that the passage exists as Andrew has returned in one piece to tell his tale. Join us on a journey on today's episode as we highlight the historic significance of the Northwest Passage and delve into Andrew's recent journey far above the Arctic Circle. Who was the first explorer to success...
We continue our Halloween tradition of blending the Last Frontier and Dungeons & Dragons universes. Every good D&D campaign has a good monster to combat and a clever dungeon to navigate. Join us on today's episode as we explore some Alaskan themed monsters and dungeons that would make great additions to the 6th edition of D&D. Why would a glacier make an excellent dungeon? What is the origin of the sled dog? And what creature can turn you into an otter man?! It's the episode that'...
While difficult to see the stars during the summer months in the land of the midnight sun, winter stargazing is out of this world in the Last Frontier. Most places in Alaska have very little light pollution where it is easy to get away and enjoy the beautiful night sky. On today's episode, we discuss many of the constellations you can see in the Alaskan sky and some of the mythical stories behind them. How many constellations are there? How did a constellation asterism end up on the Alaska st...
From indigenous origins to animal migrations to World War II, Alaska and Japan have been linked in a variety of ways going back to early human migration. Andrew and friend of the pod Jared recently visited the great country of Japan and we spend today's episode discussing the commonalities between the country of Japan and the Last Frontier State of Alaska. What is the Kelp Highway Hypothesis? Where was the only land battle on U.S. soil fought during World War II? And why are Japanese toilets ...
We have some pretty intelligent species up here in Alaska. One of our local researchers, Dan Olsen, has spent a considerable amount of time studying these animals with a specialty on the Killer Whale. Dan joins us on today's episode to delve into the topic of animal intelligence in the Last Frontier. What does a killer whale call sound like? How do things like environment, social structure, and migration affect intelligence? And why do killer whales go to the spa?! It's the episode that'll ma...
Can you believe that many of the largest animals on the planet don't have teeth?! It's true! Many of our whales consume large amounts of food on a daily basis utilizing a system called filter feeding and on today's episode, we delve into that filter feeding behavior of several whales we see in the waters of the Last Frontier. What tool do humpback whales use? Why is the Alaskan summer an all you can eat buffet? And which whales have a mustache?! It's the episode that'll have you separating yo...
Shipwreck episode today on the Last Frontier Podcast. A lesser known wreck due to other worldly events at the time, the SS Princess Sophia shipwreck of 1918 is known still as the deadliest shipwreck of the entire west coast of North America. Join us on today's episode as we explore what happened on this fateful final voyage. How did the crew try to use dead reckoning to find their location? What prevented the rescue boats from saving the people on board? And how many dinosaur movies we do wan...
A mode of transportation 4,000 years in the making, the kayak is one of the oldest modes of transportation in the world. As former professional sea kayak guides, this vessel is near and dear to our hearts so please join us on today's episode as we discuss the origin of the kayak and talk through its design, construction, original purpose, and use in modern society. Why was kayak rolling essential for survival? When was kayaking introduced as an Olympic sport? And how the heck do you hunt cari...
While you can do a lot of things in Alaska you can find elsewhere, one fairly unique aspect of Alaska travel is the opportunity to get up close and personal with glacial ice. There is no other place in the country like it and very few places in the world have the breathtaking scenery that comes with adventuring around glaciers. On today's episode, we discuss six different ways to experience the ice when exploring the Last Frontier and the benefits of choosing each of those adventures. What is...
Alaska is a great state to visit no matter your age or ability level. There are plenty of options for all including families that visit with young ones. It's not always a cheap flight to Alaska so it's not a bad idea to take advantage of the free lap infant flight for babies under the age of two, but what can you do with them once you are here? Fear not, your trusty bald eagles, one of whom has a one year old daughter himself, are here to provide some top travel tips for families adventuring ...
How do you write an introduction on one of the most iconic creatures on the planet? The killer whale, also known as the orca, is always a top the wishlist of animals Alaskan visitors hope to see. Join us on today's episode as we just scratch the surface on what makes these animals so special. How many names do they go by? What are the three ecotypes we see in Alaska? And is it terrifying when a marine mammal killer swims under your kayak?! It's the episode that'll have you breaching for joy! ...
Disclaimer: Some content in this episode may not be suitable for the younger listeners. We finally did it! After five years, we got to check that Explicit Content box. It felt good. On today's program, we were thrilled to have three stand up comedians take a break from their Kenai Peninsula comedy tour and join us to chat about the comedy scene in the Last Frontier. They provide their insights into the comedy culture of Alaska, share their true thoughts on improv, and provide our lovely beer ...
The summer season is finally upon us! How can you tell? Well, the sun is shining longer, animals are making their return, and tourists are entering the landscape. These are all telltale signs that summer is approaching. Join us on today's episode as we delve into some of the major harbingers of the Alaska summer season. Which birds have a claim to the longest migration on the planet? Why do humpback whales leave their warm Hawaiian waters to come to Alaska? And why are there so many kayakers ...
This episode drops when many seasonal employees are beginning their Alaskan summer experience. We had a request from someone coming up for the summer to record an episode providing top tips and advice for people embarking to the Last Frontier for summer employment. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the seasonal lifestyle and share how our own experiences shaped us into the beautiful bald eagles we are today. Do you need much experience to work in Alaskan tourism? What are important co...
Farmers in Midwestern America were hit hard by the Great Depression. Alaska had land to tame. Both sides swiped right and a match was made. On today's episode, we delve into the history of the Matanuska Valley Colony which was an agricultural relocation settlement part of President FDR's New Deal to combat the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of that project and its lasting legacy seen today. What was the first main Alaskan cash cr...
The summer visitor season is upon us and so we delve into another educational travel episode. On today's program, we discuss 20 travel trends that are taking place in the Last Frontier. We nerd out on numbers for a bit and then share some of the types of travel trends unique to Alaska that keep bringing visitors up in increasing volume. Our main sponsor of the podcast, Sunny Cove Kayaking owner and newest president of the Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Stephanie Millane, joins...
Seward, Alaska was established on an alluvial fan in the Kenai Fjords where mountains shoot straight into the ocean. Surrounded by features that make it hard to develop and built on a land feature known for flooding, Seward has had its challenges over the years as it attempts to grow. As Seward prepares for its future growth, the town has embarked on the process to update its Comprehensive Plan and so for today's episode, we invite the Seward City Planner, Courtney Bringhurst, on the program ...
Alaska has a vibrant live music scene especially in the summer months. On today's episode, we explore some of our favorite bands and spots to get away and enjoy some great music in the Last Frontier. What type of dancing does Andrew need to learn? Where does Danny rank the song, A Whole New World? And how did Jared burst his appendix while listening to live music?! It's the episode you'll jam out to! Alaskan Beer of the Week: Forget Wee Not Heavy by Denali Brewing Company Music By: Blackwate...
We have a listener who will be traveling to Seward this summer and was interested in hearing about local camping recommendations in the area. Since we love getting episode requests, join us today as we discuss our favorite spots to set up camp in and around the place we call home in Seward, Alaska. Why does Seward have so much waterfront camping? How important is it to reserve a spot ahead of time? And what's our personal favorite spot to camp?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your tent!...
This episode drops the day before President's Day which got us asking the question, how many presidents have visited the Last Frontier State of Alaska? While there have been numerous presidential stopovers in Alaska to refuel Air Force One, join us as we explore the stories behind all the presidential visits of Presidents who visited Alaska while in office and got out and about to spend some time in this place we call home. Who was the first sitting president to visit Alaska? Which president ...