After first arriving in Alaska, I returned home and devoured all the resources I could about the state. Memoirs, history works, anthropological works on early peoples, and documentaries were among some of the things that satiated my curiosity and brought about the Spirit of Alaska. Not much has changed since that time 5 years ago. In recent years, I, like many, have become interested in podcasts, a way in which to listen and learn in a different medium and on a somewhat more intimate level. However, I have been disappointed that there was not podcast that fueled my Alaska curiosity. There are bits and pieces here and there. The radio show Encounters with Richard Nelson is educational and entertaining but has been discontinued. The Firn Line offers good content, but is primarily focused on the climbing and adventure world. So I decided to do something about it.
I’d like to present Inside Alaska, my podcast about Alaska’s people, land and history. In this podcast we’ll dive deep into Alaska, exploring all its facets. I’ll talk with longtime residents of the state and share their stories, others who have gone on grand adventures, researchers and their studies, and events that have shaped the state and the land.
My first episode is a discussion I had with Dave Cramer. Dave lives and works on his homestead about 40 miles west of Tok. He has led quite the life, pursuing the subsistence lifestyle while also raising a family and starting his own consulting business.
The audio for the interview is not as great as it should be. Due to poor planning, I made some technical mistakes that resulted in poor audio quality. Many disheartening lessons learned. It is listenable, and Dave’s story is definitely worth hearing. I extend my apologies in advance.
Tune in and listen about moving to Alaska by horse, following wolf packs by snowshoe and getting stuck in severe overflow. And that’s just the first 20 minutes. Other topics include the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic, establishing a consulting business in remote Alaska and advice for younger generations.
If you have any feedback, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I am new to this medium and am learning each day. I kick myself for not asking certain questions or asking the wrong questions but I know it’s just part of the process.
I still have some work to do with regards to the site. It’s fairly bare. But this is to get the ball rolling and get going.
OK that’s enough for now. Hope you enjoy!
