In this episode Douglas Paton shares his journey from aspiring video game programmer to writer contributing to magazines like National Geographic and Men's Journal. Douglas reflects on his early struggles in journalism, his move from Ontario to the scenic landscapes of British Columbia, and the immersive experiences that inspire his storytelling. C…

Larry Jackson shares his story of a capsizing incident in the summer of 1996. Larry also touches on the changing landscape of marine technology, the importance of preparedness, and the risks fishermen face daily. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount…

In this episode Marshall Johnson discusses the challenges and triumphs of fundraising and forming new Blacktail Deer Foundation chapters in Kodiak, Sitka, and Prince of Wales. He breaks down chapter needs, conservation goals and event planning. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alask…

Tom Seaton is a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Wood Bison Project. In this episode we discuss the differences between wood bison and plains bison, biology and behavior of each, their adaptation, social behaviors, and resilience against predators. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, fea…

Jaden Bales is the founder of Hunt West, a hunt preparation service for hunting in the West. In this episode we discuss the pros and cons of preference point systems that many Lower 48 states have adopted and some are attempting to modify thanks to point creep and hunter frustration. The discussion shifts to resident vs. non-resident dynamics, expe…

ADF&G biologist Ross Dorendorf talks about all things deer in Southeast Alaska. He shares insights about the impact of bad winters, carrying capacity and overall population health. Ross breaks down the impact of poor habitat caused by same-age second growth trees and the collaborative efforts involving various agencies working to improve deer forag…

Juneau resident Matt Boline and I discuss the life of a high school coach in Alaska, fishing tactics for steelhead and Trout Unlimited conservation projects in Southeast Alaska. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The W…

In this episode, Larry Jackson and I talk about growing up boating in the Alaskan wilderness. We discuss how seeing tragedies impacted our risk tolerance, the unpredictability of adventure and balancing thrill and caution in the face of the wild. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Ala…

In this episode, writer Katie Hill discusses the complexities of outdoor writing and content creation. We talk about the evolution of outdoor media in the past 30 years, the process behind crafting stories that resonate, and how the changing dynamics of media platforms like Substack are offering exciting new opportunities for writers. Katie shares …

In this episode, Mark Kenyon delves into his journey from high school senior to a successful outdoor enthusiast and entrepreneur. We discuss him leaving a job at Google to pursue Wired to Hunt, a platform that eventually became his career, and his book That Wild Country. Mark shares insights on making methodical life decisions, embracing challenges…

In this episode, entrepreneur and author Danny Lehr and I discuss his first book Win Your Next Hour. We discuss high income skills, why it's important to have at least one, opportunities that come with seeking challenges, similarities between weightlifting, business, and the need for consistency and dedication across different life pursuits. Danny …

Abby and I discuss the impact of environment, family, and friends on educational experiences. We talk about the pressure of performing in a prestigious Boston suburb where Ivy League dreams are fostered and compare it to the close-knit, resourceful communities of Alaska. We breakdown the need for balancing academic pursuits with practical skills an…

In this episode Abby and I recap 2024 - skiing, camping, hiking and fishing in Juneau, fishing on Prince of Wales Island, hunting after Haleigh was born and what hunting tags we won't draw in 2025. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alask…

In this episode, Seawind Aviation owner Steve Kamm shares his family's fishing history and how he found his true calling in the skies. Steve recounts his early days in Ketchikan, from carefree childhood memories of biking and baseball to the pivotal moments that steered him towards aviation. Steve also reflects on the past and present of Ketchikan'…

Adam Krick and Nathan Endicott share their August blacktail deer adventure in the wild alpine of Southeast Alaska. We discuss the three years of planning, the balance between chasing the thrill of the hunt and maintaining safety. We also discuss the complex emotions of departure, nurturing our adventurous spirit, and the profound impact these exper…

Dave White is a retired commercial fisherman and teacher from Ketchikan. In this episode he recounts his early experiences as a novice commercial fisherman, navigating the obstacles of gillnetting and longlining. We also discuss the hardships of being in the classroom for five days then on the water for two during the edges of the school year. Chec…

Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project In this episode we talk about the journey to 200 podcast episodes and how creating content became second nature. In December of 2023 Daniel had total knee replacement and then drew a coveted mountain goat tag which drove his rehab. We discuss that hunt then the moose hunt shortly thereafter. We…

Matt and Heather Ozerkov are the owners of a unique lodge and mobile sauna business in Seward, Alaska. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and joys of owning a lodge, the inspiration behind their mobile saunas, and their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. They emphasize the importance of dreaming big, persever…

Sam and Lauren are the owners of Ketchikan's newest coffee place, Island Brew Cafe. In this episode we discuss their journey to the Dominican Republic to find the right coffee beans, the importance of quality ingredients in good food, bacon, breakfast burritos and other food offerings including gluten free options. We also discuss their move from F…

Bjorn Dihle is an accomplished writer and wildlife film guide from Juneau. In this episode Bjorn shares his journey into writing, his career as a wildlife film guide, the challenges of filming in Alaska's rugged landscapes, particularly with brown bears, and the importance of maintaining safety and respect for wildlife. The conversation takes a dee…

Having Melissa Castle on the podcast to talk about wild Alaskan mountain goat hunts is becoming an annual thing. In this episode we recap her hunt with Marian Giannulis (another adventurous Alaskan who happened to have the tag) which involved, among other things, traversing a glacier and the billy falling off a cliff. Check out the On Step Alaska w…

Sage Marshall is a freelance journalist and writer for Field and Stream. He is also the author of Echolocation his first book. In this episode we discuss writing, clickbait content, Field and Stream’s product testing methodology, fly fishing, Gila trout and his book. Here is the link to the Field and Stream fly rod test mentioned. Check out the On …

Ryan John and I recap his fly out moose hunt in interior Alaska from September. We discuss good hunting buddies, breaking down moose, packing, hanging meat, hunting calibers and the details of the hunt itself. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrus…

Kyle Wilkinson recaps his moose hunting program. We discuss calling, rut activity, scouting, hunting possible high-traffic areas, caliber, moose population and his successful moose hunt. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned bu…

Kyle Wilkinson from Bear Paw River Guides is back to recap the summer fly fishing season. We discuss the runs and also dive into waders, fly line, wading boots, rods, reels and of course flies. If you're thinking about spending your Perm Fund check on fly fishing gear, or if you're in the Lower 48 and you're working on the Christmas list, listen to…

Harrison Gottschling recaps his caribou hunt, making friends at air strips, his favorite ways to eat game meat, journaling and being attacked by owls.על ידי On Step Alaska

Carson Keys was born and raised in Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about leaving the state and returning. We also discuss making the most out of opportunities, favorite hunts, rain gear, and the role of advocacy groups like Safari Club International where he works. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, featu…

Joey Karlik grew up in Ketchikan ('18) and is a graduate of Texas ('22). After college Joey worked at Popeye's, then a mailroom and is now an assistant at a talent agency that represents comedians. In this episode we discuss his creative journey so far, favorite movies, remakes, sequels and the short film he finished and submitted to festivals this…

Tyler Freel is a Fairbanks resident, sheep hunting veteran, gun enthusiast and staff writer for Outdoor Life. In this episode we talk about all of the above and dive into hunter access issues despite Alaska being 90% public. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the spo…

Brayden and Degan Linne recap their Southeast Alaska August hunting adventures. We discuss hunting in the heat, crowded fly outs, gear, finding bucks and the best time of day to find bucks. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned…

Sena and Rich Wheeler join me to talk about Sena Sea Wild Alaska Fish and 60 North Seafoods, their commercial fishing business (based out of Cordova) that encapsulates all levels of a fish sale, from catching and processing to selling and shipping. We talk about the current state of salmon runs, proper care and battling Lower 48 stereotypes regardi…

Harrison Gottschling recaps his opening day walk-in sheep hunt and we discuss expectations, isolation and slowing down.על ידי On Step Alaska

Freelance writer Katie Hill and I discuss her start in the outdoor writing industry, the importance of nuance in the hunting conversation, hunters as "environmentalists" but not the antagonistic variety, influencers, authenticity and stories she likes to write. Katie has written for Meateater, Outdoor Life and is the managing editor of The Westrn. …

Ryan and I recap the mixed results we had on our blacktail deer opening hunts. We discuss hunting in the heat, positioning, water, losing gear, lucky bucks and unexpectedly deploying bear spray.על ידי On Step Alaska

Ryan John and I preview the beginning of the alpine hunting season in Southeast Alaska. We discuss scouting, physical fitness, tactics, coping with the rain, choosing camp locations and morning routines on the mountain.על ידי On Step Alaska

Tonya Busse grew up in Klawock and now teaches in Jamaica. In this episode we discuss her king salmon, triathlons, being active after high school and unruly children on planes.על ידי On Step Alaska

In this solo episode I read a draft of one of the short essays that will appear in my next book and give the rough outline of the remarks I will make at the author's talk I will be giving at the Craig Public Library July 12, which you will not be able to hear since by the time this podcast airs, it will be over.…

Harrison Gottschling and I breakdown telecommunications, parenting styles in the age of social media/smartphones and our favorite Alaskan books.על ידי On Step Alaska

Dante Troina is the Assistant Shore Excursions Manager for Norwegian Cruise Lines on the Norwegian Bliss, a 1000-foot, 4,600 passenger cruise ship. In this episode we discuss him leaving college for a job in the cruise lines, seeing the world, taking advantage of opportunities, organizing tourists, and the importance of networking and people skills…

Trout Unlimited's Matt Boline and I recap the stream survey we did in the Juneau area earlier this month. We discuss salmon populations, spawning habitat, education and the importance of collecting information on even the smallest rivers in Southeast.על ידי On Step Alaska

David Coggins is the author of The Optimist and The Believer, two books about fly fishing I absolutely recommend. In this episode we discuss destination angling, expectations, changes in media, social media and audiobooks.על ידי On Step Alaska

Triston Chaney is a commercial fisherman and fly fishing guide in Dillingham. In this episode we talk about his childhood in Dillingham, how he got into guiding, the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy, his favorite flies and how unpopular and destructive Pebble Mine would be.על ידי On Step Alaska

David Dance is a fly fishing guide and avid steelhead angler. In this episode we talk about his steelhead season, guiding in Bristol Bay, why Pebble Mine is a bad idea and catastrophic toxic spills in California and Colorado.על ידי On Step Alaska

Hannah Moody is a 2022 graduate of Ketchikan High School and charter captain. In this episode we talk about fishing for kings, getting her captain's license, why she chose a 2-year rather than 4-year university for college, people skills, docking and how clients react to a young female guide.על ידי On Step Alaska

Cory Hansen from Alaska Fly Fishing Goods (Juneau) and I talk steelhead, trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead set ups, flies, water depth, temperature and all things fly fishing.על ידי On Step Alaska

In this episode Mary Glaves, Ryan Schuman and I discuss the latest proposals involving a second bridge from Juneau to Douglas Island through the Mendenhall Wetlands, the road to Ambler, our favorite hunts and the goals of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.על ידי On Step Alaska

In this solo episode I breakdown my favorite places to eat in Southeast Alaska as well as Anchorage. I also recommend the top sights to see for those on vacation. This is kind of a feeler episode and if it hits then I will go into more depth or do a follow-up.על ידי On Step Alaska

Casey McConnell is a Hoonah resident and in this episode we talk about spring activities such as steelhead fishing, grouse hunting, assessing the snowpack and preparing for the tourism season. His family owns Glacier Wind Charters and he guides whale watching and wildlife viewing tours.על ידי On Step Alaska

Travis Boughton is a filmmaker and father of four. In this episode we recap his recently released Stone Glacier film Ursidae, calling in black bear, how to stay adventurous after becoming a father, and dealing with hunting pressure.על ידי On Step Alaska

Kelly Reynolds is a pilot, photographer and hunter from Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about women hunters, what happens when someone is at the airstrip you intended to hunt, ethics, her 1949 Piper PA-14 and how to photograph the northern lights.על ידי On Step Alaska