Remembering Ruben Gaines

Ruben Gaines defined Alaska for local Alaskans through his broadcasts, writings, poetry and cartoons. Ruben created a mythical icon, Chilkoot Charlie, who gained notoriety when it became name of a world renowned rustic saloon in Anchorage, Chilkoot Charlie's, owned by Mike Gordon. Mike wrote a book, DAGNABIT!, that talks about Ruben Gaines and 25 year friendship. You'll find Mike's books and interviews on our Big Alaska Show Book Review section!

Ruben's son, Phil Gaines, also joins us to share stories about his dad and entertaining stories about Ruben Gaines!

Check out the podcast!

Alaska Broadcast Character: Bob Lester  

Bob Lester Pic.jpg

Alaska has a legacy of colorful broadcast characters. Bob Lester is one of those. A longtime morning drive personality on KWHL 106.5 FM, www.kwhl.com, Bob’s contributions to the community are too many to mention. Toys for Tots is one he’s most proud and he’s creator of the most popular event of the Fur Rendezvous(Fur Rondy)Running of the Reindeer. He started on TV as Kid Fox of the Fox Kid's Club - and then spinning records at the Cattle Company's bar at night - a tale of double lives leads to some interesting stories! Get co-host, Mike Ford and Bob Lester with year’s broadcast history experience together talking Alaska broadcast shop, and you get a fun show!