Iditarod History-Tales Abound!

Hear today's full show podcast!

The Iditarod has a rich history - and we're talking a gold history! That's why we bring historian and author, Steve Levy, to share tales of the Iditarod and the Alaska Gold Rush going on at the time!

You'll also find his book, "The Human Face of the Alaska Gold Rush: It Was a Righteous Time With Saints And Scoundrels Living Side By Side" on our Big Alaska Show Book Review Section.

Plus, we share a gold nugget memory with an interview with Alaska's Balladeer, Hobo Jim, we did back in 2008.   

Hobo Jim 2008

Listen to our interview from 2008 with Hobo Jim!

Wildfires, Fly Fishing and Novels

Lolo Paige fought wildfires. Years later she authored her Blazing Hearts Wildfire Series novels.

Set in Alaska, Lolo's stories revolve around the wildfire industry where men and women work closely as teams to face life-threatening situations. Throw in some sizzling relationships and you have a page turning novel that ends to quickly with readers seeking more. So, Lolo obliges.

She adds Alaska Blaze and a lighthearted comedy Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart you'll find in our Book Review Section

Joe Jackson, talks about his book, It's Only Fishing: Tales of Alaska, fly fishing and young adulthood. You’ll find his book, links and extended podcast in our Book Review Section. 

Because fly fishers are so passionate, we asked our Science Guy, Dr. Gordon Snyder, to join us. He became one of the foremost authorities on water science because of his love for fly fishing. We're not sure if the interview is about Joe's book or fly fishing!

Hear the full podcast!

2022 New Year's Eve Show

Mike Ford and I close out our 16th season with a fun-filled show featuring clips from past shows with interviews, skits, tall Alaska Tales and outtakes.

Guests include, Dr. Gordon Snyder with the Snot-Bot. Vic Fischer, Charles Wohlforth and Willie Hensley voice "creative" Big Alaska Show commercials. Plus, outtakes and a Tall Alaska Tale help fill out the show.

Check out the podcast!

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!

Author Eric Wade: A Life Living in Alaska's Wilderness

Our Big Alaska Book Club interviews author, Eric Wade, about his books, Cabin and Upstream. Eric and his wife, Doylanne, came to Alaska in the late 70's and for the last 35 years travel over 200 river miles twice per year to live in a remote cabin Eric built.

These books tell the story of those experiences surrounded by Alaska's wildlife, wilderness and solitude from the time as a young couple raising their young family to a time facing the challenges of aging.

Check out our Big Alaska Book Review section for links and to hear the interview podcast with Eric Wade.

Podcast interview with Eric and our Big Alaska Show Book Club panel: