Capital Chat

On this episode of Capital Chat, representatives Ryan and Sean join host Cliff Dumas to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. They explain how to purchase derby tickets, outline a record prize pool valued at more than $100,000 and highlight major prizes, including a Lund boat package, a Polaris Sportsman ATV and cash awards. The conversation also explores the derby’s lasting community impact through the Territorial Sportsmen Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded more than $2 million to students pursuing college and trade-school education. Plus, hear how live digital weigh-in results will work and why longtime KINY broadcaster Kelly Peres is being honored during this milestone year.

On this episode of Capital Chat, host Cliff Dumas welcomes longtime KINY broadcaster Kelly Peres to preview the 80th annual Golden North Salmon Derby. Peres reflects on the honor of having this year’s derby dedicated to him, shares memories from more than five decades of coverage and offers a glimpse of the legendary Maggie Hall $100,000 salmon story. They also discuss KINY’s expanded dock-to-dock “Salmon Bowl” coverage, the traditions that make the derby uniquely Southeast Alaskan and how donated scholarship fish help Territorial Sportsmen support local students pursuing a college education.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Angel Montgomery speaks with Deputy City Clerk Andy Hirsch and Phil from the City and Borough of Juneau about the upcoming municipal election. They explain candidate filing deadlines, qualifications for Assembly and Board of Education seats, the time commitment involved in serving and why residents from a wide range of backgrounds should consider running. The conversation also covers the differences between municipal and state elections, opportunities to serve on CBJ boards and commissions, ways to participate in public meetings and why every resident’s voice matters in local government.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Justin Miller speaks with Eaglecrest Director of Snowsports Erin Lupro about preparations for the 2026–27 ski season. Lupro previews Eaglecrest’s first Christmas in July celebration, featuring live music, season-pass sales, prize drawings and information about the July payment-plan option. The conversation also covers the growth of Eaglecrest’s summer camps, chairlift and trail maintenance, upcoming winter employment opportunities, the arrival of new General Manager Julie Jackson Piper and the operating schedule planned for the coming season. Plus, hear details about Discovery Eaglecrest Day, snowsports registration and the return of Eaglecrest’s popular haunted house.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Justin Miller speaks with City and Borough of Juneau emergency officials Ryan O’Shaughnessy, Sarah McDonald and Phil Huebschen about preparations for the 2026 glacial lake outburst flood. The conversation covers the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation framework, expanded HESCO barrier protection, high-capacity pumps, updated evacuation maps and Saturday sandbag distribution at Diamond Park. They also explain how residents can prepare go bags, find shelter information, access the new flood hotline and sign up for CBJ emergency alerts. Flood Hotline: 907 500 0890. Sign up for emergency alerts here and for a full list of resources visit Kinyradio.com.

On this episode of Capital Chat, guest host Angel Montgomery speaks with James from the Aurora Grand Theater about bringing new life to Juneau’s historic downtown movie house at 222 Front Street. James shares the vision for transforming the theater into more than a place to watch movies, creating a community gathering space for live performances, special events, first jobs and memorable nights out. They also preview the theater’s Christmas in July presentation of Die Hard, upcoming films and drag performances, new lounge-style seating, membership options and plans for future partnerships throughout downtown Juneau.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas is joined by Charlotte Truett, Executive Director of the Juneau Symphony, for a look back at a strong season and a look ahead to what’s next.

Charlotte shares highlights from the Symphony’s first season with new Music Director Brad Hogarth, including strong attendance, growing community engagement, and exciting momentum heading into the next concert season. She also previews the Juneau Symphony’s Wildlife Cruise fundraiser on July 19, featuring live music from Symphony musicians, whale watching with Allen Marine, wine tasting, and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind experiences—including the chance to conduct the orchestra.

This episode also covers upcoming summer strings camp opportunities for young musicians, the return of holiday programming, and how community members can support the Juneau Symphony through tickets, memberships, and season subscriptions.

Learn more or get tickets at juneausymphony.org.

What if the secret to seeing the world differently was simply slowing down?

In this episode, bestselling author Patrick Bringley joins us to discuss his remarkable journey from the bustling halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to becoming the author of the internationally acclaimed memoir All the Beauty in the World. After spending a decade as a museum guard surrounded by some of history's greatest works of art, Patrick discovered that true beauty isn't just found on gallery walls—it's found in learning how to pay attention.

We explore why slowing down has become such a rare skill, how art can change us when we take the time to truly experience it, and why people around the world have connected so deeply with his story. Patrick also shares insights into the inspiration behind the City Museum's Slow Beauty exhibition and why this message feels especially relevant in today's fast-paced world.

Whether you're an art lover, someone who enjoys a great human story, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on the world around you, this conversation is an invitation to pause, look closer, and rediscover the extraordinary in the everyday.

Patrick Bringley will appear for a free author talk and book signing on Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the UAS Egan Lecture Hall. Copies of All the Beauty in the World will be available while supplies last.

In this episode:

• How ten years as a Metropolitan Museum guard transformed Patrick's life
• Why "slow beauty" matters in an increasingly distracted world
• What great works of art teach us about ourselves
• The surprising lessons found in simply paying attention
• Why beauty is often hiding in plain sight

A thoughtful conversation about art, attention, gratitude, and finding wonder in everyday life.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her work studying marine mammals in Juneau, Southeast Alaska, and beyond. Dr. Pearson shares details from a recent research and teaching trip to Portugal, where UAS students gained hands-on international field experience studying dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and whales.

The conversation also dives into the Juneau Whale Health Project, a long-term collaboration studying humpback whales through photo identification, drone research, tagging, and other field methods. Dr. Pearson explains what scientists are learning about whale health, behavior, body condition, social bonds, and how changing ocean conditions could affect marine life in the years ahead.

Listeners will also hear practical ways boaters and community members can help protect whales and marine ecosystems, from slowing down around whale activity to reducing plastic waste. It’s a thoughtful and fascinating look at the complex lives of the whales that share Juneau’s waters—and why protecting them matters.

In this episode, we head across the bridge to Douglas for a look at one of Southeast Alaska’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions. Maggie and Sharon join the conversation to walk through the packed schedule of events happening July 2, 3, and 4, including bike decorating, sidewalk chalk, the soapbox car show and trials, the community picnic, fireworks, the Douglas parade, live music, food vendors, field games, sandcastle building, and the always-popular make-and-break hose race.

This year’s celebration also honors the Juneau-Douglas High School Class of 1966 as grand marshals, marking their 60th reunion and recognizing a class filled with longtime residents and familiar community names.

Listeners will hear what families need to know before heading to Douglas, including shuttle information, parade timing, parking tips, soapbox derby rules, and where to find the full event schedule. More than anything, this episode captures the heart of Douglas: a community that goes all-in, year after year, to create a Fourth of July celebration full of fun, tradition, music, food, and hometown pride.

Douglas is ready to celebrate America’s 250th, and everyone is invited.