Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

Alaska is full of incredible wild foods, but knowing what's edible—and what's not—takes knowledge, patience and a sharp eye. On this episode, we hit the trail with local foraging expert, Matt Worden, owner of Go Hike Alaska, to learn what nature has to offer, how to forage safely and why gathering wild foods is about so much more than just filling your basket.

As a bonus for the podcast, Kim shares some recipes to try with foraged foods.

In the past year or so you may have heard the name Tails on Trails. It’s a program offered by Anchorage Animal Care and Control that lets you come and check out a dog, much like you would a library book. You are then allowed to take that dog home with you for up to 48 hours. The hope is that not only will these dogs be given enrichment and companionship while they wait for adoption, but that adoptions will be more likely to happen with those people that are taking the dogs for a test run.

For many people pets are family, so it's no surprise we love celebrating them with healthy treats and a few special indulgences. On this episode we visit Daisy Nicolas of Drool Central, Anchorage's own "mum-and-pup barkery." We learn how one local entrepreneur turned her passion for dogs into a thriving business while giving back to the community through a unique partnership with the Anchorage School District's Adult Community Transition Program. We talk about dog treats, entrepreneurship, pet nutrition and why this one-of-a-kind bakery has become a favorite destination for Alaska's four-legged friends and the people who love them.

On this episode we sit down with a member of Anchorage’s Hmong community to learn about their rich history, traditions and journey to Alaska. From Hmong New Year celebrations to favorite foods and the lively weekend market at Pena Park, we explore what makes this culture so vibrant and unique. This is a conversation that celebrates community, heritage and connection right here in Anchorage.

As of Monday, teachers are in the classrooms and on Wednesday, school will begin for most K-12 students in the Anchorage School District. As usual, this year will bring many challenges. Last April voters rejected not one, but two ballots aimed at funding ASD. So what does that mean for the 2026 school year’s staff and program offerings? And what can parents, teachers and students look forward to as they head back to the classrooms?

On this episode, we use all of our wits, composure and sleuthing skills for the world of escape rooms. Maybe you’ve done an escape room yourself, or maybe you’ve just heard of them. And if you’ve never heard of them, then you’re in for a treat because not only do we hear from the founder of Escape! Alaska, we take you, the listener, into an audio escape room where you can join in the fun from the comfort of your car or your home.

On this episode we look ahead to a staple of live music and a symbol of summertime in Alaska with Salmonfest. It's an annual concert series that takes place every summer in Ninilchik. The event draws in loads of national and local bands, and thousands of Alaskans from all of over the state to converge on the small Kenai Peninsula community. This year will mark the 15th year of the festival taking place this weekend.

On this episode, we're soaking in all that summer has to offer with a special program dedicated to the many events happening in the Anchorage area over the next few months. Whether it’s a new event our city has never seen, or a recurring weekly event that you should be sure to catch at least one time before summer is over, we’ve got you covered. We'll also discuss Alaska Public Media's weekly events roundup "The Anchorage Weekender."

This week on Hometown Alaska, we’re joined by marine biologist Tim Sands to share what it’s like working at the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable fisheries—and appearing in the new PBS series “Shared Planet.” From the waters of Bristol Bay, we’ll uncover why this fishery continues to thrive when so many others are under pressure. Plus, a closer look at how Alaska’s approach to sustainability is shaping the global conversation around the future of fishing.

It's almost time for summer, and we know what some of you might be thinking, “there’s still snow on the ground, why are we already talking about summer?” Well, now is the time for parents and providers to be registering their kids for summer camps.

It’s not a secret that Alaska has a child-care shortage and many of our summer camps fill up fast. Thankfully, there are a ton of options out there; everything from single day camps, to one-week programs and even a few places that offer child-care and enrichment for the entire summer.

On today’s show we be talk about every kind of camp you can find, whether it is a niche interest or something more general.