Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

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.

Today’s show was inspired by Earth Day and how humans can minimize their impact on the planet. We're joined by the Network Connector for Anchor Gardens, a local group that has their hands in all sorts of eco-friendly projects like co-op gardens, tiny homes, and “stockpile” stations.

For generations, people around the world have turned to heat and steam for healing, connection, and ritual—most famously in places like Finland, where sauna is a way of life. But long before modern wellness trends, Indigenous communities here in Alaska practiced their own forms of “steaming,” using traditional sweat lodges as part of physical, spiritual, and communal well-being.

Today, we’re seeing a powerful revival of sauna culture, blending ancient traditions with contemporary health and lifestyle trends. From wood-fired saunas to cold plunges in icy waters, the hot–cold ritual is gaining new attention across the state and beyond.

In this conversation, we explore the deep history, cultural roots and modern resurgence of sauna—and what it means to Alaskans today.

On this episode, we sweep you into the surprisingly cool world of curling—where things heat up on the ice. Curling might look like a simple game of sliding stones across ice, but it’s a sport rich in history, strategy, and surprising science.

Originating centuries ago in Scotland, curling has grown into a global sport and a fan favorite at the Winter Olympics. Here in Anchorage, a dedicated community of curlers and volunteers keeps that tradition alive, welcoming newcomers and seasoned players alike.

We explore how the game works, the fascinating physics behind that signature “curl” and the local stories that make curling in Alaska so unique.

On this episode we celebrate Women’s History Month by showcasing some Alaska women who were honored at the 2026 ATHENA Awards. The awards are given to only a select few women that have shown professional excellence, commitment to community and leadership potential. We hear from the founder of the Anchorage chapter of the ATHENA Society, Eleanor Andrews and this year's leadership award winner, Dr. Anne Zink. We also get to know two more ATHENA Society inductees from this year.

Falconry is where tradition and modern skill "take flight," and falconers prove that mastering it is never just "winging it." Falconry is the ancient art of hunting in partnership with a trained bird of prey, and it has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. In Alaska, falconry takes on a unique character, shaped by the state’s vast landscapes, wildlife and strong hunting traditions. From tundra to forest, Alaska provides an ideal environment for birds like falcons and hawks to thrive and hunt. Today, falconry in Alaska is both a living tradition and a tool for conservation, education, and deep connection to the natural world.