Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

On today’s show we celebrate Black History Month. Although we only have about a week of February left, there are still lots of ways to do that. Hear from two members of the Alaska Black Caucus to find out what their role is in our state, what their focus is in a time where racial tensions have risen to new heights and to learn about the upcoming Bettye Davis African American Summit.

Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so it seemed fitting to be joined by Paloma Pavel. She is the co-author of the book “Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty.” At first glance, the book looks like children’s literature, but is a parable, of sorts, showing how through small acts, we can break away from behaviors that lead to violence and war by making new choices and working together. Pavel’s co-author Anne Herbert is credited with coining the phrase “random kindness and senseless acts of beauty” back in 1982 and the words and sentiment spread from there.Paloma Pavel moved to Anchorage about two years ago and works on Providence Hospital’s Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education Team.Later in the show we hear about Alaska Public Media's project honoring people giving back the the community called "Every Little Bit."

This weekend is Valentine’s Day, and while many couples will be spending a night out at a restaurant or hitting the theaters for the newest romcom, we at Hometown, Alaska thought it would be fun to plan the perfect date night in. Going out is great and all but it can be stressful and expensive, so why not put on some clothes that are actually comfortable and play a card game, or make a new and exciting cocktail?If that sounds like a date night that is more your speed, then you’re going to love our guests. We hear from a local mixologist, who will be sharing the perfect Valentine’s Day drink, and from a local games expert, who shares the best games to play with that special someone.

This week, we step inside Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Denéłchin Fab Lab, where Alaska Native youth are exploring cutting-edge technology and hands-on creativity. We talk with CITC staff about their mission, the programs shaping future leaders, and the incredible projects happening in the lab.CITC is a nonprofit organization that serves Alaska Native and Native American people in the Anchorage and Cook Inlet region through programs focused on education, employment, recovery and family support. Its mission centers on empowering individuals and strengthening community wellness, culture and self-determination.The Denéłchin Fab Lab is part of CITC’s education and youth development efforts, offering a hands-on, high-tech space where students explore STEM, digital fabrication, and creative problem-solving. Together, they support the next generation by blending innovation, culture, and learning in a way that uplifts the whole community.

Have you ever wanted to learn the game of chess or sharpen your skills? Last year, the Alaska Chess Federation was accepted on a national level, giving Alaska its first state chapter in more than half of a decade. It brings local chess players together, as well as represents Alaska on the national level. On this episode, host Dave Waldron speaks with a Chess Federation member from Palmer about how to get involved in the game locally, as well as the social and cognitive benefits of playing chess. HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Anthony Irsik, board member of the Alaska Chess Federation, Palmer Chess Club

The Mat-Su Borough is home to some of the toughest running races in the state. including the Mat Peak Challenge each August and the Susitna 100 in the frigid winter. Now one runner-turned-race director is working to expand the region’s running events into new options, including ultra-distance and trail races designed to be newcomer-friendlyIn this episode, we talk to race director Heidi Quinn about her newly launched company Black Wolf Endurance, expanding the sport to more individuals across our state and what is so special about runners and racing in Mat-Su.HOST: Amy BushatzGUEST: Heidi Quinn

On this episode we look back on some of the show’s best moments of 2025. From winter beekeeping to making music with solar radiation, we’ve covered some really interesting Alaskans and how they make this state such a unique and fantastic place to live.HOSTS:Dave WaldronKim Sherry

Alaska has a rich homesteading history that stretches back to the early 1900s, when settlers came north in search of freedom, self-reliance and a new start. After World War II, the Homestead Act opened up millions of acres here, offering land to anyone willing to build a life in some of the harshest, most beautiful conditions on Earth. Though the official homestead era ended in the 1980s, the spirit of that lifestyle still lives on today in people who choose to trade convenience for connection and comfort for independence.Our guest today is one of those modern homesteaders. Living off-grid near Talkeetna, he’s built his own home, raises his own food and in one of the most unique Alaskan experiences you’ll find, he invites visitors to come and share a hug with his herd of gentle Highland cows.We hear about what it takes to live this kind of life, how he made it happen and why something as simple as hugging a cow can make such a deep impact.HOST: Kim SherryGUESTS: Carmelo Panucci, Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsBodie Panucci, second-generation Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsLINKS:Alaska Highland HugsInstagram

"The Nutcracker" ballet, which takes place at the Performing Arts Center, has become a tradition of many Anchorage residents as a way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas season. To celebrate its 35th year, we hear from two members of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, including a musician who plays the celeste (don’t worry if you don’t know what that is, you'll find out.), and from the Anchorage Concert Association. They are the group responsible for coordinating "The Nutcracker" performance that many of us get to enjoy this time of year.SHOW INFO:Atwood Concert Hall:Friday, November 28, 2025 @ 2:00pmFriday, November 28, 2025 @ 7:30pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 2:00pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 7:30pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 1:00pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 5:30pmHOST: Dave WaldronGUESTS:Mitchell Hanson, Communications Director, Anchorage Concert AssociationKathryn Easley, Event Manager, Anchorage Concert AssociationSusan Wingrove-Reed, Principal Pianist, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraNick Cooper, Executive Director, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraLINKS:Anchorage Concert AssociationAnchorage Symphony OrchestraEugene Ballet TICKETS