Today is St. Patrick's Day and while many of us will be wearing green and eating corned beef and cabbage for one day, there is a much larger slice of Irish culture that is often overlooked. On the this Hometown, Alaska we explore the other patron saints of Ireland, learn how to speak Gaelic and hear some fantastic traditional Irish Music.

HOST: Dave Waldron

GUESTS:

Kate O'Dell, President, Irish Club of Alaska

Terri Mccoy, John and Vicki Lewis and Donna Feary, musicians

LINK:

Irish Club of Alaska

Ice cream holds a special place in many Alaskans' hearts. Our Alaska Native cultures have been making traditional ice cream for longer than any of us have been around. Typically made with a mixture of snow, seal oil, fish and berries, depending on the region. These days, Alaskans consume the most ice cream per capita than any other state, with an annual consumption of 3 gallons per person! So, why the obsession with ice cream?

On this episode, we visit Wild Scoops, an Anchorage micro-creamery making handcrafted Alaska ice cream. We tour the test kitchen and speak with Elissa Brown, co-founder of Wild Scoops.

HOST: Kim Sherry

GUEST: Elissa Brown, co-founder of Wild Scoops

On this episode, we dive into the latest developments of Alaska’s volcanoes, specifically Mount Spurr which was recently given a 50/50 chance of eruption. It's the closest volcano to Anchorage and currently remains at a code yellow advisory. Matt Haney, scientist in charge at Alaska Volcano Observatory, joins host Dave Waldron to delve into the science behind volcanos.

Later on the program we’ll get into some of Alaska’s history with volcanoes and the science that goes into observing and understanding them.

HOST: Dave Waldron

GUEST: Matt Haney, Scientist in Charge, Alaska Volcano Observatory

LINKS:

Alaska Volcano Observatory

USGS Volcanoes in Alaska

On this episode, host Kim Sherry speaks with Cory Stantorf, a biologist from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, to learn more about the massive moose that roam our city streets. They discuss all the moose facts you've always wanted to know, from the sounds they make to they mystery of that thing dangling from their chin.

HOST: Kim Sherry

GUEST: Cory Stantorf, biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

We've been having some amazing northern lights this year, but there are some other cosmic events happening in Anchorage that you won't need to stand outside in the cold for. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will be coming to Alaska for a presentation this summer, and is also the host of a planetarium show happening now at the Anchorage Museum. We hear from Dr. Tyson and Aaron Slonecker, the director of the planetarium.

HOST: Dave Waldron

GUESTS:

Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist, science communicator

Aaron Slonecker, director, Anchorage Museum planetarium

LINKS:

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson - “The Cosmic Perspective”

Anchorage Museum planetarium

Host Kim Sherry is joined by Elisabeth Nadin, a geologist from the Alaska Earthquake Center. They discuss the basics of what earthquakes are, how they affect the state and how we can be ready for the next one.

HOST: Kim Sherry

GUEST: Elisabeth Nadin, Geologist, Alaska Earthquake Center

LINKS:

Alaska Earthquake Center

The Great Alaska Shakeout

It seems like most Alaskans can agree that this winter stinks. Whether it’s the wind storms, the warm temperatures or lack of snow, this winter has yet to feel like one. On this Hometown, Alaska we hear from longtime meteorologist Jackie Purcell about exactly how unique this winter is, and how it stacks up to others in Anchorage's history. We’ll also look back on her 35 years of broadcasting in Alaska.

Ossie Kairaiuak is a Yup'ik storyteller, artist, dancer and musician. He also performs as a member of the "Inuit soul music" group Pamyua. On this episode Ossie sits down with host, Kim Sherry, to discuss the generational importance of storytelling, learning life lessons through traditional tales and how these stories continue through the modern age.

HOST: Kim Sherry

GUEST: Ossie Kairaiuak

LINKS:

Pamyua website

art.by.ossie Instagram

Ossie's Custom Artworks Facebook

As the days get darker and the temperatures drop, many of us like to huddle inside and play games. Whether you like card games, board games or games with words, we've got you covered. Host Dave Waldron introduces you to a local meetup group that specializes in gaming and he talks with a local card and board game shop owner about some of the most interesting games in his store.

HOST: Dave Waldron

GUESTS:

1st segment:

Anchorage Board Gaming:

Sarah Cheverie

Ellen Segal

Vennie Nemecek

2nd segment:

Andy Rogers, Owner, Tier 1 Cards & Games

LINKS:

Anchorage Board Gaming: Meetup

Tier 1 Cards & Games

On this episode host Kim Sherry speaks with cookbook editor and food journalist, Francis Lam. Lam is also host of "The Splendid Table" and judge on "The Great American Recipe." That's where Sherry first met Lam, when she was the very first contestant on the show to come from Alaska. We hear about his experience travelling in Alaska and talk about how culture shapes our love of food. Later in the show we hear ideas on incorporating Alaska ingredients in your next holiday meal.

HOST: Kim Sherry

GUEST: Francis Lam, food journalist, host of "The Splendid Table"