I Went to the Woods

Ryan "Cal" Callaghan (Meateater, First Lite) discusses balancing new fatherhood with leading Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He explains why there is really no such thing as isolated conservation issues, the newest threats to public land and why informed advocacy, and responsible storytelling (including social media) can mobilize communities to protect habitat, stay engaged with policy, and have a meaningful seat at the table. 

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In this episode Margaret Stern tells about her experience building a remote cabin in Interior Alaska—buying land sight unseen, living in a teepee, sourcing and milling local timber, and improvising foundations and finishes in extreme conditions.

She also discusses a new lakeside property, plans for a timber-frame sauna as phase one, tool recommendations, community support in Talkeetna, and practical considerations like water, foundations, and wildlife.

This is a repost from last year since cabin building is taking up most of my headspace and people have been asking about builds around the state. 

Journalist James Brooks discusses life reporting across Alaska—from biking through -40 winters to covering the state’s evolving politics. He explains how declining oil revenue, maintenance backlogs, and understaffed agencies have pushed Alaska toward difficult budget choices. We discuss the push for a Trans-Alaska gas pipeline and proposed tax breaks, the role of mining and tourism, the  ballot fights over ranked-choice voting and campaign finance, and how social media and technology have changed local journalism.

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Finally, the recap of the trip to Bristol Bay and fishing at Last Cast Lodge on the Kvichak River. I talk about expectations, the difference between a general set up for a stitch rod and one specifically designed for two-handed casting, threats to Bristol Bay and the sad state of downtown Anchorage. 

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Ketchikan resident Larry Jackson and I discuss the realities of building a remote Alaska cabin — from digging footings through muskeg and timing tides to unloading bundles by boat and getting help from a buddy with a landing craft. We cover practical lessons on logistics, dock and launch etiquette, dealing with weather and materials, the joys and pitfalls of DIY projects, and why knowing your goals matters more than romanticizing remote life.

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Ketchikan High School graduate Eddie Gomez earned degrees in economics and political science at American University. In this episode we discuss his college adjustment, internships (including working with Sen. Murkowski), the role of AI/ChatGPT in research and interview prep, concerns about modern higher education, and the value of summer jobs.

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From the Last Cast Lodge on the Kvichak river, the Walton family shares their favorite fishing memories, commercial fishing, buying and running their Bristol Bay lodge, family traditions, and the decisions that made their dream possible. The episode covers guiding moments on the water, financial discipline and legacy, community ties, conservation concerns like Pebble Mine, and how family bonds keep the lodge and lifestyle thriving.

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It's travel angling time, so here's a repost of the episode I did with Dagen Walton from Last Change lodge on the Kvichak river in the legendary Bristol Bay region of Alaska. He explains choices for rods, reels, lines, leaders, sink tips, and flies, and how they shape on-river performance.

We cover casting methods, swing and indicator tactics, hookset timing, essential boat and pack setups, and travel tips—clear, experience-based guidance for anglers wanting to fish smarter and with more confidence.

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Lou Tamposi and I talk about the joys of early-summer light, a frustrating turkey season, birthday traditions, and family life, while planning fishing and cabin projects in Alaska. We also touch on teaching end-of-year challenges, favorite meals and books, and broader concerns about technology, sustainability, and staying connected to where our food comes from.

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In this episode, journalist and author Sara Kehaulani Goo discusses her book Kuleana: A Story of Family, Land and Legacy in Old Hawaii. She summarizes the story of how a shocking tax increase on land granted to her family 175 years ago nearly cost them the property. The story is highly relatable as wealthy non-locals gobble up land which prices out many locals in tourist destinations like Hawaii and Southeast Alaska. We also talk about her journalism career across major outlets, the rise of creator-driven media, potential uses and risks of AI for reporting, and practical advice for aspiring journalists.

Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska.

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