Mushing

What was it like racing 28-dog teams behind wooden sleds before GPS, modern braking systems, and high-tech equipment?

In this episode of The Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow sit down with one of the sport's true legends, Terry Streeper. With more than five decades in sled dog racing, Terry reflects on the evolution of sprint mushing from the 1970s through today.

He shares stories about racing across Canada, Alaska, the Midwest, and Europe, discusses why great leaders mattered more than big teams, explains how Alaskan Huskies changed over the years, and offers his thoughts on the introduction of pointer crosses into competitive racing.

The conversation also explores the decline of local races, rising costs, unpredictable winter weather, dryland racing, and what the future may hold for the sport Terry has dedicated his life to.

Whether you're a longtime musher or simply fascinated by sled dog history, this is an insightful conversation with one of sprint racing's most respected voices.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

The future of one of Norway’s most important sled dog training areas is at risk.

On this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Dr. Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with Blanka Csizmadia to discuss the fight surrounding Hamar Sled Dog Club and the trail system that has become an important training destination for sprint and mid-distance mushers in Norway and across Europe.

For decades, volunteers have maintained an extensive network of groomed trails, a clubhouse, equipment, and an arena that has hosted European and world championship competition. But years of disputes involving the privately owned land have left the club facing major legal costs and a financial crisis that could threaten its ability to continue operating.

Blanka explains how the dispute developed, why the club is now raising money, and what losing the facility could mean for sled dog sports throughout the region. She also shares why support from mushers around the world matters, even for those who may never run a team on these trails.

This episode is about more than saving one sled dog club. It is about volunteerism, access to trails, preserving mushing infrastructure, and what can happen when the larger sled dog community comes together to protect the places that keep the sport alive.

Learn more about the world of dog-powered sports at Mushing.com.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

What does it take to relocate an entire sled dog kennel across Europe in pursuit of better snow, better trails, and a better future for your dogs?

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow welcome Elsa and Frédéric Borgey, a team from one of Europe's most respected mushing teams. The couple shares their journey from France to Swedish Lapland, where they now train approximately 50 sled dogs while balancing international racing, breeding, tourism, and family life.

Frédéric discusses his decades leading the French Federation of Sled Dogs, why climate change and shrinking snow conditions forced their move north, and how he and Elsa divide responsibilities within their kennel. Elsa shares her success in La Grande Odyssée, their focus on mid-distance racing, and what it takes to prepare elite dogs for competition.

We also explore their unique kennel philosophy, from developing young prospects to caring for retired veterans, along with their training methods, breeding program, and introducing newcomers to the sport through immersive mushing experiences in Lapland.

Whether you're interested in European sled dog racing, kennel management, or learning from two lifelong mushers dedicated to their dogs, this episode offers an inside look at one of the sport's most respected teams.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

After more than four decades in sled dog racing, Norwegian musher Jo Svenstad has returned to the top of European sprint mushing. In this episode, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with Jo to discuss his remarkable comeback, his carefully preserved Alaskan bloodlines, and the breeding philosophy that helped him capture the Scandinavian Championship.

Jo explains how a trip to Alaska in 1989 shaped his kennel for generations, why he believes successful breeding starts by looking outside your own kennel, and how he balances genetics, movement, nutrition, and training to develop elite racing dogs. He also discusses the current state of open-class racing in Scandinavia, preparing young teams for championship competition, and his goals for the upcoming World Championships.

Whether you're interested in sprint racing, breeding, conditioning, or the history connecting Alaska and Scandinavia, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of Europe's most respected mushers.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

What does it take to become one of the greatest sprint mushers in history?

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with legendary sprint musher Buddy Streeper following his remarkable Triple Crown season. Buddy shares an in-depth look at his record-setting 11th Fur Rendezvous championship and explains exactly how he prepares championship-caliber sled dog teams for one of the most demanding races in the sport.

From race strategy and trail preparation to leader selection, travel logistics, split times, and race-day decision making, Buddy offers a rare behind-the-scenes masterclass on elite sprint mushing. He also discusses the challenges of racing in Anchorage, the importance of experienced lead dogs, memorable moments from this year's competition, and the teamwork that has defined the Streeper family's success for more than four decades.

Whether you're a lifelong musher, an aspiring competitor, or simply fascinated by world-class performance, this conversation provides an inside look at what separates champions from the rest of the field.

This is Part One of our exclusive series following Buddy Streeper through his Triple Crown-winning season.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with musher, race organizer, and congressional candidate Niina Baum about her journey through the world of dog-powered sports. Nina shares the story behind bringing the IFSS Dryland World Championships to Wisconsin, competing internationally in countries like Spain, Sweden, and France, and revitalizing the iconic Sled Dog Central platform.

We also discuss how leadership in mushing helped shape her approach to politics, community building, and grassroots campaigning.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Alaska musher and dog trainer Destiny Lytle to discuss her journey from working line German Shepherds to competitive sprint mushing. Destiny shares stories from racing the Fur Rondy Championships in Anchorage, running the ONAC, racing in Tanana, building a kennel with dogs from elite bloodlines, and balancing life between working dogs and sled dogs.

We also talk about training philosophy, developing young leaders in harness, and the realities of building a competitive kennel in Alaska.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

How can mushers recognize subtle warning signs before a dog becomes injured? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with Dr. Erica Boling about canine movement analysis, stride mechanics, posture, topline changes, and how to develop a sharper eye for spotting weakness early. If you race, train, or work with dogs, this conversation offers practical tools to help keep your team healthy and performing at their best.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Jody Potts-Joseph, calling in from Eagle, Alaska. With more than 40 years of experience in dog-powered travel and racing, Jody shares her deep connection to mushing as part of Athabascan culture and everyday life along the Yukon River.

Jody reflects on her 2026 Iditarod experience, including the challenges of an unusually difficult training season, extreme weather conditions, and the tough decision to scratch at mile 658 due to illness spreading through her team. Her story offers an honest look at the realities of long-distance racing, where dog health and decision-making matter more than finishing.

They then talk about her upbringing in a subsistence lifestyle, her return to mushing after raising a family, and her plans to come back stronger next season. Jody highlights the importance of leadership within a dog team, including a spotlight on her lead dog Koki, and shares insights into training, resilience, and adapting to adversity.

This episode is a powerful blend of storytelling, culture, and hard-earned lessons from the trail.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

What does it take to capture a sled dog team moving at full speed through snow and wilderness? In this episode, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan, a professional photographer behind Sunshine & Photo, to explore the craft of dog sled photography and the realities of working on the trail.

Keela shares how she got started, the gear she relies on in extreme conditions, and how she consistently captures powerful images that tell the story of the connection between musher and dog. From shooting 5,000 images a day to digging foxholes in the snow for the perfect angle, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a side of mushing most people never see.

We also talk about her work in overlanding and vehicle photography, her travel lifestyle, and how she balances art, business, and the demands of working in some of the toughest environments imaginable.

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Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at [email protected]

Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram

You can contact us here: [email protected]

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved