Mushing

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Michele Forto shares a summary of the 2026 State of Mushing Letter from Robert Forto and the team at Mushing Magazine and the Team and Trail Foundation.

Each year during Iditarod season, this letter reflects on the direction of dog-powered sports and the evolving role of the media that documents it. This year’s message centers on a powerful idea: differentiation.

While many publications are shrinking or shifting entirely online, Mushing Magazine has chosen a different path by deepening its commitment to serious storytelling, field reporting, and preserving the history of the sport.

In this episode, Michele discusses:

1. Why print media still matters in the world of mushing
2. The transition of Mushing Magazine into the Team and Trail Foundation
3. How the sport is adapting to environmental change and shorter snow seasons
4. The rise of dryland disciplines like canicross and bikejoring
5. Why authentic storytelling still requires human journalists and photographers

The State of Mushing letter is both a reflection on the sport’s past and a roadmap for its future, grounded in leadership, endurance, and the traditions that make dog-powered sports unique.

If you care about sled dogs, racing, outdoor leadership, and the culture surrounding mushing, this episode offers an important perspective on where the sport is heading next.

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Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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]

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this special series opener, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod veteran Rod Perry to tell the real story behind the 1973 race. Rod ran in the inaugural Iditarod and shares firsthand insight into the meetings, the skepticism, and the last-minute efforts that made the race possible.

You’ll hear how Joe Redington Sr., Tom Johnson, and others and why they pushed when others walked away, why 1973 was the only year the race could have worked, and how the U.S. Army played a critical role in putting in the original trail.

Rod also breaks down the true history of the Iditarod Trail itself, explaining how multiple historic routes combine to form today’s race.

If you care about Iditarod history, sled dog racing, and the roots of modern mushing, this episode sets the foundation.

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Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

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Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

Keywords: First Iditarod, 1973 Iditarod, Iditarod history, Joe Redington, Alaska sled dog racing, Dog mushing podcast, Long-distance mushing, Iditarod Trail, Anchorage Alaska, Sled dog race origins, Rod Perry, Anchorage Mushing District, Mushing Magazine, Robert Forto

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP welcome back Daniel Bocock, a veteran competitor with extensive experience at the highest levels of dog-powered sports. Daniel reflects on his return to the podcast and shares insights from racing six-dog and four-dog teams at the IFSS World Championships in Spain and Wisconsin.

The conversation covers Daniel’s progression from canicross to elite team racing, working with Eurohounds, Greysters, and Siberian Huskies, and managing a mixed kennel with his partner Anna Marman. Daniel also breaks down the realities of international racing, including airline logistics, customs challenges, equipment transport, and the cost of taking a six-dog team overseas.

This episode offers a candid, experience-based look at what it takes to compete on the world stage in modern mushing.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Bridgett Watkins to talk about her powerful new documentary, Without Warning, now streaming on Amazon and other platforms.

Bridget shares the full story behind the film, including a violent moose attack on her dog team, the emotional and physical toll of her first Iditarod attempt, and the mental battle of returning to the trail after being forced to scratch. She opens up about the unbreakable bond between musher and dog team, the unseen role of family and support crews watching trackers from home, and how the mushing community shows up when it matters most.

This episode goes far beyond race results. It’s about survival, leadership, trust, and knowing when to push forward and when to prioritize life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of sled dog racing or new to the sport, this conversation offers rare insight into the realities of long-distance mushing in Alaska.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a podcast pitch? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Mikki Douglas, one of the most dominant competitors in modern dryland mushing. Fresh off the IFSS World Championships, Mikki shares how she captured three gold medals and a bronze across multiple disciplines, including four-dog rig, bikejoring, scooter, and relay racing.

The conversation explores Mikki’s background in professional motocross and mountain biking, how speed sports shaped her racing mindset, and how she applies exercise physiology principles to dog training. Mikki also discusses building and racing a kennel of Eurohounds, preparing independently in the Pacific Northwest, hosting Iron Paws races, and navigating the realities of life disruptions, including fires, storms, and rebuilding.

This episode is a deep dive into elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to win at the highest level of dryland dog racing.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

Dryland mushing is one of the fastest-growing areas of dog-powered sports, especially in regions with limited winter snow. In this episode of The Dog Driver, we talk with an experienced dryland musher, Leendert Van Dorp, about how teams train, race, and compete at the IFSS Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

The conversation covers real-world dryland mushing equipment, including scooters, bikes, canicross, four-dog rigs, and six-dog rigs, as well as kennel size, dog selection, nutrition, and training schedules. We also discuss balancing work, family, and dogs, how dryland racing has expanded over the years, and why more mushers are shifting toward dryland competition.

This episode is a practical, experience-based look at life as a dog driver off snow.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Michigan-based racer Samantha Wawiernia to talk about one of the most unique paths into dog-powered sports. Samantha began mushing to condition her bear and coon hounds for hunting, then transitioned those same dogs into competitive dryland racing.

The conversation explores running hunting hounds alongside sled dogs, building a family-centered kennel, training without reliable snow, and racing primarily in dryland formats across the Midwest. Samantha also shares her preparation and experience at the IFSS World Championships, including racing a young six-dog team to a championship win.

This episode highlights adaptability, family involvement, and how modern mushing continues to evolve beyond traditional sled dog models.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP are joined by dryland racer Nova Clifford from New Hampshire. A third-generation musher, Nova shares how she grew up in sled dog racing and how the sport has evolved from large family kennels to modern dryland and mono-sport competition.

The conversation covers building a small competitive kennel, training four-dog rig teams, developing leaders, and racing in changing snow conditions across New England and Canada. Nova also discusses competing at the IFSS World Championships, traveling long distances with dogs, and balancing performance with long-term dog development.

This episode offers an honest look at the future of mushing through the eyes of a younger generation that values tradition, adaptability, and the bond with their dogs.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto turns the tables and interviews longtime musher KP about his 40-plus years in sled dog racing. The conversation spans sprint, dryland, and open-class racing across Europe, the Lower 48, Canada, and Alaska.

KP shares his favorite and most challenging races, including the Eagle River Classic, Fur Rondy, and international events in Spain and Scandinavia. He talks about racing Siberians, transitioning to Eurohounds, building kennels in Europe and Alaska, and how the sport has changed financially, culturally, and structurally over the decades.

The episode also includes a candid discussion about lifestyle sacrifice, the true cost of mushing, and why this season may be KP’s final year of competitive racing. This is a reflective, honest look at mushing from someone who has lived it at every level.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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

After a multi-year hiatus, The Dog Driver is back. In this episode, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow explain why they decided to revive the podcast and why the timing matters for the future of mushing and dog-powered sports.

The conversation looks back at the original Dog Driver series, which featured over 200 guests from around the world, and explores how the sport has changed in recent years.

Topics include the growth of dryland racing, the decline in traditional open-class participation, the role of local clubs such as the Chugiak Dog Mushers Association, and the challenges of maintaining trails, races, and community in a changing sport.

This episode lays the foundation for The Dog Driver's new direction, focusing on sprint mushing, dryland racing, real people in the sport, and keeping the fire alive for the next generation of dog drivers.

The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus

Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here

Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here

Trail Bytes 2025

Support our Work

Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share

Sign up for our Newsletter HERE

Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact.

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