On Step Alaska

Matt and Heather Ozerkov are the owners of a unique lodge and mobile sauna business in Seward, Alaska. In this episode, we discuss the challenges and joys of owning a lodge, the inspiration behind their mobile saunas, and their commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. They emphasize the importance of dreaming big, perseverance, and continuous growth. Link to Seward Saunas. 



Sam and Lauren are the owners of Ketchikan's newest coffee place, Island Brew Cafe. In this episode we discuss their journey to the Dominican Republic to find the right coffee beans, the importance of quality ingredients in good food, bacon, breakfast burritos and other food offerings including gluten free options. 

We also discuss their move from Florida to the close-knit community of Ketchikan, their vision for the cafe and how they plan to integrate their passion for food and community into this new venture.

Bjorn Dihle is an accomplished writer and wildlife film guide from Juneau. In this episode Bjorn shares his journey into writing, his career as a wildlife film guide, the challenges of filming in Alaska's rugged landscapes, particularly with brown bears, and the importance of maintaining safety and respect for wildlife.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into Alaska's conservation efforts, focusing on Bjorn's involvement with Hunters and Anglers for the Brooks Range advocating against the Road to Ambler. 

Having Melissa Castle on the podcast to talk about wild Alaskan mountain goat hunts is becoming an annual thing. In this episode we recap her hunt with Marian Giannulis (another adventurous Alaskan who happened to have the tag) which involved, among other things, traversing a glacier and the billy falling off a cliff. 

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

Sage Marshall is a freelance journalist and writer for Field and Stream. He is also the author of Echolocation his first book. In this episode we discuss writing, clickbait content, Field and Stream’s product testing methodology, fly fishing, Gila trout and his book. 

Ryan John and I recap his fly out moose hunt in interior Alaska from September. We discuss good hunting buddies, breaking down moose, packing, hanging meat, hunting calibers and the details of the hunt itself. 

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

Kyle Wilkinson recaps his moose hunting program. We discuss calling, rut activity, scouting, hunting possible high-traffic areas, caliber, moose population and his successful moose hunt. 

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

Kyle Wilkinson from Bear Paw River Guides is back to recap the summer fly fishing season. We discuss the runs and also dive into waders, fly line, wading boots, rods, reels and of course flies. If you're thinking about spending your Perm Fund check on fly fishing gear, or if you're in the Lower 48 and you're working on the Christmas list, listen to this episode. 

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

Harrison Gottschling recaps his caribou hunt, making friends at air strips, his favorite ways to eat game meat, journaling and being attacked by owls. 

Carson Keys was born and raised in Fairbanks. In this episode we talk about leaving the state and returning. We also discuss making the most out of opportunities, favorite hunts, rain gear, and the role of advocacy groups like Safari Club International where he works. 

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