This episode tells the full story behind the transformation of Team & Trail and Mushing Magazine into a nonprofit foundation. Michele talks honestly about the financial strain, the collapse of the ad model, and how a once-beloved passion project began to feel like a failing business. She explains why the solution wasn’t scaling back, but rebuilding everything from the ground up.

Outdoor media, especially niche print storytelling, can’t survive on advertising alone. The Team & Trail Foundation was created to protect the legacy of mushing culture while expanding leadership education, experiential learning, and access for youth across Alaska.

• Print issues of Mushing Magazine (4 times per year for members)
• Leadership and experiential learning courses
• Corporate team-building weekends
• University partnerships
• Micro-grants for kids in rural Alaska
• Training and mentorship through sled dogs
• A thriving members-only feed with trip reports, training runs, and full lectures

A $50 membership (or $45 for Alaskans) keeps the mission alive. Members support sled-dog education, print storytelling, and new opportunities for young mushers. They also receive bonus content, additional podcast feeds, and behind-the-scenes stories.

This shift isn’t the end of anything. It’s the beginning of the next chapter in preserving wild-place leadership, mushing history, and the stories that have shaped this community for 16 years.

In this episode of the Mushing podcast, Robert Forto shares his experiences covering the Yukon Quest Alaska, detailing the challenges posed by the weather, the excitement of the race, and the community surrounding dog mushing. He reflects on the changes in the race format, the mushers participating, and the impact of the winter conditions on the sport. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future races and the ongoing passion for mushing in Alaska.

Takeaways

• The Yukon Quest Alaska is a significant event in the mushing community.
• Weather conditions have drastically affected mushing activities this winter.
• The 550-mile race format is a new and exciting development.
• Community support is vital for the success of dog sled races.
• Mushers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• The atmosphere at the Yukon Quest was filled with excitement and anticipation.
• Radio coverage of the race provided a unique perspective.
• The history of the serum run is an important part of mushing lore.
• Future races may face challenges due to current weather conditions.
• The passion for mushing continues to thrive despite obstacles.

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

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Trail Bytes 2025

This conversation introduces the exciting world of mushing and the recent developments surrounding the Team and Trail magazine. The hosts discuss their commitment to providing in-depth coverage of sled dog racing, the launch of new magazine issues, and the importance of community engagement in the sport. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and participate in the mushing community.

Join host Robert Forto as he re-caps the Contiential Championshps in Wisconsin on this joint podcast of Mushing and Team and Trail.

Join Robert Forto as he hosts a joint podcast with Mushing and Team and Trail to discuss the day's events at the Continental Championship in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Join host Robert Forto for this quick Team and Trail and Mushing podcast about the opening ceremonies and vet checks at the IFSS Continental Championships.

Join host Robert Forto as he hosts from the Continental Dryland Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin in this joint venture with Team and Trail.

This is the kick-off to the weekend's activities in what is sure to be a world-class event.

Robert Forto is on the road and attends Podcast Movement in Washington DC. Podcast Movement is the largest conference for podcasters in the world and we have attended every year since 2017.

Join host Michele Forto as she takes you along on the Team and Trail Tour as we visit an urban musher, the Iron Range, and a beautiful farm in Wisconsin.

Join host Michele Forto as she talks about our stops along the Minnesota North Shore, Grand Portage, and new friends and Points Unknown in Hovland.