March Madness is just around the corner for all you basketball fans out there, but for Alaska lovers, this episode is for you. On today’s episode of The Last Frontier Podcast, we’re running our own Alaska-themed bracket. We take 32 iconic things Alaska is known for, put them head-to-head, and battle it out to determine what we subjectively believe is the most iconic symbol of the Last Frontier. Who makes it to the Final Four? Which flower goes on a Cinderella run? And what will ultimately be crowned champion? It’s the episode that’s guaranteed to bust your bracket.

Alaskan Beer of the Week: 7 (Seven Anniversary Aged and Blended Sour Ale) by Turnagain Brewing

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

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We wrap up our three-part mini-series with part 3 of our 49 questions interview with born-and-raised Alaskan Jared Fink. In this final episode, we turn our focus to wildlife, climate, and what it really means to live alongside nature in the Last Frontier. What animals do Alaskans respect the most? How many climate zones does Alaska have? And why should you always give the ball to Beast Mode on the one yard line?! It's the episode you can't control, but can coexist with!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Fisherman's Porter by Grace Ridge Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

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We continue on with part 2 of our 3 part mini-series where we are asking 49 questions to born and raised Alaskan Jared Fink. On today's episode, we get into history and culture so join us as we delve further into what makes the Last Frontier such a unique place in the world. How did backroom politics play a role is the purchase of Alaska? What does the word remote mean to an Alaskan? And does Alaska actually pay you to live in the state?! It's the episode that'll give you an extra special taste in your mouth!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Private Drive Spruce Tip ESB by Valdez Brewing

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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This episode begins a three part mini-series where we ask 49 questions split out among three episodes about the 49th state. Who better to answer than pod fan favorite Jared Fink who was born and raised in the bush of the Last Frontier. While most of us might be smarter than a 5th grader (debatable!), see how your Alaska knowledge compares with someone who had airplane engine oil on his wood stove every winter night as a kid. Why is local knowledge so important in Alaska? Why is foot ware so important in the Last Frontier? And how much does it cost if you get your boat stuck when the river freezes over night?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your Xtra Tufs!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Oatmeal Stout  by HooDoo Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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On today's episode, we unpack one of the most influential yet misunderstood laws in America...the Jones Act. From shipping costs to national security, we reveal how the Jones Act came to be and its affects on Alaska and beyond. How does the Jones Act benefit Alaska mariners? Why are consumer prices higher due to the Jones Act? And how does the Jones Act keep those Russian spies away from Alaska?! It's the episode you've been jonesing to listen to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Sin Offering by Brewerks

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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This episode drops on the darkest day of the year. And while most people visit Alaska in the summer months to view some of our incredible wildlife, we got to thinking about how these animals survive the winter months once the crowds leave. So join on today's episode as we delve into some incredible winter adaptations our animals of Alaska have that enable them to survive the cold, dark winters of the Last Frontier. What animal can survive with a body temperature below freezing? How thick of blubber does a polar bear have? And why were a record number of bald eagles spotted together last February?! It's the episode that'll make you appreciate being inside on a cold, winter night!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Cabin Candle Stout by Devil's Club Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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While your favorite Alaskan bald eagles are excellent fish catchers, hunting in Alaska is something we have yet to experience. For most folks in Alaska, hunting is more than just a sport, it's a way of life that helps keep the freezer full during the cold, dark winter. Join us on today's episode as we invite friend of the pod Greg Haas on the episode to chat about some of his hunting experiences up here in Alaska and how it's become an important part of being connected to the Alaskan community. Oh, and Greg is also the owner of Stoney Creek Brewhouse and brought us not one, but two beers to enjoy on today's episode! Which beer did we enjoy more? How does hunting create lasting friendships? And what could possibly beat harvesting a moose under the northern lights on the banks of the Yukon River?! Spoiler...nothing! It's the episode that's all around fun with a great guest!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Boreal Dusk (Original and Hazelnut infused) by Stoney Creek Brewhouse

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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Traditional Thanksgiving dishes have historically been hard to come by in the Last Frontier. And with plenty of the state not living on the road system, Thanksgiving meals often don't look like the ones many of us grew up with. Join us on today's episode as we take a look at several common Thanksgiving food items and discuss what their Alaskan counterpart might be. What could possibly replace a turkey? What type of pie would be for dessert? And why won't you find corn at our dinner table?! It's the episode that'll make you hungry!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Festbier by Bearpaw River Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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For centuries, many explorers tempted fate to embark on a mission to find the fabled Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans north above Canada and Alaska. We have eye witness testimony that the passage exists as Andrew has returned in one piece to tell his tale. Join us on a journey on today's episode as we highlight the historic significance of the Northwest Passage and delve into Andrew's recent journey far above the Arctic Circle. Who was the first explorer to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage? How many years did that expedition take versus how long does it take today? And how the heck do you pronounce the name Roald Amundsen?! It's the episode you'll listen to while drinking a pumpkin spiced latte!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Oktoberfest Lager by 49th State Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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We continue our Halloween tradition of blending the Last Frontier and Dungeons & Dragons universes. Every good D&D campaign has a good monster to combat and a clever dungeon to navigate. Join us on today's episode as we explore some Alaskan themed monsters and dungeons that would make great additions to the 6th edition of D&D. Why would a glacier make an excellent dungeon? What is the origin of the sled dog? And what creature can turn you into an otter man?! It's the episode that'll give your Dungeon Master some great ideas!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Fairy Dust by Girdwood Brewing Company

Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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