The Last Frontier Podcast

Language evolves over time which is why you have different accents, dialects and definitions of the same words within the same body of language. With Alaska's remote location, the Last Frontier has developed its own unique terminologies over time and so Alaskan lingo is the them of today's episode. Your podcast hosts have compiled a list of terms and phrases used in Alaska that you might want to be familiar with should you ever visit the state and want to look more like a sourdough as opposed to a cheechako. The list kept growing during the research for this episode so what was supposed to be a self contained episode has blossomed into a two parter. Enjoy learning Part 1 of Alaskan wordology! What is a water highway? Why do Alaskan roads look like they have waves? And why the heck would you drill screws into your shoes?! It's the episode that's no fluke!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Blonde Ale by King Street Brewing Company [www.kingstreetbrewing.com]

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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Colorado is informally known as the 14ers state which refers to the 14,000 foot elevation of many of its mountain tops. By Alaska standards, that's cute. In fact, the tallest peak in Colorado wouldn't crack the top 10 in the Last Frontier. Join us on today's episode as we outline the top 10 tallest peaks in Alaska including their elevation and the interesting history behind the names of some of the world's largest mountains. What famous explorers named some of our tallest peaks? How did Denali revert back to its maiden name? And why should Ohio mind its own business?! It's the episode you'll look up to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Chugach Session Cream Ale by Broken Tooth Brewing Company [https://brokentoothbrewing.net]

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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Life instantly changed in Alaska when oil was discovered on the north slope in 1968. Dollars were to be made if a plan could be developed to transport and distribute that oil from one of the most remote places on the planet. Join us on today's episode as we navigate through the political convergences that occurred which led to the building of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Why was oil in great demand at this point in history? What got the pipeline company and Alaska Native groups working together? And how big of a pipe can caribou jump over?! It's the episode flowing with information!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Derby Queen by Valdez Brewing Company [https://valdezbrewing.com]

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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One hundred years before Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the world, the United States dealt with a different epidemic...diphtheria. And a small town in remote northwest Alaska was in its wake. On today's episode, we focus on the Iditarod in all its iterations including the historic trail that was used by heroic dog mushers in the winter of 1925 to save the town of Nome. Where is Mile 0 of the historic Iditarod trail? What conditions did the mushers have to battle along the route? And why are your hosts on team Togo versus team Balto?! It's the episode you won't ever complain about the cold again after listening to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Kenai River Water by Kenai River Brewing Company [https://www.kenairiverbrewing.com]

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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Black Americans literally paved the way to Alaska and were some of the first Americans to make it to the Alaskan shores. With February being Black History Month, we use this episode to share a few stories and achievements made by black Americans in the Last Frontier. From the days of Russian occupied territory to the defense of Alaska in WWII, join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of some incredible Americans who helped build this amazing state we've come to love so much. What industry first brought black Americans to Alaska? Why was the Alaska Highway built? And who was responsible for introducing reindeer to the Last Frontier. It's the episode where we celebrate some incredible American ingenuity and perseverance. 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Surly Captain by Girdwood Brewing Company [https://girdwoodbrewing.com]

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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Shrouded in mystery, the Alaskan wolf is rarely seen. Ranging from the temperate rainforests of southeastern Alaska all the way up to the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle, the wolf in Alaska enjoys a wide range of habitat that has allowed it to never be endangered or threatened. Join us as we do a deeper dive into what makes the wolf an iconic piece of the Alaskan wilderness. How many wolves are in Alaska? What should you do if you encounter a wolf? And can a beer infused with corn, peaches and graham cracker actually taste good?! It's the episode you'll howl at the moon for!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Peaches For Me by Kassik's Brewery [https://kassiksbrewery.com]

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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Hot, cold, rest, repeat. That is the order of operations when you visit a Nordic style spa. Hydrotherapy is not a new concept in today's world and Alaska is now home to its very first Nordic spa. One of your hosts recently took a visit to this spa for his wife's birthday and as a result, the inspiration for this episode was born. Join us as we delve into the human history of spas highlighting the benefits of visiting a Nordic style set up. When did spas originate in America? What is the benefit of cold water immersion? And who wants to sponsor our next visit to the spa?! It's the episode you should listen to in the sauna!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Winter Ale by Alaskan Brewing Company [https://www.alaskanbeer.com]

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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(Side note: Sound quality is a little off on this and our previous episode. Our first attempt at remote recording. It's not horrible! But should be better for future episodes)

When one thinks of natural disasters in Alaska, earthquakes and tsunamis may come to mind first, but Alaska is also a hot spot for another type of destruction...volcanoes! Alaska sits on the ring of fire and since 1900 has averaged 1-2 volcanic eruptions every year. On today's episode, we delve into some of the more notable eruptions that have occurred in the Last Frontier state and some incredible stories surrounding those events. What Alaskan eruption puts Vesuvius to shame? What happens when a plane flies through volcanic ash? And what famous line from Star Trek was stolen from volcanologists?! It's the episode you'll want to get hot off the presses. 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Mat Maid Milk Stout by Bearpaw River Brewing Company [https://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com]

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

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

Support the show

(Side note: Sound quality is a little off on this and our next episode. Our first attempt at remote recording. It's not horrible! But should be better for future episodes)

When you have an episode that drops on Christmas Day, best get in the festive spirit. On today's episode, Andrew and Danny sing. Yes, you heard that correctly as your hosts do a makeover of the Christmas classic song The 12 Days of Christmas. They put an Alaskan spin on each verse and cap off the episode by each singing the final verse of their rendition as a Christmas gift to all their listeners. You're welcome. How did the bald eagles spend their shoulder season? What will replace the iconic 5 golden rings? And who has the better voice?! It's the episode you may want your ear plugs for. 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Pumpkin Spice Wheat by 49th State Brewing Company [https://www.49statebrewing.com]

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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Nerd alert! If you were not aware, the introduction to our podcast is a riff off the Star Trek theme. With the nicknames of Alaska being the last frontier and space the final frontier, it was a no-brainer from the mind of a Trekkie to create a fun play on words from Star Trek for our introduction. And so this episode has been a long time coming as we invite friend of the pod and fellow Trekkie Jared back on the program to discuss all the Alaska connections and references in the Star Trek universe. We definitely go down some rabbit holes on the episode, but if you bear with us, we think you'll have some fun nerding out with us along the way. When did Alaska become Star Trek canon? Where was Commander Riker born? And how do humpback whales save the planet in the future?! It's the episode that if you make it through, you've proven yourself to be a true friend of DeSoto. For everybody else, please forgive us for this episode. 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Juneau Juice by Alaskan Brewing Company [https://www.alaskanbeer.com]

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

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

Support the show