The Last Frontier Podcast

A mode of transportation 4,000 years in the making, the kayak is one of the oldest modes of transportation in the world. As former professional sea kayak guides, this vessel is near and dear to our hearts so please join us on today's episode as we discuss the origin of the kayak and talk through its design, construction, original purpose, and use in modern society. Why was kayak rolling essential for survival? When was kayaking introduced as an Olympic sport? And how the heck do you hunt caribou from a kayak?! It's the episode you'll listen to on your next paddle!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Old Man Stout by Harbor Mountain 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]

Support the show

While you can do a lot of things in Alaska you can find elsewhere, one fairly unique aspect of Alaska travel is the opportunity to get up close and personal with glacial ice. There is no other place in the country like it and very few places in the world have the breathtaking scenery that comes with adventuring around glaciers. On today's episode, we discuss six different ways to experience the ice when exploring the Last Frontier and the benefits of choosing each of those adventures. What is a stone fruit? What's the best way to experience a glacier? And how does whiskey on the rocks with glacial ice taste?! It's the episode that'll have you shivering with excitement! 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Mountain Woman Hazy by Ravens Ring 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]

Support the show

Alaska is a great state to visit no matter your age or ability level. There are plenty of options for all including families that visit with young ones. It's not always a cheap flight to Alaska so it's not a bad idea to take advantage of the free lap infant flight for babies under the age of two, but what can you do with them once you are here? Fear not, your trusty bald eagles, one of whom has a one year old daughter himself, are here to provide some top travel tips for families adventuring to the Last Frontier with those little human critters called babies. What adventures can be had with a baby? What gear should you consider bringing or renting? And what does the ole AI say is a good 7 day itinerary for a family?! It's the episode you might throw a tantrum for if someone interrupts while you listen!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Prime Time Table Sour 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]

Support the show

How do you write an introduction on one of the most iconic creatures on the planet? The killer whale, also known as the orca, is always a top the wishlist of animals Alaskan visitors hope to see. Join us on today's episode as we just scratch the surface on what makes these animals so special. How many names do they go by? What are the three ecotypes we see in Alaska? And is it terrifying when a marine mammal killer swims under your kayak?! It's the episode that'll have you breaching for joy!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Killer Hefe by Midnight Sun 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]

Support the show

Disclaimer: Some content in this episode may not be suitable for the younger listeners.

We finally did it! After five years, we got to check that Explicit Content box. It felt good. On today's program, we were thrilled to have three stand up comedians take a break from their Kenai Peninsula comedy tour and join us to chat about the comedy scene in the Last Frontier. They provide their insights into the comedy culture of Alaska, share their true thoughts on improv, and provide our lovely beer review rating scale comparing (bleep) size to earthquake magnitude. Small amounts of adult content, largely educational, and 100% fun! How does a comedian develop material? How can you connect with the comedy scene in Alaska? And what happens when you invite comedians to review a beer?! It's the episode mom's everywhere will be proud of!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Baitwater Summer Ale by Stoney Creek Brew House

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

The summer season is finally upon us! How can you tell? Well, the sun is shining longer, animals are making their return, and tourists are entering the landscape. These are all telltale signs that summer is approaching. Join us on today's episode as we delve into some of the major harbingers of the Alaska summer season. Which birds have a claim to the longest migration on the planet? Why do humpback whales leave their warm Hawaiian waters to come to Alaska? And why are there so many kayakers in the water?! It's the episode that'll kickoff a great summer season!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Irish Fog 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]

Support the show

This episode drops when many seasonal employees are beginning their Alaskan summer experience. We had a request from someone coming up for the summer to record an episode providing top tips and advice for people embarking to the Last Frontier for summer employment. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of the seasonal lifestyle and share how our own experiences shaped us into the beautiful bald eagles we are today. Do you need much experience to work in Alaskan tourism? What are important considerations when making your decision to come up to Alaska? And what are the pros and cons of summer lovin' in the Last Frontier?! It's the episode you'll be job hunting after!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Export Strength Scottish Ale by Turnagain 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]

Support the show

Farmers in Midwestern America were hit hard by the Great Depression. Alaska had land to tame. Both sides swiped right and a match was made. On today's episode, we delve into the history of the Matanuska Valley Colony which was an agricultural relocation settlement part of President FDR's New Deal to combat the economic hardships brought on by the Great Depression. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of that project and its lasting legacy seen today. What was the first main Alaskan cash crop? Why so many Cubs fans in Alaska? And how do you correctly pronounce the word milk?! It's the episode that'll 'grow' on you! 

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Punch by Turnagain 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]

Support the show

The summer visitor season is upon us and so we delve into another educational travel episode. On today's program, we discuss 20 travel trends that are taking place in the Last Frontier. We nerd out on numbers for a bit and then share some of the types of travel trends unique to Alaska that keep bringing visitors up in increasing volume. Our main sponsor of the podcast, Sunny Cove Kayaking owner and newest president of the Seward Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Stephanie Millane, joins us to share her anecdotes from having worked in Alaska tourism for most of her adult life. Is Alaska a family friendly place? What are the reasons people want to visit? And how did Alaskan beer make the list?! It's the episode that'll make you want to visit!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Big Su Double IPA by Susitna 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]

Support the show

Seward, Alaska was established on an alluvial fan in the Kenai Fjords where mountains shoot straight into the ocean. Surrounded by features that make it hard to develop and built on a land feature known for flooding, Seward has had its challenges over the years as it attempts to grow. As Seward prepares for its future growth, the town has embarked on the process to update its Comprehensive Plan and so for today's episode, we invite the Seward City Planner, Courtney Bringhurst, on the program to discuss the unique aspects of city planning in the Last Frontier. What is a Comprehensive Plan? What are the challenges to city planning in a place like Seward? And what's the process for Andrew to build a trebuchet in his back yard?! It's the episode you better make a plan to listen to!

Alaskan Beer of the Week: Industrial Pumps of Alaska IPA by St. Elias 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]

Support the show