Join Host John Quick on the Must Read Alaska Show as he sits down with Derek Black, the visionary entrepreneur behind Choose RCVRY and Looking For Summits. Derek shares his inspiring journey of starting and scaling multiple clothing brands in Alaska with a mission to spread hope and raise awareness about addiction and human trafficking.

From his personal battle with addiction to his work supporting recovery efforts, Derek offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs on building a purpose-driven business online.

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Ben Carpenter, who has called Alaska home since 1985. Ben shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force and Army to becoming a dedicated representative in the Alaska State Legislature. He discusses his reasons for running, what sets him apart from his opponent, his stance on new taxes, and his vision for Alaska’s future. Ben also reflects on his family life, his passion for Alaska’s natural resources, and his commercial peony farm.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Bill Elam, a current Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman and candidate for the Alaska State House. Bill discusses why he's running for State House, what he would prioritize first if elected, and the challenges and victories he's experienced during his tenure on the Assembly. 

Check out Bill here: www.billelam.com 

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Mike Cronk, a former 1989 Northwest Conference NCAA basketball champion now running for the Alaska Senate. Mike shares how his athletic career shaped his leadership under pressure, his 20+ year teaching career, and his dedication to Alaska's rural communities.

Listen as Mike explains what sets him apart from his opponent, why he’s running for Senate, and how teamwork continues to guide his approach to leadership and service.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews John Hillyer, a retired veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, as he enters the race for Alaska's House District 8. Hillyer, who has spent 32 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, shares his motivations for running, his key priorities if elected, and what distinguishes him from other candidates. 

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Mayor Edna DeVries, the current Mayor of Mat-Su Borough, to discuss her decision to run for re-election. Edna shares her motivations for seeking another term, outlines her key priorities if re-elected, and explains what sets her apart from the other candidates in the race.

Tune in to hear an in-depth conversation about the future of Mat-Su Borough and why Edna believes she’s the right choice to continue leading the community.

Check out her website here: http://www.ednadevries.com/ 

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Jeremy Bynum, candidate for Alaska State House District 1. Jeremy discusses why he is running for State Representative, his key priorities, and what sets him apart from his opponents. With experience as an elected assembly member on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, Jeremy shares how his background has prepared him for this role and his vision for the future of Southern Southeast Alaska. Tune in to hear more about his plans and how you can get involved with his campaign.

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Gretchen Guess, the new President and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. Gretchen shares insights on how her previous roles as an elected official in Alaska, including serving as a member of the state legislature and president of the Anchorage School Board, have prepared her for this leadership position.

Gretchen discusses the vital role Rasmuson Foundation plays in Alaska, supporting communities through grant programs and initiatives since its founding in 1955. She explains the Foundation's mission to empower Alaskans to help each other and highlights its historical significance, rooted in the legacy of Swedish immigrants Jenny Olson and Edward Anton Rasmuson.

The conversation delves into Gretchen's efforts to make the Foundation more accessible to people across Alaska, ensuring that its benefits reach diverse communities statewide. She also shares what excites her most about the Foundation's future and her vision for fostering thriving cultures and communities throughout Alaska. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the impact and aspirations of Rasmuson Foundation under Gretchen's leadership.

Check them out here: https://rasmuson.org/ 

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rick Whitbeck, State Director for Power The Future, to discuss the impact of the Biden administration on Alaska, the state of Cook Inlet energy, the implications of the Chevron's decision and whether Rick is hopeful for Alaska's future.

With a 35-year career in Alaska, Rick brings a wealth of experience from managing political campaigns and hosting the Power The Future Energy Hour radio program. Tune in for an engaging conversation on Alaska's critical issues.