In this episode of The State I Am In, I talk with Dr. Bretwood “Hig” Higman—geologist, lifelong Alaskan, and founder of Ground Truth Alaska—about life, land, and the very real risks facing our coastal communities. 

We explore Hig’s life in Seldovia and his adventures with wife Erin McKittrick, author of A Long Trek Home. Together, they’ve traveled thousands of miles across Alaska by foot and packraft, raising their kids along the way in one of the most remote corners of the state. Their unconventional approach to life and career is not only refreshing—it’s inspiring, and chalk full of lessons about resilience, curiosity, and the land we call home. 

We also dig into something more urgent: the growing threat of landslides in coastal Alaska. Hig explains what’s happening, risk vs consequence, where science and culture collide, and what Alaskans need to know—from potential warning signs to what communities can actually do. 

This is a conversation about living close to the land, understanding the risks, and staying grounded—literally and figuratively—in a rapidly changing Alaska. 

Visit www.groundtruthalaska.org to learn more.

In this eye-opening episode of The State I Am In, I’m joined by Ryan Astalos and Jackie Boyer from SalmonState to break down one of the most urgent issues facing Alaska today: industrial trawling and the devastating impact of bycatch. We unpack what trawling actually is, who profits from it, and who pays the price—especially the Alaskan communities relying on the return of wild salmon. 

Why do Seattle-based factory trawlers get a pass while sportfishers and subsistence users face tight limits? Why are millions of pounds of wasted fish ignored while rural families are told to do more with less? 

But we don’t stop there. We dig into what Alaska’s representatives are (and aren’t) saying, who really has the power to change this, and how everyday Alaskans can, and must—raise their voices. This is a conversation that cuts across party lines and strikes at the heart of what it means to live here. 

The time to act is now. If we want a future with fish, it’s going to take all of us. 

Visit www.salmonstate.org to learn more

In this special virtual episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Amanda Bowles, the driving force behind Landmark Collective—a powerful community of women entrepreneurs based in the Mat-Su Valley. We dive into how these women are shaping the business landscape in Palmer, Wasilla, and beyond through collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to their communities. 

Amanda shares insight into the unique challenges women face—especially the balancing act of running a business while wearing many hats as mothers, partners, community leaders, and more. We also talk about how men can be better allies and supporters of the women in their lives who are building something meaningful. 

From practical social media strategies to the power of showing up authentically in an AI-driven world, this episode offers honest conversation and actionable advice. Whether you're already running a business or just starting to dream, this is a must-listen for any woman in Alaska—and for anyone who wants to help build a stronger, more supportive business community. 

In this episode of The State I Am In, I speak not just as a parent, but as a coach and former Little Leaguer myself. From hitting my first home run to striking out with the game on the line, I share personal stories that shaped how I view success, failure, and what youth sports are really all about.

Now, as a coach and dad, I’ve seen firsthand how much we want to shield our kids from struggle—but that instinct might be doing more harm than good. I make the case for letting kids experience the hard stuff: the losses, the tough practices, the moments where things don’t go their way. These are the moments that build grit, teach teamwork, and reveal character—not just in our kids, but in us as parents too.

This episode is a call to keep the standard high—not because life is easy, but because our kids are capable. And they’ll never know what they can do unless we give them the chance to find out.

Alaskan bladesmith Zeke Johnston joins me to talk about the craft of hand-forging knives and what makes a blade more than just a tool. We explore the heirloom value of a well-made knife, the stories it can carry, and how the forging process mirrors the shaping of a meaningful life. Zeke shares about growing up on a family farm in Alaska, commercial fishing, and the journey to full-time bladesmithing. We also dive into parenting, values, and share stories along the way. 

Follow Zeke on YouTube @AlaskaBladeStudio and visit alaskabladestudio.com to see his work.

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor & Chaplain Frank Alioto for a candid conversation about the role of the church in today’s world. We talk about the purpose of gathering, what might hold someone back from faith in God or stepping into a church, and how doubt can actually be part of the journey. Frank shares insight into how meaningful community forms when people walk through life together—mess and all. Whether you’ve been hurt by religion, are searching for something deeper, or just curious about what church could look like today, this episode invites you into an honest dialogue about belonging, belief, and the beauty of shared faith. 

In this episode of The State I Am In, Lieutenant Ryan Browning of the Homer Police Department joins us for one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the show. We discuss the real-life events that led him to champion digital safety, the challenges today’s kids and teens face in the online world, and why it’s more important than ever for parents to step up. These topics aren’t easy—but they’re essential. Lt. Browning shares practical tools and tips for having honest conversations, building trust, and leading our families into healthier relationships with technology. Because keeping our kids safe online isn’t just about rules—it’s about connection, courage, and being present when it matters most. 

In this episode of The State I Am In, we sit down with Shelby Oden—an inspiring entrepreneur and community advocate based on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Shelby shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to building a life with her husband Mike and raising their family in Alaska. We dive into the early days of her entrepreneurial path, from launching Briar & Boone Handmade to expanding into Little Alaskan and Kenai Freight Forwarders. We explore the importance of community-centered business practices, the unique opportunities and hurdles for small businesses in the state, and why rethinking the traditional college path might be a good option for future entrepreneurs. Shelby leaves us with honest insights, practical advice, and a look at what's next—including her upcoming appearance at the Women in Business Speaker Series. Tune in for a great conversation full of heart and hustle.

www.little-alaskan.com

www.kenaifreightforwarders.com

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bob Ledda shares his journey from emergency medicine to a focus on preventive health. We discuss his approach to a lifestyle prescription, the importance of hormones, nutrition, and exercise in achieving optimal health and longevity. You'll catch a glimpse of the precision he takes with his patients, and be introduced to the foundations of what he calls, "Medicine 3.0." You can learn more and about Dr. Bob by visiting www.drbobslongevity.com  

In this episode, Manny Coelho introduces his podcast, The State I'm In, emphasizing the importance of every individual's voice in Alaska. He reflects on the overlooked talents and stories within the community, aiming to create a platform for Alaskans to connect and share their experiences. The podcast seeks to explore the unique culture, struggles, and dreams of the people living in Alaska, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among listeners.