The Last Frontier Podcast

04/10/2025

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!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from St. Elias Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16829511

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 ...

04/10/2025

Alaska has a vibrant live music scene especially in the summer months. On today's episode, we explore some of our favorite bands and spots to get away and enjoy some great music in the Last Frontier. What type of dancing does Andrew need to learn? Where does Danny rank the song, A Whole New World? And how did Jared burst his appendix while listening to live music?! It's the episode you'll jam out to!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Denali Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16692759

Alaska has a vibrant live music scene especially in the summer months. On today's episode, we explore some of our favorite bands and spots to get away and enjoy some great music in the Last Frontier. What type of dancing does Andrew need to learn?...

03/07/2025

We had the host, Jeremy Carberry, of the TEETH podcast on our program a few years back to discuss animal attacks here in Alaska. The TEETH podcast interviews survivors of wild animal attacks and Jeremy interviewed one of the bald eagles to share his experience surviving a sting from a box jelly while swimming half a mile off-shore of the Big Island of Hawaii. Check out the episode!

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1672060/episodes/16342246-i-was-stung-by-a-box-jelly?fbclid=IwY2xjawI3IlxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaIJqpnRz4UTEaDmbi1OczT6bA7Vi7xtZPytIZnj5Ci29bUCgpgL7xcHHg_aem_F1eOWZYwG_mLEgQETUaiyQ

Danny Meuninck was stung by the most venomous animal on earth while swimming alone almost 1/2 mile from shore in Hawai'i.  Wait...a box jelly in Hawai'i?!?!  Yuuuuup... Hear how he survived the unbearable experience! Check out Danny's po...

03/07/2025

We have a listener who will be traveling to Seward this summer and was interested in hearing about local camping recommendations in the area. Since we love getting episode requests, join us today as we discuss our favorite spots to set up camp in and around the place we call home in Seward, Alaska. Why does Seward have so much waterfront camping? How important is it to reserve a spot ahead of time? And what's our personal favorite spot to camp?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your tent!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Grace Ridge Brewing Inc. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16674721

We have a listener who will be traveling to Seward this summer and was interested in hearing about local camping recommendations in the area. Since we love getting episode requests, join us today as we discuss our favorite spots to set up camp in ...

02/26/2025

This episode dropped the day before President's Day which got us asking the question, how many presidents have visited the Last Frontier State of Alaska? While there have been numerous presidential stopovers in Alaska to refuel Air Force One, join us as we explore the stories behind all the presidential visits of Presidents who visited Alaska while in office and got out and about to spend some time in this place we call home. Who was the first sitting president to visit Alaska? Which president actually lived in Alaska for a short time? And what famous meetings with world and religious leaders occurred in Alaska?! It's the episode you'll pledge your allegiance to!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Harbor Mountain Brewing Co.. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16614522

This episode drops the day before President's Day which got us asking the question, how many presidents have visited the Last Frontier State of Alaska? While there have been numerous presidential stopovers in Alaska to refuel Air Force One, join u...

02/03/2025

Kayakers Cove is a great off the road system hostel you can access by water taxi from Seward, Alaska. It is a fan favorite of those who know it well. And breaking news, it's under new ownership by none other that our podcast's most frequent guest and sometimes co-host Jared Fink. Jared joins us on the program today to discuss this new life endeavor and talk about what makes Kayakers Cove and places like it such a magical place to visit. Do you need to be a kayaker to stay at the Cove? What makes this experience extremely economical? And why is Andrew wearing Lululemon shorts?! It's the episode we hope Andrew's dad gets a kick out of!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Devil's Club Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16446211

Kayakers Cove is a great off the road system hostel you can access by water taxi from Seward, Alaska. It is a fan favorite of those who know it well. And breaking news, it's under new ownership by none other that our podcast's most frequent guest ...

02/03/2025

There are all sorts of fun jobs one can do working for the National Park System. Today, we are excited to bring back Andrew's wife Cara on the program to talk through her first summer working for Kenai Fjords National Park. As the logistical coordinator for several research trips into the park, join us today as Cara teaches us the ins and outs of working in some of the most remote places Alaska has to offer. What do researchers call bald eagles? What are CMTs? And why was Cara looking for p**p?! It's the episode Cara finally listened to!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Magnetic North Brewing Co. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16423309

There are all sorts of fun jobs one can do working for the National Park System. Today, we are excited to bring back Andrew's wife Cara on the program to talk through her first summer working for Kenai Fjords National Park. As the logistical coord...

02/03/2025

The walrus came up in a recent episode of our podcast and we felt it was time to give these incredible creatures their due with their very own wildlife spotlight. Join us on today's episode as we learn all about the largest member of the seal family. How long has the walrus been on the planet? What's the status of the Alaska Sea Life Center's latest walrus rescue? And what the heck is an oosik?! It's the episode you'll need a dictionary for!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Devil's Club Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16367137

The walrus came up in a recent episode of our podcast and we felt it was time to give these incredible creatures their due with their very own wildlife spotlight. Join us on today's episode as we learn all about the largest member of the seal fami...

02/03/2025

A little behind on the episode plugs, but better late than never!

The winter solstice seems to have more meaning the higher in latitude you travel on the globe. With this episode dropping the weekend of winter solstice, we explore the significance of the winter solstice in the Last Frontier. Join us as we discuss how the solstice has been celebrated historically by Alaska Natives to ways you can enjoy the winter solstice today. How much sunlight do various parts of Alaska receive on the winter solstice? What symbolism does the winter solstice take on in the Last Frontier? And how is Andrew's spiritual transformation affected by his Dungeons & Dragons character?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your sweat pants!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Grace Ridge Brewing Inc. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16289692

The winter solstice seems to have more meaning the higher in latitude you travel on the globe. With this episode dropping the weekend of winter solstice, we explore the significance of the winter solstice in the Last Frontier. Join us as we discus...

02/01/2025

Pouring beers at the Beer and Barleywine Fest in Anchorage. Stop by the Stoney Creek Brewhouse table to say hi. Cheers! 🍻

12/12/2024

We recently found a beer named for the Alaska Railroad to review on the podcast and thought, that would be a good topic to discuss. Join us as we navigate the history of the Alaska Railroad Corporation leading up to the trips they offer passengers today as a unique way to travel in the Last Frontier. Why is the Alaska Railroad considered the backbone of the Last Frontier? Which president drove in the final golden spike? And how can passengers utilize the train today?! It's the episode you'll whistle for!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Bearpaw River Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16065541

We recently found a beer named for the Alaska Railroad to review on the podcast and thought, that would be a good topic to discuss. Join us as we navigate the history of the Alaska Railroad Corporation leading up to the trips they offer passengers...

12/05/2024

With the days around Thanksgiving boasting the three most traveled days of the year in the United States, Andrew and Danny thought a great Thanksgiving tie in episode would be to learn about the great Alaska migrations. Alaska is home to the largest migrations in the world by land, air, and sea! Join us as we delve into what animals make such incredible journeys that would make your Thanksgiving travel plans look like a cake walk. What animal boasts the longest migration in the world? How far will caribou walk in their life time? And what animal doesn't need GPS to find their way home?! It's the episode you'll listen to on your Thanksgiving road trip!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Girdwood Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16161394

With the days around Thanksgiving boasting the three most traveled days of the year in the United States, Andrew and Danny thought a great Thanksgiving tie in episode would be to learn about the great Alaska migrations. Alaska is home to the large...

11/23/2024

Andrew's maritime career took a wild turn recently as an international expedition cruise ship company short on Alaskan seamen called up Andrew from the bullpen. In a few short days, Andrew flew down to Seattle, back to Anchorage and then out to Nome, Alaska to embark on an Alaskan adventure that would take him a dozen places over in the Last Frontier he hadn't laid eyes on before. Listen in as we put Andrew on the hot seat to share his experience sailing the seas of Alaska.

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Alaskan Brewing Co.. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/16065466-andrew-s-alaskan-adventure

Andrew's maritime career took a wild turn recently as an international expedition cruise ship company short on Alaskan seamen called up Andrew from the bullpen. In a few short days, Andrew flew down to Seattle, back to Anchorage and then out to No...

11/07/2024

Our schools of red and silver salmon fared quite well in Part One of our two part mini D&D series chronicling the life cycle of a salmon. But that's all about to change. The most treacherous part of our journey, the swim upstream, is not for the faint of heart. Join us as we brave the return waters of our natal stream. How many salmon can a brown bear eat? What percentage of salmon make it back home to spawn? And how does the p**p cloud fare against an ancient white dragon?! It's the episode that's been universally heralded as a critical hit!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Midnight Sun Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/15953763

Our schools of red and silver salmon fared quite well in Part One of our two part mini D&D series chronicling the life cycle of a salmon. But that's all about to change. The most treacherous part of our journey, the swim upstream, is not for t...

11/07/2024

Last Halloween, we introduced another nerd component from our lives to this podcast with our first annual Halloween themed Dungeons & Dragons episode. And while last year was fun in discussing the intersects between Alaska and the fantasmic realms, on today's episode we get out our dice set and play. Join us on this two-part adventure where we play out the life cycle of a school of salmon to see how many, if any, of our redd will survive long enough to spawn. Can fantasy salmon talk? Is it okay for red and silver salmon to mingle? And how effective is a p**p cloud as a defense strategy against a harbor seal?! It's the episode you'll listen to in a bourbon barrel!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Black Spruce Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/15885996

Last Halloween, we introduced another nerd component from our lives to this podcast with our first annual Halloween themed Dungeons & Dragons episode. And while last year was fun in discussing the intersects between Alaska and the fantasmic re...

10/25/2024

Coming to Alaska for the first time can be a jaw dropping experience. Huge snow capped mountains that shoot straight into the ocean, giant brown bears in front of a waterfall snatching up salmon as they travel upstream, or a dozen humpback whales surfacing at the same time feeding on a school of herring. It's always fun to witness that experience for a traveler, but what about the opposite perspective? On today's episode, friend of the pod Jared joins the program to discuss his experiences growing up in the state of Alaska and the stand out moments of his life when he traveled outside the state. What wildlife outside of Alaska really stood out? What city makes one realize Anchorage wasn't the "big city"? And what part of the country makes an Alaska feel like they are in a whole new world?! It's the episode that'll make you appreciate where you come from!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from HooDoo Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/15821881

Coming to Alaska for the first time can be a jaw dropping experience. Huge snow capped mountains that shoot straight into the ocean, giant brown bears in front of a waterfall snatching up salmon as they travel upstream, or a dozen humpback whales ...

10/09/2024

Back in 2012, one of your podcast hosts journeyed to Alaska for the first time to take part in an Outdoor Educator course put on by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He moved to Alaska the following summer. NOLS is an organization that teaches courses all around the world and they have a base located right here in the Last Frontier. On today's episode, we invite NOLS instructor Liz Rasmussen on the program to discuss her experience working for NOLS. What types of skills does one learn on a NOLS course? Who can sign up to take a course? And what type of French cuisine is made in the backcountry?! It's the episode perfect for listening to while enjoying a lazy river!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Ship Creek Brewing Company. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/15678432

Back in 2012, one of your podcast hosts journeyed to Alaska for the first time to take part in an Outdoor Educator course put on by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He moved to Alaska the following summer. NOLS is an  organizati...

10/07/2024

As remote as it is, the panhandle of Alaska has an interesting history of border disputes. The most recent iteration of this conflict involved the United States and Canada and on today's episode, we go through the history that settled the land border dispute between these two nations and discuss why the maritime border dispute still exists today. How do you define the western boundary of southeast Alaska? Why did a bunch of Canadian fishing boats blockade an Alaskan state ferry? And what's the next greatest reality TV show idea to involve Alaska?! It's the episode that'll have you enlisting for the next great Salmon Wars!

Special thanks to Sunny Cove Kayaking-Seward, Alaska for being the main sponsor of the podcast. Music provided by Blackwater Railroad Company. Adorn is the name of their single we use for the pod so check it out on Spotify! Beer review of the week inspired as always by our friends of the Michiana Beer Reviewers. This episode's beer is from Arkose Brewery. And please support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2078449/episodes/15588978

As remote as it is, the panhandle of Alaska has an interesting history of border disputes. The most recent iteration of this conflict involved the United States and Canada and on today's episode, we go through the history that settled the land bor...