Alaska Landmine Radio

Jacob Hersh - Episode 359

Jeff was joined by Jacob Hersh. They discuss his summer internship at the Alaska Department of Law, the recent tragedy in New York City where a woman was set on fire, the homelessness problem in Anchorage, Alaska's continued population loss, his halfway mark through law school, his plans for his next summer internship, the importance of the First Amendment, and Donald Trump's incoming presidency.  

Andrew Gray - Episode 358

Jeff was joined by Representative Andrew Gray (D - Anchorage). They discuss his podcast, East Anchorage Book Club, his recent re-election victory, his last two years serving in the House minority, the history of how Mt. McKinley was changed to Denali, the incoming 21-member majority he is a member of, Gov. Mike Dunleavy's (R - Alaska) recent proposed budget, and some of the challenges facing Alaska. 

Tyler Arnold - Episode 357

Jeff was joined by Tyler Arnold from the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They discuss his background growing up in Anchorage, how he got into web development and investing in startups, some past speeding tickets, why Anchorage is failing to attract more remote workers, some of the issues new business owners face, the number of older Alaska businesses that are coming up for sale, and the advantages of buying a business rather than working for someone. 

Lisa Murkowski - Episode 356

Jeff was joined by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R - Alaska). They discuss the upcoming changes to the U.S. Senate after Republicans took back the majority, the filibuster issue, her policy goals going forward, some of the problems Alaska has faced over the last decade, how the Alaska House and Senate organized so quickly, the possibility of Governor Mike Dunleavy (R- Alaska) taking a job in the Trump administration, and her thoughts on Donald Trump's big comeback win.  

Scott McMurren - Episode 355

Jeff was joined by Scott McMurren, owner of Alaska Travelgram. They discuss a recent trip he took to Juneau, the high demand for early voting (this podcast was recorded on Oct. 25), a big announcement Alaska Airlines recently made about their mileage program, his thoughts on what the changes mean, the Alaska Airlines Visa card and how much Bank of America pays Alaska Airlines for the program, and some travel tips and deals. 

Justin Weaver - Episode 354

Jeff was joined by megadonor Justin Weaver, who has donated nearly $200,000 to progressive and moderate legislative candidates this cycle. They discuss growing up in Texas, why he decided to move to Alaska, how his family in Texas made money when they struck oil, why he decided to start making large political donations, how he decided who to donate to, and some of the issues that have plagued Juneau over the years. 

Don Mitchell - Episode 353

Jeff was joined by Anchorage attorney and author Don Mitchell. They discuss why he came to Bethel in 1971, why he decided to stay in Alaska, his time working in Washington D.C. during the implementation of ANCSA, some of Alaska's political history around statehood, the books he has written about Alaska history, a book he wrote on the history of Indian gaming, the historical misconceptions about tribes in Alaska, how a decision by a former federal official in 1993 changed that, and how some entities, including the Native Village of Eklutna, are trying to bring gaming to Alaska. 

Cherokee Savage and Princess Sabrina - Episode 352

Jeff was joined by Cherokee Savage and Princess Sabrina from the Great Alaskan Bush Company. They discuss a podcast they recently started, how strip clubs have recovered since Covid, working in Alaska compared working at strip clubs in different parts of the country, some life tips on keeping motivated, and what it's like working as a dancer at a strip club. 

Carolyn Hall - Episode 351

Jeff was joined by West Anchorage Democratic State House candidate Carolyn Hall. They discuss her time working for the Boston Red Sox from 2003-2007 and the World Series ring she got when they won in 2004, growing up in Boston, why she moved to Alaska in 2008, her time working as a photojournalist with KTUU and KTVA, her time working in communications roles for former Governor Bill Walker and former Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, why she decided to run for the State House, and some of the problems facing Alaska. 

Chuck Kopp - Episode 350

Jeff was joined by former Republican Representative and current State House candidate Chuck Kopp. They discuss the homelessness problem facing Anchorage, Alaska's new voting system, why he is running against Representative Craig Johnson (R - Anchorage), his 2020 loss to now-Representative Tom McKay (R - Anchorage), how his district changed after redistricting, his time as rules chair in a previous House coalition, his thoughts on how the House might organize next year, and some of the craziness that happens in Juneau.