Alaska Landmine Radio

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. 

John Sims - Episode 349

Jeff was joined by Enstar Natural Gas Company President John Sims. They discuss being neighbors on Crooked Lake after Jeff and his buddy Lee Baxter bought a lot on the lake, the looming shortage of Cook Inlet gas for Southcentral, the idea of importing LNG to fill the gap, the downsides of doing that, the reasons for the dwindling supply of gas in Cook Inlet, why some companies want state assistance to explore in Cook Inlet, how a gasline would solve the gas problem not only in Southcentral but also the Interior, his thoughts on energy delivery this winter, and what might happen during the legislative session. 

Kevin McCabe - Episode 348

Jeff was joined by Representative Kevin McCabe (R - Big Lake). They discuss his property near Big Lake, the logging industry, his time serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, his career as a commercial pilot, some infrastructure projects in the Mat-Su Valley, building an Alaska gasline, his time in Juneau since first being elected in 2020, some of the major issues facing Alaska, and the upcoming November general election. 

Dennis Young - Episode 347

Jeff was joined by Dennis Young, president of the ILWU Alaska Longshore Division. They discuss a ballot initiative in Juneau that aims to stop cruise ships on Saturday and the Fourth of July, why he thinks it's a bad idea for the Juneau economy, some economic statistics on what cruise ship passengers bring to Juneau and other Alaska communities, the effort to oppose the ballot initiative, a joint effort by the City and Borough of Juneau and the Cruise Lines International Association Alaska on cruise ships in Juneau, and the NIMBYs in Juneau who want to shut down tourism. 

Scott McMurren - Episode 346

Jeff was again joined by Scott McMurren from Alaska Travelgram. They discuss his airfare discount alert service, Airfare 911, some good deals currently on domestic and international air travel, why airfares have been higher this summer to and from Alaska, some updates on different mileage plans, some in state travel deals, and a wild bachelor party Scott had in Anchorage in the 80s. 

Aaron Saunders - Episode 345

Jeff was joined by Aaron Saunders, owner of Drumfire Public Affairs. They discuss his time working as a staffer for the late Senator Ted Stevens in Washington D.C., including during the bogus FBI/DOJ investigation into him, a bit of talk on sports betting, why he decided to move to Seward, Alaska after college, his time working at the Sea Life Center, how he ended up getting a job with Senator Stevens, and some of his thoughts and experiences with the investigation into Senator Stevens before the 2008 election.