Alaska Landmine Radio

Jim Johnsen - Episode 45

Jeff was joined by Jim Johnsen. Johnsen was appointed to serve as the 14th president of the University of Alaska on July 28, 2015. They discuss his history in Alaska, including his work in the private and public sector, the recent proposed cuts to the university system in Governor Dunleavy's budget, the structure of the University of Alaska system, as well as its history. They also discuss the HAARP Research Facility. 

Chris Birch - Episode 44

Jeff was joined by newly elected Senator Chris Birch (R - Anchorage). Birch was elected to the State Senate last year. He previously served one term in the Alaska House of Representatives. He also served three terms on the Anchorage Assembly as well as two terms on the Fairbanks Assembly. They discuss his history in Alaska, his background as a miner, his career in Alaska politics, the budget and PFD, and his current position as Chair of the Senate Resources Committee. 

Peter Micciche - Episode 43

Jeff was joined by Senator Peter Micciche (R - Soldotna). Micciche was elected to the Senate in 2012. They discuss his time in local politics, which included serving as Mayor of Soldotna, his take on the budget as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, his recent narrow win in the primary, and the infamous chainsaw mailer. He also tells the story of how he got a giant brown bear skull that is on his desk. 

Jesse Kiehl - Episode 42

Jeff was joined by newly elected Senator Jesse Keihl (D - Juneau). Before being elected to the Senate, Kiehl served on the Juneau Assembly and was a staffer to former Juneau Senator Dennis Egan. They discuss how it has been being in the Senate, the budget and PFD, as well as a great discussion about the Alaska Marine Highway System. He also tells an interesting story about a seismic upgrade to the Capitol Building. 

Colleen Sullivan-Leonard - Episode 41

Jeff was joined by Representative Colleen Sullivan-Leonard (R - Wasilla). She was first elected to the House in 2016. Her father, George Sullivan, and her brother Dan Sullivan, were both Anchorage mayors. They discuss her history working as a legislative staffer, working as the Mat-Su Director for three governors, the organizational issues in the House during the first 30 days of session, the budget, and a bill she has on private police. She also talks about how she met her husband on a blind date. 

Grier Hopkins - Episode 40

Jeff was joined by newly elected Representative Grier Hopkins (D - Fairbanks). They discuss his history working on campaigns (his dad was the Borough Mayor of Fairbanks), his work as a legislative aide for former Senator Joe Thomas, how it has been in the House so far, redistricting, and student loans. He also tells a good story about how he met his fiance. This is a very high energy podcast! 

Hollis French - Episode 39

Jeff was joined by former State Senator Hollis French. They discuss his recent termination from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission by Governor Michael J. Dunleavy. French was appointed to the Commission in 2016 by former Governor Bill Walker. Oddly enough, Mike Dunleavy voted to confirm French when he was in the Senate. French provides some very interesting background and context about how he was treated by his fellow Commissioners. This is a must listen. 

Ivy Spohnholz - Episode 38

Jeff was joined by Representative Ivy Spohnholz (D - Anchorage). Spohnholz was appointed to fill the seat of former Representative Max Gruenberg when he passed away in 2016. They discuss her history in Alaska, which included being born in a log cabin, her career before being in the legislature, and her time in the Alaska Legislature. She also addresses a rumor that has been floating around about a possible run for higher office. 

Cathy Giessel - Episode 37

Jeff was joined by Senator Cathy Giessel (R - Anchorage). Giessel was elected to serve as Senate President for the 31st Alaska Legislature. Giessel was first elected to the Senate in 2010. They discuss why she had to run for several two year terms as a State Senator, her history in the Alaska Senate, what it's like being Senate President, and the goals of the Senate Majority. They also discuss the budget and PFD. 

Nancy Meade - Episode 36

Jeff was joined by Nancy Meade. She is the General Counsel for the Alaska Court System. She lives in Juneau during the session and routinely testifies before House ans Senate committees to answer questions about the Court System. They discuss how the Alaska Court System functions, jury duty, the Judicial Council, CourtView, and their budget.