Alaska Landmine Radio

Lance Pruitt - Episode 227

Jeff was joined by former Representative Lance Pruitt, who served in the Alaska House from 2011-2021. They discuss what he's bee up to since losing his seat in 2020, what it was like serving in the Legislature for ten years, his 13 vote loss in 2020 to now-Representative Liz Snyder (D - Anchorage), how makeup of the Legislature has changed since 2016, the differences being in the minority and the majority, how the fiscal situation has negatively impacted the ability of the Legislature to function, and if he plans on running for office again.  

Paul Johnson - Episode 226

Jeff was joined by UAA Economics Professor Paul Johnson. They discuss his background in economics, the causes of inflation and how it is impacting the economy, the difference between the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, what is happening with interest rates, the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, the challenges of COVID-19 on teaching classes, and a discussion about what is happening in China. 

Andrew Halcro - Episode 225

Jeff was joined in studio by former Representative Andrew Halcro. They discuss the history of the Alaska Landmine, Halcro's newest podcast "With All Due Respect," some of the big stories of 2021, next year's upcoming election, the relationship between the Anchorage Assembly and Mayor Dave Bronson, some stories about Halcro's time in the Legislature, and the cannabis industry in Alaska. 

Josh and Marta Revak - Episode 224

Jeff was joined by Senator Josh Revak (R - Anchorage) and his wife Marta. They discuss Marta growing up in Poland and then moving to Germany, how Josh and Marta met in Germany when Josh was stationed there, Josh's battle injury in Iraq after they got married, moving back to the United States, why Josh decided to run for the Legislature and how that was not an easy decision, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming legislative session. 

Lorali Simon - Episode 223

Jeff was joined by Lorali Simon, Vice President of External Affairs for Usibelli Coal Mine. They discuss her role at Usibelli Coal Mine, how she and Jeff were both in Las Vegas for the opening Monday Night Football Raiders game, her family's history in Palmer, her time working in the Alaska Legislature, and the mining industry in Alaska. 

John Binkley - Episode 222

Jeff was joined by former State Senator John Binkley. They talk about the history of his family's tug and barge business, how that business resulted in him moving to Western Alaska, how he was elected to a rural seat as a Republican, his time in the Legislature in the 1980s, why he decided to leave the Legislature move back to Fairbanks with his family, his time on the board of the Alaska Railroad, how he was appointed to the Redistricting Board, and a discussion about the redistricting process. 

Brigham McCown - Episode 221

Jeff was joined by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company President Brigham McCown. They discuss his upbringing in Ohio, his career as a Naval aviator, his career in Washington D.C. working for the Department of Transportation, infrastructure in the United States, his role in the Trump transition team, how he became the president of Alyeska Pipeline, the history and structure of Alyeska Pipeline, and some of the challenges facing our country. 

Brian Sweeney - Episode 220

Jeff was joined by Anchorage Dr. Brian Sweeney. They discuss his educational background, why he decided to become a doctor, how the military brought him to Alaska, the cost of drugs, his views on the COVID-19 vaccine, wearing masks, medical misinformation, how medical boards are starting to look at doctors who are prescribing certain medicines for COVID-19, and the cost of healthcare in the United States. 

Joelle Hall - Episode 219

Jeff was joined by Alaska AFL-CIO President Joelle Hall. They discuss the final map adopted by the Alaska Redistricting Board, the impacts it will have on Alaska's political landscape, the history of redistricting in Alaska, the redistricting process that occurs every ten years, the controversy surrounding Senate pairings, potential legal challenges, and ranked-choice voting. 

Ash Adams - Episode 218

Jeff was joined by photojournalist Ash Adams. They discuss how she met Jeff during the infamous Speedogate scandal, why she decided to become a photojournalist, the growing political divide in the United States, cancel culture, the recent chaos at the Anchorage Assembly meetings over the mask mandate, the role of the media, the problems associated with social media, and her work as a photojournalist.