Alaska Landmine Radio

Scott McMurren - Episode 215

Jeff was again joined by travel guru Scott McMurren from Alaska Travelgram. They discuss how COVID is still impacting air travel and the tourism industry, the reward and mileage programs for different airlines, the best way to use miles, and some amazing upcoming deals on airline tickets. 

Kai Binkley Sims - Episode 214

Jeff was joined by Kai Binkley Sims. They discuss how she grew up in Alaska, working for her family company, including obtaining her boat captain license at the age of 18, attending the Colorado School of Mines, how she met her husband, how she got involved with the Anchorage Wolverines hockey team, how they got into the league, how COVID-19 affected the team, and the ongoing challenges with the hockey team and the Sullivan Arena.

Daniel Winfree - Episode 213

Jeff was joined by Chief Justice Daniel Winfree. They discuss how he grew up in Fairbanks, his time working on the pipeline when he was in college, why he decided to become a lawyer, how he came to be appointed to the Alaska Supreme Court by former Governor Sarah Palin, how the Supreme Court works, the role of the chief justice, how COVID-19 has impacted the court system, the increasing politicization of the judicial branch, and how hard work can pay off.  

Ben Sheehan - Episode 212

Jeff was joined via Zoom by author Ben Sheehan. They discuss his recent book, "OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?: A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy is Supposed to Work," why civics education has declined in the United States, some history of the Constitution, statehood for Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., why history forgot about James Madison, and some interesting constitutional trivia. 

Robin Brena - Episode 211

Jeff was joined by Anchorage attorney Robin Brena. They discuss a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit that ruled Alaska's candidate campaign contribution limits unconstitutional. Brena was one of the attorneys that sued over the limits. They discuss how the case came about, the history of candidate campaign contribution limits in Alaska, how this decision relates to Citizens United, money in politics, and what the Legislature could do to reestablish candidate contribution limits in Alaska.  

Scott Kendall - Episode 210

Jeff was joined by Anchorage attorney Scott Kendall. They discuss the Recall Dunleavy campaign, how much we should pay legislators, the idea of a constitutional convention passing on the ballot next year, and how ranked-choice voting will impact next year's election.  

Cathy Giessel - Episode 209

Jeff was joined by former State Senator Cathy Giessel. They discuss the Legislature's new fiscal plan working group, Governor Mike Dunleavy's (R - Alaska) proposed constitutional amendments, the redistricting process, Alaska's new single primary and ranked choice voting system, her primary loss last year, how the political climate has changed since she was first elected in 2010, and next year's election. 

John and Michaella Anderson - Episode 208

Jeff was joined by John and Michaella Anderson. They discuss their farm in Fairbanks, how John ended up in Fairbanks from New Jersey and how they met, the Munson Creek Fire in Fairbanks, the story of how their house burned down, and some Alaska politics. 

Lisa Murkowski - Episode 207

Jeff was joined by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R - Alaska). They discuss the recent deal with President Biden on an infrastructure bill, the Alaska Marine Highway, the filibuster in the Senate, Alaska's fiscal situation, Alaska's tourism industry, what she experienced at the January 6 Capitol insurrection, and her plans for 2022. 

Margaret Stock - Episode 206

Jeff was joined by Anchorage immigration attorney Margaret Stock. They discuss her recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, why the military is facing a huge recruiting problem, a program she started that allowed foreigners to join the military, the status of a Bethel wife and mother who the government is trying to deport, and the Afghan interpreters abandoned by the U.S. government.