Alaska Landmine Radio

Angela Rodell - Episode 78

Jeff was joined by Angela Rodell, the CEO of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. They discuss her history working as an investment banker in New York City, how she started working in Alaska, her time as Commissioner of the Department of Revenue, how she became CEO of the APFC, the history of the APFC, how it functions, the kinds of investments they make, as well as some of the successful investments they have made over the years. 

Bill Wielechowski - Episode 77

Jeff was again joined by Senator Bill Wielechowski (D - Anchorage). They discuss the end of session (since this recording the Governor has called a special session), his history in the Senate being in both the majority and minority, what it was like being in a bipartisan majority with people of differing political views, his time working with former Governor Sarah Palin, how the end of session negotiations work, how the Senate has been collaborating more this year, and his first election.  

Gabrielle LeDoux - Episode 76

Jeff was again joined by Representative Gabrielle LeDoux (R - Anchorage). This podcast was recorded on the last day of the regular legislative session, day 121. They discuss the end of session, her recent budget vote that resulted in her leaving the House Majority, the PFD, the crime bill and the issues between the House Majority and the Governor, and a likely special session. 

Ed King - Episode 75

Jeff was joined by Ed King, Chief Economist for the State of Alaska. They discuss his background working as an economist, his previous roles for the State and the Walker administration, the recent recession in Alaska, the State economy, the budget and deficit, how it is working for Donna Arduin, and his time in Alaska. 

Libby Bakalar - Episode 74

Jeff was again joined by the awesome Libby Bakalar. They discuss what she's been up to since the last podcast, the recent ACLU fundraiser she attended, some recent issues in the news, how social media has been changing, the effects social media is having on society, the outrage culture, how so many people have become dependent on social media, and the changing roles companies like Facebook and Twitter are playing when it comes to regulating speech. 

Frank Murkowski - Episode 73

Jeff was joined by former Alaska Senator and Governor Frank Murkowski. Murkowski served as one of Alaska's Senators from 1981-2002 and then served as Alaska's eighth governor from 2002-2006. They discuss the time he met Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the time President Reagan and Pope John Paul II came to Fairbanks, resource development in Alaska including timber and gas, and a great story about how he brought two children back from Vietnam to their mom in Fairbanks. 

Terria Walters Vandenhuerk - Episode 72

Jeff was joined by Terria Walters Vandenhuerk. She is a formerly incarcerated inmate who is now a criminal justice reform advocate. They discuss her criminal history, her time in prison, the recent case involving Kellsie Green, the murder of her son and how she has forgiven his murderer, the problems with the criminal justice system, and how she thinks it can be improved through restorative justice practices. 

Nils Andreassen - Episode 71

Jeff was joined by Nils Andreassen, the Executive Director of the Alaska Municipal League (AML). Before taking that job last year Andreassen served as the Executive Director of the Institute of the North for many years. They discuss his background in Alaska, how he got the job at AML, the role AML plays in Alaska, the State budget, and how the current State budget issues affect municipalities around the State.

Damian Bilbao - Episode 70

Jeff was joined by Damian Bilbao, the Vice President of Commercial Ventures at BP Alaska. He is originally from Venezuela. They discuss the current situation in Venezuela, how he came to the United States, how he first came to Alaska, other places in the world he has worked, his role at BP, the proposed gasline, what BP is currently working on in Alaska, and the oil and gas industry in general. 

Elvi Gray-Jackson - Episode 69

Jeff was joined by newly elected Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson (D - Anchorage). Gray-Jackson was elected to the Senate last November after former Senator Berta Gardner retired. She previously served three terms on the Anchorage Assembly. They discuss her background working for the Municipality of Anchorage, why she moved to Alaska, why she decided to run for the Assembly, her time interacting with community councils, why she decided to run for the Senate, and the budget.