Alaska Landmine Radio

Walter Carpeneti - Episode 59

Jeff was joined by former Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Walter Carpeneti. Before serving on the Supreme Court he worked as a public defender and then in private practice. He was appointed to the Superior Court in 1981 by Governor Hammond. In 1998, he was appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Knowles. They discuss his early legal career in San Francisco, why he came to Alaska, why he decided to become a judge, and what it was like being a judge on the Superior Court and the Supreme Court. He also talks about a group, Justice Not Politics Alaska, he has been involved with since retiring. 

John Coghill - Episode 58

Jeff was joined by Senator John Coghill (R - North Pole). He currently serves as the Senate Rules Chairman. Coghill was first elected to the State House in 1998. He was appointed to the State Senate by former Governor Sean Parnell in 2009 to fill a vacancy, and has been in the Senate since. They discuss his family history in Nenana, including his recently deceased father, Jack Coghill, his time in the military, some struggles he had as a young man and how he became a Christian, why he first decided to enter politics, his time in the legislature, and some of the issues facing Alaska today. 

Chris Tuck - Episode 57

Jeff was joined by Representative Chris Tuck (D - Anchorage). Chris was elected to the State House in 2008. He served as Majority Leader in the House for the last legislature. They discuss his history of running for office, including Jeff Landfield running against him in 2012 before switching to run for the Senate, his time in the legislature, the environment of the Capitol, as well as different proposed capital projects in Alaska. 

Rick Halford - Episode 56

Jeff was joined by former State Senator Rick Halford. Halford was first elected to the Alaska House in 1978. After serving two terms in the House, he was elected to the Alaska Senate in 1982, where he served until 2003. He served two terms as Senate President. They discuss why he first ran for office, his history in the legislature, the financial crisis in the 1980s, Alaska's current fiscal situation, the permanent fund, and Pebble Mine. 

Kevin Baird - Episode 55

Jeff was joined by Kevin Baird. Baird recently worked as a reporter for the Juneau Empire. Before that he worked at the Fairbanks Daily Newsminer. He recently left the Empire and moved to Portland. They sat down for a chat before he left at the Triangle Club in Juneau. They discuss his time before he moved to Alaska, including working as a cab driver and a reporter, why he came to Alaska, the madness of the current legislative session, the changing media landscape, and some of his frustrations with working in the traditional media. 

Grace Jang - Episode 54

Jeff was joined by Grace Jang. Jang worked for former Governor Bill Walker for his entire 4 year term. She held several positions including communications director and deputy chief of staff. Prior to that she worked for KTVA and KTUU as a producer and reporter. They discuss her time with Governor Walker, her background in media, the infamous Speedogate incident, and her new communications and consulting business, Grace Jang Solutions. 

Jeff Clements - Episode 53

Jeff was joined by Jeff Clements. Clements is an attorney, author, and the co-founder and CEO of American Promise. He lives in Boston. Since 2010, he has been one of the chief advocates for a 28th Amendment to overturn Citizens United and allow Congress and states to set reasonable limits on campaign spending. They discuss his history as an attorney, why he got involved in campaign finance reform, the problems with the Citizens United case, and the progress his group. He recently visited Juneau to talk with legislators about his group and efforts. 

Scott McMurren - Episode 52

Jeff was joined by travel and airfare guru Scott McMurren. McMurren is an Anchorage bases marketing and travel consultant. He is a longtime contributor to the Anchorage Daily News. He is probably best known for finding amazing deals on airfares. They discuss his history in the travel industry, some awesome upcoming airfare deals out of Alaska, how the travel industry has changed, and an upcoming travel event he is hosting. McMurren is very high energy! 

Laura Norton-Cruz - Episode 51

Jeff was joined by Laura Norton-Cruz from the Alaska Children's Trust. She is the director of the Alaska Resilience Initiative. They discuss her background as a teacher and social worker, why she got involved in ending child abuse, the different kinds of child abuse, and the work she does with the Alaska Children's Trust. They also discuss the importance of education and healthcare for childhood development. 

Ralph Samuels - Episode 50

Jeff was joined by Ralph Samuels. Samuels served in the Alaska House from 2003-2009. Prior to that, he had a long career in aviation with PenAir. He now works as vice president of government and community relations for Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. They discuss his history in Alaska, the tragic murder of his brother in 1989 and how that got him involved in the political process, his time in the legislature, his 2010 run for governor, and what it's like being in Juneau.