Alaska Landmine Radio

Jenna Wright - Episode 316

Jeff was joined by Jenna Wright, president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). They discuss her recent selection as president and CEO of AEDC, her background working at the Alaska DMV, her time working in telecom, why she came to work at AEDC, the housing problem in Anchorage, how she met her husband, some upcoming projects in Anchorage, and the economic impact the Ted Stevens International Airport has on Anchorage.  

Nancy Dahlstrom - Episode 315

Jeff was joined by Lieutenant Governor Nancy Dahlstrom (R - Alaska). They discuss her narrow loss to Senator Lisa Murkowski (R - Alaska) in the 2002 Republican primary when Murkowski was serving in the Alaska State House, and how she was the appointed to the seat when then-Governor Frank Murkowski appointed Lisa to his U.S. Senate seat, how Juneau functions, some potential ballot initiatives on next year's ballot, and her time serving as lieutenant governor since December.  

Andrew Halcro - Episode 314

Jeff was joined by Anchorage politico and podcaster Andrew Halcro. They discuss Jeff's recent appendectomy and Andrew's appendectomy in 1995, a recent letter he received from attorney Kevin Clarkson - Alaska's former disgraced attorney general - on behalf of Art Mathias accusing Halcro of defamation and slander as well as making bizarre demands, how he is dealing with it, the problems facing Anchorage and the state, and some ideas on how things can be turned around. 

Scott Habberstad - Episode 313

Jeff was joined by Scott Habberstad from Alaska Airlines. They discuss his 23 year career with Alaska Airlines, what his job entails, his previous career as a pilot, the impact Covid had on the airline industry, some of Alaska Air's new destinations, the big PFD sale they are currently running, Alaska Air's mileage plan, and some of Jeff's issues with bad airlines travelers. 

Christine Williams - Episode 312

Jeff was joined by Anchorage attorney Christine Williams. They discuss her upbringing in Anchorage with seven siblings, attending UAA and then going to law school in California, how she met her husband at an Alaska Airlines party, the history of Alaska Native Corporations and government contracting advantages, the lawsuit that tried to block ANCs from getting Covid money for tribes, and how the recent Supreme Court decision banning racial preference for college admissions may affect government contracting. 

Bill Popp - Episode 311

Jeff was joined by Anchorage mayoral candidate Bill Popp. They discuss how he moved to Anchorage as a kid, some Alaska political history, why he and his wife moved to the Kenai Peninsula, his time serving on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly and in the mayor's office, why he came back to lead the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, why he decided to run for mayor, and the major issues facing Anchorage. 

Rick Green (Rydell) - Episode 310

Jeff was joined by Rick Green, special assistant to Fish and Game Commissioner Doug-Vincent Lang. They discuss his time on talk radio (where he went by Rick Rydell) why he moved to Alaska from Montana after getting kicked out of high school, his style when he was on the radio, how talk radio has changed over the years, why he decided to go work for Fish and Game, his time working as a hunting and fishing guide in Alaska, different fishing and hunting issues in Alaska, some stories about his time living in Juneau and Anchorage, and his thoughts on the future of Alaska. 

Daniel Volland - Episode 309

Jeff was joined by Anchorage Assembly member Dr. Daniel Volland. They discuss why he became an optometrist, some common problems with the eyes, why he decided to move to Alaska and buy a practice, why he decided to run for the Anchorage Assembly, the complexities of the special election for the new Assembly seat he won, the snow plowing mess that happened last winter, the growing homelessness problem in Anchorage, and his thoughts on making homebuilding easier in Anchorage. 

Nick Begich - Episode 308

Jeff was joined by Republican U.S. House candidate Nick Begich. They discuss last year's packed special election after Don Young passed way, the main race with fellow Republican Sarah Palin and now-Representative Mary Peltola (D - Alaska), U.S monetary policy, how inflation is affecting working people, next year's presidential election, why he thinks next year's House race for Alaska's sole congressional seat will be different, and other issues currently facing the country. 

Jonathan White - Episode 307

Jeff was joined by Jonathan White, a former KTUU reporter and lobbyist who now owns SteamDot. They discuss his background as a reporter, how he came to work for KTUU, his time working as a reporter in Juneau and then D.C., why he came back to Alaska, his time working as a lobbyist, why he started Steam Dot, some of the challenges at his midtown Anchorage location, how the media has changed, and how he knew Sarah Palin before she was governor.