Alaska Landmine Radio

Greg Harr - Episode 306

Jeff was joined by Dr. Greg Harr, one of the owners of Family First Dentistry. They discuss why he decided to become a dentist, how he ended up in Alaska and started working at Family First Dentistry, why some people are hesitant about going to the dentist, the role health insurance plays in dentistry, the different facets of dentistry, how Covid impacted his business, and his advice on how to maintain good dental hygiene. 

Paul Fuhs - Episode 305

Jeff was joined by lobbyist Paul Fuhs. They talk about his time serving as mayor of Dutch Harbor, his time serving as Commerce commissioner under former Governor Wally Hickel, a trip he took to the Soviet Union in 1990 and how he ended up singing "Back in the U.S.SR." with a Soviet Army band, trips Jeff and Paul have taken to Crimea since the Russian annexation, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what that means for Arctic cooperation, how the war in Ukraine will likely end, and the importance of domestic energy. 

David Bernhardt - Episode 304

Jeff was joined by former Secretary of the Department of Interior David Bernhardt. They discuss his background working for the Department of Interior in the Bush and Trump administrations, the challenges of federal lands in western states, how former President Donald Trump asked him to lead the Department of Interior, how the government shutdown of in 2019 impacted his job, the time he was made designated survivor during the State of the Union, and how civil servants sometimes undermine the agenda of the president. 

Mary Peltola and Anton McParland - Episode 303

Jeff was joined by Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D - Alaska) and her chief of staff, Anton McParland. They discuss how she briefly occupied the late Don Young's office after she won the special election last summer, her general election win, the drawn out process to elect a Speaker of the House in January, how she helped get ConocoPhillips' Willow project approved, why she thinks she was able to defeat the huge field to become Alaska's sole representative, and what its been like serving in Congress. 

Art Hackney - Episode 302

Jeff was joined by political consultant Art Hackney. They talk about his history working in Alaska politics, his dad's time serving in the Alaska Legislature, past campaigns he's worked on including the late Ted Stevens and the late Don Young, the cultural shift in politics, Alaska's political history, the inner workings of the Legislature, and the art of reaching voters with campaign messaging. 

Ryan Anderson - Episode 301

Jeff was joined by Alaska Department of Transportation Commissioner Ryan Anderson. They discuss why he decided to move to Alaska in 1993 to attend UAF, his time working at Greens Creek Mine near Juneau, his career at DOT, how he came to be appointed commissioner, some current DOT projects, the proposed Knik Arm crossing, the proposed Juneau Access Road, the Marine Highway System, and what future projects may be in store for DOT. 

Chris Tuck - Episode 300

Jeff was joined by former Representative and current Anchorage mayoral candidate Chris Tuck. They discuss the 14 years he spent in the Legislature, why he decided not to run again last year, the dynamics of the House and Senate after the November election, why he decided to run for mayor, his response to some progressives that want him out of the race, and some of the issues facing Anchorage. 

Jared Cure’ and Forrest Wolfe - Episode 299

Jeff was joined by Juneau bar owner Jared Cure' and legislative staffer Forrest Wolfe. They discuss a myriad of topics including travel, Jared's bars in Juneau, Forrest's campaign for State House last year, life in Juneau during session, and a myriad of other random topics. 

Kevin Cross - Episode 298

Jeff was joined by Anchorage Assembly member Kevin Cross. They talk about his time on the Assembly since being elected in April 2022, his background working in real estate, the housing problem Anchorage faces, an ordinance he recently cosponsored that aims to streamline zoning in Anchorage, this history of zoning in Anchorage, why there is more home building in the Mat-Su Valley, some of the opposition he's facing from conservatives, how the proposed Knik Arm bridge would help solve the housing crisis, and when the zoning ordinance will likely be voted on.  

Scott Kendall - Episode 297

Jeff was joined by Anchorage attorney and political operative Scott Kendall. They discuss his role at the law firm Cashion Gilmore & Lindemuth, Republican Nick Begich's recent announcement that he will challenge Representative Mary Peltola (D - Anchorage) next year, the effort to repeal ranked choice voting in Alaska, a ballot initiative that aims to cap individual-to-candidate contributions, and the culture in Juneau during legislative session.