Alaska Landmine Radio

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. 

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.