Two Old Women Book Review and Iditarod Science

Author Stan Jones reviews a rural Alaska Classic, Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival.

Stan's years living in rural Alaska fueled his interest and respect for the native cultures of Alaska and the tremendous character especially during brutal conditions.

Find his book and podcast interview on our Big Alaska Show Book Review Section!

Dr. Gordon Snyder previously shared the science of dog paws, proper Iditarod dog hydration and the study of yellow snow science - who knew!

This time Gordon talks pink snow science!

Iditarod History-Tales Abound!

Hear today's full show podcast!

The Iditarod has a rich history - and we're talking a gold history! That's why we bring historian and author, Steve Levy, to share tales of the Iditarod and the Alaska Gold Rush going on at the time!

You'll also find his book, "The Human Face of the Alaska Gold Rush: It Was a Righteous Time With Saints And Scoundrels Living Side By Side" on our Big Alaska Show Book Review Section.

Plus, we share a gold nugget memory with an interview with Alaska's Balladeer, Hobo Jim, we did back in 2008.   

Hobo Jim 2008

Listen to our interview from 2008 with Hobo Jim!

The 2023 Iditarod!

The 2023 Iditarod!

Meet Sydnie Bahl (bale) who is training for the 2025 Iditarod. Sydnie's that next generation inspired to pursue her dream and carry on the tradition. And she's training under one of the best: retired multi-Iditarod musher, Vern Halter, with his wife and veterinarian, Susan, and the Dream a Dream Kennel team https://dreamsleddogtours.com.

What's it like to get ready to run the Iditarod? Sydnie Bahl tells us!

Plus, we interview Rod Perry, who competed in the very first Iditarod. We even threw in a Tall Alaska Tale about Colonel Norman Vaughn!

2023 Fur Rondy Time!

This annual cabin fever reliever is uniquely Alaskan and packed with events! 

World Championship Dog Sled Races, the Melodrama, Outhouse Races, Mr. Fur Face, Ice Carvers, Fur auctions and much more!

Rondy CEO, John McCleary, takes us inside to what's going on. Christy Hedrick reports on a Rondy favorite, the Melodrama and Neal Hagland talks Mr. Fur Face. We even have a Tall Alaska Tales!

Listen to the full podcast!

Iditarod 2023: Teacher on the Trail and Sled Dog Science

Iditarod Educators: Jane Holmes and Juli Westrich

Juli Westrich

Jane Holmes

Iditarod education has gone to the dogs! That's what makes it exciting! Director of Education of the Iditarod Trail Committee, Jane Holmes, introduces the 2023 Teacher on the Trail, Juli Westrich.

Becoming Teacher on the Trail is a HUGE lesson unto itself. Educators go through an extensive vetting process to compete for the highly coveted position. Only one will be chosen. The winner gets an experience of a lifetime immersed in the complete Iditarod experience all the way to the finish line in Nome. Along the way, Juli will blog daily sharing her experience with students from around the world.

To visit the Iditarod education link: https://iditarod.com/edu/

Dog Paw Science and Yellow Snow Trivia

Our Science Guy, Dr. Gordon Snyder, shares some science about dog paws and yellow snow trivia!

Listen to the full podcast

Wildfires, Fly Fishing and Novels

Lolo Paige fought wildfires. Years later she authored her Blazing Hearts Wildfire Series novels.

Set in Alaska, Lolo's stories revolve around the wildfire industry where men and women work closely as teams to face life-threatening situations. Throw in some sizzling relationships and you have a page turning novel that ends to quickly with readers seeking more. So, Lolo obliges.

She adds Alaska Blaze and a lighthearted comedy Hello Spain, Goodbye Heart you'll find in our Book Review Section

Joe Jackson, talks about his book, It's Only Fishing: Tales of Alaska, fly fishing and young adulthood. You’ll find his book, links and extended podcast in our Book Review Section. 

Because fly fishers are so passionate, we asked our Science Guy, Dr. Gordon Snyder, to join us. He became one of the foremost authorities on water science because of his love for fly fishing. We're not sure if the interview is about Joe's book or fly fishing!

Hear the full podcast!

Mike Ferris New Boat and Flounder Wars! Scott McMurren AK Travel !

Mike Ferris gives an update on his new boat, Norrin Radd 3.0. Plus, Mike recalls the Flounder Wars, when Mike and the Duck crossed nets!

Flounder as a weapon - who knew?!

Scott McMurren talks about an event the Alaska Travelgram is hosting the the Alaska Aviation Museum. He shares travel love secrets - translated money savings! And he shares Moose's Tooth Pizza and Beer for the price of a ticket. But even if you miss it, wise travelers to Alaska should consider the Alaska Travelgram.  www.alaskatravelgram.com. 

Listen to the full show! 

Ron Holmstrom Tribute

Although Alaska lost a shining star for the film/theater/television/arts community, we remember the legacy Ron Holmstrom leaves behind. Today's show features Ron Holmstrom sharing stories about his part in the movie, The Frozen Ground, featuring John Cusack and Nicholas Cage. We even had fun with Ron in our impromptu and chaotic radio drama, Inappropriate Product Placement Theatuh!

Listen to our virtually commercial free podcast!

To hear the full August 31, 2013 interview go to:

https://www.bigalaskashow.com/bas-shows-archive/100-million-viewers?rq=100

Tanner's Alaskan Seafood and Homeroid, Christie Bond-Hill!

We get our sockeye salmon from commercial fisherman, Jason Tanner, and owner of Tanner's Alaskan Seafood www.tannersfish.com!

We liked it so much, we wanted to meet him. You can too!

Homer has its share of Alaska reality shows. Our favorite Homer-oid, Christie Bond-Hill's is better than any of 'em!

She's raised 1/4 of a million $$$ in the fight against cancer at the Polar Bear Jump Off, blows TAPS for veterans, works for a veterinarian and holds a research and rescue position for seals and otters at the Alaska SeaLife Center. 

Check out the podcast!

You can join the fun every Saturday morning at 9:05a-10a (Alaska Time), broadcast on Alaska's oldest station, KFQD 103.7 FM / 750 AM, as thousands of Alaskans tune in, or online at The Big Alaska Show But, that’s just the tip o’ the iceberg!

Celebrate the 17th Big Alaska Show Anniversary!

This plaque is posted at the Breeze Inn Bar to commemorate our Big Alaska Show beginnings! Our Show started at the Polar Bear Jump Off in Seward, AK for the American Cancer Society 17 years ago at the Breeze Inn. We had BIG plans for our debut. But equipment failure set us on a course as the longest running, mistaken ridden radio show in Alaska's history that continues to this day.  

Listen to this lively podcast of clips from past Polar Bear Jump Off Shows!