Podcast
Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media
Hosted by Alaska Public Media · EN
Hometown, Alaska features conversations with local civic and cultural leaders, educators, and community members making an impact on their city. Hosted by: Kim Sherry and Dave Waldron
12episodes
Episodes
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Bristol Bay Fishery and the PBS documentary series “Shared Planet” | Hometown, Alaska
May 400:59:00Tap to summarizeThis week on Hometown Alaska, we’re joined by marine biologist Tim Sands to share what it’s like working at the heart of one of the world’s most remarkable fisheries—and appearing in the new PBS series “Shared Planet.” From the waters of Bristol Bay, we’ll uncover why this fishery continues to thrive when so many others are under pressure. Plus, a closer look at how Alaska’s approach to sustainability is shaping the global conversation around the future of fishing.
Transcribe →Summer camps in Anchorage | Hometown, Alaska
Apr 2800:54:00Tap to summarizeIt's almost time for summer, and we know what some of you might be thinking, “there’s still snow on the ground, why are we already talking about summer?” Well, now is the time for parents and providers to be registering their kids for summer camps.It’s not a secret that Alaska has a child-care shortage and many of our summer camps fill up fast. Thankfully, there are a ton of options out there; everything from single day camps, to one-week programs and even a few places that offer child-care and enrichment for the entire summer.On today’s show we be talk about every kind of camp you can find, whether it is a niche interest or something more general.
Transcribe →Co-op gardens, tiny homes, composting and more | Hometown, Alaska
Apr 2100:52:48Tap to summarizeToday’s show was inspired by Earth Day and how humans can minimize their impact on the planet. We're joined by the Network Connector for Anchor Gardens, a local group that has their hands in all sorts of eco-friendly projects like co-op gardens, tiny homes, and “stockpile” stations.
Transcribe →Sauna culture in Alaska | Hometown, Alaska
Apr 1300:55:13Tap to summarizeFor generations, people around the world have turned to heat and steam for healing, connection, and ritual—most famously in places like Finland, where sauna is a way of life. But long before modern wellness trends, Indigenous communities here in Alaska practiced their own forms of “steaming,” using traditional sweat lodges as part of physical, spiritual, and communal well-being.Today, we’re seeing a powerful revival of sauna culture, blending ancient traditions with contemporary health and lifestyle trends. From wood-fired saunas to cold plunges in icy waters, the hot–cold ritual is gaining new attention across the state and beyond.In this conversation, we explore the deep history, cultural roots and modern resurgence of sauna—and what it means to Alaskans today.
Transcribe →The Anchorage Curling Club | Hometown, Alaska
Apr 700:56:45Tap to summarizeOn this episode, we sweep you into the surprisingly cool world of curling—where things heat up on the ice. Curling might look like a simple game of sliding stones across ice, but it’s a sport rich in history, strategy, and surprising science.Originating centuries ago in Scotland, curling has grown into a global sport and a fan favorite at the Winter Olympics. Here in Anchorage, a dedicated community of curlers and volunteers keeps that tradition alive, welcoming newcomers and seasoned players alike.We explore how the game works, the fascinating physics behind that signature “curl” and the local stories that make curling in Alaska so unique.
Transcribe →Celebrating Alaska women with the Anchorage ATHENA Society | Hometown, Alaska
Mar 2300:56:53Tap to summarizeOn this episode we celebrate Women’s History Month by showcasing some Alaska women who were honored at the 2026 ATHENA Awards. The awards are given to only a select few women that have shown professional excellence, commitment to community and leadership potential. We hear from the founder of the Anchorage chapter of the ATHENA Society, Eleanor Andrews and this year's leadership award winner, Dr. Anne Zink. We also get to know two more ATHENA Society inductees from this year.
Transcribe →Falconry in the Last Frontier | Hometown, Alaska
Mar 1900:56:43Tap to summarizeFalconry is where tradition and modern skill "take flight," and falconers prove that mastering it is never just "winging it." Falconry is the ancient art of hunting in partnership with a trained bird of prey, and it has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. In Alaska, falconry takes on a unique character, shaped by the state’s vast landscapes, wildlife and strong hunting traditions. From tundra to forest, Alaska provides an ideal environment for birds like falcons and hawks to thrive and hunt. Today, falconry in Alaska is both a living tradition and a tool for conservation, education, and deep connection to the natural world.
Transcribe →Hidden histories and strange stories from AK | Hometown, Alaska
Mar 900:43:35Tap to summarizeOn this episode, we uncover some of the wildest and oddest stories Alaska has to offer. The idea for this show was inspired by an article titled "When Walt Disney Came to Fairbanks." It uncovers the not-so-well-known trip that Walt Disney took well before Alaska was a state, and before Disneyland was built. The story is full of intrigue, including a secret mural that was painted by Walt himself, an unsolved murder, and an early Disney movie filmed in Alaska. Later on the program we will have more Alaskan oddities from local historian David Reamer.
Transcribe →Celebrating Black History Month | Hometown, Alaska
Feb 2300:54:39Tap to summarizeOn today’s show we celebrate Black History Month. Although we only have about a week of February left, there are still lots of ways to do that. Hear from two members of the Alaska Black Caucus to find out what their role is in our state, what their focus is in a time where racial tensions have risen to new heights and to learn about the upcoming Bettye Davis African American Summit.
Transcribe →Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day | Hometown, Alaska
Feb 1800:56:44Tap to summarizeToday is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, so it seemed fitting to be joined by Paloma Pavel. She is the co-author of the book “Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty.” At first glance, the book looks like children’s literature, but is a parable, of sorts, showing how through small acts, we can break away from behaviors that lead to violence and war by making new choices and working together. Pavel’s co-author Anne Herbert is credited with coining the phrase “random kindness and senseless acts of beauty” back in 1982 and the words and sentiment spread from there.Paloma Pavel moved to Anchorage about two years ago and works on Providence Hospital’s Spiritual Care and Clinical Pastoral Education Team.Later in the show we hear about Alaska Public Media's project honoring people giving back the the community called "Every Little Bit."
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