Podcast
The Last Frontier Podcast
Hosted by Daniel Meuninck, Andrew Smith · EN
Your two hosts of this podcast work as professional guides in the Alaskan outdoor tourism industry and started this podcast as a fun way to keep busy during the pandemic summer of 2020. With uncertainty in what employment might look like, Danny and Andrew still wanted to share the beauty of Alaska with people and this podcast was a good way to achieve that goal. Alaska is an incredible place everybody should put on their destination bucket list. Each episode opens with a beer review highlighting a local Alaskan brewery and then tackles a different topic relating to what makes Alaska such a unique place in the world. With all the fun being had drinking Alaskan brews and sharing fascinating information about the Last Frontier State, what started as a fun short term project has morphed into a long term endeavor. With this decision, investments were made in much better production equipment and the sound quality drastically improves starting in Phase II of the podcast with Episode 17 (Feb 21, 2021 release date). We hope you enjoy the content and strongly encourage you to visit Alaska in the future!
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Ocean Between Us - Alaska & Hawai'i
2w ago00:43:37Tap to summarizeIt’s hard to think of two places in the United States that feel more different than Alaska and Hawaiʻi. One is defined by glaciers, cold water, and long winters, while the other is known for warm beaches, volcanoes, and year-round sun. But despite being thousands of miles apart, and complete opposites on the surface, both places are connected by the same massive force: the Pacific Ocean. On today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at how that ocean ties Alaska and Hawaiʻi together through climate, wildlife, culture, and movement. How can the same ocean create two completely different environments? What connects the wildlife between these distant places? And what does it mean to get TP'd while surfing?! It’s the episode that'll get you thinking the Pacific Ocean isn't that big after all...until you try and paddle it!Before we wrap up the intro, we just want to acknowledge that this episode was recorded on Maui prior to the recent storms and flooding. Our thoughts are with the people of the island, and of the friends and community we spent time with while we were there. Alaskan Beer of the Week: Totally Pitted by Harbor Mountain Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the showSupport the show
Transcribe →The Alaska and Hawai'i Religious Hall of Fame
4w ago00:38:59Tap to summarizeAlaska and Hawaiʻi might sit far apart, but both places are known for producing remarkable people shaped by isolation, hardship, and the environments they chose to live in. From remote islands in the North Pacific to the isolated settlement of Molokaʻi, these are places that test people, and sometimes, the people who stand out the most are the ones who chose to stay. On today’s episode, we’re building our very own Alaska and Hawaiʻi Religious Hall of Fame, highlighting four saints from Alaska and two from Hawaiʻi whose lives were defined by service, resilience, and a deep connection to place. How important was language in early missionary work? How did these individuals impact the communities around them? And what do their stories tell us about life at the edge of the map?! It’s the episode that'll have you thinking about island life in a brand-new way!Before we wrap up the intro, we just want to acknowledge that this episode was recorded on Maui prior to the recent storms and flooding. Our thoughts are with the people of the island, and of the friends and community we spent time with while we were there. Alaskan Beer of the Week: Blue Collar by Magnetic North Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Sailing Superstitions: Maritime Lore of the High Seas
Apr 1200:49:02Tap to summarizeIt doesn’t matter if you’re crossing the Pacific, heading out to fish, or just taking a boat around the bay, the ocean has a way of making people just a little bit superstitious. Long before radar, weather apps, or GPS, sailors relied on observation, tradition, and a whole lot of lore to make sense of the sea. Some of those beliefs turned out to be surprisingly accurate… and some of them are just plain weird. On today’s episode, we’re diving into maritime superstitions and the stories behind them. Why are bananas banned from boats? Why should you never rename a vessel without a ceremony? And is there actually some science behind sayings like “red sky at night, sailor’s delight”? It’s the episode you'll want to listen to before your next boat trip!Before we wrap up the intro, we just want to acknowledge that this episode was recorded on Maui prior to the recent storms and flooding. Our thoughts are with the people of the island, and of the friends and community we spent time with while we were there. Alaskan Beer of the Week: Nat Shack Richardson Ruby Ale by Valdez Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Alaska Mascots Part 4.5: MLB National League
Mar 2900:58:09Tap to summarizeIt is still March which means spring training for Major League Baseball. On the last episode we stepped up to the plate and went through the American League teams, replacing their mascots with Alaska-inspired counterparts. But that was only the first inning of this two-part series. On today’s episode we turn our attention to the National League as we continue getting creative and educational with Alaska mascots. What red birds do we have in Alaska? What's the Alaskan equivalent of a Padre? And what were Pirates called in the Last Frontier?! It's the episode you'll grab your peanuts and cracker jacks for!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Berry Lemon Buzz by Turnagain Brewing Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Alaska Mascots Part 4: MLB American League
Mar 1500:57:05Tap to summarizeIt is March which means spring training for Major League Baseball. As we do roughly once a year, we tackle some sort of sport league by changing their mascots to their similar themed, but Alaska related counterparts. This year, we made good contact and hit a double which means you get a two parter! On today's episode, we go through the American League teams so please join us as we get creative and education with Alaska mascots! How uncreative were some original team mascots back in the day? Which team logo would make for a good tattoo? And would you rather be a Boston Mukluk or Xtra Tuf?! It's the episode we knocked out of the park!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Berserker by Midnight Sun Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Alaska Madness Bracket 2026
Mar 101:02:32Tap to summarizeMarch Madness is just around the corner for all you basketball fans out there, but for Alaska lovers, this episode is for you. On today’s episode of The Last Frontier Podcast, we’re running our own Alaska-themed bracket. We take 32 iconic things Alaska is known for, put them head-to-head, and battle it out to determine what we subjectively believe is the most iconic symbol of the Last Frontier. Who makes it to the Final Four? Which flower goes on a Cinderella run? And what will ultimately be crowned champion? It’s the episode that’s guaranteed to bust your bracket.Alaskan Beer of the Week: 7 (Seven Anniversary Aged and Blended Sour Ale) by Turnagain BrewingMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Are You Smarter Than An Alaskan: Part 3
Feb 1501:31:44Tap to summarizeWe wrap up our three-part mini-series with part 3 of our 49 questions interview with born-and-raised Alaskan Jared Fink. In this final episode, we turn our focus to wildlife, climate, and what it really means to live alongside nature in the Last Frontier. What animals do Alaskans respect the most? How many climate zones does Alaska have? And why should you always give the ball to Beast Mode on the one yard line?! It's the episode you can't control, but can coexist with!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Fisherman's Porter by Grace Ridge Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Are You Smarter Than An Alaskan: Part 2
Feb 101:07:47Tap to summarizeWe continue on with part 2 of our 3 part mini-series where we are asking 49 questions to born and raised Alaskan Jared Fink. On today's episode, we get into history and culture so join us as we delve further into what makes the Last Frontier such a unique place in the world. How did backroom politics play a role is the purchase of Alaska? What does the word remote mean to an Alaskan? And does Alaska actually pay you to live in the state?! It's the episode that'll give you an extra special taste in your mouth!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Private Drive Spruce Tip ESB by Valdez BrewingMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →Are You Smarter Than An Alaskan: Part 1
Jan 1801:05:35Tap to summarizeThis episode begins a three part mini-series where we ask 49 questions split out among three episodes about the 49th state. Who better to answer than pod fan favorite Jared Fink who was born and raised in the bush of the Last Frontier. While most of us might be smarter than a 5th grader (debatable!), see how your Alaska knowledge compares with someone who had airplane engine oil on his wood stove every winter night as a kid. Why is local knowledge so important in Alaska? Why is foot ware so important in the Last Frontier? And how much does it cost if you get your boat stuck when the river freezes over night?! It's the episode you'll listen to in your Xtra Tufs!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Oatmeal Stout by HooDoo Brewing CompanyMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
Transcribe →The Jones Act
Jan 400:42:16Tap to summarizeOn today's episode, we unpack one of the most influential yet misunderstood laws in America...the Jones Act. From shipping costs to national security, we reveal how the Jones Act came to be and its affects on Alaska and beyond. How does the Jones Act benefit Alaska mariners? Why are consumer prices higher due to the Jones Act? And how does the Jones Act keep those Russian spies away from Alaska?! It's the episode you've been jonesing to listen to!Alaskan Beer of the Week: Sin Offering by BrewerksMusic By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]Support the show
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