Podcast
The Must Read Alaska Show
Hosted by Must Read Alaska · EN
The Must Read Alaska Show is an award-winning podcast celebrated for its exceptional commentary on Alaska politics from a conservative perspective. With a unique approach that views each episode as a human interest piece, the show features a diverse array of guests, including politicians from both sides of the aisle, CEOs of publicly traded companies, New York Times bestselling authors, mayors of small towns in Alaska, and even presidents of countries.
This award-winning show offers listeners fresh and candid discussions about what’s happening behind the scenes in Alaska politics, blending in-depth analysis, engaging storytelling, and expert interviews to provide an unparalleled listening experience.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Powering Alaska from Within: HEX and the Cook Inlet Comeback
2w ago00:34:15Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Energy and Business from Must Read Alaska, host Todd sits down with John Hendrix — President and CEO of HEX LLC, Homer native, civil engineer, and recently named Outstanding Alaskan of the Year — for a clear-eyed conversation about Alaska’s energy future. In “Powering Alaska from Within: HEX and the Cook Inlet Comeback,” John explains how HEX LLC, the only 100% Alaskan-owned and operated natural gas producer in the state, is delivering reliable, affordable energy to Railbelt homes, businesses, and military bases right now. Headquartered in Anchorage, HEX operates critical offshore and onshore infrastructure in the Kitchen Lights Unit and recently unified its operations under one strong HEX brand while committing to new drilling and continued investment. Listeners will hear the story behind HEX’s acquisition of the once-struggling Kitchen Lights Unit, how local ownership and disciplined investment turned declining production around — including doubling output from the Allegra Leigh platform in 2025 — and why Cook Inlet’s estimated 19 trillion cubic feet of natural gas represents a generational opportunity for Alaska energy security. John connects the dots between local resource development, keeping the lights on and heat flowing during critical winter months, and building a stronger, more self-reliant Alaska. He also shares an encouraging message for young Alaskans considering careers in energy and for policymakers who want to see more homegrown investment succeed. If you care about affordable energy, Alaska’s resource sovereignty, and practical solutions that keep money and jobs in-state, this episode delivers straight talk from the operator proving that Alaskan solutions work best for Alaskans. HEX LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hex-ak/posts/?feedView=all SPONSORS: Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/ Promo Code: energy for 10% off all our annual plans DRB Productions: https://centertix.com/events/beatles-vs-rolling-stones-musical-showdown Promo Code: London for MRAK subscribers
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Food, Health & the Future of What We Eat with Kristen Rasmussen and Brenda Josephson
3w ago00:44:31Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Social from Must Read Alaska, host Todd explores the powerful connection between food, health, and self-reliance with two expert guests: Kristen Rasmussen from the Culinary Institute of America and Brenda Josephson, Haines-based Culinary Institute of America-trained chef and author of MRAK’s popular Foodies & Foragers column. In “Food, Health & the Future of What We Eat,” they discuss the groundbreaking Food is Life, Food is Health Summit held May 6–8, 2026, at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, California. Co-organized with Stanford Medicine, the summit brought together chefs, physicians, dietitians, and researchers to reimagine food as the foundation of personal and planetary health. Kristen shares insights from the national perspective — including cross-disciplinary kitchens where doctors and chefs trained side-by-side, the science validating traditional food wisdom, and practical strategies for culinary therapeutics. Brenda brings the authentic Alaska voice, connecting the summit’s themes to real-life practices like foraging kelp, harvesting wild salmon, using devil’s club, and embracing subsistence living in Southeast Alaska. This conversation celebrates food independence as a core Alaskan value. In a time of supply chain vulnerability and rising chronic disease, it affirms that hunting, fishing, gardening, and foraging aren’t just traditions — they’re powerful acts of health sovereignty and resilience. Listeners will gain validation for their lifestyle and fresh inspiration for making food truly medicine in their own homes. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Alaska’s wild food traditions or seeking practical ways to build greater self-sufficiency, this episode bridges national momentum with frontier wisdom. Tune in for thoughtful discussion on reclaiming control over what we eat — and why it matters now more than ever. Food is Life, Food is Health Conference: https://www.foodislifefoodishealth.org/about Kristen Rasmussen Instagram: rootedfood MRAK Foodies and Foragers with Brenda Josephson: https://mustreadalaska.com/foodies-and-foragers-food-is-life-food-is-health/ SPONSORS: Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/ Promo Code: thesocial10 for 10% off the 'All In' or 'In For News' prepaid annual plans The Wellness Company: https://www.twc.health/alaska Promo Code: ALASKA for 10% off + free shipping on every order
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From the Land Up: Alaska's Homestead Revival with Tandy Hogate
May 1800:39:03Tap to summarizeJoin Sonia on The Social from the Must Read Alaska Show as she sits down with Tandy Hogate — host of the Sustainable Alaska podcast and co-founder of Common Ground Alaska — for a timely conversation on Alaska’s growing homestead revival. In “From the Land Up: Alaska’s Homestead Revival,” Tandy shares how more Alaskans are reclaiming self-reliance through gardening, animal husbandry, food preservation, and off-grid living. With Alaska importing nearly all its groceries and facing real supply chain risks, this movement isn’t just a lifestyle — it’s a practical response to food security and resilience. Tandy previews the third annual Alaska Homestead Expo and Marketplace happening Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–23, 2026, at the Big Lake Lions Club. This year’s event expands to a hybrid format with livestreamed sessions, full recordings, and an entire summer series of 65+ additional classes included with your ticket. 2026 Alaska Homestead Expo: Tickets: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2026-spring-alaska-homestead-expo-ad3e099b48b4 https://commongroundalaska.com/event/2026-spring-alaska-homestead-expo/ In-Person/Hybrid: $85 | Virtual: $45 | Marketplace only: $5 at the door SPONSORS: Must Read Alaska: https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/ Promo Code: thesocial10 for 10% off the 'All In' or 'In For News' prepaid annual plans Big Berkey Water Filters: https://www.bigberkeywaterfilters.com/ Promo Code: mrak10 for 10% off sitewide
Transcribe →2026 Alaska March For Life: Jim Minnery
Apr 2300:49:53Tap to summarizeJim Minnery joins the Must Read Alaska Show and discusses the 2026 Alaska March For Life with Natalie Spaulding. They go through history of the March, the speakers that will be at the rally, and great ways to participate in the event. The March For Life begins at 12PM on Saturday with the rally starting at 1:30PM on the Delaney Park Strip, Downtown Anchorage. Jim and Natalie discuss the events leading up to the march, you won't want to miss this conversation to learn more about how to support a culture of life in Alaska! The conversation is full of life and hope for all those that think they have no other choice. For more information about the March For Life and how you can participate go to: 2026 Alaska March For Life: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDkTLGzYk/9QD1R2G8bK0pWAklRnwYfA/view?utlId=h31bc3bad03 https://www.akfamily.org/ Sponsors: Seven Weeks Coffee – mold- and glyphosate-free, organic, regenerative, and 10% of every sale (over 50% of profits) goes to pro-life pregnancy centers nationwide. Grab the world’s best coffee and support a great cause at the same time. Use promo code MRAK for 10% off your order at sevenweekscoffee.com. Must Read Alaska - Exclusive discount for our podcast audience listeners, get 20% off one of the annual subscriptions. Support a conservative news outlet sharing great content that matters most to Alaskans. Use promo code mrakshow for 20% off the "All-In" or "In For News" annual subscriptions, https://mustreadalaska.com/subscriptions/
Transcribe →Chugach Electric Board Candidates Discussion – Energy, Reliability & Your Rates
Apr 2000:43:32Tap to summarizeRick Whitbeck guest-hosts an energizing conversation with two of the four candidates for the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors: mechanical engineer and oil & gas veteran Todd Lindley and power-generation expert Michael McManamon. This episode cuts through the noise on the issues that hit every Southcentral Alaska ratepayer’s wallet: protecting dispatchable Eklutna hydro while restoring salmon habitat, why the board’s aggressive 2030/2040 carbon-intensity targets are unrealistic and expensive, Cook Inlet gas shortfalls and the coming LNG imports, the proposed HVDC submarine cable from Bradley Lake, data-center demand, and the real path to affordable, reliable power for the next decade. Both candidates deliver clear, engineer-driven answers: prioritize affordability and reliability, maximize local resources, reject one-size-fits-all green mandates, and keep the lights. Ballots drop in your mailbox or inbox April 29. Voting runs through the annual meeting on May 29 at Change Point Church in Anchorage. This episode is required listening before you vote. *Note: Chugach's Annual Meeting begins @4PM, not 5PM as stated during the show. All information related to the election and the annual meeting can be found at the following site: https://www.chugachelectric.com/your-cooperative/news-community/annual-meeting/annual-meeting-election Candidate Info: All Candidates https://www.chugachelectric.com/your-cooperative/news-community/annual-meeting/annual-meeting-election Todd M Lindley https://www.toddforchugach.com/ https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/annual_meeting/2026/2026%20Todd%20Lindley%20candidate%20bio.pdf https://gumlet.tv/watch/69d6dddd15722ddd13942bf8/ Michael McManamon https://www.chugachelectric.com/system/files/annual_meeting/2026/2026%20Michael%20McManamon%20candidate%20bio.pdf https://gumlet.tv/watch/69d6de4779cd218090ed4af0/ Listen now on Must Read Alaska – because Alaska’s energy future is on the ballot. Sponsors: Sponsored by Seven Weeks Coffee – mold- and glyphosate-free, organic, regenerative, and 10% of every sale (over 50% of profits) goes to pro-life pregnancy centers nationwide. Grab the world’s best coffee and support a great cause at the same time. Use promo code MRAK for 10% off your order at sevenweekscoffee.com (link in show notes).
Transcribe →What's Next for the Future of Anchorage: Anchorage Assembly Candidate Brian Flynn
Mar 2600:47:04Tap to summarizeIn this must-listen episode, Todd Lindley sits down with Brian Flynn, the conservative private-sector candidate challenging incumbent Anna Brawley in the Anchorage Assembly District 3 West Anchorage rematch. Flynn pulls no punches on what residents are really seeing: 15-20 foot snow piles blocking cul-de-sacs while officials claim victory, skyrocketing property taxes, a homelessness system that “recycles” people from winter shelters to summer streets, and crime ordinances that exist on paper but never get enforced. Flynn lays out his bold, no-nonsense plan: a forensic spending audit before any new taxes, a centralized triage hub that actually matches people to the right help (not just the nearest bed), real accountability for APD, protection of the Eklutna Dam, and a push for the Railbelt gas line to keep energy affordable. He also shares his elevator pitch for why adventurous Alaskans should choose Anchorage — and why it’s time to bring private-sector discipline to City Hall. Plus: Flynn’s full slate of reform candidates and exactly how to vote before April 7 (in-person voting starts March 31 at City Hall and Loussac Library). Links: Brian Flynn’s campaign: flynnforanchorage.com Follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok Sponsors: MRAK = Get 10% off Must Read Alaska’s Infor News & All In subscriptions with promo code AKLEG26 (through May 20) Seven Weeks Coffee = Fuel the pro-life movement and enjoy mold-free coffee: sevenweekscoffee.com — use code MRAK for 10% off Don’t miss this timely, straight-talking conversation about the future of Anchorage. Subscribe, share, and vote informed!
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A New School Choice for Anchorage Parents: Thomas More Classical School Opens in 2026
Sep 2300:31:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode, the conversation centered on the launch of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, set to open in 2026. The guest, Headmaster Sarah Spaulding, explained the school’s mission to bring classical education to Alaska and described how the model emphasizes forming both intellect and character. The discussion highlighted what sets classical education apart: its grounding in the seven liberal arts, its reliance on teacher-led classrooms, and its emphasis on virtue, truth, and beauty. Spaulding explained that the school is supported by Hillsdale College’s K–12 Education Office, which provides training and curriculum guidance, while the school itself remains locally governed and tuition-funded. Listeners also heard about practical details, including the timeline for opening, the application process starting in October 2025, and the plan to begin with 120 students in kindergarten through sixth grade before expanding into a full K–12 program. Spaulding described how extracurricular activities will grow with enrollment and emphasized the school’s commitment to keeping tuition accessible with financial aid options. A portion of the conversation explored the history of Thomas More, the school’s namesake, and how his devotion to education, integrity, and faith mirrors the school’s mission. The episode closed with encouragement for Anchorage families to learn more, visit the school’s website, and consider whether classical education is the right fit for their children.
Transcribe →After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination, What Comes Next? A Turning Point for This Generation.
Sep 1200:22:27Tap to summarizeAfter the shocking loss of Charlie Kirk, Ben Carpenter explores what this moment means—and why it could define an entire generation.
Transcribe →Teachers Have a Choice: The AAE Alternative—and Big Savings
Sep 1200:31:37Tap to summarizeThought the teachers union was your only option? Think again. In this Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter is joined by Kenai teacher Kim Bates, Anchorage teacher Aimee Sims, and Garry Sigle, Central Region Director for the Association of American Educators (AAE), to unpack what AAE is, who it serves, and how it stacks up against NEA-Alaska. If you’ve never heard of AAE, you’re not alone. While NEA-Alaska dues can run over $1,400 a year, AAE membership costs just $19.50 a month—about $234 a year. That’s a savings of more than $1,100 annually—money that stays in your pocket while still giving you day-one legal protection and $2 million in professional liability coverage, double what NEA provides. And because AAE is non-union and non-partisan, your dues go entirely to supporting you as a professional—not to political campaigns. You stay covered under your district’s negotiated contract, but without paying union prices. You’ll also hear how substitutes, paras, bus drivers, and other W-2 school employees can join AAE (with a low-cost option for retirees), and why—after the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME decision—membership is a choice, not a condition of employment. If you want options that align with your values and your wallet, this energetic conversation is your roadmap.
Transcribe →Who Controls Alaska’s Grand Jury? Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor Weighs In
Aug 2000:47:25Tap to summarizeIs Alaska’s grand jury still the people’s tool for oversight, or has it become another lever of government control? In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter presses Attorney General Treg Taylor on the Supreme Court’s controversial move to make him the “gatekeeper” for public access to grand juries. Taylor defends new procedures, acknowledges constitutional concerns, and reveals why he intends to be a “poor gatekeeper” in order to restore public trust. Together, Carpenter and Taylor debate the balance between secrecy and transparency, the risk of runaway grand juries versus weaponized complaints, and whether only a constitutional amendment can guarantee Alaskans’ right to use the grand jury to root out corruption. This hard-hitting conversation digs into whether the state’s justice system protects the people — or itself.
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