Summary of "Who Smarted?" Episode: How Did Alaska Become a US State?
Released on July 18, 2025
Introduction to Alaska’s Immensity
The episode kicks off with Trusty Narrator aboard a ferry, highlighting Alaska's vastness compared to other U.S. states. Trusty poses a fun quiz to listeners, asking, “Is it A, Texas, B, California, or C, Alaska?” (00:03). The reveal that Alaska is the largest state sparks excitement, especially when Trusty mentions, “Alaska is so big that both Texas and California could fit inside it at the same time” (00:27).
Exploring Alaska with Buoy the Beluga Whale
Joining Trusty is Buoy the Beluga Whale, adding an engaging dynamic to the discussion. Buoy enthusiastically shares, “There’s a lot to explore and learn about” (01:24), setting the stage for an adventure through Alaska’s unique features.
The Meaning Behind "Alaska"
Trusty delves into the origin of Alaska’s name with Buoy prompting the quiz: “Does Alaska mean A the great land, B the land of the ice and the snow, or C the land of cake, ice cream, and brown meringue?” (04:19). Buoy correctly answers, “The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska, meaning the great land” (04:46), enlightening young listeners about the state’s etymology.
Alaska's Purchase from Russia
The conversation shifts to Alaska’s history as a U.S. state. Trusty asks, “Do you know what country Alaska used to belong to? Was it Canada, Finland, or Russia?” (04:54). Buoy confirms, “The answer is Russia” (05:04), leading to an intriguing fact: the U.S. purchased Alaska for $7.2 million in 1867, which is about $144 million today (05:07). This historical nugget emphasizes the significant investment made by the United States.
Statehood Facts and Myths
Addressing common misconceptions, Trusty presents true or false questions:
- “Alaska became a state right after the United States bought it.” (05:41) – False.
- “Alaska is the fiftieth state.” (06:24) – False; it is the 49th state.
Buoy adds, “Alaska is the 49th state, with Hawaii becoming the 50th state just eight months later in August of 1959” (06:24), clarifying the timeline of Alaska’s statehood.
Proximity to Russia and Natural Wonders
Buoy reveals Alaska's geographical closeness to Russia: “At its closest point, Alaska is only 50 miles, or 80.46 kilometers from Russia” (06:24). This proximity underscores Alaska’s strategic location.
The duo then explores Alaska’s natural phenomena, with Trusty highlighting the Northern Lights: “The Northern Lights are colorful bands of light, usually green, that dance in the dark night sky” (06:49). Buoy adds, “They can be seen on an average of 243 nights a year in Fairbanks, Alaska” (07:11), showcasing Alaska’s spectacular celestial displays.
Understanding the Midnight Sun
Trusty introduces another fascinating phenomenon, the midnight sun, prompting Buoy to explain: “During the midnight sun season, which runs from April 22 to August 20, the sun never seems to set” (07:37). This unique experience affects daily life, as Trusty humorously notes, “With this midnight sun, I might need a pair of sunglasses to sleep” (16:46).
Unique and Quirky Alaskan Laws
In a lighthearted segment, Trusty quizzes listeners on Alaskan laws:
- “A. No waking a sleeping bear to take a selfie.”
- “B. No dropping a moose from an airplane.”
- “C. No building a snowman taller than yourself.”
- “D. Don’t tie your dogs to the roof of your car.”
Buoy reveals all options are actual laws in Alaska (09:04), explaining the reasoning behind each to protect wildlife and ensure safety (09:15).
Alaska’s Wilderness and Natural Abundance
Buoy shares impressive statistics about Alaska’s natural resources: “Alaska has more than 100 volcanoes, 12,000 rivers, and 3 million lakes” (10:39). Trusty echoes the awe-inspiring nature of Alaska, emphasizing its role in conservation and wildlife protection.
North Pole, Alaska: A Festive Locale
The discussion turns to North Pole, Alaska, sparking curiosity among listeners. Trusty initially teases the notion, “North Pole Alaska is known for its year-round Christmas decorations” (14:30), and clarifies that it is a small city near Fairbanks, not the actual North Pole located in the Arctic Ocean (14:42).
Alaskan Coastlines and Seas
Trusty further explores Alaska’s extensive coastlines, asking listeners to guess the seas bordering the state. Buoy confirms, “The answer is B, the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea” (15:52), highlighting Alaska’s diverse marine environments.
Conclusion and Farewell
As the ferry nears its Alaskan destination, Trusty and Buoy wrap up their exploration. Buoy invites listeners to look out for various whale species during their visits, while Trusty delivers a heartfelt farewell, reinforcing the educational and entertaining essence of the episode.
Notable Quotes:
- “Alaska is so big that both Texas and California could fit inside it at the same time.” – Trusty Narrator (00:27)
- “The name Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska, meaning the great land.” – Buoy the Beluga Whale (04:46)
- “The Northern Lights are colorful bands of light, usually green, that dance in the dark night sky.” – Trusty Narrator (06:49)
- “During the midnight sun season, which runs from April 22 to August 20, the sun never seems to set.” – Buoy the Beluga Whale (07:37)
- “It’s illegal to wake a sleeping bear to take a selfie.” – Buoy the Beluga Whale (09:16)
Episode Credits:
- Written by: Jody Du
- Voiced by: Melissa Del Toro, Max Kamasky, Jerry Colbert
- Technical Direction and Sound Design: Josh Hahn
- Associate Producer: Max Kamasky
- Theme Song by: Brian Suarez, Lyrics by Adam Tex Davis
- Created and Produced by: Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert
- Recorded and Mixed at: Relic Room Studios
This episode of "Who Smarted?" masterfully blends humor with educational content, making complex historical and geographical information accessible and entertaining for kids and families. Through engaging dialogue and interactive quizzes, Trusty and Buoy foster curiosity and a love for learning about Alaska’s unique place in the United States.