Episodes

  • We've hit triple digits ladies and gentlemen! 100 episodes made and for this special occasion, we make sure to let the whole world know that bald is beautiful. On today's wildlife spotlight episode, we highlight the American Bald Eagle in all its glory and tell you all the incredible things that make this bird the best in the business. What nickname will our fans now go by? How can a brewery impress us before we even pop open the can? And what is an acceptable word to say when you first spot a bald eagle? It's the episode that'll have you shouting FREEDOM!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Arctic Warrior American Ale by Matanuska Brewing Company [https://matanuskabrewco.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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  • There is a new eaglet in the Last Frontier Podcast family. With this being the first episode recorded since Baby Taco joined the nest, what better topic could there be than raising kids in Alaska. Friend of the pod Jared was raised in Alaska and has a 12 year old daughter himself so he joins the program to share his insights on what makes Alaska such a unique place to raise a family. How early can you get those kiddos on an adventure? What unique lessons does the Alaska setting help teach your kids? And how did Baby Taco get her name?! It's the episode you might hear some crying in the background!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Turnagain Brewing [https://www.turnagainbrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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  • We recently did a four part mini-series on the Russian impact on the Last Frontier and this episode kinda serves as your post credits scene to that movie. A century after Russia sold Alaska to the United States, this land would serve as a buffer and play an integral role in the period of time known as the Cold War. On today's episode, we throw in an epilogue to our Russian mini-series and go through everything that happened in Alaska during the Cold War. Why was the North Pole strategic during the Cold War? How did the Cold War strategies evolve in Alaska over the decades? And which podcast host would you rather have save your life?! It's the episode we hope won't go obsolete!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Hazy IPA by King Street Brewing Company [http://www.kingstreetbrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]


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  • It's been a full two years since we did a Hawaiian mini-series and went through a March Madness style bracket to determine our favorite Hawaiian adventures. And for fans of the pod who have been begging that we do a similar episode for Alaska, you are in luck as this is that episode! Friend of the pod Zeke returns to assist us in determining what Alaskan adventure will make it through a Last Frontier style themed bracket to be crowned our favorite Alaskan experience as we celebrate the kickoff to March Madness. How long would it take to paddle around a cruise ship? Will Andrew choose bears over his wife? And where can you definitely NOT see an orca from?! It's the episode that will bust your bracket!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Gose by Denali Brewing Company [https://denalibrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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  • From church to beer, the Russian legacy in Alaska has had a lasting impact on the Last Frontier. On the final episode of our Russian mini-series, we explore the many different ways the Russian settlement of Alaska can still be felt today. What state holidays do Alaskans celebrate as a result of the Alaska purchase? How did the Russian orthodox church spread to Alaska? And what exactly is a Russian Imperial Stout?! It's the episode you'll eat with a delicious piroshki!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: White Crane Rice Lager by Kenai River Brewing Company [https://www.kenairiverbrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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  • The first major economic industry in Alaska was the Russian Fur Trade. On the third episode of our Russian mini-series, we delve into the entire history of the Russian Fur Trade beginning with the first several years after the Vitus Bering expedition all the way until Russia decided to sell Alaska to the United States. Who were the major players in the Russian Fur Trade? How much money could be made or lost? And how the heck was Hawai'i involved with the Russians?! It's the episode that will keep you warm and looking stylish!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Frontiersman American IPA by Bearpaw River Brewing Company [https://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com]

    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.

  • Georg Steller was the first naturalist to document the plant and animal life in Alaska while on the 1741 Vitus Bering expedition. His work was so detailed and impressive that as a result, there are six creatures which bear the name Steller today. On today's episode, we discuss those six animals which include one extinct species and one creature that falls under the cryptozoology mythology. What was the first marine mammal in history to become extinct as a direct result of human interaction? What creature puts the California sea lion to shame? And say it ain't so...is there truly an eagle out there that is larger than the American Bald Eagle?! It's the episode you'll truly think is stellar!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Port Ashton Porter by Bearpaw River Brewing Company [https://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]

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  • As things slow down in Alaska during the winter months, that gives us more time to delve into topics that require a little bit more research and so we have decided to use this time to do a Russian mini-series on the podcast. The next four episodes will revolve around the various impacts Russian exploration had on the history of Alaska. Today's episode will focus the first well documented expedition to the Alaskan shores...the Vitus Bering Expedition of 1741. Join us as we embark on an epic story containing exploration, discovery, death, survival and yes, even a ship wreck. How did they know they landed on the American continent? How do you get an island named after you? And what's the most pirate word out there?! It's the episode that'll have you eating your Vitamin C!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Nitro McCarthy Dry Irish Stout by 49th State Brewing Company [https://www.49thstatebrewing.com]

    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.

  • In the early COVID bubble days of The Last Frontier Podcast we interviewed several fellow sea kayak guides to put a spotlight on the professional outdoor world of Alaska. Our podcast as evolved over the years, but we wanted to get back to our roots for this episode. It's rare for an Alaskan summer seasonal guide to stick around for the winter, but another member of the Sunny Cove Kayaking crew decided to give it a go and so we have brought Gabby Brown on the program to highlight her story of working in the Last Frontier. What new beer terms did we learn this episode? What makes someone want to brave an Alaskan winter? And what shocking footwear does Gabby like to guide in?! It's the episode that will get your feet numb!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Boreal Trippel by Midnight Sun Brewing Company [https://www.midnightsunbrewing.com]

    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.

  • This episode drops Christmas Eve and we at the Last Frontier Podcast are in the gifting spirit. Up in Alaska, we often prefer our gifts to be of the experiential kind and so friend of the pod Russ stops by to guest co-host with Danny and we've each developed a 4 day adventure that we are potentially gifting to the other. We outline the parameters and explain the trip in detail and your job as the listener is to vote on one of our social medias which trip you prefer. Which adventure should we embark on? Should we take the cross state adventure with several tourist fan favorite spots? Or should we settle in one place for a more intimate back country experience? It's the choose your own adventure episode where you the listener does the choosing!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: CoHoHo Imperial IPA by Midnight Sun Brewing Company [https://midnightsunbrewing.com]

    Music By: Blackwater Railroad Company [www.blackwaterrailroad.com] and Scott Buckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]

    Support Us on Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thelastfrontier]



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  • There are quite a few misconceptions out there about what Alaska is all about. And because there are also a lot of misconceptions out there about being bald, your beautiful bald eagle hosts are just the experts to tackle any and all fake news about the Last Frontier. So buckle up as we put on our myth busting hats and share with you the real and true insights about the great state of Alaska.

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Good as a Rest Brown Ale by Bearpaw River Brewing Company [https://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com]

    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.

  • Happy Thanksgiving from the Last Frontier! Everybody has their own spin on how they prepare their Thanksgiving feast and Alaska is no different. On today's episode, we travel throughout the many different geographical parts of the state to see what unique Thanksgiving dishes each area of Alaska comes up with. What types of birds replace the traditional turkey? Would you rather eat polar bear or walrus stew? And what type of dessert is made using reindeer fat?! It's the episode you'll fall asleep to after your Thanksgiving meal food coma sets in.

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Buried In Your Yard by Brewerks [https://www.instagram.com/akbrewerks/?hl=en]

    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.

  • Last year to help celebrate Thanksgiving football, friend of the pod Jared Fink joined the program and we changed all the NFL mascots to make them Alaskan themed. Well, the people have spoken. After receiving millions upon millions of letters in the mail begging for us to do another mascot episode, the bald eagles have listened. NBA season recently kicked off and Jared is back as we delve into all the NBA mascots and transform them into their Last Frontier counterparts. What type of net is shaped like a basket? What Alaskan pant made the list? And who is going to name Danny's baby?! It's the episode that'll have you chanting, "Let's go folk!"

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Friends in Rural Places - A collaboration beer by Black Spruce Brewing Company [https://www.blacksprucebeer.com] and Devil's Club Brewing Company [https://www.devilsclubbrewing.com]

    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.

  • We've teased it long enough! The Last Frontier Podcast is on full nerd alert as the Dungeon Master himself Jared Fink rejoins the program as we finally do a deep dive into the world of Dungeons & Dragons. On today's episode, we put an Alaskan spin on the D&D realm by identifying 12 iconic groups of Alaska people and we discuss where they would fit if they were part of the D&D universe. Ales were drunk, dice were rolled and rabbit holes were followed as we proudly or embarrassingly release our longest episode on record. Who are the wizards of Alaska? Which Alaskan industry would you find a bunch of necromancers? And how in the world are we both married?! It's the episode you'll want to dress up for as we wish you a Happy Halloween!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Festbier by Midnight Sun Brewing Company [https://midnightsunbrewing.com]

    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.

  • On today's episode, we are wrapping up another successful summer tourism season in Alaska. At the end of each season, many companies in Alaska reward their hard working guides with a festive end of season trip and Sunny Cove Kayaking is no different. The crew this year celebrated the end of the 2023 season with a trip out to Valdez, Alaska and friends of the pod Russ and Zeke join the podcast to help fill in our listeners to all the shenanigans that went down. Which town in Alaska truly is the northern most ice free port? Do professional sea kayak guides go kayaking for fun? And did Russ regret his roommate choice for this trip?! It's the episode that'll have you chanting our names!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Pump Station #13 by Valdez Brewing [https://valdezbrewing.com]

    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.

  • This year marks the 100th year anniversary of the first presidential visit to Alaska. In 1923, President Warren G. Harding headed out west and embarked on what was dubbed the Voyage of Understanding in an effort to reset his presidency before pursuing a 2nd term in office. Follow along with us as we outline the scandals, conspiracies and dramatic conclusion to this voyage that unfolded during his time in the Last Frontier. Why was President Harding so unpopular? Did the first lady have a motive for murder? And what the heck does the G. stand for?! It's the episode that'll have you think twice about getting too close to a Naval ship!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Zweiga Baltic Porter by Turnagain Brewing [https://www.turnagainbrewing.com]

    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.

  • We have a first of its kind of episode today! Normally, we pick a topic and if it works out to find a beer to review that fits the theme of the episode, great! But today, we picked the beer first and ran with it. Our beer of choice...Parks and Rec! We invite friend of the pod Russ White back to the program to discuss his role as the Program Coordinator of the Seward, Alaska Parks and Recreation Department as we strive to learn what the non-fictional Parks and Rec department is all about. Did the beer live up to being center stage? What Parks and Rec competitions are your bald eagle hosts currently dominating? And what role would Russ have on the Parks and Rec television show?! It's the episode you'll bike some miles for!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Parks and Rec by Bearpaw River Brewing Company [https://www.bearpawriverbrewing.com]

    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.

  • Kayak guides still need to keep their legs in shape and Alaska has plenty of hiking trails to occupy us in our off time. On today's episode, we highlight the Johnson Pass trail by discussing its origin story as part of the first road to Seward and its current iteration as a trail used for recreational purposes. How many days were men required to help build the Alaska road system? What is the best way to hitchhike a through hike with one car? And how does Andrew judge his ambers?! It's the episode you'll want to listen to the very end for!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Otter Bay Amber by Grace Ridge Brewing Company [https://www.graceridgebrewing.com]

    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.

  • Alaska is big country and hiking it can provide memories that will last a life time. On today's episode, your professional sea kayak guiding podcast hosts trade in their paddles for some trekking poles and dish out their top tips for hiking in the Last Frontier. Learn about Leave No Trace (LNT) principles along the way and get a few recommendations of our favorite hikes. What is the origin of the word vista? How is bear spray different from bug spray? And why would you keep your poop in a bag?! It's the episode freedom rings for!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Black Ice Black IPA by Magnetic North Brewing Company [https://magneticnorthbrewingco.com]

    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.

  • This is a tribute episode to an incredible dog that recently passed away. Danny said goodbye to his 14 year old Siberian Husky several months ago and so your favorite Alaskan Bald Eagles decided to dedicated a podcast episode on the famous dogs of Alaska to Zoe in her memory. We discuss some of the dog breeds that Alaska is known for and highlight a couple of iconic individual dogs who have been immortalized for their heroic actions. What's the difference between a Siberian and Alaskan Husky? How did an Alaskan dog breed help win both World Wars? And do Alaskan dogs make good baby sitters?! It's the episode we might have cried a bit through while recording. We miss you Zoe!

    Alaskan Beer of the Week: Husky IPA by Alaskan Brewing Company [https://www.alaskanbeer.com]

    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.