It's Alaska

In this episode of It’s Alaska, we sit down with a voice and presence that’s helped shape the rhythm of Alaska’s media and music culture - Eddie P.Known across the state as the longtime host of The Venue, Eddie P has built a reputation as more than just a media personality. He’s a connector. A curator. A storyteller who has spent years spotlighting Alaska’s artists, events, and underground energy long before it hit the mainstream.From radio waves to live stages, Eddie P has played a key role in giving local talent a platform and creating space for voices that might otherwise go unheard in a state where distance and exposure are constant challenges.In this conversation, we go beyond the mic.We talk about: The evolution of Alaska’s music and media scene  What it really takes to stay relevant in a changing industry  The behind-the-scenes reality of building a long-standing platform like The Venue His perspective on legacy, consistency, and showing up for your community Eddie P brings a grounded, real-world perspective - earned through years of experience, relationships, and staying close to the culture.This episode is about more than media.It’s about impact.If you’ve ever wondered how Alaska’s creative scene keeps moving, growing, and surviving… this is part of that story.Hosted by Brad Erickson.Filmed and Produced by Upper One Solutions in the U1 Studios.

In this episode of It’s Alaska Podcast, we sit down with outdoor guide and Alaska adventure expert Matthew Worden, the force behind GoHikeAlaska.com, LifetimeAdventures.net, and AlaskaTrailGuides.com.Matthew shares what it really takes to explore Alaska beyond the tourist spots—from hidden trails and breathtaking backcountry routes to the mindset you need to safely experience the Last Frontier. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone dreaming of your first Alaska adventure, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical tips straight from someone who lives it every day.We talk about: What makes Alaska hiking unlike anywhere else in the world  How to prepare for real wilderness adventures  Hidden gems most visitors never see  The difference between guided trips and going solo  Why Alaska changes people If you’ve ever felt the pull of the wild, this episode is your invitation to answer it.🎧 Tune in and discover Alaska through the eyes of someone who knows its trails best.Find more episodes at www.itsalaskapodcast.com!

🎙 It’s Alaska - New Episode Featuring Fur Rendezvous Festival LeadersThis week on It’s Alaska, we sit down with Kristin George and Dakotah Fujan, two of the driving forces behind one of Alaska’s most iconic winter traditions - the Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage.For more than 90 years, Fur Rondy has brought the community together in the heart of winter, celebrating Alaska’s resilience, creativity, and quirky spirit. From coordinating hundreds of volunteers and welcoming international ambassadors to organizing beloved events like sled dog races, snow sculpture competitions, and the legendary Running of the Reindeer, Kristin and Dakotah share what it truly takes to run a festival of this scale.You’ll hear insider stories from behind the scenes, learn how the festival continues to evolve while honoring tradition, and discover why Fur Rondy remains one of the state’s most anticipated celebrations.Whether you’re a lifelong Alaskan or someone who dreams of experiencing winter in the Last Frontier, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the magic.❄️ Learn more about Fur Rendezvous: 👉 https://furrondy.netHosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

In 2014, veteran Iditarod musher Karin Hendrickson was struck by a vehicle while training her dog team along the Parks Highway north of Willow. The collision snapped her gangline, sent 14 dogs running loose in the dark, and left Karin with a broken back. From the roadside, injured and in pain, her first words weren’t about herself—they were: “Go get my dogs.”A multi-time Iditarod finisher who balances full-time work in environmental regulation with the relentless demands of training sled dogs, Karin’s life has been shaped by grit, discipline, and devotion to her team. With the help of fellow mushers who rushed to the scene, every dog was recovered. Karin faced months of recovery and the devastating reality of missing the Iditarod she had trained for.In this episode of It’s Alaska, Karin reflects on the accident, the community that carried her through it, and why—despite everything—she was never ready to quit running dogs. This is a story about impact, endurance, and what matters most when everything breaks at once.Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

This week on It’s Alaska, we’re thrilled to welcome The Sklar Brothers — identical twins Randy and Jason Sklar, acclaimed comedians, writers, actors, and podcast hosts known for their sharp wit and unmistakable chemistry.With careers spanning stand-up comedy, television, film, and podcasting, the Sklars have become household names in comedy. They’ve appeared on Comedy Central, Netflix, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and are the creators and hosts of hit podcasts including Dumb People Town and Sklarbro Country. Their comedy blends smart social commentary, sports, pop culture, and rapid-fire banter that only identical twins can deliver.In this episode, the Sklar Brothers talk comedy, collaboration, life on the road, and what it’s like building a decades-long career together — with plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a fast, funny, and insightful conversation that perfectly fits the spirit of It’s Alaska.🎧 Don’t miss this episode spotlighting creativity, connection, and comedy at its best.Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

🎙 It’s Alaska - New Episode Featuring Keith Roberts of Young DublinersThis week on It’s Alaska, we welcome legendary frontman Keith Roberts, lead singer of the internationally acclaimed Celtic rock band Young Dubliners. Known for their high-energy performances, distinct sound, and devoted global fanbase, the Young Dubliners have carved out an iconic and enduring space in the world of modern Irish rock.Keith shares stories from life on tour, how the band’s sound and identity evolved, and why Alaska has become a memorable stop in his career. From musical influences to staying creative, this episode dives into what it takes to keep a band thriving and authentic for decades.🎶 Follow Keith & Young DublinersWebsite: https://youngdubliners.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungDubliners/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_dubliners/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngdubliners/Music: https://youngdubliners.com/our-music/🎙 Listen to more It’s Alaska episodes🔗 https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ItsAlaskaPodcast⁩  ✨Today's Guest Host - Blaze Bell https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/🎛 Produced by Upper 1 Solutions🔗 https://upper1solutions.com/

🎙 It’s Alaska - New Episode Featuring Rich CapitanHosted by Brad Erickson of Erickson Events Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios Originally from Michigan, Rich Capitan came to Alaska to work with wildlife — a journey that led him to the Alaska Zoo, where he now works in education. While engaging audiences and leading educational programs, Rich discovered he was naturally using improvisation as a tool for connection, storytelling, and learning.That realization sparked a passion for improv comedy. In 2005, Rich joined Scared Scriptless Improv, where he developed his skills and became deeply involved in Alaska’s comedy scene. Building on years of experience, Rich has now launched ComedySportz Anchorage, a fast-paced, interactive, competitive improv comedy show where audience participation drives the laughs.🎭 ComedySportz Anchorage – Opening Night 📅 January 9, 2026 ⏰ 7:00 PM 📍 Williwaw SocialThis episode explores how Alaska’s unique environment can shape creativity — blending wildlife, education, and comedy into a life full of laughs and community.🎟 Stay connected and find upcoming show dates at: cszanchorage.com

This week on the It’s Alaska Podcast, we’re hitting the road with OVERLAND!, a bold, funny, and heartfelt road trip comedy written by Kristen Ritter.Inspired by the true story of Blanche Stuart Scott, the first woman to drive across the United States in 1910, OVERLAND! explores the literal and figurative lengths women must go to in order to be seen, heard, and recognized in their time. Blanche was more than a trailblazer behind the wheel—she went on to become a successful aviator, stunt pilot, and pioneer in American history.Joining us for this conversation are:Kristen Ritter, PlaywrightKaty Laurance, Actor (Blanche)Danielle Rabinovitch, Actor (Gerty)Together, they share the story behind the play, the importance of honoring women’s history, and how OVERLAND! balances comedy, heart, and historical truth.🎟 One-Night-Only Fundraiser Performance 📍 Performing Arts Center 📅 Friday, January 9, 2026This special fundraiser performance takes place before the production heads to New York City for its invited run at The Tank, performing off-off Broadway.🎫 Tickets available now: https://tickets.centertix.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2743&_gl=1*3lgd50*_gcl_au*MTQwMjUzMTg2MS4xNzYxMDk0NTQ4📸 Follow the journey: Instagram: @blanchestuartscott💛 Support the production: Fundraiser Link: https://linktr.ee/LadyOverland This episode is a celebration of storytelling, history, and the unstoppable drive of women who paved the way—sometimes one dusty mile at a time.Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/Produced in the Upper 1 Solutions Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

This week on the It’s Alaska Podcast, we sit down with Brad E. Schmitz, an adventurer, educator, and global connector whose journey through Alaska has spanned more than two decades.Brad grew up in Boise, Idaho and first stepped foot in the Last Great Frontier in May 2000. Since then, he has lived a uniquely Alaskan life—working in summer tourism, spending two winters in Fairbanks, and even serving a summer on the Yukon River with the Louden Tribal Council. For the past 13 years, he has called the Anchorage area home.A passionate educator, Brad has taught English Language Learners across the globe, including in Alaska, Australia, South Korea, Idaho, and Colorado. In 2017, he founded Alaska English Adventures with a mission to bring international students to Alaska for immersive educational experiences blending English learning with real adventure.Today, Brad has built edu-partnerships in 25 countries, connecting students and classrooms worldwide with Alaska through his company’s pen pal program, and fostering cultural exchange that spans continents.Brad is also the visionary behind the upcoming Alaska Hockey All-Star Safari Tour to Nairobi, Kenya in December 2026. During this groundbreaking event, Alaska hockey all-stars will host youth hockey camps in Africa and compete in a tournament against the Kenya Ice Lions—helping make hockey history in one of the most unexpected and inspiring places on earth.📬 Contact Brad: 1-907-310-5939 [email protected] https://kenyatoiditarod.com/Join us for a powerful conversation about culture, education, adventure, and the global spirit of Alaska.Hosted by Brad Erickson Co-Hosted by Blaze BellProduced in the Upper 1 Solutions Studios https://itsalaskapodcast.com/

We’re joined by Jeff Varvil, comedian and emcee with Hooked Entertainment to talk stand-up in the 49th state, finding humor in everyday Alaskan life, and what it takes to keep the crowd laughing north of the 60th parallel.Follow Jeff and Hooked Entertainment: 👉 Jeff Varvil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/imjeffdoingjeffthings/ 👉 Hooked Entertainment on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HookedEntertainmentAK🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or watch on YouTube — It’s Alaska, where storytelling meets the wild.https://itsalaskapodcast.com/

🎬 Episode 2: Anchorage International Film Festival 🌲🏔️Host Brad Erickson talks with AIFF Directors Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt, plus Greg Taylor, curator of the Explorers Achievement Award and Exploration Films for AIFF 2025.Discover what makes Alaska’s biggest film event a true cinematic adventure! 🎥✨🎧 It’s Alaska — New episode drops November 5Learn more about the festival here: https://anchoragefilmfestival.org/Learn more about your host here:  https://www.ericksonevents.com/Produced in the Upper One Solutions Podcast Studio: https://upper1solutions.com/#ItsAlaska #AIFF2025 #AlaskaPodcast #AnchorageFilmFestival #UpperOneStudios

Welcome to the very first episode of It’s Alaska! 🎙️ Join host Brad Erickson as he kicks off the series with Grammy-nominated country duo Thompson Square. Known for hits like Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not and If I Didn’t Have You, the husband-and-wife team share stories from their musical journey, life on the road, and what inspires their music today.From Nashville to the Last Frontier, Brad and Thompson Square talk about music, family, and the universal connections that bring us all together.Follow "It's Alaska" podcast here: Website - https://itsalaskapodcast.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/itsalaskapodcastFollow Thompson Square here: https://thompsonsquare.com/It's Alaska podcast is produced by Upper One Solutions and filmed at the U1 Studios: https://upper1solutions.com/#ItsAlaska #ThompsonSquare #BradErickson #UpperOneStudios #UpperOneSolutions #AlaskaPodcast