PODCAST · sports
I Went to the Woods
by On Step Alaska
No one is born an expert hunter, angler, writer, photographer, filmmaker or entrepreneur. This Alaska-based podcast explores the journey.www.onstepalaska.com
Episodes
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Episode 521 - Daniel Buitrago, Alaska Wild Project
Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project. In this episode we talk about his sheep hunt. We cover gear (Leupold scopes, Hilleberg Nallo GT3 tent), the grind of glacier travel, and how weather and safety shaped his choices. We also talk about the importance of the right hunting…
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Episode 520 - Harrison Gottschling, Fairbanks resident
In this episode, I talk to Fairbanks resident Harrison Gottschling about moving his family out of a dry cabin and into a home with running water, the benefits and challenges of that transition, and how it changed family life. We also discuss Harrison’s travel-heavy job repairing satellite…
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Episode 519 - Ashley Stimpson, writing, dogs and AM radio
Ashley Stimpson is a journalist and president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In this episode we talk about her path into freelance writing and some of her favorite stories—ranging from greyhound racing to Mason–Dixon markers and AM radio. We discuss reporting, editing, pitching…
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Episode 518 - Zack Butterfield, Outdoor therapy
Zack Butterfield is a hunter and mental health counselor. In this episode we talk about why getting outside—especially morning sunlight—helps mood, immunity, and stress regulation. We also talks about the role of social media, rural mental health, practical steps like short morning walks and…
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Episode 517 - Kellen Golightly, Upland bird hunting
Kellen Golightly is an avid upland game hunter from Utah and host of Bird Camp Radio. We discuss Utah’s diverse upland species, public-land access, conservation challenges, and how Bird Camp Radio connects hunters across states to promote stewardship and community.
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I Went to the Woods — A New Chapter from On Step Alaska
This short introduction is for my new project the I Went to the Woods podcast. A new show that features outdoor creatives, conservationists, filmmakers and writers sharing stories about hunting, fishing, conservation and the creative process. Subscribe to I Went to the Woods to hear these...
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Episode 516 - Date night in the alpine
Abby and I were able to go on our first overnight alpine hunting trip in two years. (Thanks Mimi and Papa) We recap the hike up, the hectic stalk at last light, and hiking back to camp in the dark. We're tired, we're thirsty, but we're amped in this on-location episode. Check out the On Step…
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Episode 515 - The meat episode
Lou Tamposi and I walk through a practical, no-nonsense guide to processing deer—from head to hindquarter. We discuss cuts (tenderloin, backstrap, neck, shanks, ribs), cooking methods (braises, steaks, sausages, bacon), tools (knives, grinders, vacuum sealers), and using bones for stock. Check…
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Episode 514 - Dam the Su?
In this episode, Melis Coady explains the proposed Susitna‑Watana hydroelectric dam. We discuss its scale, potential impacts on salmon and local communities, and seismic risk. We also talk about the project’s history, funding pressures from public and private investors, and the renewable…
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Episode 513 - Cabin tools and hunting gear
I get asked about heavy equipment and tools even though this cabin build is a remote build so in this episode I go through the tools and boat gear for the cabin build. Then I get into the longevity of my hunting and fishing gear.
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Episode 512 - Summer's almost over and the roof's not done
I recorded this episode while I was making a run out to the cabin build site with the last of the tongue and groove decking for the roof, the fascia and the bargeboards. I recap the frustrations of the build, some of the good stuff, and go into details about what came in the "kit." Check out the…
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Episode 511 - Hunter image and summer cooking
It's time for the monthly check-in with writer and hunter Lou Tamposi. In this episode we chat about hunter image, the start of the the deer season, and how he's handling summer in Massachusetts. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things...
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Episode 510 - Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Ryan "Cal" Callaghan (Meateater, First Lite) discusses balancing new fatherhood with leading Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. He explains why there is really no such thing as isolated conservation issues, the newest threats to public land and why informed advocacy, and responsible storytelling...
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Episode 509 - Remote cabin building in interior Alaska
In this episode Margaret Stern tells about her experience building a remote cabin in Interior Alaska—buying land sight unseen, living in a teepee, sourcing and milling local timber, and improvising foundations and finishes in extreme conditions. She also discusses a new lakeside property, plans…
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Episode 508 - Alaska's political future
Journalist James Brooks discusses life reporting across Alaska—from biking through -40 winters to covering the state’s evolving politics. He explains how declining oil revenue, maintenance backlogs, and understaffed agencies have pushed Alaska toward difficult budget choices. We discuss the push...
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Episode 507 - Bristol Bay recap
Finally, the recap of the trip to Bristol Bay and fishing at Last Cast Lodge on the Kvichak River. I talk about expectations, the difference between a general set up for a stitch rod and one specifically designed for two-handed casting, threats to Bristol Bay and the sad state of downtown...
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Episode 506 - Why build a remote cabin?
Ketchikan resident Larry Jackson and I discuss the realities of building a remote Alaska cabin — from digging footings through muskeg and timing tides to unloading bundles by boat and getting help from a buddy with a landing craft. We cover practical lessons on logistics, dock and launch…
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Episode 505 - From Ketchikan to Capitol Hill
Ketchikan High School graduate Eddie Gomez earned degrees in economics and political science at American University. In this episode we discuss his college adjustment, internships (including working with Sen. Murkowski), the role of AI/ChatGPT in research and interview prep, concerns about modern...
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Episode 504 - Summers in Bristol Bay
From the Last Cast Lodge on the Kvichak river, the Walton family shares their favorite fishing memories, commercial fishing, buying and running their Bristol Bay lodge, family traditions, and the decisions that made their dream possible. The episode covers guiding moments on the water, financial...
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Episode 503 - How to fish Bristol Bay
It's travel angling time, so here's a repost of the episode I did with Dagen Walton from Last Change lodge on the Kvichak river in the legendary Bristol Bay region of Alaska. He explains choices for rods, reels, lines, leaders, sink tips, and flies, and how they shape on-river performance. We…
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Episode 502 - Summer is here
Lou Tamposi and I talk about the joys of early-summer light, a frustrating turkey season, birthday traditions, and family life, while planning fishing and cabin projects in Alaska. We also touch on teaching end-of-year challenges, favorite meals and books, and broader concerns about technology,...
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Episode 501 - Island life crisis
In this episode, journalist and author Sara Kehaulani Goo discusses her book Kuleana: A Story of Family, Land and Legacy in Old Hawaii. She summarizes the story of how a shocking tax increase on land granted to her family 175 years ago nearly cost them the property. The story is highly relatable…
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Episode 500 - Alaska gubernatorial candidate: Click Bishop
Click Bishop discusses his journey from gold mining and pipeline work to public service as a member of the Alaska State Senate. He breaks down Alaska's energy and resource challenges, including oil and gas production, pipeline economics, and energy security, along with priorities for education...
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Episode 499 - Alaska gubernatorial candidate: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
In this episode, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins discusses his Sitka roots, early interest in politics, and decision to run for governor of Alaska. JKT outlines policy priorities including protecting the Permanent Fund, closing oil tax loopholes, supporting fishing communities and fair representation on...
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Episode 498 - Will the public allow AI to ruin movies?
Ketchikan High School graduate Joey Karlik is an assistant to two literary managers in Beverly Hills and a filmmaker himself. In this episode we talk about how AI is impacting the film industry. We discuss ethical concerns about AI-generated performances and threats to jobs in production and...
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Episode 497 - Ticks, turkey and real estate
In this episode, Jeff talks to Lou Tamposi talk about real estate, ticks, turkeys and food. Lou works in real estate and is an author and hunter in Massachusetts. He and Jeff host the Light Sear podcast on Substack. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles,...
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Episode 496 - Can Alaska solve its financial problems?
Larry Persily moved to Alaska in 1976 to buy the Wrangell Sentinel. In this episode he recounts a long career covering logging, fishing, and Alaska's dependency on oil. We also discusses Alaska’s fiscal challenges, the Permanent Fund dividend, declining oil production, debates over taxes and…
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Episode 495 - Sports movies and AI in the film industry
Dante Troina and Kody Malouf host The Cinema Cult Podcast. In this episode we discuss Major League, Bad News Bears, Moneyball, Hoosiers, the nostalgic human moments that make them resonate, and how film storytelling captures those emotions. We also talk about the impact of analytics and AI in...
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Episode 494 - Public lands, recreation and data centers
Travis Hall is the associate editor for Field and Stream. In this episode we discuss conservation writing, important issues, meaningful conversations about complex issues, his trip to the potential site of the Ambler Road and the amount of foreign mining companies looking to dig up American soil....
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Episode 493 - Journalism, Oil Spills, and Life on the Edge
In this episode journalist and author Tom Kizzia recounts his journey from arriving in Homer in the mid-1970s and reporting for the Anchorage Daily News. We discuss the newsroom environment, land management and oil politics of the 1980s, as well as his books, especially Pilgrim's Wilderness, his...
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Episode 492 - Alaska Blade Works
Matt Deluca from Alaska Blade Works covers knife testing and iterations, field sharpening and maintenance, essential backcountry gear, rifle choices, and where to buy their products. We also discuss hunting sheep, populations and the incredible outdoor opportunities provided by living in Alaska....
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Episode 491 - Fly fishing set up for Bristol Bay
Dagen Walton is back to deep dive into fly fishing specifics. We start at the fly rod and work all the way through his preferences for big rainbows in Bristol Bay. We break down tactics, fly selection, managing line in varying depths and even luggage that anglers should own. Check out the On Step...
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Episode 490 - Tongass Crossroads: Logging, Wildlife, and the Roadless Rule
This episode features a panel of Southeast Alaska locals—guides, hunters, and conservationists—discussing the Tongass National Forest. We discuss past logging impacts, the Roadless Rule, and transitioning to young-growth management. We also share stories about effects on salmon, deer, and bear...
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Episode 489 - Olympic Biathlon
In this episode, Olympic athlete Maxime Germain talks about helping the U.S. Olympic 4×7.5 km biathlon relay team record its best finish in history. We discuss his approach to the skiing and shooting elements of biathlon, the European attitude toward biathlon, and his journey from Juneau, to...
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Episode 488 - Fly fishing for steelhead and silvers
Brennen Schulz is a commercial fisherman and fishing guide who grew up in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about the transition from gear fishing to fly fishing, flies, proper hook sets, conservation and the life of being a guide. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack…
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Episode 487 - Recreation and economics in Southeast Alaska
Dan Kirkwood works for SalmonState and in this episode we talk about forest management in Southeast Alaska, habitat for deer and salmon, the Tongass forest plan update, and the challenge of balancing logging, tourism, and local economies. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on...
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Episode 486 - A Father-Son Fishing Legacy on Bristol Bay
Indy and Dagen Walton talk about starting out commercial fishing in Kodiak then running drift boats and set nets in Bristol Bay. We cover community, conservation, crowded runs, permit changes, extreme weather, guide academies, sustainability and concerns about developments like the Pebble Mine....
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Episode 485 - Bristol Bay commercial and fly fishing
In this episode Dagen Walton shares his life on Bristol Bay—growing up commercial fishing, running a small fly‑fishing lodge, and guiding guests on world‑class fisheries. Trout Unlimited Alaska Communications Director Marian Giannulis is also with us and provides important stats about Bristol…
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Episode 484 - Chickens, trout and eating moose
Kyle Wilkinson is a freshwater fishing guide and outdoors columnist for The Frontiersman newspaper in Wasilla. In this episode we discuss winter conditions, practical tips for preventing frozen pipes, moose roasts and creative game recipes. We also get into guiding, fly fishing patterns,...
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Episode 483 - The future of Alaska commercial fishing
Patrick McCormick is a science teacher and commercial fisherman. In this episode we talk about fishing the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound, permit economic, commercial and charter users, concerns about trawling, and the need for science-based management and local engagement. Check out...
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Episode 482 - The need for obsession and fun
Journalist Katie Hill discusses her writing process, workforce reduction threatening a long-standing wildlife research center, and why federal science funding matters for hunters, habitat, and conservation policy. We also talk about balancing urgent conservation fights with keeping hunting...
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Episode 481 - Tracking steelhead
University of Alaska-Fairbanks fisheries ecologist (steelhead expert) Michael Courtney talks about Alaska steelhead biology, tagging studies using pop-up satellite archival tags, and the unexpected westward migrations these repeat spawners take. We also cover predation risks, timing and river...
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Conservation Focus: Roadless Rule
This episode traces the history and impact of the Roadless Rule in the Tongass National Forest. Chris Wood, a key architect of the rule and President of Trout Unlimited, describes the conservation rationale, restoration work, partnerships with industry and local villages, and how balanced,...
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Conservation Focus: Ambler Road
Fisheries scientist Kevin Fraley recounts fieldwork along the Dalton Highway investigating contaminants like mercury and PFAS, mining impacts along the proposed Ambler Road, access and conservation concerns, and fishing for Arctic Char. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on…
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Conservation Focus: West Susitna Access
This episode explores the proposed West Susitna Access — a 100+ mile industrial corridor from Big Lake through roadless wetlands to exploratory mining claims — covering estimated costs, major bridge and maintenance concerns, and how the project was split between state agencies. We discuss...
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Conservation Focus: Mendenhall Wetlands
To close out the year I’m revisiting four critical habitat and conservation issues in Alaska. This episode dives into the debate over a proposed second crossing through the Mendenhall wetlands in Juneau, Alaska. Local conservationists, hunters and bird experts discuss the ecological importance of...
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Episode 480 - Zodiac adventures and local life in Ketchikan
Delaney Murphy is the co-founder of Out To Sea Expeditions, a Zodiac‑based tour business in Ketchikan. In this episode we talk about why small, local experiences matter, tour logistics, and what makes Southeast Alaska unique—especially low‑tide. We also discuss supporting local businesses, and…
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Episode 479 - Alaska's fishing future
In this episode David Bayes talks about the environmental impacts of bottom and midwater trawling in Alaska. He explains the political and regulatory powers that allow the staggering bycatch and waste of king salmon, halibut, crab, and whales. More information is available on the STOP Alaska…
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Episode 478 - Touring Misty Fjords with Allen Marine
Allen Marine was voted Ketchikan’s 2025 Business of the Year. In this episode I talk to Matthew and Emma about the company's humble $82 first season fifty years ago to a fleet of custom vessels running tours out of Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau. The episode covers wildlife practices and...
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Episode 477 - Calling Blacktail deer in Southeast Alaska
The episode covers calling tactics for Sitka Blacktail deer in Southeast Alaska. I talk about using a subtle call while approaching muskeg edges, the trade-off between waiting patiently at one spot versus covering more ground, and why confidence in your call matters. Check out the On Step Alaska...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
No one is born an expert hunter, angler, writer, photographer, filmmaker or entrepreneur. This Alaska-based podcast explores the journey.www.onstepalaska.com
HOSTED BY
On Step Alaska
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does I Went to the Woods have?
I Went to the Woods currently has 540 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is I Went to the Woods about?
No one is born an expert hunter, angler, writer, photographer, filmmaker or entrepreneur. This Alaska-based podcast explores the journey.www.onstepalaska.com
How often does I Went to the Woods release new episodes?
I Went to the Woods releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 540 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to I Went to the Woods?
You can listen to I Went to the Woods on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts I Went to the Woods?
I Went to the Woods is created and hosted by On Step Alaska.
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