Best First Things First Alaska Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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Suicide Basin: ‘Success’ vs. Safety” — Residents, Data & the Long-Term Fix 30:36

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23d ago30:36

30:36

Host Dano sits down with Don Habeger (Exec Dir, First Things First), Frank Bergstrom (President, FTF), and Meadow Lane residents Cindy & Mike Dow to unpack this year’s Suicide Basin jökulhlaup: what they lived, what the data shows, why HESCO barriers aren’t enough, and the community push for a permanent, engineered fix. Key Takeaways Records keep f…

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Is Juneau Still Livable? The Real Cost of Calling It Home 31:03

2M ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of First Things First, we discuss the increasingly urgent question: Is Juneau affordable anymore? With rising property taxes, a limited housing supply, and ballooning city spending, the conversation dives deep into the real pressures facing families, young professionals, and seasonal workers. From housing policy to tax reform and ci…

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Sweet Success and the Tourist Tide: Balancing Juneau’s Growth 33:11

3M ago33:11

33:11

In this episode of First Things First, host Dano is joined by Don Habiger, Scott Bergman (owner of the Alaskan Fudge Company), and Ben Brown (President of the Juneau Chamber of Commerce) for a deep dive into the evolving impact of tourism in Juneau. From its early roots to modern-day regulation, the group explores how cruise ships, retail, small bu…

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What is going on with Juneau's economy - How can it be approved? 31:27

5M ago31:27

31:27

Don Habager, Dave Hanna, Angela Rodell dive into the hot button topic of Juneau economy. Talking everything from essential services, core services, to state funding, possible initiatives can help the city.By First Things First Alaska Foundation

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Unlocking Eaglecrest: The Future of Summer Tourism in Juneau 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

The First Things First crew dives deep into how Juneau can transform Eaglecrest from a winter-only asset into a year-round economic driver. With insights on the stalled gondola project, underused summer tourism potential, and alternative governance models, the discussion highlights what it will take—funding, vision, and action—to make Eaglecrest a …

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Auk Landing Unveiled: Shaping Juneau's Waterfront Future 30:33

8M ago30:33

30:33

Join hosts Dano and Executive Director of First Things First Foundation, Don Habinger. First Things First is a podcast series brought to you by the First Things First Alaska Foundation. Each episode explores crucial discussions on economic development, tourism, and natural resource management in Southeast Alaska. In our latest episode, we are joine…

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Wants vs. Needs: The Future of Southeast Alaska’s Economy 29:30

9M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode of First Things First, we examine the mission and impact of the First Things First Alaska Foundation beyond the recent Mendenhall glacial outburst. We discuss the foundation’s role in advocating for responsible economic development and natural resource management in Southeast Alaska. We explore pressing issues such as the challenges…

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Glacier Outburst Flood Levy and Dam Options 30:46

10M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of First Things First, we explore alternative options to the proposed Hesco barrier solution intended to mitigate flooding from Mendenhall Glacier. Juneau is perched on the edge of the Juneau Icefield, the third-largest icefield in the United States, covering 1,500 square miles and 40 large valley glaciers and 100 smaller glaciers. …

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Juneau’s Glacial Outburst 28:03

11M ago28:03

28:03

In Juneau, Alaska, glacial outburst floods are not a question of if but of when. With the constant risk of sudden flooding from a seasonal glacier outburst, how can the community best protect its people, homes, and businesses? Join First Things First Alaska Foundation as we discuss the history of glacial outbursts and the options to mitigate the im…