Best Must Read Alaska Podcasts (2025)

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A New School Choice for Anchorage Parents: Thomas More Classical School Opens in 2026 31:00

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3M ago31:00

31:00

In this episode, the conversation centered on the launch of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, set to open in 2026. The guest, Headmaster Sarah Spaulding, explained the school’s mission to bring classical education to Alaska and described how the model emphasizes forming both intellect and character. The discussion highlighted what sets cla…

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After Charlie Kirk’s Assassination, What Comes Next? A Turning Point for This Generation. 22:27

3M ago22:27

22:27

After the shocking loss of Charlie Kirk, Ben Carpenter explores what this moment means—and why it could define an entire generation.By Must Read Alaska

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Teachers Have a Choice: The AAE Alternative—and Big Savings 31:37

3M ago31:37

31:37

Thought the teachers union was your only option? Think again. In this Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter is joined by Kenai teacher Kim Bates, Anchorage teacher Aimee Sims, and Garry Sigle, Central Region Director for the Association of American Educators (AAE), to unpack what AAE is, who it serves, and how it stacks up against NEA-Alaska. I…

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Who Controls Alaska’s Grand Jury? Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor Weighs In 47:25

4M ago47:25

47:25

Is Alaska’s grand jury still the people’s tool for oversight, or has it become another lever of government control? In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter presses Attorney General Treg Taylor on the Supreme Court’s controversial move to make him the “gatekeeper” for public access to grand juries. Taylor defends new procedu…

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Shelley Hughes on Alaska’s Future: Fiscal Reform, Energy Development, and the 2026 Governor’s Race 1:04:25

4M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Alaska State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Shelley Hughes joins Ben Carpenter to share her remarkable journey from rural Alaska in the ’70s to the state legislature. She outlines her vision for fiscal reform, energy development, and protecting the PFD, while drawing on decades of experience across Alaska’s regions. Known for working across pa…

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Indicting Truth: Grand Juries, Prosecutorial Power, and Alaska’s Crisis of Justice 1:28:32

4M ago1:28:32

1:28:32

In this eye-opening episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with forensic journalist and author David Ignell for a deep dive into the constitutional role of grand juries in Alaska—and how that role is being undermined by the Department of Law and the judiciary. At the heart of their conversation is the case of former Ketc…

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From Alaska to the Final Table: Adam Hendrix’s World Series Poker Journey 47:11

4M ago47:11

47:11

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show podcast, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Adam Hendrix, Anchorage native and world-renowned poker professional, to unpack his extraordinary journey to a sixth-place finish at the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event—netting him a $1.9 million prize and recognition as Alaska’s all-time top tournament ea…

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Behind the 2024 Battle to Repeal Ranked Choice Voting in Alaska: The Phil Izon Story 30:07

5M ago30:07

30:07

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Phil Izon, the driving force behind the effort to repeal ranked choice voting (RCV) in Alaska during the 2024 election. Izon recounts the intensive grassroots campaign that gathered far more than the required signatures across 33 of Alaska’s 40 House district…

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Repeal Now AK: Inside Alaska’s Campaign to End Ranked Choice Voting 44:21

5M ago44:21

44:21

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Lynn McCabe and Mikaela Emswiler, of the Repeal Now initiative, to explore the close, contentious fight to roll back ranked choice voting in Alaska. Together, they share firsthand accounts of signature-gathering on the ground, the fierce lawfare tactics deployed by outs…

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The Alaska LNG Project: Momentum & Milestones 45:15

6M ago45:15

45:15

In this in-depth episode, host Ben Carpenter tackles the long-anticipated and often controversial Alaska LNG pipeline project—offering listeners an insider’s look at recent developments and reasons for renewed optimism. Drawing from his attendance at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Carpenter presents a compelling overview of a conversatio…

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Energy, Sovereignty, and Strategic Vision: Inside Day One of the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference 43:57

6M ago43:57

43:57

In this episode, Must Read Alaska Show host Ben Carpenter delivers a robust, real-time debrief from the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy in Anchorage. Carpenter walks the audience through the key takeaways, the tone of the event, and the overarching vision shared by political and industry leaders, particularly …

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Unpacking Alaska’s Push to Revoke Ranked Choice Voting 17:48

8M ago17:48

17:48

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Bernadette Wilson of Repeal Now Alaska to discuss the second effort to overturn Alaska’s ranked choice voting (RCV) system. They begin by defining RCV—how it replaced traditional closed primaries with an open “jungle primary” advancing the top four candidates and then allowin…

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100 Days of Impact: Congressman Nick Begich on Alaska’s Role in a New Era 52:46

8M ago52:46

52:46

In this engaging episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Congressman Nick Begich takes center stage to discuss the whirlwind first 100 days of the new Congress, offering a deep dive into the priorities shaping Alaska and the nation. Begich highlights the unprecedented pace of legislative action under Republican leadership, focusing on key achievement…

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AIDEA’s Court Victory Over ANWR Leases: Alaska’s Economic Path Forward 24:53

8M ago24:53

24:53

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter and guest Randy Ruaro focus on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s (AIDEA) landmark court win in Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority v. Department of Interior, which declared the Biden administration’s cancellation of oil and gas leases in the Arcti…

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Alaska's Pension Crisis: The High Cost of Senate Bill 78 and Smarter Solutions 57:22

8M ago57:22

57:22

In this exciting episode of the "Must Read Alaska Show" podcast, host Ben Carpenter dives deep into Alaska's pension debate with Ryan Frost and Mariana Trujillo from the Reason Foundation. They break down the major issues surrounding Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which proposes returning Alaska’s public pension system to a costly defined benefit plan. Th…

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Alaska’s Fiscal Crossroads: Confronting Budget Deficits and Defending Liberty 53:48

9M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter—former legislator and combat veteran—moderates a deep dive into Alaska’s long-standing fiscal challenges with guests Senator Mike Shower and Representative Kevin McCabe. The conversation revolves around the state’s structural budget deficit, the volatility of oil revenues, and the ero…

1
Moms for Liberty and the Fight for Alaska’s Education Future 28:15

9M ago28:15

28:15

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Donna Anderson, a retired educator and the Kenai Chapter Chair for Moms for Liberty, to discuss the pressing issues facing Alaska’s education system. With over 30 years of involvement in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District as a teacher, substitute, parent, …

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Unpacking Alaska's Legislative Priorities with Rep. Sarah Vance 26:21

9M ago26:21

26:21

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance, who represents District 6 out of Homer, for an in-depth look at the Alaska State Legislature’s current session. Recorded on March 3, 2025, this conversation unpacks the bills that have landed in House Finance—a key indicator…

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Alaska's Education Funding Battle & Budget Realities with Rep. Will Stapp 46:04

9M ago46:04

46:04

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Will Stapp for an in-depth discussion on the pressing financial and legislative issues facing the state. At the heart of the conversation is House Bill 69, a controversial proposal to significantly increase education funding—without a clear plan to…

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Cinderella Story: Nikiski High School Girls Volleyball’s Road to the 2024 State Championship 29:25

1y ago29:25

29:25

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Coach Stacy Segura of the Nikiski High School Volleyball Team to share their incredible journey to becoming the 3-A 2024 Alaska State Champions. A true Cinderella story, the team overcame early setbacks in the state tournament, clawing their way back from the loser bracket…

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From the Cockpit to the Page: Rodger Carlyle's Thrilling Adventures in Writing 23:21

1y ago23:21

23:21

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rodger Carlyle, a pilot, adventurer, political strategist, ghostwriter, and novelist. Known for weaving historical truths and current events into compelling thrillers and historical fiction, Rodger shares his journey into writing, the inspiration behind his books, and the …

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Cathy Tilton: Speaker of the Alaska State House, Championing Alaska’s Future 15:22

1y ago15:22

15:22

In this compelling episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Speaker Cathy Tilton to discuss her journey, motivations, and aspirations as she seeks re-election for State Representative in District 26. A lifelong Alaskan with deep roots in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, Speaker Tilton shares stories from her upbringing, …

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Scotty Gomez: From Stanley Cups to Community Champion in Alaska 23:10

1y ago23:10

23:10

Host John Quick sits down with Alaska’s own hockey legend, Scotty Gomez, on the Must Read Alaska Show. A two-time Stanley Cup champion and NHL Calder Trophy winner for Rookie of the Year, Scott shares his journey from growing up in Anchorage to reaching the pinnacle of professional hockey with teams like the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers. …

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Governor Dunleavy on Education Reform, Resource Development, and Alaska’s Future 23:38

1y ago23:38

23:38

On this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Governor Mike Dunleavy for a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues shaping Alaska's future. The Governor discusses his plans for education reform, including a bonus program aimed at getting money directly into the hands of teachers to help retain top talent acros…

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Nick Begich: A Common-Sense Leader for Alaska's Future 24:45

1y ago24:45

24:45

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, John Quick talks with Nick Begich about his campaign for Congress, challenging incumbent Congresswoman Mary Peltola. Born and raised in Alaska, Nick is a small business owner, family man, and commonsense leader who stands for less government, reduced regulation, and pro-oil development. With a backgroun…

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Rep. Sarah Vance: Championing Homer’s Future and Alaska's Progress 22:23

1y ago22:23

22:23

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Rep. Sarah Vance joins us to discuss her re-election campaign for the Alaska State House. Representing Homer, Sarah highlights her ongoing efforts to extend the Senior Benefits Program, improve infrastructure like Homer’s Kachemak Drive and the Homer Harbor, and tackle vital community projects. She shar…

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Kelly Tshibaka on Trump’s Pro-Alaska Platform and the 2024 Race 34:57

1y ago34:57

34:57

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Kelly Tshibaka, the Trump Campaign Director for Alaska. They dive into the presidential race, discussing why Trump is the Pro-Alaska, Pro-Oil Development candidate and what this means for the state. Kelly also shares her support for Nick Begich in the congressional race an…

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Rep. Kevin McCabe: Alaska's Path Forward – Limited Government, Education, and Infrastructure 18:32

1y ago18:32

18:32

On this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, John Quick speaks with Rep. Kevin McCabe about his vision for Alaska's future. They dive into McCabe's thoughts on limiting government growth, the state of education in Alaska, and the urgent infrastructure repair needs throughout the state. Rep. McCabe also shares insights into his ongoing reelection c…

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From Passion to Purpose: Derek Black on Building Brands 25:45

1y ago25:45

25:45

Join Host John Quick on the Must Read Alaska Show as he sits down with Derek Black, the visionary entrepreneur behind Choose RCVRY and Looking For Summits. Derek shares his inspiring journey of starting and scaling multiple clothing brands in Alaska with a mission to spread hope and raise awareness about addiction and human trafficking. From his pe…

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Ben’s Story: From Military Service to Alaskan Leadership 24:58

1y ago24:58

24:58

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Ben Carpenter, who has called Alaska home since 1985. Ben shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force and Army to becoming a dedicated representative in the Alaska State Legislature. He discusses his reasons for running, what sets him apart from his opponent, his…

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Bill Elam on Running for Alaska State House and Lessons from the Kenai Borough Assembly 16:50

1y ago16:50

16:50

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Bill Elam, a current Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman and candidate for the Alaska State House. Bill discusses why he's running for State House, what he would prioritize first if elected, and the challenges and victories he's experienced during his tenure on the Assembly. C…

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From 1989 Northwest Conference NCAA Champion to Alaska Senate Candidate: Mike Cronk's Journey 19:29

1+ y ago19:29

19:29

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Mike Cronk, a former 1989 Northwest Conference NCAA basketball champion now running for the Alaska Senate. Mike shares how his athletic career shaped his leadership under pressure, his 20+ year teaching career, and his dedication to Alaska's rural communities. Listen as Mike e…

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John Hillyer: From Fighter Pilot to House District 8 Candidate 13:20

1+ y ago13:20

13:20

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews John Hillyer, a retired veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, as he enters the race for Alaska's House District 8. Hillyer, who has spent 32 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, shares his motivations for running, his key priorities if elected, and what distinguishes …

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Edna DeVries: Why She's Running Again for Mat-Su Borough Mayor 12:51

1+ y ago12:51

12:51

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Mayor Edna DeVries, the current Mayor of Mat-Su Borough, to discuss her decision to run for re-election. Edna shares her motivations for seeking another term, outlines her key priorities if re-elected, and explains what sets her apart from the other candidates in the race.…

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Candidate Spotlight: Janice Park for State Senate District F 8:21

1+ y ago8:21

8:21

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Janice Park, candidate for State Senate District F. Janice shares why she is running, what she stands for, and what sets her apart from her opponents.She also discusses her plans to address key issues for Alaskans and how people can get in touch with her campaign. Janice has a…

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Candidate Spotlight: Jeremy Bynum for Alaska State House District 1 9:32

1+ y ago9:32

9:32

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Jeremy Bynum, candidate for Alaska State House District 1. Jeremy discusses why he is running for State Representative, his key priorities, and what sets him apart from his opponents. With experience as an elected assembly member on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, Jere…

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Meet the New CEO: Gretchen Guess on Leading the Rasmuson Foundation 18:05

1+ y ago18:05

18:05

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Gretchen Guess, the new President and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. Gretchen shares insights on how her previous roles as an elected official in Alaska, including serving as a member of the state legislature and president of the Anchorage School Board, have prepared her for this…

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Rick Whitbeck: Energy, Politics, and Alaska’s Future 24:10

1+ y ago24:10

24:10

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rick Whitbeck, State Director for Power The Future, to discuss the impact of the Biden administration on Alaska, the state of Cook Inlet energy, the implications of the Chevron's decision and whether Rick is hopeful for Alaska's future. With a 35-year career in Alaska, Ric…

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Navigating Alaska’s Future: A Conversation with Senator Matt Claman 17:30

1+ y ago17:30

17:30

Host John Quick welcomes Senator Matt Claman to The Must Read Alaska Show as part of our Candidate Spotlight Forum. Senator Claman, who has served West Anchorage in the Alaska State Senate since 2023 and previously in the State House, discusses his campaign for re-election and his top priorities. In this episode, he outlines his focus on improving …

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Knitting Slump: A Sock Story with a Happy Ending 43:07

1+ y ago43:07

43:07

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ME! What keeps knitters motivated? Join me as I share all the ways I have *not been motivated* in the hopes of finding a joyful path forward. From tackling the friendly challenge of knitting 12 pairs of socks in a year to admitting to knitting two sweaters in a month as a form of procrastination, this episode gets candid ab…

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Anchorage's Transition Team: Joelle Hall's Perspective 34:22

1+ y ago34:22

34:22

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, your host John Quick sits down with Joelle Hall, President of the Alaska AFL-CIO and a key member of Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's transition team. Join us as we delve into the roles and responsibilities of the transition team focused on good government, safe streets and trails, and building our fu…

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Candidate Spotlight: Brandy Pennington's Vision for Alaska State House District 9 32:23

1+ y ago32:23

32:23

Tune in to The Must Read Alaska Show for a compelling conversation with Brandy Pennington, a lifelong Alaskan and candidate for State House. Brandy brings a wealth of experience as a business owner, landlord, and dedicated community member, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to the growth and prosperity of District 9. In this episode, Brandy articu…

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Candidate Spotlight: Andrew Shane's Vision for Mat-Su 9:33

1+ y ago9:33

9:33

Host John Quick dives into a compelling conversation with Andrew Shane, a dedicated community leader and candidate for school board in the Mat-Su. Andrew shares his journey from firefighter to small business owner, highlighting his passion for education and public safety. Discover Andrew's motivations for running, his top priorities if elected, and…

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Fighting for Alaska: A Conversation with Former Rep. Sharon Jackson 11:37

1+ y ago11:37

11:37

Join Host John Quick on this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with former State Representative Sharon Jackson, a dedicated public servant with a rich history of advocating for Alaskan values. Sharon Jackson's journey from Philadelphia, PA to the Alaskan State House of Representatives is a testament to her unwavering commitment to…

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Empowering Parents: The School Choice Revolution with Dr. Corey DeAngelis 18:39

1+ y ago18:39

18:39

Join Host John Quick, on this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show as we sit down with Corey DeAngelis, a leading voice in the education reform movement and a passionate advocate for school choice. Corey is a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children, the executive director at the Educational Freedom Institute, and a senior fellow at th…

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Candidate Spotlight: Jared Goecker is running for Alaska State Senate in District L 10:11

1+ y ago10:11

10:11

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Jared Goecker, a candidate running for State Senate, District L, representing Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, and Peters Creek. Jared shares his deep-rooted connection to Alaska, his personal story, and his goals for the future. Join us as we discuss: - Jared's motivation…

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Common Sense Leadership: Senator James Kaufman’s Legislative Achievements and Vision 22:07

1+ y ago22:07

22:07

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Senator James Kaufman to discuss his highlights during the recent legislative session. Senator Kaufman, a common sense leader with over 35 years of experience in Alaska’s oil and gas industry, shares how his background in quality management has influenced his work in the S…

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A Deep Dive into Knitting the Felix Cardigan: Lessons for ANY Knitting Project 37:03

1+ y ago37:03

37:03

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ME! Join the start of Season 4 of Encourage Better Knitting and discover some tips for making a cardigan, or anything, in a thoughtful way to bring you joy and satisfaction! In this episode, I share how I *really* take accurate measurements for my garments and my super secret, and sometimes slow, method of evaluating yarn s…

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Fighting for Alaska: Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom's Congressional Bid 26:48

1+ y ago26:48

26:48

Join host John Quick on this episode of Must Read Alaska as he sits down with Nancy Dahlstrom, the current Lt. Governor of Alaska, who is stepping up to run for the United States Congress. Nancy shares her vision for Alaska's future and her commitment to bringing tough, proven, Alaska First leadership to Washington. Discover her strategies for tack…

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The Millionaire Maker: Unlocking Real Estate Wealth with Chris Story 22:42

1+ y ago22:42

22:42

Join us on the Must Read Alaska Show with your host, John Quick, as we dive into the world of real estate with Chris Story, a lifelong Alaskan, author, speaker, and owner/broker of Story Real Estate. With over 30+ years of experience in the Homer real estate market, Chris shares his journey, the valuable lessons he's learned, and the secrets to his…