The Alaska Show

This week I speak to Deb Rhoades about her lifelong love of Alaska, how she has carved out a niche in the fishing/marine industry that does not involve being a deckhand or running a boat, how she hustles to stay in Alaska, and her work in production on The Deadliest Catch. I also discuss where I've been all summer, my new "Office Hours" at Stowaway Cafe (Saturdays 10am - 2pm) and how and why you should support the show! www.HomerAlaskaPodcast.com

I sit down with Dan Coe to talk about his life growing up in blue collar Pittsburgh and making a living as an artist - first among the rich kids of the east coast and eventually here in Homer, Alaska. We also talk about parenting, sign painting, and Dan gives advice to young people who want to make a living as an artist. I also talk to Debbie Fanatia at Kachemak Group Real Estate again for vacation rental investment part 2.

In this episode I sit down with Marian Beck and discuss life growing up in Halibut Cove as Clem Tillion's daughter. She describes a wild Alaskan childhood accompanied by an array of artist and politicians. She talks about how her love of regional food and cooking was solidified at Cal Poly, describes a formative trip to Europe with her college friends, and tells the story of how she opened The Saltry and ultimately ended up on Good Morning America.

This week I interviewed Eric Engebretsen. We talked all things Bay Welding - how he grew the company with his parents 10x in just 15 years, and where it is today. In that story he shared what life was like growing up in Homer, how he knew he was put on this earth to build things, and how leaving to see the world solidified his love of this town. He also shares some of his business philosophy. Intro (0:00 - 9:28) Denise Pitzman on Pricing (9:28 - 15:34) Interview with Eric (15:34 - 55:37)

In this episode I talk with McKibben Jackinsky about growing up in one of Ninilchik's first families, her childhood, leaving the state for the big city and coming home, raising daughters as a single mom on the homestead, working the North Slope, starting a career as a writer late in life and the impact of oil and gas exploration on the Kenai Peninsula. I also discuss why social media may be even more important in a business context than we think.

I sat down with Ash Churchill who, at under 40 years old, is building a strong case for being the most interesting man in the world. Born in Cairns, Australia Ash dropped out of high school to work on tug boats and in mining before running away with his scuba instructor to St. Thomas, getting married, and finding his way together with her up to Homer to run charter boats, fly drones, build off-grid homes, and help his customers buy and sell real estate in Homer.

I sat down with Kyra Wagner this week to discuss her life and work in Homer. We cover a huge variety of topics and have a few laughs before getting down to business - talking about how the growth of farming in Homer is driving sustainability and how we all need community to survive. Also this week - Karen Marquardt with Kachemak Group Real Estate teaches us about the importance of staging a home to sell, and I talk about Alaskans and their pets.

I sit down with Troy Jones - family man, hunting guide, pastor of Eastgate Fellowship Church, and owner of East Road Services - to discuss his family's move to Homer in the 50s and what life was like growing up on the homestead. He shares some of his valuable wisdom on the outdoors and a few stories about bear and moose encounters, and talks about the major changes Homer has undergone over the years. We also sit down with Merlin Cordes of Kachemak Group Real Estate to discuss remote land access.

This week I sit down with Ashley Steiner - the incredible chef/owner of the Tickled Pear food truck. Ashley tells me about her childhood learning about fresh, responsible food from her grandparents on the family farm in Nebraska, her thoughts on culinary school, working her way up in the kitchen at Wasabi's, and finally striking out on her own with the Tickled Pear Food Truck. Music: 'Therfield Theme' by James Richardson(kingjamesroyaltyfreemusic.blogspot.co.uk)

I sit down with Ken and discuss his journey coming to Homer from Massachussets via Africa, what he's learned over the years, and how he takes that knowledge and applies it as Mayor to heal division in the city and move forward as a stronger community. Music: 'Therfield Theme' by James Richardson(kingjamesroyaltyfreemusic.blogspot.co.uk) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

I sit down with Kelly and talk to her about how she got her start in her current businesses out of adversity, how she ran for office and deals with the adversity of being an elected representative, and her thoughts on what makes Homer special and how to protect it. Checkout Glacier View Cabins - stunning views  - open year round - it's like coming home. Music: 'Therfield Theme' by James Richardson(kingjamesroyaltyfreemusic.blogspot.co.uk)

I sit down with Doug this week and talk about his journey from Kalkaska, Michigan to Homer, Alaska - how a serendipitous college class led him to be an educator - and how he has spent the last five years steering the culture of Homer High School towards practical learning and caring for each individual student. Listen for a special offer by Coop's Coffee!   Music: 'Therfield Theme' by James Richardson(kingjamesroyaltyfreemusic.blogspot.co.uk)

I sit down with Shelly to discuss her story of growing up in Homer, leaving for college, and why she decided to come back. We also discuss how she came to be involved in business (Home Run Oil, Baycrest RV Park, Homer Tours, and Tesoro) and politics (city council) - and she gives advice on how to make it in a small town in business. Stop by Coop's Coffee for $1 off any drink as a listener of this show! Music: 'Therfield Theme' by James Richardson (kingjamesroyaltyfreemusic.blogspot.co.uk)