Alaska Voices

Season 2 comes to an end

Alaska Voices — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:49:28 +0000

"To facilitate that space, you then see how people leave in a really good mood after having connected with a person."

The work of being ourselves: Following the tides from Yakutat to Kasaan

Alaska Voices — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:01:11 +0000

"Could you even imagine if you could try to outgive me? ʼI’m going to give better than you.ʼ What kind of world would we live in?" -George Nix

Paths to the Arctic converge in coproduction

Alaska Voices — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:54:53 +0000

"A lot of what I’ve learned is the academic history of exploitation of communities in the Arctic. Iʼm trying to teach myself as much as I can such that when I’m in a position that I am leading a project, that I have input to make sure that things are done correctly" -Margaret Anamaq Rudolf

Translating and curating climate data for everyday use

Alaska Voices — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 20:36:49 +0000

"I would encourage people to not despair in this prospect of an unknowable climate future. We have tools, good tools, to get an idea of what might be coming." -Charlie Parr

Wildfire wisdom under cathedral trees

Alaska Voices — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 19:15:33 +0000

"We call them our cathedral trees, I don’t think they grew up to have this much wind, so you hear them snapping during wind events, too. And it’s warmer. It’s much warmer. We don’t have those 40 below for a week at a time anymore." -Mary Burtness

Field log: A full career of fundamental boreal forestry

Alaska Voices — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:18:56 +0000

"I remember his frustration as budgets were being cut. Now most of us experienced a mixture of apprehension and anger. The anger from the injustice of it and apprehension from how is this going to affect what matters to me? Not just my job, although that’s there, but also the things that I’m doing that I think are important And as near as I could tell, he experienced only anger. He was pissed." - Dave Valentine

Deciphering the many facets of weather

Alaska Voices — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:23:10 +0000

"Come here and find out that million-acre years are pretty common and they’re dealt as extreme years, but in more recent years, you wind up seeing more and more million acres burned." -Jacob Coffey

Partnering with communities for reciprocal research

Alaska Voices — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:09:58 +0000

"There’s this history of research happening, disregarding those pieces, and I’m really excited about this as a mechanism to shine a light on that, and ask those questions: does this work really need to be done? Are you willing to invest in the relationships with the community to ensure that your work is meaningful to the people who live here, and if not, then maybe we need to think twice about it." -Lauren Bell

Supercomputer as stepping stone

Alaska Voices — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:29:49 +0000

"I was always interested in technology, ever since I was a little kid. I remember the first computer my dad bought us was an old Compaq and he thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread." -Bob Torgerson

Tracking bear dens with dogs and drones

Alaska Voices — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:35:18 +0000

" It's a working dog that's here to help keep you safe. And no one wants to pet your drone, you know? But they might want to pet your dog." -Nils Pedersen

Identifying incompatibilities and resolving conflicts in research

Alaska Voices — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:13:10 +0000

"When I see people, I’d say maybe more senior personnel, get very angry about this, that, or the other, it almost comes out as like, an entitlement to that anger. ʼI have every right in the world to be this way,ʼ and there’s no longer any room to be like, ʼHm, maybe we need to take a step back.ʼ" -Jessie Young-Robertson

Navigating the last mile to deliver research results

Alaska Voices — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:27:09 +0000

"I think it’s something that you and I have in common—loving to do science but really wanting to see it connect with the people who need it." -Nancy Fresco

Alaska Voices Season 2 Coming Soon

Alaska Voices — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:46:02 +0000

The second season of Alaska Voices will be released December 1st with new episodes every Monday. Listen for your weekly dose of Alaskan lore, place-based knowledge, science stories, and climate adaptation.

Alaska Weather Voices - Episode 4: Reflections

Alaska Voices — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Alaska Weather Voices - Episode 3: Successes

Alaska Voices — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

This podcast miniseries focuses on the life and career of Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)’s climate specialist, Rick Thoman. This podcast, hosted by Liz Carter, is made by ACCAP in partnership with Alaska Voices. In this episode Rick Thoman shares key career accomplishments, and several collaborators weigh in on what makes Rick such a trusted source of climate information in Alaska. The episode includes conservations with Gay Sheffield (University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bering Strait Sea Grant Agent), Diana Haecker (Nome Nugget, editor), Ed Plumb (National Weather Service, marine and coastal flood program manager), and Uma Bhatt (University of Alaska Fairbanks, professor of atmospheric sciences). “There’s people with lots of questions. And people know for the weather and storms, everyone gets a service. You can pick up the paper, there’s Rick Thoman. Facebook, there he is. And we know that takes time.” – Gay Sheffield

Alaska Weather Voices - Episode 2: Career

Alaska Voices — Fri, 16 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

This podcast miniseries focuses on the life and career of Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)’s climate specialist, Rick Thoman. This podcast, hosted by Liz Carter, is made by ACCAP in partnership with Alaska Voices. In this episode Rick Thoman outlines the bulk of his career thus far, covering his time at the National Weather Service in Nome and Fairbanks as well as his transition to working for ACCAP in 2018. The episode delves in on defining moments that set the trajectory for his career and approach working with Alaska communications. “Nome was my very first lesson in listening to what's important to people as far as weather and climate impacts and the kinds of information that they need.” –Rick Thoman

Alaska Weather Voices - Episode 1: Origins

Alaska Voices — Wed, 14 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

This podcast miniseries focuses on the life and career of Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)’s climate specialist, Rick Thoman. This podcast, hosted by Liz Carter, is made by ACCAP in partnership with Alaska Voices. In this episode Rick Thoman describes how he came to love weather, climate and Alaska. Starting in childhood, the episode follows Rick from elementary school projects on Alaska and tracking the weather in Pennsylvania to his first Alaska trip in 1986 that launched his weather and climate career. “I’ve been interested in weather and climate from my earliest memories. As a child, probably late elementary school, junior high school age, every morning I would get up and I would look at the temperature on the thermometer that was outside my bedroom window. And I would write it down and I would plot it on a piece of graph paper.” – Rick Thoman

Alaska Weather Voices Miniseries Starts Wednesday

Alaska Voices — Mon, 12 May 2025 22:18:02 +0000

This Wednesday weʼll release, the first episode of the 4-episode miniseries on Alaskaʼs beloved weather and climate communicator, Rick Thoman. Stay tuned for Rickʼs story and a new Alaska Voices season.

Tracking community coastal change

Alaska Voices — Mon, 24 May 2021 13:00:00 +0000

"I've seen an artistry come out of Alaska, it has changed, the way in which we've articulated in which our resources are important to us and how we've done that through art, and other type of expression, that makes me really hopeful." - Davin Holen

Weathering winter rainstorms

Alaska Voices — Mon, 17 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Jim Brader (53) talks with colleague and friend Eric Stevens (49) about leading the Fairbanks weather office during the November 2010 freezing rain event.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 26, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

When the ice dam fails

Alaska Voices — Mon, 10 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Eran Hood (49) speaks with collaborator Gabriel Wolken (45) about glacial outflow flooding in Juneau and Valdez, as well as how residents have embraced the monitoring and forecasting of these events.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 20, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Lightning, wildfires, and Martian ice

Alaska Voices — Mon, 03 May 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Friends and colleagues Matt Heavner (46) and Cathy Wilson (62) talk about working at Los Alamos National Laboratory during the 2000 Cerro Grande fire in New Mexico. They also talk about their ties to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and how their scientific experience has shaped their understanding of public policy.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 29, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

What faces tomorrow’s climate scientists

Alaska Voices — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Colleagues Shawn Carter (46) and Emily Fort (43) talk about the future of climate change research for the next generation of scientists as well as what incorporating solutions-based research might look like.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 5, 2018 in Reston, Virginia. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Reaching passersby through poetry

Alaska Voices — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Naomi O’Neal (30) interviews her best friend Rebecca Lawhorne (27) about the journey that led her to creating “PoembyBecca,” on-the-spot personalized poetry presented on birch bark.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on April 20, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Keeping up with community climate concerns

Alaska Voices — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

John Walsh (69) speaks with colleague Larry Hinzman (62) about how public perceptions surrounding climate change have shifted over the years, and what impacts to expect going forward.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 12, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Land stewardship in a changing world

Alaska Voices — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Lance Whitwell (53) talks with friend and colleague, Ryan Toohey (40), about what he learned while in the Rural Alaska Village Environmental Network (RAVEN) AmeriCorps program, and how he passes that knowledge on to young leaders in his conservation district.

Recorded by Bob Bolton on February 14, 2018 during the “Alaska Forum on the Environment” at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Revisiting your hometown's history

Alaska Voices — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Davin Holen (45) speaks with colleague Tina Buxbaum (38) about growing up in Wasilla and learning about the region as an anthropologist.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 14, 2018 during the “Alaska Forum on the Environment” at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Overcoming failure

Alaska Voices — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Carolyn Loeffler (30) speaks with her friend and housemate, Dina Abdel-Fatah (28) about the importance of embracing failure, especially in scientific fields.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on September 25, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Mentors as both friends and role models

Alaska Voices — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Jessica Garron (41) speaks with her mentor and friend, Elena B. Sparrow (74) about their relationship as mentor and mentee and what they learned during 15 years of working with one another.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on August 8, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

2021 Spring season of Alaska Voices starts next week

Alaska Voices — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:00:00 +0000

Alaska Voices is back March 15 with new episodes. Project leads Jessie Robertson and Bob Bolton also give a quick update on future Alaska Voices recordings.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson and Bob Bolton in March 2021. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Story” by Meydän (www.soundcloud.com/meydansound/)

More episodes and information at www.alaskavoices.org

Alaska Voices Update - End of Season 1

Alaska Voices — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 13:44:55 +0000

Hello listeners,

As you may have noticed, Alaska Voices has stopped publishing episodes. We have come to the conclusion of our resources for season 1 at this time and as a result the podcast will be on hiatus as the team discusses next steps and possibilities for the future. We have some exciting options before us and we hope we can bring you more heartfelt and important conversations soon. In the meantime stay subscribed, keep your eyes on our feed for more future content and updates, and listen back to some of your favorite episodes while we work on what's next.

Thank you all for your love and support of this project. It has truly exceeded all expectations and we hope this has been as wonderful a journey for our listeners, collaborators, and contributors as it has been for us. We can't wait to share more stories and conversations with you again soon.

Warm and sincere thanks,
The whole Alaska Voices Team

Learning as a scientist when to say "I don't know"

Alaska Voices — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Colleagues Shawn Carter (46) and Emily Fort (43) discuss the curiosity that drew them to science, from exploring nature to school projects about environmental disasters. They also talk about the challenges of communicating with the public while living near Washington, DC.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 5, 2018 in Reston, Virginia. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Designing accessible research for rural communities

Alaska Voices — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Colleagues Erica Mitchell (29) and Ryan Toohey (40) talk about climate change in Alaska and Colorado. They discuss collaboration with rural Alaska communities and the power imbalances that institutions need to overcome to foster two-way communication.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 23, 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Collaborating with agencies, communities

Alaska Voices — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Stuart (Terry) Chapin (73) speaks with his friend and colleague Scott Rupp (50) about partnering with people outside of the university to conduct more informed and relevant research for Alaskans.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on December 21, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Partnerships

Alaska Voices — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Joanna Young (33) and Dr. Erin Pettit (48) talk about the Girls on Ice program, which brings high school girls to a glacier to learn about science, glaciology, and leadership. They also discuss the role of leadership in Alaska research.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 30, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Finding nature and ourselves in cities

Alaska Voices — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Rick Fein (61) speaks with his daughter, Naomi Fein (21), about her journey to science, nature, and spirituality.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 12, 2018 during the Alaska Forum on the Environment at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Making spaces for varied voices

Alaska Voices — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Bob Bolton (48) speaks with his friend and colleague, Scott Rupp (50) about underrepresented groups in science, how to level the playing field, and science culture.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on December 19, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Leveling the ivory tower

Alaska Voices — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Martin Miller interviews his mentee and friend Taylor Gofstein about the Women in Science Leadership Workshop and the ways she's learning how to make science more inclusive.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on December 4, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

Building bridges with sea ice

Alaska Voices — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Carolyn Loeffler (30) speaks with her friend and housemate, Dina Abdel-Fatah (28), about Dina's history, world travels, the link between social and hard science and researcher fatigue in rural Alaska.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on September 25, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Loud, critical, ambitious: sexism in science

Alaska Voices — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Jessica Garron (41) and Jessie Robertson (39) explore sexism and stereotyping within research institutions and the oil industry, and discuss the impact these experiences have had on their careers.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on September 13, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Grad school files

Alaska Voices — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Rachel Patteson (22) and Jill Brooks (21) discuss how their childhood experiences led them to environmental science. They also talk about the pitfalls of traditional science, including its gender divide.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on July 26, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Engineering healthy early-career boundaries

Alaska Voices — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Carrie Sorensen (28) and her partner, Tristan Orth (27), talk about Carrie's journey to become an engineer and her experiences with marginalization. Carrie also discusses her parents' support throughout her life.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on December 4, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Uneven ground: permafrost thaw and burnout

Alaska Voices — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Content warning: This episode includes some adult language.

Jessie Robertson (39) speaks with her student Kristin Gagne (24) about failure, the fear of failure, and boundaries within a scientific career.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on November 27, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

Sounding board on the Antarctic ice sheet

Alaska Voices — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Aurora Roth (25) talks with her friend, Joanna Young (33), about the human side of fieldwork in Antarctica, including the burdens that rest on the shoulders of women on the team.

Recorded by Jessie Robertson on September 6, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Another day at work

Alaska Voices — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Content warning: This episode contains mature themes, including mention of sexual assault.

Lily Cohen (48) and Bob Bolton (28) talk about the range of microaggressions, harassment, and assault women endure in scientific spaces. They also talk about how power can be abused when researchers are out in the field.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 30, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Arctic diplomacy and Native Movement

Alaska Voices — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Jessica Girard (38) and Arlo Davis (37) talked about Jessica's transition from the military to more of a diplomatic role in Alaska that connects social justice with climate change.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 22, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Surveying Alaska after World War II

Alaska Voices — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Krista Zody (32) interviews Dietrich Strohmaier (91.5) about his move to Alaska after World War II. He talks about dredging for gold around Fairbanks, surveying St. Lawrence Island, permafrost conditions around Fairbanks, and the early Alaska labor movement.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 6, 2018 at the Pioneer Home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

Storytelling as a conduit of culture

Alaska Voices — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 12:30:00 +0000

"Since our existence is glued together by stories and songs and language, all of our laws and everything, I have a certain way of looking at stories that the next generation won't be able to accommodate."

Stepping off the plane to roaring Northern fur seals

Alaska Voices — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Jim Brader (53) talks with colleage and friend Eric Stevens (49) about starting his National Weather Service career by moving to St. Paul Island. They discuss changes they've seen around the state during their tenure, including sea ice and how its loss impacts climate systems around the state.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 26, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Two career paths from El Yunque to Alaska

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:00:40 +0000

Holly Prendeville (40) talks with friend and colleague, Ryan Toohey (40), about meeting in Puerto Rico at a research station now recovering from Hurricane Maria. They also discuss fieldwork in Costa Rica, moving to Alaska, and the various paths science careers can take.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 15, 2018 during the Alaska Forum on the Environment at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Arctic Evening” by Marcel du Preez

Navigating oceans and grad school

Alaska Voices — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:00:05 +0000

Cristina Schultz (31) speaks with fellow oceanographer, Channing Bolt (23), whom she recently met at a science outreach camp on St. Paul Island, Alaska. The two discuss being scientists and working in the Arctic. Christina also shares her experiences as a Brazilian scientist.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Leanna Heffner on October 10, 2017 during "Bering Sea Days" on St. Paul Island, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Fireside chat

Alaska Voices — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 04:00:57 +0000

Kent Slaughter (50) and Scott Rupp (50) discuss climate change in Interior Alaska, including recent ice storms. They also talk about Alaska wildfires including fire management, comparisons of different fire years, and the impact of technology on fire fighting.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 29, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by StoryCorps.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Expanding scientific literacy beyond the research realm

Alaska Voices — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 04:00:18 +0000

Friends and colleagues Matt Heavner (46) and Cathy Wilson (62) talk about chatting with students and the public about the scientific process and climate science. They also discuss national security in the Arctic and working together at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 29, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Fifty years of Arctic change

Alaska Voices — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 04:00:59 +0000

John Walsh (69) speaks with colleague Larry Hinzman (62) about their histories as climate researchers, the change in administrative support, and the effects of climate change they've seen.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 12, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Making connections with neighbors and ancestors

Alaska Voices — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 04:00:51 +0000

Fred Clark (61) speaks with new colleague Kurt Eilo (54) about his family, his ancestors' forced removal from the Midwest to Kansas, and how he reconnected with his heritage as an adult. They also discuss the evolution of the Alaska Forum on the Environment.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton on February 14, 2018 during the Alaska Forum on the Environment at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Breaking the ice with a steam bath in rural Alaska

Alaska Voices — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:00:18 +0000

Colleagues Teresa Hanson and Alexander Kholodov talk about their permafrost research project in the villages of Telida and Nikolai, Alaska. They also discuss community-driven research collaborations and the unexpected ways the communities' Russian Orthodox influence reminded Alexander of home.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on May 21, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

The professional life

Alaska Voices — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:00:48 +0000

Uma Bhatt (56) and Peter Bienick (34) discuss how their scientific interests have evolved over time. They also cover the need for imagination and downtime in science.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 30, 2017 at the International Arctic Research Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

A day in the life of a university scientist

Alaska Voices — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:00:41 +0000

Colleagues and friends Shannon Donnovan (43) and Audrey Taylor (42) talk about their small university department and their chaotic academic year.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 28, 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Reflecting after a Commencement handshake

Alaska Voices — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 04:00:33 +0000

University of Alaska Fairbanks Chancellor Daniel White (50) and recently-graduated Diane Murph (22) talk about their journeys through engineering, UAF, and their hopes for the future.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 27, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Bringing global experiences back home

Alaska Voices — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:06 +0000

Arlo Davis (36) talks with Krista Heeringa (32) about his life and travels with his father, and his perspectives on graduate school and disillusionment with it.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on April 9, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

Growing up in a research lab

Alaska Voices — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:38 +0000

Taylor Gofstein speaks with Martin Miller about meeting him through Toastmasters and how she strived to become a scientist since the day she learned to read.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on August 23, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Growing a collaboration

Alaska Voices — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:00:11 +0000

NOTE: This episode includes some brief and mild adult language. Listener discretion is advised.

Bob Bolton (48) and Jessie Robertson (39) talk about the peaks and valleys of being a scientist as well as the challenges women face in science. They also talk about how they've grown while collaborating with one another.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on July 14, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Caribou and bear before breakfast

Alaska Voices — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:45 +0000

Rebecca Lawhorne (27) interviews her best friend Naomi O'Neal (30) about her fieldwork along the Itkillik River on the North Slope of Alaska.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton on April 20, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

An average field season, other than meeting the spouse

Alaska Voices — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:01 +0000

Robert (Bob) Busey (41) speaks with colleague Rachael Bolton (35) about meeting their spouses and Rachael's Alaskan wedding.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton on February 28, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Off-road adventures in northern Alaska

Alaska Voices — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Bill Schnabel (51) talks to his colleague and mentee Nathan Belz (33), about some of his most memorable adventures in the field and how he uses storytelling to draw students to science.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton on February 6, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Lessons on long drives and muddy trails

Alaska Voices — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:46 +0000

Katie Spellman (36) speaks with her mentor and collaborator, Christa Mulder (49), about their different mentorship styles. Katie taught Christa how to fold social justice in with science and now they work together on the Fostering Science program.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on August 22, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Braving thin ice

Alaska Voices — Thu, 28 May 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Victor Tonuchuk, Jr. (31) speaks with friend and collaborator Ryan Toohey (40) about Kotlik, Alaska, his home community. Victor describes how sea level rise, thin ice, and late freezup have affected subsistence and potlatches.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton on February 15, 2018 during the Alaska Forum on the Environment at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

A different world

Alaska Voices — Mon, 25 May 2020 12:11:00 +0000

Sorina Seeley (27) speaks with Megan Godfrey about building relationships with Alaska Native communities and what they learned about communication from the hurdles they faced.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 30, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Teresa Bakker.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Tyonek Grown: Sharing harvest and heritage

Alaska Voices — Thu, 21 May 2020 09:36:00 +0000

Tonya Kaloa (30) talks with fellow farmer Krista Heeringa (31) about growing up in Tyonek and reconnecting with the land by working with students on a community farm.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Keeping an eye on the land

Alaska Voices — Mon, 18 May 2020 09:32:00 +0000

Lance Whitwell (53) talks with friend and colleague, Ryan Toohey (40), about working with university and NASA researchers as well as his environmental liaison work around Venetie and Arctic Village for the Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP).

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Researching salmon as a student of two worlds

Alaska Voices — Thu, 14 May 2020 09:19:00 +0000

Friends and colleagues Brooke Wright (36) and Krista Heeringa (32) reminisce about meeting at a tribal management symposium and working together on a food security project out of Ruby, Alaska.

Krista asks Brooke about learning traditional and Western education alongside her kids and her work with salmon for Tanana Chiefs Conference, the Yukon River Panel, Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and the Alaska Salmon Fellows.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on June 18, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Disaster preparedness: Alaska braces for change

Alaska Voices — Mon, 11 May 2020 17:09:00 +0000

"First and foremost, we should be addressing our people And then addressing our scientific needs."

About "Alaska Voices"

Alaska Voices — Thu, 07 May 2020 08:55:00 +0000

Alaska Voices project leads Jessie Robertson and Bob Bolton explain what led them to record dozens of conversations about Alaska and Arctic issues. They also reflect on the last three years of their first podcast production.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Bob Bolton and Jessie Robertson on April 21, 2020 in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Caring for Elders as a 14-year-old nurse

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:30:00 +0000

Helen Peters (88) speaks with Stacie Braband (30) about coming of age during a wartime epidemic and a flood. Helen tells stories about caring for her grandmother, being a nurse, and becoming a priest.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 6, 2018 at the Pioneer Home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg. Special thanks to Helen Stafford.

Music by Helen Peters.

Father-daughter fieldwork

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:15:00 +0000

Jeremy Littell (44) chats with daughter Merridy Littell (10) about doing ecology fieldwork together and her science fair projects.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on March 22, 2018 in Anchorage, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Welcoming a newborn just before an avalanche cuts power

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:10:00 +0000

Eran Hood (49) speaks with collaborator Gabriel Wolken (45) about avalanche hazards in Juneau, Alaska, even as climate change turns much of that snow to rain. Eran tells the story of electricity prices jumping 500% in one day when an avalanche caused the city to briefly switch to diesel.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps.Recorded by Jessie Robertson on February 20, 2018 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

Connecting as scientists and mothers

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:05:00 +0000

Jessica Garron (41) speaks with her mentor and friend, Elena B. Sparrow (74) about raising children while working in science.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Jessie Robertson on August 8, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Kelsey Skonberg.

Music: “Saying Goodbye In The Rain (piano)” by Jeremy Wray

Remembering Randy, restoring the bison

Alaska Voices — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Teal Rogers (25) and her brother, Luke Rogers (21), remember their father, Randy Rogers, his legacy, and the Bison Restoration Project.

This interview was recorded in collaboration with StoryCorps. Recorded by Nathan Belz on August 4, 2017 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Edited by Nathan Belz.

Music: "Solo Guitar Two" by Tapes & Tubes, "Arctic Evening" by Marcel du Preez

There's more to the story—and photos—here.