Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

Alaska has a rich homesteading history that stretches back to the early 1900s, when settlers came north in search of freedom, self-reliance and a new start. After World War II, the Homestead Act opened up millions of acres here, offering land to anyone willing to build a life in some of the harshest, most beautiful conditions on Earth. Though the official homestead era ended in the 1980s, the spirit of that lifestyle still lives on today in people who choose to trade convenience for connection and comfort for independence.Our guest today is one of those modern homesteaders. Living off-grid near Talkeetna, he’s built his own home, raises his own food and in one of the most unique Alaskan experiences you’ll find, he invites visitors to come and share a hug with his herd of gentle Highland cows.We hear about what it takes to live this kind of life, how he made it happen and why something as simple as hugging a cow can make such a deep impact.HOST: Kim SherryGUESTS: Carmelo Panucci, Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsBodie Panucci, second-generation Talkeetna homesteader, Highland HugsLINKS:Alaska Highland HugsInstagram

"The Nutcracker" ballet, which takes place at the Performing Arts Center, has become a tradition of many Anchorage residents as a way to celebrate the beginning of Christmas season. To celebrate its 35th year, we hear from two members of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, including a musician who plays the celeste (don’t worry if you don’t know what that is, you'll find out.), and from the Anchorage Concert Association. They are the group responsible for coordinating "The Nutcracker" performance that many of us get to enjoy this time of year.SHOW INFO:Atwood Concert Hall:Friday, November 28, 2025 @ 2:00pmFriday, November 28, 2025 @ 7:30pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 2:00pmSaturday, November 29, 2025 @ 7:30pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 1:00pmSunday, November 30, 2025 @ 5:30pmHOST: Dave WaldronGUESTS:Mitchell Hanson, Communications Director, Anchorage Concert AssociationKathryn Easley, Event Manager, Anchorage Concert AssociationSusan Wingrove-Reed, Principal Pianist, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraNick Cooper, Executive Director, Anchorage Symphony OrchestraLINKS:Anchorage Concert AssociationAnchorage Symphony OrchestraEugene Ballet TICKETS

It's the time of year where many of us are plotting every last morsel that we will either be cooking or simply just enjoying with our friends and family. While so much of the spotlight is given to the turkey and the side dishes, there are some of us that are biding our time, and strategically saving room in our stomachs, for dessert. On this week's show we celebrate that final dish that so many people claim they do not have any more room for—and what is a more iconic Thanksgiving dessert than pie? We're joined by Julia O'Malley, a James Beard Award winning writer who has written for the Anchorage Daily News and also authored the book "The Whale and the Cupcake: Stories of Subsistence, Longing, and Community in Alaska."HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Julia O'Malley, food writer, journalistLINKS:Julia O'Malley websiteFacebookInstagram"For this year’s holiday feast, try a vintage tart cherry pie" | Anchorage Daily News

We’ve all heard sounds in nature that capture our ears, whether it’s a bird call, a gentle stream or a thunderstorm. But what about other sounds? What noise does a glacier make? Or the tundra? And are they musical like those bird calls, chaotic, or just plain strange? Matthew Burtner is a composer, sound artist and eco-acoustician. He discusses his work, a recent Canadian exhibition and his newest album "Profiled from Atmospheres."HOST: Dave WaldronGUEST: Matthew Burtner, musician, composer, eco-acousticianLINKS: Matthew Burtner websiteInstagramFacebookMusic

Hometown, Alaska presents: Alaska Public Media’s "Dracula," a modernized take on the original work by Bram Stoker, adapted for the radio in four parts by Crystal Hyde.The following audio drama contains content that may be frightening or disturbing. Listener discretion is advised.Wesley Early as the narratorMary Lou Asicksik as Mina MurrayAmmon Swenson as Jonathan HarkerMadilyn Rose as Dr. Jacqueline SewardKim Sherry as Artie HolmwoodAmanda Agnelly as Quinn MorrisJeremy Hsieh as Abraham Van HelsingLori Townsend as Countess DraculaCrystal Hyde as Maria, the nurse and Mina’s voicemailMatt Faubion as the carriage driver.Adam Nicely as Luke WestenraToben Shelby as the newscasterSusan Metcalf as the eyewitnessWritten by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Kalli RandallEdited by Crystal Hyde with assistance from Dave Waldron and Adam Nicely,Music by Matt FaubionProduced by Crystal Hyde and Ammon Swenson.