Juneau Afternoon
Juneau Afternoon is locally produced and airs on KTOO 104.3 & KAUK 91.7 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday. It’s repeated at 7:00 p.m. on KTOO 104.3 & KAUK 91.7.
Host Bostin Christopher interviews guests from local business owners to artists and speakers. If it’s happening in Juneau, you’ll hear about it on the show.
You can find archived episodes below. You may also find Juneau Afternoon on your podcast app of choice, or you can view inside the studio while the show is recording via live streams on KTOO’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Videos are also available inside the links to each episode below (if available).
If you’d like to be a guest on the program, contact us during regular business hours at 907-463-6417, or email juneauafternoon [at] ktoo [dot] org. Send pictures to juneauafternoon [at] ktoo [dot] org.
#JuneauAfternoon
Programming support for Juneau Afternoon comes from:
Country Financial, Hansen Gress, Heritage Coffee Roasting Co., and Tongass Federal Credit Union
Friday, July 1, 2022: Douglas July 4th extravaganza. Jonathan Swinton featured at Juneau Artists Gallery.
From parades – to fireworks — to barbeques and watermelon eating contests, there’s no shortage of homegrown fun over in Douglas. On Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, a complete round-up of events — and a visit with some serious soapbox derby competitors. What it takes to cross the finish line. Also, in this program: Why Jonathan Swinton…
The Douglas July 4th Committee spends the whole year working with volunteers to plan a holiday weekend of fun. For Maggie Swanson and Sharon Kelly, who volunteer every year, it’s a labor of love. Their focus is on events for children.
David Erickson began organizing the Douglas Soapbox Challenge two years ago and says he’s still learning about the how to put this event on. “I love the excitement of just watching the kids, when they get up to the top of the ramp, and their eyes.” Eckerson said. “And they’re like, ‘Oh, Lord. Here we…
The Douglas Community Methodist Church’s deep pit barbecue is one of the highlights of Douglas’ July 4th celebration. Volunteers serve up barbecued beef sandwiches to raise money for the church’s food bank and other programs. A minister, who had been a pastor in Hawaii, brought the tradition to the church. The coals in…
Jonathan Swinton is a family therapist — but ever since he was a teenager, photography has been a passion. Today, he prefers to shoot images in black and white, a holdover from his younger days spent in the darkroom. Swinton says he loves the challenge of photographing things that have been discarded and…
Part 1: Douglas July 4th Committee plans three days of family fun.
Guests: Maggie Swanson and Sharon Kelly, Douglas July 4th Committee.The Douglas July 4th Committee spends the whole year working with volunteers to plan a holiday weekend of fun. For Maggie Swanson and Sharon Kelly, who volunteer every year, it’s a labor of love. Their focus is on events for children.
Part 2: Douglas soapbox derby on St. Anns Avenue: It all goes downhill from there.
Guests: David Eckerson, Derby organizer. Contestants: Aaro and Ona Eckerson and Grayson Chapman.David Erickson began organizing the Douglas Soapbox Challenge two years ago and says he’s still learning about the how to put this event on. “I love the excitement of just watching the kids, when they get up to the top of the ramp, and their eyes.” Eckerson said. “And they’re like, ‘Oh, Lord. Here we…
Part 3: Douglas July 4th deep pit barbecue.
Guests: Debra Gerrish and Claudette Curtis, Douglas Community Methodist ChurchThe Douglas Community Methodist Church’s deep pit barbecue is one of the highlights of Douglas’ July 4th celebration. Volunteers serve up barbecued beef sandwiches to raise money for the church’s food bank and other programs. A minister, who had been a pastor in Hawaii, brought the tradition to the church. The coals in…
Part 4: Through the lens of Jonathan Swinton: Juneau in monochrome.
Guests: Jonathan Swinton, photographer.Jonathan Swinton is a family therapist — but ever since he was a teenager, photography has been a passion. Today, he prefers to shoot images in black and white, a holdover from his younger days spent in the darkroom. Swinton says he loves the challenge of photographing things that have been discarded and…
Thursday, June 30, 2022: Lori Colbert and Rex Butler weigh in on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
By some estimates, out of more than 2,000 practicing attorneys in Alaska, only about twenty are Black. Just a fraction of the judges in the state are African American. Given those numbers, it’s easy to understand why June 30, 2022 was a milestone for two longtime cAnchorage attorneys, who are Black and often represent people…
Although Rex Butler and Lori Colbert have worked for many years to bring diversity and equity to Alaska’s justice system, they say progress has been slow. They concede that Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson will not tilt the ideological make-up of the court, but predict her background and perspective as a Black woman, will ultimately…
It was an intimate discussion between two friends that began on the radio, not long after George Floyd was murdered. Heather Pedersen, who is white, worried about how the social upheaval from this tragedy would affect her black friend, Kelli Patterson – who is also one of the hosts of Culture Rich Conversations, a weekly…
Wes Adkins, one of the lead forecasters on the Juneau National Weather Service team, says the July 4th weekend will bring mostly hot and dry weather, but there is an outside chance of thunderstorms and flooding from melting snow on the Taku River.
Part 1: Reaction to Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s swearing-in: A historic breakthrough.
Guests: Lori Colbert, family law attorney. Rex Butler, defense attorney.Although Rex Butler and Lori Colbert have worked for many years to bring diversity and equity to Alaska’s justice system, they say progress has been slow. They concede that Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson will not tilt the ideological make-up of the court, but predict her background and perspective as a Black woman, will ultimately…
Part 2: A conversation about friendship and race continues.
Guests: Heather Pederson, one of Kelli Patterson’s best friends.It was an intimate discussion between two friends that began on the radio, not long after George Floyd was murdered. Heather Pedersen, who is white, worried about how the social upheaval from this tragedy would affect her black friend, Kelli Patterson – who is also one of the hosts of Culture Rich Conversations, a weekly…
Part 3: Juneau July 4th weekend weather outlook
Guests: Wes Adkins, meteorologist, Juneau National Weather Service forecast team.Wes Adkins, one of the lead forecasters on the Juneau National Weather Service team, says the July 4th weekend will bring mostly hot and dry weather, but there is an outside chance of thunderstorms and flooding from melting snow on the Taku River.
Garden Talk: June 29, 2022
In this week’s episode, Ed Buyarski talks about the best practices for watering your plants during this long hot and dry spell. If you have questions for Garden Talk, email edbuyarski@hotmail.com or call 907-209-8905.
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Wednesday, June 29, 2022: Juneau-Douglas City Museum celebrates Jensen-Olson Arboretum history. JAHC First Friday round-up. Garden Talk with Ed Buyarski.
Every garden has a story. And the Jensen-Olson Arboretum has quite a history that is being celebrated in an exhibit at the City Museum. On this Wednesday’s Juneau Afternoon, a preview of the museum’s First Friday presentation, which features an extensive slide show of the garden. Also, on this program: More First Friday fare, from…
“We’re not talking about religious joys, though many gardeners are devout believers. We’re thinking of the deep and subtle sense of connectedness to the seasons… the miracle of a sprouting plant… the cycles of life, death, and rebirth every gardener experiences in his or her garden.” -Carolyn Jensen, February 18, 2006
The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council is hosting a July First Friday reception for the opening of “Ridge Line,” a solo exhibition by Kelsey Hoke, a painter known for her scenic terrain and vibrant colors.
Part 1: Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Remembering the Legacy of Carolyn Jensen.
Guests: Elissa Borges, Curator of Public Programs, City Museum. Ginger Hudson, Jensen-Olson Arboretum Manager.“We’re not talking about religious joys, though many gardeners are devout believers. We’re thinking of the deep and subtle sense of connectedness to the seasons… the miracle of a sprouting plant… the cycles of life, death, and rebirth every gardener experiences in his or her garden.” -Carolyn Jensen, February 18, 2006
Part 2: July’s First Friday events
Guests: Kathleen Harper, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council is hosting a July First Friday reception for the opening of “Ridge Line,” a solo exhibition by Kelsey Hoke, a painter known for her scenic terrain and vibrant colors.
Tuesday, June 28, 2022: CBJ COVID-19 Update. Juneau Community Band gears up for July 4th. ADFG: Dealing with orphaned animals.
Many Alaskans believe the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. But is it really? On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, we’ll do a status check on COVID-19 and hear about the City and Borough of Juneau’s plans to vaccinate children under five. Also, on this program: The Juneau Community Band: Front and center stage this July…
Since the pandemic began, we’ve talked with Deputy City Manager Robert Barr many times on Juneau Afternoon. But it’s been awhile since we’ve had an update on the status of COVID-19 infections in the community. While the risks are lower today, Barr says vaccinations are still important, especially for children. Both the Pfizer and…
For a round of rousing Sousa marches and patriotic fare, Marine Park is the place to be this Sunday. The Juneau Volunteer Marching Band will provide the entertainment. Bradley Saunders is one of the guest conductors. The concert will also feature one of his original compositions and a trumpet solo from Saunders, “Trumpeter’s Lullaby.” …
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game gets a lot of calls in the summer from people who come across wild baby animals that appear to be orphaned. Abby McAllister, a wildlife educator, is often one of the staffers on the other end of the phone. She urges callers to resist the urge to…
Part 1: Juneau’s COVID journey enters its next phase: Kid vaccinations
Guests: Robert Barr, Deputy Manager, City and Borough of Juneau.Since the pandemic began, we’ve talked with Deputy City Manager Robert Barr many times on Juneau Afternoon. But it’s been awhile since we’ve had an update on the status of COVID-19 infections in the community. While the risks are lower today, Barr says vaccinations are still important, especially for children. Both the Pfizer and…
Part 2: Juneau Volunteer Marching Band concert on Sunday, July 3rd.
Guests: Sarah McNair Grove, Juneau Community Bands president. Bradley Saunders, trumpet player and guest conductor.For a round of rousing Sousa marches and patriotic fare, Marine Park is the place to be this Sunday. The Juneau Volunteer Marching Band will provide the entertainment. Bradley Saunders is one of the guest conductors. The concert will also feature one of his original compositions and a trumpet solo from Saunders, “Trumpeter’s Lullaby.” …
Part 3: ADF&G: Resist the urge to rescue baby wildlife.
Guests: Abby McAllister, wildlife educator, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.The Alaska Department of Fish and Game gets a lot of calls in the summer from people who come across wild baby animals that appear to be orphaned. Abby McAllister, a wildlife educator, is often one of the staffers on the other end of the phone. She urges callers to resist the urge to…
Friday, June 24, 2022: Jensen-Olson Arboretum in full bloom. Juneau Airport emergency drill. CBJ parks and recreation July outlook.
This year, the Jensen-Olson Arboretum is celebrating its 15th Anniversary as a public garden. Carolyn Jensen, a master gardener, donated her home and garden to the City and Borough of Juneau to promote horticulture, landscaping and natural sciences. On this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, a look at the Arboretum’s offerings this summer. Also, in…
With gardens in full bloom, it’s prime time to visit the Jensen-Olson Arboretum. There are also a number of events coming up: June 15th-September 5th: Art in the Garden. Stained glass and other art displayed amongst the flowers. Friday, July 1st, 4:00-7:00 p.m. First Friday at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Slide show and refreshments…
The Juneau International Airport is looking for some volunteers for a mock plane crash drill on Saturday, July 23rd. They need people to play roles as injured passengers, distraught family members and bystanders. To sign up, email at volunteer@jnuairport.com (Editor’s note: This audio segment was edited to remove incorrect information about the date of…
July is officially Parks and Recreation month, celebrated in Juneau with a lot of activities. But there’s also lots of other things that’s keeping the City and Borough of Juneau’s Parks and Recreation Department busy: Treadwell Arena improvements, youth soccer kick-off, and projects up for consideration for the 1 percent sales tax.
Part 1: Jensen-Olson Arboretum: A jewel in Juneau’s crown.
Guests: Pat Harris, Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum board member. Ginger Hudson, arboretum manager.With gardens in full bloom, it’s prime time to visit the Jensen-Olson Arboretum. There are also a number of events coming up: June 15th-September 5th: Art in the Garden. Stained glass and other art displayed amongst the flowers. Friday, July 1st, 4:00-7:00 p.m. First Friday at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. Slide show and refreshments…
Part 2: Juneau Airport needs volunteers for July 23rd emergency drill.
Guests: Phil Adams, Deputy Juneau Airport DirectorThe Juneau International Airport is looking for some volunteers for a mock plane crash drill on Saturday, July 23rd. They need people to play roles as injured passengers, distraught family members and bystanders. To sign up, email at volunteer@jnuairport.com (Editor’s note: This audio segment was edited to remove incorrect information about the date of…
Part 3: July, one of the busiest months of the year for CBJ Parks and Recreation Department.
Guests: George Schaaf, Parks and Recreation Director, City and Borough of Juneau.July is officially Parks and Recreation month, celebrated in Juneau with a lot of activities. But there’s also lots of other things that’s keeping the City and Borough of Juneau’s Parks and Recreation Department busy: Treadwell Arena improvements, youth soccer kick-off, and projects up for consideration for the 1 percent sales tax.
Garden Talk: June 22, 2022
This week, Ed Buyarski shares a wide variety of methods for combatting slugs in your garden. Also, how to prepare your crops for a summer heat wave. If you have questions for Garden Talk, email edbuyarski@hotmail.com or call 907-209-8905.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2022: When yearling bears become problem bears. Christy NaMee Eriksen poetry workshop. Ed Buyarkski’s Garden Talk.
Have you noticed more bears on the prowl for food as of late? Could be that these are yearlings — that have just been “kicked out” by their moms and are on their own for the first time. On Wednesday’s Juneau Afternoon, a look at the behaviors you can expect from a yearling that’s…
Female black bears only keep their cubs for about a year. Chances are, if you encounter a “problem bear” at this time of the year, it’s a young bear, just learning how to live on its own. Their behavior, especially in urban settings, can be unpredictable.
In an upcoming workshop at the Mendenhall Library, Christy NaMee Eriksen will share her passion for both writing and teaching poetry. The class, co-sponsored by the Juneau Public Library and 49 Writers, is free. Participants must be at least 16 years old. No experience in writing poetry is necessary.
Part 1: Urban Juneau Bears: Why yearlings are prone to causing problems.
Guests: Abby McAllister, Wildlife education and outreach specialist, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game.Female black bears only keep their cubs for about a year. Chances are, if you encounter a “problem bear” at this time of the year, it’s a young bear, just learning how to live on its own. Their behavior, especially in urban settings, can be unpredictable.
Part 2: Christy NaMee Eriksen on the power of poetry.
Guests: Emily Wall, 49 Writers. Christy NaMee Eriksen, poetry workshop presenter. Margaret Luedke, Juneau Public Library.In an upcoming workshop at the Mendenhall Library, Christy NaMee Eriksen will share her passion for both writing and teaching poetry. The class, co-sponsored by the Juneau Public Library and 49 Writers, is free. Participants must be at least 16 years old. No experience in writing poetry is necessary.
Tuesday, June 21, 2022: UAS offers free Alaska Native language courses. Summer solstice: Perspectives from an astronomer, astrologer and poet. This week’s Juneau Pride Month activities.
If you want to learn an Alaska Native language, the cost will no longer a barrier. The University of Alaska Southeast is offering courses for free. On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, how this program came about – and the role UAS hopes it will play in its Native language revitalization efforts. Also, on this program.…
This fall, you can take an online class from the University of Alaska Southeast in Lingít, Haida or Tsimshian. And it won’t cost you a thing, as long as you’re not taking it for credit. For X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell, an Alaska Native language professor at UAS, it’s been a longtime dream to give people free…
Steve Kocsis, a Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer, talks about when summer solstice will occur in Juneau.
Nicoli Bailey, a longtime Alaskan, retired recently, so she could spend more time pursuing her passion for astrology. She talks with KTOO’s Rhonda McBride about the significance of summer solstice from an astrological perspective. Bailey says this year, solstice arrives amid a line-up of strong planets that will work to awaken our consciousness. Bailey’s website…
How this year’s Juneau Pride Month events are designed to draw families and young people.
Part 1: UAS: The healing power of Alaska Native languages now accessible to all.
Guests: X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell, UAS Professor of Alaska Native Languages. Carin Sylkaitis, UAS Dean of Arts & Sciences.This fall, you can take an online class from the University of Alaska Southeast in Lingít, Haida or Tsimshian. And it won’t cost you a thing, as long as you’re not taking it for credit. For X̱ʼunei Lance Twitchell, an Alaska Native language professor at UAS, it’s been a longtime dream to give people free…
Part 2: Steve Kocsis: The science behind solstice.
Guests: Steve Kocsis, Marie Drake Planetarium.Steve Kocsis, a Marie Drake Planetarium volunteer, talks about when summer solstice will occur in Juneau.
Part 3: Juneau poet Linda Buckley celebrates solstice and summer.
Listen to a few poem’s from Linda Buckley’s new book, “Made of Rain,” which includes a haiku about summer solstice. Her books are available on her website: lindabuckleyalaska.com.Part 4: Summer solstice 2022: A time to awaken our consciousness.
Guests: Nicoli Ann Bailey, Astrologer.Nicoli Bailey, a longtime Alaskan, retired recently, so she could spend more time pursuing her passion for astrology. She talks with KTOO’s Rhonda McBride about the significance of summer solstice from an astrological perspective. Bailey says this year, solstice arrives amid a line-up of strong planets that will work to awaken our consciousness. Bailey’s website…
Part 5: Juneau Pride Month: Focus on community.
Guests: Abi Spofford, SEAGLA volunteer. Emily Mesch, SEAGLA Board Member.How this year’s Juneau Pride Month events are designed to draw families and young people.
Friday, June 17, 2022: Juneau Audubon Society tree swallow research. Midsummer Night’s Dream, an outdoor adventure. Glitz, a Pride Month event.
Where have all the tree swallows gone? In North America, their population is about half of what it was twenty years ago. On this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, we’ll get an update on the Juneau Audubon Society’s research into saving tree swallows, as well as a plan to repopulate areas that have seen the most drastic…
The Juneau Audubon Society’s tree swallow project provides tiny houses for tree swallows to nest in, which helps to improve the fledgling survival rate. Volunteers also gather information about the birds, which have disappeared dramatically from areas east of the Mississippi.
Theater Alaska is stretching its creativity this year by performing Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night Dream outdoors. Added in the mix: dancers from Juneau Dance Theatre, who play the role of fairies, flittering in and out of the woods. The audience is asked to bring their own chairs and move to different locations to watch…
Gigi Monroe, one of Juneau’s most beloved drag queens, hosts Glitz, the biggest drag show of the year. Glitz is also a fundraiser for the Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance, also known as SEAGLA.
Part 1: Juneau Audubon Society gives tree swallows a helping hand with their nesting.
Guests: Brenda Wright, programs manager, Juneau Audubon Society.The Juneau Audubon Society’s tree swallow project provides tiny houses for tree swallows to nest in, which helps to improve the fledgling survival rate. Volunteers also gather information about the birds, which have disappeared dramatically from areas east of the Mississippi.
Part 2: Theater Alaska brings outdoor magic to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream
Guests: Cast members from Theater Alaska’s Midsummer Night’s Dream: Flordelino Langundino, Cate Ross, Joshua Midget and Adara Allen.Theater Alaska is stretching its creativity this year by performing Shakespeare’s Midsummer’s Night Dream outdoors. Added in the mix: dancers from Juneau Dance Theatre, who play the role of fairies, flittering in and out of the woods. The audience is asked to bring their own chairs and move to different locations to watch…
Part 3: Juneau Pride Month: Putting on the Glitz.
Guests: Abi Spofford, SEAGLA. Gigi Monroe, Juneau Drag Queen.Gigi Monroe, one of Juneau’s most beloved drag queens, hosts Glitz, the biggest drag show of the year. Glitz is also a fundraiser for the Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance, also known as SEAGLA.