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, March 25, 2022: Benny Benson, Alaska flag designer: Setting the record straight. Rescuing entangled whales.
Not everything in the history books is true. Michael Livingston says research into Benny Benson, the boy who designed Alaska’s flag, is a case in point. Livingston worked with a team of family tree researchers and historians to investigate discrepancies in the record. Now almost a century later, Benson’s date of birth, his parentage and…
For most of his life, Michael Livingston has worked in law enforcement. But after he went to work for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association on cultural and historical projects, his investigative skills came in handy. Livingston spearheaded a decade-long effort to unearth the truth about Benny Benson, the student who designed Alaska’s flag. The detective…
Michael Livingston peels away layers of history to get to the heart of a story about a boy, who spent almost of all his childhood in a series of orphanages — but at the age of fourteen went on to design what is considered one of the most beautiful state flags in America.
Rescuing whales that get entangled in fishing gear is a growing problem in Southeast Alaska and likely underreported. Based on research which counts their scars, scientists say more than half are marked by scars from entanglement. Sadie Wright, who coordinates whale rescues for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says more help is needed from…
Part 1: Benny Benson: Tracking down the truth about Alaska flag designer.
Guests: Michael Livingston, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association.For most of his life, Michael Livingston has worked in law enforcement. But after he went to work for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association on cultural and historical projects, his investigative skills came in handy. Livingston spearheaded a decade-long effort to unearth the truth about Benny Benson, the student who designed Alaska’s flag. The detective…
Part 2: Benny Benson: Alaska flag designer had a life of ups and downs and many surprises.
Guests: Michael Livingston, Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association.Michael Livingston peels away layers of history to get to the heart of a story about a boy, who spent almost of all his childhood in a series of orphanages — but at the age of fourteen went on to design what is considered one of the most beautiful state flags in America.
Part 3: Whales in distress from entanglements.
Guests: Sadie Wright, Protected Species Biologist, NOAA.Rescuing whales that get entangled in fishing gear is a growing problem in Southeast Alaska and likely underreported. Based on research which counts their scars, scientists say more than half are marked by scars from entanglement. Sadie Wright, who coordinates whale rescues for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says more help is needed from…
Garden Talk: March 23, 2022
On this week’s episode of Garden Talk, Ed Buyarski shares tips for pruning trees in the spring to stimulate growth and fruit production. He also walks us through some of the perennial herbs that can overwinter in hoop houses. If you have questions for Garden Talk, email edbuyarski@hotmail.com or call 907-209-8905.
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Wednesday, March 23, 2022: Home Green Home: Transforming Juneau’s energy profile. UNICEF benefit: Juneau Stands with Ukraine. Alaska Folk Festival Update.
When it comes to reducing your home’s carbon footprint, there are no silver bullets. But the Juneau Commission on Sustainability wants to show you how small things can add up to big savings and reduced energy consumption. On this Wednesday’s Juneau Afternoon, a preview of Home Green Home, a webinar the commission is co-sponsoring with…
An evening steeped in Ukrainian food and culture, co-sponsored by the Juneau World Affairs Council and the Tlingit and Haida Central Council.
After two years of the pandemic, the Alaska Folk Festival is coming back to the stage. A look at the line-up with some music from Rum Punch, to whet your appetite for more!
Tips on how to tackle the low hanging fruit to reduce energy use. What more can be done to shrink Juneau’s carbon footprint.
Part 1: Juneau Ukraine benefit: Aid to children in the crossfire
Guests: Olena Zyuba/Олена Зюба, Juneau Friends of Ukraine.An evening steeped in Ukrainian food and culture, co-sponsored by the Juneau World Affairs Council and the Tlingit and Haida Central Council.
Part 2: Get ready for the Alaska Folk Festival
Guests: Miguel Rohrbacher, Alaska Folk Festival Board Member. Miguel Rohrbacher Alaska Folk Festival board member. Nicole Lantz, guitarist. Henry Colt, banjo player.After two years of the pandemic, the Alaska Folk Festival is coming back to the stage. A look at the line-up with some music from Rum Punch, to whet your appetite for more!
Part 3: Reducing Juneau’s carbon footprint: How small steps add up to big savings.
Guests: Steve Behnke, Chair of the Juneau Commission on Sustainability the Energy Committee. Clay Good, Southeast Regional Energy Catalyst, REAP.Tips on how to tackle the low hanging fruit to reduce energy use. What more can be done to shrink Juneau’s carbon footprint.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022: JAMM offers community-wide ukulele class. 49 Writers panel to reflect on Joy Harjo’s American Sunrise. Skagway magician raises money for SEAGLA..
The ukulele is small, fun and child-friendly, an instrument the Juneau Alaska Music Matters group hopes to use to get the whole town strumming. On Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, grab a uke and strum along for a little taste of what will be taught in a new class for JAMM students and families, which is also…
In the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program, you’re never too young or never too old to play the ukulele. That’s why JAMM is offering free virtual family classes via Zoom, starting on March 29th on Tuesdays from 5:00-5:45 p.m. To register, email juneaujamm@gmail.com. Listen to the discussion about the upcoming class and hear Jemina Verebasaga…
It’s no coincidence that Joy Harjo’s collection of poems, An American Sunrise, is one of the most talked about books in Juneau. The public library system featured it in this year’s Big Read program, in part because Harjo is America’s poet laureate, as well as the first Native American to hold that distinction. Her poetry…
Andrew Nadon combines magic and mind reading in his act, which he will perform at a fundraiser this Friday, March 25th for SEAGLA, an organization which represents the LGBTQ+ community in Southeast Alaska. Tickets are available through the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
Part 1: JAMM’in on the ukulele: Family lessons, family fun.
Guests: Meghan Johnson, JAMM Executive Director. Stephanie McDermott, JAMM strings teacher. Jemima Verabasaga, JAMM teaching assistant.In the Juneau Alaska Music Matters program, you’re never too young or never too old to play the ukulele. That’s why JAMM is offering free virtual family classes via Zoom, starting on March 29th on Tuesdays from 5:00-5:45 p.m. To register, email juneaujamm@gmail.com. Listen to the discussion about the upcoming class and hear Jemina Verebasaga…
Part 2: 49 Writers group reflects on the poetry of Joy Harjo.
Guests: Katie Bausler, 49 Writers Vice President. Shaelene Moler and Olive Brend, UAS students.It’s no coincidence that Joy Harjo’s collection of poems, An American Sunrise, is one of the most talked about books in Juneau. The public library system featured it in this year’s Big Read program, in part because Harjo is America’s poet laureate, as well as the first Native American to hold that distinction. Her poetry…
Part 3: The mind meddling magic of Skagway’s Andrew Nadon.
Guests: Andrew Nadon, Skagway music teacher, magician and entertainer.toAndrew Nadon combines magic and mind reading in his act, which he will perform at a fundraiser this Friday, March 25th for SEAGLA, an organization which represents the LGBTQ+ community in Southeast Alaska. Tickets are available through the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
Friday, March 18, 2022: Southeast Hummingbirds: Tiny, tough and talkative. High school track and field fundraiser. Lichen, a new arts publication. Jensen-Olson Arboretum’s “Art in the Garden” project.
For almost a decade, Gwen Baluss has banded hummingbirds that migrate to Alaska. And while she’s made a number of discoveries, there are still some unsolved mysteries. On this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, she’ll share some of her research. Also on this show: A high school track and field team fundraiser. Lichen, a new publication featuring…
Hummingbirds are commonplace during Juneau summers, but have unusual capabilities that science is only beginning to appreciate.
The Yadaa at. Kalé track and field team at the Juneau Douglas High School is gearing up for a new season, free from a lot of the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The team is also planning a fundraiser, with a showing of the documentary. Alaskan Nets. on Friday, March 25th @ 7:00 p.m. Visit…
Juneau arts and culture fans can look forward to Lichen, a quarterly publication. March 20th, the Spring Equinox, is when the first edition of Lichen comes out.
Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum are asking local artists to help them celebrate the arboretum’s 15th year.
Part 1: Local hummingbird research
Guests: Gwen Baluss, Wildlife technician and hummingbird researcher.Hummingbirds are commonplace during Juneau summers, but have unusual capabilities that science is only beginning to appreciate.
Part 2: JDHS: Yadaa at. Kalé Track & Field team
Guests: Zack Bursell, assistant coach. Celia Wheeler and McKenna McNutt, team captains.The Yadaa at. Kalé track and field team at the Juneau Douglas High School is gearing up for a new season, free from a lot of the restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The team is also planning a fundraiser, with a showing of the documentary. Alaskan Nets. on Friday, March 25th @ 7:00 p.m. Visit…
Part 3: Lichen publication launches on March 20th, Spring Equinox.
Guests: Gabe Donohoe, founder of LichenJuneau arts and culture fans can look forward to Lichen, a quarterly publication. March 20th, the Spring Equinox, is when the first edition of Lichen comes out.
Part 4: Art in the Garden show to mark 15th anniversary at Jensen-Olson Arboretum,
Guests: Patricia White, Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum.Friends of the Jensen-Olson Arboretum are asking local artists to help them celebrate the arboretum’s 15th year.
Thursday, March 17, 2022: Weekend Weather Outlook: Rainy stretch ahead
A series of fronts are headed towards Juneau this weekend, all likely to bring more moisture. Rhonda McBride talked with Caleb Cravens, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Juneau bureau, about the long range forecast, which is likely to be damp for several weeks.
Weekend weather outlook for Juneau on March 17th., 2022. Alth0ugh Juneau, as of late is receiving more rain than snow, meteorologists looked at record snowfalls on St. Patrick’s Day over the years, just to show that winter could have some big surprises up its sleeve.
St. Patrick’s Day in Juneau has a history of snowy surprises, but not this year…
Guests: Caleb Cravens, National Weather Service Meteorologist based in JuneauWeekend weather outlook for Juneau on March 17th., 2022. Alth0ugh Juneau, as of late is receiving more rain than snow, meteorologists looked at record snowfalls on St. Patrick’s Day over the years, just to show that winter could have some big surprises up its sleeve.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022: Wanted: Meals on Wheels volunteers. UAS designated as “Military Friendly” school. AWARE’s 2022 Women of Distinction share their stories.
Meals on Wheels is about more than just meals. The program also delivers a daily dose of kindness to seniors, as well as a sense of connection. But in Juneau, the ranks of volunteers, who make the program possible, have thinned-out during the pandemic — and the need is as great as ever.…
The need for the Meals on Wheels program continues to grow, while the number of volunteers to serve Juneau seniors continues to shrink. Catholic Community Service, which operates the program through Southeast Senior Services, says they’ve seen greater need since the pandemic.
To achieve “Military Friendly” status, schools have to meet thresholds in a number of areas such as student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment for students, especially veterans. Based on its performance in the survey, UAS was awarded “Gold” status.
After 25 years of recognizing local women for their community service, AWARE’s Women of Distinction have become quite a sisterhood. This is a second in a series of interviews with this year’s honorees, who will be honored at a gala on Saturday, March 19th at Centennial Hall.
Part 1: Volunteers key to Juneau’s Meals on Wheels program for seniors.
Guests: Matt Walker, oversees Juneau Meals on Wheels program. Julie Nielsen, volunteer.The need for the Meals on Wheels program continues to grow, while the number of volunteers to serve Juneau seniors continues to shrink. Catholic Community Service, which operates the program through Southeast Senior Services, says they’ve seen greater need since the pandemic.
Part 2: UAS receives Gold Award status for its military friendly programs.
Guests: Deborah Rydman, UAS Career Services Coordinator. Emily Klosterman, UAS Graduate.To achieve “Military Friendly” status, schools have to meet thresholds in a number of areas such as student retention, graduation, job placement, and loan repayment for students, especially veterans. Based on its performance in the survey, UAS was awarded “Gold” status.
Part 3: AWARE’s 2020 Women of Distinction share their stories.
Guests: Mandy Cole, AWARE Executive Director. Kitty Eddy and Mariya Lovischuk, AWARE 2022 Women of Distinction honorees.After 25 years of recognizing local women for their community service, AWARE’s Women of Distinction have become quite a sisterhood. This is a second in a series of interviews with this year’s honorees, who will be honored at a gala on Saturday, March 19th at Centennial Hall.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: AWARE recognizes five women of distinction. Juneau Community Bands presents “Horns a-Plenty.”
It’s an event with a twofold purpose — to celebrate women who have given generously of themselves to better the community, while also raising money to help women and children break free from domestic violence and sexual assault. On this Tuesday’s Juneau Afternoon, a chance to hear some stories of inspiration from some of the…
For AWARE, the Women of Distinction gala been a 25-year tradition of recognizing local women for going above and beyond in their service to the community, as well as an opportunity to raise money to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Kristina Paulick has had a lifelong, but friendly musical rivalry with her dad, Bill, who has played French horn for decades. Now they get to show off their musical virtuosity in an upcoming Juneau Community Bands concert that features the works of composers, showcasing French horns.
Part 1: AWARE’s 2022 Women of Distinction: Each has a story to share.
Guests: Mandy Cole, Executive Director of AWARE. Bunti Reed and Dr. Bridget Weiss, Women of Distinction HonoreesFor AWARE, the Women of Distinction gala been a 25-year tradition of recognizing local women for going above and beyond in their service to the community, as well as an opportunity to raise money to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Part 2: Juneau Community Bands: Fun and joy with “Horns a-Plenty.”
Guests: Sarah McNair-Grove, president of Juneau Community Bands. Bill and Kristina Paulick, french horn soloists. Todd Hunt, director.Kristina Paulick has had a lifelong, but friendly musical rivalry with her dad, Bill, who has played French horn for decades. Now they get to show off their musical virtuosity in an upcoming Juneau Community Bands concert that features the works of composers, showcasing French horns.
Garden Talk: March 16, 2022
On this week’s episode of Garden Talk, host Ed Buyarski talks about direct sowing seeds, and shares everything you need to start growing potatoes (Spoiler alert: no tires!) If you have questions for Garden Talk, email edbuyarski@hotmail.com or call 907-209-8905
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Friday, March 11, 2022: Juneau Girl Scout cookie sales. Southeast Master Gardeners Weedy Wednesday. Fly fishing along the Juneau road system.
What is Juneau’s favorite Girl Scout Cookie? Thin Mints? Samoas? Or, Tagalongs? And what does the newest cookie, the Adventureful, taste like? Have you ever wondered what Girl Scouts do with all the money they raise and how much stays here locally? Some of the questions that will be answered on this Friday’s Juneau Afternoon.…
Whether you’re the Juneau Girl Scout cookie sales manager, a volunteer job by the way, or a 9-year-old Brownie, there’s a lot more to Girl Scout cookie sales than you might think.
Weedy Wednesday, a series of brown bag luncheons, Zoom-style, will get underway on Wednesday, March 16th. Each program includes a short presentation and a question and answer session with Master Gardeners like Corinne Conlon, who love to share their knowledge. On Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, Conlon got into the spirit of Foodie Friday and offered up…
You never have to go far to use a rod and reel in Juneau. Brad Elfers, in a March 11th Fireside Lecture, will explain how easy it is to access some great fishing spots. Fireside Lectures are held at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. You can also watch online. Go to…
Steve Kocsis, a volunteer at Juneau’s Marie Drake Planetarium, has a passion for talking about the heavens above. He doesn’t let Juneau’s cloudy skies get in the way either. In this week’s segment, he talks about the Big Dipper, the constellation that’s on the Alaska Flag. You’ll hear the Alaska Flag Song in the backdrop,…
Part 1: Foodie Friday: Juneau Girl Scout cookie sales.
Guests: Kimberly Vaughan, Juneau Girl Scout Service Unit Cookie Manager and Hanna Rising, Brownie.Whether you’re the Juneau Girl Scout cookie sales manager, a volunteer job by the way, or a 9-year-old Brownie, there’s a lot more to Girl Scout cookie sales than you might think.
Part 2: Get ready for spring planting with Weedy Wednesday.
Guests: Corinne Conlon, President of the Southeast Master Gardeners AssociationWeedy Wednesday, a series of brown bag luncheons, Zoom-style, will get underway on Wednesday, March 16th. Each program includes a short presentation and a question and answer session with Master Gardeners like Corinne Conlon, who love to share their knowledge. On Friday’s Juneau Afternoon, Conlon got into the spirit of Foodie Friday and offered up…
Part 3: Fireside Lecture on Fly Fishing
Guests: Brad Elfers, Fireside Lecture presenter.You never have to go far to use a rod and reel in Juneau. Brad Elfers, in a March 11th Fireside Lecture, will explain how easy it is to access some great fishing spots. Fireside Lectures are held at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. You can also watch online. Go to…
Part 4: The Big Dipper constellation
Guests: Steve Kocsis, Marie Drake PlanetariumSteve Kocsis, a volunteer at Juneau’s Marie Drake Planetarium, has a passion for talking about the heavens above. He doesn’t let Juneau’s cloudy skies get in the way either. In this week’s segment, he talks about the Big Dipper, the constellation that’s on the Alaska Flag. You’ll hear the Alaska Flag Song in the backdrop,…