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Outdoor Explorer - Alaska Public Media

Alaska Public Media
Alaska
Alaska Department Of Fish and Game
Anchorage
Climate Change
Avalanche Safety
Outdoor Recreation
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Alaska Pacific University
Denali State Park
Climbing
Risk Management
Curry To K'esugi Ridge Trail
Cystic Fibrosis
Arctic Winter Games
Outdoor Education
Lost Lake Run
Seward
Outdoor Skills
Jim Mahaffey Trail System
Prince William Sound

You're invited to step outside into Alaska. Follow us to a new trail or fishing hole, learn what to pack, when to go, and most importantly, how to stay safe. Learn about life-long fitness and get inspired to go outside in the backcountry or on the bike trails.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes191Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessSports

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Artwork for Outdoor Explorer

Latest Episodes

Alaska has a lot of trails and backcountry areas with many users utilizing them in different ways. How do horses fit into that picture? How do you take care of horses during the cold winter months? Where can you ride a horse in Alaska? On this episod... more

The summer fun is heating up in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, where parks and trails spread across an area the size of West Virginia offer plenty of space for recreation.

So what’s exciting in Mat-Su for 2026, what should you know before you head o... more

Mike and Kelly Bender operated Lazy Otter Charters in Whittier, Alaska, for over 30 years. Decades ago, a random trip Mike took to Whittier on the Alaska Railroad led to him buying a boat and getting into the water taxi business. He then met Kelly an... more

On this episode of Outdoor Explorer, we're catching up with author and wildlife biologist Caroline Van Hemert — whose new book has grown from years of watching the natural world change and a conviction that nature still has surprising and hopeful pos... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Colleen Fisk
President, Mat-Su Backcountry Horsemen of Alaska
Mat-Su Backcountry Horsemen of Alaska
Episode: Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Mary Green
Treasurer, Kenai Peninsula Backcountry Horsemen of Alaska
Kenai Peninsula Backcountry Horsemen of Alaska
Episode: Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Brenna Gallagher-Phillips
Representative for the Great Alaskan Endurance Race
Great Alaskan Endurance Race
Episode: Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Megan Justus
General Manager, Skeetawk downhill ski area
Skeetawk
Episode: Summer outside in Mat-Su | Outdoor Explorer
Caroline Van Hemert
Alaskan author, biologist, adventurer
Author and wildlife biologist
Episode: Finding hope in the natural world | Outdoor Explorer
David Hart
Alaskan mountaineer with an extensive climbing resume
Independent climber
Episode: David Hart: An Alaska Mountaineer | Outdoor Explorer
Amanda Del Frate
Representative, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs
Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs
Episode: Search and rescue in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
Jonathan Bryan
Representative, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group
Alaska Mountain Rescue Group
Episode: Search and rescue in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer
Amy Holman
Representative, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol
Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol
Episode: Search and rescue in Alaska | Outdoor Explorer

Hosts

Paul Twardock
Host of Outdoor Explorer
Amy Bushatz
Host of Outdoor Explorer
Adam Verrier
Host of Outdoor Explorer

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 51 ratings
  • My favorite adventure podcast locally made in AK

    Outdoor Explorer is My favorite adventure podcast locally made in AK. And I love that it’s public media!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    V.L.Kern
    United States4 years ago
  • Excellent!

    Love this show and all the ways it inspires folks to appreciate enjoy our beautiful state! Keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dancingwiththeearth
    United States4 years ago
  • Awesome bro

    One of the best podcasts ever

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mad pitcher
    United States6 years ago
  • Thanks for the AK content

    Probably won’t make it back to AK, but love hearing about the variety of topics with good hosts

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BothAlionas
    United States7 years ago
  • Great show

    Adam is an intelligent host with a diverse background. Love hearing the different stories each week!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fhlajfdlasl
    United States7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality conversations with knowledgeable guests; great for anyone planning outdoor activities in Alaska.
Positive feedback about inspiration and practical tips, with occasional calls for more diversity in topics.
Fantastic Alaska content that highlights local experts and real stories.
Strong variety in guests, from photographers to athletes and scientists; very engaging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#228
United States/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#72
Belgium/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#157
China/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#174
Japan/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#186
Spain/Sports/Wilderness
Apple Podcasts
#250
Ireland/Sports/Wilderness

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Q: What are the safety standards for endurance races in Alaska?
Riders must have fit horses, vets conduct pre- and mid-ride checks, and horses must return to resting heart rate within a set time; the emphasis is on safety and welfare rather than speed.
Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Q: What should cyclists or hikers do to avoid spooking a horse approaching from behind?
Communicate with the rider, dismount if necessary, and pass only in wider sections after confirming with the horse and rider; avoid stealthy, silent movement.
Alaska on Horseback | Outdoor Explorer
Q: How do you approach trail etiquette when you encounter horses on the trail?
Stand off the trail, make eye contact, talk to the rider and horse to show you are non-threatening, and be ready to yield or stop as needed.
Family Business | Outdoor Explorer
Q: What motivated Jen and Michelle to join and eventually purchase Lazy Otter Charters?
They were drawn by the dynamic, multi-faceted nature of the business, the strong community, and the opportunity to own a company with a proven legacy; after thorough discussions and securing advisory help, they moved into a bare-boat charter/long-term ownership arrangement.
Family Business | Outdoor Explorer
Q: How did you end up in Prince William Sound in the start of a business?
Mike describes discovering Whittier in 1980, moving there to pursue boating, and eventually launching a water taxi business tied to the sound and its communities; Kelly adds how their long-standing tourism work in the region laid the groundwork for the family enterprise.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Explorer

What is Outdoor Explorer about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners skew toward outdoor enthusiasts who crave Alaska-focused storytelling, practical how-tos, and real-world safety and training insights for backcountry activities. Episodes frequently feature artists, scientists, athletes, and gear designers discussing hands-on tips for wildlife encounters, dog macing, winter fitness, field biology, and gear innovation, all anchored in the state's rugged landscapes. A notable through line is the blend of narrative storytelling with actionable guidance—whether it's preparing for marathons in harsh winters, understanding climate-related changes affecting wildlife, or exploring gear design and repair. The show tends to highlight local community, accessible adventure, and expert perspectives from Alaska... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Outdoor Explorer?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Outdoor Explorer:

1. Outside Podcast
2. the Sharp End Podcast
3. The Rachel Maddow Show
4. Wild Ideas Worth Living
5. Science Vs

How many episodes of Outdoor Explorer are there?

Outdoor Explorer launched 13 years ago and published 191 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Outdoor Explorer?

Recent guests on Outdoor Explorer include:

1. Colleen Fisk
2. Mary Green
3. Brenna Gallagher-Phillips
4. Megan Justus
5. Caroline Van Hemert
6. David Hart
7. Amanda Del Frate
8. Jonathan Bryan

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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