Mushing

After more than four decades in sled dog racing, Norwegian musher Jo Svenstad has returned to the top of European sprint mushing. In this episode, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with Jo to discuss his remarkable comeback, his carefully preserved Alaskan bloodlines, and the breeding philosophy that helped him capture the Scandinavian Championship. Jo explains how a trip to Alaska...

What does it take to become one of the greatest sprint mushers in history? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with legendary sprint musher Buddy Streeper following his remarkable Triple Crown season. Buddy shares an in-depth look at his record-setting 11th Fur Rendezvous championship and explains exactly how he prepares championship-caliber sle...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with musher, race organizer, and congressional candidate Niina Baum about her journey through the world of dog-powered sports. Nina shares the story behind bringing the IFSS Dryland World Championships to Wisconsin, competing internationally in countries like Spain, Sweden, and France, and revitalizing the iconic Sled Dog Central platform....

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Alaska musher and dog trainer Destiny Lytle to discuss her journey from working line German Shepherds to competitive sprint mushing. Destiny shares stories from racing the Fur Rondy Championships in Anchorage, running the ONAC, racing in Tanana, building a kennel with dogs from elite bloodlines, and balancing life between working...

How can mushers recognize subtle warning signs before a dog becomes injured? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with Dr. Erica Boling about canine movement analysis, stride mechanics, posture, topline changes, and how to develop a sharper eye for spotting weakness early. If you race, train, or work with dogs, this conversation offers practical tools to help keep your team h...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Jody Potts-Joseph, calling in from Eagle, Alaska. With more than 40 years of experience in dog-powered travel and racing, Jody shares her deep connection to mushing as part of Athabascan culture and everyday life along the Yukon River. Jody reflects on her 2026 Iditarod experience, including the challenges of an unu...

What does it take to capture a sled dog team moving at full speed through snow and wilderness? In this episode, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan , a professional photographer behind Sunshine & Photo , to explore the craft of dog sled photography and the realities of working on the trail. Keela shares how she got started, the gear she relies on in extreme conditions, and how she consistently...

There is a moment on the trail when plans stop working. Conditions shift, pressure builds, and every decision carries weight. That is where leadership shows up. In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, we officially introduce the Team & Trail Expedition: Leadership Through Adventure. In March 2027, we will travel the Iditarod Trail from Willow to Nome, not simply as an endurance effort...

On this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod finisher Brenda Mackey to discuss her long-awaited finish in Nome on her third attempt. Raised in one of Alaska’s most well-known mushing families, Brenda shares what it means to carry on the Mackey legacy while building her own path in the sport. She talks about growing up in dog mushing, breeding and training her own te...

What does it take to become one of the most decorated junior mushers in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Leonie Tetzner, a 15-year-old musher from Germany who has built an impressive career racing in Alaska and beyond. Leonie discusses the logistics of traveling internationally with over 30 sled dogs, the structure of her racing season, and what it means to compete in events like the P...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with 2026 Iditarod finisher Joey Sabin to discuss his rookie run to Nome. Joey shares the story behind his 12-day journey, what it felt like crossing the finish line, and how nearly ten years of work led to this moment. From running dogs in Two Rivers, Alaska, to guiding glacier tours in the summer, Joey offers an inside look at life a...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod finisher Sydnie Bahl, a physical therapist based in the Mat-Su Valley who recently completed her first successful run to Nome. Just days removed from the trail, Sydnie reflects on the transition back to everyday life and the reality of what it takes to finish one of the most demanding endurance races in the world. Sy...

What does it look like to grow up in the world of sled dog racing? In this episode, we sit down with Liam Connor, a 16-year-old musher from Saskatchewan, Canada, who is already competing at a high level in mid-distance races. Liam shares what it’s like to be raised in a mushing family, how his team manages a kennel of around 80 dogs, and how he balances academics with the demands of training and r...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod pioneer Rod Perry for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about the origins of the race, the history of the Iditarod Trail, and the future of dog mushing. Perry reflects on his involvement in the early days of the Iditarod, including helping shape race rules, designing the iconic finisher’s patch, and contributing to the...

This episode features a deep dive into the world of dog mushing, exploring the history, the sport's challenges, and the legacy of legendary mushers. We also profile Rhon Buser, a second-generation musher carrying forward a proud family tradition, and reflect on the significance of the Iditarod race. Key Topics History of dog mushing and the Iditarod The bond between mushers and dogs Rohn Buser's f...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race has officially concluded, and attention turns to reflection, records, and what this year’s Iditarod tells us about the evolution of the sport. With all mushers off the trail, the focus shifts from competition to analysis ahead of the finisher’s banquet. One of the key discussions centers around the Red Lantern finish time, comparing this year’s fina...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially comes to a close as the final mushers arrive in Nome and the Red Lantern is awarded. Richie Beatty earns the Red Lantern, symbolizing perseverance and the completion of the thousand-mile journey across Alaska. With the final teams crossing under the burled arch, the race shifts fully into celebration mode as m...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race moves into its final phase with just a handful of mushers remaining on the trail as they prepare to leave White Mountain and complete the final miles to Nome. Weather conditions, including a developing storm, are affecting the timing and strategy of the remaining teams. Jesse Terry is officially named Rookie of the Year after finishing in 14th place...

On this Day 11 update of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race has its champion as Jessie Holmes crosses under the burled arch in Nome, securing victory in just over nine days. His performance was marked by strong strategy, consistent pacing, and a healthy, high-performing team throughout the race. Travis Beals follows in second place just a few hours later, with Jeff Deeter, Paige Drobny, an...

In this Day 10 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the finish line is in sight as Jessie Holmes approaches Nome with a commanding lead. Holmes earns the North Rim Bank Achieve More Award and is just miles away from claiming victory under the burled arch. Travis Beals remains in second place but would need a major shift in pace to close the gap in the final stretch. Meanwhile, teams conti...

In this Day 9 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race reaches a major milestone as the first expedition musher crosses under the burled arch in Nome. Norwegian expedition musher Kjell Rokke completes the trail in under eight days, drawing attention to the evolving Expedition Class and its role in the event. Meanwhile, on the competitive race trail, Jessie Holmes holds a strong lead...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto continues his conversation with early Iditarod racer Rod Perry. Rod shares firsthand stories from the race's rugged early years, including his experiences running the 1974 and 1977 Iditarod. The discussion dives into what racing was like when the event was still a rough, experimental challenge rather than the highly organized race we see today....

In this Day 8 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the competition intensifies as the leading teams approach the Bering Sea coast. Defending champion Jessie Holmes continues to lead the field, with Travis Beals running just miles behind as the race transitions into its final stretch. Holmes added another honor to his growing list of awards by claiming the Ryan Air Gold Coast Award after a...

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with a very special guest: nine-year-old junior musher Teos, also known as the “Tiny Musher.” Teos has already been racing in junior sled dog events in Anchorage and is gaining attention for interviewing mushers on social media to help promote the sport. Teos shares how he first stepped onto a dog team at six years old and describes wh...

On this Day 7 update from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the field continues moving along the Yukon River as the race begins transitioning toward the coast. Jessie Holmes continues his strong performance on the trail, winning the Bristol Bay Native Corporation Fish First Award after arriving in Kaltag with 13 dogs in harness. The episode breaks down the current leaderboard, with the top teams s...