On Step Alaska

In this episode, author and wilderness guide Michael Engelhard talks about being a travel writer who hasn’t driven since 1982, his hitchhiking adventures, and how he gets around as a guide. He also breaks down a grizzly encounter where his bear spray f... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Chris Paparo is a Long Island marine biologist known as the Fish Guy. In this episode Chris shares how he uses game cameras and nest boxes to capture owls, wood ducks and other backyard wildlife, and how those projects led to research and community eng... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Chris Paparo is a Long Island marine biologist known as the Fish Guy. In this episode Chris shares how he uses game cameras and nest boxes to capture owls, wood ducks and other backyard wildlife, and how those projects led to research and community engagement. We also discuss shooting stills and video, using drones, Long Island and Alaska wildlife experiences, and practical tips for documenting th...

Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project. In this episode we talk about his sheep hunt. We cover gear (Leupold scopes, Hilleberg Nallo GT3 tent), the grind of glacier travel, and how weather and safety shaped his choices. We also talk abo... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Daniel Buitrago is a co-founder of Alaska Wild Project. In this episode we talk about his sheep hunt. We cover gear (Leupold scopes, Hilleberg Nallo GT3 tent), the grind of glacier travel, and how weather and safety shaped his choices. We also talk about the importance of the right hunting partner, favorite float-hunt memories, balancing family and outdoor life, cabin-building highlights, and what...

In this episode, I talk to Fairbanks resident Harrison Gottschling about moving his family out of a dry cabin and into a home with running water, the benefits and challenges of that transition, and how it changed family life. We also discuss Harrison’s... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

In this episode, I talk to Fairbanks resident Harrison Gottschling about moving his family out of a dry cabin and into a home with running water, the benefits and challenges of that transition, and how it changed family life. We also discuss Harrison’s travel-heavy job repairing satellite equipment in tiny remote communities around the state, outdoor adventures with his kids, hunting traditions, t...

Ashley Stimpson is a journalist and president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In this episode we talk about her path into freelance writing and some of her favorite stories—ranging from greyhound racing to Mason–Dixon markers and AM radi... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Ashley Stimpson is a journalist and president of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. In this episode we talk about her path into freelance writing and some of her favorite stories—ranging from greyhound racing to Mason–Dixon markers and AM radio. We discuss reporting, editing, pitching, the value of long-form work, and how finding community and organizations can help writers grow professio...

Zack Butterfield is a hunter and mental health counselor. In this episode we talk about why getting outside—especially morning sunlight—helps mood, immunity, and stress regulation. We also talks about the role of social media, rural mental health, prac... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Zack Butterfield is a hunter and mental health counselor. In this episode we talk about why getting outside—especially morning sunlight—helps mood, immunity, and stress regulation. We also talks about the role of social media, rural mental health, practical steps like short morning walks and light therapy, and his book "Hunting for Happiness." This episode blends hunting stories with accessible me...

Kellen Golightly is an avid upland game hunter from Utah and host of Bird Camp Radio. We discuss Utah’s diverse upland species, public-land access, conservation challenges, and how Bird Camp Radio connects hunters across states to promote stewardship a... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Kellen Golightly is an avid upland game hunter from Utah and host of Bird Camp Radio. We discuss Utah’s diverse upland species, public-land access, conservation challenges, and how Bird Camp Radio connects hunters across states to promote stewardship and community.

This short introduction is for my new project the I Went to the Woods podcast. A new show that features outdoor creatives, conservationists, filmmakers and writers sharing stories about hunting, fishing, conservation and the creative process. Subscribe... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

This short introduction is for my new project the I Went to the Woods podcast. A new show that features outdoor creatives, conservationists, filmmakers and writers sharing stories about hunting, fishing, conservation and the creative process. Subscribe to I Went to the Woods to hear these interviews alongside On Step Alaska and follow both feeds to stay up to date with new episodes and behind-the-...

Abby and I were able to go on our first overnight alpine hunting trip in two years. (Thanks Mimi and Papa) We recap the hike up, the hectic stalk at last light, and hiking back to camp in the dark. We're tired, we're thirsty, but we're amped in this on... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Abby and I were able to go on our first overnight alpine hunting trip in two years. (Thanks Mimi and Papa) We recap the hike up, the hectic stalk at last light, and hiking back to camp in the dark. We're tired, we're thirsty, but we're amped in this on-location episode. 

   Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks to the sp...

Lou Tamposi and I walk through a practical, no-nonsense guide to processing deer—from head to hindquarter. We discuss cuts (tenderloin, backstrap, neck, shanks, ribs), cooking methods (braises, steaks, sausages, bacon), tools (knives, grinders, vacuum ... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

Lou Tamposi and I walk through a practical, no-nonsense guide to processing deer—from head to hindquarter. We discuss cuts (tenderloin, backstrap, neck, shanks, ribs), cooking methods (braises, steaks, sausages, bacon), tools (knives, grinders, vacuum sealers), and using bones for stock. Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Tha...

In this episode, Melis Coady explains the proposed Susitna‑Watana hydroelectric dam. We discuss its scale, potential impacts on salmon and local communities, and seismic risk. We also talk about the project’s history, funding pressures from public and ... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

In this episode, Melis Coady explains the proposed Susitna‑Watana hydroelectric dam. We discuss its scale, potential impacts on salmon and local communities, and seismic risk. We also talk about the project’s history, funding pressures from public and private investors, and the renewable strategies like distributed wind, solar, and small hydro. Photo by Sarah Ann Loreth Check out the On Step Alask...

I get asked about heavy equipment and tools even though this cabin build is a remote build so in this episode I go through the tools and boat gear for the cabin build. Then I get into the longevity of my hunting and fishing gear. Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

I get asked about heavy equipment and tools even though this cabin build is a remote build so in this episode I go through the tools and boat gear for the cabin build. Then I get into the longevity of my hunting and fishing gear.     

I recorded this episode while I was making a run out to the cabin build site with the last of the tongue and groove decking for the roof, the fascia and the bargeboards. I recap the frustrations of the build, some of the good stuff, and go into details... Hosted on beehiiv. Read the full Privacy Policy at https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy.

I recorded this episode while I was making a run out to the cabin build site with the last of the tongue and groove decking for the roof, the fascia and the bargeboards. I recap the frustrations of the build, some of the good stuff, and go into details about what came in the "kit."  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Thanks t...