The Must Read Alaska Show

In this exciting episode of the "Must Read Alaska Show" podcast, host Ben Carpenter dives deep into Alaska's pension debate with Ryan Frost and Mariana Trujillo from the Reason Foundation. They break down the major issues surrounding Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which proposes returning Alaska’s public pension system to a costly defined benefit plan. The discussion kicks off with a fast-paced explanati...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter—former legislator and combat veteran—moderates a deep dive into Alaska’s long-standing fiscal challenges with guests Senator Mike Shower and Representative Kevin McCabe. The conversation revolves around the state’s structural budget deficit, the volatility of oil revenues, and the erosion of the original intent behind the Permanent F...

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Donna Anderson, a retired educator and the Kenai Chapter Chair for Moms for Liberty, to discuss the pressing issues facing Alaska’s education system.   With over 30 years of involvement in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District as a teacher, substitute, parent, and grandparent, Donna brings a wealth of firsth...

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance, who represents District 6 out of Homer, for an in-depth look at the Alaska State Legislature’s current session. Recorded on March 3, 2025, this conversation unpacks the bills that have landed in House Finance—a key indicator of legislative priorities—45 days into the sessio...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Will Stapp for an in-depth discussion on the pressing financial and legislative issues facing the state. At the heart of the conversation is House Bill 69, a controversial proposal to significantly increase education funding—without a clear plan to pay for it. Rep. Stapp explains the political man...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Coach Stacy Segura of the Nikiski High School Volleyball Team to share their incredible journey to becoming the 3-A 2024 Alaska State Champions. A true Cinderella story, the team overcame early setbacks in the state tournament, clawing their way back from the loser bracket to face the 2-time defending state champions, Ken...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rodger Carlyle, a pilot, adventurer, political strategist, ghostwriter, and novelist. Known for weaving historical truths and current events into compelling thrillers and historical fiction, Rodger shares his journey into writing, the inspiration behind his books, and the secrets to crafting stories that readers can't put...

In this compelling episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Speaker Cathy Tilton to discuss her journey, motivations, and aspirations as she seeks re-election for State Representative in District 26. A lifelong Alaskan with deep roots in Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, Speaker Tilton shares stories from her upbringing, her commitment to the community, and her belief in...

Host John Quick sits down with Alaska’s own hockey legend, Scotty Gomez, on the Must Read Alaska Show. A two-time Stanley Cup champion and NHL Calder Trophy winner for Rookie of the Year, Scott shares his journey from growing up in Anchorage to reaching the pinnacle of professional hockey with teams like the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.   Now giving back through the Scotty Gomez Foundat...

  On this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Governor Mike Dunleavy for a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues shaping Alaska's future. The Governor discusses his plans for education reform, including a bonus program aimed at getting money directly into the hands of teachers to help retain top talent across the state. With Alaska leading the nation in c...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, John Quick talks with Nick Begich about his campaign for Congress, challenging incumbent Congresswoman Mary Peltola. Born and raised in Alaska, Nick is a small business owner, family man, and commonsense leader who stands for less government, reduced regulation, and pro-oil development. With a background in entrepreneurship and business, Nick brings a...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Rep. Sarah Vance joins us to discuss her re-election campaign for the Alaska State House. Representing Homer, Sarah highlights her ongoing efforts to extend the Senior Benefits Program, improve infrastructure like Homer’s Kachemak Drive and the Homer Harbor, and tackle vital community projects. She shares how her deep roots in Homer and her leadership...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Kelly Tshibaka, the Trump Campaign Director for Alaska. They dive into the presidential race, discussing why Trump is the Pro-Alaska, Pro-Oil Development candidate and what this means for the state. Kelly also shares her support for Nick Begich in the congressional race and offers insight into whether Trump has a shot at...

On this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, John Quick speaks with Rep. Kevin McCabe about his vision for Alaska's future. They dive into McCabe's thoughts on limiting government growth, the state of education in Alaska, and the urgent infrastructure repair needs throughout the state. Rep. McCabe also shares insights into his ongoing reelection campaign, his dedication to a Constitutional PFD, a...

Join Host John Quick on the Must Read Alaska Show as he sits down with Derek Black, the visionary entrepreneur behind Choose RCVRY and Looking For Summits. Derek shares his inspiring journey of starting and scaling multiple clothing brands in Alaska with a mission to spread hope and raise awareness about addiction and human trafficking. From his personal battle with addiction to his work supportin...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Ben Carpenter, who has called Alaska home since 1985. Ben shares his journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force and Army to becoming a dedicated representative in the Alaska State Legislature. He discusses his reasons for running, what sets him apart from his opponent, his stance on new taxes, and his vision for Alaska’s...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Bill Elam, a current Kenai Peninsula Borough Assemblyman and candidate for the Alaska State House. Bill discusses why he's running for State House, what he would prioritize first if elected, and the challenges and victories he's experienced during his tenure on the Assembly.    Check out Bill here: www.billelam.com  

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Mike Cronk, a former 1989 Northwest Conference NCAA basketball champion now running for the Alaska Senate. Mike shares how his athletic career shaped his leadership under pressure, his 20+ year teaching career, and his dedication to Alaska's rural communities. Listen as Mike explains what sets him apart from his opponent, why...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews John Hillyer, a retired veteran U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, as he enters the race for Alaska's House District 8. Hillyer, who has spent 32 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, shares his motivations for running, his key priorities if elected, and what distinguishes him from other candidates.   

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Mayor Edna DeVries, the current Mayor of Mat-Su Borough, to discuss her decision to run for re-election. Edna shares her motivations for seeking another term, outlines her key priorities if re-elected, and explains what sets her apart from the other candidates in the race. Tune in to hear an in-depth conversation about th...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Janice Park, candidate for State Senate District F. Janice shares why she is running, what she stands for, and what sets her apart from her opponents. She also discusses her plans to address key issues for Alaskans and how people can get in touch with her campaign. Janice has a background in public health, co-founded Alaska W...

  In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Jeremy Bynum, candidate for Alaska State House District 1. Jeremy discusses why he is running for State Representative, his key priorities, and what sets him apart from his opponents. With experience as an elected assembly member on the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, Jeremy shares how his background has prepared him fo...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick interviews Gretchen Guess, the new President and CEO of Rasmuson Foundation. Gretchen shares insights on how her previous roles as an elected official in Alaska, including serving as a member of the state legislature and president of the Anchorage School Board, have prepared her for this leadership position. Gretchen discusses the vital...

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Rick Whitbeck, State Director for Power The Future, to discuss the impact of the Biden administration on Alaska, the state of Cook Inlet energy, the implications of the Chevron's decision and whether Rick is hopeful for Alaska's future. With a 35-year career in Alaska, Rick brings a wealth of experience from managing poli...

Host John Quick welcomes Senator Matt Claman to The Must Read Alaska Show as part of our Candidate Spotlight Forum. Senator Claman, who has served West Anchorage in the Alaska State Senate since 2023 and previously in the State House, discusses his campaign for re-election and his top priorities. In this episode, he outlines his focus on improving public safety, managing the state budget, and prot...