The Must Read Alaska Show

In this episode, Must Read Alaska Show host Ben Carpenter delivers a robust, real-time debrief from the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy in Anchorage. Carpenter walks the audience through the key takeaways, the tone of the event, and the overarching vision shared by political and industry leaders, particularly from the Trump administration, about Alaska’s pivotal role in national energy policy,...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Bernadette Wilson of Repeal Now Alaska to discuss the second effort to overturn Alaska’s ranked choice voting (RCV) system. They begin by defining RCV—how it replaced traditional closed primaries with an open “jungle primary” advancing the top four candidates and then allowing voters to rank their top four choices in a multi-round count—and critiquing its com...

In this engaging episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Congressman Nick Begich takes center stage to discuss the whirlwind first 100 days of the new Congress, offering a deep dive into the priorities shaping Alaska and the nation. Begich highlights the unprecedented pace of legislative action under Republican leadership, focusing on key achievements like the Lake and Riley Act, which strengthens immigration enforcement and empowers...

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter and guest Randy Ruaro focus on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s (AIDEA) landmark court win in Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority v. Department of Interior, which declared the Biden administration’s cancellation of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) illegal, reinstating AIDEA’s leases and opening the...

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 explanation of the differences between defin...

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 Fund Dividend (PFD). Together, the l...

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 maneuvering surrounding the bill, the ...

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, Kenai High School. In a historic showd...

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 down.

Whether he's uncovering hi...

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 a pro-Alaska agenda.

Tune in as th...

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 Foundation, he’s helping the next generati...

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 charter schools, he al...

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 wealth of experience and a passion ...

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 roles—Chair of the House Judiciary ...

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 winning the national election, wher...

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, and his commitment to public servi...

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 supporting recovery efforts, Derek offers va...