The State I Am In

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Kontra, 3rd degree black belt, owner of Holdfast Grappling in Homer, AK, and co-owner of Southside Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Anchorage. Jordan shares his journey from early influences in wrestling to becoming a respected instructor and voice in Alaska’s Jiu-Jitsu community.

We explore how Jiu-Jitsu offers real-world self-defense skills, not just for athletes, but for everyday people—including healt...

 Alaska Day marks the moment the American flag replaced the Russian one in Sitka — a turning point in our state’s story. But over 150 years later, what does that really mean for those of us who call this place home? In this bonus episode, Manny looks back at the handoff between empires, the people who were here long before it, and how Alaska continues to define itself today. From the debate over Indigenous Peoples Day to jokes abou...

 In this episode, Manny reflects on what it means to live and think in the middle — that quiet space between red and blue where real conversation still has a chance. 

After watching local elections play out across Alaska, Manny shares how social media and modern politics have made genuine dialogue harder than ever. The algorithm rewards outrage, the headlines crave reactions, and too often we arrive at every conversation already dec...

In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Alaskan author, veteran, and homesteader Bob Stark. Bob’s story takes us from the wide-open beaches of Nome, to life in Eagle River and Seward, to the battlefields of Iraq as an airborne infantry soldier, and finally to his family homestead in Happy Valley. Along the way, he shares how identity, family, and faith were shaped through experiences of hardship, loss, and resilience....

In this solo episode of The State I Am In, I dive into the meaning behind a phrase I’ve recently started using to close out every show: Keep North. At first, it seemed like the perfect tagline for an Alaska-based podcast, but the more I sat with it, the more layers of meaning it revealed.

Keep North is about honoring Alaska’s past while protecting its future — from preserving its culture and resources, to standing firm in our values...

In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Bridgett Watkins — Alaskan musher, ER nurse, wife, mother, and author of Marker to Marker. Bridgett takes us deep into her journey from childhood races in Fairbanks to surviving a brutal moose attack just weeks before her first Iditarod. We talk about grit, faith, and family — how she balanced chasing dreams with the realities of motherhood, and how failure 50 miles from the fin...

In this episode of The State I Am In, I talk with Dr. Bretwood “Hig” Higman—geologist, lifelong Alaskan, and founder of Ground Truth Alaska—about life, land, and the very real risks facing our coastal communities. 

We explore Hig’s life in Seldovia and his adventures with wife Erin McKittrick, author of A Long Trek Home. Together, they’ve traveled thousands of miles across Alaska by foot and packraft, raising their kids along the wa...

In this eye-opening episode of The State I Am In, I’m joined by Ryan Astalos and Jackie Boyer from SalmonState to break down one of the most urgent issues facing Alaska today: industrial trawling and the devastating impact of bycatch. We unpack what trawling actually is, who profits from it, and who pays the price—especially the Alaskan communities relying on the return of wild salmon. 

Why do Seattle-based factory trawlers get a pa...

In this special virtual episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Amanda Bowles, the driving force behind Landmark Collective—a powerful community of women entrepreneurs based in the Mat-Su Valley. We dive into how these women are shaping the business landscape in Palmer, Wasilla, and beyond through collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to their communities. 

Amanda shares insight into the unique challenges women face...

In this episode of The State I Am In, I speak not just as a parent, but as a coach and former Little Leaguer myself. From hitting my first home run to striking out with the game on the line, I share personal stories that shaped how I view success, failure, and what youth sports are really all about.

Now, as a coach and dad, I’ve seen firsthand how much we want to shield our kids from struggle—but that instinct might be doing more ha...

Alaskan bladesmith Zeke Johnston joins me to talk about the craft of hand-forging knives and what makes a blade more than just a tool. We explore the heirloom value of a well-made knife, the stories it can carry, and how the forging process mirrors the shaping of a meaningful life. Zeke shares about growing up on a family farm in Alaska, commercial fishing, and the journey to full-time bladesmithing. We also dive into parenting, va...

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor & Chaplain Frank Alioto for a candid conversation about the role of the church in today’s world. We talk about the purpose of gathering, what might hold someone back from faith in God or stepping into a church, and how doubt can actually be part of the journey. Frank shares insight into how meaningful community forms when people walk through life together—mess and all. Whether you’ve been...

In this episode of The State I Am In, Lieutenant Ryan Browning of the Homer Police Department joins us for one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the show. We discuss the real-life events that led him to champion digital safety, the challenges today’s kids and teens face in the online world, and why it’s more important than ever for parents to step up. These topics aren’t easy—but they’re essential. Lt. Browning share...

In this episode of The State I Am In, we sit down with Shelby Oden—an inspiring entrepreneur and community advocate based on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Shelby shares her journey from growing up as a military brat to building a life with her husband Mike and raising their family in Alaska. We dive into the early days of her entrepreneurial path, from launching Briar & Boone Handmade to expanding into Little Alaskan and Kenai Frei...

In this episode, Manny Coelho introduces his podcast, The State I'm In, emphasizing the importance of every individual's voice in Alaska. He reflects on the overlooked talents and stories within the community, aiming to create a platform for Alaskans to connect and share their experiences. The podcast seeks to explore the unique culture, struggles, and dreams of the people living in Alaska, fostering a sense of belonging ...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Bob Ledda shares his journey from emergency medicine to a focus on preventive health. We discuss his approach to a lifestyle prescription, the importance of hormones, nutrition, and exercise in achieving optimal health and longevity. You'll catch a glimpse of the precision he takes with his patients, and be introduced to the foundations of what he calls, "Medicine 3.0." You can lear...

Join host Manny Coelho as he dives into the stories and perspectives that shape Alaska. From experts and adventurers to everyday heroes, this podcast explores the people, places, and topics that matter most to Alaskans. Tune in for insightful conversations and practical takeaways that celebrate life in the Last Frontier. 

Interviews and recordings are now underway, with the official launch scheduled for March 31, 2025. Be ...