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 also shares his vision for expanding educational opportunities and improving outcomes for students.

Governor Dunleavy offers a candid look at Alaska’s position as a gold standard for oil and gas development, highlighting the state's commitment to responsible resource management and economic growth. He expresses concern over the impact of 66 executive orders from the Biden administration, which he believes have hindered Alaska's potential. As the upcoming election approaches, he shares his optimism for working with a new administration that might better support Alaska’s resource development and economic goals, paving the way for a brighter future for the state.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on education, energy, and Alaska's path forward.

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 for responsible growth to the table. Tune in as he shares his vision for Alaska's future and the challenges he aims to tackle in Washington.

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 the future of Mat-Su Borough and why Edna believes she’s the right choice to continue leading the community.

Check out her website here: http://www.ednadevries.com/ 

In this engaging podcast, your host, John Quick, invites Rick Whitbeck, the Alaska State Director of Power of the Future, to discuss pivotal issues affecting public utilities and the environment. They delve into the rising influence of radical environmentalists on Public Utility boards and shed light on Congresswoman Pelta's bold move to side with Alaskans over her Democratic colleagues. Additionally, they explore Senator Murkowski's dedicated efforts to boost mineral mining, with a special focus on Alaska's potential, alongside her broader endeavors to enhance mineral extraction across the USA.  

 

Check out Power of the Future here: https://powerthefuture.com/peltola-breaks-with-dems-supports-alaskan-residents-regarding-gas-stoves 

Join John Quick as he engages in a profound discussion with Brett Huber, the Chair of Alaska's Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC). They explore why Alaska stands out as the global leader in responsible and eco-conscious oil and gas production. Learn how the state sets the benchmark for the industry and how Commissioner Huber is steering this innovation.

Host John Quick sits down with Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche to talk about a balanced budget, tax cuts, and everything in-between. Mayor Micciche has to run for re-election in October, but from what it looks like, it will be smooth sailing for him.  

 

Live in the Borough and need to contact his office: (907) 714-2170

Host John Quick sits down with Mayor Dave Bronson to talk about his 2nd year in office, some accomplishments, and some tough choices ahead. The biggest task the Mayor and his team will tackle is the Port of Anchorage; if that goes down, he thinks 1/2 the population of Anchorage will be forced to leave Alaska. He is on a mission to fix it. 

Host John Quick sits down with Bob Cornuke who has participated in over seventy international expeditions searching the world-over for lost locations described in the Bible. Bob has appeared on the CBS television special Ancient Secrets of the Bible, NBC’s Dateline, MSNBC, Fox, ABC, History Channel, Good Morning America, CNN, Travel Channel & National Geographic. 

 

Check his website out here: https://baseinstitute.org/ 

Host John Quick sits down with Governor Mike Dunleavy to talk about the new report his office just issued, The Alaska Standard Report. They talk AK LNG and what the Governor is hopeful for, for the State of Alaska. 

 

Check out the Report here: https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/The-Alaska-Standard.pdf 

Host John Quick sits down with Lt. Governor Dahlstrom to talk all things energy. They discuss The State of Alaska's 2nd annual energy conference, the LNG project, carbon sequestration, and how she is enjoying being the Lt. Governor. 

 

Check out the Alaska Energy Security Task Force

https://www.akenergyauthority.org/What-We-Do/Energy-Planning-Project-Development/Alaska-Energy-Security-Task-Force

 

Host John Quick sits down with Senator James Kaufman to discuss some of his bills that have improved work efficiency and cut through government red tape. Although these types of bills are not glamorous, they are much needed.

Senator Kaufman has been talking about a spending cap since he first ran for House, and he is still hopeful it will one day pass, check out that bill and more here: https://www.senatorkaufman.com/spending-cap/ 

John Quick sits down with Senator Hughes to talk about her summer plans and what it was like being in the minority. She touches on how the Senate majority's strategy of giving themselves a considerable raise and taking 75% of the PFD may play out poorly for them when they need to be reelected. 

John Quick sits down with Kelly Tshibaka to get her take on Alaska politics, how her group Preserve Democracy is going, and her one idea that could change the state of Alaska back from Purple to Red. 

Check out her group here: https://preservedemocracy.com/

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 Water Systems, and has lived in Abbott Loop for over 20 years.

John Quick sits down with Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries to discuss the borough budget, the school of government, and her leadership style. She has been very successful in leading with kindness, standing her ground while maintaining a great relationship with the Assembly and school district. 

John Quick sits down with Rep. Jamie Allard to talk about how her first session went, her big takeaways, and why she is running again. 

John Quick sits down with Rep. Tom Mckay to talk about how the end of the session played out and the details of the energy conference that just took place in Anchorage

John Quick sits down with Mayor Bronson of the Muni of Anchorage to talk about the groundbreaking on the port project, how the Muni is fixing 1000 potholes a week, and some lessons learned from Snowmageddon. 

John Quick sits down with Rick Whitbeck from Power of the Future to talk all things resource development. If you are in the industry or want the real scoop on projects like Pebble Mine, you will want to listen in. 

 

Check out Rick here: https://powerthefuture.com/directors/rick-whitbeck/

John Quick sits down with Senator Jesse Bjorkman to talk all things lumber and fish. Senator Bjorkman has a bill ready for Governor Dunleavy to sign that would make it easier for contractors and builders to use Alaska lumber to complete a home build. 

John Quick sits down with Alaska State Rep. Vance to discuss her bill to repeal ranked choice voting and her bill to consolidate health care in school districts and Brough across Alaska. 

John Quick sits down with conservative influencer Will Witt to talk about why he is coming to Alaska and his advice for people wanting to make a difference. Will talks about how his faith in Jesus guides all he does; you won't want to miss out on this quick interview. 

You can check out the event here and buy tickets: https://www.akfamily.org/events/2023-spring-dinner-with-will-witt/

You can check out The Florida Standard here: https://www.theflstandard.com 

John Quick sits with Rep. Ben Carpenter to discuss his fiscal plan. His plan involves putting a spending cap and the PFD in the constitution by the vote of the people and possibly adding a sale tax. He explains that the makeup of the House and Senate currently is not interested in cutting, and without a tax, he thinks the PFD is all but gone. 

John Quick sits down with Former City of Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly to discuss his new role as the Fairbanks Director of the Office of the Governor. They talk about some of the things Jim was proud of accomplishing while he was mayor and what's important to folks in his region moving forward. 

 

 

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 for this role and his vision for the future of Southern Southeast Alaska. Tune in to hear more about his plans and how you can get involved with his campaign.

Hosts Suzanne Downing and John Quick sit down with Rogan O’Handley (@DC_Draino) to discuss a few events he is speaking at here in Alaska. They discuss how Rogan got started in the MEME game and why he keeps fighting for freedom daily. 

 

Check out  Rogan O’Handley here: https://www.tpusa.com/dcdraino 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

John Quick sits down with UA President Pat Pitney to talk about some of the exciting, major initiatives the UA System has going on, advice she has to young adults considering going to college, and what every high schooler in Alaska should take advantage of. 

 

Check out the UA here: https://www.alaska.edu/alaska/

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

John Quick sits down with Scott Kendall to talk about energy, what he thinks about all the AK House and Senate tax bills, his thoughts on the Anchorage elections that just happened, and who he thinks will run for governor in 3 years. 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

John Quick sit down with Hans Johnson to discuss his book True Wealth Formula. Hans offers tips and advice on what it takes to start a business and his take on the current state of the economy in the USA.  

 

Check his book out here: https://a.co/d/8os3jva 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

Host John Quick sits down with Brad Janorschke, General Manager of HEA, and Director of Seward’s Electric Department, Rob Montgomery, to talk about the potential sale and how it is on the ballot May 2nd for those who live in Seward, Alaska. 

Live in Seward, check out the voter information here: https://www.cityofseward.us/community/residents/voting-elections 

 

You can check out HEA here: https://www.homerelectric.com 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

John Quick sits down with President Whipps of the island nation of Palau. President Whipps talks about how climate has affected Palau and what he is doing to ensure sustainable energy. President Whipps also talks about how faith plays a role in his presidency and hopes that some of his team's new economic policies (stablecoin, digital residency) will attract remote workers and entrepreneurs to call Palau home.  

 

Check out Palau here: https://palau.travel/ and https://pristineparadisepalau.com

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

 

John Quick sits down with Rep. George Rauscher to talk about energy in Alaska. Rep. Rauscher is the Chair of the House Energy Committee this year, and they have been looking at all options so that Alaska can have a bright future. If we can not explore for more gas and there is only so much left in the inlet, then options like, nuclear, solar, wind, coal, and everything in between become something that the Energy Committee takes a look at. 

Get in touch with Rep. Rauscher here: Representative.George.Rauscher@akleg.gov 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

 

Host John Quick sits down with Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson to discuss the city's successful job fair programs, economic development, and the Mayor's Community Grant Program. 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

 

Donate to Must Read Alaska here: https://mustreadalaska.com/support-mrak/ 

Host John Quick sits down with Paul Roland to talk about his new Film Exemplum, what first got him into film, and what it was like winning best director at the Pasadena Film Festival.   

 

 

We want to thank our show sponsor, The University of Alaska; find out more about our sponsor here: https://empower.alaska.edu 

 

 

Check out the film trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTe3-9-YLA 

 

 

Check out the film for free here: https://tubitv.com/movies/100000474/exemplum?start=true

 

 

Check out the film to purchase here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/exemplum

Host John Quick sits down with Artist and TV Host Eric Dowdle to talk about how he got into Folk Art and the ins and outs of hosting his TV Show for the last four seasons. His new show is on the popular Magnolia Network, and the Anchorage episode airs this Saturday (April 1st) at 5 pm. 

Check out the trailer here: https://youtu.be/690ymlMqC74

Check out his epic puzzle art here: https://dowdlefolkart.com

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 role Rasmuson Foundation plays in Alaska, supporting communities through grant programs and initiatives since its founding in 1955. She explains the Foundation's mission to empower Alaskans to help each other and highlights its historical significance, rooted in the legacy of Swedish immigrants Jenny Olson and Edward Anton Rasmuson.

The conversation delves into Gretchen's efforts to make the Foundation more accessible to people across Alaska, ensuring that its benefits reach diverse communities statewide. She also shares what excites her most about the Foundation's future and her vision for fostering thriving cultures and communities throughout Alaska. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the impact and aspirations of Rasmuson Foundation under Gretchen's leadership.

Check them out here: https://rasmuson.org/ 

John Quick sits down with Ian Bick, who HBO has recently done a documentary on. Ian, at the young age of 15, started a successful nightclub and concert business; he got a little too far out in front of that and ended up in federal prison.  He has since found a way to turn his story into inspiration and success.  

 

You can check out his social media and his two successful shows here: https://www.ianbick.com/

John Quick sits down with Trish Neal, the president of Preservation Alaska. Preservation Alaska is the new brand of the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, and they are on a mission to preserve as much history in Alaska as possible. If you like history, you won't want to miss out on this episode. 

Check out their work here: https://alaskapreservation.org/ 

John Quick sits down with Dorene Lorenz to talk all things historical and how her latest idea centered around the Semiquincentennial is getting some traction. She hopes to make our Nation's Semiquincentennial Celebration hit home for Alaska by highlighting stories from all over Alaska all year long during the 250th-year celebration of our Nation. 

Here is a link to a story related to what Dorene talked about: https://hyphenmagazine.com/magazine/issue-6-makeover-summer-2005/lonesome-land#:~:text=In%20Juneau%2C%20two%20attempts%20were,ordered%20them%20never%20to%20return 

If you have some great historical stories for Dorene, email her here dorenemlorenz@aol.com

John Quick sits down with Rep. Gray to talk about why he got involved in politics in the first place and what he is excited about accomplishing this year. He shares his story about why he chose to foster a child and later adopt. 

For more info on foster care, check out. https://dfcs.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/fostercare/default.aspx

 

John Quick sits down with Pastor Bob Roberts Jr. Pastor Bob started a church in his living room which soon grew to be a mega-church in Texas. He wasn't done yet, and he founded Glocal, which helps pastors and everyday folks build bridges of peace in their own communities and countries.

Pastors Bob is famous for putting on retreats with Christians, Muslims, and Rabbis all in the same room.

He is the real deal, and you won't want to miss out. 

Check out his podcast here: https://glocal.net/resources/#podcast 

John Quick sits down with RJ to talk about how he went from being a garbage man to a TV star and everything in between. You won't want to miss out. 

 

Check out RJ's clothing line here: https://ironempireclothing.com/ 

Check out the TV show he stars in here: https://www.discovery.com/shows/undercover-billionaire/episodes/million-dollar-bet

 

 

John Quick sits down with Rachel Ries to talk about why she is running and what she hopes to accomplish if she wins. 

 

Check out her website here for more info: https://riesforalaska.com/

John Quick sits down with Gwen Adam, Executive Director of Priceless. She works to help end sex trafficking and human trafficking in Alaska.  She risks her life day in and day out to literally save people. Listen in! 

 

Check out Priceless here: https://www.pricelessalaska.org/

John Quick sits down with Representative Ben Carpenter to talk budgets and audits. They dive into what committees he is on and why he hired BUDGET Superhero Donna Arduin. You will not want to miss this one.  

John Quick sits down with Alaska House Rep. Jamie Allard to talk about how the conservatives finally organized in the house, what her plans are as Co-chair of Education, and how she thought Congresswoman Mary Peltola's speech on the house floor went. 

 

 

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 political campaigns and hosting the Power The Future Energy Hour radio program. Tune in for an engaging conversation on Alaska's critical issues.

John Quick sits down with a friend, Pastor Dean Curry, to discuss Dean's new book, tips on working with people who have different opinions than you, and why Dean is a 'Jesus Guy.' 

Check out the church that Pastor Dean is a volunteer teaching pastor at HERE.

You can find his new book here for free. https://www.ourchurch.us/the-prescipice 

John Quick sits down with Mayor Edna DeVries to talk shop. She is one of the MOST cutting-edge communicators in Alaska! How, you may ask? By using Facebook Live consistently week in and week out. No one else in Alaska is doing this as well as she is. You do not want to miss out on hearing from her. 

Check out her school of Government here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068335991574 

John Quick sits down with Scott Kendall to talk RVC, Alaska Politics, and his thoughts on how Congresswomen Mary Peltola is doing.