Explore every episode of the podcast The State I Am In

 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 about “selling Alaska back to Russia,” it’s a reflection on what it means to take pride in where we live, to see it through many perspectives, and to recognize our shared belonging as Alaskans. 

 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 decided. But what if we started differently? 

Manny takes listeners on a thoughtful journey through the way online echo chambers shape our beliefs, the value of long-form conversations, and why empathy might be the most radical act left in today’s political climate. He draws on personal stories, Alaskan life, and even baseball rivalries to remind us that loving the “game” — our shared humanity and community — should matter more than loving any single team. 

From protecting free speech and condemning hate, to believing in environmental responsibility and economic opportunity, Manny shows that complex beliefs can coexist — and that humility, not hostility, is what leadership really looks like. 

If you’ve ever felt caught between extremes or just tired of the noise, this episode invites you to slow down, reflect before reacting, and rediscover the common ground that still exists right here in the state we call home. 

Keep North, Alaska.

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. 

We talk about what it was like growing up in a home marked by addiction and incarceration, and how those early years influenced the way Bob saw himself. He opens up about his service in Iraq, the adrenaline and fear of combat, the brotherhood of the infantry, and the challenges of reintegration when he returned home at just 22 years old. We also explore his struggles with addiction, the role of spirituality in his life, and how writing his books Warflower and Just Like a Soldier helped him process what he had been through. 

Today, Bob is raising a family and working his land in Happy Valley, proof that healing and growth are possible even after walking through the darkest chapters. His reflections on service, sacrifice, and fatherhood offer a perspective that is raw, human, and deeply Alaskan. 

Follow the links below to connect with Bob, explore his website, and find his books Warflower and Just Like a Soldier. 

Website: www.secretgardenalaska.org

Facebook: Robert Stark

Youtube: @SecretGardenAlaska

Purchase Books on Amazon

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 and the way of life that makes this place unique. It’s about direction too: orienting ourselves toward faith, family, and community, no matter where life takes us. 

Duck-In Documentary Link:

https://www.isuma.tv/uncivilized-films/the-duck-in

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 finish line fueled her return to the trail. From long training runs in Alaska’s backcountry to her motivation to press through fear that carried her through setbacks, Bridgett’s story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit of a dream. 

Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or anyone chasing a goal, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep moving forward one step at a time, and marker to marker. 

Purchase Marker to Marker on Amazon

Follow Bridgett on Facebook & Instagram

www.bridgettwatkins.com 

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 way in one of the most remote corners of the state. Their unconventional approach to life and career is not only refreshing—it’s inspiring, and chalk full of lessons about resilience, curiosity, and the land we call home. 

We also dig into something more urgent: the growing threat of landslides in coastal Alaska. Hig explains what’s happening, risk vs consequence, where science and culture collide, and what Alaskans need to know—from potential warning signs to what communities can actually do. 

This is a conversation about living close to the land, understanding the risks, and staying grounded—literally and figuratively—in a rapidly changing Alaska. 

Visit www.groundtruthalaska.org to learn more.

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 pass while sportfishers and subsistence users face tight limits? Why are millions of pounds of wasted fish ignored while rural families are told to do more with less? 

But we don’t stop there. We dig into what Alaska’s representatives are (and aren’t) saying, who really has the power to change this, and how everyday Alaskans can, and must—raise their voices. This is a conversation that cuts across party lines and strikes at the heart of what it means to live here. 

The time to act is now. If we want a future with fish, it’s going to take all of us. 

Visit www.salmonstate.org to learn more

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—especially the balancing act of running a business while wearing many hats as mothers, partners, community leaders, and more. We also talk about how men can be better allies and supporters of the women in their lives who are building something meaningful. 

From practical social media strategies to the power of showing up authentically in an AI-driven world, this episode offers honest conversation and actionable advice. Whether you're already running a business or just starting to dream, this is a must-listen for any woman in Alaska—and for anyone who wants to help build a stronger, more supportive business community. 

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 harm than good. I make the case for letting kids experience the hard stuff: the losses, the tough practices, the moments where things don’t go their way. These are the moments that build grit, teach teamwork, and reveal character—not just in our kids, but in us as parents too.

This episode is a call to keep the standard high—not because life is easy, but because our kids are capable. And they’ll never know what they can do unless we give them the chance to find out.

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, values, and share stories along the way. 

Follow Zeke on YouTube @AlaskaBladeStudio and visit alaskabladestudio.com to see his work.

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 hurt by religion, are searching for something deeper, or just curious about what church could look like today, this episode invites you into an honest dialogue about belonging, belief, and the beauty of shared faith. 

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 shares practical tools and tips for having honest conversations, building trust, and leading our families into healthier relationships with technology. Because keeping our kids safe online isn’t just about rules—it’s about connection, courage, and being present when it matters most. 

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 Freight Forwarders. We explore the importance of community-centered business practices, the unique opportunities and hurdles for small businesses in the state, and why rethinking the traditional college path might be a good option for future entrepreneurs. Shelby leaves us with honest insights, practical advice, and a look at what's next—including her upcoming appearance at the Women in Business Speaker Series. Tune in for a great conversation full of heart and hustle.

www.little-alaskan.com

www.kenaifreightforwarders.com

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 learn more and about Dr. Bob by visiting www.drbobslongevity.com  

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 and understanding among listeners. 

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 sure to subscribe and follow on social media to stay up to date and join the journey.