Explore every episode of the podcast The YUKON Magazine
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| An update on the podcast | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:01:50 | |
It's been 10 months since the last episode. What happened to the podcast? Is it ever coming back? Finally, we return with some long-awaited news. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Moosic)) by Cows Go Moo: beefing up a new single | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:16:42 | |
They built their reputation playing live gigs around the North—from the Southeast Alaska State Fair, to the iconic 98 Hotel, to Folk on the Rocks. Next up, it’s opening for Tom Cochrane at his April 5 show in Whitehorse. But Cows Go Moo is no stranger to the studio, either. In May 2024, life took the band’s six teenage members down two highways (the Alaska and North Klondike) to their second recording session at Green Needle Records. In this episode, you’ll hear the Cows and hard workin’ producer Jim Holland workin’ hard to rock hard on a hard rock track that really works. Jim asked the band for everything but “more cowbell”… and they udderly delivered. The finished product is Cows Go Moo’s most recent self-composed single, “The Forgotten.” (You can call it “James Hetfield Takes a Bath with His Guitar and Amp,” if you prefer.) A story about Cows Go Moo also appears in the spring 2025 issue of The YUKON Magazine. The band was previously featured on this podcast in an separate April 2023 episode titled "Hard rock minors." MORE FROM THIS SERIES: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The gift of the sandwich* | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:31:51 | |
Meet one of the Yukon's biggest social media stars and learn about his unlikely claim to fame. Perfect listening for your turkey hangover. Featuring Yukon-bred TikToker Jonathan Ostrander, AKA Sandwich Dad. *Full disclosure: this is a blatant "re-gift" of an episode first published in March 2023. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Sourdough Mocktail | 18 Dec 2024 | 00:48:37 | |
A wild night on the town for a podcast Christmas party inspires producer Mark Koepke to create a non-alcoholic beverage that will put the Yukon on the map. It's his lovely, lovely gift to all the people of our fine territory. Come for the snow, sample a toe... Whether you're into Sourtoe Cocktails or Sourdough Mocktails, you can plan your visit to the Yukon at travelyukon.com. This episode is dedicated to Elliott Sack. LINKS YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Fiction)) by Nadine Sander-Green | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:23:10 | |
Remember when Premier Jakowsky wasn’t fooling anybody about his plans for the pristine wilderness of the Vista? Or the triumphant return of Dirty Bird to Whitehorse’s dining scene? Maybe, sort of? Former Whitehorse Star reporter Nadine Sander-Green adapted and fictionalized her personal experience in “Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit,” a coming-of-age novel set in the territory’s recent past. During a visit in late October, the Calgary-based author discusses her work and reads a sample for a live audience at Yukon University. MUSIC CREDITS MORE FROM THIS SERIES: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Fantail Five: reliving an epic ski trip on a historic route | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:44:20 | |
In March 2024, a gang of tough female characters set off on a seven-day ski trip from Log Cabin to Atlin, B.C., following the historic Fantail route. Along the way, the forest revealed traces of its storied past. Now, host Karen McColl and her pulk-slingin' trip-mates reunite to reflect on a trip that tested their limits, challenged their gear, and deepened their bond. Mentioned in this episode: Elder Wayne Carlick, featured in A Chilkat robe is going home. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The raven revisited | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:15:36 | |
At the mere hint that the iconic gold panner should make an exit, stage left, from the Yukon’s license plate, a lot of Yukoners seemed to go stark raven mad on the North of Ordinary Facebook page. We stuck our beak—trickster-like—into this non-issue… and suddenly turned it into a minor controversy. To clear the air, podcast co-producer Mark Koepke did a deep dive into his audio archives and put together this previously unscheduled minisode. It features a circa 2008 interview he did with the Whitehorse man who designed the much-debated raven plate. And for the record: it was NEVER intended to replace the beloved prospector. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Winter series | it's time to Manu up | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:20:03 | |
Yukon, North of Ordinary publisher Manu Keggenhoff drops in to discuss how the magazine’s popular photo essays come together. We also get our quarterly rundown on the latest issue from editor extraordinaire Amy Kenny. Plus, we highlight some of the stories we’ll be bringing you for the podcast’s winter series. We’ll even try—not for the first or last time—to draw your voice into future episodes. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| He's a real batass | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:38:09 | |
The story of how one determined Yukoner overcame his own ignorance, a skeptical wife, and countless winged (and fanged) adversaries to finally win a “bat-tle” for structural supremacy at a cottage on the Yukon’s Southern Lakes. Producer Mark Koepke joins host Karen McColl to take his verbal victory lap—and reveal a possible man crush on ‘80s movie star Michael Keaton. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Yukon Questionnaire w/ photojournalist Peter Mather | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:12:40 | |
Peter Mather knows better than most that there are more moose than people in the Yukon. The award-winning wildlife photographer candidly answers the "Yukon Questionnaire" and takes the opportunity to pump up other Yukon artists. In a previous episode, Peter toured us through the dark streets of Whitehorse to look for urban foxes and also speaks of camera trapping the "ice" bears of Klukshu. Check out Stalking foxes, talking bears. MORE FROM THIS SERIES: Know a Yukoner who could really nail the YQ? Send us your suggestions! CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Music)) by the august arrival | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:21:09 | |
“I love the Yukon so much,” says Whitehorse singer-songwriter Sara MacDonald, a.k.a. the august arrival. “I don’t think it necessarily informs the songs, but it’s definitely, like, the place where songs live.” At the insistence of our producer Mark Koepke, Sara discusses the personal and musical journey that ultimately led to Hillsides, her latest album produced by fellow Yukoner Jordy Walker. She then introduces the single “Whisper” for your listening pleasure. Want to hear more? Yes, you do. You’ll find links on the august arrival’s website. MORE FROM THIS SERIES: Learn more about the Yukon's arts scene and plan your visit at travelyukon.com. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The insatiable hunger of little brown bats* | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:29:28 | |
You probably won't see the little brown bat on any billboards promoting the Yukon. They aren't formidable like grizzly bears, majestic like caribou, or graceful like swans. But if you don't like mosquitos, they could be your best friend. Journalist Rhiannon Russell fills us in on the fascinating facts she learned about these tiny creatures for a story she wrote for The Yukon Magazine. *This episode was first published in November 2021 under the title "Bats with big appetites." CONNECT WITH US | |||
| A day in the life of a sled dog | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:24:23 | |
Tuxedo has black and white fur, blue eyes, and a sensitive side. He works hard and is rewarded with belly rubs, massages, and warm soup. But a day in the life of Tuxedo and his fellow Alaskan Huskies at Sky High Wilderness Ranch is more nuanced than that. Veteran musher Jocelyne LeBlanc takes us behind the scenes from daybreak to trail time and beyond for insights into the lives of these loveable working dogs. Planning to visit the Yukon in winter? Learn more about dog sledding and other activities at travelyukon.com. CREDITS YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Fall series | boats, bats, and badass ungulates | 02 Oct 2024 | 00:23:21 | |
Have you ever realized mid-challenge that you're not cut out for it? Amy Kenny, editor of Yukon, North of Ordinary magazine, shares her experience in the Yukon River Quest. We also hear about producer Mark Koepke's "bat tenants," and highlight the athletic endeavours of Dall's sheep and mountain goats through the photography of Sonny Parker, who has turned his passion for documenting wildlife into a compelling tool for conservation storytelling. Also mentioned in episode: Bats with big appetites. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| A bear encounter that began with a curious canter* | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:37:06 | |
When a bear starts running towards you, that's never a good thing. So began an uncomfortable standoff between three women on a backpacking trip and a grizzly bear. Host Karen McColl debriefs this encounter with Yukon Conservation Officer Dean McLean, who shares his bear safely insights. Take a listen, it could save your life. *This episode first aired in May 2023. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Yukon Questionnaire w/ comedian Steve McGovern | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:13:44 | |
Local funnyman Steve McGovern takes the “Yukon Questionnaire.” His current "down south" status, living in Vancouver, doesn't hold him back from sharing strong opinions about his northern hometown. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Hard Rock Minors: the story of youth band Cows Go Moo* | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:33:31 | |
Cows Go Moo might sound like child's play, but when they hit the stage it's anything but. While other Yukoners struggled to let off steam during the pandemic, six pre-teen musicians cranked their amps to 11, practiced like hell, and honed a set of classic covers and original bangers. Since their debut performance in March 2022, the band has experienced remarkable growth—several inches at least. This is the story of Cows Go Moo, produced by "father of a Cow" Mark Koepke. *This episode first aired in April 2023. This podcast is supported in part by Yukon Government, Department of Tourism and Culture. They’ll show you the Yukon of your dreams. travelyukon.com/better-day CONNECT WITH US | |||
| “Whoa, bear!” A close-up on the Yukon’s most famous instructional video | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:22:45 | |
If you spend time in the wilderness, you've probably seen "Staying safe in bear country." Thirty years ago, Tanya Handley bluffed her way into a job that required keeping her cool in the face of a charging bear (and on at least one occasion, bears, plural). The footage and resulting film is still used as an educational resource practically everywhere in the world there are bears. This is a glimpse behind the curtain of how the bear video was made. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Protecting Whitehorse from catastrophic wildfire* | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:29:15 | |
Recent years have seen devastating fires in Albert and B.C. The Whitehorse South Fuel Break is part of a plan to prevent a similar disaster in Whitehorse. It won't stop a fire in its tracks but it will help firefighters respond. Jennifer Sharp and Carl Cibart of Yukon Wildland Fire Management tell us how it works. *This episode first aired in May 2023. Some information may not be up to date. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Radio)) by JAM Live! | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:21:09 | |
Haines Junction resident Dieter Gade is passionate about preserving music, which is why he produces the long-running JAM Live! one-hour radio program, featuring beautifully mixed recordings of musical performances in and around the Yukon. This episode ends with a performance from one of Gade's favorite shows, with Bruce and Deb Bergman performing “The Desert” at the Village Bakery in 2014. Additional music clips from freesound.org under Creative Commons 0 license. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| This is (type 2) fun | 22 May 2024 | 00:28:15 | |
Are you really having a good time if there isn't some suffering involved? Paul Burbidge might not think so. The Yukoner likes to take adventure to the next level, often tackling long hikes and bikes in uncomfortably short timespans. Karen tours "the pit" in an effort to discover what makes Paul tick. Check out Paul’s website: pburbidge.exposure.co and read his story in the spring issue of Yukon, North of Ordinary magazine. All music by Freesound CCO. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Summer series | dog daze | 08 May 2024 | 00:28:53 | |
The snow's gone so we're calling this summer. That comes with music festivals, bears, and a quirky sport played with mallets you've likely never heard of. Also, deep questions about dog breeds and an effervescent photo worth a thousand words. Find out what's coming at you in the summer series and YNoO magazine. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Yukon Questionnaire w/ magazine editor Amy Kenny | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:13:34 | |
We took the “Yukon Questionnaire” to Amy Kenny, editor of Yukon, North of Ordinary magazine, and she almost blew us out of our chairs with her enthusiasm for a particular fast-food chain. She also explains why she couldn’t get this place (the Yukon, not the greasy spoon) out of her head after her first visit. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Hidden history revealed* | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:24:24 | |
It was unusual for people to bring children to the Klondike during the gold rush of 1898 but Black Americans Alonzo and Mattie Agee came with their five children. Once in the Yukon, they carved out a living cutting hair and prospecting. Researcher Peggy D'Orsay of the Hidden Histories Society Yukon tells us what she's learned about this enterprising family and what it tells us about the context of the time. *This episode first aired in February 2022. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Theatre)) by Larrikin Entertainment: Teenage Cult Leader captivates Atlin | 11 Apr 2024 | 00:22:38 | |
“I tried not to be a theatre producer once… and it didn’t work out well,” says artistic executive producer Katherine McCallum as her Larrikin Entertainment ensemble tours its latest show, Jenny Hamilton—Teenage Cult Leader, to the small community of Atlin, B.C. This leads into a recorded performance of a segment we’ll call “The Only Dyke in the Yukon,” featuring words by Jenny Hamilton and music by Ashley Robyn. Coarse language warning. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| These old houses: an ode to YXY’s former DPW homes | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:38:13 | |
Writer-producer Mark Koepke takes a deeper dive into Whitehorse’s “heritage homes"—yet another northern legacy of the federal government. It’s a subject that hits very close to home for many Yukoners, including Mark’s family, friends, and neighbours. CREDITS: The Canadian Army Newsreels from The War Amps CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The first great road trip of Greg Karais | 07 Mar 2024 | 00:16:59 | |
A young Greg Karais literally followed a bread crumb trail north and landed in Dawson City, Yukon, where he parlayed his first great road trip into North of Ordinary Media. A conversation with host Karen McColl in late 2023 hints at where Greg and his beloved four-wheeled sidekick will be headed in the coming months as our road-tested podcast correspondent. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Yukon Questionnaire w/ broadcaster Roch Shannon Fraser | 21 Feb 2024 | 00:16:15 | |
Retired radio broadcaster Roch Shannon Fraser answers the inaugural audio version of our magazine’s long-running Yukon Questionnaire. He knows a prized caribou when he sees one and is among the few who know where the hell Rock River is. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Stalking foxes, talking bears with photojournalist Peter Mather | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:29:16 | |
Photojournalist Peter Mather tours us through the dark streets of Whitehorse to look for urban foxes. Meanwhile, he shares about another project close to his heart: camera trapping the "ice" bears of Klukshu, who stay up late into the fall to feed on the salmon run. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| ((Poetry)) by Peter Jickling | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:16:00 | |
"I haven't had a single poetic thought about the Yukon wilderness since I've been home," says Peter Jickling in his poem, "Overdue Epistemology," which he reads from a balcony during a mid-winter poetry crawl in Whitehorse. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Spring series | new year new podcast | 17 Jan 2024 | 00:21:32 | |
Yes, it's winter, but in this biz we're always planning ahead. Get ready for fresh sounds and approaches because we've made some changes to the podcast that we think you'll like. Meet our new producer, Mark Koepke, who believes the Yukon has an official smell, and Amy Kenny, the adventurous editor of our magazine who, for some crazy reason, signed up for a 700-km paddling race. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Amidst caribou on the Firth River | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
A paddling trip on the remote, rugged, and beautiful Firth river will always be memorable. Add caribou—a lot of caribou—to the setting and it's like nowhere else on earth. But seeing the majestic porcupine caribou herd involves some hiking, and that's an issue for Chris Carli. He likes whitewater paddling and even whitewater swimming, but he does not like hiking. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Replay: Not another gold-rush tour | 03 Jul 2023 | 00:27:09 | |
Replay*: What do you know about the Klondike Gold Rush? If you've been to Dawson City, you've probably heard about gold seekers and dance-hall girls. But what about the people displaced by greed and colonialism? Parks Canada is widening its lens and asking visitors to consider their own responsibility to reconciliation. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| I got a name: the murder of Krystal Senyk | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:34:54 | |
It's been more than 30 years since Krystal Senyk was shot and killed at her home outside Carcross and Ronald Bax, her accused killer and the estranged husband of a friend, disappeared into the wilderness. In "I got a name," author Eliza Robertson tells Krystal's story, digs into why protection wasn't provided when Krystal asked for it, and shows how prevalent gender-based violence continues to be. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The coolest hair on Earth | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:28:56 | |
What does it take to have the coolest hair on Earth? A hair-freezing contest, for starters. But as Karen McColl quickly learns, it’s not just about frigid temperatures—it takes patience, strategy, and maybe even a little discomfort. Armed with insider tips from two-time champion Nanae Takano, Karen and her friend Shannon head to the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, confident they can sculpt their way to victory and claim the world's coolest hair. But will their frozen-hair dreams hold strong—or thaw before the finish line? Looking more information about the hot springs or ideas for other winter activities? Head to travelyukon.com. CREDITS: YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| From Ross River to Red Carpet with Kaska Dena Designs | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:35:00 | |
The runways of Paris and New York are a long way from Ross River, Yukon, where Natasha Peter grew up. But that didn't stop her from making lofty goals of where she wanted to see her handcrafted fashion and jewellery on display. The creator behind Kaska Dena designs says her culture is a key element in her inspiration and success. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| A bear encounter that began with a "curious canter" | 22 May 2023 | 00:37:04 | |
When a bear starts running towards you, that's never a good thing. So began an uncomfortable standoff between three women on a backpacking trip and a grizzly bear. Karen debriefs this encounter with Yukon Conservation Officer Dean McLean, who shares his bear safely insights. Take a listen, it could save your life. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Protecting Whitehorse from catastrophic wildfire | 08 May 2023 | 00:32:05 | |
Recent years have seen devastating fires in Albert and B.C. The Whitehorse South Fuel Break is part of a plan to prevent a similar disaster in Whitehorse. It won't stop a fire in its tracks but it will help firefighters respond. Jennifer Sharp and Carl Cibart of Yukon Wildland Fire Management tell us how it works. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Hard rock minors: the story of youth band Cows Go Moo | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:34:41 | |
Cows Go Moo might sound like child's play, but when they hit the stage it's anything but. While other Yukoners struggled to let off steam during the pandemic, six pre-teen musicians cranked their amps to 11, practiced like hell, and honed a set of classic covers and original bangers. Since their debut performance in March 2022, the band has experienced remarkable growth—several inches at least. This is the story of Cows Go Moo, guest produced by "father of a Moo" Mark Koepke. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| When you live at the Arctic Circle and work in hurricane alley | 10 Apr 2023 | 00:32:31 | |
Cathy Brais lives at Eagle Plains, kilometre 370 of the Dempster Highway, just shy of the Arctic Circle. Her job as a highway foreperson often takes her into an infamous stretch of road known as "hurricane alley." What's it like living and working on one of the loneliest stretches of highway in the world? Cathy says a place is what you make it. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| It's Harlequin-romance hot up here | 27 Mar 2023 | 00:23:27 | |
Whitehorse journalist Haley Ritchie was curious why so many romance books are set in the North. What is it about the cold and dark that get the heart beating quicker? She unpacks three novels set in Alaska and Yukon. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Demystifying TikToker Sandwich Dad | 13 Mar 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
What does it take to make a good sandwich and a good video about making a good sandwiches? We ask Yukon-bred (pun intended) TikToker Jonathan Ostrander, AKA Sandwich Dad, and take a deep dive into the synergy created when various combinations of fillings and condiments are slapped between two pieces of bread. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The (river) breakup season | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:33:23 | |
Each spring, northern rivers go from solid ice to flowing water. In the best-case scenario this process goes smoothly, but if ice jams form there could be trouble. That's why Holly Goulding keeps a close eye on conditions year round. The Yukon government hydrologist knows how ice, water, snow, and temperatures combine to create the perfect melt or flood conditions. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| A Chilkat robe is going home | 13 Feb 2023 | 00:28:36 | |
The homecoming of a beautifully woven 19th-century Chilkat robe is cause for celebration and consideration for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in Atlin, B.C. Why did they have to spend thousands of dollars to repatriate one of their own artefacts? Elder and carver Wayne Carlick explains how they bought the robe and what comes next. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| She will bike (and push) 430 miles | 30 Jan 2023 | 00:35:15 | |
Spending 12 days alone in the wilderness in the depths of winter might seem crazy, but Jessie Gladish keeps going back for more. In previous years, she skied and walked the 430-mile (688-km) Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra between Whitehorse and Dawson City. This year, though, her biggest challenge yet: to complete the race by fat bike. Trail conditions will dictate how much riding she is able to do, versus pushing her bike through the snow as a glorified luggage cart. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The Yukon Questionnaire w/ "beer-hikers" Marko & Meghan Marjanovic | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:21:53 | |
“Our two passions in life,” says Winterlong Brewing co-owner Marko Marjanovic, “are hiking and beer. So, we created a lifestyle for ourselves in both hiking and beer-making. It’s a perfect match.” For our second two-for-one Yukon Questionnaire, Marko and his partner-in-all-things, Meghan, combine forces to trek through our not entirely sober line of inquiry about life in the Yukon. We think they sound pretty good. Maybe as good as truckstop poetry. Crack a tall boy and have a listen. MORE FROM OUR YQ SERIES: CONNECT WITH US | |||
| The ice swimmers | 16 Jan 2023 | 00:30:06 | |
Cold therapy is all the rage right now. Karen meets up with Valerie, who "dips" regularly in a pool chopped out of lake ice, to get the lowdown on how it works and why she and many others do this. Then, Valerie coaches Karen through her first dip. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Lessons from the Dempster* | 02 Jan 2023 | 00:34:29 | |
Melanie Bennett grew up at Engineer Creek, 200 km up the Dempster Highway, when the road was being built. There were few neighbours of the human variety but the surrounding wilderness was her playground and schoolroom. That upbringing helps her maintain "one foot on the land" in her role as an educator. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Off-grid luxe* | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:36:49 | |
When Manu Keggenhoff moved from Germany to a tiny cabin outside Atlin, B.C., 15 years ago, she didn’t have running water or any of the fancy stuff. Manu, also the art director of YNoO magazine, shares about cabin life, cabin fever, and best of all—outhouses. *This episode first aired in in December 2021. CONNECT WITH US | |||
| Yukon drag—more than just a song and dance | 05 Dec 2022 | 00:32:10 | |
For drag performer Andy Pee, there's no better high than sharing their true expression of gender on stage and having it celebrated by a room full of cheering people. Andy, AKA Andyboy, tells us how the scene up here differs from mainstream perceptions about drag. CONNECT WITH US | |||