Hello Alaska with Matt and Pat

About Hello Alaska with Matt and Pat

Matt Buxton and Pat Race talk Alaska: what's working, what isn't, and what they think Alaska should do about it

Publisher

The Alaska Current Audio

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Apr 2026

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Oct 2026

   015 - Crooked Nails

   We're in the final sprint to the November election, and things are getting a little loopy in Alaska. Matt and Pat break down the New York Times' story about Mary Peltola, and what they've heard and how it is—or isn't—shaking up the race. Then they take a look at the Republican side of the ticket, where some candidates are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Related Links Angry Outbursts, Slurs and Firings: Tumult Rocks a Key Senate Campaign (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/us/politics/mary-peltola-alaska-senate-race.html) A New York Times article claimed hostility by Mary Peltola. Will it affect Alaska’s Senate race? (https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/25/a-new-york-times-article-claimed-hostility-by-mary-peltola-will-it-affect-alaskas-senate-race/) Poll: Alaskans were turning on Donald Trump before gas prices got out of control (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/10/01/alaska-donald-trump-polling/) Not so fast. South Korea says Trump’s AKLNG announcement isn’t a done deal (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/10/01/alaska-donald-trump-pipeline/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing z (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

2. 

   11 Sept 2026

   014 - Final Four

   Matt and Pat work through yet another round of drama in Alaska's race for governor, discussing whether Treg Taylor got special treatment by getting back into the race despite intentionally ignoring the state's disclosure laws. Then the guys get into the Alaska Republicans' long-simmering infighting, and how it's being tested this year. Related Links When will Alaska’s statewide candidates debate? Here’s a list of events. (https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/09/when-will-alaskas-statewide-candidates-debate-heres-a-list-of-events/) Treg Taylor’s back on the ballot for governor (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/09/08/treg-taylors-back-on-the-ballot-for-governor-you-wont-believe-why/) Republicans at odds over whether voters should ‘rank the red’ in Alaska governor’s race (https://www.adn.com/politics/2026/09/04/bernadette-wilson-says-republicans-should-not-rank-the-red-in-alaska-governors-race/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing z (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

3. 

   4 Sept 2026

   013 - The Big Shuffle

   The dust has settled on Alaska's primary election. Matt and Pat break it down: the surprises, what they learned, and what the path to November looks like. They also talk about the role the state's open primary system played—or didn't play—in some last-minute drama. Then Pat reflects on one of Alaska's most formative political events: The VECO scandal, which turned 20 this week. Related Links Alaska’s governor’s race pits a Democrat against 3 Republicans (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/09/01/alaskas-governors-race-pits-a-democrat-against-3-republicans/) Last-day shakeup in Alaska’s race for governor puts disqualified candidate’s wife on the ballot (https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/08/31/last-day-shakeup-in-alaskas-race-for-governor-puts-disqualified-candidates-wife-on-the-ballot/) Democratic withdrawals leave some Alaskans questioning the point of ranked choice voting (https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/2026-09-02/democratic-withdrawals-leave-some-alaskans-questioning-the-point-of-ranked-choice-voting) Blast from the Past: Alaska Robotics' 2007 "Buy Back Alaska"  (https://youtu.be/2e1DDGSD4DM?si=4tPb8CrHKJxZ3u2e) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing z (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

4. 

   21 Aug 2026

   012 - Primary Pizza

   Matt and Pat break down the results from Alaska's August 16 primary election, from Mary Peltola's stand-out performance in the US Senate race to the races for US House, Governor and the state legislature, and what it all. might mean for November. They also touch on the news that, once again, Alaskans living in rural communities ran into roadblocks with voting. Related Links Alaskans vote to end unlimited political spending, rebuking Dunleavy’s veto (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/08/21/alaskans-vote-to-end-unlimited-political-spending-rebuking-dunleavys-veto/) Mary Peltola finishes ahead of GOP US Sen. Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s Senate primary (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/08/19/mary-peltola-finishes-ahead-of-gop-us-sen-dan-sullivan-in-alaskas-senate-primary/) Some rural Alaska polling stations opened late on election day, a sign of continuing problems (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/08/19/some-rural-alaska-polling-stations-opened-late-on-election-day-a-sign-of-continuing-problems/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing z (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

5. 

   15 Aug 2026

   011 - APOC ROCK

   Ahead of Alaska's Aug. 18 primary election, Matt and Pat dig into the final slate of fundraising numbers for the 17-way race for governor, talk some of the strategy around voting in the open primary and even dare to make a couple of predictions for how voting will shake out next week. Matt also shares a story from his return to reporting in the field. Related Links Alaska Voter Information Lookup (https://myvoterportal.alaska.gov/) Matt's somewhat usable campaign data spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1g15KPxZUTz4so3yI8AhirK8lzP5kCqL5b0ok2sD_5zI/edit?usp=sharing) Begich counterprotest gets tense (finger-gun incident) (https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6juwxj-Kq/?hl=en) The anti-Bernadette Wilson ad being run by Republicans (https://www.facebook.com/thealaskalandmine/videos/the-gloves-are-off-this-new-attack-ad-from-a-group-called-conservative-alaska-ch/2612123445908812/) Elon Musk spends $1.5 million in bid to repeal Alaska’s RCV and dark money laws (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/08/10/elon-musk-spends-1-5-million-in-bid-to-repeal-alaskas-rcv-and-dark-money-laws/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

6. 

   8 Aug 2026

   010 - The Purge

   Are you registered to vote? Well, if you became a citizen sometime in the last eight years, it's probably worth checking. Matt and Pat break down the Division of Election's nonsensical voter purge, executed with admittedly "old data," and they talk about bigger issues around how this year's election is being run. They also talk about the money in this year's races. Related Links Alaska Voter Information Lookup (https://myvoterportal.alaska.gov/) Without campaign finance limits, deep pockets have dominated political spending in Alaska. Voters can change that. (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/08/04/without-campaign-finance-limits-deep-pockets-have-dominated-political-spending-in-alaska-voters-can-change-that/) 2026 Alaska voter guide: Compare the candidates in the primary election (https://www.adn.com/politics/2026/08/03/2026-alaska-voter-guide-compare-the-candidates-in-the-primary-election/) Elections director refuses to restore Alaska voters to rolls despite call from lawmakers (https://www.adn.com/politics/2026/08/03/elections-director-refuses-to-restore-alaska-voters-to-rolls-despite-call-from-lawmakers/) Markwayne Mullin says there are 250k non-citizen voters (https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5906708) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

7. 

   27 Jul 2026

   009 - APOC-alypse

   It's the most wonderful time of the year! Matt and Pat dive into the first good look at how the fundraising race for Alaska's sprawling gubernatorial race is shaping up. Who raised the most? Who's gaining steam and who's petering out? And, importantly, who bought the most candy for parades? Meanwhile, the AKLNG project is really wrapped around the axle. Related Links Hill will get a head-to-head with Begich after Schultz’s exit, as GOP banks on stoking division (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/07/22/hill-will-get-a-head-to-head-with-begich-after-schultzs-exit-but-will-progressives-rally/) The report Pat referenced about tidal energy in Cook Inlet (https://docs.nlr.gov/docs/fy24osti/85943.pdf) JKT reports big haul heading into governor’s race primary (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/07/22/jkt-reports-big-haul-heading-into-governors-race-primary/) Republican PAC WinRed misleads US consumers into recurring donations (https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/7/31/republican-pac-winred-misleads-us-consumers-into-recurring-donations) Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy sets state record for most vetoes in a single Legislature (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/07/13/alaska-gov-mike-dunleavy-sets-state-record-for-most-vetoes-in-a-single-legislature/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

8. 

   11 Jul 2026

   008 - Feelin' Fourthy

   Pat returns from an awesome Southeast Alaska kayak trip with a bit of history and a lot about hand-made kayaks, and Matt has plenty of updates for all the latest in Alaska's political world. Then they get into the Fourth of July, what you can divine from parade attendance, the upcoming election cycle and a celebration of our foundational rights. Related Links Christian Nationalist lawmaker gets a slap on the wrist for threatening paper over Charlie Kirk coverage. She says she’s being silenced. (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/07/08/christian-nationalist-lawmaker-gets-a-slap-on-the-wrist-for-threatening-paper-over-charlie-kirk-coverage-she-says-shes-being-silenced/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

9. 

   24 Jun 2026

   007 - Awards Show

   Roll out the red carpet, the 2026 Noble and Not-so-Noble Legislative Session Awards show is here! Who’s the Best Senator in a Leading Role? The bill Most Likely to Succeed? The legislator Most Likely to Secede? The Biggest Pipeline Pig? But first, we gotta talk more about this whole fast-evolving Dans Sullivan situation — and bring in a special guest who knows a thing or two about history repeating itself, Alaska historian David Reamer. Related Links Challenger with same name as Alaska US Sen. Dan Sullivan sues to stay on ballot (https://apnews.com/article/alaska-senate-dan-sullivan-ballot-election-2026-b5f26648cf9d3d67e9a497276a6e322b) Matt's Dans Sullivan explainer (https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZv_7HigSSK/) David Reamer's socials (https://www.instagram.com/anc_historian/?hl=en) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

10. 

    13 Jun 2026

    006 - Gov Race VIBES

    The filing deadline for governor has passed, and a sprawling slate of 17 candidates is off in the race to be Alaska's next governor. Never one to do things by the book, Matt shares a very video game-y primer on the field based on his very scientific system of the Votable Index Based Entirely on Science (AKA VIBES). Pat has thoughts, but luckily the VIBES tiers list is a living document. The guys also talk about the Dan Sullivan dust-up and set up a proper way to cap off the legislative session. (4:31) Intro to Matt’s Votable Index Based Entirely on Science (VIBES) (8:04) Did Not Finish: Nancy Dahlstrom (R) (8:39) D-Tier: Destry Payne (I), James Parkin (R), and Hank Kroll (R) (10:32) C-Tier: Bill Walker (I), Lesil McGuire (R), Matt Claman (D), Shelley Hughes (R), Adam Crum (R), Edna Devries (R) (20:37) B-Tier: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D), Treg Taylor (R), Meda Dewitt (I), Matt Heilala (R) (31:25) A-Tier: Click Bishop (R), Dave Bronson (R) (36:45) S-Tier: Tom Begich (D), Bernadette Wilson (R) (50:10) Other Election Updates: Two Dan Sullivans VOTE! Click here (https://forms.gle/yS76ed5PQrL4d6FM8) to vote on the 2026 Noble and Not-so-Noble Legislative Session Awards. Voting closes midnight June 18! Related Links Governor VIBES: Matt Buxton’s definitive way-too-early tier list of Alaska’s candidates for governor (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/06/04/matt-buxtons-definitive-way-too-early-tier-list-of-alaskas-candidates-for-governor/) AKLNG update: AKLNG’s proposed gas contract highlights the project’s underlying challenge: There just aren’t that many Alaskans (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/06/05/aklngs-proposed-gas-contract-highlights-the-projects-underlying-challenge-there-just-arent-that-many-alaskans/) Tier Zoo: The Dog Tier List (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE3La8u5bnw) Surfing on St. Paul and St. George: A Surf Trip to a Remote Island in Alaska's Deadly Bering Sea (https://youtu.be/brgUmtcsRbQ?si=ap7qHJMouor6DZ91) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

11. 

    29 May 2026

    005 - Pig in a Poke

    The session wrapped up last week, but what really happened? What passed? What failed? Matt and Pat explore the tricky task of following the final sprint through the lens of Matt's favorite time-waster: fantasy football. Meanwhile, the special session on the AKLNG pipeline is underway, and now that legislators are getting a better look at the project, they're not thrilled with what they're finding. Related Articles Solar power could soon be cheaper than natural gas power in Anchorage (https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/solar-power-expected-to-soon-be-cheaper-than-natural-gas-power-in-anchorage/) Dunleavy's latest vetoes are a reminder that a lot will have to wait for a new governor (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/05/27/dunleavys-latest-vetoes-are-a-reminder-that-a-lot-will-have-to-wait-for-a-new-governor/) Following bruising last-minute push for AKLNG subsidy, legislators slow it down for the special session (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/05/23/following-bruising-last-minute-push-for-aklng-subsidy-legislators-slow-it-down-for-the-special-session/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

12. 

    16 May 2026

    004 - What the Heck is Going ON?

    Description The final days of Alaska's legislative session -- the time when things are most critical -- also happen to be when everyone is emerging from hibernation to recreate ... and host comic conventions. In this episode, Matt has an update for Pat on what's been happening with the session's final sprint, as well as an explainer on the AKLNG project that the governor is trying to get through under the buzzer. Related Articles ‘We’re trying.’ Legislators warn AKLNG project may be too large a lift for session’s final days (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/05/13/were-trying-legislators-warn-aklng-project-may-be-too-large-a-lift-for-sessions-final-days/) Amid shifting enrollment, House OKs bill to smooth funding roller coaster (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/05/13/amid-shifting-enrollment-house-oks-bill-to-smooth-funding-roller-coaster/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

13. 

    1 May 2026

    003 - Home Economics

    Description How often have you heard that the state's budget problems are simple? Just treat it like a household budget and tighten your belt! Run it like a business! In this episode, Matt and Pat get into the nitty-gritty of budget metaphors to understand where they're helpful and where they're not. Articles we mentioned Alaska House votes to ban Styrofoam food containers as most Republicans flip their lid (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/04/22/alaska-house-votes-to-ban-styrofoam-food-containers-as-most-republicans-throw-a-fit/) Former Alaska legislator tries to revive lawsuit against airline for pandemic-era banning (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/04/27/former-alaska-legislator-tries-to-revive-lawsuit-against-airline-for-pandemic-era-banning/)Public pension bill clears Senate, marking the first time it’s cleared both chambers (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/04/29/public-pension-bill-clears-senate-marking-the-first-time-its-cleared-both-chambers/) The Citizen's Guide to the Alaska Constitution (https://akleg.gov/docs/pdf/citizens_guide.pdf) Matt's award-winning column on education systems (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2025/03/05/dunleavys-two-tier-education-system-is-based-on-shoddy-evidence/) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

14. 

    17 Apr 2026

    002 - The Fiscal Hill

    Description Matt and Pat dive into budget amendments and peek over the edge of the fiscal cliff. Related Article ⁠SNAP work requirements don’t boost jobs, but drop participation, research finds (https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/04/14/repub/snap-work-requirements-dont-boost-jobs-but-drop-participation-research-finds/) Pat’s Video ⁠The Alaska Permanent Fund & State Fiscal Crisis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vd6ceC3mg8) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) by Marian Call. Thanks for listening!

15. 

    3 Apr 2026

    001 - Hello Again

    Matt and Pat talk about their connections to Alaska and why they stick around. Related Articles Opinion: We were honored as Alaska Teachers of the Year. Now we can no longer stay (https://www.adn.com/opinions/2026/02/26/opinion-alaska-is-losing-its-best-teachers-and-its-no-accident/⁠) Murkowski’s thrilled about drilling under Trump, everything else not so much (https://thealaskacurrent.com/2026/04/01/murkowskis-thrilled-about-drilling-under-trump-everything-else-not-so-much/) Here’s that Scranton article (https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/535403770/) and Dave Reamer's post about it (https://bsky.app/profile/anchistorian.bsky.social/post/3mic7aaymxs24) Contact Info If you've got something you want to share, you can leave us a message by dialing FIND-A-PIZZA (that's 346-327-4992) or you can email us at heyguys@helloalaska.pizza (mailto:heyguys@helloalaska.pizza) Credits Hello Alaska with Matt & Pat is an Alaska Current podcast. This show was edited by Dave Waldron and our theme music is from I Wish I Were a Real Alaskan Girl by Marian Call. (https://mariancall.bandcamp.com/track/i-wish-i-were-a-real-alaskan-girl-2) Thanks for listening!

16. 

    1 Apr 2026

    Introducing 'Hello Alaska with Matt and Pat'

    This is a podcast about Alaska, brought to you by two guys who love it. We'll talk about what's working, what isn't, and a whole lot of other things. Thanks for listening!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Contact Hello Alaska with Matt and Pat

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.