The Must Read Alaska Show

In this episode, the conversation centered on the launch of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, set to open in 2026. The guest, Headmaster Sarah Spaulding, explained the school’s mission to bring classical education to Alaska and described how the model emphasizes forming both intellect and character. The discussion highlighted what sets classical education apart: its grounding in the seven liberal arts, its reliance on teacher-led classrooms, and its emphasis on virtue, truth, and beauty. Spaulding explained that the school is supported by Hillsdale College’s K–12 Education Office, which provides training and curriculum guidance, while the school itself remains locally governed and tuition-funded. Listeners also heard about practical details, including the timeline for opening, the application process starting in October 2025, and the plan to begin with 120 students in kindergarten through sixth grade before expanding into a full K–12 program. Spaulding described how extracurricular activities will grow with enrollment and emphasized the school’s commitment to keeping tuition accessible with financial aid options. A portion of the conversation explored the history of Thomas More, the school’s namesake, and how his devotion to education, integrity, and faith mirrors the school’s mission. The episode closed with encouragement for Anchorage families to learn more, visit the school’s website, and consider whether classical education is the right fit for their children.

After the shocking loss of Charlie Kirk, Ben Carpenter explores what this moment means—and why it could define an entire generation.

Thought the teachers union was your only option? Think again. In this Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter is joined by Kenai teacher Kim Bates, Anchorage teacher Aimee Sims, and Garry Sigle, Central Region Director for the Association of American Educators (AAE), to unpack what AAE is, who it serves, and how it stacks up against NEA-Alaska. If you’ve never heard of AAE, you’re not alone. While NEA-Alaska dues can run over $1,400 a year, AAE membership costs just $19.50 a month—about $234 a year. That’s a savings of more than $1,100 annually—money that stays in your pocket while still giving you day-one legal protection and $2 million in professional liability coverage, double what NEA provides. And because AAE is non-union and non-partisan, your dues go entirely to supporting you as a professional—not to political campaigns. You stay covered under your district’s negotiated contract, but without paying union prices. You’ll also hear how substitutes, paras, bus drivers, and other W-2 school employees can join AAE (with a low-cost option for retirees), and why—after the 2018 Janus v. AFSCME decision—membership is a choice, not a condition of employment. If you want options that align with your values and your wallet, this energetic conversation is your roadmap.

Is Alaska’s grand jury still the people’s tool for oversight, or has it become another lever of government control? In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter presses Attorney General Treg Taylor on the Supreme Court’s controversial move to make him the “gatekeeper” for public access to grand juries. Taylor defends new procedures, acknowledges constitutional concerns, and reveals why he intends to be a “poor gatekeeper” in order to restore public trust. Together, Carpenter and Taylor debate the balance between secrecy and transparency, the risk of runaway grand juries versus weaponized complaints, and whether only a constitutional amendment can guarantee Alaskans’ right to use the grand jury to root out corruption. This hard-hitting conversation digs into whether the state’s justice system protects the people — or itself.

Alaska State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Shelley Hughes joins Ben Carpenter to share her remarkable journey from rural Alaska in the ’70s to the state legislature. She outlines her vision for fiscal reform, energy development, and protecting the PFD, while drawing on decades of experience across Alaska’s regions. Known for working across party lines without compromising her conservative principles, Hughes offers a grassroots, no-nonsense approach to leadership and governance.

In this eye-opening episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with forensic journalist and author David Ignell for a deep dive into the constitutional role of grand juries in Alaska—and how that role is being undermined by the Department of Law and the judiciary. At the heart of their conversation is the case of former Ketchikan Police Chief Jeffrey Walls, who was targeted with felony charges by three different prosecutors across three grand juries in two different jurisdictions. Each attempt was thrown out by the court, culminating in a judge dismissing the third indictment with prejudice and expressing a loss of confidence in the Department of Law's integrity. Ignell draws on historical and legal precedent—from the English roots of grand juries to U.S. Supreme Court rulings—to argue that today’s grand juries are being deliberately disempowered. He shares insights from his 131-page book and first-hand accounts of how grand jurors, witnesses, and even foremen have been silenced or threatened when attempting to investigate government misconduct. This episode explores troubling patterns of institutional resistance to transparency, including a sealed grand jury report currently locked away in a judge’s desk and the state’s redefinition of "investigative grand juries" as a means to control outcomes. Carpenter and Ignell make the case for urgent reform—and potentially federal intervention—to restore the public’s trust in Alaska’s justice system.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show podcast, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Adam Hendrix, Anchorage native and world-renowned poker professional, to unpack his extraordinary journey to a sixth-place finish at the 2025 World Series of Poker Main Event—netting him a $1.9 million prize and recognition as Alaska’s all-time top tournament earner. Adam shares the intense mental and physical preparation behind the nine-day tournament, the evolving nature of professional poker—from napkin math to AI-based solvers—and how success in the game depends not just on theory, but also on reading people and adapting to unpredictable stress. He reveals how growing up in Alaska and early exposure to poker on ESPN sparked his passion, and discusses the role of family, discipline, and lifestyle in sustaining a career built on calculated risk. The conversation also explores his aspirations beyond the poker table, including a potential foray into fashion and entrepreneurship. Adam offers candid advice to aspiring players and voices concern over a pending federal tax policy that could undermine the future of professional poker. This wide-ranging conversation offers insight not just into the world of high-stakes competition, but into resilience, character, and the American entrepreneurial spirit.

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Phil Izon, the driving force behind the effort to repeal ranked choice voting (RCV) in Alaska during the 2024 election. Izon recounts the intensive grassroots campaign that gathered far more than the required signatures across 33 of Alaska’s 40 House districts, relying entirely on volunteers and innovative technology—without the use of paid signature gathering firms. He details the legal challenges that followed, including aggressive lawsuits led by political operatives that accused him and his campaign of fraud. These efforts resulted in significant financial and emotional strain, including six hours of deposition and substantial legal fees, although Izon ultimately prevailed in both Superior and Supreme Court decisions. The conversation exposes the intense opposition Izon faced from well-funded, out-of-state interests allegedly aligned with maintaining RCV, and highlights what he describes as political lawfare—legal intimidation designed to suppress citizen-led reform. Izon also critiques the lack of support from Alaska's Republican Party leadership and state officials, despite acknowledgment from national conservative circles. With $15 million spent to defend RCV and millions more invested in promoting it nationwide, Izon raises critical questions about who benefits from Alaska's election system and why. He closes by cautioning the new "Repeal Now" effort and emphasizing the importance of strategic collaboration, insider knowledge, and persistence in future repeal attempts. This episode offers a rare insider’s view into the mechanics of election reform efforts, the high stakes of ballot initiatives, and the personal toll such battles can exact.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter sits down with Lynn McCabe and Mikaela Emswiler, of the Repeal Now initiative, to explore the close, contentious fight to roll back ranked choice voting in Alaska. Together, they share firsthand accounts of signature-gathering on the ground, the fierce lawfare tactics deployed by outside interests, and the surprising challenges volunteers face—from strict chain-of-custody rules to ensuring every signer’s information matches the voter database. Lynn recounts the overwhelming public frustration with ranked choice voting and how just 743 votes decided Alaska’s fate last November. Michaela lays out why she sees RCV as a threat to election integrity, empowering dark-money groups and confusing everyday voters. You’ll learn: If you’re ready to make your voice heard, visit RepealNowAK.com, email repealnowalaska@gmail.com, or follow Repeal Now AK on Facebook and X. Every signature counts—help bring transparency back to Alaska’s elections.

In this in-depth episode, host Ben Carpenter tackles the long-anticipated and often controversial Alaska LNG pipeline project—offering listeners an insider’s look at recent developments and reasons for renewed optimism. Drawing from his attendance at the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, Carpenter presents a compelling overview of a conversation between Governor Mike Dunleavy and Brendan Duvall, CEO of Glenfarne, the private company now spearheading the project. The episode outlines Glenfarne's phased development plan for the pipeline, which includes: Duvall explains why the project is now seen as financially viable, citing advantages like lower shipping costs to Asia, abundant and cheap feed gas, engineering preparedness, and strong bipartisan political support. He also addresses concerns about cost overruns, emphasizing project finance discipline and extensive pre-construction planning to keep expenses under control. Listeners will hear insights into the project’s ambitious timeline, with a final investment decision (FID) on the pipeline expected by the end of 2025 and on the liquefaction plant by the end of 2026. Full construction is projected to begin in 2027, with gas delivery targeted for 2029 and LNG exports by 2031. Governor Dunleavy and Duvall also highlight the economic benefits for Alaska, including thousands of construction jobs and long-term energy security. Duvall closes with a high level of confidence in the project’s feasibility, backed by Glenfarne’s private capital commitment and global LNG experience. The show offers a mix of technical detail, political context, and economic promise, painting a picture of a transformative infrastructure project finally nearing reality after decades of stalled dreams.

In this episode, Must Read Alaska Show host Ben Carpenter delivers a robust, real-time debrief from the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy in Anchorage. Carpenter walks the audience through the key takeaways, the tone of the event, and the overarching vision shared by political and industry leaders, particularly from the Trump administration, about Alaska’s pivotal role in national energy policy, security, and economic revival. With hundreds of attendees from around the globe, the conference presented Alaska not as a remote outpost, but as a strategic energy powerhouse whose development is critical not only for the state but for national and global security. Carpenter closes the episode with a rallying cry for Alaskans to take ownership of their future:

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Bernadette Wilson of Repeal Now Alaska to discuss the second effort to overturn Alaska’s ranked choice voting (RCV) system. They begin by defining RCV—how it replaced traditional closed primaries with an open “jungle primary” advancing the top four candidates and then allowing voters to rank their top four choices in a multi-round count—and critiquing its complexity and disenfranchisement of voters. Wilson explains the legal and logistical steps required for repeal: gathering just under 35,000 valid signatures from at least 35 of Alaska’s 40 house districts and submitting them by mid-January 2026 to qualify for the 2026 election. She outlines the statewide network of regional signature gatherers, the need for financial contributions to cover mailing and reporting costs, and the importance of correctly matching petition signatures and addresses to voter registration records. The conversation closes with a call to action for listeners to visit Repeal Now Alaska’s website: repealnowak.com or Facebook page to sign the petition, volunteer as signature gatherers, and donate—even small amounts help cover the cost of mailing petition books. The episode underscores the coalition’s commitment to a clear, straightforward voting process and encourages Alaskans—and interested non-residents—to get involved.

In this engaging episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Congressman Nick Begich takes center stage to discuss the whirlwind first 100 days of the new Congress, offering a deep dive into the priorities shaping Alaska and the nation. Begich highlights the unprecedented pace of legislative action under Republican leadership, focusing on key achievements like the Lake and Riley Act, which strengthens immigration enforcement and empowers states to hold the federal government accountable. He outlines efforts to secure the southern border, curb the flow of illegal drugs, and prioritize American interests in trade and spending, all while exposing wasteful programs that have long burdened taxpayers. A significant portion of the conversation centers on the budget reconciliation process, which Begich sees as a golden opportunity for Alaska. He details plans to advance resource development, including expanding leasing in ANWR, unlocking potential in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and revitalizing the state’s mining and timber industries. These initiatives, he explains, are designed to generate revenue for both Alaska and the federal government, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on federal dollars. Begich also addresses the contentious issue of Alaska’s revenue split with the federal government, advocating for a return to the promised 90-10 split on new leases to bolster the state’s financial independence. Beyond Alaska-specific issues, Begich tackles broader national challenges, such as the ballooning $36 trillion national debt and the trillion-dollar annual interest payments that threaten fiscal stability. He emphasizes Republican resistance to tax hikes, instead favoring cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse, supported by the Department of Government Efficiency and the DOGE caucus. Begich also discusses Medicaid reform, proposing eligibility checks and work requirements to ensure the program serves those truly in need, while addressing the misuse of benefits by non-citizens. On healthcare costs, he points to long-term solutions like healthier food regulations and curbing pharmaceutical advertising to ease the burden on consumers. A particularly striking moment comes as Begich raises concerns about federal funds potentially looping back into the political sphere, citing examples of NGOs, straw donors, and dark money influencing elections. He stresses ongoing investigations to ensure transparency and legality in campaign financing, warning that unchecked interference could undermine democratic integrity. Throughout, Begich’s passion for Alaska shines through, as he champions policies to create jobs, ensure economic predictability, and empower young Alaskans to build their futures in the state. This episode captures a pivotal moment in national and Alaskan politics, with Begich working hard for Alaskans.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter and guest Randy Ruaro focus on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s (AIDEA) landmark court win in Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority v. Department of Interior, which declared the Biden administration’s cancellation of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) illegal, reinstating AIDEA’s leases and opening the door for development under the Trump administration. They discuss how this victory could unlock billions in state and federal revenue from ANWR’s vast oil reserves, while addressing ongoing challenges like federal permitting delays and environmental opposition that have hindered such projects. Beyond the court case, they explore AIDEA’s broader mission, rooted in Alaska’s constitutional mandate to develop resources for public benefit, which includes supporting both large-scale resource initiatives and small businesses. The conversation also touches on opportunities in critical minerals and other sectors, underscoring AIDEA’s role in driving sustainable economic growth and job creation for Alaskans while meeting global energy demands and national security priorities.

In this exciting episode of the "Must Read Alaska Show" podcast, host Ben Carpenter dives deep into Alaska's pension debate with Ryan Frost and Mariana Trujillo from the Reason Foundation. They break down the major issues surrounding Senate Bill 78 (SB 78), which proposes returning Alaska’s public pension system to a costly defined benefit plan. The discussion kicks off with a fast-paced explanation of the differences between defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) systems. While DB plans offer a fixed retirement income, they’ve become unsustainable for many states and companies. Alaska’s pension system, still $7 billion in debt, is a perfect example of why DB systems are risky and expensive. Frost and Trujillo slam the notion that SB 78 will boost public employee recruitment and retention, pointing out that Alaska’s public sector turnover is actually below the national average! They reveal that the proposed switch to a DB system would make retirement worse for most employees, despite adding billions in costs to the state. Rather than returning to an outdated, expensive pension model, they argue Alaska should focus on strengthening its current DC system, potentially improving it for police and fire workers, while avoiding a massive pension crisis. With SB 78’s sky-high costs, Alaska needs to think smarter—before it faces an even bigger financial headache. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about Alaska’s financial future!

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter—former legislator and combat veteran—moderates a deep dive into Alaska’s long-standing fiscal challenges with guests Senator Mike Shower and Representative Kevin McCabe. The conversation revolves around the state’s structural budget deficit, the volatility of oil revenues, and the erosion of the original intent behind the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Together, the lawmakers explore the urgent need for a comprehensive fiscal plan, including spending caps, government downsizing, and potential tax reforms. They caution against continued reliance on federal funds and the Permanent Fund, warning that a government unaccountable to its citizens threatens individual liberty. The episode is a candid, sometimes sobering, discussion on the lack of political will and leadership, the influence of public sector unions, and the uphill battle to re-engage Alaskans in the governance of their state.

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Donna Anderson, a retired educator and the Kenai Chapter Chair for Moms for Liberty, to discuss the pressing issues facing Alaska’s education system. With over 30 years of involvement in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District as a teacher, substitute, parent, and grandparent, Donna brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the conversation. She opens up about her decision to retire after 26 years of teaching, driven by frustration with inconsistent policies, questionable curriculum choices like Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), and a growing disconnect between district leadership and classroom realities. Now, as a leader in Moms for Liberty—a national organization dedicated to empowering parents and holding government accountable—Donna is channeling her passion into grassroots advocacy. She sheds light on overcrowded classrooms, controversial age-inappropriate content, and the district’s failure to address teacher burnout or conduct exit interviews to understand why educators and families are leaving. From her regular presence at school board meetings to her role in launching a statewide legislative committee, Donna explains how Moms for Liberty is mobilizing concerned parents, grandparents, and even dads across Alaska’s four chapters (Fairbanks, Mat-Su, Anchorage, and Kenai Peninsula) to demand transparency and better outcomes for students. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of curriculum rushed into implementation, the financial waste of unused materials, and the broader cultural and policy shifts needed to retain both students and teachers. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or citizen seeking solutions, this episode offers a candid look at the state of public education and a roadmap for getting involved. Contact Donna at moms4libertykpen@gmail.com or 907-252-7207 to join the effort, or visit momsforliberty.org to connect with a chapter near you and “find your people.”

In this compelling episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Sarah Vance, who represents District 6 out of Homer, for an in-depth look at the Alaska State Legislature’s current session. Recorded on March 3, 2025, this conversation unpacks the bills that have landed in House Finance—a key indicator of legislative priorities—45 days into the session. From the recently passed Railroad Corporation Financing bill to proposals like increased education funding, e-cigarette taxes, and defined benefits for public employees, Rep. Vance breaks down what’s moving and why. She highlights a recurring theme: a government-centric focus that seems to prioritize public sector interests over the needs of everyday Alaskans. Rep. Vance doesn’t shy away from tough questions, challenging the status quo of “business as usual” in Juneau. She critiques the lack of education policy reforms tied to the proposed $1,000 Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase, which could balloon the education budget by 43% over three years, and questions how Alaskans will foot the bill—potentially through a shrinking Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) or new taxes. With passion and clarity, she connects the dots between a stifled economy, social issues like domestic violence, and the need for a legislature that champions liberty and self-reliance over dependency on federal dollars or government expansion. Beyond the numbers, Vance shares her personal legislative efforts, including bills to combat human trafficking and obscene child sex material—measures aimed at real-world safety rather than government growth—though they remain stalled in committee. She urges Alaskans to stay engaged, emphasizing that public outcry is critical to driving reform, reducing waste, and refocusing the state on economic vitality and independence. Listeners will also hear her frustration with the lack of will to cut inefficiencies (like unfilled government positions) and her call for a mindset shift away from begging for federal handouts toward leveraging Alaska’s vast resources. Join Ben and Sarah for an authentic, no-holds-barred update from the heart of “Stinky Juneau,” peeling back the layers of the onion in a capital that’s hard to access and harder to influence. If you value this insider perspective, visit mustreadalaska.com to support the show and keep the lights on. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Alaska’s future!

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Alaska State Representative Will Stapp for an in-depth discussion on the pressing financial and legislative issues facing the state. At the heart of the conversation is House Bill 69, a controversial proposal to significantly increase education funding—without a clear plan to pay for it. Rep. Stapp explains the political maneuvering surrounding the bill, the challenges of balancing Alaska’s budget, and the broader implications for taxpayers. Beyond education, they explore the state’s looming fiscal cliff, the growing tension between spending and taxation, and the need for programmatic cuts to ensure responsible governance. Rep. Stapp also shares details on his efforts to repeal outdated government programs, his proposed constitutional amendment to cap spending based on private sector GDP, and even the grassroots push to designate an official state dinosaur. With candid insights and behind-the-scenes legislative updates, this episode is a must-listen for Alaskans wanting to understand where their tax dollars are going and what the future holds for the state's economy. Tune in for a deep dive into Alaska’s financial challenges, political dynamics, and a few surprises along the way!

In this episode of The Must Read Alaska Show, host John Quick sits down with Coach Stacy Segura of the Nikiski High School Volleyball Team to share their incredible journey to becoming the 3-A 2024 Alaska State Champions. A true Cinderella story, the team overcame early setbacks in the state tournament, clawing their way back from the loser bracket to face the 2-time defending state champions, Kenai High School. In a historic showdown, they defeated Kenai for the first time since 2019, sweeping them in four games to claim the title. Coach Segura reflects on her passion for volleyball, her path to becoming the varsity head coach, and the life lessons that fueled her team’s resilience and triumph. Packed with inspiration and advice for young athletes, this is a story of perseverance, grit, and teamwork you won’t want to miss.