The Blue Tarp

Latest Episodes:

Season 2, Episode 2: Talkeetna Bachelor Auction Apr 03, 2021

Show notes

This is The Blue Tarp, stories from Alaska’s Northern Susitna Valley as told by those who lived them. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the event that has turned the darkest time of year into the biggest party for the last forty years, the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. Whether you’re an old-timer or a newcomer, there’s room under The Blue Tarp for everyone.

Support the show

Season 2, Episode 1: Wilderness Woman Contest Mar 20, 2021

Show notes

One of the more common questions visitors ask Talkeetna residents is what we do in the winter. We’re starting off our second season by answering part of that question. The first Saturday in December is typically bustling on Talkeetna’s Main Street for the Wilderness Woman Contest.

Support the show

Season 2 Teaser Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

The Blue Tarp is back for season two! Our first episode is going up Saturday, March 20th, 2021. This time, we're covering events around the Susitna Valley both past and present. We do still have some sponsorship opportunities available for this season, so if you want to help us continue to make The Blue Tarp, you can head to KTNA.org.

Support the show

The Blue Tarp 2020 Christmas Special Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

This episode of The Blue Tarp is our second seasonal special. The Editorial Board and KTNA staff have started working on season two of the show, which we will be bringing to you in 2021. For today, we’re taking a look at the holiday season in the Northern Susitna Valley. You’ll hear from folks that were featured in Season One of The Blue Tarp as well as some new voices and tape from KTNA’s archives.

Support the show

2020 Halloween Special Oct 31, 2020

Show notes

This is The Blue Tarp, stories from Alaska's Northern Susitna Valley as told by those who lived them. Today, we have a special episode for you just in time for Halloween! In this episode, we hear a few ghost stories from around the Northern Susitna Valley. Some of the stories appeared in previous episodes, and some were exhumed from our archives.

Support the show

Season 1, Episode 8: Bucket of Blood and Belle Macdonald Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

This is the Blue Tarp, stories of Alaska’s Susitna Valley as told by those who lived them. Join us today as we wrap up our first season with two buildings that used to form part of daily life for many in Downtown Talkeetna, but today have been lost to time. Whether you’re an old timer or a newcomer, there’s room under the Blue Tarp for everyone.

Unlike last episode, where our journey back in time also took us west across the Susitna River, today we stay on Main Street in Talkeetna. The first location we’ll be visiting that’s no longer around would have been on your left as you walk down the street toward the river, near where B Street leads to the Walter Harper Talkeetna Ranger Station. Once, a place that locals referred to as “The Bucket of Blood” stood there.

Support the show

Season 1, Episode 7: Cabins Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

Thus far in season one, we’ve been focusing on single places like iconic roadhouses, ghost towns, and the old school house. Today, we change things up a little bit and take a tour of some the humble yet vital cabins that sheltered miners and trappers in the area, many of which still stand today. Our tour won’t quite be a road trip, as some cabins aren’t on a road, but we’ll get there. Just remember that when you pass a cabin in the Northern Susitna Valley, there’s guaranteed to be a story inside.

Support the show

Season 1, Episode 6: The Forks Roadhouse Aug 22, 2020

Show notes

Thus far, most of our stories have centered on historic places in Talkeetna. Today, we head across the river, past Trapper Creek, and toward the Petersville mining district, where we find the Forks Roadhouse miles away from any paved roads. Built in the early 1930s, the roadhouse has been a vital place to find shelter and supplies for those who mine and trap in the area. It has been home to pies made from bear fat, famous holiday gatherings, and has literally risen from the ashes in recent years. Most of our stories today will come from two siblings, Eric Poole and Ginger Jones. The Forks Roadhouse has played a major role in both of their lives since their childhood. Join us as we visit the Forks Roadhouse.

Support the show

Season 1, Episode 5: Curry Aug 08, 2020

Show notes

Today, we’re headed to Curry, a place “up the tracks” from Talkeetna that has been the site of a luxury hotel, a thriving small town, and many homesteaders. Today, only the barest remains of its former glory poke through the forest along the tracks and the river. Join us as we head up the tracks and back in time. Whether you’re an old timer or a newcomer, there’s room under The Blue Tarp for everyone.

Support the show

Season 1, Episode 4: Nagley's General Store Mar 07, 2020

Show notes

This is the Blue Tarp, sharing the stories of the Northern Susitna Valley as told by those who lived them. Whether you’re an old-timer or a newcomer, there’s room under the Blue Tarp for everyone. Today, we’re visiting one of the first buildings you see as you turn onto Talkeetna’s Main Street, Nagley’s General Store. Since it was built, the store has had two names, multiple owners, and at least a handful of cat residents.

Support the show

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected