From France to Sweden: Elsa and Frédéric Borgey on Building a Championship Sled Dog Kennel from Mushing Jul 28, 2026 27 min
What does it take to relocate an entire sled dog kennel across Europe in pursuit of better snow, better trails, and a better future for your dogs? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow welcome Elsa and Frédéric Borgey, a team from one of Europe's most respected mushing teams. The couple shares their journey from France to Swedish Lapland, where they now train approximately 50 sled dogs while balancing international racing, breeding, tourism, and family life. Frédéric discusses his decades leading the French Federation of Sled Dogs, why climate change and shrinking snow conditions forced their move north, and how he and Elsa divide responsibilities within their kennel. Elsa shares her success in La Grande Odyssée, their focus on mid-distance racing, and what it takes to prepare elite dogs for competition. We also explore their unique kennel philosophy, from developing young prospects to caring for retired veterans, along with their training methods, breeding program, and introducing newcomers to the sport through immersive mushing experiences in Lapland. Whether you're interested in European sled dog racing, kennel management, or learning from two lifelong mushers dedicated to their dogs, this episode offers an inside look at one of the sport's most respected teams. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Jo Svenstad on Building a Championship Team, Bloodlines, and the Future of European Sprint Mushing from Mushing Jul 11, 2026 23 min
After more than four decades in sled dog racing, Norwegian musher Jo Svenstad has returned to the top of European sprint mushing. In this episode, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with Jo to discuss his remarkable comeback, his carefully preserved Alaskan bloodlines, and the breeding philosophy that helped him capture the Scandinavian Championship. Jo explains how a trip to Alaska in 1989 shaped his kennel for generations, why he believes successful breeding starts by looking outside your own kennel, and how he balances genetics, movement, nutrition, and training to develop elite racing dogs. He also discusses the current state of open-class racing in Scandinavia, preparing young teams for championship competition, and his goals for the upcoming World Championships. Whether you're interested in sprint racing, breeding, conditioning, or the history connecting Alaska and Scandinavia, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of Europe's most respected mushers. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Buddy Streeper on Winning the Fur Rendezvous | Inside a Champion's Strategy from Mushing Jun 27, 2026 28 min
What does it take to become one of the greatest sprint mushers in history? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with legendary sprint musher Buddy Streeper following his remarkable Triple Crown season. Buddy shares an in-depth look at his record-setting 11th Fur Rendezvous championship and explains exactly how he prepares championship-caliber sled dog teams for one of the most demanding races in the sport. From race strategy and trail preparation to leader selection, travel logistics, split times, and race-day decision making, Buddy offers a rare behind-the-scenes masterclass on elite sprint mushing. He also discusses the challenges of racing in Anchorage, the importance of experienced lead dogs, memorable moments from this year's competition, and the teamwork that has defined the Streeper family's success for more than four decades. Whether you're a lifelong musher, an aspiring competitor, or simply fascinated by world-class performance, this conversation provides an inside look at what separates champions from the rest of the field. This is Part One of our exclusive series following Buddy Streeper through his Triple Crown-winning season. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Niina Baum on World Championships, Sled Dog Racing, and Running for Congress from Mushing May 17, 2026 36 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with musher, race organizer, and congressional candidate Niina Baum about her journey through the world of dog-powered sports. Nina shares the story behind bringing the IFSS Dryland World Championships to Wisconsin, competing internationally in countries like Spain, Sweden, and France, and revitalizing the iconic Sled Dog Central platform. We also discuss how leadership in mushing helped shape her approach to politics, community building, and grassroots campaigning. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Destiny Lytle on Fur Rondy, Sprint Racing, and Building a Competitive Sled Dog Team from Mushing May 10, 2026 29 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Alaska musher and dog trainer Destiny Lytle to discuss her journey from working line German Shepherds to competitive sprint mushing. Destiny shares stories from racing the Fur Rondy Championships in Anchorage, running the ONAC, racing in Tanana, building a kennel with dogs from elite bloodlines, and balancing life between working dogs and sled dogs. We also talk about training philosophy, developing young leaders in harness, and the realities of building a competitive kennel in Alaska. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Reading Between the Strides: Spotting Weakness Before It Becomes Injury from Mushing May 5, 2026 33 min
How can mushers recognize subtle warning signs before a dog becomes injured? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto talks with Dr. Erica Boling about canine movement analysis, stride mechanics, posture, topline changes, and how to develop a sharper eye for spotting weakness early. If you race, train, or work with dogs, this conversation offers practical tools to help keep your team healthy and performing at their best. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
From Tradition to Iditarod: Jody Potts-Joseph on Culture, Resilience, and the Reality of the Trail from Mushing May 3, 2026 38 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Jody Potts-Joseph, calling in from Eagle, Alaska. With more than 40 years of experience in dog-powered travel and racing, Jody shares her deep connection to mushing as part of Athabascan culture and everyday life along the Yukon River. Jody reflects on her 2026 Iditarod experience, including the challenges of an unusually difficult training season, extreme weather conditions, and the tough decision to scratch at mile 658 due to illness spreading through her team. Her story offers an honest look at the realities of long-distance racing, where dog health and decision-making matter more than finishing. They then talk about her upbringing in a subsistence lifestyle, her return to mushing after raising a family, and her plans to come back stronger next season. Jody highlights the importance of leadership within a dog team, including a spotlight on her lead dog Koki, and shares insights into training, resilience, and adapting to adversity. This episode is a powerful blend of storytelling, culture, and hard-earned lessons from the trail. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Sled Dog Photography Tips from a Professional Trail Photographer from Mushing Apr 19, 2026 52 min
What does it take to capture a sled dog team moving at full speed through snow and wilderness? In this episode, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan , a professional photographer behind Sunshine & Photo , to explore the craft of dog sled photography and the realities of working on the trail. Keela shares how she got started, the gear she relies on in extreme conditions, and how she consistently captures powerful images that tell the story of the connection between musher and dog. From shooting 5,000 images a day to digging foxholes in the snow for the perfect angle, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a side of mushing most people never see. We also talk about her work in overlanding and vehicle photography, her travel lifestyle, and how she balances art, business, and the demands of working in some of the toughest environments imaginable. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Leadership Through Adventure: Announcing the Team and Trail Expedition from Mushing Apr 18, 2026 8 min
There is a moment on the trail when plans stop working. Conditions shift, pressure builds, and every decision carries weight. That is where leadership shows up. In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, we officially introduce the Team & Trail Expedition: Leadership Through Adventure. In March 2027, we will travel the Iditarod Trail from Willow to Nome, not simply as an endurance effort, but as a real-time leadership environment. This project is built around a central idea. Leadership is not a concept or a checklist. It is something that happens when responsibility and uncertainty meet. At the core of the expedition is the Leadership Fellowship, designed for college students who want more than theory. Participants will follow the journey, analyze real scenarios, and engage with leadership decisions as they happen. This creates a rare opportunity to observe leadership in conditions where outcomes are not guaranteed. This episode explains: What the expedition is and why it matters How the Leadership Fellowship works Why real-world leadership experience is different from traditional instruction How organizations can get involved as partners This is not just a single expedition. It is the beginning of something designed to grow, reach more people, and create a lasting model for experiential leadership development. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
An Iditarod Finish with Brenda Mackey from Mushing Apr 12, 2026 40 min
On this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod finisher Brenda Mackey to discuss her long-awaited finish in Nome on her third attempt. Raised in one of Alaska’s most well-known mushing families, Brenda shares what it means to carry on the Mackey legacy while building her own path in the sport. She talks about growing up in dog mushing, breeding and training her own team, and the emotional and physical challenges of racing across Alaska. Brenda also breaks down the realities of the 2026 Iditarod, including extreme cold, tough trail conditions, and the unexpected moments that define the race. From setbacks in previous attempts to finally crossing the finish line, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to reach Nome. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
15-Year-Old Musher with 10 Titles: Leonie Tetzner’s Story from Mushing Apr 11, 2026 21 min
What does it take to become one of the most decorated junior mushers in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Leonie Tetzner, a 15-year-old musher from Germany who has built an impressive career racing in Alaska and beyond. Leonie discusses the logistics of traveling internationally with over 30 sled dogs, the structure of her racing season, and what it means to compete in events like the Pedigree Stage Stop and North American Championship. She also shares how she manages school through online learning while spending months on the road, and how her family plays a central role in her success. With multiple championship titles, track records, and years of experience already behind her, Leonie represents the next generation of elite mushers. This episode offers insight into the discipline, lifestyle, and global nature of modern dog-powered sports. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Joey Sabin on Racing the Iditarod with His Own Dogs from Mushing Apr 5, 2026 31 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with 2026 Iditarod finisher Joey Sabin to discuss his rookie run to Nome. Joey shares the story behind his 12-day journey, what it felt like crossing the finish line, and how nearly ten years of work led to this moment. From running dogs in Two Rivers, Alaska, to guiding glacier tours in the summer, Joey offers an inside look at life as a full-time musher. He also talks about race strategy, caring for his team on the trail, the unexpected challenges of White Mountain, and the dogs that made this rookie finish possible. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who follows the Iditarod, dog sled racing, or the mushing lifestyle. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Five Sleds, One Finish Line: Sydnie Bahl’s Iditarod Journey from Mushing Mar 29, 2026 32 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod finisher Sydnie Bahl, a physical therapist based in the Mat-Su Valley who recently completed her first successful run to Nome. Just days removed from the trail, Sydnie reflects on the transition back to everyday life and the reality of what it takes to finish one of the most demanding endurance races in the world. Sydnie’s path into mushing was not something she had planned from childhood. After moving to Alaska in search of adventure, she was introduced to the sport through local community connections and quickly immersed herself in kennel life. What began as a willingness to help soon turned into a full commitment, leading her through qualifying races and eventually to the Iditarod start line. The conversation dives into the realities of racing the traditional Northern Route, including difficult terrain, high winds, and unpredictable trail conditions. Sydnie shares detailed stories from the race, including a series of equipment failures that forced her to rely on multiple sleds just to stay in competition. Her experience highlights not only the physical demands of the race but also the importance of the broader mushing community, where fellow competitors and race officials play a critical role in helping mushers continue forward. One of the most compelling parts of the episode centers on the final stretch into Nome, where Sydnie describes the emotional shift from survival mode to realization. After more than a thousand miles on the trail, the sound of the finish line siren and the presence of a crowd waiting at the arch marked a moment that is difficult to put into words but impossible to forget. Listeners will also hear about the dogs behind the effort, including her lead dog, Flue, and the bond that develops over years of training and racing together. The episode closes with reflections on recovery, future racing plans, and what it means to be part of the mushing community going forward. This episode offers a grounded look at the Iditarod through the lens of a first-time finisher who experienced both the highs and the setbacks that define the race. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Junior Musher Liam Connor: Balancing School and the Sled from Mushing Mar 28, 2026 14 min
What does it look like to grow up in the world of sled dog racing? In this episode, we sit down with Liam Connor, a 16-year-old musher from Saskatchewan, Canada, who is already competing at a high level in mid-distance races. Liam shares what it’s like to be raised in a mushing family, how his team manages a kennel of around 80 dogs, and how he balances academics with the demands of training and racing. We also talk about the unique racing conditions of the Canadian prairies, his experience competing in events like the Pedigree Stage Stop, and how young mushers are stepping into the sport earlier than ever. This episode offers a grounded look at the lifestyle, discipline, and commitment required to succeed in mushing at a young age, along with insights into the sport's future through the eyes of its next generation. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Iditarod 54: Wrap Up Show from Mushing Mar 22, 2026 26 min
This episode features a deep dive into the world of dog mushing, exploring the history, the sport's challenges, and the legacy of legendary mushers. We also profile Rhon Buser, a second-generation musher carrying forward a proud family tradition, and reflect on the significance of the Iditarod race. Key Topics History of dog mushing and the Iditarod The bond between mushers and dogs Rohn Buser's family legacy and career Challenges faced during the race and trail conditions Awards, honors, and milestones in sled dog racing Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Rod Perry Interview: Founding the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and Saving the Sled Dog from Mushing Mar 22, 2026 1 hr 13 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod pioneer Rod Perry for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about the origins of the race, the history of the Iditarod Trail, and the future of dog mushing. Perry reflects on his involvement in the early days of the Iditarod, including helping shape race rules, designing the iconic finisher’s patch, and contributing to the founding of the Yukon Quest alongside Leroy Shank. He also shares firsthand stories from life on the trail, including remote expeditions, trail navigation challenges, and the evolution of sled dog racing over the past five decades. The conversation explores a critical theme: the true purpose behind the creation of the Iditarod, preserving sled dogs and their role in Alaska’s history, while addressing common misconceptions about the Serum Run. Perry also discusses his work as a historian and educator, engaging thousands of visitors each year and helping bridge the gap between past and present. The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on the modern Iditarod, including the Expedition Class, changing race dynamics, and the challenge of maintaining storytelling, culture, and authenticity in an evolving sport. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Iditarod 54 Wrap-Up: Red Lantern Time, Race Records, and What Changed in 45 Years from Mushing Mar 21, 2026 14 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race has officially concluded, and attention turns to reflection, records, and what this year’s Iditarod tells us about the evolution of the sport. With all mushers off the trail, the focus shifts from competition to analysis ahead of the finisher’s banquet. One of the key discussions centers around the Red Lantern finish time, comparing this year’s final finisher to historical benchmarks. The episode highlights how modern Red Lantern times now rival, or even surpass, those from decades past, underscoring the dramatic advancements in breeding, training, gear, and trail strategy. Listeners also hear a musher profile of Brenda Mackey, whose career represents a deep multi-generational legacy in the sport, and a historical look back at Rick Swenson’s record-setting 1981 victory. These comparisons offer a powerful lens into how far the Iditarod has come over the past 40+ years. The episode sets the stage for the finisher’s banquet while also inviting listeners to reflect on the race as a whole, from the front runners to the final finisher, and what it means for the future of dog mushing. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Iditarod 54 Final Finishers: Red Lantern Award, Race Complete, and Nome Traditions from Mushing Mar 20, 2026 22 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the 2026 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially comes to a close as the final mushers arrive in Nome and the Red Lantern is awarded. Richie Beatty earns the Red Lantern, symbolizing perseverance and the completion of the thousand-mile journey across Alaska. With the final teams crossing under the burled arch, the race shifts fully into celebration mode as mushers prepare for the finisher’s banquet. This year stands out with nearly all teams finishing before the banquet, a rare occurrence that highlights both favorable timing and strong performances across the field. The episode also dives into the traditions that define the Iditarod, including the history of the burled arch finish line, the symbolic meaning of the Red Lantern, and the Widow’s Lamp that remains lit until the final musher completes the race. Listeners also hear a musher profile of Hannah Lyrek, an international competitor with deep roots in sled dog racing, and a look back at historic races that shaped the sport, including the 1992 Hope Race to Russia. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Iditarod 54 Final Stretch: Rookie of the Year, Final Mushers, and Expedition Class Update from Mushing Mar 19, 2026 28 min
In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, the race moves into its final phase with just a handful of mushers remaining on the trail as they prepare to leave White Mountain and complete the final miles to Nome. Weather conditions, including a developing storm, are affecting the timing and strategy of the remaining teams. Jesse Terry is officially named Rookie of the Year after finishing in 14th place, completing the race in just under 11 days with a strong and steady performance. His run highlights the strength of this year’s rookie class, many of whom are still on the trail and finishing close together. The episode also provides an update on the Expedition Class, including Steve Curtis’ decision to end his run due to deteriorating trail conditions and safety concerns. The discussion highlights an important leadership lesson: knowing when to prioritize team safety over moving forward. Listeners also hear a musher profile of veteran competitor Jessie Royer and a discussion about the unusually high number of rookies finishing together, setting up a unique and potentially historic finish to this year’s race. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
Iditarod 54 Day 11 Update: Jessie Holmes Wins the 2026 Iditarod as Finishers Arrive in Nome from Mushing Mar 18, 2026 20 min
On this Day 11 update of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the race has its champion as Jessie Holmes crosses under the burled arch in Nome, securing victory in just over nine days. His performance was marked by strong strategy, consistent pacing, and a healthy, high-performing team throughout the race. Travis Beals follows in second place just a few hours later, with Jeff Deeter, Paige Drobny, and Wade Mars rounding out the top five. As teams continue to arrive in Nome, the race shifts from competition to completion, with mushers finishing their thousand-mile journey across Alaska. The episode also highlights the ongoing battle for Rookie of the Year, with contenders still on the trail, and provides updates on the remaining teams working their way through White Mountain and Safety. Listeners also hear a musher profile of Bailey Vitello, a second-generation musher building his career through years of racing and dedication, as well as a historical look back at Martin Buser’s 1997 Iditarod victory and what it meant for the sport. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe , rate , review , and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved
