The State I Am In

Welcome to The State I Am In, a podcast that amplifies the voices and stories of Alaskans, hosted by fellow Alaskan, Manny Coelho. Each week, we dive deep with hunters, aurora chasers, athletes, entrepreneurs, elected leaders, and everyday heroes to explore the topics that matter most in the Last Frontier. Through engaging conversations, we uncover insights, gain practical tools for daily life, and strengthen our connection to this incredible place we call home.

Expect long-form interviews, monthly solo episodes, and a chance to shape the conversation.

Subscribe now to join the journey and celebrate the people and stories that make Alaska unique.

Podcasting since 2025 • 45 episodes

The State I Am In

Latest Episodes

#043 Alaska's Bone Man: A Life Built From Bones - Lee Post

Lee Post is known simply as "The Bone Man."What started as a lifelong curiosity about the natural world eventually led Lee to the Pratt Museum in Homer, Alaska, where he was handed a challenge: figure out how to put a whale skeleton back...

September 14, 2026 • 2:08:26

#042 Protecting What Matters: A Lifetime of Service & Survival - Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson has spent his adult life protecting what matters.From a childhood dream of becoming a game warden to a career spanning more than three decades in wildlife law enforcement, Chris has dedicated his life to protecting Alaska’s...

September 07, 2026 • 1:29:03

#041 The Time is Now: A Musician's Journey to the Big-Time - Owen MacDonald

Born and raised in tiny Cantwell, Alaska, Owen MacDonald grew up in a K–12 school with only a handful of students and never imagined music would become his career.What started with a guitar, some bad songs in a notebook, and a $30 microp...

August 31, 2026 • 50:23

#040 The 101st Yard: Reclaiming Life After a Bear Attack - Ariean Colton

In August 2025, Ariean Colton stepped outside for a morning run in Kenai, Alaska. Moments later, her life changed forever.Attacked by a bear just steps from her driveway, Ariean suffered devastating injuries, including a traumatic brain ...

June 22, 2026 • 1:04:31

#039 Behind the Lens with Carly on the Kenai - Carly Padrta

Carly Padrta — known across Instagram as Carly on the Kenai — is a lifestyle and adventure photographer based on the Kenai Peninsula. What started as a hobby born out of new motherhood and a pandemic-era YouTube rabbit hole has grown into...

May 11, 2026 • 1:44:15