On this episode of Capital Chat, Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her work studying marine mammals in Juneau, Southeast Alaska, and beyond. Dr. Pearson shares details from a recent research and teaching trip to Portugal, where UAS students gained hands-on international field experience studying dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and whales.

The conversation also dives into the Juneau Whale Health Project, a long-term collaboration studying humpback whales through photo identification, drone research, tagging, and other field methods. Dr. Pearson explains what scientists are learning about whale health, behavior, body condition, social bonds, and how changing ocean conditions could affect marine life in the years ahead.

Listeners will also hear practical ways boaters and community members can help protect whales and marine ecosystems, from slowing down around whale activity to reducing plastic waste. It’s a thoughtful and fascinating look at the complex lives of the whales that share Juneau’s waters—and why protecting them matters.

What if the secret to seeing the world differently was simply slowing down?

In this episode, bestselling author Patrick Bringley joins us to discuss his remarkable journey from the bustling halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art to becoming the author of the internationally acclaimed memoir All the Beauty in the World. After spending a decade as a museum guard surrounded by some of history's greatest works of art, Patrick discovered that true beauty isn't just found on gallery walls—it's found in learning how to pay attention.

We explore why slowing down has become such a rare skill, how art can change us when we take the time to truly experience it, and why people around the world have connected so deeply with his story. Patrick also shares insights into the inspiration behind the City Museum's Slow Beauty exhibition and why this message feels especially relevant in today's fast-paced world.

Whether you're an art lover, someone who enjoys a great human story, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on the world around you, this conversation is an invitation to pause, look closer, and rediscover the extraordinary in the everyday.

Patrick Bringley will appear for a free author talk and book signing on Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the UAS Egan Lecture Hall. Copies of All the Beauty in the World will be available while supplies last.

In this episode:

• How ten years as a Metropolitan Museum guard transformed Patrick's life
• Why "slow beauty" matters in an increasingly distracted world
• What great works of art teach us about ourselves
• The surprising lessons found in simply paying attention
• Why beauty is often hiding in plain sight

A thoughtful conversation about art, attention, gratitude, and finding wonder in everyday life.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas is joined by Charlotte Truett, Executive Director of the Juneau Symphony, for a look back at a strong season and a look ahead to what’s next.

Charlotte shares highlights from the Symphony’s first season with new Music Director Brad Hogarth, including strong attendance, growing community engagement, and exciting momentum heading into the next concert season. She also previews the Juneau Symphony’s Wildlife Cruise fundraiser on July 19, featuring live music from Symphony musicians, whale watching with Allen Marine, wine tasting, and a silent auction with one-of-a-kind experiences—including the chance to conduct the orchestra.

This episode also covers upcoming summer strings camp opportunities for young musicians, the return of holiday programming, and how community members can support the Juneau Symphony through tickets, memberships, and season subscriptions.

Learn more or get tickets at juneausymphony.org.

In this episode, we head across the bridge to Douglas for a look at one of Southeast Alaska’s most beloved Fourth of July traditions. Maggie and Sharon join the conversation to walk through the packed schedule of events happening July 2, 3, and 4, including bike decorating, sidewalk chalk, the soapbox car show and trials, the community picnic, fireworks, the Douglas parade, live music, food vendors, field games, sandcastle building, and the always-popular make-and-break hose race.

This year’s celebration also honors the Juneau-Douglas High School Class of 1966 as grand marshals, marking their 60th reunion and recognizing a class filled with longtime residents and familiar community names.

Listeners will hear what families need to know before heading to Douglas, including shuttle information, parade timing, parking tips, soapbox derby rules, and where to find the full event schedule. More than anything, this episode captures the heart of Douglas: a community that goes all-in, year after year, to create a Fourth of July celebration full of fun, tradition, music, food, and hometown pride.

Douglas is ready to celebrate America’s 250th, and everyone is invited.

In this episode, we get ready for one of Juneau’s biggest community traditions: the Fourth of July parade. Alicia, who has helped lead the parade since 2017, and Kai, the parade’s staging director, join the conversation to share what goes into organizing the event, from last-minute entries and sponsor support to the careful work of lining up floats, bands, vehicles, and walking groups.

This year’s parade is expected to bring plenty of energy, music, candy, and community spirit, with performances from local favorites including the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band, the Juneau Bagpipes, and Áak’w Rock-style drum energy from local participants. There will also be a special 250th celebration section honoring America’s milestone Independence Day.

Listeners will hear details about the parade route, road closures, staging times, judging, and what spectators should know before heading downtown. The parade begins at 11 a.m., with KINY providing live play-by-play coverage from Dano and Sharon.

It is a conversation about tradition, logistics, local pride, and the people who make Juneau’s Fourth of July celebration happen year after year.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Cliff Dumas sits down with City and Borough of Juneau Finance Chair Christine Woll, Deputy Mayor Greg Smith and CBJ Engagement Specialist Phil Huebschen for a clear, direct conversation about Juneau’s budget and what it means for residents.

Following voter-approved tax relief on food, utilities and property taxes, CBJ is facing a recurring revenue shortfall that will shape city decisions for years to come. The discussion breaks down the immediate impacts of the new budget, including reductions to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Travel Juneau, the Juneau Economic Development Council, trail maintenance, Eaglecrest operations and other city services.

The conversation also looks at why CBJ avoided larger closures this year, including pools and other major facilities, while warning that more difficult choices may be ahead if the revenue picture does not change. City leaders explain how public feedback, including thousands of responses through the Community Compass process, helped guide budget priorities.

Chelsea and Rachelle join Capital Chat on KINY to preview Juneau Gold Rush Days at Savikko Park - Douglas, Alaska, June 20-21, 8 AM - 6 PM. The weekend celebration features mining and logging competitions, live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, gold panning, equipment displays, raffles and family-friendly entertainment honoring Southeast Alaska’s mining and logging traditions.

Abby joins Capital Chat on KINY to preview Only Fools Run at Night, Juneau’s late-night summer solstice race featuring a 5K, one-mile fun run, costume contest, and family-friendly walk options. The event begins Saturday, June 20, at Centennial Hall, with same-day registration, limited T-shirts, prizes, and support for the Juneau-Douglas High School cross country team.