Interior Insights

Enjoy a celebratory montage of all our guests in the first year who answered the question “Why I Love Fairbanks,” and revel in some community pride for the Golden Heart City (plus some shenanigans, tomfoolery and poppycock).

Captain Jon Tollerud returns to share how the Salvation Army plans to meet as many needs as possible by the end of the year, and how the community can help - whether it’s volunteering time or treasure.  Plus, J.R. may or may not lose his head.

As we learned back in May, Companions Inc dogs bring joy to all kinds of otherwise challenging situations, and this time J.R. visits with Sarah McConnell and Dave Stewart to learn how they’re celebrating their 40th year.

J.R. visits with Rosalind Kan to learn all about Fairbanks International Friendship Day - a long-running annual multicultural gathering that brings together local ethnic song and dance performances, cultural displays, and food in the Alaskaland Civic Center.

One more chance to see our local candidates answer questions side-by-side before the Interior heads to the polls on 10/6 to vote for borough assembly, school board, Fairbanks city council, and North Pole city council.  Special thanks to Alex Bengel for coordinating!

One more chance to see our local candidates answer questions side-by-side before the Interior heads to the polls on 10/6 to vote for borough assembly, school board, Fairbanks city council, and North Pole city council.  Special thanks to Alex Bengel for coordinating!

One more chance to see our local candidates answer questions side-by-side before the Interior heads to the polls on 10/6 to vote for borough assembly, school board, Fairbanks city council, and North Pole city council.  Special thanks to Alex Bengel for coordinating!

Rachel is a physical therapist with Foundation Health Partners who visited with J.R. about fall risks not only for seniors and elders, but anyone of any age.  She covered a variety of ways to prevent falls, as well as how drastically your life can change after a fall.

In part 2, Fairbanks icon Jo Ryman Scott shares with J.R. the story of how her elementary school dream of creating a music festival became The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, and also tells us more about the book.

Fairbanks icon Jo Ryman Scott shares with J.R. the story of how her early life shaped her into an educator who could overcome adversity, build a life in Fairbanks, and create one of the crown jewels of the summer in the Interior - The Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

Sergio Lattanzi, president of the Tanana Valley Firefighters Association, visits with J.R. about the 2026 Great Alaskan 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb fundraiser which features firefighters climbing 110 flights of stairs in the Carlson Center to simulate the climb up one of the Twin Towers.

Alaska Broadcasters Hall of Fame member Jay Lewis continues visiting with his son J.R. about a great life and career as a broadcaster and riverboat narrator in Fairbanks, and the importance of getting out and being a part of the community.

Alaska Broadcasters Hall of Fame member Jay Lewis talks with his son J.R. about serving at Fort Wainwright, getting into broadcasting, his front row seat to the birth of popular Fairbanks events and traditions, and the importance of getting out and being a part of the community.

Carol Anthony - the Foundation Health Partners’ Community Partnership Manager - talks with J.R. about creating an age-friendly Fairbanks. In other words, how do we maximize the quality of life for our elders and seniors, and why is that a benefit to everyone that lives here?

Nurse Leif Vick takes J.R.’s questions on the role of a public health center in Fairbanks, the many services offered at their Fairbanks clinic on Barnette, and how their mission extends beyond the Golden Heart city.  Plus, how NOT to help prevent a cold Fairbanks winter.

With Bright Futures being the recipient of the school supplies we are gathering thru “Fill the Bus,” J.R. wanted to visit with one of their leaders, Brianna Gray, to learn how this organization meets the needs of vulnerable students so ALL children can succeed academically.  And the gassy horse has nothing to do with it.

Lt. Col. Lloyd Wright joins J.R. to talk about this free, family‑friendly airshow and open house featuring thrilling aerial demonstrations, static aircraft displays, STEM activities, and food vendors.  Also, learn why you sometimes need to give Scotch to a Scot.

Chief Andrew Coccaro is back, sharing with J.R. how the FFD keeps up morale, ongoing training, plans for the future, and how the community can connect with their local firefighters. Plus, J.R. busts some funky lyrics.  As in actually ruins them.

The Fairbanks Fire Department is getting some big recognition—becoming the first EMS agency in Alaska to earn Gold Level Pediatric Recognition from the state. FFD Chief Andrew Coccaro joins J.R. to talk about it.   Plus, can J.R. cut it as a town crier?

FSAF Executive Director Susan Rice joins J.R. to talk about all the festival encompasses, how the community can participate, and how there’s something for everyone.  We also reveal the winner of the Great Alaskan Summer Giveaway.

Angel Peger joins J.R. to share details on a place built entirely for curiosity, creativity, and a whole lot of fun—the Fairbanks Children’s Museum. It’s more than just a play space; it’s where kids get to explore, imagine, and learn by doing.

Pat Druckenmiller & Omega Smith join J.R. to explore the Walt Marita Babula Planetarium at the University of Alaska Museum of the North — Alaska’s largest planetarium and the Interior’s first.  They explain how it was built, its many capabilities, and plans for its present and future.

Michelle Bartlett, director of UAF Summer Sessions & Lifelong Learning shares with J.R. how these programs benefit kids and adults, while helping Fairbanks connect with our local campus.  Also, a wig and some cars may be harmed.

In the 2nd part of their talk, TVKC President Leslie Lewis explains to her husband J.R. why the club exists, why the FastCAT sport is awesome for any dog, and how dog sports can turn things around for kids who don’t care for “people” sports.

Joyce Carpenter shares with J.R. the details of her frightening brush with cancer, and how the annual Fairbanks Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society helps sufferers, survivors and grieving families, all while raising critical funds to end cancer for all.