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 injury, multiple fractures, and months of recovery. Dragged nearly 100 yards and left for dead, she survived because of a neighbor who heard something unusual in the early morning and went to investigate.

But this conversation isn't just about the attack.

It's about what happens after survival.

Ariean shares the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of rebuilding her life, learning to walk, run, and trust the outdoors again. We talk about fear, trauma, family, resilience, and the difficult question many survivors ask: "Why me?"

We also discuss her Instagram project, Ariean's 101st Yard, inspired by the distance she was dragged and the belief that life's most important step is often the one that comes after tragedy.

This is a conversation about courage (not the absence of fear) and the decision to keep moving forward despite it.

Whether you've experienced trauma yourself or have supported someone through it, Ariean's story is a powerful reminder that healing isn't about returning to who you were before. It's about discovering who you can become next.

Follow Ariean's journey on Instagram: @the101styard

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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 a full creative career taking her across glaciers, into the backcountry, and all over the state of Alaska.

In this conversation, Carly pulls back the curtain on what her life actually looks like behind the camera — from the gear she trusts in brutal Alaska conditions, to how she balances adventure with raising two young boys, to why bad weather almost always makes the best photography.

In this episode:

• How a halibut charter in Ninilchik turned into a life in Alaska
• The accidental origin of her photography career
• Why she lets her camera take a beating — and what's survived
• Her go-to gear: Sony, Sigma, and a backup SD card she keeps for emergencies
• The Knik Glacier camping trip that got a little too real at 2 a.m.
• Her honest take on AI editing and presets (spoiler: she's not a fan)
• Aurora photography, wildlife encounters, and her favorite spots on the peninsula
• Practical advice for parents who want to get outside but feel stuck

Follow Carly:

Instagram & Facebook @carly_on_the_kenai

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Kaedyn Jennings is 20 years old, from Wasilla, Alaska, and by almost every conventional measure wasn't supposed to be a success — a complicated upbringing between Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley, and a self-described bad student who nearly dropped out three months before graduation to start a lawn care company.

He didn't drop out, but he did start the business — and four years later Snip&Clip Alaska has crossed a million dollars in total revenue, serviced properties over 6,000 times last year, and has become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

In this conversation Kaedyn walks Manny through all of it — his upbringing, the lawn care math that started everything, how he solved the three biggest problems in the industry before he even had his first client, and what he's learned about debt, hiring, leadership, and money from a network of real Alaska business owners he's built around himself.

But the deeper thread running through this episode is what comes next — Kaedyn is 20, has already built the time freedom most people spend decades chasing, and is now figuring out how to turn that into financial freedom, 50 rental units, a helicopter, and a life built entirely on his own terms.

What We Cover

• Growing up between homes, the aunt who raised him — and what shaped his drive
• How he went from watching a friend cut grass to building a company that did close to $750K last year
• Why he believes passion is overrated when it comes to building a business — and what matters more
• His take on Dave Ramsey, debt, and why he's focused on eliminating it entirely at 20 years old
• "Hire fast, fire fast" — his no-nonsense approach to building a small team and getting out of the way in leadership.
• The loneliness of being a young entrepreneur, and why he says the bottom is just as lonely as the top
• Big aspirations and the long game he's playing while others his age drag their feet

About Kaedyn Jennings

Kaedyn Jennings is a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Wasilla, Alaska, and the owner of Snip&Clip Alaska, a lawn care and snow removal company serving the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage. He built the business from the ground up as a teenager, growing it to a small team with an operations manager, a sales team, and an office — and he's currently aiming for 400 customers this year.

He also creates content daily across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where he shares his journey as a young business owner in Alaska.

Follow Kaedyn Jennings on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Subscribe to his YouTube channel @KaedynJennings907

Contact Snip&Clip Alaska for your lawncare and snow removal needs.

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Learn more at www.thestateiamin.com


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In this episode of The State I Am In, Manny sits down with Willie, Abe, and Eli Porter—multi-generational Alaskans whose story is deeply tied to the roots of commercial fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. From homesteading in the early 1900s to losing boats, building businesses, and ultimately restoring a historic cannery across Cook Inlet, the Porters are preserving a piece of Alaska that’s slowly disappearing.

This is more than a story about fishing—it’s about legacy, resilience, and keeping a way of life alive for future generations.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The Porter family’s Alaska origin story dating back to 1908
• What life looked like growing up in early Kenai (including dumping trash off the bluff 😳)
• The rise and fall of commercial canneries in Cook Inlet
• How fishing evolved from family-run operations to heavily regulated industry
• Why commercial fishermen are often misunderstood today
• The history behind Snug Harbor Cannery and how it nearly disappeared
• How the Porters bought and are restoring this historic site
• The reality of maintaining a remote, deteriorating property across the inlet
• Bear viewing, fishing, and offering a truly authentic Alaska experience
• Why preserving this history matters—before it’s gone for good

Key Themes

Legacy & Generational Knowledge
The Porters aren’t just telling stories—they’re living proof of how knowledge, grit, and values get passed down through generations.

The Evolution of Alaska
From fish traps and canneries to modern regulations and tourism, this episode highlights how drastically life has changed—and what’s been lost along the way.

Preservation vs. Erasure
Snug Harbor isn’t just a business—it’s a fight against time to preserve a disappearing culture and industry.

Authentic Alaska Experience
This isn’t crowded rivers and tourist traps. It’s remote, raw, and real—exactly what people hope to find when they come north.

🛠️ About Snug Harbor Outpost

Located across Cook Inlet near Lake Clark, Snug Harbor is a restored historic cannery turned remote adventure experience. Visitors can:

• Fish for salmon and halibut
• View bears in their natural habitat
• Explore untouched Alaska wilderness
• Walk through a living museum of Alaska’s fishing history

🌎 Why This Episode Matters

As Alaska continues to modernize, stories like this are becoming rare. The Porter family is holding onto something bigger than a business—they’re protecting a way of life.

If you’ve ever wondered what Alaska used to be—and what it still can be—this episode is for you.

Visit www.snugharboroutpost.com to learn more

Follow Snug Harbor on Facebook & Instagram

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In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Jeremiah Christian, founder of Magnetic North Brewing Company in Anchorage, Alaska.

Jeremiah started a brewery on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic—when most people were pulling back, he leaned in and found ways for his long anticipated business to survive. What followed wasn’t smooth growth or overnight success, but six years of navigating setbacks, regulations, taxes, and the constant pressure of staying afloat in his industry's challenging business environment.

What separates Jeremiah isn’t luck or perfect timing—it’s his willingness to do what he said he was going to do. Even when it got hard. Even when it stopped making sense. Even when the hits kept coming.

We talk about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up in Alaska, the realities of the craft beer industry, and the mindset and tactics it takes to keep going when quitting would be easier.

This is a conversation about grit, direction, and refusing to drift.

What We Cover:

• Starting a brewery during COVID
• The realities of running a business in Alaska
• Regulations, taxes, and industry challenges
• The decline and pressure within the craft beer market
• Why “doing what you said you would” matters
• The mindset required to stay in the game long-term
• Building something for locals, not just tourists

About Magnetic North Brewing Co:

Magnetic North Brewing is an Anchorage-based brewery focused on crafting beer for Alaskans. Built on consistency, grit, and a commitment to the community, it reflects the same mindset Jeremiah brings to business—steady, intentional, and resilient.

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram

www.magneticnorthbrewingco.com

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In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Fairbanks-based chef and community builder Lizzie Hartman. From her roots in Alaska’s culinary scene to appearing as a top 10 finalist on Master Chef, to traveling abroad and expanding her craft, Lizzie’s story is one of passion, creativity, and connection—but also profound loss.

A few years ago, Lizzie lost her husband, leaving her to navigate life, motherhood, and grief in a way no one is ever truly prepared for.

In this conversation, Lizzie opens up about that season—what it looked like, what it felt like, and how she found her footing again. We talk about the reality of grief, how it shows up in everyday life, and why it’s something we don’t talk about enough.

At the center of her story is a mantra:
Eat Well, Do Good, Stay Golden.

What sounds simple on the surface carries deep meaning—shaped by loss, strengthened by community, and lived out through the way she shows up for others.

We also dive into how community became the foundation for everything:
her healing, her purpose, and her continued growth in the culinary world. From leaning on others to creating spaces where people feel seen and supported, Lizzie shares what it really means to turn pain into something that serves others.

This episode is about more than food or success.
It’s about grief, resilience, and the power of community to carry us through the hardest moments of our lives.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Lizzie’s journey in Alaska’s culinary scene
• Her experience traveling around Alaska, Italy, and expanding her craft
• Losing her husband and navigating life as a young mother
• The reality of grief and why it’s often not talked about
• How community became essential to healing
• Living out “Eat Well, Do Good, Stay Golden”
• Turning pain into purpose and giving back to others

Why this episode matters:

Grief is something we all experience, but often feel alone in.
This conversation is a reminder that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community. And sometimes, the most meaningful way forward is simply continuing to show up—for yourself and for others.

Connect with Lizzie Hartman:

Instagram: @alaska.lizzie

Website: https://www.alaskalizzie.com/

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One year ago, on Seward’s Day, I launched The State I Am In with a simple idea: Alaska is full of incredible people, and their stories deserve to be heard.

A year later, that belief has only grown stronger.

In this solo episode, I reflect on what I’ve learned from sitting across the table from so many individuals—people chasing purpose, facing obstacles, and figuring life out in real time. The biggest takeaway? The human story is far more powerful than we give it credit for.

We’ve been sharing stories since time immemorial—but today, those stories still guide us. They help us navigate challenges, find meaning, and remind us that we’re not alone in what we’re going through.

This episode is about more than a milestone. It’s about why conversations matter, what happens when we’re willing to listen, and how something almost magical can occur when wisdom is shared.

Alaska may be the backdrop—but the story is human.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

In This Episode:

• Reflecting on one year of The State I Am In
• Why storytelling still matters today
• What I’ve learned from guests across Alaska
• The connection between purpose and struggle
• The power of simply sitting down and listening

Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, you can support the podcast by:

• Subscribing on your favorite platform
• Leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Sharing this episode with someone who needs to hear it

You can also follow along and engage with the show on social media:
📱 Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: @thestateiaminpodcast

Have a story to share?
If you or someone you know has a story that reflects Alaska beyond the postcards, I’d love to hear from you.

Keep North^

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What does the Iditarod sled-dog race look like in 2026—and where is it headed?

In this episode of The State I Am In, Manny sits down with longtime musher, media voice, and publisher Robert Forto to explore the evolving world of dog mushing. From the ceremonial start in Anchorage to the realities of running a kennel in Alaska, this conversation goes far beyond the race itself.

They dive into the rising costs of competing, declining participation numbers, sponsorship challenges, and the ever-present influence of controversy surrounding the sport. Robert also shares his unique journey—from discovering mushing through a Disney movie to building a life, business, and media platform around it.

At its core, this episode asks a bigger question:
Can the Iditarod preserve its tradition while adapting to a changing world?

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The emotional impact of experiencing the Iditarod start in person
• Robert Forto’s journey into mushing—and why it became his identity
• The difference between the ceremonial start and the real race in Willow
• Why the number of racers has dropped dramatically over the years
• The true cost of running a competitive dog sled team
• The role of sponsorships—and why many have pulled out
• The new expedition class and why it’s controversial
• How media, podcasting, and storytelling are shaping the sport
• The impact of animal rights activism on public perception
• What makes mushers different: grit, perseverance, and mindset
• Why the Iditarod may be at a crossroads similar to other major sports

Key Takeaways

• The Iditarod is more than a race—it’s a lifestyle and identity for those involved
• Financial barriers are one of the biggest threats to the sport’s future
• Innovation (like the expedition class) may be necessary—but not universally accepted
• Media and storytelling play a critical role in keeping the sport alive
• Despite challenges, the passion within the mushing community remains strong

About the Guest

Robert Forto is a longtime dog musher, podcast host, and publisher of Mushing Magazine. With over 30 years in the sport, he brings a rare combination of hands-on experience and media insight. He also teaches dog mushing at the college level at the University of Alaska Anchorage—one of the only instructors in the country to do so.

🔗 Where to Find Robert

• Website:www.mushing.com
• Podcast: The Burled Arch
• Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: @RobertForto

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