Mushing

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 WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin 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 [email protected] Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: [email protected] © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

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 WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin 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 [email protected] Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: [email protected] © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

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 TopicsHistory of dog mushing and the IditarodThe bond between mushers and dogsRohn Buser's family legacy and careerChallenges faced during the race and trail conditionsAwards, honors, and milestones in sled dog racingSupport our WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin 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 [email protected] Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: [email protected] © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

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 WorkLike this episode? Share it with your mushing friends!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and shareSign up for our Newsletter HEREJoin 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 [email protected] Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | InstagramYou can contact us here: [email protected] © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved