We had ourselves some good ole-fashioned, clean fun with "the guy from that Nat Geo show" and 2025 Iditarod Champion - Jessie Holmes! Out of pure journalistic instinct, we didn't dive too deep into the 'Rod - after all, the race's documentary already has that covered.Instead, our conversation took as many twists and turns as the Susitna River (which, fun fact, doesn't actually have that many). It was an enjoyable, free-flowing chat, and we hope you'll enjoy it just much as we did!Intro - 0:00Jessie interview - 26:43

In March, Samantha Lalonde made waves by winning Rookie of the Year in the Iditarod while working out of Dallas Seavey’s kennel in Talkeetna. Now, she and her partner Tucker are starting an exciting new chapter—building their own kennel - Lost Sourdough Outfitters, just outside of Fairbanks, surrounded by their own pack of Alaskan Huskies.

While they’re gearing up to race in various events in the winters to come, they’re also looking forward to simply enjoying the trails at their own pace in Interior Alaska.

Sam was an absolute blast to chat with—fun, thoughtful, and full of great stories. It was also awesome seeing her out on the trail this year. You don’t want to miss this one!

Intro - 0:00

Sam - 27:24

#MushingAlaska #Iditarod #DogMushing #AlaskaLife #RookieOfTheYear #SledDogs #WomenWhoMush #Fairbanks #NewEpisode

Bailey Vitello has completed three Iditarods (2023–2025), tackling the southern, northern, and the "way northern" routes. By his own words, he still feels like a rookie — he hasn’t run the same trail twice yet. But after a 5th place finish in 2025, and strong performances in both the Kobuk 440 and Kuskokwim 300, he's quickly proving he's a serious contender.

Bailey grew up around sled dogs on the East Coast, and with the support of family and friends, made his way across the U.S. and Canada competing in races of all kinds — even taking a team to Europe. Now based in Nenana, Alaska, Bailey is focused on long-term racing in the Last Frontier and plans to run the Iditarod for years to come. Off the trail, he’s getting ready to marry his fiancée this summer.

0:00 - Intro

9:18 - Interview with Bailey

#Iditarod #BaileyVitello #DogMushing #MushingAlaskaPodcast #MostImproved #SledDogs #MushingAlaska #LivintheDream