The State I Am In

#039 Behind the Lens with Carly on the Kenai - Carly Padrta

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 [https://www.instagram.com/carly_on_the_kenai?fbclid=IwY2xjawRvATxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZdVJ1eG9ZRTUxODBmZzhzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgCLZStWHc4q9tUxERNeBql-UtksosjH1XoVfpVNvdKYoMjVAGqn2PEza5gB_aem_OA6K3iGtJZZGqDq1_ue5Ww] & Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61550037245248] @carly_on_the_kenai   Shoot me a text, what do you think? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442071/fan_mail/new]

#038 Mowers & Math: How a 20-Year-Old Built a Million Dollar Business in Alaska - Kaedyn Jennings

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 [https://www.facebook.com/kaedyn.jennings.9], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kaedyn.jennings/], and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@realkaedynjennings] Subscribe to his YouTube channel @KaedynJennings907 [https://youtube.com/@kaedynjennings907?si=SICjyAvAH4r9eskq]   Contact Snip&Clip Alaska [https://snipandclipalaska.com/] for your lawncare and snow removal needs.   Advertise With Us   Interested in putting your business in front of an engaged and growing audience that cares about Alaska?  Learn more at www.thestateiamin.com [https://thestateiamin.com/] Stay Connected @thestateiaminpodcast on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok [https://linktr.ee/thestateiamin]  Subscribe on YouTube @thestateiamin [https://youtube.com/@thestateiamin?si=D2KrQN8KFqVyZW07]   Shoot me a text, what do you think? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442071/fan_mail/new]

#037 Snug Harbor Outpost: One Family’s Mission to Preserve and Share a True Alaskan Experience - Willie, Abe & Eli Porter

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 [https://www.snugharboroutpost.com/] to learn more Follow Snug Harbor on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/snugharboroutpost/] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/snugharboroutpost/] Shoot me a text, what do you think? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442071/fan_mail/new]

#036 Magnetic North Brewing Co: Starting a Brewery & Staying the Course in Alaska - Jeremiah Christian

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 [https://www.facebook.com/MagneticNorthBrewingCo] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/magnorthbrewing/]   www.magneticnorthbrewingco.com [https://magneticnorthbrewingco.com/] Shoot me a text, what do you think? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442071/fan_mail/new]

#035 Eat Well, Do Good, Stay Golden: Building Community and Finding Healing After Loss - Lizzie Hartman

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 [https://www.instagram.com/alaska.lizzie/] Website: https://www.alaskalizzie.com/ [https://www.alaskalizzie.com/] Shoot me a text, what do you think? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2442071/fan_mail/new]