Most stories of resilience are inspiring, but Clare Henry’s journey might just redefine what you think is possible. At only 18, she faced a devastating spinal cord stroke that left her paralyzed from the chest down — but her response? Pure determination, unwavering faith, and a relentless pursuit to pursue her dreams of music, no matter the odds. This is the comeback story you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, Clare takes us inside her life growing up on the Kenai Peninsula, sharing how her early love for music shaped her, and the moment everything changed forever. We dive deep into the intense medical journey that followed: the mysterious diagnosis, the countless tests, and the critical moments that kept her fighting for every inch of progress. Her story isn’t just about physical recovery — it’s about mental resilience, the power of community, and trusting a higher purpose in the face of unimaginable challenges.

You’ll discover: how Clare found strength in her faith, her innovative techniques to regain independence, and the powerful lessons she learned about hope and perseverance. From applying to top music schools like Berklee while still in the hospital, to creating epic compositions that evoke emotion across borders — her artistry is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt and thrive.

Why does this matter? Because Clare’s story isn’t just about a young woman overcoming adversity — it’s a call to reframe what is truly possible when you refuse to give up. Her journey highlights the importance of community, faith, and the mindset that setbacks are setups for a comeback. Whether you’re facing your own hurdles or seeking inspiration to push beyond limits, Clare’s experience will motivate you to see obstacles as opportunities for growth.

Perfect for anyone facing their own battles, aspiring musicians, or those interested in stories of faith and resilience — this episode will leave you inspired and ready to conquer your next challenge. Don’t miss Clare’s powerful message: no matter what life throws at you, your potential is limitless.

Follow Clare on Instagram: @Clarehenry05

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In this episode, we explore Jake Long’s adventurous path from growing up in Minnesota skating to becoming a passionate Alaskan paragliding pilot and dog owner. His story highlights the thrill of extreme sports, resilience after an accident, and living authentically and intentionally.

Key Topics:

• Jake’s transformation from aggressive inline skater to mountain and air sports enthusiast
• The role of paragliding in his recovery and self-discovery
• How his dog Pickles became his flying partner and social media star
• Challenges of the welding life in Alaska, including risks and industry insights
• Perspectives on living life fully despite the dangers, including thoughts on mortality and fear
• The importance of skill development and community in aerial sports
• Ground sports like skate joring and Nordic ice skating in Alaska
• Insights into balancing work, hobbies, and family in a high-octane lifestyle

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Welcome and Jake’s early extreme sports background
• (02:40) - Transition from inline skating to paragliding
• (09:17) - Jake’s journey into welding and life in Alaska
• (12:52) - Paragliding as a life-saving and self-discovery tool
• (19:16) - Near-fatal paragliding accident and its impact
• (22:33) - Themes of mortality, risk, and living fully
• (26:06) - Visual experience of flying over Alaska
• (36:09) - Living with risk and thoughts on death and the afterlife
• (44:08) - Flying with Pickles, training, and dog’s adventures
• (51:24) - Jake’s perspective on high-risk activities and fear
• (72:16) - Community, inspiration, and encouraging others to pursue passions
• (75:36) - Ground sports: skate joring, ice skating, and versatility in Alaska
• (82:08) - Social media growth, influence, and storytelling
• (92:41) - Final advice: chase what lights you up and live boldly

Connect with Jake:

• Instagram
• Facebook

This episode is packed with inspiring stories of overcoming, embracing what you love, and pursuing passions in the Last Frontier. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking to live more intentionally, Jake’s journey offers valuable lessons.

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My guest today is Delana Green, a lifelong Alaskan from the Kenai Peninsula, musician, educator, and founder of Greenhouse Music. She’s also a podcaster and creator who has built a YouTube channel with over 10,000 subscribers—all from right here in Alaska.

In this conversation, Delana shares how her background in music and theatre shaped her creative journey, leading her to teaching and building Greenhouse Music. Through stories about her students, she illustrates the real impact music has on kids—building confidence, emotional regulation, focus, and connection—and what’s truly lost when music disappears from schools.

We dive into her mission to reduce barriers to music education and make it accessible for all kids, meeting families where they are and creating opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access. Delana also shares the challenges and rewards of creating from a rural place—building a business, podcast, and online audience—and why meaningful ideas don’t have to come from somewhere else to make an impact.

Visit her website: www.greenhousemusicak.com

Check out Greenhouse Music on YouTube

Find her on Facebook @greenhousemusicak

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After a coworker jokingly called me an “influencer,” I found myself reflecting on why that word makes me cringe—and why influence still matters.

In this solo episode, I unpack the difference between chasing attention and leading with intention. Using John Maxwell’s idea that leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less, I walk through the five levels of leadership and how they show up in everyday life—as parents, coaches, coworkers, creators, and neighbors.

This isn’t a conversation about algorithms, virality, or outrage. It’s about connection over controversy, curiosity over noise, and using whatever influence we have for good.

Learn more about John Maxwell's 5 Levels of Leadership

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In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with an Alaska artist and respected indigenous voice, Nikki Corbett, the creator behind Sew Yup’ik.

Nikki grew up in Bethel, Alaska, in a childhood marked by both deep cultural roots and real personal hardship. She opens up about navigating family trauma, finding safe spaces in school and community, and how those early experiences shaped the way she sees the world today.

We talk about her journey back to Yup’ik culture as an adult—learning to sew kuspuks, mukluks, and fur hats, rediscovering the Yup’ik language, and turning those skills into something far bigger than she ever imagined. What began as personal healing became Sew Yup’ik: a platform where Nikki shares her creations, lifestyle, and now teaches workshops across Alaska and beyond, helping others reconnect with traditional art forms using materials like seal skin, otter, beaver, and fish skin.

Nikki shares stories from teaching in rural villages, traveling to places like Greenland and Canada, and how social media unexpectedly turned her into an ambassador for indigenous culture. She also speaks candidly about mental health, grief, parenting after trauma, and the importance of staying busy with your hands and heart when life gets heavy.

This conversation is about more than sewing—it’s about identity, resilience, and the powerful stories carried in every stitch.

Click here to see where you can follow Nikki and keep up with her work.

www.sewyupik.org

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Sexual addiction is often discussed in whispers—or not at all. In this episode, Logan Hufford shares what it’s actually like to live inside it, and what it takes to begin climbing out.

Logan grew up in Anchorage and spent years living a double life marked by secrecy, escalating behaviors, and the slow erosion of trust at home. Rather than focusing on shock value, this conversation explores the mechanics of addiction: how it hijacks the brain, isolates people in shame, and convinces them they’re beyond help.

We talk about why willpower alone rarely works, how repeated “confessions” can still leave someone stuck, and what finally made real recovery possible. Logan explains why his story is descriptive, not prescriptive—and why lasting change required community, accountability, and learning from people who had already walked the path ahead.

Listeners will also hear about the recovery group that played a critical role in Logan’s healing and how people in Alaska—and beyond—can take a first step toward getting connected. This is the first Alaska-based podcast where Logan has shared his story, and it opens the door to resources that many don’t know exist.

This episode is for anyone who feels alone in addiction, anyone already in recovery wondering if change can last, and anyone who wants a clearer, more honest understanding of what recovery actually looks like.

Follow Logan on Instagram: @no.longer.in.bondage

Logan Recommends

www.prodigalsofalaska.com

Conquer Series-Quit Porn Forever

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What happens when the responsibility to care for animals collides with gaps in the law?

In this episode of The State I Am In, Manny sits down with Megan Merritt, founder of Homebound Farm & Rescue in Sterling, Alaska. A lifelong Alaskan and the self-described “machine” behind the rescue, Megan works daily with animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or left in conditions where help should exist—but often doesn’t.

The conversation centers on a recent video Megan posted showing horse and cows living in exposed winter conditions and in poor health, multiple reports have been made and yet nothing has changed in years. This sparks a deeper discussion about animal neglect, personal freedom, and where stewardship begins. Together, Manny and Megan explore how animal welfare laws on the Kenai Peninsula are written, how they’re enforced (or not), and why nothing is being done.

Megan shares her personal journey into rescue work, the emotional toll of advocating for animals when intervention fails, and the reality of working cases that repeat year after year without resolution. The episode also raises difficult questions:
• When does personal liberty end and responsibility begin?
• Why are veterinarians rarely involved when the law says they should be?
• And what changes could actually protect animals while respecting individual freedom?

This is an honest, grounded conversation about Alaska, community, compassion, and the uncomfortable gray areas where the system falls short.

🎥 Note: The video discussed in this episode is available on TikTok via Homebound Farm & Rescue and provides important context for the conversation:

Follow Homebound on Facebook & Tiktok

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This is the final episode of 2025 — it’s just me.

In this solo episode, I reflect on the first nine months of The State I Am In: what started as a simple “what if” has grown into real conversations with remarkable Alaskans, unexpected lessons about creation and consistency, and a deeper understanding of what this place — and its people — truly represent.

I talk about the transition from podcast listener to creator, the challenges of showing up imperfectly, and the realities of building something meaningful while juggling life, work, and uncertainty. We revisit the heart of this show — Alaska beyond the postcards — and why the mantra Keep North continues to guide every conversation.

Looking ahead to 2026, I share what’s coming next: new voices, broader topics, solo reflections, ways to support and engage with the show, and why this next year feels like a defining chapter — not just for the podcast, but for me personally.

Thank you for listening, sharing, supporting, and believing in this project from the beginning. This is only the start.

Keep North, Alaska.

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