Life is never about keeping still. Always keep moving, always keep exploring, always looking for the next adventure.
(Poland Spring’s Laika being harnessed by Aspen Michaud while Poland Spring’s Jester is harnessed by Eric Larsen in the background) Tethering gets a bad rap these days. Scroll through social media long enough and you’ll run into someone calling it cruel or inhumane. When I came to mushing thirty years
As a trained wildlife biologist who focused on canids, Jonathan Hayes says Nutrition is one of the three essentials to having a successful dogteam, with the other two being Genetics and Training. It was on a weeklong, 285-mile dogsled expedition across Maine’s remote Northwoods that Hayes realized he needed to find “better kibble” for his team — and landed on Native dog food.
Author, adventurer, biologist and ordained minister- Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes has in depth conversations with leading voices on issues ranging from adventure in the outdoors, history, faith and science.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Robert Forto shares his journey into the world of sled dog mushing, his experiences living in Alaska’s mushing capital, and his passion for the sport. He discusses the evolution of podcasting in the mushing community, the recent changes in the Iditarod race structure, and his role in teaching leadership through dog mushing. Robert also reflects on his acquisition of Mushing Magazine, the challenges of print media in a digital age, and his vision for the future of the magazine and the sport.
Takeaways
Robert Forto is a prominent figure in the mushing community, owning Mushing Magazine and running a dog training business.
He started his journey in sled dog mushing in 1994 while attending college.
Living in Willow, Alaska, offers a unique community of mushers and access to extensive trails.
The Iditarod race has evolved, with recent changes sparking discussions about accessibility and competition.
Podcasting has opened many doors for Robert, allowing him to connect with the mushing community.
The recent announcement of an expedition class in the Iditarod has generated mixed reactions.
Robert teaches leadership skills through dog mushing at the University of Alaska.
He took a significant risk by acquiring Mushing Magazine, aiming to preserve the history of the sport.
Print media faces challenges in the digital age, but Robert believes in its lasting value.
Robert’s journey reflects a deep passion for mushing and a commitment to the community.
Titles
Exploring the World of Mushing with Robert Forto
The Journey of a Sled Dog Enthusiast
Sound Bites
“I just love being out there.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
“I just got a heck of an opportunity.”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Robert Forto and Mushing
01:55 Robert’s Journey into Sled Dog Mushing
06:09 Life in Willow, Alaska: The Mushing Community
10:51 The Iditarod Dream and Its Evolution
13:49 The Growth of Podcasting in the Mushing Community
17:03 Recent Developments in the Iditarod Race
24:35 The Value of Racing and Support in Dog Mushing
29:52 Teaching Leadership Through Dog Mushing
36:12 The Challenges of Modern Entrepreneurship
46:33 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Opportunities
Poland Spring Seppala Kennels is a family owned and operated, working sleddog Kennel. We are devoted, solely, to the preservation of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog
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