Denali Mountain Guide~Brian McCullough~Stories & Observations of Climate Change

Denali Mountain Guide~Brian McCullough~Stories & Observations of Climate Change

Author: Katie Writer March 24, 2026 Duration: 27:59

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Brian McCullough moved to Alaska in 1977 from Fresno, California to work on his uncle's gold mines in the foothills of Denali. Brian quickly caught the adventurous spirit and built his homestead on a high ridge above Talkeenta. His passion for all things mountaineering and building custom homes filled over four decades while living in Alaska. His first mountain rescue with the 'Mountain Maniacs' saved 2 lives from a plane crash at 10,000 on Denali in the month of December, 1981. This led to Brian's role participating in high mountain rescues in Denali National Park. Brian worked as a guide for several guiding companies on the slopes of the highest mountain of North America. He shares his observations of climate change in the Alaska Range through the lens of his camera. His photography has been shared throughout hundreds of lectures of climbing in the Alaska Range. As a master carpenter, his first sawmill that he acquired at age 22, cutting lumber out of the vast forest surrounding Talkeetna, shaped his life building custom homes. Above all, Brian loves sharing his passion for adventure and the outdoors with others. 

He can be contacted at: www.talkeetnapro.com

Thank you for listening to the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast. 

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www.cubflights.com

www.katiewritergallery.com

Katie Writer

907-863-7669

Journalist/Pilot/Photographer

www.katiewritergallery.com

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You can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:
https://www.katiewritergallery.com


There’s a unique perspective gained from the cockpit of a small plane, especially in a place as vast and vulnerable as Alaska. Host Katie Writer pilots these conversations in the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast, weaving together two seemingly distinct worlds into a coherent and compelling narrative. From her vantage point in a Super Cub, Katie has witnessed the tangible effects of a warming climate-melting permafrost, shifting wildlife patterns, receding glaciers-and it prompted her to start recording talks with the scientists, pilots, homesteaders, and community members who are navigating these changes daily. This isn't just a technical discussion; it's a collection of human stories about adaptation and resilience. You’ll hear how aviation is crucial for access and research in remote regions, and how families are adjusting their lives and livelihoods. Designed to be accessible for curious minds of all ages, the podcast transforms complex science into relatable adventures, proving that learning and cultivating a sense of wonder are key to facing the future. Each episode connects the dots between the natural world, family life, and the science of flight, offering a thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful audio journey over the Alaskan landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 53

Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast
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