Rav’n about Sitka
Welcome to Rav’n About Sitka—the podcast where the rainforest meets you! Join us from the lush, rainforests of Sitka, Alaska, where towering spruce trees, moody skies, and opinionated ravens set the scene. Each episode, we wander beyond the tourist brochures to explore the wild beauty, rich stories, and quirky truths of life on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Whether you’re visiting by cruise ship, thinking about moving here, or just curious what it’s like to share a sidewalk with a sea lion—this podcast is for you. Expect local voices, natural wonders, cultural insights, and just enough sass to match a Sitka raven on a Tuesday. Grab your raincoat. Let’s get into it.
Episodes

Jul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025
8 min
In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores Whalefest, Sitka’s annual marine science symposium and festival. She highlights its unique blend of scientific talks, art, music, and community events celebrating whales during their fall migration. Kathrynn discusses the festival’s history, educational activities, and its importance to Sitka’s culture and marine conservation. With engaging stories about whale-watching, student projects, and local traditions, the episode captures Whalefest’s spirit and its role in connecting Sitka’s people to the ocean and inspiring marine stewardship.

Jul 14, 2025
Jul 14, 2025
6 min
In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn honors Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, a trailblazer in Alaska’s civil rights movement. Kathrynn recounts Elizabeth’s life, her pivotal 1945 speech that led to Alaska’s anti-discrimination law, and the annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebrations on February 16th. The episode highlights community events, student reflections, and the ongoing relevance of Elizabeth’s legacy, urging listeners to continue advocating for justice and representation. Kathrynn's storytelling inspires listeners to remember Elizabeth’s courage and to take action against discrimination in their own lives.

Jul 11, 2025
Jul 11, 2025
14 min
In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn ventures to Juneau, Alaska, to explore the haunted Baranov Hotel. She shares its glamorous history and chilling ghost stories, including the mysterious Woman in White, haunted elevators, the Mirror Man, and the phantom bellhop “Eddie.” Kathrynn recounts eerie listener experiences and staff encounters, discusses theories behind the hauntings, and offers advice for brave visitors. The episode ends with a lighthearted local tale and Kathrynn’s invitation for listeners to share their own spooky stories, leaving the Baranov’s mysteries lingering in the air.

Jul 10, 2025
Jul 10, 2025
12 min
In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the fascinating world of bald eagles in Sitka, Alaska. She discusses their life cycle, nesting habits, and dramatic personalities, highlighting their importance in the local ecosystem and Tlingit culture. Kathrynn shares stories of eagle encounters, explains their unique behaviors, and emphasizes the conservation efforts that help these majestic birds thrive. The episode celebrates the close relationship between Sitka’s residents and bald eagles, encouraging listeners to appreciate and protect these iconic symbols of the wild.

Jul 7, 2025
Jul 7, 2025
13 min
In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the intelligence, behavior, and cultural significance of ravens, focusing on the local Sitka raven. A deceased guest recites Poe’s iconic “Quoth the raven...nevermore,” highlighting the bird’s literary mystique. Pauline Duncan, a former teacher, shares how she adapted Tlingit raven legends for young children, reading her original stories about how raven brought light, fire, and water to the world. The episode celebrates ravens’ cleverness and their importance in both science and indigenous culture, encouraging listeners to appreciate these remarkable birds.

Jun 27, 2025
Jun 27, 2025
7 min
Learn about the bears native to Sitka Alaska and how important they are to Sitka's ecosystem.

Jun 23, 2025
Jun 23, 2025
6 min
Join us as we explore the dramatic war between the Tlingit people and the Russian invaders-a conflict that proved the resilience and bravery of Sitka's founders.

Jun 19, 2025

Jun 16, 2025
Jun 16, 2025
6 min
Join us for some harrowing stories of rescue, heroism and community by Air Station Sitka-our local base for the United States Coast Guard.

Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
5 min
Listen to our guest host, Kahryn, talk about the lingering spirits that you might come across while visiting Sitka, Alaska







