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The State I Am In
Welcome to The State I Am In, a podcast that amplifies the voices and stories of Alaskans, hosted by fellow Alaskan, Manny Coelho. Each week, we dive deep with hunters, aurora chasers, athletes, entrepreneurs, elected leaders, and everyday heroes to explore the topics that matter most in the Last Frontier. Through engaging conversations, we uncover insights, gain practical tools for daily life, and strengthen our connection to this incredible place we call home.
Expect long-form interviews, monthly solo episodes, and a chance to shape the conversation.
Subscribe now to join the journey and celebrate the people and stories that make Alaska unique.
The State I Am In
#010 Relentless Pursuit of a Dream - Bridgett Watkins
In this episode of The State I Am In, I sit down with Bridgett Watkins — Alaskan musher, ER nurse, wife, mother, and author of Marker to Marker. Bridgett takes us deep into her journey from childhood races in Fairbanks to surviving a brutal moose attack just weeks before her first Iditarod. We talk about grit, faith, and family — how she balanced chasing dreams with the realities of motherhood, and how failure 50 miles from the finish line fueled her return to the trail. From long training runs in Alaska’s backcountry to her motivation to press through fear that carried her through setbacks, Bridgett’s story is one of resilience and relentless pursuit of a dream.
Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or anyone chasing a goal, this conversation will leave you inspired to keep moving forward one step at a time, and marker to marker.
Purchase Marker to Marker on Amazon