#021 From What If? to What's Next? - Manny Coelho

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.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram & Tiktok @thestateiaminpodcast

Transcript

Manny (00:00)
Hello and welcome to The State I Am In where every conversation points north. Here we discuss the topics that Alaskans and perhaps everyone should care about. I'm your host, Manny Coelho a fellow Alaskan and your guide to the conversations that Alaskans want to hear from the individuals who are leading the way. For today's episode, it's just me. Episode number 21, the final episode of 2025. And

It was about this time last year I first had the thought of bringing a podcast to Alaska. One that attempted to capture the stories, the people, the topics, and the issues that all Alaskans and maybe everyone might be interested in. And since March, I've been working to make that happen.

as I reflect on the last nine months, I am proud to say that a simple what if has actually started to resemble what I envisioned from the very beginning.

Manny (01:00)
So in this episode, I want to reflect on what I've learned in 2025 and what you can expect from the state I'm in as we move into 2026. So first off, this show would not be possible without the outstanding and remarkable Alaskans that were willing to share their stories and experiences with me. To every single guest who answered a random email, phone call, text message, or had to have an awkward personal conversation with me.

about being on the show, seriously, thank you.

you for trusting me with your stories, your passions, your pursuits, and for believing me when I said I thought that your experiences would be something that people would want to hear or learn from.

Manny (01:45)
It's because of you that this show even had a chance and I will forever be grateful for the first guests that I've had on this show in 2025 who gave me that chance. Dr. Bob Letta, Shelby Oden, Lieutenant Ryan Browning, Pastor Frank Alioto, Zeke Johnston, Amanda Bowles, Jackie Boyer and Ryan Astelis, Dr. Hig Higman,

Bridget Watkins, Bob Stark, Jordan Contra, Ben Adams, David Bays, Chad Hufford, and Tyler Johnson. Each of you has added something to my life, whether that was enlightenment, a challenge, encouragement, or just a new perspective. And I know you've done the same for the listeners here on this show.

Manny (02:32)
The next thing that I learned was just how to go from being a consumer of podcasts to a creator. And I guess I was unprepared for the big jump that that would be. I'm getting at is that it has been nine months of me

being comfortable in my own skin, being okay with the us, the ums, the likes, the you knows, and just letting those ride and not beating myself up over them, that I'm not a perfect communicator and that perfect is something to strive for, but in reality, in the weekly grind of planning and production and getting episodes out on time, which I have failed miserably at at times, it's hard to be perfect.

The last nine months have been good for me just to be okay with that. I've settled into what my identity is with this show. Am I a podcaster? Am I a content creator? Am I a TikTokker? If you want to get some good cringe-worthy TikToks, go check out my podcast on TikTok.

my gosh, I don't do any crazy dances or anything like that, but I did try doing a public speaking thing just because it was bothering me so much. I would have, you know, I listened to hours of my self talk in editing and I am so critical of myself and just wanted to be better. So I did like a little three-part series on becoming a better public speaker. And, it's so hard when you see someone trying to do the content creator thing and it's just,

It's just not hitting the same. You can tell the pros from the amateurs and I look like an amateur on there. So if you want a good giggle, go check me out on TikTok. But seriously, the social media aspect was a part that I didn't anticipate at all. And really the reason that I use video is because I know that's how content is consumed is primarily through swiping through videos and

you know, interest media is what they're starting to call it. It's not necessarily you have to follow these people, but the algorithm knows what your interests are and it tests, you know, the boundaries of, you know, what your interests might be. If you're interested in one thing, maybe you'll be interested in this. And it does such a good job of that. And so I realized early on, I wanted to utilize social media. And so that's the reason for the video. That's the reason why I put things on YouTube and do these shorts and clips. And, but that's also,

The reason why sometimes I get bogged down with everything else is because the social media aspect of it is heavy and it's hard to carry, especially when you're doing it on your own. And so I've learned to be patient with myself in that. I've learned that there are a lot of things that I am okay at. There are some things that I'm good at and there are plenty of things that I have room to improve on and improve in. And so

kind of taking a deep breath with that and doing the best that I can. And I think the biggest thing is just showing up and being consistent and realizing that there are people that choose to listen to this podcast for some kind of value to add to their life. I know my content isn't the shortest, but I think that's also what makes it special because you get to be a fly on the wall on conversations and discuss things with people or hear things from people that maybe you wouldn't.

otherwise. And so I love being on the other side of the table of so many people that are smarter than me and more interesting and more outgoing. For an introvert, it is the ideal situation to be able to organize a meeting with someone that's very interesting and to let them talk about it. It's the best. And I'm learning to be more outgoing. I'm learning to talk to the camera like a human being and not a robot. And I appreciate every single person that's been patient with me in that process. So

That is a huge thing that I have learned through this. Now, the next thing that I've learned is that there is so much more to Alaska than what tourists come here for. There's so much more than what you see on the postcards and in the gift shops and at the tourist traps. And I mean, I've got to talk with Alaskans from all walks of life. And this show reveals an Alaska beyond.

with the tourist see you know, the hop off the cruise ship. We kind of get into some real stuff and really what it is, is just human problems, human issues, human experiences that we're just getting to share and discuss and talk about in the context of where we live, Alaska. And so what I found is that a lot of themes in this show are trying to find common ground with one another or seeing the common ground.

that we share with one another as we raise families, pursue goals, ⁓ wrestle with faith and self-belief and raising awareness around local issues.

And then yes, enjoying and stewarding the beautiful place that we get to live and the resources that are here. So these reoccurring themes led me to the tagline or the mantra that I close out my show with, and that is keep north.

What does keep north mean? I did a short episode on it. It's to be a good steward of the land and its resources, of our families and communities, and to remain true to ourselves. And for me personally, that's to not lose faith in my belief that God has a greater plan at work and to be aware of that and to move in synchrony with that, if that's the right way to say that.

It's also to keep an awareness of the direction we're heading as a state to stay engaged and having a say in where we're going. And that's by paying attention to what's going on, what's in the headlines. What are our elected leaders saying or doing? What are the issues that people are discussing but no progress is being made? I think there's a lot of value in that as well.

So to keep North just means to stay true to the land and the resources and what we've been given and to stay true to ourselves and to stay true to the direction that we're moving as a state.

Manny (08:57)
I think every guest that I've had on the show, every reflection that I've made on here can fall under one of those, those main ideas to keep North. And this podcast is more than just about cool things to do in Alaska. I really want it to be more about learning, growing, and coming together as active participants in where we live and then sharing that with others.

So as I look ahead to 2026, you'll continue to hear stories that Alaskans want to hear from the individuals who are leading the

there might be some reoccurring themes or reoccurring guests, but I really want to kind of broaden the scope, kind of expand the horizon and talk about some things that I haven't had the chance to discuss on here yet.

I want to talk about Alaska before there were borders to learn from the indigenous voices that are currently working to preserve culture and tradition. I'd like to talk to those early settlers, sourdoughs, gold miners, as well as those taking on the modern version of what it means to live off grid. I want to explore topics that are difficult, but very real topics that have probably affected.

both you and I or someone you know, such as addiction, recovery, grief, depression, or sexual abuse. I want to learn from Alaska's creators, the musicians, the artists, the authors, the photographers, and even the YouTubers. I'm hoping in 2026, this will be the year that I can actually sit down with a residing.

politician, elected leader, or just a candidate for office, someone brave enough to actually spend at least an hour with me in conversation, just sharing who they are, what their plans are for our wonderful state, and just to get beyond the prepared remarks.

Manny (10:52)
I want to give space to those that are raising awareness, doing good in our communities. Those Alaskans who are making an impact elsewhere in the world, even if they don't live here anymore, I would still love to find out how they grew up and what they're doing and what led them to pursue what they are now. I want to sit down with scientists and ologists roughnecks, slopers, homesteaders, lodge owners, roadhouse owners. It'd be so cool to find someone that

has a road house and has a story to share about how it started and where it's at now, the history behind all that. Fishing, hunting guides, I mean, you get the idea. Look at this as an opportunity to catalog this exact point in time of our history and our knowledge of it and to have it live on the internet forever. No pressure. But seriously, I think about having these conversations and the people I get to talk to and the people that

I will talk to this upcoming year. And just the fact that being able to have that discussion and catalog that forever, it's something special. And I really hope that there's people out there that see the value in that and will be excited to sit down across the table from me this year.

The great news is that many of these types of conversations are already on the schedule for 2026. I'm basically booked solid through January, moving into February, and we'll check a lot of these boxes right off the bat. And if you are listening and you or someone you know fits into one of those categories and you're interested, don't hesitate to reach out to me. best way to get a hold of me is manny@thestateiamin.com Manny at.

thestateimn.com. That'll get directly to me. It won't get lost in social media. It is a surefire way to let me know what you're up to or who you know that has a story that would be interesting to share with others.

Manny (12:51)
And so that brings me to my next point in looking ahead at 2026. You can expect more consistent episodes dropping every Monday and a renewed commitment from me to share the state I am in, in the state I am in. The reason I called the podcast that is because I do get stuck in my own head at times, reflecting on things, mulling on things and having someone to discuss with.

helps, but oftentimes I'm left alone to my own thoughts. And I did want to leave space to be able to express those things that I'm learning, books I'm reading, things I'm watching, things going on in the state that I have questions about or think other people might find interesting. I don't do those episodes as often as I intended to in the beginning. And so I hope to do that more as we move into the new year. So the podcast will always remain guest centric.

but you can count on at least hearing from me on a short solo episode at least once a month. And it's probably your best chance at catching an episode under an hour, at least for now.

Manny (13:58)
and even more exciting news for the upcoming year is the opportunity for people to engage with the show in a new way. So think Patreon type crowdfunding opportunities that give subscribers early access to episodes so you don't have to wait until Monday, the chance to send in questions to upcoming guests, monthly newsletters.

⁓ More behind the scenes access to conversations that don't make it into the final edit. A lot of times I'm sitting here talking to guests and there's a lot of stuff that doesn't make it into the final cut and you'd get access to that as well. Just a kind of a next level way to be plugged in.

The purpose of this was if you like the show and you want to support the show financially, you can pay a small dollar amount and still be able to get something in return through behind the scenes access and special stuff as it comes up.

Also for the first time ever, I will be extending the opportunity for Alaskan businesses to become sponsors of the show. Having a presence in the beginning of the episode, this episode is brought to you by dot dot dot, that kind of sponsorship, along with social media and other package type things. That's something if you are a business to keep an eye out for, it's something you'd be interested in, it's an opportunity for businesses to be a part of.

a steadily growing community of listeners and following on social media.

Manny (15:30)
and stickers. I freaking want stickers.

and merch. Maybe we'll see. It's some I have some ideas. We'll see how it kind of plays out. But ⁓ for those that are interested, might have some merch on the horizon. So stay tuned for that. But earlier this year, there was a moment when I thought the show might slow down. You might remember me saying at the end of each episode that I was in the process of applying to grad school.

and you could expect there to be fewer episodes each month. And that was very true. I was finishing up my bachelor's. I was applying to grad school. I was trying to get into physical therapy and I hit a pretty good roadblock. And let's just say instead of starting PT school in January, I have 2026 completely open now. It's kind of a long story. It's nothing crazy. I didn't go to jail. I didn't murder anyone, but it was kind of a hard stop.

and really made me evaluate where I was at and where I was heading. And if that was something I was dead set on doing and accomplishing and ultimately getting into an extreme amount of debt for. And that's a whole other issue story, but it kind of gave me pause. And so right now I don't know what's going to happen professionally for me in 2026, but

I find myself able to give the next year of my life to seeing what happens with this podcast. If I treat it more than just a hobby

I'm not quitting my day job or anything like that. But for now, I am able to give the next year of my life to seeing what happens if I treated this more than just a hobby. And what happens beyond that year? Only time will tell.

Manny (17:23)
I'm excited to reflect with you on these small beginnings. I'm so proud of what we've built so far and I'm genuinely thrilled about where this is heading. So to every follower, subscriber, listener, guest, thanks for sharing your time and attention with me and for being a part of the foundation of this product. I see every like, every comment, every follow, every

new subscription, new subscriber, and it makes me smile every time because it is so small and yet it means so much to me and I hope that it brings some kind of value to you. I will not let you down in 2026. Keep North Alaska and thank you for joining me on The State I'm In.

Manny (18:14)
If you enjoyed today's episode, please take a moment to support the show by following and sharing it on social media. I'm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can subscribe on YouTube and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts, Spotify, Apple podcasts, iHeartRadio, wherever. Those small actions make a big difference and help more Alaskans and people everywhere discover these conversations.

And if you or someone you know has a story that reflects Alaska beyond the gift shops and the postcards and the tourist traps, I'd love to hear from you. This show exists because people are willing to reach out, sit down and share what real life here looks like.

now more than ever, I believe that sharing the voices of our fellow Alaskans matters. And I will continue to do this work for as long as there are people willing to sit down and have meaningful conversations. Keep North Alaska, and thank you for joining me on The State I Am In