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Leonhard Seppala and Togo deliver the antitoxin to the next driver, and the drivers find themselves in the final stretch of their journey. Gunnar Kaasen and the dog (allegedly) leading his sled, Balto, make the final push into Nome and get the glory. 
As we wrap up our series on the Nome Serum Run, we'll take a look at the lasting effects of the remarkable journey on those involved, the history of Alaska, and on public health policy.
For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. 
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As the epidemic of Diphtheria in Nome rages, a race against pathogen begins. Vials of antitoxin, the only treatment available for the deadly disease must make it to Nome from the outside world. There will not be a single moment to spare. In their time of need, these Alaskans turned to the the most reliable means of winter transport they knew - the dog sled. 
Teams of drivers are organized into a relay stretching from the town of Nenana, a railway depot in the interior of the state, to Nome on the frozen coast. The most perilous part of the journey will require crossing a twenty-mile stretch of pack ice on the Norton Sound, exposed to the elements in the middle of blizzard in the pitch black darkness of night. There is only one man and lead dog for this job - the indefatigable Leonhard Seppala and his legendary Siberian Husky, Togo.
For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. 
For news and announcements, you can follow us on Instagram or Twitter @nerdroamer

Winter has fallen in the small town of Nome, Alaska in 1925, and the town doctor, Curtis Welch, has made a startling discovery - an epidemic of deadly Diphtheria is spreading though the town's children like wildfire. Cut off from the outside world by the pack ice on the Bering Sea, Dr Welch and the people of Nome are powerless against the pathogen in their midst.
In this first of our three part series on "The Great Race of Mercy," we cover the origins of the Nome Diphtheria epidemic that inspired beloved Hollywood movies like Balto and Togo. We explore the origins of the city of Nome, the history and biology of Diphtheria, and the treatments available at the time. 
For more episodes of Nerd Roamer, find us and subscribe on your podcast service of choice - we are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and many more! For detailed show notes, pictures and bonus content, check out our website nerdroamer.com. 
For news and announcements, you can follow us on Instagram or Twitter @nerdroamer

Tidal wave! Watch out!
Much ado is made about Tsunamis in popular culture. While these massive waves have nothing to do with tidal forces, there is a type of wave that does - a tidal bore. Found in only a few locations around the world, these fascinating waves require a specific mix of elements in order to occur.
Alaska's Turnagain Arm is one of these locations, and the tidal bore waves seen there are impressive - sometimes reaching up to 10 feet high! 
We will explore what makes the geography of this area so unique, and go on some tangents about the colorful figures from the "Age of Exploration" that gave European names to many of the features to which tourists now flock.
Pairs well with: Travel to Alaska (especially the Seward Highway) and the Bay of Fundy
Deep Dives: Alaska Bore Tide Viewing Guide: https://www.alaska.org/advice/alaska-bore-tide

It's October, and that means it's time for some shows that will raise the hair on the back your neck. In this episode, we discuss the fascinating Native American legend of the Wendigo. 
Stories of the Wendigo originate from Algonquian people of the Great Lakes region such as the Cree and Ojibwe. The cannibalistic creature is said to haunt the cold, northern woods, where it cannibalizes people at night, and uses supernatural powers and trickery to turn others into Wendigoes. 
We discuss the origins of the legend, and some historical accounts such as the strange events of La Pointe (now Madeline) Island in Lake Superior, as well as the story of Swift Runner in Alberta, Canada.
We also touch on modern depictions, such as The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood, the novel Pet Semetary by Stephen King and why the legend has so much staying power and cross-cultural appeal.
Listen to the very end if you want to know how to survive your own Wendigo encounter!
Pairs well with trips to the north woods - places like northern Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin; as well as Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta i Canada. Goes well with Halloween anywhere, or as part of a binge on topics related to Native American history and culture. 
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For links to pictures, videos and show notes for each episode, check out our website at www.nerdroamer.com
Deep Dives:
Moose Meat & Wild Rice - Basil Johnston
The Wendigo - Algernon Blackwood

In this Nerd Nugget, we revisit Great Smoky Mountains to share our 4 favorite hikes in the park, and four spectacular places to visit for amazing photos and epic memories.
 
Listen to find out which ones we pick! If you want to share your favorite places in the Great Smoky Mountains, leave a comment on Instagram or send us a Tweet @nerdroamer. Check our website nerdroamer.com out for episode notes and other bonus content.
 
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Roam wisely, nerds.