Mushing

First Paw Media
  • 4.8 (39)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Mushing is a podcast from First Paw Media that follows the sport of dog mushing, the Iditarod, and races worldwide. Mushing is hosted by best-selling author Robert Forto (A Musher's Dream) and a team of co-hosts that bring a unique perspective to the show. During the Iditarod race each March, the show is a daily podcast that covers the race with an in-depth analysis you won't find anywhere else. In the off-season, hear interviews with mushers, behind-the-scenes news, and updates. Popular guests: Emily Robinson, Jessie Holmes, Ryan Redington, Barb Redington, Lance Mackey, Brenda Mackey, Jason Mackey, Anna and Kristy Berington, Rohn Buser, DeeDee Jonrowe, and more. Popular Podcast topics: Iditarod race stories and analysis, dryland mushing and off-season racing, interviews with mushers and racers, race preparation and training strategies, sled dog kennel life and dog care, Yukon Quest and other major races, mushing history and heritage, global mushing perspectives (international races), canicross and alternative mushing formats Community and culture in the mushing world, and more.

  1. 3H AGO

    The First Iditarod Almost Didn’t Happen: Rod Perry’s 1973 Story

    In this special series opener, Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod veteran Rod Perry to tell the real story behind the 1973 race. Rod ran in the inaugural Iditarod and shares firsthand insight into the meetings, the skepticism, and the last-minute efforts that made the race possible. You’ll hear how Joe Redington Sr., Tom Johnson, and others and why they pushed when others walked away, why 1973 was the only year the race could have worked, and how the U.S. Army played a critical role in putting in the original trail. Rod also breaks down the true history of the Iditarod Trail itself, explaining how multiple historic routes combine to form today’s race. If you care about Iditarod history, sled dog racing, and the roots of modern mushing, this episode sets the foundation. Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved Keywords: First Iditarod, 1973 Iditarod, Iditarod history, Joe Redington, Alaska sled dog racing, Dog mushing podcast, Long-distance mushing, Iditarod Trail, Anchorage Alaska, Sled dog race origins, Rod Perry, Anchorage Mushing District, Mushing Magazine, Robert Forto

    52 min

  2. FEB 6

    Daniel Bocock on IFSS Worlds, Six-Dog Racing, and Global Competition

    In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP welcome back Daniel Bocock, a veteran competitor with extensive experience at the highest levels of dog-powered sports. Daniel reflects on his return to the podcast and shares insights from racing six-dog and four-dog teams at the IFSS World Championships in Spain and Wisconsin. The conversation covers Daniel’s progression from canicross to elite team racing, working with Eurohounds, Greysters, and Siberian Huskies, and managing a mixed kennel with his partner Anna Marman. Daniel also breaks down the realities of international racing, including airline logistics, customs challenges, equipment transport, and the cost of taking a six-dog team overseas. This episode offers a candid, experience-based look at what it takes to compete on the world stage in modern mushing. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here Trail Bytes 2025 Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    30 min

  3. JAN 31

    Without Warning: Bridgett Watkins on Moose Attacks, Iditarod Survival, and the Cost of the Trail

    In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Bridgett Watkins to talk about her powerful new documentary, Without Warning, now streaming on Amazon and other platforms. Bridget shares the full story behind the film, including a violent moose attack on her dog team, the emotional and physical toll of her first Iditarod attempt, and the mental battle of returning to the trail after being forced to scratch. She opens up about the unbreakable bond between musher and dog team, the unseen role of family and support crews watching trackers from home, and how the mushing community shows up when it matters most. This episode goes far beyond race results. It’s about survival, leadership, trust, and knowing when to push forward and when to prioritize life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of sled dog racing or new to the sport, this conversation offers rare insight into the realities of long-distance mushing in Alaska. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea or a podcast pitch? Check it out here Trail Bytes 2025 Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    33 min

  4. JAN 30

    From Motocross to Mushing: Mikki Douglas on Speed and World Titles

    In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Mikki Douglas, one of the most dominant competitors in modern dryland mushing. Fresh off the IFSS World Championships, Mikki shares how she captured three gold medals and a bronze across multiple disciplines, including four-dog rig, bikejoring, scooter, and relay racing. The conversation explores Mikki’s background in professional motocross and mountain biking, how speed sports shaped her racing mindset, and how she applies exercise physiology principles to dog training. Mikki also discusses building and racing a kennel of Eurohounds, preparing independently in the Pacific Northwest, hosting Iron Paws races, and navigating the realities of life disruptions, including fires, storms, and rebuilding. This episode is a deep dive into elite performance, resilience, and what it takes to win at the highest level of dryland dog racing. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here Trail Bytes 2025 Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    30 min

  5. JAN 23

    Dryland Mushing Explained: Training, Racing, and Competing at IFSS World Championships with Leendert Van Dorp

    Dryland mushing is one of the fastest-growing areas of dog-powered sports, especially in regions with limited winter snow. In this episode of The Dog Driver, we talk with an experienced dryland musher, Leendert Van Dorp, about how teams train, race, and compete at the IFSS Dryland World Championships in Minocqua, Wisconsin. The conversation covers real-world dryland mushing equipment, including scooters, bikes, canicross, four-dog rigs, and six-dog rigs, as well as kennel size, dog selection, nutrition, and training schedules. We also discuss balancing work, family, and dogs, how dryland racing has expanded over the years, and why more mushers are shifting toward dryland competition. This episode is a practical, experience-based look at life as a dog driver off snow. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here Trail Bytes 2025 Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    29 min

  6. JAN 16

    Samantha Wawiernia on Dryland Racing, Bear Dogs, and Family-Driven Mushing

    In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP sit down with Michigan-based racer Samantha Wawiernia to talk about one of the most unique paths into dog-powered sports. Samantha began mushing to condition her bear and coon hounds for hunting, then transitioned those same dogs into competitive dryland racing. The conversation explores running hunting hounds alongside sled dogs, building a family-centered kennel, training without reliable snow, and racing primarily in dryland formats across the Midwest. Samantha also shares her preparation and experience at the IFSS World Championships, including racing a young six-dog team to a championship win. This episode highlights adaptability, family involvement, and how modern mushing continues to evolve beyond traditional sled dog models. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    27 min

  7. JAN 9

    Nova Clifford On Dryland Racing, Legacy Mushing, And The Next Generation

    In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto and KP are joined by dryland racer Nova Clifford from New Hampshire. A third-generation musher, Nova shares how she grew up in sled dog racing and how the sport has evolved from large family kennels to modern dryland and mono-sport competition. The conversation covers building a small competitive kennel, training four-dog rig teams, developing leaders, and racing in changing snow conditions across New England and Canada. Nova also discusses competing at the IFSS World Championships, traveling long distances with dogs, and balancing performance with long-term dog development. This episode offers an honest look at the future of mushing through the eyes of a younger generation that values tradition, adaptability, and the bond with their dogs. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea or a pitch for a podcast? Check it out here Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    27 min

  8. JAN 2

    Kourosh Partow: Racing Career, Global Mushing, And A Possible Final Season

    In this episode of The Dog Driver, Robert Forto turns the tables and interviews longtime musher KP about his 40-plus years in sled dog racing. The conversation spans sprint, dryland, and open-class racing across Europe, the Lower 48, Canada, and Alaska. KP shares his favorite and most challenging races, including the Eagle River Classic, Fur Rondy, and international events in Spain and Scandinavia. He talks about racing Siberians, transitioning to Eurohounds, building kennels in Europe and Alaska, and how the sport has changed financially, culturally, and structurally over the decades. The episode also includes a candid discussion about lifestyle sacrifice, the true cost of mushing, and why this season may be KP’s final year of competitive racing. This is a reflective, honest look at mushing from someone who has lived it at every level. The Mushing podcast is made possible by Mushing+ subscribers. Learn more about all the benefits of a subscription and subscribe now at mushing.com/mushingplus Our fans would love to learn more about you. Fill out our Musher Q & A here Do you have a story idea, or pitch a podcast? Check it out here Trail Bytes 2025 Support our Work Like this episode? Share it with your mushing friends! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share Sign up for our Newsletter HERE Join the On-Air Media Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on the air by Rober and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Apply now to the Team and Trail Foundation funding page and get support to turn your outdoor, education, or community project into a real impact. Apply for the Mushing® Media Accelerator and get deeper support and expert guidance tailored to your specific sponsorship and media goals. Email us at podcast@mushing.com Follow Mushing® for more muhsing news, insights, and more: Facebook | X | Instagram You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com © 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

    30 min
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4.8
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Mushing is a podcast from First Paw Media that follows the sport of dog mushing, the Iditarod, and races worldwide. Mushing is hosted by best-selling author Robert Forto (A Musher's Dream) and a team of co-hosts that bring a unique perspective to the show. During the Iditarod race each March, the show is a daily podcast that covers the race with an in-depth analysis you won't find anywhere else. In the off-season, hear interviews with mushers, behind-the-scenes news, and updates. Popular guests: Emily Robinson, Jessie Holmes, Ryan Redington, Barb Redington, Lance Mackey, Brenda Mackey, Jason Mackey, Anna and Kristy Berington, Rohn Buser, DeeDee Jonrowe, and more. Popular Podcast topics: Iditarod race stories and analysis, dryland mushing and off-season racing, interviews with mushers and racers, race preparation and training strategies, sled dog kennel life and dog care, Yukon Quest and other major races, mushing history and heritage, global mushing perspectives (international races), canicross and alternative mushing formats Community and culture in the mushing world, and more.

Information

  • Channel
    First Paw Media
  • Creator
    First Paw Media | Mushing.com
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    233
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2010-2026 First Paw Media
  • Show Website
    Mushing
  • Provider
    Robert Forto

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