Mushing

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, Jesse 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. 2h ago

    From France to Sweden: Elsa and Frédéric Borget on Building a Championship Sled Dog Kennel

    What does it take to relocate an entire sled dog kennel across Europe in pursuit of better snow, better trails, and a better future for your dogs? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and Kourosh Partow welcome Elsa and Frédéric Borget, a team from one of Europe's most respected mushing teams. The couple shares their journey from France to Swedish Lapland, where they now train approximately 50 sled dogs while balancing international racing, breeding, tourism, and family life. Frédéric discusses his decades leading the French Federation of Sled Dogs, why climate change and shrinking snow conditions forced their move north, and how he and Elsa divide responsibilities within their kennel. Elsa shares her success in La Grande Odyssée, their focus on mid-distance racing, and what it takes to prepare elite dogs for competition. We also explore their unique kennel philosophy, from developing young prospects to caring for retired veterans, along with their training methods, breeding program, and introducing newcomers to the sport through immersive mushing experiences in Lapland. Whether you're interested in European sled dog racing, kennel management, or learning from two lifelong mushers dedicated to their dogs, this episode offers an inside look at one of the sport's most respected teams. 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

  2. Jul 11

    Jo Svenstad on Building a Championship Team, Bloodlines, and the Future of European Sprint Mushing

    After more than four decades in sled dog racing, Norwegian musher Jo Svenstad has returned to the top of European sprint mushing. In this episode, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with Jo to discuss his remarkable comeback, his carefully preserved Alaskan bloodlines, and the breeding philosophy that helped him capture the Scandinavian Championship. Jo explains how a trip to Alaska in 1989 shaped his kennel for generations, why he believes successful breeding starts by looking outside your own kennel, and how he balances genetics, movement, nutrition, and training to develop elite racing dogs. He also discusses the current state of open-class racing in Scandinavia, preparing young teams for championship competition, and his goals for the upcoming World Championships. Whether you're interested in sprint racing, breeding, conditioning, or the history connecting Alaska and Scandinavia, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of Europe's most respected mushers. 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

  3. Jun 27

    Buddy Streeper on Winning the Fur Rendezvous | Inside a Champion's Strategy

    What does it take to become one of the greatest sprint mushers in history? In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto and co-host Kourosh Partow sit down with legendary sprint musher Buddy Streeper following his remarkable Triple Crown season. Buddy shares an in-depth look at his record-setting 11th Fur Rendezvous championship and explains exactly how he prepares championship-caliber sled dog teams for one of the most demanding races in the sport. From race strategy and trail preparation to leader selection, travel logistics, split times, and race-day decision making, Buddy offers a rare behind-the-scenes masterclass on elite sprint mushing. He also discusses the challenges of racing in Anchorage, the importance of experienced lead dogs, memorable moments from this year's competition, and the teamwork that has defined the Streeper family's success for more than four decades. Whether you're a lifelong musher, an aspiring competitor, or simply fascinated by world-class performance, this conversation provides an inside look at what separates champions from the rest of the field. This is Part One of our exclusive series following Buddy Streeper through his Triple Crown-winning season. 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

  4. May 3

    From Tradition to Iditarod: Jody Potts-Joseph on Culture, Resilience, and the Reality of the Trail

    In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with veteran musher Jody Potts-Joseph, calling in from Eagle, Alaska. With more than 40 years of experience in dog-powered travel and racing, Jody shares her deep connection to mushing as part of Athabascan culture and everyday life along the Yukon River. Jody reflects on her 2026 Iditarod experience, including the challenges of an unusually difficult training season, extreme weather conditions, and the tough decision to scratch at mile 658 due to illness spreading through her team. Her story offers an honest look at the realities of long-distance racing, where dog health and decision-making matter more than finishing. They then talk about her upbringing in a subsistence lifestyle, her return to mushing after raising a family, and her plans to come back stronger next season. Jody highlights the importance of leadership within a dog team, including a spotlight on her lead dog Koki, and shares insights into training, resilience, and adapting to adversity. This episode is a powerful blend of storytelling, culture, and hard-earned lessons from the trail. 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

  5. Apr 19

    Sled Dog Photography Tips from a Professional Trail Photographer

    What does it take to capture a sled dog team moving at full speed through snow and wilderness? In this episode, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan, a professional photographer behind Sunshine & Photo, to explore the craft of dog sled photography and the realities of working on the trail. Keela shares how she got started, the gear she relies on in extreme conditions, and how she consistently captures powerful images that tell the story of the connection between musher and dog. From shooting 5,000 images a day to digging foxholes in the snow for the perfect angle, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a side of mushing most people never see. We also talk about her work in overlanding and vehicle photography, her travel lifestyle, and how she balances art, business, and the demands of working in some of the toughest environments imaginable. 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

4.8
out of 5
40 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, Jesse 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.

More From First Paw Media

You Might Also Like