Join host Robert Forto as he welcomes Bailey Vitello and Brainna Blomgren to Mushing Radio. Bailey and Brainna own and operate Northern Exposure Outfitters Dog Sledding Company in Massachusetts. They not only run races but provide educational opportunities for people that are interested in dog mushing as well as selling mushing supplies all over North America.
Bio(s):
Bailey Cross Vitello was born into the sport and has competed in mushing competitions throughout his life. His love for his dogs and commitment to his team has made him a very successful musher and dog sledding teacher. Some of the races he has competed in include the Junior Iditarod (winning the half way point), Pedigree Stage Stop, Laconia World Championship, Race to the Sky (winning best cared for team), Can Am 30/60/250 (the youngest competitor for each of the three races, winning the Can Am 30 in 2015. He most recently competed on team USA for the 2017 Winter Sled Dog World Championship and won Bronze. Having experienced the responsibilities of caring for his dogs and surviving in the wilderness with his team, he is the perfect person to work with students and those looking to learn to help them understand the mushing sport, equipment used and all about his team mates (the dogs).
Brianna Blomgren was introduced into the dog sledding world about six years ago when she met Bailey. After a short time, she became enamored with the sport and has been competing, training, and teaching ever since. Her love and passion for the dogs is evident from her meticulous care for them. Brianna is responsible for most of what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to the family business Northern Exposure Outfitters Dog Sledding Company. From setting up educational programs to lessons and tours she is the person that will help to make your dog sledding dreams come true!
On this episode we discuss:
- How they got into the sport of mushing
- How they incorporate educational programs into their love of sled dogs
- Their dog sledding equipment company
Host, Robert Forto’s Bio:
Robert is the training director for Alaska Dog Works where they train dogs for canine obedience, working dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs for clients all over North America. He is also a dog musher and he and his wife operate a 40-dog mushing kennel in Willow, Alaska, called Team Ineka. They can often be seen at local races and leading expeditions in the Alaska backcountry with outdoor leadership students at the University of Alaska. Robert is the producer of Dog Works Radio that has been on the air since 2009 and is currently simulcast on a local radio station, KVRF in Palmer, Alaska.
Host, Alex Stein’s Bio:
Alex M. Stein is a writer, documentary filmmaker, and storyteller living in Los Angeles while pining for the Northern Lights. He is the author of the personal essay collection NO, MR. BOND, I EXPECT YOUR DREAMS TO DIE and directed the Iditarod documentary MUSH. He was married in Alaska, above the Arctic Circle, at the northernmost saloon in the world, by the bartender. Alex has been a host on Dog Works Radio since 2012 and he can be heard on our mushing broadcasts and during our annual nightly Iditarod coverage each March.
Favorite Quote:
“YEA though I careen down steep mountains at break neck speeds with no idea what’s beyond the next switchback, I shall fear no evil because at 30 below my brain is too numb to understand fear anyway.”
-Northern Exposure Outfitters
Links and Resources Mentioned:
- Northern Exposure Outfitters webpage
- Northern Exposure Outfitters on Facebook
- Northern Exposure Outfitters on Instagram
- Northern Exposure Outfitters on Twitter
- Robert Forto on Twitter: @robertforto
- Alex Stein on Twitter: @coldfootfilms
- Dog Works Radio on Facebook
- Dog Works Radio on Instagram
- KVRF in Alaska
Thanks for Listening!
We appreciate your visiting our site today and for help in bringing awareness to the Dog Works Radio podcast.
Please leave an honest review for Dog Works Radio on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show.
Finally don’t forget to subscribe to get automatic updates! It’s free!
Subscribe and Listen on iTunes
