In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, Robert Forto sits down with 2026 Iditarod finisher Joey Sabin to discuss his rookie run to Nome. Joey shares the story behind his 12-day journey, what it felt like crossing the finish line, and how nearly ten years of work led to this moment.

From running dogs in Two Rivers, Alaska, to guiding glacier tours in the summer, Joey offers an inside look at life as a full-time musher. He also talks about race strategy, caring for his team on the trail, the unexpected challenges of White Mountain, and the dogs that made this rookie finish possible.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone who follows the Iditarod, dog sled racing, or the mushing lifestyle.

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© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Mushing Podcast, host Robert Forto sits down with Iditarod finisher Sydnie Bahl, a physical therapist based in the Mat-Su Valley who recently completed her first successful run to Nome. Just days removed from the trail, Sydnie reflects on the transition back to everyday life and the reality of what it takes to finish one of the most demanding endurance races in the world.

Sydnie’s path into mushing was not something she had planned from childhood. After moving to Alaska in search of adventure, she was introduced to the sport through local community connections and quickly immersed herself in kennel life. What began as a willingness to help soon turned into a full commitment, leading her through qualifying races and eventually to the Iditarod start line.

The conversation dives into the realities of racing the traditional Northern Route, including difficult terrain, high winds, and unpredictable trail conditions. Sydnie shares detailed stories from the race, including a series of equipment failures that forced her to rely on multiple sleds just to stay in competition. Her experience highlights not only the physical demands of the race but also the importance of the broader mushing community, where fellow competitors and race officials play a critical role in helping mushers continue forward.

One of the most compelling parts of the episode centers on the final stretch into Nome, where Sydnie describes the emotional shift from survival mode to realization. After more than a thousand miles on the trail, the sound of the finish line siren and the presence of a crowd waiting at the arch marked a moment that is difficult to put into words but impossible to forget.

Listeners will also hear about the dogs behind the effort, including her lead dog, Flue, and the bond that develops over years of training and racing together. The episode closes with reflections on recovery, future racing plans, and what it means to be part of the mushing community going forward.

This episode offers a grounded look at the Iditarod through the lens of a first-time finisher who experienced both the highs and the setbacks that define the race.

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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

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You can contact us here: Podcast@mushing.com

© 2010-2026 by Mushing® All Rights Reserved

What does it look like to grow up in the world of sled dog racing? In this episode, we sit down with Liam Connor, a 16-year-old musher from Saskatchewan, Canada, who is already competing at a high level in mid-distance races.

Liam shares what it’s like to be raised in a mushing family, how his team manages a kennel of around 80 dogs, and how he balances academics with the demands of training and racing. We also talk about the unique racing conditions of the Canadian prairies, his experience competing in events like the Pedigree Stage Stop, and how young mushers are stepping into the sport earlier than ever.

This episode offers a grounded look at the lifestyle, discipline, and commitment required to succeed in mushing at a young age, along with insights into the sport's future through the eyes of its next generation.

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