In the debut episode of Northern Ledger, host John Quick sits down with his friend Suzanne Downing, widely seen as the most influential conservative voice in Alaska and founder of the new independent news platform, The Alaska Story.

Suzanne shares her inspiring path from helping run her family’s small grocery store to becoming one of the most trusted voices in Alaska media. Built on discipline, grit, and truth telling, her journey has shaped public conversation across the state. As United States Senator Dan Sullivan says in this episode, “my friend Suzanne Downing is the best reporter in Alaska by far.”

Suzanne talks about the values that guided her, how she became a leading voice amid a noisy media landscape, and why she created The Alaska Story to elevate honest reporting and open dialogue. She explains the importance of fearless journalism, engaged citizens, and preserving space for real debate in Alaska’s future.

This episode sets the tone for Northern Ledger. It is a show built on real conversation, independent perspective, and voices shaping the state’s direction. If you believe in clear thinking, free speech, and the power of one determined Alaskan to make a difference, this is the perfect place to begin.

Check it out here: https://thealaskastory.com/