Daniella Shepherd, host of the Alaska Divided by Zero podcast, shares her experiences living in Alaska and the challenges and misconceptions associated with it. She discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Alaska's tourist industry and the logistics of moving to and within the state. Daniella also talks about the darkness and daylight in Alaska, the wildlife, and the different native cultures in the region. She shares stories about the town of Chicken and encounters with bears in Alaska. Overall, Daniella provides insights into the unique aspects of living in Alaska. This part of the conversation covers various topics related to living in Alaska, including encounters with bears, off-grid living in a cabin, recovering from a fire, and the importance of community. It also discusses the challenges and rewards of homesteading, the significance of soil in plant growth, and the process of forming friendships in a new place. In this conversation, Daniella Shepherd shares her experiences of making friends in Alaska and Seattle, as well as her journey of self-publishing novellas during the pandemic. She discusses the inspiration behind her horror stories, which are based on the legend of creatures with tails in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Daniella also talks about the challenges of building off-grid in both Alaska and Hawaii, and shares supernatural stories from her time in Alaska. She concludes by discussing her plans to live as a snowbird, spending summers in Alaska and winters in Hawaii.

To connect with Daniella Shepard or find her books and stories, visit her website here or jump on her Insta. Please review and subscribe! 

Takeaways

Living in Alaska comes with challenges such as extreme weather conditions, long periods of darkness, and limited accessibility to certain areas.

Alaska's wildlife, including bears and moose, can be both fascinating and dangerous, and it is important to be aware of their behavior and take necessary precautions.

There are misconceptions about Alaska, such as living in igloos and constant darkness, which are not accurate representations of the state.

Alaska has a rich native culture with diverse languages and traditions, and it is important to respect and learn about these cultures when visiting or living in the state. Cook bear meat thoroughly to avoid trichinomyosis, a type of worm infection.

Living in a cabin in Alaska often involves off-grid living and water management.

Wildlife can return to an area after a fire, and efforts can be made to restore the ecosystem.

When moving to a new place, it is important to ask locals about the community and engage in activities to form friendships.

Building a robust community and understanding the local ecosystem are key factors in settling into a new place. Building friendships in a new place takes time and effort, regardless of the location.

Self-publishing a book can be a rewarding and educational experience.

Legends and folklore can provide rich inspiration for storytelling.

Living off-grid presents unique challenges and requires careful planning and resource management.

Alaska and Hawaii offer contrasting environments and experiences, from wildlife encounters to building regulations.

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