Big, Tough, Cold, and Wonderful Alaska on History Channel

My buddy Geo Beach says everything is bigger, colder and tougher in Alaska, and yesterday he proved it, making his television debut as host of the first of 13, one-hour shows on History, the cable channel that used to be "The History Channel."  The series is called "Tougher In Alaska."

I've known Geo since he contributed regularly to the weekend public radio show I co-founded and hosted for four years, "The Savvy Traveler."  Geo's stories and commentaries always featured his trademark energy and love of word play.  He's lived in Alaska for more than 25 years, and he's worked some tough jobs, including laboring as a commercial fisherman, logger, fireman, and medic.  At six-feet, three-inches tall and tipping the Toledos at 225 pounds, he's a formidable presence in person and on camera.  And he needs his powerful voice to rise above the sounds of the jackhammer he wielded in his premier show on the hardy gold prospectors of Alaska.

Upcoming episodes take a look at the dangerous and back-breaking work of salmon fishing, electric linemen, railroad workers, and salvage experts, among other professions.  Catch "Tougher In Alaska" on History Thursday nights at 10 p.m. Eastern.