News Man Weekly bonus: Catching up with 2025 Iditarod finisher Matthew Failor

MANSFIELD — The 40th episode of the News Man Weekly podcast has dropped — and it’s a BONUS episode you don’t want to miss.

The News Man Weekly podcast series is proudly sponsored by our friends at Relax, It’s Just Coffee. Join us every Tuesday morning for a new, regular episode! 

Today’s bonus edition is a long-form interview with Mansfield native and Iditarod Trail Sled Dog racer Matthew Failor, fresh on the heels of his 11-place finish in the 53rd edition of “The Last Great Race” on March 15.

We caught up Thursday with with Failor at his home in Willow, Alaska, home of his Alaskan Husky Adventures business and 17th-Dog team.

Richland Source Deputy Managing Editor Carl Hunnell, who covered Failor’s race again this year, talks to the St. Peter’s High School graduate about all aspects of the race, including a sand/silt blizzard on a frozen river; his tough call on when to take a mandatory 24-hour break; a grueling up-and-back loop on the Yukon River; and a wild dash from White Mountain into Nome.

And yes, we asked Failor about the funniest high-five attempt in Iditarod history when his team encountered eventual race winner Jesse Holmes along the trail.

The exclusive daily coverage of the 2025 Iditarod was made possible through the assistance of St. Peter’s School and its supporters, as well as Iditarod.com Insider.

If you’ve been following our Iditarod coverage, you’ll want to tune in to this episode. Failor recaps his experience on the trail, the challenges, the triumphs, funny moments and what made the finish of the race extra special — including a great gender reveal party under the burled arch in Nome.

Check out all of our Iditarod 2025 coverage here.

(Iditarod 2025 photos below by Siri Raitto and David Poyzer for Richland Source.)

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