On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, ​Christina Michelle sits down with professionals from AWARE to discuss healthy relationships in rural communities. They explore the foundations of a healthy partnership, identify critical red flags, and highlight dynamic resources available for individuals and couples.

Guests:

Ben Horton, Juneau Choice and Accountability Program Facilitator

Natalie Watson, Prevention Manager

Saralyn Tabachnick, Aware Legend & Former Special Projects Director

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

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Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

Dive into an enchanting episode of Culture Rich Conversations featuring Dr. Jalondra Davis, Mermaid scholar, and Blixunami from the hit Netflix series Merpeople.  Discover the transformative power of African spirituality, wellness, and unity in the captivating world of Afro Mermaids.  

Prepare to explore the deep waters of fantasy, the symbolism behind the aquatic world, and how these trailblazers are helping the Black Culture heal our relationship with water.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

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Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, it’s the season six premiere. 

Kicking off the new season with Christina Michelle and Al Boogie, they dive into the latest updates, sharing what’s coming next, and setting the stage for a new season of rich, engaging dialogue.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association:

On the heels of the 2025 Super Bowl, host Christina Michelle sits down with NAACP Anchorage Chapter President Cheryl Cox-Williams, MC Hohagani Magnetek, and Influencer Darryl Akins.  Together, they go beyond the music to decode the Kendrick Lamar halftime show and its political messages woven throughout. 

Guests:

MC MoHagani Magnetik (Fairbanks) – Poet, Entertainer, and Pre-PhD in Anthropology and Sociology


Darryl Akins (Anchorage) – Influencer and Podcaster of Be Real With D Real


Cheryl Cox-Williams (Anchorage) – President of the NAACP Anchorage Chapter

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Christina Michelle sits down with Monica and Kayla Brandner of Next Era Foundation for Girls. Kayla shares her personal experience with sexual assault, a catalyst for creating a foundation dedicated to empowering young girls. This episode explores the critical work of nurturing young women to find their strength and “inner tiger.” This episode includes themes that may disturb some listeners, including firsthand accounts of sexual assault and attempted suicide.

Guests:

Monica Brandner, Founder of Next Era Foundation

Kayla Brandner, Co-Founder & CEO of Next Era Foundation

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

This episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association concludes the February series spotlighting Black artists in Alaska. Host Christina Michelle talks with local painter Jennifer Gross, a southern belle who now creates art while roller-skating in Juneau, Antavia Hamilton, the visionary behind Da Hoo Doo spiritual transformation dolls, and Andrea Antoine, the founder of BBAAD, an artist production company. These dynamic women share their unique insights and the remarkable art they contribute to our community.

Guests:

Jennifer Gross, Painter

Antavia Hamilton, Creator of Da Hoo Doo Magic Dolls

Andrea Antoine, Founder of BBAAD Productions

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

This week, host Christina Michelle continues to interview Black artists in Alaska in honor of Black History Month. This episode spotlights Ibn Bailey, a local business owner who shares his journey with art as a form of healing and support in his recovery. Also, Trina Lynch-Jackson, who is carrying on the legacy of her late uncle Charles Buggs and his armature masks. 

Guests:

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

Culture Rich Conversations, presented by Juneau’s Black Awareness Association. This week, host Christina Michelle spotlights the vibrant voices of four local hip-hop artists gearing up for Alaska’s first-ever tour of its kind, Alaska Borealis.

Lance Mitchell, Radiophonic, Alaska Redd, and Zansler share their unique experiences as rap and hip-hop artists in Alaska’s unexpected landscape. They discuss the challenges of touring in a remote area and their vision for fostering community through this groundbreaking tour.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle concludes the mini-series “Getting to the roots: Our hair has a story” with an insightful discussion featuring experts on Black hair appropriation and America’s beauty standards. 

The conversation highlights the disheartening and ironic reality. While the Black community faces stringent rules regarding their natural textured hairstyles, those outside the community freely adopt hairstyles rooted in Black culture. Christina Michelle delves into these issues, shedding light on the lived experiences of Black individuals and discussing the work needed to address these challenges moving forward.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle speaks with Alaskan hair care professionals about their experiences with textured hair. 

Given the challenges of finding suitable professionals for the Black community in Alaska, today’s conversation highlights available resources and essential products to support the Black community’s hair care journey in the region.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle delves into a profound discussion about the textured hair journey from the perspective of Black women. 

Christina’s guests share their stories, illuminating the struggles and triumphs that trace back to childhood. From perms and hot combs to protective and natural styles, this fourth installment of the “Getting to the roots: Our hair has a story” mini-series delivers an unfiltered, long-overdue conversation—both enlightening and disarmingly honest.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle continues the compelling mini-series, “Getting to the roots: Our hair has a story.” This time, the textured hair journey is explored from the male perspective.

From childhood to adulthood and everything in between, host Christina Michelle and her guests delve into their textured hair journeys. This open and honest conversation pulls back the curtain to reveal the highs and lows Black men face with their hair.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK and is rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

In this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle explores the Black community in Alaska and the unique relationship between Black culture and textured hair.

In part two of this series, Christina interviews a mother who, despite not having textured hair herself, is navigating the textured hair journey with her child. She shares her experiences from the beginning of her child’s hair journey to their current status, discussing the various ups and downs encountered along the way.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle kicks off season five with an update on the past summer in the Black community here in Juneau. Then, the show begins a new mini-series about African Americans in Alaska and their relationship with their hair. 

After a summer packed with activities, Christina Michelle returns to Culture Rich Conversations to unveil the new CRC team, an updated season schedule, and a fresh perspective on discussions about Black Alaskans and textured hair.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK and is rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. You can Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer and Angel Collins produced today’s show.
The show was engineered by Al Boogie, and administrative management was handled by Jordan Lewis.
Additional assistance by Cheryl Snyder and Bostin Christopher.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle is catching up with Lance Mitchell regarding The Supremes and their upcoming August concert as well as filling us in on all the events happening this summer with Alaska’s Black Community.  As summer approaches, a vibrant array of events awaits us! From Juneteenth celebrations to electrifying performances by the Supremes, Christina Michelle provides a captivating preview of what Alaska’s Black Community has in store for the coming months.

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Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau. Natasha Boozer produced today’s show with assistance from Al Wilson and Cheryl Snyder.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle and her guest, Angelica Fields-Morgan, have a discussion about the banned book, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” by author Taylor Jenkins Reid. 

In the novel, legendary film star Evelyn Hugo tells reporter Monique Grant about her life. At 79 years old, with all her close family members and former spouses gone, Evelyn is finally ready to share the true story of her life, including the secret she has kept hidden from the public for decades.

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK and is rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer produced today’s show
with assistance from Cheryl Snyder, Al Wilson, Bostin Christopher, and Craig Georg.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle and her guests explore the relationship between Black Alaskans and food. 

From soul food to BBQ and everything in between, the Black community is passionate about what they put on their plates. Today’s guests discuss why using real ingredients instead of over-processed food in every meal is so important. 

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer produced today’s show
with assistance from Cheryl Snyder, Bostin Christopher, and Erin Tripp.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle and her guests have an open and honest conversation about the Black-lived experience of becoming a new Alaskan in 2024. 

Moving to Alaska can be a culture shock for anyone, and in a state where only three percent are part of the Black community, it’s even more challenging. Today’s guests discuss what it took for them to call Alaska home. 

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK and is rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer produced today’s show
with assistance from Cheryl Snyder, Bostin Christopher, and Erin Tripp.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, host Christina Michelle and her guests discuss all the latest hot topics in Black culture. 

It’s only been four months, but there’s already plenty to talk about! With the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole, as well as P. Diddy and his salacious allegations, this roundtable discussion covers it all and so much more. 

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK with a rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. Listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer produced today’s show
with assistance from Cheryl Snyder, Bostin Christopher, and Erin Tripp.

On this episode of Culture Rich Conversations from Juneau’s Black Awareness Association, they continue celebrating Women’s History Month as Host Christina Michelle and her guests have an open and honest conversation about the Black-lived experience of being an influential Black woman in Alaska. 

From the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between, Christina Michelle and her guests share their journey’s into becoming positive influences in their communities. 

Guests:

Reverend Mildred Parker is the Executive Minister for Administration and Ministries at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She has been at Shiloh in this role since July 2021. She previously worked at thread (Alaska’s Child Care Resource & Referral organization) as a professional development specialist from 2014-2021. Rev. Parker has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She has a Master of Science with a specialization in Teaching Adults in Early Childhood Education Field degree. She loves spending time with her husband of 26 years and traveling.

Lori A. Colbert is a lifelong Alaskan. She is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College and Willamette University College of Law and the owner of Colbert Family Law, LLC. Lori is a member of the Alaska and American Bar Associations and she serves as the Alaska State Delegate for the American Bar Association House of Delegates. She is active in her community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alaska Alumnae Chapter, and she serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Shiloh Community Development, Inc. Lori is also an active member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. She is the mother to two daughters and grandmother to two grandsons.

Thalia Bunton

Christina Michelle hosts the conversation. Culture Rich Conversations airs Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO and KAUK and is rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. You can listen online or subscribe to the podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast:

Culture Rich Conversations is a production of KTOO in partnership
with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau.
Natasha Boozer produced today’s show
with assistance from Cheryl Snyder, Bostin Christopher, and Erin Tripp.