Culture Rich Conversations

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

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

Culture Rich Conversations show aired on January 13, 2026

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.

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, 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.