What's Up, Alaska?!

Blaze Bell and Justin Williams
  • 5.0 (12)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hosts, Blaze Bell and Justin Williams, are sharing stories of inspiring Alaskan artists, change-makers, business owners, and more!

  1. Silver Birch in Wasilla with Owner, Becca Shier

    07/12/2025

    Silver Birch in Wasilla with Owner, Becca Shier

    🎙️ New episode alert! 🎉 Join us on "What's Up, Alaska?!" as we chat with the hilarious Becca Shier, Owner of Silver Birch in Wasilla. We dive into her journey from child protective services and foster care to running her own store, plus her and Justin’s favorite restaurants in Spenard! You won’t want to miss her funny stories and good vibes. Tune in now! 🌲🎧 #AlaskaPodcast #SilverBirch #Spenard #AlaskaLife Links to Becca and her store: https://www.instagram.com/silverbirch907/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089630823804 Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.blazebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    49 min
  2. Inside the Pink Cadillac: Kastle & Rico’s Alaskan Country Bar

    06/10/2025

    Inside the Pink Cadillac: Kastle & Rico’s Alaskan Country Bar

    On this episode of What’s Up Alaska?, we’re talking to the powerhouse pair behind one of Anchorage’s hottest spots — Kastle & Rico, owners of Pink Cadillac Country Bar 💖🤠 Known for its line dancing, theme nights, and Southern charm with an Alaskan twist, Pink Cadillac has quickly become the place to be! 💃🏽🕺🏽 But that’s not all — Kastle is also a Cupcake Wars champion 🧁 and the creative force behind Kastle’s Kreations, her custom cake and dessert business that’s just as iconic as her moves on the dance floor. In this episode, we dive into:  ✨ How Pink Cadillac is shaking up Anchorage nightlife  🧁 Kastle’s journey from Cupcake Wars to cakes & cocktails  👢 Why line dancing brings people together  💡 Building multiple brands while staying rooted in Alaska This one’s full of flavor, heart, and hustle — don’t miss it! https://pinkcadillac-ak.square.site/ https://www.facebook.com/AKastleskreations/

    41 min
  3. Stand-Up in the 907: Comedy, Community & the Road with Ida & Andrea

    05/06/2025

    Stand-Up in the 907: Comedy, Community & the Road with Ida & Andrea

    This week on What’s Up, Alaska?, we’re diving into the world of stand-up with two voices shaping the state’s comedy scene: Ida Taylor and Andrea. Andrea, an Anchorage-based comic, got her start at open mics at Koots just three years ago and has since taken her act on the road — across Alaska and even beyond. Ida Taylor is a stand-up comedian and filmmaker who’s been using humor as a survival tool most of her life. She’s a founding member of Rubber Ptarmigan, an Alaskan comedy production group, and serves on the committee for the Alaska B4UDie Comedy Festival. Together, they’re bringing the laughs statewide on their upcoming Big Bird Tiny Tour, proving that comedy in Alaska is alive, thriving, and ready to hit the road. 🎧 Tune in for real talk, hilarious moments, and a peek behind the curtain of Alaska’s stand-up scene. Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.blazebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    33 min
  4. Canine Response Teams in Alaska feat. Miranda and Margaret

    04/11/2025

    Canine Response Teams in Alaska feat. Miranda and Margaret

    Margaret Griffo and Miranda Miller are two Alaskans who serve with their canine partners through NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines, a nonprofit that deploys highly-trained teams into high-stress environments. These canines don’t just visit they respond. They seek out those who need them most, offering stability, connection, and moments of relief in the middle of crisis, disaster, and trauma. Both teams recently traveled to Washington DC, where they supported airline staff and travelers at Reagan National Airport (DCA) following a tragic incident with American Airlines. Margaret is a retired speech-language pathologist, a first responder chaplain with the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains, and the team coordinator for Alaska’s CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) team. Her Keeshond, Smartie Pants, is the Chaplain K9 for the Municipality of Anchorage, and together, they’ve been there for all kinds of responses within Alaska and beyond. From helping first responders after tough calls, to offering support in hospital hallways or deploying to the LA fires in California... Margaret and Smartie Pants show up where they’re needed most. As a chaplain, Margaret even has the privilege of crossing the yellow tape to support those in the front lines. Miranda is an Indigenous Alaskan from rural Alaska. She works alongside her Brittany, Arya Bear, who started training at just 10 weeks old and has been a well-known presence in the Anchorage community ever since. During the pandemic, when certifications were paused, Arya supported the community wherever dogs were allowed — offering comfort and love when it was needed. In 2022, Arya officially became a certified therapy dog, and soon after, they joined NATIONAL Crisis Response Canines.  Miranda is CISM-trained and focused on getting crisis response canine teams into rural and Indigenous communities that may not have easy access to these resources. Arya’s real-life stories will soon be shared in a children’s book series. Find out more here: https://www.crisisresponsecanines.org/ https://wjla.com/amp/news/local/washington-dc-plane-crash-midair-collision-dca- reagan-national-airport-american-airlines-staff-passengers-black-hawk-helicopter-crisis-response-dogs-support-photos-victims https://linktr.ee/Cupidthecrisisresponsek9 https://linktr.ee/aryabearthebrittany https://www.aryabearbooks.com/

    56 min
  5. Island Culture in Alaska with Lorna-lei Sua'ava

    03/22/2025

    Island Culture in Alaska with Lorna-lei Sua'ava

    Lorna-lei Sua’ava is a Sāmoan woman born in Long Beach, California, and raised in Palmer, Alaska. With a deep passion for education and community, she has always sought opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. She recently earned a Master’s in Neuropsychology from the University of Arizona (September 2024).  In addition to her academic and professional endeavors, Lorna-lei dedicates her time to volunteer efforts that uplift her Pasifika community. Follow Lorna-lei here: https://www.instagram.com/lolesmoov/ Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.blazebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    42 min
  6. The Funniest Woman in Alaska feat. Sabrina Speers

    02/18/2025

    The Funniest Woman in Alaska feat. Sabrina Speers

    Sabrina Speers started her stand up comedy career in 2017. Voted #1 Stand Up Comic in 2021, by the Anchorage Press, she primarily performs in Anchorage and the Mat Su Valley, but has done shows all over the state. Currently touring with The Baddies with Bars, and performs with the Alaska B4uDie Comedy Festival. You can also catch her hosting concerts as a way to get free tickets! https://www.facebook.com/sabrina.m.speers https://www.instagram.com/thesabrinaspeers/ Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.blazebell.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    51 min
  7. How to Speak to Spirits feat. Chelsea Delarosa

    02/01/2025

    How to Speak to Spirits feat. Chelsea Delarosa

    Chelsea is a mom, wife, spiritual healer, entrepreneur, dog mom, owner of 11:11 Studio, AND she has an amazing gift to able to connect to your loved ones on the other side ❤️ Chelsea is here to shake up the spiritual community, and share her wild and crazy life. She was the founder of Alaska’s first indoor dog park, and is now helping and healing people and their pups at her newest studio 11:11 Studios. Her mission is to motivate, inspire, and help people on their healing journey. Find her here: https://www.instagram.com/thealaskamedium/ https://www.instagram.com/11.11studioak/ Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.blazebell.com/ https://www.blazebellmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    44 min
  8. Redefining A Capella Music in Alaska feat. Lisa Hawkins

    01/09/2025

    Redefining A Capella Music in Alaska feat. Lisa Hawkins

    Lisa is a singer and vocal percussionist who is most known for her work as the founder of Pipeline Vocal Project, a professional a cappella trio based in Anchorage. Lisa has led this vocal trio to win international awards such as Best Album (2022) and Best Hip-Hop Song (2024) from the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards, also known as the A Cappella Grammys. Noteworthy performances such as their appearance on Good Morning Lithuania, and serenade for former President George W. Bush has put them on the map to being a trailblazer in the vocal music industry. Most notably, Pipeline Vocal Project travels as music ambassadors on behalf of the Department of State to places such as, Jordan, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and many more to promote musical exchange, female empowerment and inclusivity. Locally in Alaska, they have received an honorarium from the Alaska State Legislature for their musical innovation and continued work to represent the state. Outside of musical performance, Lisa is passionate about entrepreneurship, business leadership and branding for artists. Lisa’s background in corporate administration has allowed her apply those skills to music business, management and artist development. https://www.pipelinevocalproject.com/ Check out your hosts: Blaze Bell: https://www.instagram.com/blazebellbliss/ Justin Williams: https://www.tiktok.com/@justineatsalaska www.instagram.com/justineatsalaska

    33 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Hosts, Blaze Bell and Justin Williams, are sharing stories of inspiring Alaskan artists, change-makers, business owners, and more!

Information

  • Creator
    Blaze Bell and Justin Williams
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's Up, Alaska?!
  • Show Website
    What's Up, Alaska?!