In this special episode of It's Alaska, we head to the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage for one of Alaska's biggest celebrations of pop culture, fandom, comics, cosplay, gaming, and celebrity guests: Arctic Comic Con 2026. Hosted annually in Anchorage, Arctic Comic Con brings together fans from across the state for a weekend of celebrity panels, autograph sessions, artists, vendors, cosplay, and unforgettable conversations. 

This episode features interviews with six incredible guests who have left their mark on television, film, animation, and entertainment:

🎙️ Mindy Sterling
Best known for her iconic role as Frau Farbissina in the Austin Powers films, Mindy has also appeared in The Goldbergs, iCarly, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and countless comedy favorites.

🎙️ Billy West
One of the most recognizable voices in animation, Billy is the voice behind beloved characters including Fry, Professor Farnsworth, and Dr. Zoidberg from Futurama, as well as Ren from The Ren & Stimpy Show.

🎙️ Ross Marquand
Known to millions as Aaron on The Walking Dead, Ross is also a celebrated voice actor and impressionist whose work includes major roles in the Marvel universe, including What If...? and Avengers: Infinity War.

🎙️ John O'Hurley
Television audiences know John as J. Peterman from Seinfeld. He's also an accomplished actor, author, host, and former winner of Dancing with the Stars fan-favorite recognition.

🎙️ Laz Alonso
Best known as Mother's Milk on the hit series The Boys, Laz has also starred in Avatar, Fast & Furious, Detroit, and numerous film and television projects.

🎙️ Kathleen Herles
The original voice of Dora in Dora the Explorer, Kathleen helped introduce an entire generation of children to one of television's most beloved animated characters.

Whether you're a comic book fan, animation enthusiast, movie buff, or simply love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from legendary performers, this episode delivers a fun look at the people who helped shape some of pop culture's most memorable characters.

Known across the state as the longtime host of The Venue, Eddie P has built a reputation as more than just a media personality. He’s a connector. A curator. A storyteller who has spent years spotlighting Alaska’s artists, events, and underground energy long before it hit the mainstream.

From radio waves to live stages, Eddie P has played a key role in giving local talent a platform and creating space for voices that might otherwise go unheard in a state where distance and exposure are constant challenges.

In this conversation, we go beyond the mic.

We talk about:

•  The evolution of Alaska’s music and media scene 
•  What it really takes to stay relevant in a changing industry 
•  The behind-the-scenes reality of building a long-standing platform like The Venue
•  His perspective on legacy, consistency, and showing up for your community 

Eddie P brings a grounded, real-world perspective - earned through years of experience, relationships, and staying close to the culture.

This episode is about more than media.
It’s about impact.

If you’ve ever wondered how Alaska’s creative scene keeps moving, growing, and surviving… this is part of that story.

Hosted by Brad Erickson.

Filmed and Produced by Upper One Solutions in the U1 Studios.

Matthew shares what it really takes to explore Alaska beyond the tourist spots—from hidden trails and breathtaking backcountry routes to the mindset you need to safely experience the Last Frontier. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone dreaming of your first Alaska adventure, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical tips straight from someone who lives it every day.

We talk about:

•  What makes Alaska hiking unlike anywhere else in the world 
•  How to prepare for real wilderness adventures 
•  Hidden gems most visitors never see 
•  The difference between guided trips and going solo 
•  Why Alaska changes people 

If you’ve ever felt the pull of the wild, this episode is your invitation to answer it.

🎧 Tune in and discover Alaska through the eyes of someone who knows its trails best.

Find more episodes at www.itsalaskapodcast.com!

This week on It’s Alaska, we sit down with Kristin George and Dakotah Fujan, two of the driving forces behind one of Alaska’s most iconic winter traditions - the Fur Rendezvous Festival in Anchorage.

For more than 90 years, Fur Rondy has brought the community together in the heart of winter, celebrating Alaska’s resilience, creativity, and quirky spirit. From coordinating hundreds of volunteers and welcoming international ambassadors to organizing beloved events like sled dog races, snow sculpture competitions, and the legendary Running of the Reindeer, Kristin and Dakotah share what it truly takes to run a festival of this scale.

You’ll hear insider stories from behind the scenes, learn how the festival continues to evolve while honoring tradition, and discover why Fur Rondy remains one of the state’s most anticipated celebrations.

Whether you’re a lifelong Alaskan or someone who dreams of experiencing winter in the Last Frontier, this episode gives you a front-row seat to the magic.

❄️ Learn more about Fur Rendezvous:
 👉 https://furrondy.net

Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/

Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

A multi-time Iditarod finisher who balances full-time work in environmental regulation with the relentless demands of training sled dogs, Karin’s life has been shaped by grit, discipline, and devotion to her team. With the help of fellow mushers who rushed to the scene, every dog was recovered. Karin faced months of recovery and the devastating reality of missing the Iditarod she had trained for.

In this episode of It’s Alaska, Karin reflects on the accident, the community that carried her through it, and why—despite everything—she was never ready to quit running dogs. This is a story about impact, endurance, and what matters most when everything breaks at once.

Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/
Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

Hosted by Brad Erickson of Erickson Events 

Produced by Upper 1 Solutions in the U1 Studios 

Originally from Michigan, Rich Capitan came to Alaska to work with wildlife — a journey that led him to the Alaska Zoo, where he now works in education. While engaging audiences and leading educational programs, Rich discovered he was naturally using improvisation as a tool for connection, storytelling, and learning.

That realization sparked a passion for improv comedy. In 2005, Rich joined Scared Scriptless Improv, where he developed his skills and became deeply involved in Alaska’s comedy scene. Building on years of experience, Rich has now launched ComedySportz Anchorage, a fast-paced, interactive, competitive improv comedy show where audience participation drives the laughs.

🎭 ComedySportz Anchorage – Opening Night
📅 January 9, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Williwaw Social

This episode explores how Alaska’s unique environment can shape creativity — blending wildlife, education, and comedy into a life full of laughs and community.

🎟 Stay connected and find upcoming show dates at:
 cszanchorage.com

Inspired by the true story of Blanche Stuart Scott, the first woman to drive across the United States in 1910, OVERLAND! explores the literal and figurative lengths women must go to in order to be seen, heard, and recognized in their time. Blanche was more than a trailblazer behind the wheel—she went on to become a successful aviator, stunt pilot, and pioneer in American history.

Joining us for this conversation are:

• Kristen Ritter, Playwright
• Katy Laurance, Actor (Blanche)
• Danielle Rabinovitch, Actor (Gerty)

Together, they share the story behind the play, the importance of honoring women’s history, and how OVERLAND! balances comedy, heart, and historical truth.

🎟 One-Night-Only Fundraiser Performance
📍 Performing Arts Center
📅 Friday, January 9, 2026

This special fundraiser performance takes place before the production heads to New York City for its invited run at The Tank, performing off-off Broadway.

🎫 Tickets available now:
https://tickets.centertix.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2743&_gl=1*3lgd50*_gcl_au*MTQwMjUzMTg2MS4xNzYxMDk0NTQ4

📸 Follow the journey:
Instagram: @blanchestuartscott

💛 Support the production:
Fundraiser Link: https://linktr.ee/LadyOverland 

This episode is a celebration of storytelling, history, and the unstoppable drive of women who paved the way—sometimes one dusty mile at a time.

Hosted by Brad Erickson https://www.ericksonevents.com/

Produced in the Upper 1 Solutions Studios https://upper1solutions.com/

Brad grew up in Boise, Idaho and first stepped foot in the Last Great Frontier in May 2000. Since then, he has lived a uniquely Alaskan life—working in summer tourism, spending two winters in Fairbanks, and even serving a summer on the Yukon River with the Louden Tribal Council. For the past 13 years, he has called the Anchorage area home.

A passionate educator, Brad has taught English Language Learners across the globe, including in Alaska, Australia, South Korea, Idaho, and Colorado. In 2017, he founded Alaska English Adventures with a mission to bring international students to Alaska for immersive educational experiences blending English learning with real adventure.

Today, Brad has built edu-partnerships in 25 countries, connecting students and classrooms worldwide with Alaska through his company’s pen pal program, and fostering cultural exchange that spans continents.

Brad is also the visionary behind the upcoming Alaska Hockey All-Star Safari Tour to Nairobi, Kenya in December 2026. During this groundbreaking event, Alaska hockey all-stars will host youth hockey camps in Africa and compete in a tournament against the Kenya Ice Lions—helping make hockey history in one of the most unexpected and inspiring places on earth.

📬 Contact Brad:
1-907-310-5939
Alaskapenpalproject@gmail.com

https://kenyatoiditarod.com/

Join us for a powerful conversation about culture, education, adventure, and the global spirit of Alaska.

Hosted by Brad Erickson Co-Hosted by Blaze Bell
Produced in the Upper 1 Solutions Studios 

https://itsalaskapodcast.com/

Follow Jeff and Hooked Entertainment:

 👉 Jeff Varvil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/imjeffdoingjeffthings/
 👉 Hooked Entertainment on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HookedEntertainmentAK

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or watch on YouTube — It’s Alaska, where storytelling meets the wild.

https://itsalaskapodcast.com/

Host Brad Erickson talks with AIFF Directors Pat McGee and Adam Linkenhelt, plus Greg Taylor, curator of the Explorers Achievement Award and Exploration Films for AIFF 2025.

Discover what makes Alaska’s biggest film event a true cinematic adventure! 🎥✨

🎧 It’s Alaska — New episode drops November 5

Learn more about the festival here: https://anchoragefilmfestival.org/

Learn more about your host here:  https://www.ericksonevents.com/

Produced in the Upper One Solutions Podcast Studio: https://upper1solutions.com/

#ItsAlaska #AIFF2025 #AlaskaPodcast #AnchorageFilmFestival #UpperOneStudios