Alaska Teen Media Institute

Tiny | Zoom Room #52

In this episode, we’re talking with local noise punk band Tiny. Members Noah Bemben, Rebel Barnes, Isabel Nassar, and Austen Utterback have been playing music together in different iterations for years. In 2024, Tiny released their debut album Kill on Sight, while they were all still in high school.

ATMI producer Rhys James sat down with all four band members at our studio to talk about their music. They spoke about the origins of the band, their rowdy shows, and what the future of Tiny looks like now that they’re all moving to the Pacific Northwest.

Hosted by Nathan Pobieglo.

Theme music is by Kendrick Whiteman with additional music from Devin Shreckengost.

Video production and editing by Logan Ehrhart, Charlie Groat, Emmanuel Laron, Rhys James, Jordan Kehl and Vermillion Reed. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Special thanks to Mike Dickenson for lending us some extra recording equipment.

This episode of our podcast was made possible with funding from Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

With additional support from the Atwood Foundation, and the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism Fund at the Alaska Community Foundation.

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors.

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena'ina people, whose land we work on.

In Other News | August 2025

Our August show features interviews with two very different local musicians (Grace C. Elliot and Tiny), plus an interview about the 50th anniversary of the municipality of Anchorage, and a check-in with a former ATMI producer currently reporting for a radio station in rural Alaska.

Hosts: Indigo Schlee and Rhys James

Events: Michael Hunter

Show Producer: Kaylee LaTocha

This episode originally aired on KNBA 903 FM on August 2, 2025.

Grace C. Elliot | Zoom Room #51

Grace C. Elliot is an Anchorage-based musician who describes her music as dream pop with influences of blues and jazz. In 2020, she released her debut self-titled album. Earlier this year, she released a new single called "Alive."

She's had a busy summer, playing shows all over the state, including the Forest Fair in Gridwood, a free concert in Town Square Park, and Rock The Hill, an all-ages music festival at Hilltop Ski Area.

ATMI producer Indigo Schlee sat down with Grace in our studio. In their conversation Grace describes her journey in music, the Anchorage music scene, and a health scare in 2020 that informs some of her upcoming songs.

They spoke on July 13, 2025, the day after her show at Town Square Park, which was initially headlined by Vanessa Carlton. Carlton had to cancel days before the event, but it continued on as a free show with additional local acts added to the lineup.

Hosted by Rhys James.

Theme music by Kendrick Whiteman and Devin Shreckengost.

You can also watch this episode in full on YouTube.

This episode of our podcast was made possible with funding from Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

With additional support from the Atwood Foundation, and the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism Fund at the Alaska Community Foundation.

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors.

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena'ina people, whose land we work on.

In Other News | July 2025

Our July show highlights two all-ages music festivals happening this month. ATMI producer Nathan Pobieglo speaks with members of the band Blackwater Railroad Company about organizing Hatcher Romp, and with members of the Anchorage Concert Association about Rock The Hill.

Plus there's news, events, and music from local musicians who are performing at those festivals.

Hosts: Madison Dooley and Jordan Kehl

News: Ver

Events: Micahel Hunter

Producer: Kaylee LaTocha

This episode originally aired on KNBA 90.3 FM on July 5, 2025. 

In Other News | May 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness month and the focus of this episode. Four of our producers participated in the #SpeakYourMind Ice Bucket challenge, live on the radio!

We also have an interview with Annie Ferry, the executive director of NAMI Anchorage, a review of the movie "Sinners" from ATMI producer Cat Whited, and filled out the hour with local music from our archive.

Hosts: Kaylee LaTocha and Indigo Schlee

News: Nathan Pobieglo

Events: Michael Hunter

Producer: Quinn White

ATMI producers Jordan Kehl, Eleanor Poe, Ormund Alaois, and Xander Rose participated in the ice bucket challenge, with assistance from Wren Crockett and Mo Spooner. 

Show artwork by Mo Spooner.

This episode originally aired on KNBA 90.3 FM Anchorage on May 3, 2025.

ADN Photographer Marc Lester | Zoom Room #50

The Anchorage Daily News is the most widely read newspaper in Alaska. When journalists are writing a news story, photos can be just as important as the stories themselves. ADN staff photographer Marc Lester has been working with the paper for over 25 years taking photos for news, sports, feature stories, and standalone pictures of nature in Alaska. 

ATMI producer Micheal Hunter sat down with Marc to talk about his work. They discuss Marc’s early days as a photographer, some of the standout moments in his career, and his advice for budding journalists.

Hosted by Xander Rose. Written and produced by Taylor Heckart.

Music by Kendrick Whiteman and Devin Shreckengost. 

This episode was made possible with funding from Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors.

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena’ina people, whose land we work on.

The 2025 Oscar Winners | Film Club #45

In our last episode, ATMI producers Cat Whited, Mo Spooner, and Elle Engel discussed the 2025 Oscar nominations. Now that the awards have been handed out, they’re back to talk about the results.

They discuss the big award winners, their thoughts on Conan O’Brien as the host for the night, and whether they think the Oscars in general reflect their taste in movies.

Hosted and produced by Indigo Schlee.

Music by Kendrick Whiteman and Devin Shreckengost.

Film Club was made possible with funding from the Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. 

With additional support from the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism Fund at the Alaska Community Foundation. The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors. 

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena’ina people, whose land we work on.

The 2025 Oscar Nominations | Film Club #44

It's award season, so it's time to talk about the 2025 Oscar Nominations!

ATMI producers Cat Whited, Mo Spooner, and Elle Engel sat down to go through some of the main Oscar categories. They talked about what they think will win versus what they hope will win, shine a light on movies that were not nominated, and their favorite films and performances of last year.

Hosted by Eleanor Poe.

Music by Kendrick Whiteman and Devin Shreckengost.

Film Club was made possible with funding from the Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. 

With additional support from the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism Fund at the Alaska Community Foundation. The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors. 

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena’ina people, whose land we work on.

Singer/Songwriter Emma Hill | Zoom Room #49

Singer/Songwriter Emma Hill has been in the Anchorage music scene for almost two decades. Originally from the village of Sleetmute, Emma is also a co-owner of Rage City Vintage and hosts the all-ages songwriter showcase Spenard Song Circle. 

In August, Emma hosted “Eras of Anchorage: An art exhibit honoring the history of the Anchorage music scene.” It featured photography, posters, and audio recordings documenting the city’s musical history.

ATMI producer AJ Yambao sat down with Emma to talk about her career. She spoke about inspiring young people in the Anchorage music scene, mental health advocacy, and the future of Spenard Song Circle.

On our YouTube page, you can see full videos of Emma performing her songs "We Are We (Fur Babies)" and "Wild Ride."

Hosted by Kaylee LaTocha.

Written by Taylor Heckart.

Music by Kendrick Whiteman and Devin Shreckengost. 

Many thanks to supporters of our podcast, including the State of Alaska Division of Public Health. 

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors.

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena’ina people, whose land we work on.

SunDog | Zoom Room #48

This episode, we’re talking to local Alaskan band SunDog. The trio is composed of guitarist/singer Abi Sparkman, bassist Devin Lind, and drummer Philip Giannulis. Their music has been described as psychedelic, pop-grunge, and classic-rock inspired. Their third album “About You” came out on September 25th, and they celebrated the release with a concert at Bear Tooth a few days later. 

ATMI producer Kaylee LaTocha sat down with SunDog to talk about the formation of the band, Anchorage’s music scene, and break down the themes of “About You”. 

Click the links to see SunDog perform their songs "Spinning Out" "Fading Flower" and "Out of Place" in the ATMI studio.

Hosted by Ormund Alaois. Written by Taylor Heckart.

Music by Devin Shreckengost and Kendrick Whiteman. 

Special thanks to Mike Dickenson at Williwa for graciously lending us some audio gear, and to Jeremy Blake at King Technical High School for his added mentorship.

Many thanks to supporters of our podcast, including the State of Alaska Division of Public Health. 

The views expressed in this program do not necessarily represent the views of our sponsors.

Alaska Teen Media Institute is based in Anchorage, Alaska. We would like to acknowledge the Dena’ina people, whose land we work on.