Crude Conversations

EP 031 with Jeremy Blake

In this episode, we have a conversation with local filmmaker and King Technical High School teacher Jeremy Blake. We talk about how he first got into filmmaking and evolved into being one of the most sought-after sound guys in the local community, the short-lived film tax incentive, and how Alaska’s unique landscape is represented and often underutilized in movies.
 
With guest host John Kendall of Quick Dash Films.

EP 030 with Cliff Groh

In this episode, Cody has a conversation with Cliff Groh, a former Alaska Revenue Department official and longtime advocate for the Permanent Fund Dividend. Cliff was instrumental in the creation of the PFD in the early 1980s. From 1987 to 1990, he served as special assistant to Hugh Malone, the Commissioner of Revenue in the administration of then-governor of Alaska Steve Cowper. He was also involved in the adoption of legislation that changed Alaska's oil tax system. They talk about how the discovery of the Super-giant Prudhoe Bay oil field in the late 1960s changed Alaska's economy and government and why the two most important questions in Alaska are "What is the Permanent Fund for?" And "how long do you personally plan to live in Alaska?"

EP 029 with Jay Liska

In this episode, Cody has a conversation with his uncle, Jay Liska. Jay was the first professional snowboarder from Alaska to get his own pro-model. He also started Boarderline Alaska Snow and Skate with his brother, Scott Liska, and went on to start his own shop, Northern Boarder. They talk about the snowboard scene in the 80s and 90s, and Jay shares some of his most memorable stories from back in the day, including the time he was in a helicopter crash on Mount Spurr and the time he took Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys snowboarding in Thompson Pass.

EP 028 with Keezy

In this episode, we have a conversation with Keon McMillan, better known as Keezy, an Alaskan rapper and producer. We talk about the history and impact of the hip hop collective Sky Division—how it was the first large posse of young Alaskan rappers and producers—the influence hip hop music and culture has on society and political change, the implications of selling out, the responsibility that comes with status, and how pop culture influencers aren't always the best role models for young, black men. 
We also discuss why he moved to Seattle to pursue a career in hip hop and why Alaska will always be home. 
With guest host Tubby. 

EP 027 with Mike Thompson

In this episode, we have a conversation with Mike Thompson, a longtime high school teacher at East High in Anchorage, Alaska. We talk about moving from Chicago to rural Alaska—from a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood to one where he was the first black person they met—the lessons he learned about race and integrity from his dad, how civility is a leadership skill, the students who have made an impression on him, and how he believes it's his job to teach students how to think, not what to think.  
We also discuss Governor Mike Dunleavy's proposed budget cuts to Alaskan education, and teaching government class during the 2016 presidential election. 
With guest host Tim Davis.

EP 026 with Julia O'Malley

In this episode, we have a conversation with longtime Alaska journalist Julia O'Malley. We talk about being raised in a family of storytellers, how overcoming dyslexia got her into writing, the importance of local news and digital newspaper subscriptions, media literacy—being able to differentiate between false sources and credible sources—that being a journalist in Alaska doesn't mean resigning yourself to mediocrity, and how food is a lens to understanding culture and community. 
We also discuss mansplaining, equality and how the corporate structure doesn't allow for women to have schedules that accommodate motherhood. 
With guest host Aurora Ford

EP 025 with Mike Gordon

In this episode, Cody has a conversation with Mike Gordon, the former owner of Chilkoot Charlies, a famous bar along Spenard road in Anchorage, Alaska. They talk about Mike's travels—the ones he did for work and the ones that have made the biggest impact on him — he explains the early days of Koots, the prevalence of cocaine in Alaska during the 70s and how the late night scene has changed since then. They also discuss how bars are unfairly judged and the feeling of responsibility when people got hurt on Koots property. 

EP 024 with Tubby

In this episode, Cody has a conversation with James Storlie, better known as Tubby, an Alaskan rapper and hip hop commentator. They talk about how Crude Conversations got started, the Alaskan hip hop scene — how he was introduced to it through the 90s breakdancing scene in Fairbanks and how he eventually became a fixture within it — deadlines, how he cut his weed consumption from $1,000 a month to $600, lessons and repercussions of pursuing a living off a podcast about Alaskan hip hop, and what he considers to be the most influential Alaskan hip hop album of all time. They also discuss being an independent creator, and being proud of a body of work.

EP 023 with Scott Liska

In this episode, Cody has a conversation with his dad, Scott Liska, the founder of Boarderline, an Alaskan snowboard and skateboard shop that nurtured, represented and influenced the Alaska snow and skate scene in the late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. They talk about a lot of firsts: how Boarderline began and what it turned into, how King of the Hill—a three day snowboard competition in Thompson Pass—got started, and how Boarderline Camp got started. They also discuss the importance of local businesses to a community, and Scott's current venture, Alaska Surf Adventures.

EP 022 with Michelle Larissa

In this episode, we have a conversation with Michelle Larissa, an ex-stripper from Alaska turned award-winning weed chef. We talk about the time Michelle saw a donkey show in Mexico, how she became a stripper at 18 and made $2,700 in two hours her first day on the job, the difference between the Alaska strip club scene in the 90s versus today, reasons people go to the strip club, pregnant strippers, and the history of The Showboat strip club and its owner Terry Stahlman. We also discuss strip club culture—how it used to be niche, but now it's normalized.
 
With guest host Jered Mayer, whose stepdad, Terry Stahlman, owned The Showboat.