PeopleAK: 1 Degree of Separation

What keeps someone in Alaska for 20+ years? In this episode, we talk with marine scientist Sheyna Wisdom, Executive Director of the Alaska Ocean Observing System, about her journey from the deserts of New Mexico to studying whales, ocean acoustics, and marine ecosystems across the world.She shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the field, explains how ocean data helps protect communities and wildlife, and discusses serving as a bridge among science, industry, and conservation. From unforgettable whale encounters to lessons about leadership, teamwork, and resilience, this episode blends humor, science, and a real Alaska perspective.Subscribe for more conversations with people shaping Alaska’s story.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

This one wasn't planned. A last-minute cancellation turned a F Street lunch into a conversation, and a conversation turned into one of the most fun episodes this show has ever had. Around the table: a media personality who lights up every room she walks into, a Texan with a SMU degree and a goalkeeper's instinct for stopping problems before they start, a woman who quietly ran the largest emergency homeless shelter in the country during COVID, and Alaska's go-to pipeline guru and our "plus one" Kevin, who showed up for lunch and ended up holding court. Together, they cover every corner of the state and a remarkable stretch of human experience. Apart, they're each exceptional. Together at a table with nowhere to be? That's One Degree of Separation doing exactly what it was built for.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

You may know him as Rick Rydell,  the legendary Alaska radio voice who captivated audiences across Anchorage and the Northwest for decades. But his real name is Rick Greene, and his story goes far beyond the mic. In this episode of PeopleAK: 1 Degree of Separation, host Paula Bradison sits down with Rick to explore his journey; from early radio beginnings, to becoming one of Alaska’s most iconic talk show hosts, to his later role in Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

This week on PeopleAK: 1 Degree of Separation, Paula sits down with Anchorage’s own Kris Palmatier: community leader, mentor, arts advocate, and someone who represents the absolute best of Alaska.They talk about what makes our state feel like family, the kindness and authenticity that define our communities, Kris’s deep roots in the arts, and the mentors who shaped his path. It’s a conversation about identity, belonging, and what has kept him here in Alaska.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

What happens when you lose big - and keep going anyway?In this episode of PeopleAK: 1 Degree of Separation, host Paula Bradison sits down with Jeff Landfield, founder of Alaska Landmine and Alaska Political Report, to talk about the winding road that brought him here.Jeff talks about why he moved to Alaska at 19 with no connections, how losing two political races reshaped his path, why he left the country, and ultimately, why Alaska pulled him back. A candid conversation about choosing Alaska, and letting it change you.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

Ryan Binkley is a fourth-generation Alaskan born and raised in Fairbanks, with deep roots stretching across the state. He spent parts of his childhood in Bethel and Juneau while his father, John, served in the Alaska Legislature; an early introduction to both Alaska’s communities and its civic life.At just 18 years old, Ryan earned his 100-ton Master’s License and began working as a captain in his family’s business, Riverboat Discovery. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and an Associate Degree in Economics from the Colorado School of Mines, followed by engineering roles with ARCO and VECO Engineering. After several winters in Colorado as a freestyle skier, Ryan returned home to Alaska to work full-time in the family enterprise.In 2006, Ryan became President of Riverboat Discovery and El Dorado Gold Mine (Gold Dredge 8), roles he continues to hold today. In 2017, Ryan and his siblings formed Binkley Company and purchased the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska’s largest daily newspaper.Ryan is deeply involved in his community, participating in youth sports and serving as a Trustee of the Fairbanks Hospital Foundation. He lives in Fairbanks with his wife, Sabrina, and their two sons, Simon and Clive. A licensed pilot, Ryan spends his winters flying helicopters and playing hockey, continuing a life shaped by Alaska’s landscape, industry, and spirit.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

Welcome to PeopleAK: 1 Degree of SeparationHi, I’m Paula Bradison, host and owner of PeopleAK. I’m so glad you’re here.Alaska is full of incredible people doing meaningful work—often quietly, often without recognition. PeopleAK: 1 Degree of Separation was created to celebrate those stories. This podcast is about the people who shape our communities, build businesses, create change, and carry the spirit of Alaska forward in their own unique way.This is not a political or polarizing space. It’s a place for real conversations, honest reflections, and genuine curiosity. Each episode explores the lives, challenges, and motivations of Alaskans who are successful not just because of what they do, but because of who they are.In a state where we’re all more connected than we think, every story is just one degree away. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of the PeopleAK community.Let’s get started.— Paula BradisonProduced by Upper One Solutions in the U1 Studios.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn

Four generations of Alaska, and the thing she'll fight hardest for is the same thing the rest of us do, family and home. And she's just getting started.Natasha is four generations deep. She doesn't just love this place, she chose Anchorage time and again. Born and raised, she has spent her life building a family, a passion for public service, a debut novel, and a deep network of relationships all around our State. She returned from Harvard with a MBA and a heart for Alaska. Her public service spans the Anchorage School Board, then six years in the Alaska State Senate co-chairing Finance, navigating budgets and hard calls with the kind of practical intelligence you earn, not inherit. When things were really tough, she stepped back not away. She wrote a book, has stayed rooted in the community through her work with the Rasmuson Foundation, and keeps showing up. When you sit down with Natasha, you quickly realize the credentials are the least interesting thing about her. What makes her remarkable is simpler than that: she knows who she is, she knows where she's from, and she shows up for both.Produced by Upper 1 SolutionsFollow us on Social Media: WebsiteFacebookLinkedIn