5 Plain Questions

Holly Doll, a distinguished artist and citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, embodies the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary artistic expression. Specializing in Lakota beadwork and quillwork, Holly's artistic journey commenced at the tender age of two under the tutelage of her mother, instilling in her a deep respect for cultural values that inform her work today. As the Progr...

In this engaging conversation, Aiko Little shares their journey as a writer and actor, discussing their influences, career development, and the importance of creating opportunities for themself and others. They emphasizes the significance of pursuing education and passion, while also encouraging young creatives to embrace their unique paths. Aiko reflects on their experiences in the foster care sy...

Penny Kagigebi, a queer 2-Spirit artist of White Earth Ojibwe heritage, has dedicated her life to the intersection of queer activism and cultural healing. In our conversation, we explore her commitment to preserving the endangered art forms of porcupine quillwork and birchbark basketry, while also addressing the critical question of what it means to keep these traditions alive in contemporary soci...

Suzan Shown Harjo, a distinguished advocate for Native American rights, has dedicated over six decades to the protection and advancement of Indigenous interests. As the president of The Morning Star Institute and a former executive director of prominent organizations, she has been instrumental in the creation of pivotal legislation, including the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Nativ...

Suzan Shown Harjo, a prominent advocate for Native American rights, has dedicated over six decades to championing the causes of Indigenous peoples. As the president of The Morning Star Institute and a former executive director of significant organizations, she has been instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation such as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and the Native American Grav...

As season 6 draws to a close host Joe Williams thanks you and his guests for making it a completely unforgettable season. And a deep thank you to Art of the Rural, The Waterers, and Common Council for their invaluable support in making season 6 possible. Please checkout their websites and see how you can support them! And be sure to stay tuned in February 2026 for season 7! Make sure to subscribe...

This episode features the esteemed Frederick Edwards Jr., a Creative Director and teaching artist whose transformative contributions to community empowerment are exemplified through initiatives such as Umoja and Fred's Dissonance. Fred articulates his unwavering commitment to fostering narrative justice while redirecting youth towards meaningful careers, thereby addressing societal gaps in the F-M...

This podcast episode features a profound discussion with Dr. Kate Beane, an esteemed scholar and executive director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Dr. Beane, a member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Dakota and Muscogee Creek nations, delves into her extensive background in American Indian studies and her pivotal role in promoting Indigenous narratives within public art and historical conte...

Kowsar Mohamed's profound insights into community resilience and regenerative systems take center stage in this discussion, wherein we delve into her multifaceted career as an economic development practitioner and current doctoral candidate. With a rich background that encompasses leadership roles across various sectors, Mohamed emphasizes the critical need for empathy and community-centered appro...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the impactful work of Dustina Gill, an enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, who serves as the founder and Executive Director of NIS'TO Incorporated. This Native nonprofit is dedicated to fostering youth leadership, skill development, and wellness through the lenses of environmental justice, art, and Dakota culture. Throughout ou...

Reyna Hernandez, a distinguished painter and muralist with deep ties to her Dakota heritage, elucidates the significance of public art and its role in fostering community engagement. Throughout our conversation, we explore into Reyna's artistic journey, which is profoundly influenced by her Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ Dakota roots and the cultural narratives that shape her work. She articulates how her murals not...

The conversation centers around Ryan Stopera, a multifaceted artist whose work in film, photography, and community development illustrates the potency of storytelling as a catalyst for social change. As a mixed-race, Chinese American individual, Ryan’s journey is deeply influenced by his background in social work and his commitment to community engagement. He commenced his career by supporting mar...

Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota nations, shares his story in this episode of 5 Plain Questions. With a profound commitment to his community, Talon is the manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program Recording Studio, where he fosters the talents of Indigenous artists through mentorship and collaboration. His musical oeuvre,...

This 5 Plain Questions episode features a profound conversation with the esteemed Gary Farmer, a prominent figure in Indigenous film, arts and culture. Our conversation explores Farmer's extensive career, highlighting his notable contributions to film, television, and music, which have significantly enriched Indigenous representation in the arts. Throughout the episode, we explore the intricate na...

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of effective communication within professional environments. We explore the fundamental importance of clarity and conciseness in conveying ideas. Our discussion emphasizes the necessity of active listening as a means to foster understanding and collaboration among colleagues. We also examine common pitfalls that hinder effective dialogue and offer s...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is a continuation of our dialogue with Jeremy Red Eagle, a notable cultural practitioner dedicated to the revitalization of the Dakota language and traditions. Joe speaks with Jeremy, an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, exploring his commitment to educating Native American youth through various traditional practices, including bow making and...

The episode of 5 Plain Questions presents an insightful conversation with Sergio Paez, a notable figure in the industry. From his early influences, which include the magic of Disney and the artistry of renowned illustrators, to his current endeavors as a director at Lucasfilm, Sergio articulates a profound understanding of the storytelling craft. The dialogue navigates through the various stages o...

This episode of 5 Plain Questions features a profound dialogue with Tina Tavera, a Minneapolis-based Latinx artist whose work explores the intricate constructions of identity and culture through various artistic mediums. Tavera's exploration is particularly focused on the nuances of Latinidad within the United States, as informed by her transnational upbringing between Minnesota and Mexico. Throug...

Mali Obomsawin stands at the forefront of contemporary Indigenous music, embodying a diverse range of genres that include jazz, roots music, and experimental sound. As a bassist, composer, and vocalist hailing from the Odanak First Nation, her artistic journey has led her to collaborate with esteemed musicians while forging her own path through innovative compositions that challenge the status quo...

This episode features a profound dialogue with Billy Mills, the legendary Olympic gold medalist and advocate for Indigenous youth. Mills, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribal Nation, delves into the significance of his victory in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which he transformed into a lifelong commitment to empowering Native youth through sports and health advocacy. He shares...

The latest episode of 5 Plain Questions delves into the life and artistry of Keith Secola, a revered figure in contemporary Native American music. Born in Cook, Minnesota, Secola's journey is marked by a profound connection to his roots and a relentless passion for music that has spanned over five decades. His seminal hit, ‘NDN Kars,' which gained prominence through the film Come Dance Me Outside,...

Joe Horse Capture's episode presents a compelling narrative of his evolution as a leading figure in Native American art curation. The discussion intricately weaves through his personal history, detailing his journey from a childhood influenced by the Alcatraz occupation to a distinguished career as the Vice President of Native Collections at the Autry Museum. Joe's upbringing in a culturally rich...

In this compelling episode of 5 Plain Questions, host Joe Williams engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dallas Goldtooth, a prominent Indigenous activist, actor, and comedian. Their conversation is framed by the pressing concerns surrounding the current political climate and its potential ramifications for Indigenous communities across the United States. Goldtooth articulates a clear and u...

The conversation with DY Begay unfolds against the backdrop of her rich Navajo heritage, as she shares insights into her identity as a member of the Tótshoníí (Big Water) and Tachinii’ (Red Running into Earth) clans. Her narrative is steeped in familial connections, particularly highlighting her lineage as a fifth-generation weaver, which illuminates the significance of tradition in her artistic p...

Joseph J. Allen, a Minnesota-based photographer and returning guest, shares insights from his artistic journey and community work in this engaging conversation. He discusses his evolution from photojournalism to a more artistic approach, emphasizing the importance of subjective storytelling in photography. As the director of the Gizhiigin Arts program, Joseph highlights the significance of collabo...