Natural Thoughts and Talks

Venture and Kenya discussed their shared experiences of navigating multiple cultural identities, with Kenya being Afro-Indigenous and Venture having a strong connection to Native American culture. They explored how social media can both amplify and challenge their cultural expressions, with Kenya sharing her experience of receiving hate comments for celebrating her dual heritage. They discussed th...

Rebecca Hinderer is a talented entrepreneur and the owner of Let’s Yolk About It , one of the best brunch spots in Long Beach, California. Beyond the food, Rebecca is deeply passionate about building culture, community, and a strong team rooted in respect and shared purpose. She leads with a big heart, creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—both inside an...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Clark, a rising Native American physical therapist whose roots run deep in the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of rural Montana. Dr. Clark represents a new generation of Native health professionals driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to lifting up those along side her. From her early days growing up on the reservation to earning her doc...

Makenna and Venture shared their personal journeys of discovering community and cultural connections, particularly through music and Indigenous culture, while discussing the challenges of authenticity and self-confidence in their professional lives. They explored their creative processes and approaches to content creation, including Venture's documentary-style work and Makenna's musical projects,...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Clark , a rising Native American physical therapist whose roots run deep in the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of rural Montana. Dr. Clark represents a new generation of Native health professionals driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to lifting up those along side her. From her early days growing up on the reservation to earning her do...

Venture and Gabriela discussed her background, including her Mexican heritage and Native American roots. Gabriela shared her family history and upbringing in Los Angeles. Venture explained how he had been meaning to have Gabriela on his show for over two years and finally got the chance. They discussed Venture's recent experiences with beadwork and traditional female-dominated arts, which led him...

Kandace, a young yoga instructor from Oahu, Hawaii, joined the podcast to share her journey of spiritual alignment and personal growth. She recently returned from Asia and connected with Venture through social media, leading to this podcast appearance. Kandace discussed her interest in continuing to develop her digital brand, her Cherokee heritage, and her ongoing journey of self-discovery and anc...

Venture and Michael discussed the growth and evolution of Michael's barber shop in Belmont Shore, which has been operating since 1932. Michael shared his journey from becoming a barber 15 years ago to eventually taking over the shop several years ago, highlighting how he built a diverse team of 18 barbers and navigated challenges during COVID-19. They reflected on the shop's cultural significance...

Brenna and Venture caught up on personal and professional updates, discussing Brenna's growth as a voice and camera actor, and Venture's reflections on personal development through hosting the show with diverse guests. They explored topics including acting techniques, self-acceptance, and the importance of authenticity in creative expression, while sharing personal experiences and career inspirati...

On this special episode of the podcast, I had the honor of welcoming my mother Dr. Natalie Weeks O’Neal—after more than 300 episodes in. We dove deep into conversations about community involvement, the future of our indigenous communities, healthcare challenges, and the importance of strong family values. It’s a heartfelt discussion about staying tight-knit, working hard, and always leveraging the...

In this episode, we sit down with Beef, a devoted husband, proud father, and respected leader within the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Montana. Beyond being a hard-working businessman, Beef embodies what it means to lead by example—balancing family, community, and personal growth with unwavering dedication. His story reflects the power of discipline, integrity, and the daily pursuit of...

We’re honored to welcome Peter “Tonto” Dupree, a respected leader of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in Montana, to the podcast. Tonto’s wisdom, strength, and lifelong commitment to his people embody the true spirit of leadership and community. In this episode, he shares powerful stories about his journey, the importance of cultural preservation, and the values that continue to guide ou...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my uncle, Nakoa Heavyrunner — a celebrated artist, accomplished drummer, and respected Indigenous leader from the great state of Montana. Nakoa has dedicated his life to preserving, sharing, and evolving Native culture through his creative work and community leadership. We talk about his artistic journey, the power of music and drumming in bringing people...

This retro 1970s powwow intertribal song carries the voice of an elder from Montana’s American Indian community, echoing both tradition and timeless spirit. Rooted in the drumbeat of the people, it honors the strength of the culture, the resilience of the community, and the wisdom passed down through generations. With each note, it pays homage to the ancestors who kept the songs alive, while offer...

Venture sits down with Yaya, a fitness enthusiast and teacher from near Seattle, about her passion for fitness. Kaelynn explains that she fell in love with fitness after playing competitive softball, finding it essential for her mental health and enjoying pushing her body. They discuss the growing trend of women lifting heavy weights and how regular exercise helps balance their daily lives, with Y...

Sarah shared her personal journey of loss and recovery, which led her to pursue a career in grief counseling. She highlighted the lack of mental health resources on her reservation and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in accessing support for grief and trauma. Sarah emphasized the collective and compounding nature of indigenous grief, often exacerbated by frequent losses and a lack o...

Little Spider shared his journey of learning and teaching grass dancing, highlighting the appreciation he has received from elders and the positive impact it had on bringing back memories of traditional ways. They described grass dancing as a middle ground between fancy and Northern styles, and expressed gratitude for his mentors who have helped him understand the history and techniques of the dan...

In this episode of Smoke Signals, Venture interviews Donovan Archambault, an 86-year-old resident of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in North Central Montana. Donovan shares his life story, from being born in 1939 to his current age. He discusses the significant changes he has witnessed throughout his life, including the evolution of technology, culture, and society. Donovan expresses concern...

Kostan shared his journey to becoming a lawyer, initially inspired by his grandmother's involvement in tribal affairs. He realized the importance of understanding legal issues affecting his community and decided to pursue law school. Kostan emphasized the significance of community and his role within it. Venture shared a personal vision he had, which involved a sense of community and responsibilit...

Aaron shared his recent realization about the importance of family and taking care of his children. He stepped down from his full-time work to a part-time role, which allowed him to spend more time with his family and be more present in their lives. This change brought him a sense of relief and happiness, and he emphasized the value of being there for his children. He also highlighted the importan...

Arlie Neskahi, shared his life experiences and cultural insights, emphasizing the importance of Native American traditions, spirituality, and connection to nature. He discussed the challenges faced by Native American communities, including historical persecution and the impact of boarding schools, while highlighting the resilience and adaptability of their cultures. Throughout the conversation, Ar...

Leander Begay, a Navajo artist, shared his journey from traditional art to digital graphics and skateboard design, emphasizing the importance of patience, branding, and work ethic in business growth. He discussed his experiences growing up on the Navajo Reservation, the challenges of maintaining cultural connections, and his preference for a quieter, rural environment that influences his creative...

This episode between Venture and Cheii covered his background, personal journey, and experiences as a Native American jewelry artist. They discussed his path to sobriety, his family history, and his passion for creating and selling necklaces and earrings. The conversation also touched on the importance of unity, faith, and perseverance in the Native American community, as well as the potential for...

Michael Runningwind introduces himself and explains the traditional greeting in his native language, which acknowledges the life in each person. He discusses the importance of language in connecting with ancestors and cultural understanding. Michael shares his background, including his military service in the Marine Corps and subsequent challenges in reintegrating into civilian life. Currently, he...

Holly and Venture discussed their daily lives, experiences, and perspectives on life, work, and community, with a focus on the challenges and benefits of living in a rural area. They also explored their family dynamics, work experiences, and the importance of learning from their elders. The conversation concluded with discussions on cattle ranching, bull selection, and the potential for documentin...