Natural Thoughts and Talks

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...

Riley discussed her background in track and field, her transition to a project manager, and her recent launch of a women's fitness app. She emphasized the importance of aligning fitness with hormonal cycles, a concept she has been studying and implementing in her app. Riley also shared her experiences as a professional athlete and how she has been adapting to a new role as a business owner. Ventur...

Venture and Angel discussed their contrasting personalities and experiences, with Venture being an extrovert and Angel an introvert, and how their respective strengths are not mutually exclusive. They also touched on the concept of femininity and its potential impact on society, the importance of balance and respect for both masculine and feminine energies, and the challenges of balancing their fo...

Ed shared his background growing up in Virginia and his path into criminal activities, including drug trafficking, which led to his incarceration. He discussed his experiences in prison, the challenges of reintegrating into society after release, and his efforts to transform his life through personal development and positive habits. The conversation also touched on the importance of appreciating f...

Venture and Dr. Thomas Reed discussed their personal journeys, the importance of mastering their crafts, and the challenges and rewards of mentoring and coaching. They also explored the authenticity and content of their show, the importance of acknowledging past experiences, and the value of teamwork and community. Lastly, they shared their approaches to achieving success in their respective field...

Maurice, a chemical officer in the army, shared his career path and family background, emphasizing his goal to work in space operations and the importance of personal growth and responsibility. They discussed the changing landscape of opportunities, the value of divergent thinking, and the importance of planning for the future. They also reflected on their diverse backgrounds and experiences. Than...

Pauline joins the pod today to discuss her passion for not only fitness but self improvement in all areas of her life. Her recent life experiences have lots of lessons we can all pull from and her willingness to be vulnerable open up and share is what makes her such a great leader and friend in her community. Thanks so much for spending time with us Pauline hope to see you again real soon on the p...

Venture and Makenna discussed their personal growth, creative pursuits, and daily routines, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, authenticity, and open communication in relationships. They also shared their experiences with parents, generational differences, and the value of connecting with nature and oneself for personal and professional growth. The conversation concluded with a focus o...

Chris and Venture discussed their experiences as coaches and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of patience, self-reflection, and vulnerability. They also shared their strategies for managing time, dealing with stress, and training their dogs. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the evolving landscape of NCAA athletics, the importance of passion and leadership, and the potential...