Pow Wow Life - PowWows.com

This week my guest is Glendon N. Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Tribal Liaison for the Oregon State Police. Glendon’s work focuses on building stronger communication and understanding between the State of Oregon, Oregon’s Tribes, and law enforcement. His role includes supporting government-to-government relationships, providing Tribal...

Dave Smoot's story doesn't fit neatly into any one box — and that's exactly what makes it so compelling. He's a Tribal Member of the Creek Nation in Oklahoma. A U.S. Army veteran. A tech industry pioneer who helped shape the early days of the software and microcomputer revolution. And today, the founder of companies working to produce sustainable aviation fuel at commercial scale in the United Sta...

The 2026 Gathering of Nations is almost here, and in this episode of PowWowLife, I’m walking you through everything you need to know. Whether you’re heading to Albuquerque in person or planning to watch from home, this episode is your guide to the 2026 Gathering of Nations. I’m talking about what to expect at the event, what you do not want to miss, tips for navigating the crowds, grand entries, S...

What happens when you combine design talent, Indigenous identity, humor, and a sharp eye for what’s missing in the market? You get Born of Legends. This week on Pow Wow Life, Shannon Romero shares how she built her brand, why contemporary Native representation matters, and how she created designs that reflect shared Indigenous experiences. We also get into the business side, including how Etsy hel...

What does it take to build a creative life that actually means something? In this episode of the Pow Wow Live Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Brown, Creative Director of Eighth Generation , for a conversation about art, fashion, purpose, and the courage it takes to choose your own path. Michelle shares her journey into fashion and product design, including what it was like pursuing a creative ca...

This episode features a powerful conversation with the organizers of the Weaving Unity Southeastern MMIW Informational Pow Wow in Lexington, South Carolina. We talk about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis and why this issue matters deeply here in South Carolina and across the Southeast. The organizers share why they created this event, what they hope the community takes away,...

In this episode, I’m joined by Burgandi Trejo Phoenix for a real conversation about what it looks like to build a meaningful career and keep it grounded in who you are. We talk about identity, community, and the moments that shaped her path. Follow Burgandi Trejo Phoenix https://www.instagram.com/burgandiphoenix/?hl=en

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Meeches and Denae Robinson , the producers behind the powerful true-crime documentary series TAKEN . Now in Season 5 , TAKEN shares the stories of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Canada , including women and girls, men and boys, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community , with one goal always at the center: honour their lives and help bring them home . We...

In this interview for PowWows.com, Kali Reis dives deep into her role in the upcoming movie Mercy, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from the set and what it means to take on powerful characters. She also talks about the crossover between her boxing career and acting, her life as an Indigenous woman, and how her commitment to community drives her work both on and off-screen. Watch the trailer for...

Two Native creatives. One powerful story about forgiveness and healing. In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Travis Holt Hamilton of Holt Hamilton Films and first time actor Frankie J Gilmore, who stars as Secody in the new feature film Finding Hozho. This drama follows a 70 year old Navajo veteran who must decide whether to forgive his terminally ill and abusive father or stay “in the shado...

Join me for an interview with James Dommek Jr. and Kahlil Hudson to talk about Hulu’s haunting new documentary Blood & Myth. The film follows James on a deeply personal journey back to a remote Native village in Northern Alaska, where a series of shocking crimes sparked chilling questions about culture, identity, and the line between myth and reality. At the heart of the story is the case of T...

Traveling with your family should be exciting, not stressful — but keeping everyone safe is always top of mind. After seeing several children get lost at a recent Pow Wow, I couldn’t stop thinking about how scary that must have been for them and their parents. It also reminded me of moments when my own daughter was little and how quickly situations can turn frightening. Tonight on Pow Wow Nation L...

Join Paul G tonigh on Pow Wow Nation Life! Let’s talk about how you can find Pow Wows near you this summer! Pow Wow Info https://calendar.powwows.com/events/alabama-coushatta-annual-pow-wow/ Find a Pow Wow in your state or province! www.powwows.com/powwowsnearme New to PowWows.com Start here - https://newpowwows.powwows.com/start-here/ Learn more about Pow Wows https://www.powwows.com/main/pow-wow...

Join me for an interview with D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, star of the new war drama Warfare, directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. We talk about his intense role, the training that went into it, and what it means to portray real-life experiences on screen. After the interview, I share my personal review of the film — no spoilers, but if you want to go in completely fresh, you might want to pause and...

Pow Wow season is here, and I want to help you make the most of it! Whether you’re hitting the road for the big ones or checking out a local Pow Wow for the first time, I’ve got some tips to make sure you’re ready. I’ll be sharing: ✅ How to find Pow Wows near you ✅ What to bring and how to prepare ✅ Tips for dancers, vendors, and spectators ✅ Pow Wow etiquette & what to expect ✅ Ways to f...

Join me for an interview with the curator and organizers of the Indigenous Chicago project. Home to the Potawatomi, Odawa, Ojibwe, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Wea, Sauk, Meskwaki, and Ho-Chunk peoples, the place we now call Chicago has long been a historic crossroads for many Indigenous people and remains home to an extensive urban Native community. Yet most Chicagoans are unaware of the city...

Join Paul G with an interview from Tokala Black Elk from NBC's new show - Happy's Place staring Reba McIntire. Elk appeared in the limited series “1883” and also recurred in the first season of “Yellowstone.” In addition, Elk’s TV’s work includes “Outer Range,” “Lewis & Clark,” “Into the West,” “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Elk can next be seen starring in Peter Berg’s...

In this video, I had the chance to sit down with the amazing filmmakers behind Reservation Redemption , a powerful documentary that explores cultural healing and prison reform within Native American communities. We dive into the heart of the film, talking about the incredible stories of redemption, how Native traditions are helping inmates heal, and what inspired them to take on this important pro...

Join Paul G for an interview with Micki Free Listen to Micki Free on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aH6fiMaVOktSbo2CBcK5l?si=lMKzIEBGR_Klc-9FornNjA FREE has been on the cutting-edge of the music industry from the start of his career. Having been signed to a management deal with Gene Simmons and Diana Ross that launched his career, FREE joined the legendary R&B group Shalamar where...

Join Paul G and special guest Ricky White. Ricky White is Anishinabe from Whitefish Bay First Nations in Ontario, Canada. He is Pizhew or Lynx Clan and a lifetime member of the renowned drum group, the Whitefish Bay Singers. As a result of growing up on an isolated reservation, Ricky retained deep knowledge of the Anishinaabe language and culture and those teachings continue to guide his spirit an...

As one of the largest states in the country, California has a profound Native American heritage that spans the entire length of this 760 mile-long state. Home to over 100 tribes, California’s tribal heritage runs deep and although tourism often overlooks indigenous experiences and activities, it’s time that more travelers dedicated a portion of their trips to experience them. Visit our Califo...

Join Paul G to celebrate 20 years of streaming Pow Wows live! Can you believe it?   We've been streaming pow wows live for two decades now! It's been a wild ride filled with incredible performances, unforgettable moments, and technological challenges. I want to highlight some of the special moments and people that helped along the way. Show Notes https://www.powwows.com/celebrating-20-ye...

Join Paul G for an interview with the author and illustrator of the new children’s book - “Too Much - My Great Big Native Family”. About the book: A little boy wants a chance to shine on his own but discovers that being apart from his large and lively Native family isn’t necessarily better in this heartwarming and humorous picture book. When Russell gets a part in the school play, he lights u...

Today Paul G will answer your most asked questions! Are Pow Wows open to the public? Are there Pow Wows in my state or province? How can I get involved with Pow Wows?

Join Paul G with an interview with Mark Marsolais from Birch Bark Coffee! Mark is Ojibwe and a Band member of Whitefish River First Nation located on Birch Island, Ontario in the District of Manitoulin Island. As the proud founder of two First Nations-owned companies, IndiGenius and Associates Inc. and Birch Bark Coffee Company Inc., he is on a mission to make a difference in Indigenous peopl...