Natural Thoughts and Talks

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, I sit down with Stephanie Gonzalez for a powerful conversation about reconnecting with culture, overcoming addiction, and finding strength through community.

Stephanie opens up about some of the challenges she has faced, the positive growth that came from those experiences, and what reconnecting with her culture has meant throughout that journey. We talk about healing, identity, community, and the importance of having something meaningful to come home to.

It’s a conversation about where we come from, what we can overcome, and how culture and community can he...

Venture and Morningstar discussed their previous podcast episode where they explored topics around identity, addiction, and cultural heritage. Morningstar reflected on how Venture’s advice about not thinking of cultural identity as “half” but as two distinct parts helped her better understand her own identity. They both discussed how external perspectives on cultural identity can be problematic, particularly when non-community members dictate what it means to be part of a community. Morningstar shared how becoming a parent and immersing her children in cultural traditions helped heal childhood traumas, particularly mentioning how she used cultural activities to reconnect with her loved...

This conversation has been a long time coming.

My uncle Wacy Weeks and I hadn’t spoken in several years before sitting down for this episode. That history made this conversation different. Wacy opens up about his battle with addiction and what it has taken to navigate life as a father, leader, friend, and member of the Fort Peck Tribes.

We talk honestly about family, healing, culture, responsibility, and some of the ideas we share for strengthening our communities throughout Indian Country. We also discuss the importance of practicing our culture—not simply talking about pres...

This episode is a bit of an NTT throwback. We originally recorded this conversation with Myltin Bighorn a few months ago, and after sitting on it for a while, I knew it deserved to be brought back out.

Myltin is a rising young Native entrepreneur and youth advocate with strong ties to his community and culture. We sat down to talk about mindset, discipline, positivity, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with trying to represent your people well.

At the heart of this episode is a conversation between two young Native men trying to become...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, I sit down with Khalil—an educator, professor, community leader, and someone I’ve been fortunate to call on for guidance and friendship.

Khalil’s story is especially powerful because his connection to his Native roots came later in life. Through years of discipline, research, and involvement within the American Indian community, he was able to trace his genealogy and reconnect with his roots through the Fort Peck Tribes.

We talk about identity, education, community, leadership, and what it means to continue discovering who you are throughout your l...

What does it mean to find your way back to culture, community, and purpose?

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa, a passionate Native leader, dancer, and community advocate whose work is centered on strengthening Indigenous identity and creating opportunities for future generations. Melissa shares her journey growing up, the importance of reconnecting with culture, and the deep responsibility she feels to carry her family’s teachings forward.

We talk about the power of powwows, wearing regalia with purpose, honoring our ancestors, and why preserving Indigenous traditions is more important than ever. Melissa also op...

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Tex Hall for an in-depth conversation about leadership, service, and building a stronger future for Indian Country.

Coming from a long line of hardworking, dedicated leaders in his community, Tex shares the experiences that have shaped his life—from agriculture and education to tribal government and public service. As a former Tribal Chairman and a passionate advocate for youth sports, he has spent decades investing in the next generation of leaders, believing that strong communities are built by developing strong young people.

Throughout our co...

Dr. Nat joins the show to talk about her family values growing up and as a parent. the importance of community and how her run for office can help prioritize the traditional values found across all of Montana. Thanks for taking the time to record mom! Love you

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Michael and Venture discussed the importance of decolonizing Indigenous communities and building human capital. They explored how traditional Indigenous values, such as sharing and community care, have been lost or undervalued in modern society. Michael shared his experiences as a Native American veteran and his desire to see more unity among Indigenous peoples. They discussed the need to stop allowing non-Indigenous people to define what it means to be Indigenous. The conversation concluded with Michael suggesting potential guests for future episodes, including his niece Kat Warren and other young Indigenous women...

Morningstar shared her journey from being an reluctant aunt to becoming a mother of three, including her experiences with foster care, addiction, and cultural identity as a Black and Native American woman. She discussed how her grandmother's wisdom and cultural teachings helped her overcome drug and alcohol addiction at a young age. Morningstar also described her current focus on building a foundation for her children through entrepreneurship and creating a supportive home environment. The conversation concluded with Morningstar recommending several people in her community for future interviews, including a carver and her best friend who helped establish a community...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Clayton Jones, a Portland resident who shared his passion for craft beer, cooking, and camping. They discussed Clayton's detailed approach to enjoying food and drink, his early experiences working with mentally ill individuals, and his current job at the airport. Clayton highlighted the importance of treating people with kindness and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Thanks so much for chatting Clay! See you soon.

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Steven Pearson, an artist and professor from Pennsylvania, to discuss his artistic journey and teaching experiences. They explored Pearson's current art projects within the painting world, as well as his teaching approach at McDaniel College, where he emphasizes the importance of process over product and encourages students to experiment with different media. Pearson shared insights on the value of art, the role of boredom in creativity, and the significance of allowing students to explore their ideas freely. They also discussed the challenges and rewards of teaching art, including the...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Morris Jones, a track and field coach at Cerritos College, to discuss his experiences growing up in Southern California during the Civil Rights era, his coaching philosophy, and his approach to mentoring student-athletes. Morris shared his journey from a challenging upbringing in a segregated community to becoming a successful coach who emphasizes building strong human capital and fostering personal growth beyond athletics. They discussed the importance of community, cultural preservation, and the role of education in empowering individuals to overcome systemic barriers. Morris also highlighted the impact of the...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture and Daniel discussed their experiences living in different environments, particularly comparing urban life in Baltimore and Los Angeles to rural life in Montana. Daniel shared his love for nature and community, while Venture described his transition from city life to living on the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana. They explored themes of freedom, ownership, and connection to the land, discussing how these concepts differ between urban and rural settings. The conversation touched on the importance of traditional skills, star gazing, and cultural preservation. They also discussed the potential for future...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Jessenia, a hairstylist from Las Vegas who recently opened her own salon suite specializing in textured hair. Jessenia shared her journey from a career in hospitality to becoming a stylist, including the financial and personal sacrifices she made to pursue her passion. They discussed the importance of humility, self-discovery, and the challenges of balancing career and family life. She highlighted the value of journaling and self-reflection in personal growth. Jess and Venture discussed personal growth and the challenges of balancing self-criticism with self-acceptance. Jessenia shared her struggle as a...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture and Dr. TJ Reed discussed the upcoming Cal State Long Beach Pow Wow and the importance of cultural preservation. They explored the concept of abundance mindset versus scarcity mindset, particularly in Indigenous communities. Dr. Reed shared his experiences as a teacher and leader in restorative justice, emphasizing the importance of humility and community healing. They also discussed the significance of traditional regalia and beadwork, with Dr. Reed explaining the meaning behind his own regalia. Traditional knowledge and sustainable living practices, particularly focusing on Indigenous philosophies of abundance and harmony with...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Stephen and Venture discussed the importance of not running from failure and the value of perseverance. Stephen shared his personal experiences, including his time working on a Native American reservation in Montana, which provided him with a unique perspective on rural reservation life and the struggles faced by Native communities. They also talked about the importance of self-reflection and creating quiet time for personal growth. Stephen recommended several resources for personal development, including podcasts and nature sounds. Stephen and Venture discussed the importance of collaboration and trust in creating value, emphasizing...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Michael Davis, known as Mikey the Pizza Man, discussed his mobile pizza business in Southern California. He shared his journey of transforming a horse trailer into a pizza kitchen, offering high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas with convenience similar to chain restaurants. Michael emphasized his passion for building personal connections with customers and creating a comfortable, accessible dining experience. He also highlighted the importance of activity, discipline, and taking care of people in business. The conversation touched on Michael's background as a pizza enthusiast and his transition from working at a gun store to...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Kae, a dog trainer from Inglewood, California, who runs KaeK9 Academy. They discussed Kae's journey in dog training, his business growth over the past four years, and his approach to training using e-collars. Kae shared his experiences with clients, the importance of maintaining consistent training, and how he applies his dog training skills to parenting. They also talked about Kae's upcoming plans to expand his business with a Sprinter van and a K9 ranch. The conversation covered topics such as backyard breeding, the benefits of patience in dog training...

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Cole Hanks, a basketball coach from Wolf Point, Montana, who shared his personal journey with mental health and his experiences coaching young athletes. Cole discussed his struggles with anxiety from a young age and how he eventually sought therapy and found coping mechanisms like running marathons to manage his mental health. He emphasized the importance of open communication and support from his wife in maintaining a healthy marriage while balancing coaching responsibilities. Cole also highlighted the strengths and resilience of young people in rural Montana, expressing hope that more...

John Sirois is a dedicated father and community leader from the Colville Indian Reservation, an enrolled member of the Okanagan and Wenatchi Bands of the Confederated Tribes. Born and raised in Omak, Washington, he received a strong cultural foundation from his grandmother and extended family that continues to guide his work today. John has applied both his academic training and cultural roots throughout his career in tribal government, working in economic development, renewable energy, land management, policy, and cultural revitalization. As former Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Sirois advanced a comprehensive leadership vision grounded in...

Sarah, the founder of Sarahtonin Massage Therapy discussed her rewarding experience as a massage therapist, highlighting improvements in clients' physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. She emphasized the importance of the mind-body connection, explaining how clients' thoughts can affect their ability to relax during a session. Sarah also shared her approach of tailoring techniques to each client's needs and addressing their unique challenges. She highlighted her decision to return to mobile massage services, driven by client preferences and a realization that her personal presence was crucial to her business's success. Sarah also mentioned a more flexible, client-centered approach, while acknowledging...

In this special episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, I sit down with three respected leaders of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes for a powerful conversation rooted in memory, culture, and responsibility. Each guest shares reflections from their childhood, offering insight into the teachings, values, and lived experiences that shaped who they are today and how those lessons continue to guide our people.

Together, we talk about the importance of community, unity, and using our strengths collectively to build a tribe that will endure for future generations. This conversation is a reminder that...

Cree and Venture shared their personal journeys in reconnecting with Indigenous cultural practices, including beadwork, powwow dancing, and traditional regalia, while discussing the therapeutic and community-building aspects of these activities. They explored the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in modern contexts, including systemic barriers faced by Native American communities and the importance of personal growth and resilience. These two discussed the importance of developing coping skills and promoting wellness in Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need to reconnect with cultural practices rather than relying solely on Western medicine. Venture shared his personal experiences reacclimating to his tribe and the impact...

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 the importance of cultural identity and how it should be rooted in tradition while remaining dynamic and open to influences, emphasizing that culture carries power when it is actively practiced.

Thank you so much Kenya talk soon hope to have you back...

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 and outside the kitchen. In this episode, we talk about her journey as a business owner, the importance of intentional leadership, and how pouring into people is just as important as building a succ...

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 doctorate in physical therapy, her journey is shaped by hard work, cultural identity, and an unwavering dedication to serving her community. Today, she’s focused on empowering local youth, addressing he...

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, while discussing the importance of cultural heritage and community involvement.

Venture shared his experience of creating content, emphasizing the authenticity and effort behind seemingly spontaneous moments. He described a challenging recording experience in Montana, where technical difficulties led to the release of unpolished footage, which was well-received by...

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 doctorate in physical therapy, her journey is shaped by hard work, cultural identity, and an unwavering dedication to serving her community. Today, she’s focused on empowering local youth, addressing he...

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 to focus more on strong female voices in his show.

Gabriela discussed her upbringing and the impact of verbal abuse and trauma, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and communication in relationships. She expressed a desire to...

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 ancestral healing.

Venture and Kandace discussed their experiences with personal growth and cultural connections, particularly in Hawaii. Kandace shared her reflections on returning to Hawaii after time spent on the mainland and in Asia, expressing excitement about the...

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 and Michael's personal growth as a leader, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from trials.

Venture and Michael discussed their backgrounds and experiences, particularly focusing on Venture's return to Montana to help maintain cultural heritage and...

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 inspirations. Brenna discussed her journey towards self-acceptance and confidence, sharing her struggles with self-consciousness and body image issues. She described how societal standards and comparisons with peers affected her self-perception, particularly during her teenage years. Despite these challenges, Brenna eventually developed strategies to build confidence, including...

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 support and resources around us. Tune in for an inspiring chat that blends wisdom, family, and community spirit!

@dr.nat.pt

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 becoming the best version of oneself. Through his words, we hear not only the heart of a leader, but the spirit of a man deeply rooted in his people and his purpose. Thank you uncle talk real so...

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 our people forward. We’re deeply grateful to have him join us and share his voice, experience, and vision for the future of Indian Country.

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 together, and his ongoing efforts to uplift the next generation. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to honor tradition while inspiring change. Tune in for stories, wisdom, and cultural pride from a man who co...

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 offering a gift of pride and connection to the generations yet to come. This recording is not only a reflection of a powerful moment in time, but also a reminder that the heartbeat of th...

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 Yaya mentioning that the gym community has become like a second home and a stress reliever after her workday teaching 11 and 12-year-olds.

Thanks so much Yaya can't wait to see you soon!

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 of time for proper processing. She described her efforts to create accessible grief support services on her reservation, including initiatives like providing staff with time for counseling sessions.