PODCAST · society
Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders
by PowWows.com — Native American Culture Since 1996
Who are the Native artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping Indian Country right now?Pow Wow Life brings you their stories, one conversation at a time. Every episode is an interview — with designers, musicians, business founders, filmmakers, authors, tribal leaders, and the people doing the work that doesn't always make the news.Your host, Paul Gowder, founded PowWows.com in 1996 and has spent nearly thirty years covering powwow culture and Native America. He's talked with the cast and creators of North of North, the founders behind Eighth Generation and Born of Legends, and tribal liaisons working on MMIP and sovereignty. Now the show is dedicated entirely to those conversations.
Episodes
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Inside North of North with Anna Lambe, Maika Harper, Stacey Aglok MacDonald & Alethea Arnaquq-Baril
North of North is back. Season two premieres September 8 on APTN and CBC, and I sat down with four of the women who make it. Anna Lambe plays Siaja, a young Inuk mother rebuilding her life in the tiny Arctic town of Ice Cove. Maika Harper plays Neevee — Siaja's mom, and the source of about half…
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Kiniw's Dance — A Mother, a Son, and the Pow Wow
When Sunshine Quem Tenasco posted a video of her son Kiniw dancing Woodland at the Saugeen First Nation powwow, she wasn't expecting the response. People came out of the crowd to honor him. The drum stood up to shake his hand. Within days, the video had traveled across Turtle Island. Kiniw joins…
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Traci Sorell: From Federal Law to Award-Winning Children's Books
Traci Sorell is a Cherokee Nation citizen and one of the most decorated authors working in Native children's literature today. Her books have earned two Sibert Medal honors, two Orbis Pictus honors, eight awards from the American Indian Library Association, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award, and a...
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Glendon N. Smith: Bringing Tribal Perspective to Public Safety
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...
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From Creek Nation to Clean Energy: A Conversation with Dave Smoot
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...
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Your Guide to the 2026 Gathering of Nations
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...
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How Shannon Romero Built Born of Legends by Blending Culture, Humor, and Business
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...
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Be Brave Enough to Create: Michelle Brown of Eighth Generation on Art, Fashion, and Following Your Path
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...
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South Carolina Working To Combat Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
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…
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Finding Your Voice With Burgandi Trejo Phoenix
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...
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How TAKEN Helps Bring Them Home: Lisa Meeches & Denae Robinson
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…
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Kali Reis Interview: Talking New Movie Mercy, Representation, & Boxing
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...
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Finding Hozho: Conversation With Director Travis Holt Hamilton & Frankie J Gilmore
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...
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Blood & Myth Hulu Documentary
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...
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Family Safety on the Road
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…
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How To Find Pow Wows Near You
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 -...
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D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai Talks WARFARE Interview
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...
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Make the Most of 2025 Pow Wow Season – Essential Tips
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…
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Indigenous Chicago
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…
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Tokala Black Elk - NBC Happy's Place
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,”...
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Interview with the Filmmakers of Reservation Redemption | Cultural Healing & Prison Reform
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…
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Micki Free - Grammy Award Winner Musician - Pow Wow Life
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...
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Interview with Ricky White: Embracing Cultural Responsibility and Educational Transformation
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…
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California Native American Travel Guide
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…
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Celebrating 20 Years of Pow Wow Live Streaming - Pow Wow Life 103
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...
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Laurel Goodluck & Bridget George - Pow Wow Life 102
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…
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Pow Wow Frequently Asked Questions - Pow Wow Life 101
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?
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Mark Marsolais - Birch Bark Coffee - Pow Wow Life 100
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…
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Brian Young - Navajo Author - Pow Wow Life 99
Join Paul G for an interview with Brian Young. Author and filmmaker, Brian Young is a graduate of both Yale University with a Bachelor’s in Film Studies and Columbia University with a Master’s in Creative Writing Fiction. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, he grew up on the Navajo…
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Larry Yazzie: A Global Ambassador for Exploring Native Culture on an Epic Road Trip - Pow Wow Life 98
Join Paul G tonight on Pow Wow Nation Live! Tonight’s guest is Larry Yazzie from Native Pride Productions. Paul will also update you on his trips from Durant, Oklahoma for Choctaw Pow Wow and Seattle, Washington for a visit to Eighth Generation and more! About Larry Yazzie Larry Yazzie is the...
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Adrian Sutherland: A Musical Journey Rooted in Cree Culture - Pow Wow Life 97
Join us for an insightful interview with Adrian Sutherland, a talented native musician from Canada's far north. Discover his unique blend of roots, rock, folk, and blues, influenced by his Cree culture and deep connection to the land. Learn about his recent Cree-language song and his commitment…
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Navajo Weaving: A Journey of Tradition, Artistry, and Renewal - Powwow Nation Live Interview with Tashina Littleben - Pow Wow Life 96
Join us on Powwow Nation Live as we delve into the world of Navajo weaving with special guest Tashina Little Ben, a third-generation Diné weaver from Rock Point, Arizona. In this captivating interview, Tashina shares her personal journey of rediscovering her cultural roots and the profound...
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5 Ways You Can Celebrate Native American Heritage Month - Pow Wow Life 95
November is a special month in America– Native American Heritage Month! This is a time to honor and recognize the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans to our society. It's a chance to learn, celebrate, and show our respect. And you don’t have to be Native…
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Exploring Native Narratives: A Chat with Children's Book Authors Kim Rogers and Laurel Goodluck - Pow Wow Life 94
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview two incredible authors on the Powwows podcast. Kim Rogers and Laurel Goodluck are native writers specializing in children's books that share their tribe's history and stories. It was a fascinating conversation that shed light on their personal journeys...
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Uncovering Native American Heritage in San Francisco: Paul G's Journey to Mirror Woods and Alcatraz - Pow Wow Life 93
On today's episode I recounted my incredible trip to San Francisco! As many of you know, I had the opportunity to attend the Taylor Swift concert in the city, but that was just the beginning of our amazing journey. Join me as I share the highlights of our trip and some of the fascinating native...
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Indigenous Stories on Stage: Natives of the Apocalypse and the Theater Renaissance - Pow Wow Life 92
In this episode, host Paul G sits down with members of the Natives of the Apocalypse (NOTA) group. NOTA is a Native American performing arts group dedicated to reshaping and indigenizing theater narratives. They add a unique Native flair, whether through humor, music, or the infusion of…
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Shattering Stereotypes: The True Meaning of Two Spirit with Yue Begay - Pow Wow Life 91
Yue Begay, a Navajo transgender woman, shared her inspiring journey and insights as we explored the historical significance of the Two Spirit identity within Native tribes. We delved into the importance of educating businesses and corporations about this unique aspect of Native culture. It was a...
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Rez Ball and the Power of Native American Representation in Storytelling - Pow Wow Life 90
Join Paul G for an interview with Byron Graves, an Ojibwe and Lakota author from the Red Lake Indian Reservation. Graves discussed his debut novel, "Res Ball," which delves into the world of Native American high school basketball and the universal themes of dreams, challenges, and self-discovery....
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Bear Grease Musical - Pow Wow Life 89
Join Paul G for an interview with writer and star of Bear Grease - Crystle Lightning. Bear Grease is an Indigenous twist on the classic musical Grease. Bear Grease Live https://www.powwows.com/grease-all-indigenous-production-brings-indigenous-culture-to-light/ Find a Pow Wow Near You...
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Travel Safety Tips - Pow Wow Life 88
Join Paul G to talk about how to travel safely! Travel is back! And with Pow Wow season starting, we need to protect ourselves and our families while on the road this year. Paul will share some of his tips for safety while traveling. Find a Pow Wow Near You...
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Alyssa Wapanatahk Stars As Tiger Lily In Peter Pan & Wendy - Pow Wow Life 87
Join Paul G for an interview with Alyssa Wapanatahk. Walt Disney recently released a trailer for its new live-action update of the 1953 classic Peter Pan & Wendy. The movie will feature Alyssa Wapanatâhk, who plays Tiger Lily, the tribe chief’s daughter and a warrior princess of the Indigenous...
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Miss Indian World - Tashina Red Hawk - Pow Wow Life 86
Join Paul G for an interview with the current Miss Indian World, Tashina Red Hawk. Learn more about the 2023 Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. https://www.powwows.com/gathering-nations-pow-wow-north-americas-largest-pow-wow/ About Miss Indian World This Miss Indian World Pageant is the largest & Most...
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Countdown to Gathering of Nations - Pow Wow Life 85
North America’s Largest Pow Wow April 27-29, 2023 Powwow Grounds Expo New Mexico/Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A. Gathering of Nations is the largest Pow Wow in North America. Learn more Gathering of Nations Information The Gathering of Nations (GON) is a three-day event: April 27-29, 203...
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Native American Women Warriors - Pow Wow Life 84
Join Paul G for an interview with several members of the Native American Women Warriors. Native American Women Warriors (NAWW) encourages recognition for Native American women veterans and active duty that served and continues to serve in every branch of the armed forces. Our goals are to assist...
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Tlingit Artist Jennifer Younger - Pow Wow Life Podcast
Join Paul G for an interview with Jennifer Younger. Raised in the Southeast Alaska town of Yakutat, Jennifer was surrounded by nature and traditional ways of life. Jennifer is Tlingit of the Eagle Kaagwaantaan clan and now calls Sitka, Alaska home. Jennifer draws inspiration from traditional...
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How Roe vs Wade Decision and Upcoming Cases Will Impact Tribes - Pow Wow Life 73
The Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe has major impact on Indian Country. In addition, there are cases on the court's docket that could fundamentally change policies and laws such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, Indian Gaming, and more. On this week's episode I speak with Rebecca...
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Miss Minnesota - Rachel Evangelisto - Pow Wow Life 82
Join Paul G for an interview with Miss Minnesota. Rachel Evangelisto is the first-ever Indigenous Miss Minnesota. She is from the Hunkpapa Standing Rock Lakota Sioux. She has been accepted into the Native American Law & Sovereignty program at Mitchell Hamline School of Law as a Native Justice...
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Opie Day and Desirae Desnomie - Pow Wow Life 81
Join Paul G for an interview and special performance with Opie Day and Desirae Desnomie. From drum-maker to the lead singer of the Midnite Express Singers, Robin Opichee Day-Bedeau has been singing throughout Turtle Island for more than 30 years. So, it's fair to say Opie Day is pretty much a...
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Fawn Wood and Dallas Lee Waskaha - Sing From The Heart - Pow Wow Life 80
Join Paul G for an interview and special performance by Fawn Wood and Dallas Lee Waskaha. Fawn Wood’s singing reflects her Cree and Salish tribal lineage. At an early age Fawn would sing her heart out at pow-wows alongside her mother and father. In 2006, Fawn was the first female to win the Hand...
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Larry Yazzie - Pow Wow Life 79
PowWows.com is hosting a series of performances for Native American Heritage Month sponsored by The US Department of Health and Human Services. Join Paul G for inspiring performances from Larry Yazzie, Tonia Jo Hall, Fawn Wood and Dallas Lee Waskahat, and Opie Day and Desirae Desnomie. Watch the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Who are the Native artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping Indian Country right now?Pow Wow Life brings you their stories, one conversation at a time. Every episode is an interview — with designers, musicians, business founders, filmmakers, authors, tribal leaders, and the people doing the work that doesn't always make the news.Your host, Paul Gowder, founded PowWows.com in 1996 and has spent nearly thirty years covering powwow culture and Native America. He's talked with the cast and creators of North of North, the founders behind Eighth Generation and Born of Legends, and tribal liaisons working on MMIP and sovereignty. Now the show is dedicated entirely to those conversations.
HOSTED BY
PowWows.com — Native American Culture Since 1996
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders have?
Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders currently has 128 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders about?
Who are the Native artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders shaping Indian Country right now?Pow Wow Life brings you their stories, one conversation at a time. Every episode is an interview — with designers, musicians, business founders, filmmakers, authors, tribal leaders, and the people doing the work...
How often does Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders release new episodes?
Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders publishes regularly with 128 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders?
Pow Wow Life | Interviews with Native American Artists, Creators, and Leaders is created and hosted by PowWows.com — Native American Culture Since 1996.
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