PODCAST · society
The Talking Circle
by Not That Sacred
The Talking Circle is a metaphorical virtual kitchen table. A space for Indigenous people to sit down and talk. To discuss, converse, and argue about topics and do so in a respectful and where humor is always welcomed. All people, from all walks of life, are welcome to join in on the dialogue. Since we are all merely pitiful human beings trying to figure out the red road, white road, straight and narrow path, and seeking the road back to balance and harmony. These roads usually all help us become good human beings and not-so-horrible relatives.
Episodes
-
34. Spaces We Occupy
The topic for today's episode is The Spaces We Occupy. The places where we choose to spend our time are often shaped by our past experiences. Donnie and Bobby have devoted much of their careers to ministry, filling those years with great times, wild moments, and deep reflection. The centerpiece…
more -
33. Faith, News & The Superbowl
From the Super Bowl halftime show to what is Your Burning Desire. Today, we’re unpacking the halftime show friction, the news stories you can't (but try to) ignore, and where faith and our cultural critique fits into a polarized world. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s on our minds. Tune in and hang...
-
32. More Burning Desires
This week, we’re keeping the conversation open as we dive back into our "What’s on Your Mind?" series. No scripts, no agendas—just honest reflections on what is going on in our world, community, and life.
-
31. What Is Your Burning Desire?
A "burning desire" is an intense and all-consuming longing or passion. Or something that has just been in your mind and you have to share it with someone. Today, our hosts are sharing what has been on their mind. Join in on the conversation as we discuss junk journaling, the wisdom of parents…
more -
30. Holiday Hangover
The Holidays are finally over! Our hosts reflect on their Holiday Season and how they are coming into the New Year. Join in on the conversation and laughs around why we enjoy the holidays and are glad it's finally over.
-
29. Where Are You Going?
At one point in my life I (Donnie) had to fly at least once a month. I flew to conferences, summer projects, and meetings. When I saw my family they would often ask me when my next trip was happening. But now I stay on the ground. The only travel I do is by car and once in a great while by plane....
-
28. Cultural Appropriation
Join us for a personal and insightful episode where we tackle the complex topic of Native American cultural appropriation. We begin by sharing personal stories and experiences, highlighting the difference between appreciation and appropriation. But rather than simply finding fault or demonizing…
more -
27. What Do You Do?
At one time or another we have all been asked the question: what do you do? For most it's an simple answer: I work in Finance, Education, Construction, or I am a Freelancer. But, for many of us it is difficult to explain exactly what we do. On today's episode, the host try to explain what it is...
-
26. Have A Good Summer
Today our host are talking about their summers. Most summers are about relaxing, taking trips, and enjoying the sunshine. But for our host, it was about getting things done and suffering some injuries.
-
25. Rashawn & The Listen Project
The Talking Circle was honored to sit down with Rashawn again. Rashawn joined us back when the podcast first started. It was good to sit down with Rashawn, who works with Native Intervasity, and hear about his time with the LiSteN '25. LiSteN is a project Rashawn has worked with for a while, and…
more -
24. Incident Update & Church
Today, we give a quick update on the incident at the Door Christian Fellowship in Gallup, NM. The article we reference can be found here: https://navajotimes.com/reznews/protest-underway-in-gallup-over-video-mocking-dine-culture We also discuss how people tend to view the Church. Is it a place to...
-
23. Incident at The Door Christian Fellowship Church
In June 2025, The Door Christian Fellowship Church put on a skit depicting a man in hell facing charges for his crimes. Skits like these are often used as a gospel outreach, but this church used elements from their neighboring nation, the Navajo. The man who was depicted going to hell was a…
more -
22. Education & Boarding School
The conversation of education among Indigenous communities often includes remembering and thinking about boarding schools. Residential boarding schools, both on and off the reservation, were supposed to solve the "Indian Problem." Instead, it traumatized several generations of Indigenous peoples...
-
21. How To Cook Salmon
In today's episode, we sit down with Sylvia again, and she gives us a recipe for cooking salmon. We also discuss Sylvia's work with Nations and the summer mission teams that have come to her community during the summer.
-
20. Welcome to Keex' Kwaan
The Talking Circle welcomes Sylvia Shaquanie to the table to talk about her community, Keex' Kwaan, or as it is known on the map, Kake, Alaska. Sylvia is Tlingit, has two children, Kassandra and Kenny, and works at the Kake City School District. Sylvia has also directed several iterations of...
-
19. Readers & Grey Hair
An emcee at a powwow once told a joke that reflected the reality of growing older. He said people often ask what the difference between an old person and an elder is. He went on to say that an old person is grumpy all the time and has nothing to teach, while an elder is grumpy all the time but…
more -
18. The Feelings Wheel
Men do in fact have feelings. We don't always express them to others, even towards our significant other. Why? We don't always know the feelings or how to describe them. Thankfully we have the Feelings Wheel (look up on Google) to help us decipher the feelings we may be experiencing. Also, an...
-
17. Voices of Lament
On today's episode, Renee talks about contributing to a chapter in a book called Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice. https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Lament-Reflections-Brokenness-Longing/dp/0800740904 Renee's chapter is titled Live in a Good Way. Our...
-
16. Don't Be Shy
Do you ever feel insecure? If so, how do you deal with those insecurities? Do you internalize them and never speak about them or try to find confirmation about those insecurities from other people? On today's episode, Renee shares one of her insecurities, her speaking abilities. Renee shares how...
-
15. The Porcupine Dance
On today’s episode, we begin by balancing out what we talked about last week by answering the question, what is NOT awesome about your life? We move on to talk more in-depth about relationships. What do we long for in relationships? How much should we share (or not share) within the confines of a...
-
14. What Is Awesome About Your Life?
The most common question people ask when meeting someone new is "What do you do?" But, Lissa Rankin, M.D. writes on PsychologyToday.com, "Why do we lead off conversations asking each other how we earn money? Why is this considered the defining characteristic of a person? How does that really help...
-
13. The Next Generation
It is important to listen to the next generation. It is easy to criticize what they don’t do, what they’ve done, or what they should do. But what if people listened to them? To how they view the world, how they want to exist in it, and what they hope for in the future. They might not make a lot…
more -
12. The First Nations Version (FNV)
Our friend, mentor, and elder, Terry Wildman joins us at the table. Terry is the Chief Director of Rain Ministries. Terry and his wife Darlene live in Maricopa Arizona on the traditional lands of the Pima and Tohono O’odham. They founded Rain Ministries in 2002 as an Arizona non-profit…
more -
11. Hammocks & The Cosmos
Our friend from Panama joins us for a conversation. Jocabed Solano is the director of Indigenous Memory and a missionary at Unidos en Misión. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in theological studies at NAIITS. She is from the Gunadule Indigenous nation and is Panamanian. Jocabed has been kind…
more -
10. Reclaiming Indigeneity
What is “Indigeneity”? The word derives from Latin to mean “born or originating in a particular place.” For Native American and First Nations people where a person is born is vital in the formation of their identity. “We, as Human Beings, are constantly developing our identity, from birth to the...
-
9. Charles Robinson & The Red Road
In 1999, Charles Robinson was asked to speak to an elementary school classroom regarding Native Americans. Dressed in his tribal regalia, the teacher introduced him as “a real live Indian.” Charles discovered very serious misperceptions regarding Native Americans and has since developed programs…
more -
8. Wise Words From Down Under
Raymond Minnicon or Ray or Uncle Ray, is a descendant of the Kabi Kabi nation and the Gurang Gurang nation of south-east Queensland. He is also a descendant of the South Sea Islander people, with deep and abiding connections to the people of Ambrym Island. He leads Scarred Tree, an Aboriginal,...
-
7. Boarding School Survivor Susie Silversmith
Susie Silversmith was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation in Klagetoh, Arizona. Susie is born into Tsinaajinii (Black Streak Wood), and born for her father’s clan which is Honaghaahnii (One who walks around). Her cheis (maternal grandparents) are Totsohnii (Big Water), and her nalis…
more -
6. Dr. Randy Woodley talks CRT
Dr. Randy Woodley has been our friend, mentor, and teacher for quite a few years now. he earned a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies and remains active in ongoing discussions in a variety of areas concerning spirituality, earth-care, racial and ethnic identity, diversity, peace, social justice,...
-
5. Righting the Relationship with Dr. Terry LeBlanc
Dr. Terry LeBlanc has been active in full-time vocational ministry with the Native North American community since 1978. He was CEO and Director of Indigenous Pathways overseeing iEmergence and NAIITS, which is formerly known as the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies. To...
-
4. Bad A** Indigenous Grandma
*Potential Explicit Content—the word a** is used a few times in the podcast. Indigenous grandmas not only carry around a bag full of bingo daubers, candy, and Kleenex, but they also carry wisdom, stories, and jokes. Lenore Three Stars is part of the cohort of Indigenous Grandmas, also known as...
-
3. Unsettling Truths with Mark Charles
Mark Charles is a speaker, writer, and consultant. The son of an American woman (of Dutch heritage) and a Navajo man, Mark teaches the complexities of American history regarding race, culture, and Christendom in order to help forge a path of healing and conciliation for the nation. Mark has...
-
2. Rashawn & Campus Ministry
For this episode, we sit down with Rashawn Ramone and listen to his story of growing up on the Navajo Reservation. Rashawn is also on staff with Inervasity and talks about how he got involved with this campus ministry, why he joined staff with IV, and the work he is doing currently. Rashawn's...
-
1. Welcome To The Circle
This introduction podcast introduces the host of the Talking Circle. Donnie Begay (Navajo) grew up on the Navajo Reservation and is married to co-host Renee. They currently reside in Albuquerque, NM along with their three daughters. Renee Begay (Zuni) is transitioning from her work with Cru to...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Talking Circle is a metaphorical virtual kitchen table. A space for Indigenous people to sit down and talk. To discuss, converse, and argue about topics and do so in a respectful and where humor is always welcomed. All people, from all walks of life, are welcome to join in on the dialogue. Since we are all merely pitiful human beings trying to figure out the red road, white road, straight and narrow path, and seeking the road back to balance and harmony. These roads usually all help us become good human beings and not-so-horrible relatives.
HOSTED BY
Not That Sacred
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Talking Circle have?
The Talking Circle currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Talking Circle about?
The Talking Circle is a metaphorical virtual kitchen table. A space for Indigenous people to sit down and talk. To discuss, converse, and argue about topics and do so in a respectful and where humor is always welcomed. All people, from all walks of life, are welcome to join in on the dialogue....
How often does The Talking Circle release new episodes?
The Talking Circle has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Talking Circle?
You can listen to The Talking Circle on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Talking Circle?
The Talking Circle is created and hosted by Not That Sacred.
URL copied to clipboard!