Real Native Roots: Untold Stories Podcast

We Own the Table: Dar on Sovereignty, Truth, and Unity

In this powerful episode of Real Native Roots: Untold Stories, Vickie welcomes her longtime sister and truth-teller Dar “Diamond D” for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about identity, land, governance, media, healing, and courage.
Dar is Mohawk, a border-tribe woman raised between matriarchs, ironworkers, longhouses, cities, and ceremony. Her life story moves from the St. Lawrence River to Los Angeles, Arizona, and finally Alaska, where land, water, and community helped her gather the many threads of her life into clarity.
Together, Vickie and Dar explore what it means to grow into your name, to survive trauma without losing humor, to tell Indigenous truth even when it’s dangerous, and to reclaim traditional governance rooted in consensus rather than colonial crumbs. Dar shares stories from investigative journalism, surviving a death threat, working in MMIP and victim services, running Native media spaces, mentoring youth, and holding community with both sharp honesty and deep love.
This episode is about remembering who we are, refusing fear, lifting one another instead of pulling each other down, and returning to the waters that once gathered us.
#RealNativeRoots #IndigenousVoices #NativeStorytelling #IndigenousTruth #DecolonizeEverything #IndigenousWisdom #NativePodcast #StoryAsMedicine #RealNativeRootsPodcast

Harleys, Canoes & Jingle Dresses: A Journey to Freedom

In this powerful and intimate episode of Real Native Roots: Untold Stories, Vickie sits with Ojibwe leader, culture-bearer, and newly appointed President & CEO of First Peoples Fund, Tina Kuckkahn.
Together, they explore the teachings that shaped her: her grandparents’ wisdom, the Seven Teachings, the prayerful reminder of “tobacco first,” and the deep spiritual ties to land, water, and ancestry.
Tina shares the story of the Seventh Fire Jiimaan (Canoe) Journey, a multi-year effort to retrace the Anishinaabe migration by water—a journey of courage, prophecy, relational leadership, and reconnection.
They speak about motherhood, ceremony, free will, and navigating life with faith.
And, in true auntie fashion, Tina brings joy and humor as she talks about rediscovering freedom on her Harley and remembering the dreams we sometimes defer.
This conversation is medicine—gentle, wise, grounded—and an invitation to listen inward, honor your place, and walk your path with intention.
#RealNativeRoots #UntoldStories #NativePodcast #IndigenousPodcast #NativeVoices #IndigenousKnowledge #HarleyWomen #TwoWheelFreedom #NativeRiders #TobaccoFirst #AllCreationStoriesAreTrue #TinaKuckkahn

The Beans of Destiny and Other Lessons in Grace

In this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode, host Vickie Oldman welcomes the magnetic and wise Jack Soto — a Navajo and Cocopah relative whose life journey weaves through wind, forest, and laughter. Together they explore what it means to find healing through pause, place, and presence.
Jack shares stories of his roots — from his parents’ “Beans of Destiny” love story to his own evolution through faith, grief, and grace. He reflects on the medicine of laughter, food as a pathway to healing, and how mentoring young Native leaders continues to renew his hope.
With vulnerability and humor, Jack reminds us that healing isn’t a straight road — it’s a dance between light and shadow, good and bad, joy and ache. Through laughter, love, and the gentle wisdom of land, he teaches us to be present with all that we are.
This episode is a reminder that our stories are our medicine, and sometimes, the most sacred act is simply learning to be gentle with ourselves.
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#RealNativeRoots #UntoldStories #NativePodcasts #IndigenousWisdom #JackSoto #LaughterIsMedicine #GraceAndHealing #NativeVoices #CulturalHealing #BeGentleToYourself #StoryMedicine #SacredPause #NavajoAndCocopah #FoodIsMedicine #NativeStorytelling #SpiritualRoots #IndigenousJoy #HealingThroughLaughter #NativeMenHealing

From Ceremony to Catwalk: Shoshoni’s Journey of Legacy and Reclamation

In this powerful episode of Real Native Roots: Untold Stories, Vickie sits down with Shoshoni Hostler—a Yurok regalia maker, therapist, mother of five, and fashion designer whose viral shell dress stunned the world and sparked powerful conversations about cultural reclamation, representation, and resistance.
From her Northern California homelands, Shoshoni shares what it means to create wearable memory and how every shell, stitch, and silhouette becomes ceremony. With 26 traditional dresses to her name, she is one of the most prolific dressmakers of her tribe. But her work goes far beyond the runway—Shoshoni leads multimillion-dollar behavioral health initiatives, mentors Native youth through her “Dragonfly People” project, and walks boldly in two worlds with both humility and fire.
Together, Vickie and Shoshoni explore:
The medicine of regalia and the spirit of the dress
The unlearning of shame and reclaiming of Indigenous beauty
Navigating lateral violence in Native spaces
Why “not everyone can wear it, but everyone can feel it”
And how brushing it off—literally—is ancestral wellness
This episode is a love letter to Native women’s power, creativity, and unapologetic presence in every space—from the ceremony to the spotlight.
#RealNativeRoots #UntoldStories #ShoshoniHostler #IndigenousFashion #RegaliaMaker #YurokStrong #NativeCreatives #WearableMedicine #ShellDress #CulturalReclamation #NativeFashionWeek #IndigenousBeauty #MatriarchMagic #SnakeEaterStrength #BeadworkAndHealing #NARA #DragonflyPeople #NativeVoices #IndigenousArtistry #HealingIsBeautiful #RepresentationMatters

Whales, Threads & Ancestors: We Are Not Studied—We Are the Story

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories Podcast is honored to welcome Jacqualine Qataliña Schaeffer — a visionary Alaska Native leader, artist, and grandmother whose wisdom runs as deep as the Arctic waters she grew up near. In this episode, Jackie opens a window into her ancestral teachings, climate advocacy, traditional healing, and the living heartbeat of her community’s food systems.
From seal skin boats to salmon leather, from language revitalization to runway fashion infused with story, Jackie bridges the ancient and the modern with grace and grit. We explore how her upbringing—rooted in harvesting from air, land, and sea—continues to shape her work in climate health and cultural preservation today.
She reminds us that our ancestors’ wisdom lives in our DNA, that laughter is our second medicine, and that awareness—true awareness—can reconnect us to the land and to ourselves.
We also reflect on the stories behind the designs, and the future of Indigenous fashion, identity, and planetary healing.
Don’t miss this episode — like, follow, and share the podcast! We’re on all major platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and more.
#RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast #JackieSchaeffer #InupiaqWisdom #IndigenousFashion #ClimateJusticeVoices #NativeWomenRise #SealSkinAndSalmon #LanguageIsMedicine #LaughterIsHealing #AlaskaNativeVoices #FashionWithMeaning #IndigenousFuturism #NativeGrandmothersSpeak #WeAreTheStory

Don’t Hold a Grudge: Auntie Wisdom & Wild Laughter with Claudia Oldman

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories Podcast is honored to feature Claudia Oldman—a grounded and wise Navajo matriarch, storyteller, and beloved auntie. In this tender, laughter-filled episode, Claudia joins her niece and host Vickie Oldman to reflect on healing, kinship, forgiveness, and what it means to show up fully as ourselves. From boarding school memories to Bee Gees ballads, Claudia offers deep wisdom (don’t hold a grudge!), infectious humor, and heartfelt lessons passed down from her father, the late Jim Oldman.
This special episode also features a recap of all the 2024 podcast guests, where Claudia and Vickie reflect on what they learned from each person:
From @Ka_naatamakayt, we’re reminded of the sacredness of petroglyphs, land protection, and being “free on the land.”
@LorenAnthony1 shows us what community service, humor, and metal music can look like in harmony.
@ahasteengrapgics - Jack Ahasteen brings powerful storytelling through cartoon art and cultural critique, wrapped in oral tradition and visual satire.
@_juan_2_tree and @ burn_the_wagon -- Juan Dominguez lights a path for Native men to decolonize, heal from toxicity, and rise in truth.
@wisdomofwillow -- Willow Blythe Carroll teaches us to retrain our minds, embrace our light, and bravely confront the fear of being seen.
Like, follow, and share this podcast with your relatives, community, and kindreds!
We’re streaming on all major platforms: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
#RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast #Ka_naatamakayt #LorenAnthony #JackAhasteen #JuanDominguez #WillowBlytheCarroll #IndigenousVoices #NativeStorytelling #HealingThroughStory #MatriarchWisdom #CyclesOfHealing

Strumming to Success: A Diné Guitarist’s Story

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories Podcast is honored to introduce Jaeden Huenemann—a 25-year-old Diné (Navajo) artist of Korean and German descent who is forging his own path in the world of music.
Jaeden’s journey as a musician has been deeply shaped by his family. From an early age, he learned discipline and organization at home while witnessing the passion for music through his uncle, a professional guitarist in Minneapolis. Inspired by this legacy, Jaeden picked up the guitar at age 13, setting the stage for his lifelong calling.
Now, as a full-time professional musician and private guitar instructor, Jaeden has built a thriving small business, recently earning recognition as the Best Music School in Rio Rancho, NM (2024). Teaching and performing bring him immense joy, and he shares the power of music as healing, connection, and self-expression.
In this episode, Jaeden shares:🎸 How he’s growing his music business in phases—from a few students to a full roster🎸 The power of investing in yourself and following your passion🎸 Tips for young artists and the importance of taking risks🎸 How music has kept him grounded through major life transitions🎸 The lessons he’s learned from his family and community that shape his artistry Jaeden also reflects on overcoming fear, trusting intuition, and building a career outside of the “traditional path”, reminding us that success comes with hard work, consistency, and being open to learning from others. Plus, you’ll hear Jaeden’s music! 🎶
Want to connect with Jaeden or learn more about his music and lessons? Here’s how:
Website: Jaeden’s Music Page (Learn more about private lessons)Instagram: @jaedenhuenemann (For upcoming show dates)Facebook: Growth and Music (For upcoming show dates)YouTube: Growth and Music (Subscribe for new content)Best way to contact for lessons or gigs: Jaeden.huenemann@yahoo.com  #JaedenHuenemann #Dinémusician #RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast

Bonus: Connecting with the multifaceted Gary Farmer

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories proudly presents the multifaceted Gary Farmer—actor, singer, and artist extraordinaire. A natural storyteller, Gary shares untold stories that will move you to tears, make you laugh, and surprise you in the most unexpected ways. Describing himself as a “gentle and goofy guy,” Gary also speaks passionately about his belief in the power of hemp and his optimism for the future of Indigenous peoples.
In this episode, Gary takes us on a journey through his family heritage, travels, acting insights, and so much more. Don’t miss this captivating conversation—if you can keep up with his vibrant energy and wisdom.
Our podcast is available on your favorite platforms, including Podbean, Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, and more. Tune in!
Join our community and share our episodes with your network. Ahé’hee (thank you)! #GaryFarmer  #RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast

Rediscovering Yourself: An Ongoing Journey

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents Willow Blythe Carroll, a tribally enrolled citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribe. An award-winning Indigenous storyteller encourages us to have grace, get to know our real version of ourselves, recommit to our roots, and tell our own stories. Raised by a single mother and inspired by her late grandfather, Willow continues to light the path for future generations by inspiring and uplifting leaders of Indigenous and diverse communities.
You can follow Willow at the following handles:Website: www.willowblythe.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/wisdomofwillow/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/willowblythe  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Wisdomofwillow 
Our podcast is readily available on various platforms, including Podbean, Spotify, Apple, etc....Join our community and share our episodes with your lovepods. friends, and network. Ahé’hee (thank you)!
#RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast

Embracing Gentleness: Healing from Male Toxicity

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents Juan Dominguez, the Burn the Wagon podcast host. Juan was adopted by a full-blooded Pomo Whapo woman who raised him on the Manchester-Point Arena Rancheria Reservation in California. Juan shares his journey on the reservation, growing up fast, embracing his feminine side, writing poetry, healing, embracing his spiritual practice, and so much more. Join us as he shares his journey and advocates for sobriety.
Our podcast is readily available on various platforms, including Podbean, Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, etc....
Join our community and share our episodes with your network.
Ahé’hee (thank you)!
#BurnTheWagonPodcast #JuanDominguez #RealNativeRootsUntoldStoriesPodcast  

BONUS: Stories with Renowned Navajo Illustrator Jack Ahasteen

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents the renowned Navajo illustrator Jack Ahasteen. Not only a gifted illustrator, Mr. Ahasteen is also a poet, wisdom keeper, storyteller, and a gentle, humble gift to us all. Mr. Ahasteen shares his time at Belmont (Navajo Camp), where he started drawing at age five. He shares how his gift of drawing stemmed from wanting to put a smile on his mother’s face. Led by his intuition, he drew illustrations about relocation and other political concepts for the community to understand complex issues. It was the start of his career of fifty-plus years. Join us as he shares his process of how he created illustrations, expresses the importance of passing down stories, and so much more.
 Our podcast is readily available on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple, Google, and Amazon Podcasts.
Join our community and share our episodes with your network. Ahé’hee (thank you)! #JackAhasteen #RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast

Diving Deep with Loren Anthony, Part II

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents Loren Anthony, a Diné (Navajo) relative to many. Originally from the Chuska Mountains located within the Navajo Nation, Loren deeply loves his community and does his best to stay grounded through integrity, compassion, reciprocity, and humility. 
Hear his story about music, movies, sobriety, manifestation, community projects, his healing journey, and so much more. You want to make sure to catch this episode. 
Join us in this two-part podcast session. Grab your popcorn and beverage of choice and listen to the wisdom he shares with my intern.
Our podcast is readily available on a variety of platforms, including Spotify, Apple, Google, and Amazon podcast. Join our community and share our episodes with your network. 
#LorenAnthony #RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast 

Diving Deep with Loren Anthony

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents Loren Anthony, a Diné (Navajo) relative to many. Originally from the Chuska Mountains located within the Navajo Nation, Loren deeply loves his community and does his best to stay grounded through integrity, compassion, reciprocity, and humility. 
Hear his story about music, movies, sobriety, manifestation, community projects, his healing journey, and so much more. You want to make sure to catch this episode. 
Join us in this two-part podcast session. Grab your popcorn and beverage of choice and listen to the wisdom he shares with my intern.
Our podcast is readily available on a variety of platforms, including Spotify, Apple, Google, and Amazon podcast. Join our community and share our episodes with your network. 
#LorenAnthony #RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast 

Harvesting Wisdom from a Métis Woman

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents Otakwan Acahkos Iskwiw (Evening Star Woman), a grounded, powerful, traditional Métisse from the Métis Nation (Otipemisiwak) of St. Louis, Saskatchewan. Otakwan's main family lines are Boucher, Bremner, L'Ésperence, Guernon, Taylor, Hogue, and Prince. Hear how she weaves in her lived experience and inner wisdom of being a cycle breaker, learning self-love, protecting sacred sites, telling our narratives, and so much more. 
Before moving south of the medicine line, Otakwan focused her education and career with the Ministry of Environment, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, and IPAC Engineering Firm. Now, she spends time homeschooling her son, volunteering for the community, out on the land in ceremonies, educating on the importance of Native stewardship for sacred sites, and traveling for shoots and events with Shane Balkowitsch, Jonathan Yazzie, Jillian Waterman, and many more.
Join our conversation and hear how rich and in-depth Otakwan dives into how our learnings are infinite, forever, and unending.
Please follow and share our podcast with your ecosystem. We are on Spotify, Apple, Google, and Amazon podcast and other platforms. 
#RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast 

Recap of 2023 Podcast Guests with Donna Tenorio

Real Native Roots: Untold Stories presents one of our podcast listeners, Donna Tenorio. Donna is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, is a new grandmother, and is a podcast fan. She shares her story and what she has learned from listening to podcasts. Hear how we recap and share what spoke to us from our fantastic, wise, loving, and amazing guests from 2023. Please follow and share. We are on Spotify, Apple, Google, and Amazon podcast platforms. Happy 2024!!
 
#RealNativeRootsUntoldStories #RealNativeRootsPodcast