Whatislife.blog: The Podcast Series
Temporada 1
Big Al
Jonathan David Lewis
Lawson Cox
Chief's Auto Service
Zoo Music
Arvin Trujillo
Dani of Bolivia
Hustling Magician
Chad Bradley
por Charles Horace
Join us today as I chat with Big Al, an Audio, Video, and Lighting (AVL) Technician who uses his skills to assist churches and ministries near and on Native reservations. Big Al is Samoan and originally from the islands. Growing up in California, he eventually met his wife, and his world was turned around. As a Navajo with a background in the Marines and the Christian faith, Big Al’s wife helped lead him toward a new path and purpose. In today’s episode, Big Al and I dive into Navajo culture, redemption through Christ, churches on the Rez, and building an entrepreneurial mindset among Native people. Big Al lives in McNary, Arizona, with his family and helps lead the local church. As a missionary, he has a huge heart for people and for Native American culture. With a wide range of skills and experience, Big Al hopes to encourage Native youth to consider entrepreneurship as an alternative to following a traditional career path. While both paths have their benefits, Big Al understands the unique opportunities and benefits that can come from owning a business. My time getting to know Big Al has been a delight. Personally, I enjoyed hearing his insight from an outsider’s perspective. Coming from a different culture, yet finding the beauty in Navajo land and its people, has led him to a beautiful family, a meaningful ministry, and a greater sense of purpose in God.
Join me as I sit down with Jonathan David Lewis, President and Owner of McKee Wallwork, an organizational identity company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jonathan and I first met during a ministry trip to Bolivia, where we connected with small business owners through a nonprofit organization. Jonathan grew up in Washington State with the Makah people. Through his experiences growing up on the reservation, I found many similarities and connections with my own experiences as a member of the Navajo Nation. In today’s episode, Jonathan and I dive into the topic of business leadership and discuss his new book, The Rebuilders, which focuses on three key traits: character, depth, and growth. As the world continues to change, leaders are often faced with decisions that can shape the future of their organizations. The Rebuilders provides business leaders with a framework for navigating those challenges through self-reflection, intentional growth, and a deeper examination of their mindset and goals. Structured as a seven-day devotional experience repeated over 24 weeks, The Rebuilders challenges leaders to slow down, reflect, and develop the character and depth necessary to build a better future for themselves, their teams, and their organizations. The audiobook version of The Rebuilders is scheduled to be released in September 2026 on Amazon.com. The hardcover edition is available to be purchased through McKee Wallwork. Learn more about McKee Wallwork: McKeeWallwork.com
Join us in today's episode as I sit down with Lawson Cox. Originally from North Carolina, Lawson made the life-changing decision to move across the country immediately after graduating from high school to live and teach on the Navajo Nation. Despite his young age, Lawson demonstrates remarkable wisdom, humility, and character, all rooted in his steadfast faith in God. During our conversation, we discuss his passion for youth ministry, his experiences as an educator, and the cultural contrasts between life in North Carolina and the Navajo Nation. Whether you're interested in education, faith, cultural experiences, or simply hearing the story of someone who answered a calling to serve others, this episode offers an inspiring and thoughtful conversation.
In today's episode, I sit down with Erick Chief, owner of Chief's Auto Service, to discuss what it takes to start and grow a successful business. We talk about the decision to become an entrepreneur, how personal background and values shape a company's identity, and the lessons he's learned throughout his journey as a business owner. Chief's Auto Service is Christian-owned, Navajo-owned, and Veteran-owned, proudly serving customers throughout Arizona. Based in Sun City, Arizona, Erick provides reliable auto repair and maintenance services for customers across the state—from Tucson to the Navajo Nation (the Rez) and everywhere in between. To learn more or schedule a service, visit Erick's website, follow Chief's Auto Service on Facebook and Instagram, or call (505) 409-9656.
Join me today as I sit down with Zoo Music, a music label management company based in Phoenix, Arizona. We dive into the evolving culture of emerging artists, explore the ins and outs of building a music career, and discuss the challenges of growing a successful business in the music industry. Most importantly, though, we keep things fun. Expect engaging conversations, spontaneous entertainment, the occasional gummy break, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a music enthusiast, or simply looking for a good time, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
In today's episode, I sit down with Arvin Trujillo, who is running for Navajo Nation Presidency. Arvin has brought decades of proven leadership and executive managerial experience in both the public and private sectors along with 12 years of experience working within the Navajo Nation Government. We discuss issues on Dinétah, growing census numbers, residence location, bridging government branches together, and creating job stability for the Navajo People. Find more information at: https://www.trujillofornnp26.com
Today's episode was recorded in Sucre, Bolivia. Our guest is Dani, a Team Coordinator and Sponsorship Analyst for the global organization, Food for the Hungry (FH). Our Spanish to English translator is Alexis from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Join us for a fantastic episode that tackles visible and invisible poverty, the connections built through FH in Bolivia, and learning the value of working with non-profit organizations.
Hustling Magician is a TikTok influencer with a Spotify Podcast. He uses his platform to entertain his Hustlers (Fans) through Community outreach, Fitness workouts, Magic Tricks, and Humor. Join us in today's episode as we discuss lifestyle choices through fitness and diet, learn about the magic of card tricks, and experience the beauty of gym and hustling culture. Spotify Podcast: Rez Road Hustlers
Dive into today's episode with Chad Bradley as we discuss repatriation and journalism through the lens of Indigenous relations. Learn how Fake News, news-deserts and local news impact the rural communities of Native Tribes. This exciting episode is brought to you by McKee Wallkwork, an Albuquerque Consulting Firm that helps companies find growth worth fighting for. Check out their President's new book, "The Rebuilders". You can pre-order the book on their website at: https://www.mckeewallwork.com
Known for his "Forest Gump" Mentality, Matthew's main focus in life is to uplift Native Voices. Join us in today's episode, as we discuss Native Artwork, the life of a Community Organizer, and how saying "yes" to opportunities can take you on some amazing adventures!