Natural Thoughts and Talks
NTT Dr Mary Clark
NTT Stephanie Gonzalez
NTT Morningstar Green
NTT Wacy Weeks
NTT Myltin Bighorn
Khalil He Brings Laughter
NTT Melissa
NTT Tex Hall
NTT Dr. Nat
by NTT
In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, I sit down with Dr. Mary Clark for a fun, honest, and thoughtful conversation about overcoming difficult experiences, serving our tribal communities, and preparing the next generation to lead. Dr. Mary shares pieces of her own journey and what she has learned through working within tribal communities, especially when it comes to protecting, supporting, and creating opportunities for our kids. We also talk about leadership, growth, healing, and the responsibility we have to make things better for the generations coming behind us. Along the way, we share some laughs and look toward the future—talking about where our communities are headed, what we hope to change, and how our generation can continue to grow into leadership.
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 help guide us forward.
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 ones during difficult times. Morningstar shared details about their recent canoe journey and potlatch experience, describing a 6-day journey that included paddling in home waters and attending a potlatch event from July 31st to August 6th. Morningstar explained that while the journey required significant preparation work, being on the water provided a spiritual reset and connection with ancestors. Thanks so much for coming on I appreciate you so much!
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 preserving it, but actually living it and passing it forward. More than anything, this episode is about reconnection. It’s a conversation between family about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and what we hope to build for the generations coming after us. Love you uncle
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 better leaders, friends, community members, and human beings. It’s about staying grounded in where you come from while continuing to push yourself toward where you know you can go. Thanks for sharing Myltin talk real soon!
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 life. Khalil is someone who consistently shows up for the people around him, encourages others to reach their fullest potential, and brings plenty of laughter along the way. This conversation is about finding where you come from—and using that knowledge to help build where you’re going. Thanks for coming on uncle talk to you soon!
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 opens up about her nonprofit work, the workshops and cultural programs she leads, and her unwavering commitment to investing in Native youth so they grow up proud of who they are and where they come from. This conversation is about more than tradition—it’s about healing, leadership, and ensuring that the next seven generations inherit a stronger, healthier, and more connected Indigenous future. Thank so much Melissa cant wait to see you very soon!
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 conversation, Tex reflects on both the successes he has been blessed to experience and the challenges that still face Tribal Nations today. He speaks openly about the importance of hard work, cooperation, discipline, and long-term thinking as the foundation for creating lasting opportunities for future generations. Whether you’re interested in Native leadership, economic development, agriculture, education, or simply learning from someone who has dedicated his life to serving others, this is a conversation filled with wisdom, perspective, and practical lessons. Thank you, Tex. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your story, your experience, and your vision for the future. Can’t wait to chat again real soon.
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 making significant academic and professional achievements.