Natural Thoughts and Talks
NTT Cole Hanks
NTT John Sirois
NTT Sarah Gutierrez
NTT Dr. Nat, Tommy and Rick
NTT Cree Lulack
NTT Kenya Braxton
NTT Rebecca Hinderer
NTT Dr. Mary Clark
NTT Makenna Burns
Season 4
by NTT
In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Cole Hanks, a basketball coach from Wolf Point, Montana, who shared his personal journey with mental health and his experiences coaching young athletes. Cole discussed his struggles with anxiety from a young age and how he eventually sought therapy and found coping mechanisms like running marathons to manage his mental health. He emphasized the importance of open communication and support from his wife in maintaining a healthy marriage while balancing coaching responsibilities. Cole also highlighted the strengths and resilience of young people in rural Montana, expressing hope that more people would return to their communities. The conversation touched on the challenges of modern life, including technology's impact on creativity and the value of traditional skills. Thanks so much Cole can't wait to see you soon!
John Sirois is a dedicated father and community leader from the Colville Indian Reservation, an enrolled member of the Okanagan and Wenatchi Bands of the Confederated Tribes. Born and raised in Omak, Washington, he received a strong cultural foundation from his grandmother and extended family that continues to guide his work today. John has applied both his academic training and cultural roots throughout his career in tribal government, working in economic development, renewable energy, land management, policy, and cultural revitalization. As former Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Sirois advanced a comprehensive leadership vision grounded in sovereignty and self-determination. On the national level, he has served as Chairman of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation Board, supporting Tribal Nations in reclaiming management and control of their historic lands. Through his leadership, he continues to advocate for the rights of sovereign Tribal Nations and to build a stronger future for his people and Native communities across the country. Thanks so much for sharing John I can't wait to see you again real soon!
Sarah, the founder of Sarahtonin Massage Therapy discussed her rewarding experience as a massage therapist, highlighting improvements in clients' physical, spiritual, and mental well-being. She emphasized the importance of the mind-body connection, explaining how clients' thoughts can affect their ability to relax during a session. Sarah also shared her approach of tailoring techniques to each client's needs and addressing their unique challenges. She highlighted her decision to return to mobile massage services, driven by client preferences and a realization that her personal presence was crucial to her business's success. Sarah also mentioned a more flexible, client-centered approach, while acknowledging the challenges of balancing different clients needs. Additionally, they explored the concept of personal growth and the importance of adapting advice to fit individual needs, rather than trying to copy others' success. Venture inquired about the appeal of Sarah's work and the culture she creates, which draws people to her. Thanks so much Sarah can't wait to see you soon! IG: Sarahtoninmt
In this special episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, I sit down with three respected leaders of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes for a powerful conversation rooted in memory, culture, and responsibility. Each guest shares reflections from their childhood, offering insight into the teachings, values, and lived experiences that shaped who they are today and how those lessons continue to guide our people. Together, we talk about the importance of community, unity, and using our strengths collectively to build a tribe that will endure for future generations. This conversation is a reminder that when we work together—honoring our elders, uplifting our youth, and staying connected to our culture—we don’t just preserve our way of life, we create the foundation to help and inspire people far beyond our own community. Thank you guys so much see you real soon!
Cree and Venture shared their personal journeys in reconnecting with Indigenous cultural practices, including beadwork, powwow dancing, and traditional regalia, while discussing the therapeutic and community-building aspects of these activities. They explored the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in modern contexts, including systemic barriers faced by Native American communities and the importance of personal growth and resilience. These two discussed the importance of developing coping skills and promoting wellness in Indigenous communities, emphasizing the need to reconnect with cultural practices rather than relying solely on Western medicine. Venture shared his personal experiences reacclimating to his tribe and the impact of his presence as a role model for younger Indigenous individuals. Both agreed that while traditional practices are crucial, a blend of cultural and modern approaches might be necessary for the future success of Indigenous communities. Thank you so much Cree we can't wait to see you again soon! IG: cree_lulack
Venture and Kenya discussed their shared experiences of navigating multiple cultural identities, with Kenya being Afro-Indigenous and Venture having a strong connection to Native American culture. They explored how social media can both amplify and challenge their cultural expressions, with Kenya sharing her experience of receiving hate comments for celebrating her dual heritage. They discussed the importance of cultural identity and how it should be rooted in tradition while remaining dynamic and open to influences, emphasizing that culture carries power when it is actively practiced. Thank you so much Kenya talk soon hope to have you back sooner rather than later IG kenyakmb
Rebecca Hinderer is a talented entrepreneur and the owner of Let’s Yolk About It, one of the best brunch spots in Long Beach, California. Beyond the food, Rebecca is deeply passionate about building culture, community, and a strong team rooted in respect and shared purpose. She leads with a big heart, creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow—both inside and outside the kitchen. In this episode, we talk about her journey as a business owner, the importance of intentional leadership, and how pouring into people is just as important as building a successful brand. Thanks so much Bex we will see you real soon! IG: letsyolkaboutit IG: venture_oneal
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Clark, a rising Native American physical therapist whose roots run deep in the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of rural Montana. Dr. Clark represents a new generation of Native health professionals driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to lifting up those along side her. From her early days growing up on the reservation to earning her doctorate in physical therapy, her journey is shaped by hard work, cultural identity, and an unwavering dedication to serving her community. Today, she’s focused on empowering local youth, addressing health disparities, and bringing high-quality, culturally-grounded care back home. Her story is one of resilience, representation, and the belief that healing goes beyond the clinic — it starts with community. Tune in to hear how Dr. Clark is using her education, her passion, and her cultural strength to build a healthier future for Northeast Montana and beyond. Thank you so much Dr. Mary can't wait to see you soon! @_mlclark22
Makenna and Venture shared their personal journeys of discovering community and cultural connections, particularly through music and Indigenous culture, while discussing the challenges of authenticity and self-confidence in their professional lives. They explored their creative processes and approaches to content creation, including Venture's documentary-style work and Makenna's musical projects, while discussing the importance of cultural heritage and community involvement. Venture shared his experience of creating content, emphasizing the authenticity and effort behind seemingly spontaneous moments. He described a challenging recording experience in Montana, where technical difficulties led to the release of unpolished footage, which was well-received by the audience. Venture also reflected on his personal journey, highlighting the importance of family and the realization that he did not have to choose between creative pursuits and family time. Makenna and Venture discussed the importance of unity and collaboration across different cultural and racial groups in America. Venture emphasized that culture, not color, should be the focus, and highlighted the need for diverse partnerships to achieve common goals. They agreed that working together and leveraging cultural strengths can lead to positive outcomes for all communities. Thank you so ,much Makenna can't wait to see you soon!
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mary Clark, a rising Native American physical therapist whose roots run deep in the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of rural Montana. Dr. Clark represents a new generation of Native health professionals driven by purpose, compassion, and a commitment to lifting up those along side her. From her early days growing up on the reservation to earning her doctorate in physical therapy, her journey is shaped by hard work, cultural identity, and an unwavering dedication to serving her community. Today, she’s focused on empowering local youth, addressing health disparities, and bringing high-quality, culturally-grounded care back home. Her story is one of resilience, representation, and the belief that healing goes beyond the clinic — it starts with community. Tune in to hear how Dr. Clark is using her education, her passion, and her cultural strength to build a healthier future for Northeast Montana and beyond. Thank you so much Dr. Mary can't wait to see you soon! @_mlclark22