1/32nd Cherokee

Kim chats about being adopted, but not looking like her adopted family at all. We talk about recent changes worldwide that have made us consider ourselves.

In the late 70s, early 80s, Becky had been an only child in the house for a while...but then her family hosted Native American exchange students. We chat about what it was like to acquire new siblings and if there were culture clashes with her foster sisters. 

My family and I have some crazy stories, and I wanted to share a big one with y'all. We collectively tell a tale of "what the heck just happened" weirdness of a day.  From missed flights, to multiple cars breaking down, to a huge storm and a lost job. This is "Sucky Saturday"

Eve and I talk about our DNA test results, but she has more experience at sleuthing when the results lead to more questions. She describes how her family members inspired her activism in her southern (confederate) town and how her grandmother's experience in Dachau gives her strength. 

Sarah returns after I watch the Cherokee state of the nation address. She assures me that even though I didn't have indigenous DNA in my test results, I can still be a friend to the Cherokee Nation. 

A few thoughts on the purpose of this podcast. Some stuff from season one to remember. Stuff from season two to look for. 

My favorite sister duo explain the nuances to being the token Asian in a friend group and in being perceived as a minority----though they are also half white. They discuss struggles with body dysmorphia and being asked to represent all the "other" races because of their skin tone.

Part 2 of 2

My friend Jen and I have a similar story: we both grew up thinking we were part Native American. But after a DNA test, Jen's family discovered they were not as native as they thought. Jen and I discuss what it's like to have a cultural identity ripped away and when appropriation is appropriate.

My friend Sarah from Oklahoma works on the reservation and taught me a few things about the hardships that some of them face and the importance of the Cherokee language for her identity. She discusses being bi-cultural and delving into her Cherokee heritage and having waring blood between all her ancestry.  

I ask the world what they think about identity, and my new friend from Jamaica responds. She talks about the many cultures in her country and how to navigate they navigate hardships. She also introduces me to Patwah (Jamaican Creole), which is not something I master.