Keeping with the “between two cultures” theme, I speak with Kenji Nitta, a half-Japanese, half-Caucasian former mixed martial artist and current pastor about toeing the line between professional fighter and Man of God.

Episode 2 is here! I sat down with my cousin Garrick Jackson, a licensed professional social worker and former tribal council member, to discuss Two Spirit people in Native American culture. We also look at the case of Adree Edmo, who successfully sued the State of Idaho/Department of Corrections to pay for and facilitate gender reassignment surgery. Finally, we talk about the world’s oldest and Portland’s own drag queen, Darcelle XV and Garrick’s involvement in her annual drag queen competition.

This is your introductory episode of the brand new podcast, Native As I Can Be. This is my exploration of living between the White world and the Native world in 2019 and beyond. I will also be addressing topics such Native (inspired?) mascots, life on reservations, casinos, water/mineral rights and violence against Native women and children. I will speak to tribal elders, politicians, relatives and Caucasians in an effort to shed a brighter light on all things Native.