Native As I Can Be: Between Two Cultures

In this episode I have a lengthy discussion with Quinton Gardner, lead singer of the band Full Metal Jackson, a heavy metal Michael Jackson cover band. You read that right. In part one we talk about his incredible upbringing in Germany with opera soloist parents, one Black, one White and his journey. Part two we get into Michael Jackson and why having a heavy metal Michael Jackson cover band makes perfect sense. Watch out for some language along the way and enjoy!

Episode 5! This week I am discussing interracial relationships friends Nikki & Noah and we dabble in a little bit of White privilege. Check it out and thank you for listening!

I wasn’t able to get any guests lined up for this week in time, so I spend some time giving you some backstory about who I am and how ended up in Portland, Oregon doing a podcast. I promise to have a dope ass guest next week!

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.