Brenna and Venture caught up on personal and professional updates, discussing Brenna's growth as a voice and camera actor, and Venture's reflections on personal development through hosting the show with diverse guests. They explored topics including acting techniques, self-acceptance, and the importance of authenticity in creative expression, while sharing personal experiences and career inspirations. Brenna discussed her journey towards self-acceptance and confidence, sharing her struggles with self-consciousness and body image issues. She described how societal standards and comparisons with peers affected her self-perception, particularly during her teenage years. Despite these challenges, Brenna eventually developed strategies to build confidence, including self-affirmations and embracing her unique qualities. The conversation highlighted the importance of self-acceptance and the ongoing nature of personal growth. Thank you so much Brenna talk soon!

@brennathornton

On this special episode of the podcast, I had the honor of welcoming my mother Dr. Natalie Weeks O’Neal—after more than 300 episodes in. We dove deep into conversations about community involvement, the future of our indigenous communities, healthcare challenges, and the importance of strong family values. It’s a heartfelt discussion about staying tight-knit, working hard, and always leveraging the support and resources around us. Tune in for an inspiring chat that blends wisdom, family, and community spirit!

@dr.nat.pt

In this episode, we sit down with Beef, a devoted husband, proud father, and respected leader within the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of Montana. Beyond being a hard-working businessman, Beef embodies what it means to lead by example—balancing family, community, and personal growth with unwavering dedication. His story reflects the power of discipline, integrity, and the daily pursuit of becoming the best version of oneself. Through his words, we hear not only the heart of a leader, but the spirit of a man deeply rooted in his people and his purpose. Thank you uncle talk real soon!

We’re honored to welcome Peter “Tonto” Dupree, a respected leader of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes in Montana, to the podcast. Tonto’s wisdom, strength, and lifelong commitment to his people embody the true spirit of leadership and community. In this episode, he shares powerful stories about his journey, the importance of cultural preservation, and the values that continue to guide our people forward. We’re deeply grateful to have him join us and share his voice, experience, and vision for the future of Indian Country.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with my uncle, Nakoa Heavyrunner — a celebrated artist, accomplished drummer, and respected Indigenous leader from the great state of Montana. Nakoa has dedicated his life to preserving, sharing, and evolving Native culture through his creative work and community leadership. We talk about his artistic journey, the power of music and drumming in bringing people together, and his ongoing efforts to uplift the next generation. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to honor tradition while inspiring change. Tune in for stories, wisdom, and cultural pride from a man who continues to make a powerful impact in his community and beyond. Thanks uncle hope to have you back real soon!

This retro 1970s powwow intertribal song carries the voice of an elder from Montana’s American Indian community, echoing both tradition and timeless spirit. Rooted in the drumbeat of the people, it honors the strength of the culture, the resilience of the community, and the wisdom passed down through generations. With each note, it pays homage to the ancestors who kept the songs alive, while offering a gift of pride and connection to the generations yet to come. This recording is not only a reflection of a powerful moment in time, but also a reminder that the heartbeat of the people continues forward, uniting past, present, and future.

Venture sits down with Yaya, a fitness enthusiast and teacher from near Seattle, about her passion for fitness. Kaelynn explains that she fell in love with fitness after playing competitive softball, finding it essential for her mental health and enjoying pushing her body. They discuss the growing trend of women lifting heavy weights and how regular exercise helps balance their daily lives, with Yaya mentioning that the gym community has become like a second home and a stress reliever after her workday teaching 11 and 12-year-olds.

Thanks so much Yaya can't wait to see you soon!

Sarah shared her personal journey of loss and recovery, which led her to pursue a career in grief counseling. She highlighted the lack of mental health resources on her reservation and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in accessing support for grief and trauma. Sarah emphasized the collective and compounding nature of indigenous grief, often exacerbated by frequent losses and a lack of time for proper processing. She described her efforts to create accessible grief support services on her reservation, including initiatives like providing staff with time for counseling sessions.

Little Spider shared his journey of learning and teaching grass dancing, highlighting the appreciation he has received from elders and the positive impact it had on bringing back memories of traditional ways. They described grass dancing as a middle ground between fancy and Northern styles, and expressed gratitude for his mentors who have helped him understand the history and techniques of the dance. Little Spider mentioned that their style was recognized as old-fashioned, which they embraced, and they were happy to have touched many people with their dancing.

In this episode of Smoke Signals, Venture interviews Donovan Archambault, an 86-year-old resident of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in North Central Montana. Donovan shares his life story, from being born in 1939 to his current age. He discusses the significant changes he has witnessed throughout his life, including the evolution of technology, culture, and society. Donovan expresses concern about the social ills prevalent in his community, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and sexual abuse. He emphasizes the need to learn from the past and work towards a better future.