NDN All-Stars - Celebrating Great Native American Athletes of the Past and Present

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

NDN All-Stars Podcast - Season 01, Episode 05 - Author Traci Sorrell speaking about her children's book "Contenders"

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Indian All-Stars Podcast, host Bill Black sits down with award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorrell to talk about her powerful new picture book Contenders. Co-created with illustrator Arigon Starr, the book tells the story of two Native baseball giants—NDN All-Star #5 Charles Bender (Ojibwe) and NDN All-Star #18 John Tortes Meyers (Cahuilla)—who faced off in the 1911 World Series. Traci shares how the story came together, the deep history behind these players, and the ongoing fight for Native representation in sports and children's literature.

Topics Covered:

• Traci Sorrell’s background, education, and motivation to write for young readers
• The erasure of Native voices in U.S. education and media
• The origins of Contenders and the untold story of the “Indian vs. Indian” 1911 World Series
• Baseball’s deep connection to Native communities
• Boarding schools, sports exploitation, and the pathways Bender and Meyers took to the majors
• Racism in early 20th-century sports and echoes today (including St. Louis Cardinals pitcher & NDN All-Star #90 Ryan Helsley (Cherokee) and his stance on the tomahawk chop)
• A behind-the-scenes look at the stunning art by Arigon Starr
• Why it’s crucial for libraries and schools to stock Native-created books
• The legacy of Bender and Meyers, and why they still matter to baseball and Native youth today

Guest Bio:

Traci Sorrell is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an acclaimed author of children's and young adult books. Her works, including We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga and Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer, have received numerous awards. A former advocate and policy analyst, Sorrell uses her writing to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight Native excellence past and present. Her newest book, Contenders, celebrates two Native baseball heroes whose stories deserve to be remembered.

Resources & Links:

• Buy Contenders by Traci Sorrell & Arigon Starr: Buy on Amazon
• Author Traci Sorrell's website: https://www.tracisorell.com/
• Learn more about Charles Bender and John Meyers at ndnallstars.com
• Follow the NDN All-Stars Podcast on your favorite platform
• Request Native-authored books like Contenders at your local library

If you care about Native stories, Native voices, and Native athletes, do us a favor: read Contenders, share it with your school or library, and support Native creators like Traci and Arigon. Subscribe to the podcast for more stories from the people who’ve shaped the game—on and off the field.

This book is highly recommended - and it gets an NDN All-Stars 5 Star rating! Get it here!

---------------------------------------------------------------

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

---------------------------------------------------------------

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In Episode 4 of the NDN All-Stars Podcast, we get to speak with professional cyclist NDN All-Star #112 Shayna Powless (Oneida). It's great hearing about all the varied pursuits that Native Athletes participate in and excel at!

You can find out more about Shayna and her racing career on her website - shaynapowless.com!

#NDNAllstars #ShaynaPowless #cycling #Oneida

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In Episode 03 of the NDN All-Stars Podcast, we speak with Levi Horn (Northern Cheyenne) about his football career and about his activism promoting health and hope for youth in Indian Country.

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, it is my pleasure to speak with downhill speed skier NDN All-Star #54 Ross Anderson (Cheyenne/Arapaho/Mescalero Apache). I have been looking forward to speaking with Ross about his speed skiing career and to find out what it is REALLY like to go 154.06 miles per hour on two skis!

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

NDN All-Stars Podcast - Season 01, Episode 01 - MMA fighter Elizabeth Phillips

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the NDN All-Stars Podcast, host Bill Black sits down with Indian All-Star #80, Elizabeth Phillips (Blackfeet/Choctaw), a professional mixed martial artist from Spokane, Washington, with roots in Omak, Washington and deep ties to Native communities. Elizabeth opens up about her path from street fights and college athletics to the UFC, as well as her career in child welfare and her drive to help Indigenous women through self-defense and mentorship. This is a powerful, funny, and unfiltered conversation with someone who knows how to stand up—both in the ring and in life.

Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Omak and navigating identity as a mixed-heritage Native woman
• Academic journey through Africana and Native American Studies
• Working in child welfare and ICW during the COVID era
• Street fights, college sports, and the turn to MMA after jail time
• First exposure to jiu-jitsu and lessons in humility
• The power of repetition, mindset, and staying consistent in MMA
• Funny road rage story with a surprise ending
• Influential teachers and early inspirations
• Promoting MMA and self-defense among Indigenous women
• Upcoming fights and life in fight camp

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Phillips is a professional MMA fighter and Indian All-Star #80. Raised in Omak, WA, and now based in Spokane, she holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and works in child welfare. A veteran of the UFC and a passionate coach, Elizabeth brings a powerful voice to the sport and to her community—advocating for strength, discipline, and support for Native women, both on and off the mat.

Resource Links:

• Follow Elizabeth Phillips on Instagram: lizzphillips509
• Learn more about the NDN All-Stars at ndnallstars.com
• Listen to more episodes of the NDN All-Stars Podcast on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook

If you were inspired by Elizabeth’s story and believe in promoting strong Native voices in sports, hit that subscribe button and share this episode with a friend. And don’t forget to check out the merch celebrating Elizabeth and other Native legends over at ndnallstars.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------

SUPPORT NDN ALL-STARS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

---------------------------------------------------------------

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

As we ramp up the NDN All-Stars podcast, here is a little tidbit for your listening pleasure.

NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

So if you're ready to learn, laugh, and maybe even get a little fired up—hit that follow button and join the team.

You can find more stories, merch, and updates at NDNAllStars.com. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube—just search for NDN All-Stars and you’ll find us.

NDN All-Stars – Promoting Great Native Athletes – Past & Present!