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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.
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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!
