This month on The Urban Rez Radio Show, we sit down with Chris James, President & CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), for a powerful conversation about the future of Native business and economic development.

We’ll discuss the growth and impact of NCAIED, access to capital and corporate procurement opportunities, the changing landscape of federal contracting and the 8(a) program, and the challenges and opportunities facing Native-owned businesses today.

Chris will also share lessons from his career in public service, his recent run for Congress, and his vision for building stronger Native enterprises and tribal economies for the next generation.

On this special Mother’s Day episode of Urban Rez, hosts Marcus White and Dr. B sit down with renowned Musqueam weavers Deborah and Aleen Sparrow for a powerful conversation on Coast Salish weaving, cultural revitalization, healing, and Indigenous identity. Deborah reflects on her 40-year journey reviving the nearly-lost tradition of Salish weaving after the impacts of colonialism, transforming weaving into both a spiritual practice and a foundation for raising her family in a healthy, culturally grounded home. Aleen shares her own path back to culture; from pursuing a legal career to rediscovering weaving, canoe pulling, and community during COVID-19, while navigating sobriety and an ADHD diagnosis. Together, the mother-daughter duo discuss Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, the creation of Salish Blanket Co., and the importance of balancing cultural sharing with protecting sacred teachings. Through fashion, storytelling, and mentorship, Deborah and Aleen reveal how tradition and innovation can work together to inspire healing, pride, and the next generation of Indigenous youth. Follow Aleen on Instagram at @aileensparrow and learn more at Salish Blanket Co..

This week on Urban Rez, Marcus sits down with Jonathan Ullman, President & CEO of The Mob Museum, for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and the hidden systems that shape influence.

From the evolution of one of Las Vegas’s most iconic institutions to lessons in strategy, culture, and reinvention, this episode goes far beyond history.

Chef Georges Demanget from La Cantina in Orange, France, discusses his unique restaurant located beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman theater. The restaurant, built by his father, is nestled in a natural cave with a constant 21°C temperature. Chef Georges serves traditional upscale cuisine, including smoked salmon and rotisserie meats. The restaurant has hosted notable artists like Will Smith and Tim and Dave from Yes. Chef Georges emphasizes the restaurant's role in preserving Orange's history and its reputation as a special dining experience. Future plans include hosting more opera events and maintaining the restaurant's high standards.

On this episode, we sit down with Patrick Lindsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for an inside look at one of Southern Nevada’s most iconic venues. Patrick shares his vision for LVMS as a year-round community and economic driver, how the speedway balances global motorsports with local impact, and what fans can expect heading into the March NASCAR 400 weekend. He also discusses leadership under pressure, the business behind large-scale events, and where Las Vegas Motor Speedway is headed next. This conversation goes beyond the race to explore strategy, community, and the future of live sports entertainment in Las Vegas.

Dr. B hosts a discussion with Adrian Nabors and Derrick Stevens, both community leaders with impressive backgrounds in basketball. Adrian, a Navajo from the Navajo Nation, founded Global Elite and Rez Ball Affiliate, a Native American sport fashion apparel line. Derrick, a former professional basketball player and coach, collaborates with Adrian on various projects, including the Native Top 50 camp, which identifies and supports the top 50 Native American basketball players. They emphasize the importance of off-court development, such as mental health seminars, and stress the need for parents to allow their children to experience failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation highlights the growing visibility and success of Native American athletes in sports.

Marcus White and Dr. B welcome listeners to "The Urban Rez.". They discuss the fast-moving month of September and introduce guest Derek Hinkey, a seventh-generation Paiute Shoshone descendant and actor. Derek shares his journey from the Fort McDermott reservation to becoming an Olympic boxer and actor, emphasizing the importance of representing his heritage authentically. He discusses his role in "American Primitive Evil" and the significance of his ancestral power. Derek also talks about his commitment to community service and the importance of self-defense and situational awareness, particularly in addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous relatives.

Dr. B hosts Lycia Ortega, a Quechan Indian tribe member and communication specialist, on the Urban Rez radio show. Lycia discusses her extensive experience in amplifying the voices of historically underserved communities and her work on significant campaigns like changing the Washington football team's name and supporting Deb Haaland's appointment. They delve into the challenges faced by Native Americans, including the impact of historical policies like the Indian Removal Act, the lack of basic amenities on reservations, and the importance of sovereignty and cultural values. They emphasize the need for unity, community, and systemic opportunities to address these issues.

Teej Mercer, founder of Move In Day Mafia, discusses her nonprofit's mission to support foster youth and under-resourced HBCU students with fully furnished dorm rooms and year-long support. Since 2022, they have assisted 84 students at 21 HBCUs, including 23 scholars at 13 HBCUs this year. Each student costs $5,000 annually, and the organization provides monthly care packages. Mercer emphasizes the importance of choice and personalization for students, sharing stories of resilience and success. She credits her Hollywood experience and storytelling skills in driving her mission. Mercer aims to expand to every HBCU by 2027, with a $10 million budget to support all students.

The Urban Rez show discussed the recent achievements of Dr. B's mother, Christina, who was elected to a Navajo Nation tribal position, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and water access. The hosts recapped their trip to Marbella, Spain, where they met celebrities like Eva Longoria and former NBA players. They introduced guest Roddell Denetso, a Navajo African American entrepreneur who founded Black Street Apparel. Roddell shared his journey, including designing uniforms for the Netflix film "Rez Ball," produced by LeBron James. He emphasized the importance of visibility and entrepreneurship within Native American communities, highlighting the need for more businesses on reservations to improve accessibility.