The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the impactful work of Dustina Gill, an enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, who serves as the founder and Executive Director of NIS'TO Incorporated. This Native nonprofit is dedicated to fostering youth leadership, skill development, and wellness through the lenses of environment…

Reyna Hernandez, a distinguished painter and muralist with deep ties to her Dakota heritage, elucidates the significance of public art and its role in fostering community engagement. Throughout our conversation, we explore into Reyna's artistic journey, which is profoundly influenced by her Ihaŋktoŋwaŋ Dakota roots and the cultural narratives that …

The conversation centers around Ryan Stopera, a multifaceted artist whose work in film, photography, and community development illustrates the potency of storytelling as a catalyst for social change. As a mixed-race, Chinese American individual, Ryan’s journey is deeply influenced by his background in social work and his commitment to community eng…

Talon "Bazille" Ducheneaux, a multifaceted rap artist from the Cheyenne River Lakota and Crow Creek Dakota nations, shares his story in this episode of 5 Plain Questions. With a profound commitment to his community, Talon is the manager of the Wicahpi Olowan Music Program Recording Studio, where he fosters the talents of Indigenous artists through …

This 5 Plain Questions episode features a profound conversation with the esteemed Gary Farmer, a prominent figure in Indigenous film, arts and culture. Our conversation explores Farmer's extensive career, highlighting his notable contributions to film, television, and music, which have significantly enriched Indigenous representation in the arts. T…

This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of effective communication within professional environments. We explore the fundamental importance of clarity and conciseness in conveying ideas. Our discussion emphasizes the necessity of active listening as a means to foster understanding and collaboration among colleagues. We also examine common p…

The primary focus of this podcast episode is a continuation of our dialogue with Jeremy Red Eagle, a notable cultural practitioner dedicated to the revitalization of the Dakota language and traditions. Joe speaks with Jeremy, an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, exploring his commitment to educating Native American youth through vario…

The episode of 5 Plain Questions presents an insightful conversation with Sergio Paez, a notable figure in the industry. From his early influences, which include the magic of Disney and the artistry of renowned illustrators, to his current endeavors as a director at Lucasfilm, Sergio articulates a profound understanding of the storytelling craft. T…

This episode of 5 Plain Questions features a profound dialogue with Tina Tavera, a Minneapolis-based Latinx artist whose work explores the intricate constructions of identity and culture through various artistic mediums. Tavera's exploration is particularly focused on the nuances of Latinidad within the United States, as informed by her transnation…

Mali Obomsawin stands at the forefront of contemporary Indigenous music, embodying a diverse range of genres that include jazz, roots music, and experimental sound. As a bassist, composer, and vocalist hailing from the Odanak First Nation, her artistic journey has led her to collaborate with esteemed musicians while forging her own path through inn…

This episode features a profound dialogue with Billy Mills, the legendary Olympic gold medalist and advocate for Indigenous youth. Mills, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribal Nation, delves into the significance of his victory in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which he transformed into a lifelong commitment to empowering Native yo…

The latest episode of 5 Plain Questions delves into the life and artistry of Keith Secola, a revered figure in contemporary Native American music. Born in Cook, Minnesota, Secola's journey is marked by a profound connection to his roots and a relentless passion for music that has spanned over five decades. His seminal hit, ‘NDN Kars,' which gained …

Joe Horse Capture's episode presents a compelling narrative of his evolution as a leading figure in Native American art curation. The discussion intricately weaves through his personal history, detailing his journey from a childhood influenced by the Alcatraz occupation to a distinguished career as the Vice President of Native Collections at the Au…

In this compelling episode of 5 Plain Questions, host Joe Williams engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with Dallas Goldtooth, a prominent Indigenous activist, actor, and comedian. Their conversation is framed by the pressing concerns surrounding the current political climate and its potential ramifications for Indigenous communities across the …

The conversation with DY Begay unfolds against the backdrop of her rich Navajo heritage, as she shares insights into her identity as a member of the Tótshoníí (Big Water) and Tachinii’ (Red Running into Earth) clans. Her narrative is steeped in familial connections, particularly highlighting her lineage as a fifth-generation weaver, which illuminat…

Joseph J. Allen, a Minnesota-based photographer and returning guest, shares insights from his artistic journey and community work in this engaging conversation. He discusses his evolution from photojournalism to a more artistic approach, emphasizing the importance of subjective storytelling in photography. As the director of the Gizhiigin Arts prog…

Xavier Tavera joins us once again on 5 Plain Questions, bringing his unique perspective as a Minnesota-based photographer and cultural storyteller. In this engaging conversation, he reflects on the evolving nature of storytelling and representation in his work, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding the narratives of marginalized…

The podcast welcomes Ben West, a dynamic Indigenous filmmaker whose work centers on Native American narratives and experiences. West's background is rich, having grown up in Washington, D.C., and Albuquerque, New Mexico, with deep ties to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. His professional journey is marked by collaborations with notable …

Dr. Anton Treuer, a professor of Ojibwe and prolific author, joins Joe Williams on 5 Plain Questions to share his insights on language revitalization, cultural identity, and the importance of community engagement. With a rich background rooted in his mother's experiences on the Leech Lake Reservation and his father's immigrant journey, Dr. Treuer h…

Joe Williams engages in a captivating conversation with Indigenous artist Rick Kagigebi, who has dedicated his life to creating meaningful blankets that tell stories and serve as ceremonial gifts. Rick shares his journey from humble beginnings, learning to sew without any prior experience, to becoming a respected fiber artist recognized for his uni…

Matt Johnson, a talented musician and songwriter, shares his journey of growth and self-discovery in the latest episode of Five Playing Questions. With a deep connection to his Native American heritage, Matt reflects on how his family’s musical legacy has shaped his artistic path. After overcoming the challenges of addiction, he found clarity and i…

Christina Woods, the first Anishinaabe Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, shares her journey of transforming a predominantly white institution into a BIPOC-led hub for the arts. With over 35 years of experience working with underserved communities, Christina emphasizes the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in the arts.…

5 Plain Questions is moving platforms, so there will be no new episode this week. But don't fear, new episodes will be coming next week. In the meantime, check out Beyond the Art by myself and Cray Bauxmont-Flynn and Beyond the Design with Cray. Also, check out Sage-Based Wisdom with Jana Schmieding and Brian Bahe.…

Jesse Hernandez (@UrbanAztec) is a visual artist born and raised in the San Francisco bay area. He is most widely recognized for his street art murals, vinyl toys, and diverse Illustration work. His style is known as Urban Aztec, a combination of graffiti and ancient indigenous culture. Hernandez’s artwork has been featured by Marvel, Warner Bros, …

Chris Pappan is an enrolled member of the Kaw Nation and honors his Osage and Lakota heritage. His cited artistic influences are the Lowbrow art movement, Heavy Metal and Juxtapoz magazines, and taps into the American cultural roots of 1970s underground comics, punk, and hot rod cultures. His art literally reflects the dominant culture’s distorted …