In Episode 96 of “Red Hoop Talk,” host Jennifer sits down with Tiokasin Ghosthorse, a citizen of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota and the longtime voice behind First Voices Radio. For more than three decades, Tiokasin has used live radio to share Native perspectives on peace, culture, and our relationship with Mother Earth. Known internationally as an educator, musician, and advocate, he describes himself as a “perfectly flawed human being,” drawing on his Lakota values to explore what it means to live in balance with the world around us.

A master Lakota flute player who has performed everywhere from Lincoln Center to the United Nations, Tiokasin weaves together language, music, and nature as sources of energy and connection. In the episode, he reflects on non-dualistic ways of thinking and how the Earth herself teaches us—no academic degree required. “We were born singing in the form of crying,” he says, offering a powerful reminder that music connects all of us from birth. Tiokasin also talks about listening with patience rather than just tolerance, a lesson learned over decades of interviewing nearly a thousand guests with different worldviews on First Voices Radio, which concluded its final live broadcast in July 2025.

His stories move between personal and universal, from the spontaneity of live radio to the deep meaning carried by Native languages, where words hold not just definition but emotion and spirit. Tiokasin’s work has earned global recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, but his focus remains on being a good human being and helping others do the same by accepting life’s mysteries rather than trying to solve them. To hear more from Tiokasin or explore the archives of First Voices Radio, visit firstvoicesindigenousradio.org. Each episode of “Red Hoop Talk” uplifts Native voices like Tiokasin’s, and by supporting the Association on American Indian Affairs, you help ensure these stories continue to be heard.

Mary Youngblood, a citizen of the Seminole and Aleut Nations, is a groundbreaking musician and the first woman to professionally record the Native flute. She is also the first woman to win not just one, but two Grammy Awards for Best Native American Music Album. A classically trained flutist, Mary’s lifelong journey in music began with piano lessons at the age of six and expanded to guitar at ten. Her artistic path has always been rooted in a deep connection to both music and her cultural identity.

It wasn’t until adulthood that Mary was gifted her first wooden Native flute—a moment that marked the beginning of a passionate commitment to an instrument traditionally played only by men. Her compositions, which blend classical, blues, and traditional Native sounds, are haunting and melodic, resonating with audiences across generations. With a collection of over 250 hand-carved flutes, Mary allows each instrument’s unique spirit and texture to shape her performances.

She has released six celebrated albums with Silver Wave Records, including Dance With the Wind, which earned her the 2007 Grammy, and Beneath the Raven Moon, which won in 2003. Her work has also been recognized by the Native American Music Awards, the Association for Independent Music, and the New Age Voice. Mary has collaborated with iconic artists such as Ian Anderson, Bill Miller, and Joanne Shenandoah, weaving messages of healing, identity, and connection to the natural world into her original compositions.

In her first-ever podcast interview, Mary opens up about her life as an adopted child and the powerful journey of reconnecting with her birth family and culture. She shares stories from her 14 years working in California prisons, where she brought music, culture, and self-expression to incarcerated individuals—work that she describes as deeply joyful and meaningful. She also reflects on the challenges of navigating the music industry, including the elimination of the Grammy category for Native American Music, and speaks candidly about the fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation when it comes to non-Native flute players.

Mary is not only a performer but also a respected educator and mentor, dedicated to passing on her knowledge and love for the Native flute to the next generations. Her performances are more than concerts—they are spiritual experiences, where music becomes a form of prayer and storytelling.

Today, Mary lives in Northern California, where she continues to compose, teach, and “dance with the wind” among the trees that inspire her. To learn more or listen to her music, visit MaryYoungblood.com or stream her albums on all major platforms.

In Episode 91 of "Red Hoop Talk," host Jennifer welcomes Dan Nanamkin, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, educator, storyteller, and founder of the Young Warrior Society. Raised with deep respect for traditional knowledge, Dan blends cultural teachings with modern storytelling to uplift Native voices, promote healing from historical trauma, and inspire the next generations.

Dan’s work with the Young Warrior Society centers on reconnecting youth to the earth, recognizing that culture and the land are one and the same. Through hands-on cultural teachings, he helps young people reclaim that vital bond. Reflecting on his time at Standing Rock, Dan shares how the movement forever changed Indigenous lives: “I don’t think people understand the enormity of that experience and how it changed many Indigenous lives forever. Many of us still carry the Seven Council Fires in our hearts.”

With 17 years of sobriety under his headdress, Dan brings empathy, compassion, and lived experience to his work. His storytelling comes alive through beautiful regalia, music, and vibrant stage sets, creating powerful moments of connection and healing. His dynamic presence and commitment to activism, culture, and resilience shine throughout the conversation with Jennifer.

Listeners can follow Dan’s work on Facebook and at honoralllife.com, where he shares upcoming events and ways to get involved. Each episode of "Red Hoop Talk" offers a powerful reminder of the strength and brilliance of Native cultures. By supporting the Association on American Indian Affairs, you help lift Native voices and protect Native cultures for the next generations.