Best Leah Lemm Podcasts (2025)

1
Wendy Roy: Beading as Healing 28:30

Play Pause

1d ago28:30

28:30

Today, we are excited to speak with Wendy Roy, a beader and entrepreneur from the White Earth Nation. She mentors other artists and also teaches at White Earth Tribal and Community College. Wendy learned beading from her grandmother, who shared the trick to knowing which bead colors go together. Her grandma would pour beads on a tray to see which b…

1
Giizh Sarah Agaton Howes: Translating Ojibwe cultural arts into contemporary Ojibwe designs 28:25

14d ago28:25

28:25

Today we are speaking with Giizh Sarah Agaton Howes. Howes is an award-winning Anishinaabe creator, artist and organizer from Fond Du Lac reservation and Muscogree Creek. She’s the CEO of Heart Berry, a contemporary Ojibwe Design brand that offers wool blankets, apparel, gifts and accessories rooted in Howes’s beadwork and Ojibwe floral designs. Gi…

1
Jonathan Thunder: Finding Joy in Art and Life 28:29

21d ago28:29

28:29

In today’s episode, we welcome back Jonathan Thunder, who last appeared on Native Lights in 2021. Since then, the Red Lake Nation citizen and multidisciplinary artist has become a father and opened an art gallery. He talks about how fatherhood has changed his approach to art and why lately he’s shifted his creative focus from sociopolitical ideas t…

1
Dan Ninham: Honoring Athletes and Indigenous Sports Traditions 28:23

1M ago28:23

28:23

In this episode, we speak with Dan Ninham, PhD, a retired physical education teacher and coach, co-founder of the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame and prolific freelance writer. Dan, Wolf Clan from the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, has had a lifelong interest in sports. This 6'10" college basketball player devoted his working life to …

1
BearPaw Shields: Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations 28:27

1M ago28:27

28:27

In this episode, we speak with BearPaw Shields from the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. She is a Saint Cloud State University alumna and is currently the Indigenous Learning Community Program Coordinator at the University’s American Indian Center. In her forties, she decided to go to college and get a degree so that she could make the chang…

1
Allison Waukau: Empowering Native Stories Through Community Service and Podcasting 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

In this episode, we speak with Allison Waukau (Menominee/Navajo), who serves as the Tribal Liaison and Native Relations Coordinator at the Metropolitan Council. She previously worked at the Hennepin County Library and the Roseville School District as American Indian Community Liaison. Last year, she started a new podcast with Odia Wood-Krueger. Thr…

1
Dr. Amber Annis: Rebuilding Community with the Native Governance Center 28:24

2M ago28:24

28:24

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Amber Annis about the joys and challenges of rebuilding community and finding your voice as a leader. Dr. Amber Annis is a citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Executive Director of Native Governance Center. Prior to taking on her role at NGC in December 2024, she worked at the Minnesota Historical Soc…

1
Deven Current: Healing Through the Art of Tattooing 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

In this episode, we hear from Deven Current about tattooing, sports and the importance of sobriety, family and faith. Deven is an Ojibwe tattoo artist, who connected with his culture later in life. Deven grew up in the Twin Cities and, at a young age, fell into drug addiction. He ended up incarcerated, but his time in prison introduced him to an un…

1
Korina Barry: Leading from abundance with NDN Collective 28:24

3M ago28:24

28:24

In this episode we hear from Korina Barry on her work with NDN Collective and the campaign to free Leonard Peltier, in addition to reflections on her roles as mother, doula, and metal fabricator in training. A citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Korina Barry manages the organizing, policy and advocacy direct-action arm of NDN Collective, whic…

1
Allison Herrera, Indigenous Affairs Journalist and author of Tribal Justice: The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

In this episode, we talk with Indigenous Affairs journalist and author Allison Herrera. Allison’s indigenous ties are from her Xolon Salinan tribal heritage. Her family's village is in the Toro Creek area of the Central California coast. She didn’t take the traditional route into journalism with a degree. She just decided she wanted to do it and di…

1
Mattie Harper DeCarlo on Making Change in Indian Country Through Philanthropy 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we talk with grantmaking officer and former educator and historian Mattie Harper DeCarlo, PhD. Mattie, a Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe citizen who grew up on Leech Lake Reservation, works in philanthropy at the Bush Foundation, focusing on Indigenous communities. She speaks with us about the nuance of supporting 23 Native nations throu…

1
From Children’s Books to Murals: Moira Villiard on Examining and Bridging Disconnection Through Art 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we talk with artist, public speaker, and community organizer Moira Villiard. Moira, a Twin Cities-based visual artist and Fond Du Lac direct descendent, is a 2023 McKnight Foundation Community-Engaged Practice fellow and a 2024-2026 Bush Fellow. We chat with her about her current projects, Waiting for Beds, a traveling exhibition t…

1
The Gift of Listening: Colleen Baldrica on writing, being guided, and mentoring others 33:34

6M ago33:34

33:34

In this episode, we chat with author and retired school counselor Colleen Baldrica. Colleen, a White Earth Nation citizen, authored the book Tree Spirited Woman in 2006. During the pandemic, she recorded the audio version, so that her grandchildren could have an archive of her voice when they’re older. Colleen shares the experience - central to her…

1
Indigenous lifeways as solutions: Wakinyan LaPointe on staying grounded in the cultural teachings of song and the intelligence of Indigenous youth activists 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we chat with human rights advocate, singer, storyteller, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities American Studies doctoral student Wakinyan LaPointe. Wakinyan, a Sicangu (Burnt Thigh) Lakota citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, focuses his studies on Indigenous rights, human rights, and youth organizing. He describes how his work wi…

1
Building bridges through story: Ajuawak Kapashesit on playing with genre, the power of story, and making action figure movies as a kid 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we sit down with Minneapolis-based actor, writer, and director Ajuawak Kapashesit. Ajuawak, who is Ojibwe, Cree, and Jewish, grew up in Ontario and on the White Earth Reservation. His acting credits include Indian Horse (2017), Once Upon a River (2019), Indian Road Trip (2020), Bad Blood (CityTV/Netflix), and Outlander (Starz/Sony)…

1
Making Books Accessible: Talia Miracle and Little Free Library 28:31

7M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we’re joined by Talia Miracle, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Tribe of Winnebago and Program Manager at the Little Free Library. Talia opens up about her impactful work leading the Indigenous Library Program, which increases access to Indigenous literature and fosters stronger, more inspired communities across the U.S. and Cana…

1
From Lattes to Legacy: The Grand Opening of MiigWitches Brew 28:31

7M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we sit down with Jackson Ripley, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, enrolled at the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jackson shares the inspiring story behind MiigWitches Brew, a cozy gourmet coffee kiosk he recently opened with his wife. Operating from an 8x10 ft. building, MiigWitches Brew is more than just a coffee s…

1
Creating Representation: Nicholas DeShaw’s Path in Fiction and Storytelling 28:31

8M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Bimibatoo Mishtadim DeShaw, an Ojibwe author, father, and educator. Nicholas masterfully blends his Indigenous heritage with imaginative fiction across a wide range of genres, from sci-fi and horror to children’s picture books. He shares his journey as a writer, discussing his latest projects, including a …

1
Stitch by Stitch: Janice LaFloe’s Journey of Indigenizing Montessori Education 28:31

8M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we speak with Janice LaFloe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Executive Director of the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center (MAICC) in St. Paul. Janice shares her remarkable journey from being a Montessori parent to establishing one of the largest Montessori centers dedicated to American Indian children…

1
Gatherings Café: Vernon DeFoe on Indigenous Dishes and Food Sovereignty 28:31

9M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Vernon DeFoe, the Executive Chef at the Gatherings Café located inside the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Vernon, a proud Red Cliff Anishinaabe, has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and is a passionate advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. For the past decade, he's be…

1
Gold, Linoleum, and Fire: Inside the Mind of Gordon Coons 28:31

9M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Gordon Coons, a talented painter, print maker and fumage artist who is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in northern Wisconsin. Gordon, who now resides in Minnesota, shares his inspiring journey of becoming an artist, detailing the pivotal moments throughout the eras that shaped h…

1
Art, Identity, and Alternate Worlds: A Conversation with Pono Asuncion 28:31

9M ago28:31

28:31

In today’s episode, we speak with Pono Asuncion, an interdisciplinary artist, storyteller, illustrator, and culture bearer. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and ancestral roots, Pono’s art explores themes of alternate worlds, the extension of family lineage beyond this sphere, and the significance of recovering and honoring one’s history…

1
Empowering Educators: The Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network 28:31

9M ago28:31

28:31

In this episode, we welcome Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, the Executive Director of the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network, a dynamic nonprofit organization, dedicated to enhancing collaboration and curriculum development among Ojibwe educators. Gimiwan discusses the critical work of the network, which enables Ojibwe language instructors and administr…

1
Beyond the Headlines: David Cournoyer on Authentic Storytelling 28:31

12M ago28:31

28:31

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with David Cournoyer, a seasoned journalist and communications expert with over three decades of experience. We delve into David’s remarkable career, starting from his early days as a local and TV journalist to his impactful work and nonprofit communications. David shares his inspiring journey from journali…

1
Reflection and Roots: Leah & Cole’s Journey with Native Lights 28:30

12M ago28:30

28:30

In this special episode, siblings and co-hosts Leah and Cole take a moment to turn the mic on themselves. Join us as they share an intimate conversation about their personal journeys and the inception of the show. Discover how Native Lights was born out of a shared passion for uplifting Indigenous voices and stories. They recount the challenges and…

1
Karen Diver: Championing Indigenous Excellence 28:31

1y ago28:31

28:31

In this compelling episode, we welcome Karen Diver. Karen speaks on her rich background in leadership and advocacy work. We discuss some of her goals and the work she’s already done at the University of Minnesota, such as implementing tuition and fee waivers, housing scholarships, and enhancing a nation-wide online library resource for students tha…

1
Brandon Baity: Executive Director of the Indigenous Association 28:31

1y ago28:31

28:31

Brandon Baity is Anishinaabe and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. He grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN and currently lives in Moorhead, MN with his 3 children, partner, and mother-in-law. He graduated with a degree in social work from the College of Saint Scholastica in 2013. After graduation he worked as a youth mental health practitioner, schoo…

1
Bryce Premo: Exploring Social Work Frontiers 28:31

1y ago28:31

28:31

Bryce Premo is a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe citizen and brother of Native Lights hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Bryce on the cusp of an exciting transition in his career. With a bachelor’s degree in social work almost under his belt and poised to pursue a master’s degree in the same field, Bryce shares his journey with us. He is member of the Socia…

1
Ruth Buffalo: Empowering Indigenous Communities as the new CEO of MIWRC 28:31

1y ago28:31

28:31

Ruth Buffalo is a citizen of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation and a descendant of the Chiricahua Apache. She has served on advisory councils focused on women's health, women's leadership development and local food systems. She is board President for the National Native Boarding School Healing Coalition. She is also the former board president of th…

1
Willard Malebear Jr.: Forging Positive Impacts for Community Through Tattoos, Non-profits, and Resilience 28:31

1y ago28:31

28:31

Willard Malebear Jr. is a Lakota artist who is the CEO and owner of Unified Theory Collective, he is also the Executive Chairman of Art Shelf. Both organizations are heavily geared toward infusing creativity and getting art supplies out to the community. Willard is an experienced painter and tattoo artist who found a way to combine all his passions…

1
Mary LaGarde: The Grand Re-Opening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Mary LaGarde is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) and a member of the White Earth Nation. She was selected to lead the organization in June 2013 and has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in program services, including management and development. In 2008, LaGarde received the DreamMaker Award from the Ann Ba…

1
Staci Drouillard: Preserving History Through Storytelling 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Staci Lola Drouillard is a Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendant. She lives and works in her hometown of Kitchibitobig—Grand Marais, on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Staci works as a radio producer for WTIP North Shore Community Radio and authors the monthly column Nibi Chronicles for Great Lakes Now, a branch of Detroit Public…

1
Dr. Michael Migizi Sullivan: Teaching Language Learners in the Modern-Day Classroom 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Michael Migizi Sullivan Sr. is a lifelong student of the Ojibwe language, father, husband, ceremonial drum keeper of the Ojibwe, powwow emcee, up-and-coming storyteller, and teacher of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Sullivan earned his doctorate in linguistics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, working under the tutelage of Larry Amik Smallwood …

1
Fern Renville: Re-connecting to the Dakota Homeland Through Weaving, History, Art and Joy 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Fern Renville is a storyteller, artist, playwright, and enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Fern lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is currently investigating the role of nettle fiber in Dakota material culture as a Native Artist in Residence at the Minnesota Historical Society. In this episode, Fern talks about weaving a stronger…

1
Steven StandingCloud: Transforming Art in the Digital Future 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Steven StandingCloud is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians located in northcentral Minnesota. Steven has been an artist most of his life and works under StandingCloud Graphics. He says the art forms that he creates are inherent to the Ojibwe and Lakota people. Steven spoke with us about how he got his start in graphic desig…

1
Gabby Menomin: Dedication to Ecological Restoration, Honoring Plant Relatives 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Gabby Menomin is a citizen of the Forest County Potawtomi Community in northern Wisconsin. She’s currently the restoration manager for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi. She oversees the ongoing ecological restoration of Wakan Tipi, which is a cave sacred to Dakota people, located in St. Paul along the Mississippi River. She graduated with a master’s degree i…

1
Dr. Melissa Blind: Working to Improve Indigenous Health and Dementia Research 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Melissa Blind is Cree from George Gordon's First Nation in Saskatchewan. She earned her PhD in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona. Melissa has over a decade of experience working with Indigenous communities in Indigenous health and dementia research. As the current Senior Research Associate on the Memory Keepers Medical Discover…

1
Eileen Bass: Preserving Indigenous narratives and working to revitalize language 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Eileen Bass. Eileen is Hunkpapa Lakota, Mvskoke Creek, and a citizen of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma. She’s currently an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In the summer of 2023, she was accepted into the Minnesota Historical Society’s Native American Undergraduate Muse…

1
Thomas Draskovic’s Gift of Artistry, Educating Native Youth and Activism 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

Today, Leah and Cole speak with Thomas Draskovic, a citizen of the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota who is an educator, actor, musician, artist and activist. Thomas has worked in the Twin Cities Native community in both schools and nonprofits for over 20 years, and for the past 16 years he’s been at the American Indian Magnet School in Eas…

1
Mathew Holding Eagle III: Finding a Voice for Radio & Covering Native Communities 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Mathew Holding Eagle III, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation – federally recognized as the Three Affiliated Tribes – in western North Dakota. Mathew started his career in construction before pivoting to journalism! He now works at MPR News as a reporter. He’s covered Native communities i…

1
Travis Zimmerman: Sharing and Celebrating Ojibwe History 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

On today's episode, Leah and Cole speak with Travis Zimmerman, whose family is from the Crane Clan of Grand Portage. He is the site manager for the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Travis also hosted "DeCoded: Native Veterans In Minnesota Who Helped Win World War II," — produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers. Travis talks about his …

1
Ernest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous Artists 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.…

1
Ernest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous artists 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.…

1
Adrienne Zimiga-January: Bringing more Native Voices to Theaters 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Adrienne Zimiga-January, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation who has been creating and performing in the Twin Cities theater community for over a decade. This fall, she’s making her Guthrie debut on stage in “For The People.” It’s billed as a “world premiere comedy by Native voices” with a story set in the Minneapol…

1
Tony Drews: Capturing Excitement for Native Culture and Language Through Games 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Tony Drews (first-generation direct descendent of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), a lifelong student of Ojibwe culture and language. As president and founder of Nashke Native Games, Drews talks about his background in education and how he has found ways to better engage native students in their culture. He describes how e…

1
Shaun Chosa: Reimagining Indigenous Presence in Pop Culture 28:29

1+ y ago28:29

28:29

Today, Leah and Cole chat with artist Shaun Chosa. Shaun's art boldly blends Indigenous heritage, counterculture, and pop culture influences, echoing his self-described nomadic upbringing. Currently, his pieces are on display at the Friedli Gallery through October 2023, where he weaves Indigenous traditions into the fabric of popular culture. Shaun…

1
Tashia Hart: Art, Nature and The Path to Growing Joy 28:30

2y ago28:30

28:30

This week, Leah and Cole chat with Tashia Hart (Red Lake Nation), a culinary ethnobotanist, artist, photographer, award-winning author, and cook. As a multifaceted artist, Tashia’s art reflects the stages of her life, connections to nature and food. She shares about the making of her most recent work, Native Love Jams, a “sweet” romance that explor…

1
Sam Zimmerman’s Journey Back to Painting and the Homelands 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

Leah and Cole chat with artist Sam Zimmerman (Grand Portage). After two decades on the east coast in public education, Sam moved back to Minnesota to rededicate himself to his passion for painting and to be closer to his family and community. His artwork explores his Ojibwe heritage, as well as his learnings and experiences in nature after returnin…

1
Rhiana Yazzie: Empowering Indigenous Creativity 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

Leah and Cole are joined by the multi-talented Rhiana Yazzie (Diné Nation), a remarkable theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and the visionary force behind New Native Theatre. Rhiana shares the latest developments at New Native Theatre, delves into her award-winning feature film ""A Winter Love," and shares about her lifelong passion for storyte…

1
John Villebrun: Cultivating the Next Generation Through Basketball 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

Cole and Leah meet and chat with high school basketball coach John Villebrun (Bois Forte Band). John coaches girls’ basketball at Mountain Iron-Buhl High School on the Iron Range. The team was recently crowned the Minnesota Class A State Girls’ Basketball Champions, and John received the honor of Assistant Coach of the Year! Now as a decorated coac…