NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this powerful episode of the NDN All-Stars Podcast, host Bill Black sits down with competitive bodybuilder Juanita Anderson to talk about more than just muscles and medals. Juanita shares her deeply personal journey as a Native woman navigating faith, identity, abuse, single motherhood, and competitive bodybuilding. Raised in a strict Christian household by a Jicarilla Apache father and Dutch/French mother, Juanita opens up about the cultural and spiritual challenges she faced when stepping into a sport that celebrates the human body. From escaping an abusive marriage to reclaiming her strength and placing second in a major natural bodybuilding competition, Juanita’s story is about reclaiming voice, honoring heritage, and becoming the image she always needed to see.

Topics Covered:

• Juanita’s upbringing in a Christian Apache household
• Cultural and spiritual conflicts with competitive bodybuilding
• Her introduction to the sport through a gym friend
• The transition from church life to traditional Apache practices
• Surviving domestic violence and rebuilding as a single mom
• Competing naturally—without steroids or diuretics
• The emotional and physical recovery after losing her daughter
• Entering and placing 2nd in a natural bodybuilding competition
• Incorporating Indigenous identity into her stage performance
• Her mission to inspire other women, especially Native women

Juanita Anderson is a competitive bodybuilder with roots in the Jicarilla Apache Nation. Raised in a deeply religious home, she later reconnected with her Native traditions while facing—and overcoming—life’s biggest challenges. As a mother, survivor, and athlete, Juanita uses bodybuilding as a platform for healing, expression, and advocacy. Her journey reflects strength in every form—emotional, spiritual, and physical—and she continues to inspire Native women to honor their bodies and reclaim their power.

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about NDN All-Stars: ndnallstars.com
• Follow NDN All-Stars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
• Subscribe to the NDN All-Stars Podcast: https://ndn-all-stars.captivate.fm/listen

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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!