Natural Thoughts and Talks

NTT Dr. Nat

Dr. Nat joins the show to talk about her family values growing up and as a parent. the importance of community and how her run for office can help prioritize the traditional values found across all of Montana. Thanks for taking the time to record mom! Love you

NTT Michael Runningwind

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Michael and Venture discussed the importance of decolonizing Indigenous communities and building human capital. They explored how traditional Indigenous values, such as sharing and community care, have been lost or undervalued in modern society. Michael shared his experiences as a Native American veteran and his desire to see more unity among Indigenous peoples. They discussed the need to stop allowing non-Indigenous people to define what it means to be Indigenous. The conversation concluded with Michael suggesting potential guests for future episodes, including his niece Kat Warren and other young Indigenous women making significant academic and professional achievements.

NTT Morningstar Green

Morningstar shared her journey from being an reluctant aunt to becoming a mother of three, including her experiences with foster care, addiction, and cultural identity as a Black and Native American woman. She discussed how her grandmother's wisdom and cultural teachings helped her overcome drug and alcohol addiction at a young age. Morningstar also described her current focus on building a foundation for her children through entrepreneurship and creating a supportive home environment. The conversation concluded with Morningstar recommending several people in her community for future interviews, including a carver and her best friend who helped establish a community garden.

NTT Clay Jones

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Clayton Jones, a Portland resident who shared his passion for craft beer, cooking, and camping. They discussed Clayton's detailed approach to enjoying food and drink, his early experiences working with mentally ill individuals, and his current job at the airport. Clayton highlighted the importance of treating people with kindness and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Thanks so much for chatting Clay! See you soon.

NTT Steven Pearson

In this episode of Natural Thoughts and Talks, Venture interviewed Steven Pearson, an artist and professor from Pennsylvania, to discuss his artistic journey and teaching experiences. They explored Pearson's current art projects within the painting world, as well as his teaching approach at McDaniel College, where he emphasizes the importance of process over product and encourages students to experiment with different media. Pearson shared insights on the value of art, the role of boredom in creativity, and the significance of allowing students to explore their ideas freely. They also discussed the challenges and rewards of teaching art, including the satisfaction of seeing students develop their skills and pursue further education. The conversation highlighted the ongoing nature of artistic growth and the importance of maintaining a humble and open-minded approach to creativity.