Episodes

Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
His name is Barry Friedman and he’s been collecting supplying 100-year-old Pendletons since 1969. In fact, he was the supplier of 60 period Pendleton blankets for the movie, “Killers of the Flower Moon”.
Although Barry isn’t a Pendleton employee, he is the vintage blanket consultant to Pendleton Woolen Mills, and Ralph Lauren himself has been a customer of Barry’s for over 30 years. He also sells museum quality blankets to private collectors and has been instrumental in helping to form the most important collections in the world.
In addition to being an appraiser, consultant and seller of these historical blankets, he’s also the author of the book, “Chasing Rainbows: Collecting American Indian Trade & Camp Blankets” and its sequel, “Still Chasing Rainbows”.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- The history of the Pendleton blanket
- The surprising history of the patterns on the blankets
- What became of the blankets after Killers of the Flower Moon
- Round-corner Pendleton blankets (hint: if you have one, keep it!)
- Barry’s former career as a comedy writer in Hollywood, and as a Columnist and radio personality
Note: I encourage those of you who aren’t quite fans of Pendleton (due to their not being a Native-owned company) to listen to this episode too…I think you’ll still find it interesting.
I’d also like to share the beautiful work of Native-owned Eighth Generation – check them out here: https://eighthgeneration.com/
Barry’s collection is the largest in the world and can be viewed in Phoenix, Arizona by appointment. Call, text (480)-309-4697 or e-mail at blanketboy@cox.net to make arrangements.
Website: www.barryfriedmanblankets.com
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barryfriedmanindianblankets/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryFriedmanIndianBlankets
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Apr 18, 2024
S6, E6, Pt2: Stanford Lake & Ancestral Stories of the Navajo, Part 2
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
Thursday Apr 18, 2024
When I started Native ChocTalk, my goal was to support others in preserving their Native American ancestral stories. Some of us heard our families telling the accounts of those who came before us, but without preservation, many of those stories are now dust in the wind.
I’m proud of my guest and friend, Stanford Lake (Diné) who agreed to share some Navajo history and ancestral stories with us, and I think you will also enjoy!
In the final part of this series, Stanford shares about:
- His late shicheii (his grandpa), Ned Cly, of the Kinyaa’aanii clan, who was born behind the “Three Sisters” Ned was also recruited a few times to be in John Wayne movie sets!
- Bahe Bessie Parrish, his shimásání (grandma), who was a traditional medicine woman
- The Long Walk - a dark time in Navajo history
- His 3x great grandfather, Chief Hashkéníinii who led his people to safety
- The origination of frybread
- The Navajo’s 4-clan system
- Some inspiration for all you runners out there
Stanford would like to promote the following organizations – check them out!
Red Earth Running Company: https://redearthrun.co/
Native Women Running: https://www.nativewomenrunning.com/
Rising Hearts: https://www.risinghearts.org/nativelands
I hope as you listen to Stanford, you’ll be inspired to also record and preserve the stories of your ancestors. You won’t regret it – it’s a gift you give to your family and your descendants. God bless!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Apr 11, 2024
S6, E6, Pt1: Stanford Lake & Ancestral Stories of the Navajo, Part 1
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
When I started Native ChocTalk, my goal was to support others in preserving their Native American ancestral stories. Some of us heard our families telling the accounts of those who came before us, but without preservation, many of those stories are now dust in the wind.
I’m proud of my guest and friend, Stanford Lake (Diné) who agreed to share some Navajo history and ancestral stories with us, and I think you will also enjoy!
Stanford, an award-winning Engineer of 20 years is originally from Kayenta/Black Mesa on the Navajo reservation. In part 1 of this 2-part series, he shares about:
- Being a first-language Navajo speaker
- Growing up in the traditional way of life and herding sheep
- The balance of Navajo life, centered around the harvest
- Traditional Hogan homes/ceremonial places
- Stories of that old trickster, the coyote
- Stanford’s Code Talker ancestor
- Ira Hays, the serviceman who raised the flag in Iwo Jima
- Navajo’s arranged marriages, culture and ceremonial sweats
- Stanford’s grandmother, Dzáán who herded sheep until she was 80 years old!
I hope as you listen to Stanford, you’ll be inspired to also record and preserve the stories of your ancestors. You won’t regret it – it’s a gift you give to your family and your descendants. God bless!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Apr 04, 2024
Thursday Apr 04, 2024
They bravely raised their Winchester rifles, aiming smack dab at the lawlessness of the wild west. Meet the Turnbulls – a legendary Choctaw family who did their part to create a safer Indian Territory for their families.
Here to tell us more about these vigilantes is their descendant, Bobby Bulls (Choctaw), coming to you from the Texas panhandle where many of his ancestors once roamed.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- Bobby’s ancestors’ quest to clean up the west, as both Rangers and as Lighthorsemen
- Wahcahtambee (meaning “Cattle Trader”) who walked the Trail of Tears, and his wife, Shakaphona
- The surprising origination of the name Turnbull
- Mary Turnbull and Charles Henry Benton
- The days of cowboys, cattle drives, stampedes and cattle rustling
- Today’s cattle raiding and Ponzi schemes
- The story of the poor darned horse who was struck by lightning
Yakoke, Bobby for sharing with us about your legendary family!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Mar 28, 2024
Thursday Mar 28, 2024
In this Native ChocTalk story-time, Author and Major James D. Brewer (retired), shares about his historical fiction book, “Blood on the Crossties: The Florida Chautauqua Murders (A Choctaw Parker Mystery/Adventure)”.
In this episode, you’ll learn about the emergence of the railroad and its history, the days of cowboys and gambling (and the game of Faro). Culminating alongside the expansion of the railroad, were the effects of politics, the Freedman, war, and the north and the south as various races began to intermingle.
Discover fascinating real-life historical characters and hear about the fictional character, Choctaw Jimmy Lee Parker, a Railroad Detective, hired to solve the mystery of stolen money, rifles and more.
This episode and book are great for book clubs, homeschool families, and road trips (and the book is now out on audio)!
You can find “Blood on the Crossties” on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Crossties-Florida-Chautauqua-Adventure/dp/1956851720, as well as other places where you buy your books.
Now on audio as well: https://www.audible.com/pd/Blood-on-the-Crossties-Audiobook/B0CRZDG83D
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
“When all the tribes find their languages and their culture, that’s when all the healing will begin. And then all the generations will be in a better place.” - Solomon Little Owl (Crow)
Listeners, I’m proud to present to you, my friend, Solomon Little Owl who shares fascinating stories about his family, the Crow people, and his own incredible journey!
In this 2-part episode, you’ll learn about:
- The story of the “Fightin’ Whites” (trust me, you’ll want to hear this!)
- How buffalo hunts aided Native students
- The Crow’s clan system
- Who were the enemies and who were the allies of the Crow?
- Crow dances such as the bear dance, sun dance and war dance
- Were the Crow tall people?
- The 3 New Years of the Crow
- What did various tribes call the Crow?
- The Crow fair
Solomon asks for prayers for his tribe. And if you’re ever in the area, please consider supporting Crow businesses: http://www.crow-nsn.gov/tribal-businesses.html
Ahóoh, Solomon! And prayers going up for the Crow people.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
“When all the tribes find their languages and their culture, that’s when all the healing will begin. And then all the generations will be in a better place.” - Solomon Little Owl (Crow)
Listeners, I’m proud to present to you, my friend, Solomon Little Owl who shares fascinating stories about his family, the Crow people, and his own incredible journey!
In this 2-part episode, you’ll learn about:
- The story of the “Fightin’ Whites” (trust me, you’ll want to hear this!)
- How buffalo hunts aided Native students
- The Crow’s clan system
- Who were the enemies and who were the allies of the Crow?
- Crow dances such as the bear dance, sun dance and war dance
- Were the Crow tall people?
- The 3 New Years of the Crow
- What did various tribes call the Crow?
- The Crow fair
Solomon asks for prayers for his tribe. And if you’re ever in the area, please consider supporting Crow businesses: http://www.crow-nsn.gov/tribal-businesses.html
Ahóoh, Solomon! And prayers going up for the Crow people.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Friday Mar 08, 2024
S6, E2: Erin Pendleton (Choctaw) & Inspiration for Women’s History Month
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
History may be in the past, but there are many women today who are truly history in the making! In the spirit of Women’s History Month, my guest, Erin Pendleton and I wanted to share a bit of inspiration.
Not only is Erin building her career as a post-producer for Amazon Brand Social, she’s also shedding light on the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. And as a rape advocate, she uses her own story to fuel her fire to help other women.
Today we’ll hear Erin’s story, the amazing work she does in production, about her documentary, and the stories of her grandmother – the Choctaw woman who inspired her.
Be sure to follow Erin here:
- com/erinaberra
- Tiktok: @erinaberra
- Twitter/X: @erinaberra
And if you’re looking for a top notch producer, contact her at erinaberra@gmail.com.
Yakoke, Erin!
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
I hope you’ll enjoy the final episode of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers.
Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life.
You can find Dr. Meadows’ book here and in many online and retail shops: http://tinyurl.com/bdfwp2kb
In episode 5 you’ll hear about:
• Our Osage, Comanche, Ho-Chunk, Oklahoma Cherokee and Sioux heroes of WWI.
• The Congressional Code Talker Medals
• Quite a few stories and facts you may not have known about the Code Talkers
Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
I hope you’ll enjoy episode 4 of this 5-part series on the most requested topic from my listeners – The Code Talkers.
Meet scholar and Anthropologist, Dr. William Meadows, Professor at Missouri State University who shares about the groundbreaking research detailed in his book, “The First Code Talkers, Native American Communicators of World War I”. Get ready to experience a mix of oral history, individual soldiers’ accounts and newspapers, truly bringing these heroes’ stories to life.
You can find Dr. Meadows’ book here and in many online and retail shops: http://tinyurl.com/bdfwp2kb
In episode 4 you’ll learn about:
- The Choctaw Code Talkers
- The fascinating life and story of Sergeant Otis Leader!
- After you’ve read this book, be sure to purchase @sarahelisabethsaywers book on Otis Leader: https://chickasawpress.com/Books/Otis-W-Leader-The-Ideal-American-Doughboy.aspx
- How the Germans regarded the Native American soldiers in high esteem
- Some of the Military Term Choctaw Pronunciation Translations (such as “1st Battalion” was “one grain of corn” and “machine gun” was “little gun shoot fast” in Choctaw)
Yakoke to the brave Native American men and women who have served our country and all our Veterans! And many thanks to Dr. Meadows for sharing his research with us.
Native ChocTalk Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nativechoctalkpodcast
All Podcast Episodes: https://nativechoctalk.com/podcasts/