Excused!: Recent Episodes
Kevin Wilson
Join in on the journey of a reservation raised boy to making it in the city. Live life your way as long as it’s hozho (in beauty). Excused!
Welcome to Episode 43 of the Excused! Podcast. After a two month hiatus the time has come to step into the full potential of your true self. How do you decide what path is right for you? When you pay attention to the little signs the universe gives, you can make the right choice. The future is unwritten. But it is at least mine. Becoming a full-time Entrepreneur is my calling, but it hasn't come without its challenges. As long as you're willing to rise to the occasion, you can do anything. Just believe in yourself. Ahe'hee!
Rate the show 5 stars on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Leave a five star review on Apple Podcasts. Stay tuned for weekly episodes! Follow excused_podcast on Instagram. Send inquiries and recommended guests to excusedpodcast@gmail.com
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Welcome back! This week we catch up with L.O.G Rez, Native American Hip Hop Artist to see what new projects are on the horizon. 2024 is off to a great start with the first ever Southwest Connect music event. Enjoy!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Ya'ateeh and welcome back. Let's catch up with Native Boba Tea as they worked their first catering event at the Navajo Nation Museum's International Uranium Film Festival. It's been a year since I started the podcast and the inspiration that started it all has never changed. Living the last year in hozho has brought many new opportunities. Many memories were made and as long as you push your comfort zone and say yes to do new jobs and seize new opportunities, then nothing can stop you. Never stop learning, appreciating and being humble for this breath of life you've been given.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Cleo Otero from Cleo's Blue Corn Kitchen joins us to share some great words of wisdom from lived experience that has taken a lifetime to learn. She shows us that as long as you follow your heart and "only have to go through it once" then you have the potential to turn it all around. Starting a business might be difficult but if you put in the work, you may find yourself in awe of what you're capable of. Tune in to hear Cleo's Blue Corn Kitchen from the beginning!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Welcome back to the Excused! Podcast! Our first guest of 2024 is none other than Homegrownm Trading Post. A specialty artists collective that seeks to help leave a positive impact on local community and the world through art. With plans to expand and collaborate with vendors there is no slowing down for a Native American owned business that spans 4 co-owners. Join Lindsay Tsosie in all things Homegrownm!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week we welcome Native Hip hop artist L.O.G Rez who is pushing boundaries and breaking archaic norms all while honoring his roots and community. His highly produced sophomore album "Rezology" is a surefire of catchy verses and melodic expression that helps to lead the way for Native artists hoping to break into the music industry and is the follow up to his self-described "grime" homage to Rez life in his debut that is "The Fulcrum". Our guest teaches us that it's never too late to reach for your goals as he drives toward a higher education in Mathematics. The great enigma that is life can only be explained by living it- on your terms.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
In this weeks episode we delve deep with Chas Laila Tso, Chair of the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico. Laila shares her story of growing up on the reservation and coming into her own as a native trans woman. Claiming your own identity isn't a walk in the park for some, especially as a native trans woman. Laila brings us a wealth of knowledge to the table and is eager to share her story as she had to learn how to fight and stand up for herself. By carving a way for her own indigenous space we'll be able to take in a fraction of a difficult life turned into a new life of fruitful work, advocacy work, giving back, and staying true to your identity. A surefire inspirational pillar of hope, our people are resilient and proud.
Trans Life Line: 1 (877) 565-8860
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Big round of applause and congratulations to Miss Navajo 2023-2024 Amy Naazbah Reeves-Begaye! In this week's episode we'll take a look into the life of Miss Navajo and start from the beginning of when Ms. Begaye decided to run for Miss Navajo. With an elevated platform, the competition for the title was a grueling process that took time, dedication and a focused mindset, all of which Miss Navajo carries with her in her day to day schedule. Tune in as we get to hear some words of encouragement and get to know our current reigning Miss Navajo 2023-2024. Ahee'hee Nitsaago!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This weeks episode will highlight indigenous causes at the forefront of our community. From pop culture to giving back, each of our topics contain representation, strength, unity, creativity and nobility in some shape or form. Listen in for the latest in Indian Country that are keeping us connected. There is creativity and beauty wherever you look. Enjoy!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week my multi-talented guest is none other than Liz McKenzie of Howdy Cakes and Prickly Foods. We'll dish you up how Liz got her start in the hospitality industry to come up with a remarkable brand that infuses native elements into delicious culinary pastry masterpieces that are bursting with flavor but above all, love. Let's catch up with Liz if we can, since she's now a 18 time Ultra Marathon runner! From cakes to recording music, self-expression is the top of the tier for Liz. So come sit with us in our cozy corner while we treat our self-selves to another episode of the Excused! Podcast.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Welcome to my spooky Halloween Edition! Just in time for the spooky season we have Native American Ghost Hunting show The Pitch Dark Paranormal here! Local to the 505, our latest guest feature takes reality into their own hands to weave an intricate and compelling series of self-produced super reality paranormal television show! Their monster episodic journey leads them throughout the Southwest from haunted houses, to jail cells, mining caverns and biohazard warehouses to capture a one of a kind supernatural experience. Our superstar crew are here to communicate with all things that go bump in the night. But don't just take my word for it, put the covers over your head and take a listen cause this is one spooky ride!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Please welcome social media mogul Jojo Jackson! We'll take a look at the early days of Jojo and how he found his passion and his life journey in social media influencing, content creating, modeling, acting and preservering in life- all on his own terms! Our special guest is as humble and down to earth as you can expect from someone with very humble beginnings. Jojo is taking the world by storm and we're here for it!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Our featured guest this week is none other than real estate broker, entrepreneur and business owner Alyssa Begay! Alyssa shares her fascinating story of how she was able to take hard challenges in life and overcome them. She has set herself on a path of hardwork and perseverance that definitely paid off. Enjoy!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
It's never easy when our four legged best friends leave us. As the saying goes, All Dogs do go to Heaven. For me it's never really goodbye, it's just until I see you in the next life. On the other hand, the pressures of holding my business together for Weekends 1 & 2 during the biggest and busiest time of the year approaches full steam ahead. How do you balance a full time job with work life, handle personal life trauma with your pets life waining before your eyes and prepare your business life for the most important engagement just a few hours away? Giving it your best might not be enough, but it’s a start.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
In this episode, we'll see that life is full of relationships and it comes in many different forms, but the one you have with yourself is the most important. We'll also catch up on Indian Market and all the fiasco's the internet drudged up as of late in Indian Country. Buckle in!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
We'll recall some atrocities and afflictions made toward Navajo and Native people in general so we don't forget what our elders and ancestors experienced. Never forget our history, this will guide us forward on our journey, together. Decolonized. So take up some indigenous space and stand tall. Stand proud.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week we'll look back at a super special interview given by our late Matriarch Annie Dodge Wauneka and see how she was years ahead of her time. As foretold by Mrs. Wauneka, we look now at what pieces of our identity as Indigenous People, as Dine, we are giving up in this fast new modern colonized society. The book "Red Nations Rising" has many important pieces to speak of regarding many Native American inequalities we are facing today in Indian Country. Taking a piece we'll touch upon 'Gender Violence' as 2 Spirit beings, pre-colonialism.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Join in our conversation "Alk'idaa'jiin- Today in History", Horoscopes Today and a quick update on Native Boba Tea's weekend sale. The Prickly Pear Bobas were a hit at the Gallup Flea Market. Come along and sip on this!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
How can you claim your own space and confidently live in your own shoes if you don't know who you are? As a child my white-washed Christian background sequestered me from learning Navajo tradition. Now as an adult it took just a little bit of motivation and curiosity to rediscover Navajo and my roots. So I can confidently stand on my own two feet with identity and claim my Indigenous space.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Driving back from university one evening, I witnessed something in the sky that I thought was the crescent shaped Moon. I quickly saw that it was not. Another time I experienced an encounter where they definitely were not people, but something similar. Tune in!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week we'll delve into the presentation at the Red Valley Chapter House for the Native Youth Program. I decided that my first booking was going to be given free of charge so I can deliver an impactful message to boost self esteem, positivity and help foster a new wave of entrepreneurs, business owners and self-sustaining individuals- Native Boba Tea style. The message of T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego Yá’át’éegó jináá'łeh - only by your own doing can you make something of yourself- was a message of love and following your passion.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This weeks episode we'll catch up with Native Boba Tea after the 4 day back to back sale at Gallup Flea Market and NACE Window Rock. I've never had to turn around so quick to sell again and never had to do it 4 times in a row! But wanting to capture this special time left me feeling a bit nervous. But as the saying goes, "if your dreams don't scare you, are you dreaming big enough?". Full speed ahead on this leap of faith. And beginning a new milestone in my career as an Entrepreneur join in on the latest gossip that I've been offered because of NBT. :) Enjoy.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week we'll delve into the sale at Dine Pride and understand that sometimes your presence to show your brand is more valuable than the monetary value. The Boba Tour Part II dates are in the works and being released. Two new segments of the show are being added so stay tuned in!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
This week we'll discuss how Native Boba Tea captured a feature inside the June 15th 2023 issue of the Navajo Times. And also give a firsthand account of how my experience at Indigifest went over the weekend with Native Boba Tea. As the last craze in memes takes over the internet, it gives me flashbacks of one of the most traumatizing experiencing in my life, a great white shark!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
The future for Native Boba Tea for the summer is unwritten. But keeping close to your mission always keeps you in good hands. A most generous gesture of hospitality comes from a customer to host Native Boba Tea for Indigifest.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Filling your shoes with your confidence, spirit, and essence means you don't have to apologize for it. Live with intent. And catch up with Native Boba Tea at our latest sale at NACE-Window Rock. You can add 'Drive-Thru' to my experience on my resume :P
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
As we inch closer to the official kick off of The Boba Tour great things are on the horizon for Native Boba Tea once we get back and set up shop permanently at the Gallup Flea Market. The wind hasn't been kind but you learn so much when you start from the bottom to get to the top. Humble Beginnings 2.0 Native Boba Tea style has officially commenced.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Native Boba Tea is doing something that's never been done before. Embarking on tour! Come see us out on 'The Boba Tour' as we spotlight our brand and engage with the community. Life your life and your passion. Do it so well that if you did it over you couldn't do it any better. Only God knows what the future holds for Native Boba Tea and if we're able to do another tour next year. But cheers to life, love, boba and 2023!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
When life catches up to you and pauses your prospective projects, agenda, to do lists or anything you may currently be working on, it's okay to honor that and catch right back up to life. In this Double Feature episode we'll discuss appreciating life and looking at death in a different light. A light that helps us understand our journeys are never ending. In a dedication to innocent lives lost, please reach out and seek help to cope with unstable mental and emotional tendencies. No lives are worth a moment of frustration.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Supporting Native Artists is definitely IN. There's enough room for all our brothers and sisters in Indian Country to grow. Full of so much potential, the possibilities are limitless so why not support your local Native Artists! Nizhoni Days Pow Wow was a Mecca of Indian crafts, art, jewelry and beautiful dancing and regalia. Get out in the community, you never know what joy it will bring!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
For the 2nd sale of Native Boba Tea, the overwhelming love and support came in from the TikTok community. The response was fast and furious. It left our boba hearts spinning from so much positive energy. So thank you for making that possible!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Come along and see how my experience went as my first official opening at the Gallup Flea Market. I knew starting my own business was going to be a great idea and fit for me. I didn't know was how rewarding it was going to be, but what comes along with the good, you also have to take ownership for areas of improvement. And I got this!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
New ventures require a lot of attention, focus, energy and resources. But taking the time to also stop and breathe will help you get to the next level. Opening my own business is about to go full launch this weekend. We'll catch up with how things went in the next episode!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Sometimes you have to throw away the script and speak "off the cuff". Staying true to your heart and living your highest purpose is a sure way to help wrestle that little kid called "Ego". Some people haven't learned how to do it but it doesn't mean it's too late.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
The hustle and bustle of the big city is full of dreamers who all share a commonality: to make theirs come true. Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview series with Ashli where we continue talking about her time in NYC, a big dream of hers. Stay tuned for the end when I announce some big news :)
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Ever since she was a little girl, New York City has always been a place Ashli wanted to call home. Tune in to see how we met in High School and how she was able to make it in one of the biggest cities in the world. My best friend Ashli joins me in this Part 1 of 2 series. From rural Navajo Rez to life in the Big Apple. Dream big!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Overcoming any negative strong holds such as alcoholism in your life might be done by just stepping back, quieting your mind and allowing a higher knowledge to guide your thoughts. And checking your ego is always a good idea.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Ignoring the hints life throws will get louder and louder until one day it's like a ton of bricks on the head. Steer that runaway train from alcohol into a path of light and direction. Losing in life never feels great. But preventing further loss is something to behold.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Throwing it back to High School and adolescence when everything was super cringe. It's okay to laugh at yourself and find the humor in light of situations. Kinky Kev didn't stick thank god.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Navigating social media and content creation as a whole to find your best interest at heart. Walking in Hozho as a Two-Spirit means walking 2 separate paths side by side.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Continue my journey with me in Episode 2: Life in the City. From putting in the hard work to finding new opportunities, you have to seize each before it passes. Find your tribe and meet the Creator half way.
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era
Join in on how life was growing up on the Navajo Reservation to having to an assimilate in the modern era. Don't sweat it if you feel like sometimes your journey is a struggle because we are all in it together. Taking it back to where it all started before I made a home for myself in the city. Hope you enjoy!
From Humble Beginnings to the Modern Era