The Muscogee Pod: Recent Episodes
The Muscogee Nation
The Muscogee Pod is the official podcast of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Hosted by Press Secretary Jason Salsman, the podcast is an informal conversational exploration of day-to-day life on the Muscogee Reservation featuring dynamic guests, timely topics, and useful information.
Richard Ray Whitman joins us in the Pod Cave to tell the story of how a chance encounter with a LIFE Magazine cover led to a career in fine art, photography, poetry and acting. Whitman, a Yuchi-Muscogee, describes his journey from the tiny community of Gypsy, Oklahoma to a life of world-wide acclaim as a multidisciplinary visual artist. An eclectic life story told in this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
In this episode we discuss the unique dichotomy of spiritual life in Muscogee culture between traditional and ceremonial practices and Christianity and Muscogee churches. We talk with Rev. Chebon Kernell, a clergy and representative of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of The United Methodist Church, who is also an active member of Helvpe Ceremonial Ground, about the existence of the two ways of life and how they have shaped the culture of Muscogees today. It's a "Conversation From our Reservation" many years in the making, and it's only on The Muscogee Pod!
The Rev. Kernell, an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, is formerly the executive secretary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries for the denomination’s General Board of Global Ministries. In this role, he has worked with the World Council of Churches, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops assisting in a denominationally mandated effort to improve relationships with Indigenous communities through dialogue, study and local or regional acts of repentance acknowledging harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities.
He is a citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and is of Muscogee heritage. In 2016 he was honored by receiving the Religious Literacy Award sponsored by the Westar Institute for, "his tireless efforts to educate the general public, including not only mainstream American Christians but also native peoples themselves, about the ‘deep and broad religious riches’ of Indigenous peoples in the context of reconciliation work and the recovery of native practices.“
He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. He is a cultural practitioner and member of the Helvpe Ceremonial grounds. He has been married to Sara for 18 years and has five children: Kaycee, Josiah, Raylen, and Solomon and niece Cali.
Among is many achievements, Chebon has also contributed to Steven Charleston's book, "Coming Full Circle: Constructing Native Christian Theology." You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Full-Circle-Constructing-Christian/dp/1451487983/ref=asc_df_1451487983/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312009828129&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17936700929564702722&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9026617&hvtargid=pla-523229888760&psc=1
The Native American Comprehensive Plan serves as the United Methodist entity that resources, strengthens and advocates for the local church in Native American communities. Find their website here: www.nacp-umc.org
It's TVLSE TIME on the Muscogee Pod! In Episode 2 of our Storyteller Series, we are joined by associate professor at the University of Alberta Dr. Russell Cobb. Cobb discusses his upbringing in Tulsa and how he uncovered the true history of the "Oil Capital of the World." We talk Tulsa's origins, land swindles, the struggle to tell Oklahoma's true history and how a Creek Town became an Oil Town in this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
Russell Cobb's Work:
The Great Oklahoma Swindle: Race, Religion, and Lies in America's Weirdest State
In The Great Oklahoma Swindle Russell Cobb tells the story of a state rich in natural resources and artistic talent, yet near the bottom in education and social welfare. Raised in Tulsa, Cobb engages Oklahomans across race and class to elucidate their contradictory and often stridently independent attitudes. Interweaving memoir, social commentary, and sometimes surprising research around race, religion, and politics, Cobb presents an insightful portrait that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the American Heartland.
Purchase HERE.
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History X: What they didn't teach you in school.
History X amplifies true stories from history that have been repressed, suppressed, or simply forgotten. Host Russell Cobb discusses how our understanding of history is shifting in popular culture and what to make of the falling statues and renaming of places. History X explores the forgotten corners of dusty archives and talks to people with intimate knowledge of events outside the mainstream.
Listen HERE.
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“The Ghosts of Creek County: Revisiting Oil and Indigenous Sovereignty”
This story concerns the legalized theft and swindles of land allotments granted to citizens of the Five Tribes. This presentation will examine two cases that exemplify the crosscurrents of Indigenous sovereignty, oil production, and cultural relations between American Indians, African Americans, and white settlers between 1907 and 1922. Speaker Russell Cobb will tell the stories of two Muscogee (Creek) women: Millie Neharkey and Minnie Atkins.
Watch HERE.
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Keep an eye out for Russell's new book "The Ghosts of Crook County: Bloodlines and Pipelines in Indian Country" coming Spring 2023!
Find Russell on Twitter @RussellSCobb!
Find out more about the Council Oak tree and Council Oak Park HERE.
In this final episode of our three-part series "1979: The Formation of the Modern Muscogee Government" we look back on the dust settling from the drafting and approval of the Muscogee Constitution and discuss it's ramifications then and in present day. Former Executive Director Ed Mouss and former Principal Chief Bill Fife candidly examine how the Constitution has aged, how it applies now, and things that they would have done differently in hindsight. We wrap up our stroll through a historic time in this "Conversation from our Reservation."
Join in as we continue our chat with former Executive Director Ed Mouss and former Principal Chief Bill Fife on the implementation of the 1979 Muscogee Constitution. In Part 2, we explore the political dynamics at the time, the vote and building the government we know today around the document. Another trip through history, in this #ConversationFromOurReservation.
We begin Season 2 of the podcast by taking a look back in time to the formation of what we know today as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation government. In this Storyteller Series, we visit with then-Executive Director, Ed Mouss and former Principal Chief, Bill Fife about the state of the tribe at that time and the steps taken to form the tribal government as we know it today. You do not want to miss this conversation from our reservation!
In this episode, we visit with Manager of Fan Development for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Michelle Matthews. Michelle discusses her work with the Thunder in Native communities as well as being a tribal citizen from a small town, working her way into a dream job. A behind the scenes look at an NBA franchise, right here on this “Conversation from our Reservation!”
OKC Thunder Website
OKC Thunder Instagram
OKC Thunder Twitter
OKC Thunder Facebook
Thunder Unveils New Turquoise Uniform Honoring Oklahoma's Native American Heritage
2021 Oklahoma City Thunder Native American Heritage Night
Honoring the Native Tradition - Lindy Waters III’s Connection to His People
Nike N7
In this episode, we chat with Muscogee Nation National Council Speaker Will Lowe. Lowe describes his journey from U.S. Marine, to an MBA, to Speaker of the House for America’s 4th largest tribe. You don’t want to miss this “Conversation from our Reservation!”
Muscogee Creek National Council
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)
American Indian Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma
Leadership Native Oklahoma
Tulsa Drillers
A homecoming queen, a U.S. Marine and the Attorney General for America's fourth largest tribal nation...it seems there's not much that Geri Wisner can't do. In this episode, we talk with Attorney General Wisner about her story and the lessons throughout the journey that have guided her life and career. Don't miss this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
In this week's episode we speak with Lil Mike & FunnyBone also known as Mike Bone. These two brothers talk about their career as Native rappers and their experience on America's Got Talent and Reservation Dogs. We also discuss this year's Muscogee Nation Festival where Mike Bone will be performing.
Muscogee Nation Festival Website
Muscogee Nation Festival Facebook
Mike Bone Website
Mike Bone Facebook
Mike Bone Instagram
Mike Bone Twitter
Mike Bone YouTube
Mike Bone on America’s Got Talent
Mike Bone Spotify
Mike Bone Apple Music
Sten Joddi
Resident Alien with Gary Farmer
Dark Winds
Off the Hook
In this episode we chat with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lindy Waters III. Waters, a citizen of the Kiowa Tribe, talks with us about his incredible journey to the NBA, his involvement in tribal communities and overcoming tough times to be a role model for the next generation of Native youth. You don’t want to miss this thunderous, inspiring “Conversation from our Reservation!”
Lindy Waters III Instagram
Lindy Waters III Twitter
Lindy Waters III Cameo
The Schimmel Sisters
High school teammates Trae Young, Lindy Waters react to first NBA matchup
Hustle – Netflix
Glory Road
Peaky Blinders
Honoring the Native Tradition - Lindy Waters III’s Connection to His People
Thunder's Lindy Waters III trying to 'inspire the next generation' of Native people – The Oklahoman
Photo provided by Oklahoma City Thunder
In this episode, we chat with President and GM of the Tulsa Drillers, Mike Melega. Mike talks about how the AA Minor League baseball club and the Muscogee Nation have partnered to form a winning team! From land acknowledgment, to special "Tvlse" uniforms, to Muscogee Nation Night at ONEOK Field, there's great things happening between these two organizations. Find out about it all here in this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
Tulsa Drillers Website
Tulsa Drillers Twitter
Tulsa Drillers Facebook
Muscogee Nation Tourism Creative Manager designs "Tvlse" Drillers jersey
2019 Muscogee Nation Night Jerseys
Drillers Unveil Uniforms, Partnership with Muscogee (Creek) Nation
2021 Muscogee Nation Night held at ONEOK Field
Cheers! In this episode we chat with Jake Keyes, owner of Oklahoma’s only Native-owned brewery, Skydance Brewing. Jake discusses how a passion and hobby that he shared with his father became a dream, which became a business. Join us for this “Conversation from our Reservation” as we talk suds and success!
Skydance Brewing Website
Skydance Brewing Instagram
Skydance Brewing Facebook
Oklahoma Craft Brewers Association
Oklahoma Brewers Fest
Grey Snow Eagle House
Brewed with Hustle Podcast
Surly Brewing
In this episode we explore the art and life of Muscogee/Cherokee/Osage artist Yatika Fields. Yatika chats with us on his family's history of expression, his early days of finding his passion and crafting his style, and how he infuses his background and storytelling into his contemporary work. Don't miss this artistic and eclectic "Conversation from our Reservation" with Yatika Fields!
Yatika Fields Website
Yatika Fields Instagram
Yatika Fields Twitter
Garth Greenan Gallery
TVLSE: Converging Indigenous Art
War Club: The Emergence of Red Power in Oklahoma
Tulsa Artist Fellowship
Native Fields Art – Fine art by Tom & Anita Fields
Jerome Tiger Artwork
Blackbear Bosin
DONDI Wikipedia
The Art & Science of Running Podcast
Hyper Allergic Podcast
The Red Nation Podcast
The Daily Podcast
Mvskoke Art Market Facebook
In this episode, we visit with the dynamic team of Seth Clark and Tracie Revis from the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative! Clark, the Executive Director, and Revis, the Director of Advocacy, talk about a new era in the Southeast and the close ties with the Muscogee Nation in telling the story of the original homelands. The pair also discuss the legislative advocacy efforts to secure the support for national recognition and "make it a park!" Collaboration, storytelling, and preserving history and it's all part of this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative Website
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Website
Ocmulgee Mounds Association Website
ONPPI Facebook
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Facebook
Muscogee (Creek) Nation, conservationists seeking to establish first national park and preserve in Georgia - Washington Post
Could One of These Be Our Next National Park? - OutsideOnline.com
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to protect Native ancestral lands from development - USA Today
Preserving our past, protecting our present, planning for our future - Macon Magazine
Ocmulgee National and Historical Park honoring Native American history - 41NBC
Photo credit – Kevin Liles
Kevin D. Liles Photography
In this episode, we talk with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and Cherokee Nation citizen Ryan Helsley. Helsley discusses his excitement for the 2022 MLB season and rehabbing from injury, his stand against Native appropriation and mascots in sports, and a walk down memory lane remembering his high school days playing travel ball on an all-Native team with Muscogee Pod host Jason Salsman as his coach! Don't miss us firing strikes with a big leaguer in this "Conversation from our Reservation!"
Allie Reynolds Wikipedia
Oklahoma’s Pinnacle Baseball Family – The Ryals
Ryan Helsley Twitter
Ryan Helsley Wikipedia
Cardinals rookie Ryan Helsley, a member of the Cherokee Nation, says Atlanta's tomahawk chop 'devalues us' - USA Today
Ryan Throws 103 MPH Fastball
Ahooooooooo! Podcast Warriors! In this episode, we ride along with Dallas Goldtooth, who hilariously plays the character of William Knifeman the Unknown Warrior on the hit FX series Reservation Dogs. Dallas chops it up with us on a host of topics including his foray into acting and his breakout role, his days in the 1491's comedy troupe and the influence it has had on the show, as well as his tireless advocacy work to defend Native lands from environmental hazards. This "Conversation from our Reservation" will be unlike any other and you can't find it anywhere else, but here on The Muscogee Pod!
Dallas Goldtooth IMDB
Dallas Goldtooth Twitter
Dallas Goldtooh Instagram
Reservation Dogs
Attack on Titan
Monty Python
The Office
Stranger Things
Third Squad Podcast
In this episode, we talk with Muscogee Nation Secretary of Health Shawn Terry and Surgeon General Dr. Lance Frye for an in-depth conversation on the Nation's health system. We go inside the tribe's fight against COVID-19 and the aggressive expansion of services and facilities with Secretary Terry, and we talk about the historical appointment as the first Surgeon General at a tribal nation with Dr. Lance Frye, who also details what it's been like to join the Muscogee Nation after previously leading health initiatives with the state of Oklahoma. It's a "Conversation from our Reservation" that you don't want to miss and its only on The Muscogee Pod!
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health Facebook Page Colonel Lance Frye appointed as first Surgeon General of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation - Indian Country Today
In this episode we talk with Muscogee Nation Ambassador and former Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission Jonodev Chaudhuri and Mary Kathryn Nagle, legal counsel for the National Indian Women's Resource Center and famous playwright. We discuss a host of topics in Indian Country including the reauthorization of VAWA, the lead-up and aftermath of the McGirt decision, litigating the Indian Child Welfare Act and some of the projects that have made Nagle one of America's most-produced Native playwrights. You don't want to miss this "Conversation from our Reservation."
Mary Katherine Nagle Twitter
Mary Katherin Nagle Wikipedia
Chaudhuri named Muscogee (Creek) Nation Ambassador
President Biden signs VAWA 2022 Reauthorization into Law, Indian Law Resource Center
For Oklahoma Tribe, Vindication at Long Last, The New York Times
Jean Chaudhuri Wikipedia
Mary Kathryn Nagle Changes the Story, in Court and Onstage - The New Yorker
In this episode we speak with Muscogee Nation Director of Ag & Natural Resources, Trenton Kissee and Muscogee Nation Secretary of the Interior, Jesse Allen on the tribes expansion of its agribusiness operations. We talk the development of the Nation’s all new USDA approved Looped Square Meat Co. processing facility, the Nation’s expansion of land and cattle, and addressing needs in food sovereignty, food insecurity, and job creation. Tune in to this ‘Conversation from our Reservation’ to see the unique ways the tribe is diversifying its economic revenue while serving its citizens.
Looped Square Meat Co Facebook Page Sacheen Littlefeather Article Podcast Reccommendations Mountain & Prairie Podcast Natural Resource University Podcast Wired to Hunt Podcast Bowhunter Chronicles Podcast ESPN Daily Podcast The Pivot Podcast
On this episode of The Muscogee Pod we go "Beyond the Reservation" with MCN Tribal Liaison Anne Edwards. Ms. Edwards is charged with keeping the 20,000+ Muscogee citizens living outside the boundaries of the Muscogee Reservation informed and connected to their tribal Nation. Anne talks with us about her family and experience, utilizing modern technology to reach her audience, and the tribe's return to the original homelands in the southeast for the Reyicepes ("We have come back") Festival in Oxford, AL. Tune in for this Conversation from our Reservation!
Beyond the Reservation Facebook Page
Spiral to the Stars by Laura Harjo
Joy Harjo Books
John Swanton Books
Benjamin Hawkins Books
In Episode 2, we talk with Principal Chief David Hill and Second Chief Del Beaver of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Listen in for an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the men behind the titles. The Chiefs talk family, favorite bands, and leading the fourth largest tribe in American through trying times. You can't hear this "Conversation from our Reservation" anywhere else but on The Muscogee Pod!
Principal Chief David Hiil - Facebook Page
Second Chiefl Del Beaver - Facebook Page
In Episode 1, we visit with Muscogee/Seminole filmmaker Sterlin Harjo. Harjo is the executive producer, co-writer, and director of the groundbreaking Indigenous comedy series Reservation Dogs on the FX Network, and also has three feature films, a documentary and a Sundance Film Fellowship to his credit. Sterlin visits with us about the smashing success of his new series, his new creative deal with FX, some of his favorite shows and books and the importance of an authentic story-telling of modern Native life to a global audience. You don't want to miss this special "Conversation from our Reservation!"
Sterlin Harjo
• Sterlin Harjo IMDB
• Sterlin Harjo Instagram
• The Cuts with Sterlin Harjo Podcast
Sterlin’s Recommendations• Making Movies
• Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife
• Yellowjackets
• Only Murders in the Building
The Muscogee Nation
• The Muscogee Nation Facebook
• The Muscogee Nation Twitter
