The hochokaaudio’s Podcast

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 15 - Fresh Perspectives: Absurd Hope - Standing Firm With the Prophet Isaiah

Here at the outset of Advent 2025, one Indigenous theologian invites, “Instead of rushing toward the baby Jesus … hang back with the prophet Isaiah.” There are lessons in hope to be found here. Let’s learn.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 14 - The American Indian Catholic Schools Network and St. Joseph’s Indian School

Not so long ago, the concept of synergy was “all the buzz.” Today it is worth revisiting in a conversation with two organizations that can identify how together they bring about a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate endeavors. Let’s join the conversation.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 13 - Fresh Perspectives: Tent, Tipi, Tabernacle

For Black Elk and the Lakota people, the tipi was a sacred dwelling place that conveyed deep truth. We don't often make a connection to the Bible, where for much of the Old Testament God lived in a tent, and the New Testament literally says Jesus "pitched his tent among us." Tent, tipi, tabernacle: what do these places say about where God dwells? We’re about to find out.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 12 - Why Art Education Matters With Mark Zimmerman, Part II

Fine arts, drama, music, movement, and creative writing – these programs are often the first place we look to trim the educational budget. Let’s spend some time today with two artists who can convince us that when this happens, everything else suffers. Listen up.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 11 - Why Art Education Matters With Mark Zimmerman, Part I

Is it reading, and writing, and ‘rithmatic? What about STEM? What’s your recipe for educational success? Today, we’re talking to two guys who have a dog in the fight, and they’ve got something to say about Art.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 10 - Talking Thiyóšpaye Part III - Moving on into Adult Life

The late contemporary Irish poet John O’Donohue wrote in an unfinished poem, “I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.” Our guest today embodies this open delight at life. Let’s meet this 2025 graduate of St. Joseph’s Indian School.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 9 - Indigenous Scriptural Interpretation and the Problem of Oppression

Many are familiar with the declaration in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against?” This bold and rhetorical question is subject to many considerations, but for oppressed peoples seeking to interpret Christian scripture, it can be problematic. Let’s unpack the issue.

Hochoka Season 8 - Episode 8 - Talking Thiyóšpaye with Distinguished Alum Gerald High Elk

What if we were to turn the clock back some 60 years and visit this soon-to-be-100-year-old school? Who might we encounter, and what might that person tell us? Here to accompany us as we travel back through time and up to the present day, none other than the 2025 Distinguished Alum, Gerald High Elk. Let’s go!

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 7 - Lakota Language Preservation, Part II – The St. Joe Approach

Filmmaker George Lucas of Star Wars fame addressed teachers with these words, “You have the most important job of anyone today. Our kids need you to advocate for their futures.” During our last episode, we learned how vital the Lakota language is for the future of our students. Today, we learn how two women at St. Joseph’s are advocating for them.

Hochoka Season 8, Episode 6 - Lakota Language Preservation, Part I – The Reality

Lakota elder and teacher Dottie LeBeau once noted, “Losing the language means losing the culture. We need to know who we are because it makes a difference in who we are and who our children are.” If language is the carrier of culture, what does this mean for the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people, whose Native speakers now number in mere hundreds? Let’s talk about it.