The hochokaaudio’s Podcast

Hochoka Season 7, Episode 5 - Zitkala-Šá, Part I – Why She Matters to the United States Mint and You

The 2024 Zitkala-Šá Quarter is the 15th coin in the American Women Quarters Program. Who is this woman minted by the United States Treasury, and why does that matter to all of us?

Season 7, Episode 4 - Speaking of Youth, Part III - The Buffalo Harvest

What is a Buffalo Harvest and what is the significance of the buffalo to the Lakota people? Let’s learn from two people who recently participated in a harvest.

Hochoka Season 7, Episode 3 - Speaking of Youth, Part II - The Spiritual Life of Children

Who are the wakȟáŋheža? Lakota children are called by this word that means “little sacred ones.” Significantly, the Indigenous have known all along what new science is proving: There is great power in the spiritual life of children. Let’s explore the topic with Dr. Damian Costello and learn what it means for parents and educators everywhere.

Hochoka Season 7, Episode 2 - Speaking of Youth, Part I – Gabe Dannenbring and The Middle Schooler

What does it mean to be 13, back stage adults, watching on tiptoe, waiting to go onstage?" Some years ago, TIME magazine reporter Nancy Gibbs asked that question. Today we hear from someone who spends every day in a middle school classroom. Let’s find out what he says about this unique stage of life.

Hochoka Season 7, Episode 1 - Christianity Through an Indigenous Lens, Part I – Scripture and Storytelling

Theologian John Shea says, “We are the story God tells. Our very lives are the words that come from God’s mouth.” If this is so, the intersection of the rich Indigenous storytelling tradition and Scripture holds profound assets both for Native Christians and for all followers of Christ. Let’s learn more with Dr. Chris Hoklotubbe.

Hochoka Season 6, Episode 16 - Talking Thiyóšpaye Part III with Danielle Arpan

“We say this phrase, ‘Mitákuye Oyá’sin.’ It means all my relatives, all my relations. Once you have that belief, you find it easier to care for people, to have compassion for other people, to practice generosity and reciprocity.” Those are the words of Ben Sherman, grandfather of today’s guest alum Danielle Arpan whose pursuit of a nursing degree embodies his teaching.

Hochoka Season 6, Episode 15 - Fresh Perspectives on Catholicism Part III - Our Lady of Guadalupe and Like an Eagle From Fire

“I ponder within my heart, where will I gather the holy, fragrant flowers? Who will I ask? …  If they showed them to me, I will fill my tilma and with them I will greet the nobles, with them I will make the lords happy.” This famous pre-colonial Native song is a key that opens our imaginations to the mystery of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Let’s open that door!

Hochoka Season 6, Episode 14 - Fresh Perspectives on Catholicism Through an Indigenous Lens Part II - Holy Darkness and Advent

Darkness gets a lot of bad press. Few of us want to be “in a dark place” or living in “the darkest hour.” Many are afraid of the dark, the absence of light, and it is under the cover of darkness that nefarious deeds go unseen. Colossians 1:13 proclaims, “He has rescued us from the power of darkness.” But Dr. Damian Costello tells us that Indigenous and Catholic traditions alike tell us that darkness is nothing less than sacred. Listen.

Hochoka Season 6, Episode 13 - Talking Thiyóšpaye Part II with Trinity Sazue

Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister of England during the Second World War, once said, “I’d rather spend half an hour in the company of a top carpenter than three hours in the company of an average brain surgeon.” It’s our good fortune today to spend around a half hour with someone we consider a top carpenter here at St. Joe’s, alum Trinity Sazue.

Hochoka Season 6, Episode 12 - The Elders' Circle Part II

To be a Native American Elder today means to have navigated the forced assimilation of the boarding school era and to have witnessed the loss of culture, language and more. How might you have emerged from such an experience? Let’s continue our conversation with two who show us the way.