Cultivating Indigenous Voices

Original programming produced in Tucson Arizona for KXCI Community Radio

Cultivating Indigenous Voices is a arts podcast hosted by KXCI, with 53 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

KXCI hosts Cultivating Indigenous Voices, a arts show with 53 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Cultivating Indigenous Voices

  Ep. 54 Laughter Is Our Medicine with Teresa Choyguha

  May 31, 202631 min

  In Indian Country, teasing is a love language and humor is survival. In this episode I catch up over the phone with Tesera Choyguha (Tohono O’odham) , a multi-talented Native comedian, cultural educator, utilitarian potter, and retired Toka player. Tee and I go way back to around 2013, when I first joined their Toka team called Gewkdag, in Sells, Arizona. For those unfamiliar, Toka is a traditional O’odham women’s game similar to field hockey. We have stayed connected ever since, and it is always a joy to run into each other and catch up. Photo of Teresa (left) and Tina (Right) during the Mul-Chu-Tha Toka Tournament in March 2014 Teresa (right) and her daughter Summer (left) Hard Work, Humbling Times, and Healing Laughter Teresa brings a deeply grounding and human story, sharing her family’s profound migration journey from the traditional O’odham homelands in Mexico across the border into southern Arizona. Growing up alongside her family working in the grueling farm fields, Teresa’s upbringing was shaped by relentless hard work and intensely humbling circumstances. Amidst the sweat, exhaustion, and financial struggles of laboring under the desert sun, humor became their ultimate survival mechanism. Rather than letting poverty dim their spirits, her family used laughter, teasing, and sharp wit as daily medicine to ease the physical toll of farm work. This beautiful blend of tireless labor, cultural resilience, and deep-seated familial joy laid the entire foundation for Teresa’s comedy career, showing audiences that the truest comedy is often forged in life’s most humbling and raw moments. Photo of Teresa C. 3 Sisters Comedy Teresa is a founding member of 3 Sisters Comedy, a powerhouse, all-female Indigenous stand-up group. A proud citizen of the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona, Choyguha (often known by her stage name “Sh-Girl”) performs alongside fellow Native comedians Adrianne Chalepah (Kiowa/Apache) and Deanna MAD (Tonawanda Seneca). Originally founded in 2014 as “The Ladies of Native Comedy,” the group officially rebranded to 3 Sisters Comedy in 2020 to reflect their tight-knit bond and the traditional agricultural concept of the “three sisters” (corn, beans, and squash) growing together to sustain life. As part of this episode we also explore why laughter is considered vital medicine in Indigenous communities. For general inquiries they can be reached at 3sisterscomedy@gmail.com Photo of the 3 Sisters comedians from left to right, Adrianne Chalepah, Deanna MAD, and Teresa Choyguha. Picture courtesy of T. Choyguha. Left to right, Adrianne Chalepah, Deanna MAD, and Teresa Choyguha. Picture courtesy of T. Choyguha. Indigenous Comedy Live Hosted outdoors at the historic Hotel Congress Plaza, Indigenous Comedy Live made history as a first-of-its-kind benefit show showcasing the vibrant power of Native storytelling and humor. Popular Tucson native and Reservation Dogs actor Jon Proudstar served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding an electric evening under the stars. Teresa delivered a standout performance alongside fellow Native comics Bobby Dues, Gilarious Wolf Brown, and Jameson D. Lopez. This show was produced in partnership with the Southwestern Foundation for Education and Historical Preservation, all event ticket proceeds directly benefited the Arizona State Museum’s Public Programs Fund. Teresa C. was a part of this amazing indigenous comedy event in April 2026 alongside many other talented Native acts. Here is the flyer that was put out for the event earlier this year. Living Life to the Fullest Even as Teresa navigates a difficult battle with cancer and other health challenges, her unbreakable spirit shines through as she continues to live her absolute best life. Tee em...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cultivating Indigenous Voices

  Ep. 53 Native Broadcast Enterprise with Cisco Benally

  Apr 16, 202620 min

  In this episode, we welcome Cisco Benally, CEO and General Manager of Native Broadcast Enterprise of the Navajo Nation. He and members of his team traveled from New Mexico as part of their mission to strengthen and expand community-based broadcasting. Cisco and his staff toured several stations—including KXCI—engaging with radio professionals to exchange ideas and best practices. Their visit focused on gaining insight into innovative programming, effective administrative strategies, and meaningful education and outreach efforts that serve local communities. Photo of Cisco Benally, CEO & General Manager of Native Broadcast Enterprise Native Broadcast Enterprise (NBE) is a media organization owned and operated by the Navajo Nation, and its roots are closely tied to the development of tribal radio broadcasting. Native Broadcast Enterprise was created as a Navajo Nation enterprise to manage and expand tribal radio services, most notably KTNN (“The Voice of the Navajo Nation”), which was established in 1985 and began broadcasting in 1986. The station was founded to educate, inform, and connect Navajo communities, especially across the vast and often rural areas of the reservation where other forms of media were limited. As KTNN grew in reach and influence, Native Broadcast Enterprise evolved to oversee additional stations and media operations, helping the Navajo Nation maintain control over its own communication systems. Over time, NBE has focused on preserving Diné language and culture, providing public information, and expanding Indigenous-owned broadcasting infrastructure, including managing multiple stations and pursuing new facilities and technologies. Today, Native Broadcast Enterprise continues to serve as a key arm of the Navajo Nation’s media presence, supporting radio as a vital tool for community engagement, cultural preservation, and public service across Navajo Country. KTNN Logo Tune in as we explore the importance of community radio as a platform for cultural preservation, education, and connection, and hear how collaborations like these help shape the future of Indigenous broadcasting.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cultivating Indigenous Voices

  Ep. 52 The Níhí Lab Pt. 2 with Dr. Cherie De Vore, Melissa Jacquez, and Gwen Flores

  Mar 27, 202630 min

  In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Cherie De Vore, lead researcher at the Níhí Lab , the spotlight expands to include two more of her students who are carving their own paths in engineering and environmental research. This episode is led by Dr. De Vore herself, as she guides a thoughtful discussion about education, identity, mentorship, and the future of their work. As host, I take more of a back seat, allowing the conversation to unfold naturally between mentor and students. Pictured from left to right is Gwen Flores, Melissa Jaquez, and Dr. Cherie De Vore sitting in recording studio 2B at KXCI Community Radio near downtown Tucson, Arizona. Picture left to right is Melissa (L) and Gwen (R) standing in front of KXCI Community Radio house in Tucson, AZ. Melissa Jaquez (Diné) First, we hear from graduate researcher pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Melissa Jaquez (Diné) with a minor in American Indian Studies, working under the guidance of Dr. De Vore. She reflects on her academic path, the motivations behind her research, and how integrating environmental engineering with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives informs her work and long-term vision. Pictured is Melissa Jaquez Diné (Navajo) graduate researcher currently working on her PhD in Environmental Engineering and a minor in American Indian Studies. Photo of Melissa J. Melissa (she/her) is a proud Queer Diné (Navajo) graduate researcher currently working on her PhD in Environmental Engineering and a minor in American Indian Studies under the guidance of Dr. De Vore, focusing on innovative techniques for emerging contaminants of concern. She achieved her B.S.E. in environmental engineering from Northern Arizona University and M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Arizona. Although she grew up in the city, her time with her family in Dzil Na’oodilii, New Mexico, instilled a passion for her community and environment. She continues her education in hopes of working for a tribal college and increasing the representation of Natives in STEM careers. Photo of Melissa and her late father Photo of Melissa and her parents Gwendolyn Flores (Yoeme) We’re also joined by a junior Materials Science and Engineering undergraduate at the University of Arizona, Gwen Flores, who shares her journey into the field—from early curiosity about how materials shape our world to finding a research home in the Níhí Lab. They discuss the challenges and excitement of undergraduate research, the skills they’re building, and how their experiences are shaping their future goals. Gwendolyn Flores is a Pascua Yaqui Tribal member and a junior Materials Science & Engineering undergraduate at the University of Arizona. She is the oldest of five siblings and a mother to her young son, Alex. Gwen transferred from Rio Salado Community College to the university in Fall 2023. Throughout her academic journey, she updated her major four times before finding her path in engineering. Her life started to change when she began earning scholarships which allowed her to leave her eight-year career at State Farm and become a full-time student. In the summer of 2025, Gwen participated in the Environmental Health Science Research for Indigenous Students Engagement (EHS-RISE) program. This initiative aims to increase Native American representation in the STEM workforce while supporting students’ cultural identity. The program pairs students with volunteer faculty mentors for full-time research experiences. Gwen sought a strong female role model in her field, someone who unapologetically embodies what it means to be a Native American woman in STEM. Within the Chemical & Environmental Engineering department, Cherie was the sole Indigenous female mentor. Cherie has played a pivotal role to Gwen’s success, mentoring and guiding her a...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cultivating Indigenous Voices

  Ep. 51 The Níhí Lab Pt. 1 with Dr. Cherie De Vore, Nieves Vázquez, and Jariah Callado

  Feb 24, 202638 min

  In this episode, we step inside a one-of-a-kind research lab at the University of Arizona’s Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, where cutting-edge process engineering meets deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems. The Níhí Lab is lead by Dr. Cherie De Vore, PhD, who is the first Native American professor in the history of the University of Arizona’s School of Engineering. Cherie is passionate about mentoring the next generation of community leaders, offering a holistic approach that integrates multiple knowledge systems and praxis. Níhí Lab Research Group Photo The Diné word “Níhí” translates to a plural, collective “ours.” It reflects the spirit and foundation of their research community: to operate as an inclusive collective that brings together students, researchers, non-academic partners, and community members in shared purpose and responsibility. Group photo of students of the Nihi Lab with their Mentor Dr. Cherie De Vore taken at the 2025 American Indian Science & Engineering Society National Conference. Group photo of students of the Nihi Lab with their Mentor Dr. De Vore. From left to right, Nieves, Jariah, Gwen, and Dr. Cherie De Vore Leading the conversation is Dr. De Vore, an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering Member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Arizona. Beyond her technical expertise, she is a dedicated mentor recognized for cultivating inclusive environments, fostering scientific identity, and actively guiding the next generation of innovators. Photo of Dr. Cherie De Vore Dr. Cherie De Vore (Diné) Dr. Cherie De Vore (Diné) comes from the beautiful high desert community of Crownpoint, NM in eastern Diné (Navajo) Nation. Her clans are Tł’ááshchi’í (Red Bottom People), Dziłt’áá’ Kinyaa’áání (Atop the Mountain Towering House,) Ashįįhí (Salt People) and Táneeszahníí (Tangle People). She received her Ph.D. in civil & environmental engineering at the University of New Mexico under the mentorship of Professor José Cerrato. She was awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship to conduct research at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory from 2020 to 2023. Dr. De Vore now leads the Níhí Biogeochemistry Environmental Engineering laboratory group as a new Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering at UArizona. Her current work investigates biogeochemical mechanisms that affect the mobilization of inorganic contaminants and microbial community changes for the purpose of engineering bioremediation efforts in rural and underserved communities. Cherie is also an associate faculty member of the Indigenous Resilience Center and a co-PI on the Native FEWS Alliance to address food, energy and water solutions in Indigenous communities. Cherie serves as the Vice President of the UA Native Faculty Group and is the co-advisor for the UA AISES Chapter. Outside of research, Cherie enjoys spending time with her family, coffee (campfire to craft), growing food, archery & marksmanship, hunting, martial arts, playing/collecting soul records, and participating in Diné ceremonies. Dr. Cherie De Vore – 2025 American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) Most Promising Scientist. Video by @AISESHQ YouTube channel. I’m also joined by two outstanding research students who are actively involved in projects at the Nihi Lab. These students aren’t just learning science—they’re doing science. They represent the next generation of STEM leaders. In this interview, they’ll share what drew them to research, what it’s like working in a university lab setting, the challenges they’ve faced, and the moments that have inspired them to keep pushing forward.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Cultivating Indigenous Voices

  Ep. 50 Warrior Society with Andre Bouchard, Harrison Jim Sr. and Montana Miller

  Jan 26, 202635 min

  In this episode, I’m joined by three guests Andre Bouchard (Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish) , Harrison Jim Sr. (Diné) , and Montana Miller (Diné) , who are involved in the upcoming live event Stories from the Warrior Society , that explores the evolution of warrior societies in Tribal communities through the lived experiences of Indigenous veterans and active-duty military across three generations. This will be held on Tohono O’odham and Yaqui Tribal territory (Tucson, AZ) and Squaxin Island Tribal territory (Olympia, WA). Each site will feature six Native storytellers who are veterans or active duty— two of whom will be drawn from each site’s local Tribal communities as well as the directors who are Navajo storytellers themselves. This local event will take place at the Fox Theater in downtown Tucson on March 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm, tickets are now available for purchase on the Fox Tucson Theatre website. Logo for the Warrior Society storytelling event Our conversation centers on what it means to be a warrior in Indigenous communities—past and present—and how service, protection, and responsibility have taken many forms over time. Our guests reflect on the power of storytelling as a way to honor ancestors, uplift veterans, and create understanding between generations. They also share what audiences can expect from the live event, where personal stories illuminate history, identity, and the ongoing role of warriors in Tribal life. A photo of Andre and his dog Andre Bouchard (of Kootenai/Ojibwe/Pend d’Oreille/Flathead Salish descent) is an educator, director, producer and consultant who was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana. He works to build bridges and reverse the invisibility that serves to marginalize Native people in the US. Andre is the founder and director of Indigenous Performance Productions. He holds a Master’s degree in Arts Management from the Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Montana. Another storytelling project Andre is involved is called “ The Aunties “, which focuses on storytelling from the perspectives by Indigenous women who call the local area their home who have dedicated their lifework in service to their community. A project is shared at sites across Turtle Island with locations that include, Yakima WA, Los Angeles, CA, Salt Lake City, UT, Minneapolis, MN, etc. A photo of Harrison Jim Sr., Diné (Navajo) Co-Director, Harrison Jim, Sr. a Diné (Navajo) Born into Haltsooi, born for Kinyaa aanii, maternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii, paternal grandfather is Tsi’najiinii. Harrison Jim Sr. is a Navy veteran and Traditional Practitioner at Sage Memorial Hospital, where he developed a program utilizing traditional practices to help western medicine in healing patients. Mr. Jim is a member of the Dine’ Hat’aalii Association as a traditional practitioner (Hat’aalii), traditional counselor, traditional herbalist, and cultural teacher. Mr. Jim is the only full-blooded Native American awarded a Robert Wood Johnson Fellowship for Developing Leadership in Reducing Substance Abuse. Photo of Montana Miller, Diné (Navajo) Photo courtesy of Montana Miller Co-Director: Montana James Miller yinishyé Tabaaha nishti. Áshjjh bashishchiin. Tachii’nii dashicheii. Kinyaa’aanii dashináli. Ákótéego Diné hastiin nishij. Montana Miller (Diné) was born to the Water Edge Clan, Salt People Clan, Red Running into Water Clan, and the Towering House Clan. He is an Infantry Airborne Arm...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Cultivating Indigenous Voices. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.