OSIYO, Voices of the Cherokee People

#801 Dwight Birdwell is a hero to countless people, yet he sees himself as just a former strawberry picker from Stilwell, Oklahoma. We hear his story of heroism and the selfless actions that led to him being awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War. Stuntman, actor and filmmaker Ryker Sixkiller is a powerhouse in front of and behind the camera. We get a behind-the-scenes look at how he brings Native representation to the big screen. And we meet Traci Sorell, an award-winning author whose inclusive writing empowers Native children and families to see themselves on the page.

#802 Annette Luethje shares the joy and culture of frybread, whether it’s served up in an Indian Taco or as a side at a hog fry, it’s synonymous with good eatin’ in Cherokee Country. Follow senior cyclist Simeon Gipson to Florida as he competes in the National Senior Games. He explains how a diabetes diagnosis led him to become an athlete in the best physical shape of his life. And travel from Washington DC to Pulau to see how Captain Julie Erb-Alvarez has dedicated her life to making the world a healthier place for all people.

#803 John David Israel is a craftsman who creates some of the world’s most sought after horse bits and spurs. He shares how his passion for horsemanship has led to a treasured legacy in metal. Lily Drywater is a Cherokee fingerweaver always learning from her elders in an art form not often in the spotlight. We see how she also aims to uplift her community through her voice in social justice activism. And we meet Austin Markham, a singer-songwriter from a small Cherokee Nation town. He’s making his mark in Nashville, Tennessee, telling his authentic story through music.

#804 Cornhole has become much more than a backyard game. Meet Matthew Creekkiller and Jacob Foreman, cousins inseparable since childhood, who’ve become American Cornhole League professionals. We jump into the saddle with American’s singing cowgirl and Miss Rodeo USA, Jessie Lynn Nichols. She shows us around the rodeo arena and shares the importance of family and investing in others. Brad Carson has dedicated his life to bettering the lives of Oklahomans. He shares how his political and educational career led him from the White House to his role as President of the University of Tulsa

#805 Cherokee culture keeper Thomas Belt takes us on a journey of cosmic discovery on the grounds of three foundational Cherokee towns in present-day North Carolina. We explore the legacy and impact of basket weaver and Cherokee National Treasure Ella Mae Blackbear through her collectors and family. Makayla Bearpaw is a Cherokee drummer and musician to her core. We watch as she rocks out night after night while making her dream of a career in music a reality.

#806 Cherokee language advocate Howard Paden has dedicated his life to preserving the language and lifeways for his people. Hear how he works daily to promote the Cherokee language. Graphic artist Jeff Edwards has Cherokee language on the brain. We see how he uses the Cherokee Syllabary in his graphic design and throughout his unique, award-winning art. And meet Cherokee advocate Mary Jean Robertson. She has been on the airwaves of San Francisco for 50 years making sure Native voices are heard and amplified.

#807 Meet novelist and Pulitzer Prize finalist Margaret Verble whose historical fiction work is inspired by the lives and locations of Cherokee country’s past. Rebecca Jim is a lifelong environmentalist and water protector for Tar Creek, one of the most heavily-polluted waterways in the United States. We see how her kinship and connection to the land and water has shaped her life’s work. The red wolf is the most endangered wolf species in the world and it holds significant value to the Cherokee people. Learn about the Cherokee connection to this species and how conservationists are working to save it from extinction.

#808 Kelsey Samuels has made it her mission to serve the survivors of domestic abuse. She shared how important it is support and honor the women in Cherokee communities. Plants are medicine in Cherokee culture and a small group of traditional Cherokee elders called the Medicine Keepers are doing what they can to protect sacred plants and preserve that knowledge for future generations. John Guthrie is an artist and advocate of equine therapy with a twist – tiny horses! We follow along as John provides inspiration for his community through canvas and with his animal friends.

#809 Thaddeus Strassberger is making a name for himself in the wide world of opera. We go backstage to see how he immerses himself in the craft and skill of stage design and direction. Kristin Treager has led a life of twists and turns. We buckle up and go along for the ride to hear how she went from champion professional race car driving to the court room. Visual artist Brenda Mallory uses reclaimed objects, textiles and beeswax to create her works of art. We join her as she salvages items and explores and refines her organic process

#810 Former Principal Chief Ross Swimmer is credited for laying the groundwork for the Cherokee Nation as it thrives today. He shares personal stories of the significant progress made in the 1970s and 80s. Coleman Proctor is not just any rodeo cowboy, he’s a six-time qualifier for the National Finals Rodeo. We saddle up and watch him work to improve his skills for a shot at a world championship title.