The Muscogee Pod

In this episode we discuss the historic trip “across the pond” from the first Muscogee Nation delegation in modern tribal history to visit the United Kingdom. Host Jason Salsman recounts meeting Baroness Emma Nicholson of the House of Lords and their visit to Westminster, as well as the journey to Edniburgh, Scotland to complete the first international repatriation to the U.S. in world history! It’s a tale like no other and only a “Conversation from the Reservation” that can be found on the Muscogee Pod!Watch us on YouTube: @TheMuscogeeNation Follow us on Instagram: @MuscogeePod Email us: MuscogeePod@MuscogeeNation.com Visit our website: https:www.muscogeenation.com/muscogee-pod Pertinent Links https://www.muscogeenation.com/2026/01/28/muscogee-nation-university-of-edinburgh-team-for-first-international-repatriation/ https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/native-american-remains-return-to-mainland-us-in-repatriation-first https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/muscogee-creek-nation-continues-fighting-for-ancestral-remains #TheMuscogeeNation #MuscogeePod #Podcast #IndigenousHistory

The Native American comedy scene continues to rise! With more mainstream representation comes more opportunities for up-and-coming Native comics to showcase their talents whether on stage or on screen. Joining us in the Pod Cave for this episode of the #MuscogeePod are Native American stand-up comedians, Jordan Jayi and Brent Deo. Jordan and Brent provide us with an in-depth conversation about their experiences performing in front of crowds, honing their comedic craft and what being a Native comic is like in today's generation. This is yet again, another one of our exclusive #ConversationsFromOurReservation that you can only find right here on the Muscogee Pod! Watch us on YouTube: @TheMuscogeeNationFollow us on Instagram: @MuscogeePodEmail us: muscogeepod@MuscogeeNation.comPertinent LinksBrent DeoInstagram: @brentdeofunnyYoutube: @zOyaha School of LanguageJordan JayiInstagram: @Jordan_Jayi_Website: jayientertainment.comFull Blood ProductionsInstagram: @FullBloodClothingFacebook: @JustinMclemoreBad IndianInstagram: @dangeremerson

This episode was recorded 'on-location' at the 49th Muscogee Nation Festival! In honor festival week, we switched it up and chatted with some fellow Mvskokvlke at the first event of #MNFest25 -- the Elder Gathering.We're joined by elders, Mvskoke youth and royalty who all share what makes the annual festival so special to each of them. Listen in as we discuss all of the exciting events and activities in store this year! From live entertainment, sports tournaments, good food, carnival rides and cultural showcases, it's all 'FREE FAMILY FUN' for everyone at this year's Muscogee Nation Festival! Listen, reminisce and enjoy these exclusive 'Conversations From Our Reservation' that you can only find right here on The Muscogee Pod!

Tulsa Mayor, Monroe Nichols IV, was gracious enough to take time out of his most busiest of schedules to join us in the Pod Cave for an in depth chat about how the first 5 months of his term has been going as mayor of the largest city within the Muscogee Nation Reservation. Mayor Nichols shares his goals he's hoping to achieve for the betterment of all who reside within 'TVLSE', his outlook and ideas on enhancing city/tribal relations, and how his journey and historic election to the city's highest office came to be. The #MuscogeePod continues to deliver exclusive #ConversationsFromOurReservation and this is another one you don't want miss!

In this episode, we step back in time to the year 1896 to explore the complicated & intriguing story of Timmie Jack, the last person to face public execution on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Council House lawn. This story has been one of legend within the Mvskoke community not only for its historical significance but also for some interesting details leading up to the event and how our society and legal system operated at that time. It's another exclusive "conversation from our reservation" that you can only find here on The Muscogee Pod!YouTube - Native News Today investigates the possibility of entities haunting the Muscogee Creek Nation Council House: https://youtu.be/5D3P6sOvzmA?si=8EW5lbiMjO39hbKL

We are very excited for the 4th Annual Mvskoke Art Market, so for this episode we asked MAM Coordinator, ShaVon Agee and Mvskoke Artist, Leslie Deer to join us in the Pod Cave!ShaVon shares her insights on the early years and how the Market came to be and also about how much growth has occurred each of the three previous years to now. And what exciting new exhibits and activities are in store for this year!An award winning Mvskoke Artist, Leslie Deer has been a featured artist at MAM since its inaugural year. She gives her perspective on what it's like to have such a premier market and platform for Mvskoke artists right here in the heart of the Muscogee Nation Reservation!You don't want to miss this #ConversationFromOurReservation that you can only get here on the #MuscogeePod! Also, don't miss the 4th Annual Mvskoke Art Market on April 26 & 27 at River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, OK! #MvskokeArtMarket2025Pertinent Links: Follow the Mvskoke Art Market on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvskokeartmarket https://www.muscogeenation.com/mvskokeartmarket/

Growing up within Indian Territory in Oklahoma, you've come to know our tribal police by the term 'Lighthorse'. But did you know how that term originated or when the very first Lighthorse company was formed? In this episode, learn more about the early formation of the Lighthorsemen, how they served a significant role in the assertion of our sovereignty and how much all of that history ties into the present-day. Another exclusive 'Conversation from our Reservation' that you can only find on The Muscogee Pod! Questions? Email us at MuscogeePod@MuscogeeNation.com

In this "Conversation from our Reservation" we pay homage to the life and legend of Indigenous rocker Jesse Ed Davis. The Kiowa/Comanche/Mvskoke/Seminole/Cheyenne guitarist was one of the greatest of all-time, recording for and appearing with so many iconic artists including: Bob Dylan, John Lennon, George Harrison, Rod Stewart, Taj Mahal, B.B. King, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and so many others. Davis' legacy is now on display in an exhibition at the Bob Dylan Center, and an upcoming Tribute Concert is being held on Feb. 6 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center featuring Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, the Graffiti Band and Joy Harjo.In this episode, we visit with Bob Dylan Center Director Steven Jenkins, Davis Biographer Douglas Miller, and Joy Harjo about his life and legacy and the renaissance of acclaim that is now falling on his name and career that he deserved far before his untimely death. You don't want to miss this exclusive chat about one of the all-time greats, only on The Muscogee Pod! Questions for the Pod? Email us at MuscogeePod@muscogeenation.com or send us a message on Instagram: @MuscogeePod Pertinent Links: Bob Dylan Center Washita Love Child: The Rise of Indigenous Rock Star Jesse Ed Davis Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World

In this episode Drew Edmondson joins us in the Pod Cave to reflect on his distinguished career in public service, particularly his 16 years as Oklahoma's longest serving Attorney General. A proven advocate of positive tribal relations, Mr. Edmondson shares his thoughts on the state of Oklahoma's response to the United States Supreme Court's decision in McGirt v. OK and how different his handling of the situation would have been had it happened while he were still in office. Another exclusive "Conversation from our Reservation" that you can only find on The Muscogee Pod! https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/inductees/drew-edmondson Have any questions that you'd like answered on the Pod? Email us at: MuscogeePod@muscogeenation.comor send us a DM on Instagram: @MuscogeePod

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David W. Hill took some time out of his wildly busy schedule as the leader of the fourth largest tribe in the U.S. to join us in the Pod Cave for a conversation about everything from tribal sovereignty and the ongoing tobacco compact negotiations to discussing his favorite holiday foods! As we approach the end of 2024, Chief Hill reflects on the challenges and accomplishments of the past five years while also looking forward to the continued growth and progress for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in the new year. It's another exclusive "Conversation from our Reservation" that you don't want to miss! Have questions you'd like answered on the Pod? Email us at: muscogeepod@muscogeenation.com!

Join us as we re-cap the historic trip to Atlanta for oral arguments in Muscogee (Creek) Nation v. Poarch Band of Creek Indians before the 11th Circuit US Court of Appeals. We’ll breakdown highlights of the trip, a history of the dispute, and we’ll be joined by MCN’s lead attorney Mary Kathryn Nagle to provide analysis of the most crucial points made during arguments. It’s another “Conversation from our Reservation” that you can’t find anywhere else and that you don’t want to miss! Pertinent Links: www.JusticeForHickoryGround.com https://www.facebook.com/justiceforhickoryground Have any topic ideas, interview requests or general questions you'd like for us to add to any upcoming episodes? Go ahead and email us at: MuscogeePod@muscogeenation.com!

In this episode we chat with Riyaz Kanji, widely considered the leading trial and appellate litigator on behalf of Indian Nations and tribes across the country. He takes us on a journey through his storied career, from his beginnings in Indian law and the battles of the “Fish Wars” in the Pacific Northwest, to his monumental arguments before the United States Supreme Court on behalf of the Muscogee Nation in McGirt v. Oklahoma. You do not want to miss this “Conversation from our Reservation.” Pertinent Links:https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/the-fish-wars-a-timeline-of-the-origins-and-effects-of-the-boldt-decision/https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-9526_9okb.pdfhttps://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-134/mcgirt-v-oklahoma/https://www.motherjones.com/criminal-justice/2020/08/how-native-tribes-started-winning-at-the-supreme-court/

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!" More from Russell Cobb: 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. - 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. - “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. - Keep an eye out for Russell's new book "The Ghosts of Crook County: Bloodlines and Pipelines in Indian Country" coming in 2023! Find Russell on Twitter @RussellSCobb! Find out more about the Council Oak tree, dubbed "Tulsa's first city hall," and Council Oak Park HERE. 

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!"