Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast

Shandin Pete, Aaron Brien
  • 5.0 (48)
  • Society & Culture

Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast tackle real issues related to research by Tribal people in their communities. The show is hosted by Dr. Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné) and Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke). Dr. Pete is from the Flathead Indian Reservation in Arlee, Montana. He completed a M.S. in Geology and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Montana. Brien resides in Hardin, MT and the Crow Indian Reservation. He completed his M.A. in Anthropology at the University of Montana. The show includes discussions on matters important in Indian Country, including reclaiming research traditions, highlighting Tribal values and bringing to the forefront issue and current state of affairs in Tribal communities. We aim to uncover the meaning of research methodological approaches that are currently operating in Tribal lifeways with implication for Tribal communities and avenues for knowledge production.

  1. 2h ago

    #72 - Indigenous Patriotism as Contradiction: What Are We Standing for Anyway?

    Send us Fan Mail 0:00:38 House chaos, old powwow record, and a cold open 0:06:14 Listener stats, Seattle on top, and Germany check‑in 0:10:02 Summer slump, “not a job,” and content worries 0:19:20 Native enlistment, poverty, and patriotism myths 0:27:03 Little Bighorn anniversary and a flag‑stomping debate 0:28:26 Powwow flags, grand entry, and eagle staff tension 0:34:24 Dance bans, John Collier, and imported patriotism 0:49:22 Midnight flag rules and arena director theatre 0:53:22 Native patriotism paradoxes and generational friction 0:56:45 Next topics: teepee, blood quantum, and NAGPRA guest Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2026, May 11). #72 - Indigenous Patriotism as Contradiction: What Are We Standing for Anyway? [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #72 - Indigenous Patriotism as Contradiction: What Are We Standing for Anyway?

  2. May 11

    #71 - Seven Generations Later: ChatGPT Arrives on Turtle Island and Asks, “Where’s the Red Road?”

    Send us Fan Mail 0:00:00 Warm-Up Songs, Old Powwow Tapes & “Old Style” vs “Contemp” 0:09:00 Sweet Grass, Flying Eagle & The Sweet Spot of 80s–90s Singing 0:13:30 Copying Songs, Social Media Beadwork Beef & Who Owns a Melody? 0:18:10 “Walking the Red Road”: Black Elk, Recovery Culture & Pan-Indian Buzzwords 0:25:00 Medicine Wheel 101: Stone Circles, Four Quadrants & a 1970s Best-Seller 0:33:40 Turtle Island Origins: Sky Woman & Jesuit Records 0:41:45 Seven Generations: Great Law of Peace, Citation Trails & Slogan Inflation 0:51:30 Boozhoo or Bonjour? Ojibwe Greetings, Missionary Dictionaries & Folk Etymology 1:03:15 Apsáalooke vs. “Crow”: Large-Beaked Birds & Inside-Language 1:22:05 Pan-Indian Gospels: Medicine Wheels, Turtle Island & the Church of Activism Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2026, May 11). #71 - Seven Generations Later: ChatGPT Arrives on Turtle Island and Asks, “Where’s the Red Road?” [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #71 - Seven Generations Later: ChatGPT Arrives on Turtle Island and Asks, “Where’s the Red Road?”

  3. Mar 26

    #70 - Don’t Be an Analyst, Be an Indian: Cultural Revitalization, Armchair Expertise, and the Problem of Not Doing Anything - Guest: Jakob Knudson

    Send us Fan Mail 0:00:00 Planet Talk, Aging Filters & Cold Open Chaos 0:05:53 AI Space Pics, Social Media Lies & Critical Thinking for Kids 0:08:51 Old Wax Cylinders, Cowboy Love Song & Language Nerding 0:14:18 Salish Language Nerd-Out, Borderland Territories & Rodeo Lore 0:24:43 Nonprofit Life Crisis: “Should an Org Throw a Potlatch?” 0:36:28 Ethnography Addiction & the Intervention: Intent First 0:40:12 What Ceremony Is Actually For: Survival, Thanks & Fixing Bad Luck 1:20:21 How One Old Dance Came Back (and Why It Was Awkward) 1:48:51 “No Audience Participation”: Designing a Real Cultural Hangout 1:58:39 From Culture Critic to Culture Doer: Homework Assigned Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  Guest: Jakob Knudsen How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2026, March 26). #70 - Don’t Be an Analyst, Be an Indian: Cultural Revitalization, Armchair Expertise, and the Problem of Not Doing Anything [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #70 - Don’t Be an Analyst, Be an Indian: Cultural Revitalization, Armchair Expertise, and the Problem of Not Doing Anything - Guest: Jakob Knudson

  4. Feb 20

    #69 - Rent‑to‑Own Indigenous Traditions On & Off the Rez: High‑Interest Responsibility for Communities, Easy Credit for Scholars

    Send us Fan Mail Couches, Rent-to-Own Memories 0:00:00 Talent Night, Gold-Speckled Mirrors & 80s/90s Home Aesthetics 0:00:50 Weather Channel Lightning, Thunderbirds & Power Everywhere 0:10:30 Cultural Knowledge vs. Knowledge of Culture 0:14:20 Lived Experience, Book Learning & Cultural Competency 0:18:20 Academic Discomfort & Being the “Native Scholar” 0:25:20 Ceremonial Pressure at Home vs. Forgiveness When Away 0:43:30 Privilege of Distance, Expectations When You Move Back 0:49:20 Dreams Tapping into Something 1:01:10 Powwow Songs, Ethnomusicology & Getting Us Wrong 1:08:20 Who Gets to Talk About Us? Voice, Silence & Representation 1:24:30 Inviting Controversial Scholars & Closing Reflections 1:40:20 Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2026, February 20). #69 - Rent‑to‑Own Indigenous Traditions On & Off the Rez: High‑Interest Responsibility for Communities, Easy Credit for Scholars [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #69 - Rent‑to‑Own Indigenous Traditions On & Off the Rez: High‑Interest Responsibility for Communities, Easy Credit for Scholars

  5. Feb 3

    #68 - Memoirs of an Indigenous Knowledge Dojo Dropout and the Vin Diesel School of Indigenous Philosophy

    Send us Fan Mail Introduction & Reel‑to‑Reel Time Travel 0:00:00 YouTube Archives & Arlee 1958 Powwow Tapes 0:01:11 Life Updates Sweat Lodge Smart Board & Office Feng Shui 0:09:35 Genealogy Historic Trauma & Reinvented Family Histories 0:11:13 Mythical Cree Blood Chiefs and Grandma Being Wrong 0:18:54 Vin Diesel Philosophy & You Keep What You Kill 0:23:14 Belief Depression & Warrior Trauma Thought Experiments 0:25:24 Spirituality Censorship & Recording the Sacred 0:36:34 Indigenous Science Metaphors & Western Science Bashing 0:48:22 Knowledge Dojo Dropouts Elders & Other Tribal Ranks 1:00:34 Anthro Archives Pop‑Pop’s Notes & Future Kids Reading Us 1:14:28 Wrap‑Up & Teasing the 2005 Notebooks 1:17:52 Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2025, December 5). #68 - Memoirs of an Indigenous Knowledge Dojo Dropout and the Vin Diesel School of Indigenous Philosophy [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #68 - Memoirs of an Indigenous Knowledge Dojo Dropout and the Vin Diesel School of Indigenous Philosophy

  6. 12/05/2025

    #67 - Entitled or Excluded? Paving Over Tradition with Curriculum and Policy

    Send us Fan Mail Introduction & Busting Myths on Success 0:00:00 Reservation Fashion & Cultural Standards 0:01:16 Archetypes & Unique Characters on the Rez 0:05:11 Tribal Jobs & Entitlement 0:11:19 Committees, Cultural Transmission & Gatekeeping 0:19:30 Learning Tradition: Formal vs. Authentic 0:38:28 Ceremony, Custom, and Curriculum 0:52:43 Institutionalization, Education & Frustration 1:09:14 Searching for Solutions: Reform or Repeat? 1:22:13 Reflections, Rants & Wrapping Up 1:29:00 Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2025, December 5). #67 - Entitled or Excluded? Paving Over Tradition with Curriculum and Policy [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #67 - Entitled or Excluded? Paving Over Tradition with Curriculum and Policy

  7. 10/11/2025

    #66 - When the Ceremony Goes Viral: Who Gets to Comment?

    Send us Fan Mail Shirt Fails 0:00:00  Honey 0:01:23 Archival Music & YouTube Plug 0:04:45 Recording Sacredness: The Big Debate 0:09:37 Public or Private? Drawing the Line 0:21:58 Comments, Critiques & Cross-Tribal Shade 0:27:47 History, Law & Sacred Documentation 0:39:52 Modern Moments: Livestreams & Boundaries 0:47:22 Wrap-Up: Lessons, Laughs & Respect 1:01:21 Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2025, October 13). #66 - When the Ceremony Goes Viral: Who Gets to Comment? [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #66 - When the Ceremony Goes Viral: Who Gets to Comment?

  8. 08/27/2025

    #65 - Singing, Gambling, and Social Change: A Brief Ethnography of Modern Native Gatherings

    Send us Fan Mail Opening and Introductions 0:00:00  Physical Recovery and Masculinity 0:02:52 Hand Game and Stick Game Traditions 0:05:25 Gambling, Community, and Cultural Reflections 0:34:01 Powwow Evolution and Dance Trends 0:49:00 Personal Stories and Lifestyle Changes 0:58:32 Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné).  How to cite this episode (apa) Pete, S. H. & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2025, August 27). #65 - Singing, Gambling, and Social Change: A Brief Ethnography of Modern Native Gatherings [Audio podcast episode]. In Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com How to cite this podcast (apa) Pete, S. H., & Brien, A. (Hosts). (2020–present). Tribal Research Specialist:The Podcast [Audio podcast]. Tribal Research Specialist, LLC. https://tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com/ Podcast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tribal-research-specialist-the-podcast/id1512551396 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1H5Y1pWYI8N6SYZAaawwxb X: @tribalresearchspecialist Facebook: www.facebook.com/TribalResearchSpecialist YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCL9HR4B2ubGK_aaQKEt179Q Support the show Interested in some TRS Merch? Click here  https://tribal-research-specialist-llc.square.site/ Want to make a one time donation? https://buymeacoffee.com/tribalresearch

    #65 - Singing, Gambling, and Social Change: A Brief Ethnography of Modern Native Gatherings
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About

Tribal Research Specialist: The Podcast tackle real issues related to research by Tribal people in their communities. The show is hosted by Dr. Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné) and Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke). Dr. Pete is from the Flathead Indian Reservation in Arlee, Montana. He completed a M.S. in Geology and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Montana. Brien resides in Hardin, MT and the Crow Indian Reservation. He completed his M.A. in Anthropology at the University of Montana. The show includes discussions on matters important in Indian Country, including reclaiming research traditions, highlighting Tribal values and bringing to the forefront issue and current state of affairs in Tribal communities. We aim to uncover the meaning of research methodological approaches that are currently operating in Tribal lifeways with implication for Tribal communities and avenues for knowledge production.

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