Hey friends! I'm back to share about my enlightening chat with Paul Gowder on the World of Difference podcast. Paul is the founder of Powwows.com, leading the way in connecting people to celebrate Native American arts and culture. His site started small back in 1996, but soon grew into a vibrant community. In our talk, Paul unpacked how Powwows.com blossomed into a thriving space for 900k+ followers. I loved hearing how his forums help combat loneliness by spotlighting diverse stories. From singers preserving indigenous languages to Native makeup artists breaking into Sephora, Paul elevates indigenous voices. Beyond Powwows.com, Paul also discussed his career path, from earning a Master's in Public Administration to working 25 years in state government. Balancing his side project while climbing the ranks, he offered great advice on aligning your passion and purpose. So if you want an inside look at building community online or making an impact through your work, don't miss our chat! Paul left me excited to learn more about the land I live on and find a local powwow. I hope his words inspire you too. Let me know what you think in the comments! And be sure to check Powwows.com to discover indigenous culture near you.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand the significance of building online communities for cultural engagement.
Discover the mental health benefits of participating in outdoor activities.
Explore the rich traditions and cultural significance of indigenous American powwows.
Learn about the impact of government policies on Native American sovereignty.
Uncover the importance of preserving indigenous languages and traditions.
My special guest is Paul Gowder
Paul Gowder, the founder of Powwows.com, is a leading expert in celebrating native American arts and culture. With a background in public administration and a strong passion for community building, Paul has been at the forefront of creating one of the largest and most engaged online communities for over 25 years. His work has been featured in renowned publications such as USA Today and the Smithsonian, showcasing his exceptional photography skills. Through Powwows.com, Paul has successfully brought together a social media following of over 900,000 individuals, reaching over 10 million people. His dedication to preserving indigenous culture and traditions is evident in his impactful work, making him a pivotal figure in the community. @Powwows
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introducing Powwows.com and Betterhelp Sponsorship
00:01:40 - Introduction of Paul Gowder and Powwows.com
00:02:22 - Paul Gowder's Journey and Inspiration for Powwows.com
00:04:27 - Addressing Loneliness and Community Building
00:08:39 - Importance of Understanding Land and History
00:13:04 - The Power of Connection through Technology
00:13:48 - Elevating Native Creators
00:15:25 - Inspiring Future Generations
00:17:01 - Explore Native Travel
00:19:10 - Preserving Traditional Arts
00:25:58 - Career Reflection and Flexibility
00:27:16 - Family Decision-making and Political Work Environment
00:29:29 - Importance of Steadiness and Representation
00:32:48 - Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Indigenous Peoples
00:38:03 - Education and Historical Reckoning
00:39:59 - The Challenge of Generational Communication
00:41:26 - The Cultural Experience of Powwows
00:42:39 - Universal Themes of Connection
00:43:24 - Understanding Indigenous Peoples
00:48:14 - Call for Audience Participation
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Visit powwows.com to find a powwow near you and experience the cultural immersion of singing, dancing, crafts, and food.
Leave a voicemail on the A World of Difference Podcast website to share your thoughts and be featured in the 200th episode in August.
Check out the This Land podcast hosted by Rebecca Nagel to gain insights into the impact of Supreme Court decisions on Indian Country.
Explore indigenous history and culture in your area, whether it's through museums, heritage centers, or local events.
Reach out to Lori Adams-Brown on social media to share your travel experiences and photos, and keep in touch with the community.
Connect with me here:
* https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com
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* https://www.twitter.com/@awodpod
* https://www.youtube.com/@aworldofdifference
* https://www.facebook.com/A-World-of-Difference-613933132591673/
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