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PODCAST

Actors and Ancestors

Joel D. Montgrand

A film and TV podcast that celebrates Indigenous actors, talks back to Hollywood stereotypes, and looks to the future of Indigenous Peoples on screen. Rocky Cree actor and show host, Joel D. Montgrand, brings you Indigenous actors like you’ve never heard them before – from up-and-coming stars to trailblazing elders. Roll out the red red carpet for this award-winning show!www.actorsandancestors.comThis show is a Silver Award Winner for Best in TV & Film in the 2024 Signal Awards and a Silver

tv & film film interviews

All Episodes

47:08

Filling Big Shoes with Michelle Thrush

Actors and Ancestors ·

2025/08/28

Michelle Thrush (Cree) tells JD about waiting for aliens to sweep her off to space and the power of Indigenous-led sets when handling stories of unthinkable trauma. She recounts her transformative time at the first school run by and for Indigenous people in Calgary, being mentored by the legendary actor, Gordon Tootoosis, and, most recently, her first ever lead role in a film! Michelle shares her tips for anyone getting started in the biz and what to be prepared for (with a bit of clowning

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55:03

You Might Also Like: Canardian ft. Joel D. Montgrand

Actors and Ancestors ·

2025/07/13

Here's an interview with JD from a different show you might like! "Cows and Plows and Rescue Ranger Fumbles (ft. JD Montgrand)" -- Joel (JD) Montgrand, host and creator of the "Actors and Ancestors" podcast, joins Canardian to discuss the town of La Ronge, its kaiju mosquitos, the mysterious drug cartel queen of Chicken Delight, winter survival 101, and so much more!If you loved this episode, there's a lot more Canardian where that came from. Check out the show and give them a follow! Hosted on

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32:42

Fifty Years of Troublemaking with Gary Farmer

Actors and Ancestors ·

2025/06/01

JD meets up with Gary Farmer (Cayuga from the Six Nations of the Grand River) for a conversation about his fifty years in performance, blazing a trail for Indigenous actors to come, knowing your language and being known for "cheeky" humour. Check out Gary's band, Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers: "Cadillacs Don't Care" (From the album "Fool For Love", 2024 Gonzo Drive Records) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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58:47

Chasing a Moving Target with Rainbow Dickerson

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/12/24

Rainbow Dickerson is a Rappahannock-Thai actor and producer based in LA. She and Joel discuss what it’s like growing up in many places with a yearning for home, how specific on screen representation can be, and how to define success for yourself when it feels like other people at your level are more successful in the industry. Rainbow is an award-winning actor who stars in the new short film, The River. Fun fact: She and Joel are twice on-screen spouses in Avatar: The Last Airbender and Beans

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44:06

Travelling the Powwow Highway with Wes Studi

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/09/30

The legendary Wes Studi joins Joel for an exchange about his sweeping career from "The Last of the Mohicans" to "Reservation Dogs" and everything in between. Wes is a Tsalagi (Cherokee) screen veteran and the first Indigenous actor to receive an Academy Award for his lifetime achievements. Wes tells Joel about a chance error that led to choosing his showbiz name, his first time wearing tights, his experience as a young soldier in Viet Nam before he got involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM),

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56:23

From CBC Unreserved: The Little Bird Story of the 60s...

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/08/30

[Actors and Ancestors is sharing this episode in partnership with CBC Unreserved.] The "Sixties Scoop" was a time when Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities and sent to live with white families in 1960's Canada. It’s estimated that over 20,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit children were removed during the Scoop. It was a traumatic assimilation policy resulting in broken community connections and lasting pain through many generations. The award-winning,

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47:39

Being a Good Relative with Dallas Goldtooth

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/06/21

Dallas Goldtoothis a Dakota-Diné actor, comedian, and writer. He is a land defender, gamer, and mediocre horseback rider who is kicking down doors in Hollywood, writing and acting in groundbreaking shows like Reservation Dogs, Echo, and Fallout. He cut his teeth in the world of comedy with the 1491s, a sketch comedy group that travelled all through Indian country giving side-splitting performances and making connections. Now, Dallas and the squad are bringing Indigenous stories to the screen and

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1:54

TRAILER: Season 2 - Actors & Ancestors

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/06/03

Twice the medicine, twice the bannock, no spirit animals! Welcome to Season 2 of Actors & Ancestors, an Indigenous Film & TV podcast. ---Actors & Ancestors is created, produced and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.Thank you to the Indigenous Screen Office for their support!---All music provided by https://slip.streamTrack: "Spaghetti Standoff", Flint EastgoodDownload / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/8fnuPnTrack: "Fiery

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44:20

From "Hey Victor!" to "Hey Doctor" with Dr. Evan Adams

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/04/30

Dr. Evan Adams is an accomplished actor-turned-doctor from Tla’amin Nation. His iconic portrayal of Thomas Builds-the-Fire in the 1998 movie “Smoke Signals” cemented him in Indigenous film history. Dr. Adams laughs with JD about just how many doctor roles he has played, explains how his traditional upbringing prepared him for the world of academia, and reveals how his acting life and the medical world can sometimes painfully clash. Join us in this exciting season finale with one of the most

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55:42

Throwing Molotovs and Doing It Ourselves with...

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/04/07

D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is an Oji-Cree-Anishinaabe actor born in Toronto whose people are from Big Trout Lake First Nation. On this episode, D’Pharaoh tells us how taking a chance and standing out in his audition scored him a lead role in the hit series, Reservation Dogs, how hard it is to accurately throw a Molotov, and how casting directors can do a better job casting Native roles across the industry.D'Pharaoh's Red Red Carpet shout-out goes to Angelique Midthunder, casting director of Reservation

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6:47

BONUS: Using the Jay Treaty – How to Work on Both...

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/04/06

Joel wanted to cast a wider net for roles and try to get work in the United States. But first, he needed to get a social security number. Follow Joel's journey over the border to get his SSN! The Jay Treaty allows Indigenous Peoples in Canada to travel freely across the border to work, live, or study. The idea sounds easy but it was pretty challenging to find the right information and get the right documents. Hopefully Joel's experience will help you navigate the system if you're an Indigenous actor

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00:36:02

Between Worlds Among the Stars with Isabella Star...

Actors and Ancestors ·

2024/02/09

Episode 5: Isabella Star LaBlanc is a Dakota actor living in Minnesota. She’s a lifelong theatre actor and self-described “bookstore girl” who got her start surrounded by stories and storytellers. Her breakout screen performance is happening right now as she plays Leah Danvers, alongside Jodie Foster (Liz Danvers) in True Detective. Listen to Isabella explain why she’s not moving to LA or New York– at least not permanently, what it’s like to play a character younger than you actually are, and why

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00:39:01

Navigating the Industry Wolves with Anna Lambe

Actors and Ancestors ·

2023/12/31

Episode 4: Navigating the Industry Wolves with Anna LambeAnna Lambe is an Inuk actor and filmmaker who’s a rising star to watch this coming year. Her breakout role was in The Grizzlies at just 18 years old, followed soon after by a part in the ill-fated CBC series, Trickster and, most recently, the lead on a soon-to-be-announced Arctic TV series. Despite her rocketing early career success, she admits the cutthroat nature of show business can be tough to navigate for sensitive souls. Tune in for the

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00:34:48

Ditching Leathers and Feathers with Darrell Dennis

Actors and Ancestors ·

2023/11/26

Episode 3: Ditching Leathers and Feathers with Darrell DennisDarrell Dennis is a trailblazing veteran Secwépemc actor, comedian, and now– writer and director. Joel caught up with him on location in Cowichan Territory while they were filming Darrell’s new film, Sweet Summer Pow Wow in August.You’ll hear about Darrell’s very first job as the lead on a CBC teen drama at 17, his narrow escape from a possible Starlight Tour in Winnipeg, and how the casting category of “ethnically ambiguous” opened up new

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00:40:07

Fighting is My Medicine with Kali Reis

Actors and Ancestors ·

2023/11/26

Episode 2: Fighting is My Medicine with Kali Reis Buckle up for this knockout interview with Seaconke Wampanoag actor, Kali Reis, aka Many Feathers Many Talents. Kali is the star of HBO's upcoming True Detective (Season 4) alongside acting legend, Jodie Foster, and your host, Joel D. Montgrand. Hear how Kali went from being a boxing world champion to champion of the box office, her advocacy for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, as well as what it was like to work with an intimacy

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00:26:37

True North Strong and Cree with Joel D. Montgrand

Actors and Ancestors ·

2023/11/26

Episode 1: True North Strong and Cree with Joel D. MontgrandActors and Ancestors is a brand new film and TV podcast for Indigenous actors and anyone else who wants to learn. This is a special first episode where your host, Rocky Cree actor, Joel D. Montgrand tells you about his land, who claims him, and lets you in on the story of his journey to the screen. Originally from Treaty 6 and 10 in rural Saskatchewan, he records this show from the belly of Hollywood North aka unceded Musqueam, Squamish,

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00:01:45

Actors and Ancestors

Actors and Ancestors ·

2023/06/21

Transcript HEREWe've come a long way from "Cowboys and Indians". It's a new age of cinema where First Nations, Inuit, and Métis actors are finally on the world stage, telling our own stories. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the hottest Indigenous stars and the elders of stage and screen as they laugh out loud and talk back to industry stereotypes. This show uplifts communities and celebrates Indigenous wins across Turtle Island and beyond. Hosted by Rocky Cree actor, Joel D. Montgrand.Actors and

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17 results

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