Actors and Ancestors – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Actors and Ancestors

Joel D. Montgrand

Tv & Film

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/66d. Total Eps: 18

A film and TV podcast that celebrates Indigenous actors, talks back to Hollywood stereotypes, and looks to the future of Indigenous Peoples on screen. Assin’skowitiniwak (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.com

This show is a Silver Award Winner for Best in TV & Film in the 2024 Signal Awards and a Silver Award Winner for Best Indie Podcast in the 2024 W3 Awards!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
13/08/2026
#83
🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
12/08/2026
#76
🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
08/08/2026
#80
🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
06/08/2026
#80
🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
03/08/2026
#87
🇫🇷 France - filmInterviews
03/08/2026
#95
🇨🇦 Canada - filmInterviews
02/08/2026
#60
🇫🇷 France - filmInterviews
02/08/2026
#86
🇫🇷 France - filmInterviews
01/08/2026
#75
🇫🇷 France - filmInterviews
31/07/2026
#61

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://www.instagram.com/bipoccredits
3 shares
https://www.instagram.com/Himikalas
1 share
https://www.instagram.com/helenorodesigns
1 share

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5350054/
1 share
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3544800/
1 share
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2868495/
1 share

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 74%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Year

Latest published episodes

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

Friday, August 30, 2024 • Duration 56:23

[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, Indigenous-produced and -directed TV series, Little Bird, chronicles this period in time that many still don't know about.

"Four of the Indigenous women behind the series take us behind the scenes. Producer/Creator Jennifer Podemski is Saulteaux/Ojibway and Jewish and says it is not “any one person's story” but is reflective of many Sixties Scoop stories. Directors/Writers, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot and Sámi) and Zoe Leigh Hopkins (Heiltsuk and Mohawk) were more like Aunties, taking great care on the set of the series to make sure everyone felt safe to tell this story. Darla Contois is the star of Little Bird in the role of Esther/Bezhig. The Cree-Saulteaux actor from Misipawistik Cree Nation says she brought her own family's experience with the Scoop to inform her role." - CBC Unreserved

ABOUT: CBC Unreserved is a fearless space for Indigenous voices. Join Rosanna Deerchild every Friday for vibrant conversations with our cousins, aunties, elders, and heroes. Rosanna guides us on the path to better understanding our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations. You can find Unreserved wherever you get your podcasts, or here: https://link.chtbl.com/hNN9bA4U

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Being a Good Relative with Dallas Goldtooth

Season 2 · Episode 1

Friday, June 21, 2024 • Duration 47:39

Dallas Goldtooth is 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 making Indigenous actors household names. He shares his biggest tips for succeeding in the industry and his take home message? Be a good relative! Listen on to hear more about how he balances acting, activism, and social media, how he tackles toxic masculinity through comedy, and what shocked him the most about living in Montreal.

TRANSCRIPT HERE.

If you liked this episode, be sure to check out "Pretendians" with Robert Jago and Angel Ellis. Their recent episode about pretendians in Hollywood is a must-listen!

Thank you to the Indigenous Screen Office for supporting Actors and Ancestors!

Thank you to Cheekbone Beauty for their support of the Season 2 launch! Visit the Actors and Ancestors Instagram page to find out how to win one of three $250 gift cards.

And you can still use the code ACTORS10 for 10% off your Decolonial Clothing purchases as an Actors and Ancestors listener.

CREDITS: Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

00:01:12 - Introduction to Dallas Goldtooth, who claims him, and his family

00:04:30 - The small pool of Native actors means you're often up for the same roles

00:08:25 - Why Dallas and JD don't want to do "stoic Indian on a horse in the 1800s" roles

True North Strong and Cree with Joel D. Montgrand

Episode 1

Sunday, November 26, 2023 • Duration 26:37

Episode 1: True North Strong and Cree with Joel D. Montgrand

Actors 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, and Tsleil-Waututh territories.

You'll recognize Joel from the award-winning film, Beans, and his upcoming features in Netflix's Avatar: The Last Airbender and Season 4 of HBO's True Detective. You’ll feel the warmth of Joel’s playful, adventurous spirit driving this show as soon as you hit play! What are you waiting for? TRANSCRIPT HERE.

Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Also, check out our friends, BIPOC Credits Podcast, they share a monthly newsletter full of opportunities in the film and TV industry. Here are links to their Newsletter, Podcast, and Instagram.

Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TRAILER: Actors and Ancestors

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 • Duration 01:45

We'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 Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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TRAILER: Season 2 - Actors & Ancestors

Season 2

Monday, June 3, 2024 • Duration 01:54

Twice the medicine, twice the bannock, no spirit animals! Welcome to Season 2 of Actors & Ancestors, an Indigenous Film & TV podcast.

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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!

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All music provided by https://slip.stream

Track: "Spaghetti Standoff", Flint Eastgood

Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/8fnuPn

Track: "Fiery Thunder"

Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/337b9163-74f2-435a-a7a5-e88eb1b418a0?utm_source=attribution

Track: "Ricochet Western 01"

Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/6e154b9a-34d6-4fb0-8417-f052fbb6b031?utm_source=attribution

Track: "Get Some Edge"

Music provided by https://slip.stream

Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/HEZLrT

Track: "Hawk Call Squawk 03"

Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/c5a537cb-944f-4492-a8de-194bec2fa24b?utm_source=attribution

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Season 1 · Episode 7

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 44:20

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 recognizable faces on the Indigenous acting scene!

A huge thank you to the Indigenous Screen Office for their support of the show.

We'd also like to thank our newest partner, Decolonial Clothing for providing each of our guests with a gift. They've also got a gift for you, dear listener! There's a discount code somewhere in this episode for 10% off your Decolonial Clothing orders. Keep an ear out for it or go to our website and find it on the episode page.

Actors and Ancestors is created, produced, and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

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SFX Track: "Fiery Thunder"

Music provided by https://slip.stream

Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/337b9163-74f2-435a-a7a5-e88eb1b418a0?utm_source=attribution

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Throwing Molotovs and Doing It Ourselves with D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai

Season 1 · Episode 6

Sunday, April 7, 2024 • Duration 55:42

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 Dogs.

Transcript available here. See more at www.actorsandancestors.com/episodes.

00:00:10 - Introduction to D'Pharaoh, his land, and who claims him

00:04:08 - How D'Pharaoh started acting and the movie "Beans", about the Oka Crisis

00:17:15 - Joel talks about how Beans shut down the Mercier Bridge in Montreal and the racism they experienced from the public

00:21:38 - D'Pharoah's experience throwing molotovs on set

00:25:28 - Reservation Dogs auditions process and how D'Pharaoh stood out

00:33:23 - How D'Pharaoh stays humble and grounded

00:43:50 - D'Pharaoh's advice to aspiring Indigenous actors

00:47:35 - Moving from nepotism to community

00:52:50 - The Red Red Carpet segment

CREDITS:

Actors and Ancestors is created, produced, and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Episode photograph by Kjohn, photo provided by D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.

Actors and Ancestors is supported by a podcasting grant from the Indigenous Screen Office.

BONUS: Using the Jay Treaty – How to Work on Both Sides of the Border

Saturday, April 6, 2024 • Duration 06:47

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 in the same boat! This information is not legal advice.

What Joel needed:

Signed letter from his band
Long form birth certificate
Treaty card
Other ID (driver's license or passport)

More info:

USCIS Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada (you don't need a green card to get an SSN but some useful information)
Canadian-born Native Americans: Work or Green Card?
Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty (this is an old post but still useful)

Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support by Daniella Barreto.

Music Credit at 01:41

Track: "Endless Summers"

Music provided by https://slip.stream

Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/K665Z0

Hosted on Acast. See for more information.

Between Worlds Among the Stars with Isabella Star LaBlanc

Episode 5

Friday, February 9, 2024 • Duration 36:02

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 Indigenous mentors and peers are so important in an industry that doesn’t always support community. (Bonus- hear her hot take on the Frybread vs. Indian Taco war)

TRANSCRIPT HERE

Isabella's Red Red Carpet film recommendation is Long Line of Ladies by Shaandiin Tome.

If you'd like this little indie show to keep going, please consider a donation on the website at www.actorsandancestors.com

Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Navigating the Industry Wolves with Anna Lambe

Episode 4

Sunday, December 31, 2023 • Duration 39:01

Episode 4: Navigating the Industry Wolves with Anna Lambe

Anna 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 last episode of 2023 for tips about dealing with rejection in the industry, identity fraud and pretendians, strange encounters in Iceland, and what she and JD are considering for their first LA red carpet premiere!

Indigenous designers Anna mentions in the episode: Lesley Hampton, Pam Baker, Helen Oro, and Victoria’s Arctic Fashions.

TRANSCRIPT HERE

Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actors and Ancestors – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Actors and Ancestors – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other30

Instagram3

IMDb3

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other30

Instagram3

IMDb3

Apple Podcasts

Spotify