Geno Ray

Native As I Can Be

Geno Ray

  • Episode 4: David Velarde

Episode 4: David Velarde

Sunday 5th October 2025

Join David Velarde as he shares his journey of sobriety, acting, and embracing his Navajo heritage in this captivating podcast episode.
Explicit
96 minutes
Inspiring
Authentic
Engaging
Informative
Hopeful

About this podcast

Native As I Can Be
Author:
Geno Ray
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Relationships & Community
Healing Relationships
Religion & Spirituality
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
19 (View all)
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David Velarde: Acting, Sobriety, and Tribal Authenticity

Episode Overview

  • Embrace your heritage while forging your own path.
  • Find strength in your sobriety journey.
  • Indigenous representation in media is crucial.
  • Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing.
  • Navigating between cultures can enrich your life.
You really know you're earning your money when you have elderly Native American women throwing trash at you.
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? In this captivating episode, David Velarde, an actor, screenwriter, and life enthusiast, shares his unique journey of sobriety and cultural identity. As an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, David brings tribal authenticity to his acting roles and screenplays, while also navigating the complexities of living between cultures.
The conversation unfolds with tales of his upbringing in Lewiston, Idaho, the challenges he faced growing up as a mixed-race individual, and the inspiring story of his parents meeting during a historic protest march. David's passion for storytelling shines through as he recounts his experiences on film sets, including Portlandia and Grimm, and his aspirations to bring more indigenous stories to the screen.
With anecdotes about legendary figures like John Trudell and heartfelt memories of family members who influenced his path, this episode is a rich tapestry of personal triumphs and cultural insights. David's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of embracing one's heritage while forging a path in the entertainment industry. So, how do you find strength in your journey to sobriety? Tune in to discover David's story and reflect on your own path.
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