Welcome to Impact Unfiltered! In this episode, host Philippe sit down with Casandra Stouder, an Indigenous wellness consultant whose story is one of resilience, service, and authentic leadership. Cass shares her background as Navajo and Seminole, her experiences overcoming childhood adversity, and how those challenges now fuel her mission to support wellness in Indigenous communities nationwide. Through candid conversation, Cass highlights the importance of vulnerability, cultural wisdom, and using personal history as medicine for others. Tune in for a powerful, honest discussion about healing, empowerment, and what it means to make a real impact.
1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
- Introduction of guest Casandra Stouder ("Cass")
2. Casandra Stouder’s Background and Heritage
- Casandra shares details about her tribal affiliations: Dine (Navajo) on her mother’s side and Seminole on her father’s.
- Her upbringing in Teso, Arizona, and current residence in Prescott Valley.
- Her work as an independent consultant specializing in Indigenous wellness across the nation.
3. The Nature of Indigenous Wellness Work
- Description of what wellness in Indigenous communities looks like tailored to individuals, families, and larger groups.
- Reflection on gratitude for the relationships and lessons learned from working with diverse demographics and needs.
4. Personal Journey and Connection to Purpose
- Casandra explains the story behind her Indigenous name ("the woman who joined them in a war") and its evolving meaning.
- How her life experiences led her to wellness and fitness as ways to help herself and others.
- The metaphor of "joining in the war" as a method of confronting real community issues side by side with others.
5. Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Casandra shares her history of trauma: exposure to alcohol at a young age, various forms of abuse, and near-death experience as a teen.
- The impact of these adversities on her perspective and drive to help others heal.
- The importance of vulnerability and honest storytelling in breaking stigma and encouraging others to reach out.
6. Reframing Stigma and Building Self-Worth
- Discussion on the labels and stigmas often placed on Indigenous women and how Cass actively chooses to forge her own path instead.
- Emphasis on creating positive change despite personal and systemic obstacles, and inspiring the same in her family and community.
7. Family Influences and Life Lessons
- The formative influence of her mother a hard-working, single parent—and her older sister, who had a brain injury leading to cerebral palsy.
- Life lessons learned from her sister’s presence and experience, particularly around empathy, communication, and being of service.
8. Healing, Spirituality, and Indigenous Teachings
- The role of cultural teachings, ceremonies, and connections to the Earth in Cass’s healing and wellness journey.
- Continued search for purpose and service in connection with ancestral prayers and the concept of the "next seven generations."
9. Encouragement for Others in Healing and Expression
- Casandra urges listeners to honor their experiences and speak their truths for self and community healing.
- She gives practical examples of expressing struggle and finding medicine in Indigenous practices, movement, and storytelling.
10. Closing Reflections and Inspirational Message
- Recap of Cass’s philosophy: embracing gratitude, personal power, and purpose despite adversity.
