St. Joseph’s Indian School Launches Hóčhoka Podcast Season 8

(Chamberlain, S.D.) The opening three episodes of St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Hóčhoka podcast Season 8 address the organization’s move into the future with new leadership. Listen to thoughts from departing President Mike Tyrell. Meet the school’s first Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Renner-Meyer. Get to know incoming President Fr. Greg Schill, SCJ, who has responsibility for the school’s mission and spiritual life.

The past several decades saw the school re-shaped into an accredited residential organization with nationally recognized programming, strengthened family connections, and high-quality mental and physical health services. Join Hóčhoka to learn what lies ahead.

The new season launches on Monday, August 11, with a summary teaser. The endeavor aims to showcase the people and ideas that make the school a leader in Native American education and to discuss issues central to Native American education today. Lakota Language Preservation and the Artists in Residence program are just two of the school’s initiatives highlighted in Season 8.

During this season, Host Scott Woster “talks thióšpaye” (extended family), with alumni from three different eras, including a 2025 graduate. Listeners also learn what the school’s collaboration with the American Indian Catholic Schools Network (AICSN) out of the University of Notre Dame means for both organizations. AISCN Director, William Newkirk, discusses the partnership with newly appointed Executive Director of Child Services, Robyn Knecht.

Returning listener favorites include Drs. Damian Costello and Chris Hoklotubbe, who share insights about Christianity through an indigenous lens. The season runs with weekly releases through December 15. Follow Hóčhoka on Podbean, Apple, iTunes, YouTube, and Spotify in audio and vlog formats.

The Lakota word Hóčhoka (emphasis on the first syllable) means the center of the camp circle. The name speaks to the actual location of the recording studio at the heart of campus, the centrality of the mission of St. Joseph’s Indian School to all that it does, and the role of the podcast to be at the center of the Native American educational conversation and gather others around that conversation.

 Why tune in to a podcast from St. Joseph’s Indian School? Learn more about what the school has to offer. Listen to the wisdom of thought-leaders on Native American education today. Laugh, hope, warm your heart, and sharpen your mind at the center of the school’s camp circle.