EP-219

Listen / Download Laura’s Books Website

In this week’s episode of The What’s The Scuttlebutt Podcast, Don and Dennis sit down with award-winning poet, author, and Navajo Nation Poet Laureate Laura Tohe. Laura shares her incredible journey growing up on the reservation, attending boarding school, and finding her voice through writing and storytelling. As the daughter of Navajo Code Talker Benson Tohe, Laura offers a powerful perspective on the legacy of the Code Talkers — the brave Diné men who used their language to create an unbreakable code during World War II.

She discusses her acclaimed book Code Talker Stories, which preserves the firsthand accounts of these heroes, and reflects on the cultural and emotional impact of bringing their stories to light. Don and Dennis dive deep into Laura’s career as a poet, educator, and advocate for Indigenous voices, exploring how her early life experiences shaped her art and sense of purpose.

Together, they discuss storytelling, identity, and the importance of preserving language and history for future generations. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that honors family, culture, and the enduring strength of the Navajo people.