Episode 521 - Paulina Alexis

Paulina Alexis is an award-winning Indigenous Canadian actress and a proud member of the Stoney tribe of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta. She first gained recognition for her performances in Beans, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Bones of Crows, before earning widespread acclaim for her breakout role as Willie Jack in the FX series Reservation Dogs. Her work on the series earned her a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination, while the ensemble received multiple honors for its groundbreaking representation and storytelling. Alexis has become known for bringing authenticity, humor, and emotional depth to her performances, while helping expand opportunities for Indigenous talent on screen. Most recently, Alexis stars as Zoey Bear Child in the new USA Network mystery drama Anna Pigeon, based on Nevada Barr’s bestselling novel series. The series premiered August 7, 2026, and follows national park ranger Anna Pigeon as she investigates crimes across some of America’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Alexis’s character, Zoey, is a young ranger who looks to Anna as a mentor as she finds her footing in the park service. In addition to acting, Alexis continues to champion Indigenous representation and storytelling, bringing her distinctive voice and perspective to every project she takes on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices