Aunty Beryl has been family to us since the days on the Block, when she and my mum and dad all looked out for one another. I was so happy to sit down with her at the Australian Native Food Festival on Gadigal Country. At 84 she’s just released her first cookbook, and she’s still in the kitchen every day.

We yarned about growing up in Walgett, learning to cook long before most kids would, and building something out of her own pocket when the funding stopped. She also told me why lemon myrtle belongs in every kitchen, and about the dream she’s working on right now for Elders in Redfern.

Aunty Beryl’s Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations food (Murdoch Books) is out now through Dymocks, Big W and Amazon.

Episode Resources

Aunty Beryl’s Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations food (Murdoch Books)
Available at Dymocks, Big W and Amazon, or support your local independent bookshop:
https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/bestsellers/aunty-beryls-cookbook

Aunty Beryl’s portrait by Dennis Golding at the National Portrait Gallery
https://portrait.gov.au/portraits/2026.15.1-17/aunty-beryl

Read more about Aunty Beryl and her native food knowledge
https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9286710/aunty-beryl-van-oploo-gamilaroi-elder-shares-native-food-wisdom/

After a life of cooking, Aunty Beryl’s portrait now hangs in the national gallery (SBS NITV)
https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/after-a-life-of-cooking-aunty-beryls-portrait-now-hangs-in-the-national-gallery/wlrxenttj

Australian Native Food Festival, presented by Indigiearth
https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/australian-native-food-festival-returns-for-2026



Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

Aunty Beryl has been family to us since the days on the Block, when she and my mum and dad all looked out for one another. I was so happy to sit down with her at the Australian Native Food Festival on Gadigal Country. At 84 she&rsquo;s just released her first cookbook, and she&rsquo;s still in the kitchen every day.
We yarned about growing up in Walgett, learning to cook long before most kids would, and building something out of her own pocket when the funding stopped. She also told me why lemon myrtle belongs in every kitchen, and about the dream she&rsquo;s working on right now for Elders in Redfern.
Aunty Beryl&rsquo;s Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations food (Murdoch Books) is out now through Dymocks, Big W and Amazon. Episode Resources
Aunty Beryl&rsquo;s Cookbook: Heartwarming recipes and stories of First Nations food (Murdoch Books) Available at Dymocks, Big W and Amazon, or support your local independent bookshop: <a href="https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/bestsellers/aunty-beryls-cookbook">https://loveyourbookshop.org.au/bestsellers/aunty-beryls-cookbook</a>
Aunty Beryl&rsquo;s portrait by Dennis Golding at the National Portrait Gallery <a href="https://portrait.gov.au/portraits/2026.15.1-17/aunty-beryl">https://portrait.gov.au/portraits/2026.15.1-17/aunty-beryl</a>
Read more about Aunty Beryl and her native food knowledge <a href="https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9286710/aunty-beryl-van-oploo-gamilaroi-elder-shares-native-food-wisdom/">https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9286710/aunty-beryl-van-oploo-gamilaroi-elder-shares-native-food-wisdom/</a>
After a life of cooking, Aunty Beryl&rsquo;s portrait now hangs in the national gallery (SBS NITV) <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/after-a-life-of-cooking-aunty-beryls-portrait-now-hangs-in-the-national-gallery/wlrxenttj">https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/after-a-life-of-cooking-aunty-beryls-portrait-now-hangs-in-the-national-gallery/wlrxenttj</a>
Australian Native Food Festival, presented by Indigiearth <a href="https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/australian-native-food-festival-returns-for-2026">https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/newsroom/australian-native-food-festival-returns-for-2026</a> 
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

My Doors Are Always Open

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/647d75da-a4bb-4e0f-a8be-b4ef0014fdff/transcript

I’m coming to you from the Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks on Gadigal Country, and I finally sat down with my brother Zach Green. He’s a proud Gunditjmara and Palawa man you might know as the Storyteller Chef.

Zach has built his career on sharing the culture behind our foods, from Elijah’s Kitchen in Darwin to Iluka’s Kitchen in Port Hedland. Now living on Larrakia Country, he’s backing young mob coming up through the kitchen and asking hard questions about who really benefits from the native food industry.

But when I asked him who he is without the titles, his answer had nothing to do with food. We yarn about family, the strong women who shaped him, the dish that keeps his sons’ spirit close, and the legacy he wants to leave.

Pull up a chair, this one’s a good feed.

Resources and links

Zach Green
This chef is telling our stories through food (SBS NITV): https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/this-chef-is-telling-our-stories-through-food/mgd1hmmhj
Cooking and storytelling: crocodile is our culture (SBS Food, Zach on cooking crocodile): https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/article/cooking-with-crocodile/g2riaadx6

Australian Native Food Festival
Carriageworks event page: https://carriageworks.com.au/events/australian-native-food-festival/

IndigiEarth
Aboriginal-owned native food business founded by Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, who leads the festival.
https://indigiearth.com.au

Gather Foods
Majority Aboriginal-owned and led food business in Perth, where Zach helped a young chef land an apprenticeship.
https://www.gatherfoods.com.au

Who owns the native food industry
Master chef urges Indigenous native food businesses to get slice of $80m pie (NIT): https://nit.com.au/10-11-2023/8571/master-chef-urges-indigenous-native-food-businesses-to-get-slice-of-80m-pie

Support
Zach speaks about losing his children. If anything in this episode brings up something for you, support is there: 13YARN on 13 92 76 (First Nations crisis support, 24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

I&rsquo;m coming to you from the Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks on Gadigal Country, and I finally sat down with my brother Zach Green. He&rsquo;s a proud Gunditjmara and Palawa man you might know as the Storyteller Chef.
Zach has built his career on sharing the culture behind our foods, from Elijah&rsquo;s Kitchen in Darwin to Iluka&rsquo;s Kitchen in Port Hedland. Now living on Larrakia Country, he&rsquo;s backing young mob coming up through the kitchen and asking hard questions about who really benefits from the native food industry.
But when I asked him who he is without the titles, his answer had nothing to do with food. We yarn about family, the strong women who shaped him, the dish that keeps his sons&rsquo; spirit close, and the legacy he wants to leave.
Pull up a chair, this one&rsquo;s a good feed.
Resources and links
Zach Green
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>This chef is telling our stories through food (SBS NITV): <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/this-chef-is-telling-our-stories-through-food/mgd1hmmhj">https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/this-chef-is-telling-our-stories-through-food/mgd1hmmhj</a></li>
<li>Cooking and storytelling: crocodile is our culture (SBS Food, Zach on cooking crocodile): <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/article/cooking-with-crocodile/g2riaadx6">https://www.sbs.com.au/food/the-cook-up-with-adam-liaw/article/cooking-with-crocodile/g2riaadx6</a></li>
</ul>
Australian Native Food Festival
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Carriageworks event page: <a href="https://carriageworks.com.au/events/australian-native-food-festival/">https://carriageworks.com.au/events/australian-native-food-festival/</a></li>
</ul>
IndigiEarth Aboriginal-owned native food business founded by Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, who leads the festival.
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://indigiearth.com.au">https://indigiearth.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
Gather Foods Majority Aboriginal-owned and led food business in Perth, where Zach helped a young chef land an apprenticeship.
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><a href="https://www.gatherfoods.com.au">https://www.gatherfoods.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
Who owns the native food industry
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Master chef urges Indigenous native food businesses to get slice of $80m pie (NIT): <a href="https://nit.com.au/10-11-2023/8571/master-chef-urges-indigenous-native-food-businesses-to-get-slice-of-80m-pie">https://nit.com.au/10-11-2023/8571/master-chef-urges-indigenous-native-food-businesses-to-get-slice-of-80m-pie</a></li>
</ul>
Support Zach speaks about losing his children. If anything in this episode brings up something for you, support is there: 13YARN on 13 92 76 (First Nations crisis support, 24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

Every Ingredient Has a Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7d74e230-2b0c-451e-93a0-b4e100587387/transcript

I spent the weekend at the second annual Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks on Gadigal Country in Redfern, presented by Sharon Winsor and IndigiEarth, and I brought you with me.

I moved stall to stall, yarning with the mob who grow, make and lead this native food and botanical industry. Tara Croker from Yaala Sparkling, Aunty Pat Torres, relaunching the First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance and doing beautiful things on Country in Broome. The crews at Kakadu Organics, The Unexpected Guest, Wild Foods, Jala Jala Treats and Native Botanical Brewery. Bush food growers Kate and Pete on their new book. And my deadly sister Mindy Woods.

One truth ran through every yarn. Our mob make up less than 2% of a native food industry worth more than a billion dollars. Not because we don't want to lead it, but because of the barriers put in our way. Every business you hear today is one of ours. Meet them, learn who they are, and get behind them long after the festival packs down.

Every business is linked in the show notes. Support Blak. Buy from mob!

Businesses in this episode:
IndigiEarth (Sharon Winsor): https://indigiearth.com.au
Yaala Sparkling (Tara Croker): https://yaalasparkling.com
Mayi Harvests (Aunty Pat Torres): https://www.mayiharvests.com.au
First Nations Bushfood & Botanical Alliance Australia: https://www.fnbbaa.org.au
The Unexpected Guest: https://theunexpectedguest.com
Kakadu Organics: https://www.instagram.com/kakaduorgnics
Jala Jala Treats: https://www.jalajala.com.au
Native Botanical Brewery: https://nativebotanicalbrewery.org
Karkalla / Mindy Woods: https://www.karkalla.com.au

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

 

I spent the weekend at the second annual Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks on Gadigal Country in Redfern, presented by Sharon Winsor and IndigiEarth, and I brought you with me.
I moved stall to stall, yarning with the mob who grow, make and lead this native food and botanical industry. Tara Croker from Yaala Sparkling, Aunty Pat Torres, relaunching the First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance and doing beautiful things on Country in Broome. The crews at Kakadu Organics, The Unexpected Guest, Wild Foods, Jala Jala Treats and Native Botanical Brewery. Bush food growers Kate and Pete on their new book. And my deadly sister Mindy Woods.
One truth ran through every yarn. Our mob make up less than 2% of a native food industry worth more than a billion dollars. Not because we don't want to lead it, but because of the barriers put in our way. Every business you hear today is one of ours. Meet them, learn who they are, and get behind them long after the festival packs down.
Every business is linked in the show notes. Support Blak. Buy from mob!
Businesses in this episode:
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>IndigiEarth (Sharon Winsor): <a href="https://indigiearth.com.au">https://indigiearth.com.au</a></li>
<li>Yaala Sparkling (Tara Croker): <a href="https://yaalasparkling.com">https://yaalasparkling.com</a></li>
<li>Mayi Harvests (Aunty Pat Torres): <a href="https://www.mayiharvests.com.au">https://www.mayiharvests.com.au</a></li>
<li>First Nations Bushfood &amp; Botanical Alliance Australia: <a href="https://www.fnbbaa.org.au">https://www.fnbbaa.org.au</a></li>
<li>The Unexpected Guest: <a href="https://theunexpectedguest.com">https://theunexpectedguest.com</a></li>
<li>Kakadu Organics: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kakaduorgnics">https://www.instagram.com/kakaduorgnics</a></li>
<li>Jala Jala Treats: <a href="https://www.jalajala.com.au">https://www.jalajala.com.au</a></li>
<li>Native Botanical Brewery: <a href="https://nativebotanicalbrewery.org">https://nativebotanicalbrewery.org</a></li>
<li>Karkalla / Mindy Woods: <a href="https://www.karkalla.com.au">https://www.karkalla.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.
&nbsp;

Yarns from the Australian Native Food Festival

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/dba25a26-6358-44f8-99e8-b4d4006826da/transcript

My husband Peace has been telling me for ages, you have to get this bala on your podcast. So when I got to Sydney, I sat down with Leon Filewood on Cammeraygal Country and we had the yarn I had been waiting for.

Leon grew up on Waiben, Thursday Island. He went from the courtroom to the comedy club, and there is a story behind why he made that jump that I did not see coming.

We yarn about imposter syndrome, about the shame that holds our mob back from their full potential, and about why every joke he tells has a message sitting underneath the laugh.

He is a Deadly Funny winner and a Moosehead Award recipient, and he has taken his shows Which Way and Holding Space around the country.

Have a listen.

Links and Resources

Instagram: @laf_comedy

Deadly Funny
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival's development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. Free workshops and community shows around the country, no experience needed. Leon won the national final and now delivers the workshops himself.
https://www.deadlyfunny.com.au/

Support
13YARN, 13 92 76, 24 hours, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line
Lifeline, 13 11 14

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

My husband Peace has been telling me for ages, you have to get this bala on your podcast. So when I got to Sydney, I sat down with Leon Filewood on Cammeraygal Country and we had the yarn I had been waiting for.
Leon grew up on Waiben, Thursday Island. He went from the courtroom to the comedy club, and there is a story behind why he made that jump that I did not see coming.
We yarn about imposter syndrome, about the shame that holds our mob back from their full potential, and about why every joke he tells has a message sitting underneath the laugh.
He is a Deadly Funny winner and a Moosehead Award recipient, and he has taken his shows Which Way and Holding Space around the country.
Have a listen.
Links and Resources
Instagram: @laf_comedy
Deadly Funny The Melbourne International Comedy Festival's development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. Free workshops and community shows around the country, no experience needed. Leon won the national final and now delivers the workshops himself. <a href="https://www.deadlyfunny.com.au/">https://www.deadlyfunny.com.au/</a>
Support 13YARN, 13 92 76, 24 hours, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line Lifeline, 13 11 14
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

The Joke Lands First. The Truth Lands Second.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/f991c030-0ab5-4552-9fb5-b4c70001514f/transcript

This week I'm joined by my brother James Saunders, a Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Wongaibon storyteller, producer and media specialist.

James runs Barragi Mawang and has spent more than a decade working alongside our communities. But this yarn goes further back than any of that, to where the creativity started, and it isn't where you'd expect.

We yarn about Country from the sky, and what a drone taught him about the stories held in the land. We yarn about the film he worked on in the Pilbara, and the phone call that opened a door nobody else could open. We yarn about his uncle, a Gunditjmara man who walked into an enlistment office at nineteen, and the two years James spent putting that story on the page.

And we yarn about fear. What he's overcome, and what it took to step into who he is.

There's a lot in this one. Have a listen.

Fighting for Country: The Extraordinary Life of Reg Saunders, Australia's First Indigenous Military Officer, Hero of Two Wars, published by Allen & Unwin, out 1 September: 

Yurlu | Country, directed by Yaara Bou Melhem, co-produced by James Saunders. Written by the late Maitland Parker, Banjima Elder. Watch and support the campaign at yurlucountry.com and cleanupwittenoom.com

Barragi Mawang: https://barragimawang.com/

Mob Stock, launching October for Indigenous Business Month: mobstock.com.au 

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

This week I'm joined by my brother James Saunders, a Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Wongaibon storyteller, producer and media specialist.
James runs Barragi Mawang and has spent more than a decade working alongside our communities. But this yarn goes further back than any of that, to where the creativity started, and it isn't where you'd expect.
We yarn about Country from the sky, and what a drone taught him about the stories held in the land. We yarn about the film he worked on in the Pilbara, and the phone call that opened a door nobody else could open. We yarn about his uncle, a Gunditjmara man who walked into an enlistment office at nineteen, and the two years James spent putting that story on the page.
And we yarn about fear. What he's overcome, and what it took to step into who he is.
There's a lot in this one. Have a listen.
<a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/James-Saunders-Fighting-for-Country-9781761471988">Fighting for Country: The Extraordinary Life of Reg Saunders</a>, Australia's First Indigenous Military Officer, Hero of Two Wars, published by Allen &amp; Unwin, out 1 September:&nbsp;
<a href="https://illuminate-films.com.au/projects/yurlu-country/">Yurlu | Country</a>, directed by Yaara Bou Melhem, co-produced by James Saunders. Written by the late Maitland Parker, Banjima Elder. Watch and support the campaign at yurlucountry.com and cleanupwittenoom.com
Barragi Mawang: <a href="https://barragimawang.com/">https://barragimawang.com/</a>
Mob Stock, launching October for Indigenous Business Month: <a href="https://www.mobstock.com.au/">mobstock.com.au&nbsp;</a>
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

Blackfulla Ways in a Digital World: The Book, the Film and Mobstock

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/9b2055b6-101f-45df-86f6-b4b3002eec57/transcript

I've done a lot of yarns on this podcast. This one went somewhere I've never taken a conversation before.

Sam Johnson grew up in Glebe, raised by the aunties who made sure he was safe when there wasn't much else. He was 18, living on his own, being aged out of a system that had already taken his sister, when he worked out the only door left to him was one he'd have to open himself. He topped his school in legal studies. Then he graduated and was homeless.

Today he runs a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned agency working on the very systems he came up through, and he's putting money back into our young people.

We got into things I wasn't expecting. Where violence in this country actually began. Why our men were taken, and what it means that they're coming back. What his father asked for once and was refused, six months before they came for his daughter on a Friday night.

And then Sam asked if he could leave us with a poem.

Some of what we talk about in this episode is heavy. If it brings anything up for you, 13YARN is 13 92 76 and Lifeline is 13 11 14.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Sam Johnson
Impact Policy: https://www.impactpolicy.com.au
Impact Policy Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/impact-policy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-alderton-johnson

Amy McQuire
Dr Amy McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist whose work covers the disappearance and killing of Aboriginal women and children, and how media reporting shapes who gets seen as a victim.
Black Witness, published by UQP
Curtain The Podcast, co-hosted with Martin Hodgson, on the BlakCast Network: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/curtain-the-podcast/id1164804753
Substack: https://amymcquire.substack.com

Also mentioned
The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson, written and directed by Leah Purcell
Sherele Moody, Australian Femicide Watch: https://australianfemicidewatch.org
Barnardos Australia: https://www.barnardos.org.au

Support
13YARN: 13 92 76
Lifeline: 13 11 14
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

I've done a lot of yarns on this podcast. This one went somewhere I've never taken a conversation before.
Sam Johnson grew up in Glebe, raised by the aunties who made sure he was safe when there wasn't much else. He was 18, living on his own, being aged out of a system that had already taken his sister, when he worked out the only door left to him was one he'd have to open himself. He topped his school in legal studies. Then he graduated and was homeless.
Today he runs a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned agency working on the very systems he came up through, and he's putting money back into our young people.
We got into things I wasn't expecting. Where violence in this country actually began. Why our men were taken, and what it means that they're coming back. What his father asked for once and was refused, six months before they came for his daughter on a Friday night.
And then Sam asked if he could leave us with a poem.
Some of what we talk about in this episode is heavy. If it brings anything up for you, 13YARN is 13 92 76 and Lifeline is 13 11 14.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
Sam Johnson Impact Policy: <a href="https://www.impactpolicy.com.au">https://www.impactpolicy.com.au</a> Impact Policy Podcast: <a href="https://shows.acast.com/impact-policy">https://shows.acast.com/impact-policy</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-alderton-johnson">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-alderton-johnson</a>
Amy McQuire Dr Amy McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist whose work covers the disappearance and killing of Aboriginal women and children, and how media reporting shapes who gets seen as a victim. Black Witness, published by UQP Curtain The Podcast, co-hosted with Martin Hodgson, on the BlakCast Network: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/curtain-the-podcast/id1164804753">https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/curtain-the-podcast/id1164804753</a> Substack: <a href="https://amymcquire.substack.com">https://amymcquire.substack.com</a>
Also mentioned The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson, written and directed by Leah Purcell Sherele Moody, Australian Femicide Watch: <a href="https://australianfemicidewatch.org">https://australianfemicidewatch.org</a> Barnardos Australia: <a href="https://www.barnardos.org.au">https://www.barnardos.org.au</a>
Support 13YARN: 13 92 76 Lifeline: 13 11 14 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
<hr>
Website: <a href="https://www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a> Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'Follow' on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you'd like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

There Is No Justice. It Is Just Us.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/32e37643-86e0-49c7-8f5f-b4a50002edc9/transcript

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It's National Missing Persons Week, and this yarn is one of the most important I have had on Black Magic Woman.

When Ginny Jones' little brother Jai didn't come home, her family knew something wasn't right. What happened next, and how fast our mob mobilised when the systems that were meant to help stood still, became the reason The Disappeared Project exists today.

The Disappeared Project is Australia's first Aboriginal-led organisation walking beside families whose loved ones have been disappeared. They stand with families through police, media and community searches, they are building the first First Nations-led database of our disappeared people, and they are working to change the way our people are spoken about and searched for. It is work that should have existed decades ago, carried right now by volunteers.

I sit down with co-founders Ginny Jones and Kevin Yow Yeh for a yarn about love, grief, and what our communities build when we refuse to let each other be forgotten.

This is a heavy yarn, and an important one. Please look after yourself as you listen.

If anything in this episode brings things up for you, please reach out. 13YARN 13 92 76 for First Nations peoples, and Lifeline 13 11 14.

To learn more about The Disappeared Project, follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook, or visit thedisappearedproject.com

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheDisappearedProject

Justice for Monique

Monique Clubb, a proud Butchulla and Woppaburra woman, disappeared in June 2013 after travelling from Hervey Bay to Brisbane. Her family are petitioning the Queensland Minister for Police and the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of her remains. Sign and share the petition:change.org

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

 

Want this conversation before anyone else? Become a BlakCast Patreon member for early access to new episodes, ad free listening, and exclusive bonus content. Join at Patreon.com/BlakCastNetwork
It's National Missing Persons Week, and this yarn is one of the most important I have had on Black Magic Woman.
When Ginny Jones' little brother Jai didn't come home, her family knew something wasn't right. What happened next, and how fast our mob mobilised when the systems that were meant to help stood still, became the reason The Disappeared Project exists today.
The Disappeared Project is Australia's first Aboriginal-led organisation walking beside families whose loved ones have been disappeared. They stand with families through police, media and community searches, they are building the first First Nations-led database of our disappeared people, and they are working to change the way our people are spoken about and searched for. It is work that should have existed decades ago, carried right now by volunteers.
I sit down with co-founders Ginny Jones and Kevin Yow Yeh for a yarn about love, grief, and what our communities build when we refuse to let each other be forgotten.
This is a heavy yarn, and an important one. Please look after yourself as you listen.
If anything in this episode brings things up for you, please reach out. 13YARN 13 92 76 for First Nations peoples, and Lifeline 13 11 14.
To learn more about The Disappeared Project, follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedisappearedproject/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedisappearedproject/">LinkedIn</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064496778192">Facebook</a>, or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://thedisappearedproject.com/">thedisappearedproject.com</a>
Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheDisappearedProject">https://www.patreon.com/TheDisappearedProject</a>
Justice for Monique
Monique Clubb, a proud Butchulla and Woppaburra woman, disappeared in June 2013 after travelling from Hervey Bay to Brisbane. Her family are petitioning the Queensland Minister for Police and the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of her remains. Sign and share the petition: <a href="https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-monique-b10c7899-7af0-4b9f-a814-cf71fbcd728e">change.org</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please &lsquo;Subscribe&rsquo; on Apple Podcasts or &lsquo;Follow&rsquo; on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you&rsquo;d like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.
&nbsp;

The Disappeared Project

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/efe34087-4799-4563-8f66-b4980014e6b0/transcript

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There are community legal services for so many of us. For women. For elders. For people with disability. For refugees. For mob navigating the justice system. But when Sarah Ibrahim went looking for one built for race and racism, there wasn't a single one in this whole country. So she built it herself.

In this yarn I sit down with Sarah, an Egyptian-Australian lawyer, human rights advocate and the founder of the Racial Justice Centre, the first community legal service in Australia dedicated entirely to racial justice. Sarah came to this country carrying the knowledge of what it means to move between worlds, and she has spent nearly seventeen years using the law to fight for people who've been told their story doesn't count.

This yarn goes places I didn't expect. Sarah is doing some of the most important work happening in this country right now, and after this one, you'll understand why I wanted her voice on this podcast.

Resources and Links

Racial Justice Centre: https://www.racialjustice.au
Follow the Racial Justice Centre on Instagram: @racialjustice.au
Central Lawyers (Sarah's commercial law firm): https://www.centrallawyers.com.au

If this yarn brought things up for you, please reach out to 13YARN on 13 92 76, a free and confidential service where you can yarn with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.

Want this conversation before anyone else? Become a BlakCast Patreon member for early access to new episodes, ad free listening, and exclusive bonus content. Join at Patreon.com/BlakCastNetwork There are community legal services for so many of us. For women. For elders. For people with disability. For refugees. For mob navigating the justice system. But when Sarah Ibrahim went looking for one built for race and racism, there wasn't a single one in this whole country. So she built it herself.
In this yarn I sit down with Sarah, an Egyptian-Australian lawyer, human rights advocate and the founder of the Racial Justice Centre, the first community legal service in Australia dedicated entirely to racial justice. Sarah came to this country carrying the knowledge of what it means to move between worlds, and she has spent nearly seventeen years using the law to fight for people who've been told their story doesn't count.
This yarn goes places I didn't expect. Sarah is doing some of the most important work happening in this country right now, and after this one, you'll understand why I wanted her voice on this podcast.
Resources and Links
Racial Justice Centre: <a href="https://www.racialjustice.au">https://www.racialjustice.au</a> Follow the Racial Justice Centre on Instagram: @racialjustice.au Central Lawyers (Sarah's commercial law firm): <a href="https://www.centrallawyers.com.au">https://www.centrallawyers.com.au</a>
If this yarn brought things up for you, please reach out to 13YARN on 13 92 76, a free and confidential service where you can yarn with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.

How Did We Get This Far Into This Colony With No Legal Home for Race?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/bcfa6f6a-6be4-4f05-b829-b48800504e97/transcript

Want this conversation before anyone else? Become a BlakCast Patreon member for early access to new episodes, ad free listening, and exclusive bonus content. Join at Patreon.com/BlakCastNetwork

I didn't know Akala Newman's full story before we sat down to yarn. And I think that's exactly why this conversation hit me the way it did.

Akala is a proud Wiradjuri and Gadigal woman from Sydney. A performer, songwriter, educator, and cultural producer who has been creating on her own terms since day one. She opened the Sydney Opera House New Year's Eve fireworks with her song Calling Country and is the founder of Gili Gatherings. 

But this yarn wasn't about any of that. Not really.

It was about duality. About what it costs to move between worlds every single day. About the exhaustion of code-switching, of always being surveilled, of being Black no matter how light-skinned you are or how many spaces you are invited into.

It was about her dad, and the sacrifices he made. About the nephews and nieces she wants to look up one day and think, I can do this too. About art as the thing that holds it all together when the cycle of trauma feels impossible to break.

Akala Newman is on a rise. And this yarn is just the beginning.

Resources and Links

Akala Newman — akalanewman.com
Gili Gatherings — follow @giligatherings on Instagram

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

Want this conversation before anyone else? Become a BlakCast Patreon member for early access to new episodes, ad free listening, and exclusive bonus content. Join at Patreon.com/BlakCastNetwork
I didn't know Akala Newman's full story before we sat down to yarn. And I think that's exactly why this conversation hit me the way it did.
Akala is a proud Wiradjuri and Gadigal woman from Sydney. A performer, songwriter, educator, and cultural producer who has been creating on her own terms since day one. She opened the Sydney Opera House New Year's Eve fireworks with her song Calling Country and is the founder of Gili Gatherings.&nbsp;
But this yarn wasn't about any of that. Not really.
It was about duality. About what it costs to move between worlds every single day. About the exhaustion of code-switching, of always being surveilled, of being Black no matter how light-skinned you are or how many spaces you are invited into.
It was about her dad, and the sacrifices he made. About the nephews and nieces she wants to look up one day and think, I can do this too. About art as the thing that holds it all together when the cycle of trauma feels impossible to break.
Akala Newman is on a rise. And this yarn is just the beginning.
Resources and Links
Akala Newman &mdash; <a href="https://akalanewman.com/">akalanewman.com</a> Gili Gatherings &mdash; follow @giligatherings on Instagram
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please &lsquo;Subscribe&rsquo; on Apple Podcasts or &lsquo;Follow&rsquo; on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you&rsquo;d like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

Walking Between Two Worlds: 'I Live With a Lot of Duality. You Have To.'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/112d1aa8-7a37-4fab-8d90-b47a002a4cd8/transcript

She left a high-flying career at Google to start a drinks company. Three years later, she's on shelves at Dan Murphy's, on Amazon, and secured a $125,000 investment from a Shark Tank judge.

Tara Croker is a proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Yaala Sparkling, an Indigenous-owned beverage company using native Australian botanicals to create premium alcohol-free drinks. In this yarn, Tara opens up about the moment she realised the native food industry was worth billions and Indigenous people made up almost none of the ownership, and how that became the fire behind her business.

She talks candidly about the highs and lows of building something from scratch, the mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself, and her Shark Tank journey from application to deal. It's a conversation about purpose, resilience, and backing yourself.

Resources and Links
Yaala Sparkling: yaalasparkling.com

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast

If you enjoyed this episode, please ‘Subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘Follow’ on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you’d like to contact us, please email, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

 

She left a high-flying career at Google to start a drinks company. Three years later, she's on shelves at Dan Murphy's, on Amazon, and secured a $125,000 investment from a Shark Tank judge.
Tara Croker is a proud Wiradjuri woman and founder of Yaala Sparkling, an Indigenous-owned beverage company using native Australian botanicals to create premium alcohol-free drinks. In this yarn, Tara opens up about the moment she realised the native food industry was worth billions and Indigenous people made up almost none of the ownership, and how that became the fire behind her business.
She talks candidly about the highs and lows of building something from scratch, the mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself, and her Shark Tank journey from application to deal. It's a conversation about purpose, resilience, and backing yourself.
Resources and Links Yaala Sparkling: <a href="https://yaalasparkling.com/">yaalasparkling.com</a>
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://open.acast.com/www.blackmagicwoman.com.au">www.blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast
If you enjoyed this episode, please &lsquo;Subscribe&rsquo; on Apple Podcasts or &lsquo;Follow&rsquo; on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! If you&rsquo;d like to contact us, please email, <a href="mailto:info@blackmagicwoman.com.au">info@blackmagicwoman.com.au</a>
Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.
&nbsp;

I Discovered Less Than 2% of Native Food Businesses Are Indigenous-Owned. So I Built One.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/aaad3c67-3e79-4db0-8e0d-b47200294fb8/transcript

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.

 

Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It’s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960’s.

 

Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at www.theblackcard.com.au

 

If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit www.theblackcard.com.au Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.
&nbsp;
Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It&rsquo;s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960&rsquo;s.
&nbsp;
Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at <a href="https://www.theblackcard.com.au">www.theblackcard.com.au</a>
&nbsp;
If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit <a href="https://www.theblackcard.com.au">www.theblackcard.com.au</a> Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bales sits down with proud Gamilaraay man, founder of Walkabout Barber and community wellbeing advocate Brian Dowd for a deeply honest yarn about mental fitness, identity, vulnerability and the power of truly listening to people.

Known to many as “The Walkabout Barber”, Brian shares how a simple haircut can become something much bigger, a moment where people feel safe enough to open up, be heard and feel seen beyond the surface. Through Walkabout Barber and the Walkabout Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, Brian is creating spaces where conversations happen naturally, stigma is broken down and people are supported to help themselves.

Together, Brian and Mundanara explore what it means to look after people, especially young people, by giving them a voice, listening without judgement and helping build the confidence to feel comfortable in their own skin. Brian speaks powerfully about “wearing two uniforms in life”, reminding listeners that the most important one is the skin you wake up in every day.

Brian also opens up about fatherhood, supporting his autistic son and caring for his mother after her stroke. His reflections on grief, purpose, vulnerability and community are raw, compassionate and deeply human.

This episode is a reminder that everyone’s story is worthwhile, everyone matters and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, listen and ask someone if they’re okay.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

Follow the Walkabout Barber on Instagram @walkaboutbarber

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bales sits down with proud Gamilaraay man, founder of Walkabout Barber and community wellbeing advocate Brian Dowd for a deeply honest yarn about mental fitness, identity, vulnerability and the power of truly listening to people.
Known to many as &ldquo;The Walkabout Barber&rdquo;, Brian shares how a simple haircut can become something much bigger, a moment where people feel safe enough to open up, be heard and feel seen beyond the surface. Through Walkabout Barber and the Walkabout Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, Brian is creating spaces where conversations happen naturally, stigma is broken down and people are supported to help themselves.
Together, Brian and Mundanara explore what it means to look after people, especially young people, by giving them a voice, listening without judgement and helping build the confidence to feel comfortable in their own skin. Brian speaks powerfully about &ldquo;wearing two uniforms in life&rdquo;, reminding listeners that the most important one is the skin you wake up in every day.
Brian also opens up about fatherhood, supporting his autistic son and caring for his mother after her stroke. His reflections on grief, purpose, vulnerability and community are raw, compassionate and deeply human.
This episode is a reminder that everyone&rsquo;s story is worthwhile, everyone matters and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, listen and ask someone if they&rsquo;re okay.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org"> www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
Follow the Walkabout Barber on Instagram @walkaboutbarber
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How Walkabout Barber Brian Dowd is Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Speak Up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/30110f64-18e4-4a9e-95f1-b43c0049d581/transcript

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bayles chats with Aaliyah Bula - a proud Tongan, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman, athlete and community leader - about what mental fitness means to her.

Aaliyah’s journey is one of strength, connection and cultural pride. Aaliyah has always balanced her passion for culture with her drive in sport. She’s played Open Women’s footy with the Redfern All Blacks and continues her rugby league journey with the Canterbury Bulldogs U19s Tarsha Gale squad. In 2025, she joined the Wests Tigers NRLW as a development player.

Aaliyah’s insights remind us that mental fitness is about surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, staying proud of where you come from and trusting your own path.

Whether you’re an athlete, a student or just navigating life’s ups and downs, this episode is a reminder that small actions - like leaning on your mates, practising gratitude and staying connected - can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

The Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym App is free and available now. Download it today and start your first mental workout online.

Follow Aaliyah on Instagram @aaliyahbula

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bayles chats with Aaliyah Bula - a proud Tongan, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman, athlete and community leader - about what mental fitness means to her.
Aaliyah&rsquo;s journey is one of strength, connection and cultural pride. Aaliyah has always balanced her passion for culture with her drive in sport. She&rsquo;s played Open Women&rsquo;s footy with the Redfern All Blacks and continues her rugby league journey with the Canterbury Bulldogs U19s Tarsha Gale squad. In 2025, she joined the Wests Tigers NRLW as a development player.
Aaliyah&rsquo;s insights remind us that mental fitness is about surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, staying proud of where you come from and trusting your own path.
Whether you&rsquo;re an athlete, a student or just navigating life&rsquo;s ups and downs, this episode is a reminder that small actions - like leaning on your mates, practising gratitude and staying connected - can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
The Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym App is free and available now. Download it today and start your first mental workout <a href="https://www.gym.gotcha4life.org/">online</a>.
Follow Aaliyah on Instagram @aaliyahbula
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Aaliyah Bula | NRLW, self-belief & leaning on your village

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4de0e090-b0a0-44a6-8e30-b39800350d27/transcript

At just 25, Wendell French – also known by their stage name Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress – is a proud Kamilaroi and Dhunghutti “brotherboy, sistergirl, brista – brothersister”. They are a performer, advocate and entrepreneur using drag as a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression and connection.

In this honest and uplifting conversation with host Mundanara Bayles, Wendell talks openly about what mental fitness means to them: grounding yourself in who you are, finding strength in vulnerability and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

Wendell also shares the importance of representation, and how seeing yourself reflected in culture and community can strengthen confidence and self-belief.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

Follow Wednell on Instagram @iam_deadly_feliciafoxx

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

At just 25, Wendell French &ndash; also known by their stage name Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress &ndash; is a proud Kamilaroi and Dhunghutti &ldquo;brotherboy, sistergirl, brista &ndash; brothersister&rdquo;. They are a performer, advocate and entrepreneur using drag as a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression and connection.
In this honest and uplifting conversation with host Mundanara Bayles, Wendell talks openly about what mental fitness means to them: grounding yourself in who you are, finding strength in vulnerability and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.
Wendell also shares the importance of representation, and how seeing yourself reflected in culture and community can strengthen confidence and self-belief.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
Follow Wednell on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iam_deadly_feliciafoxx/">iam_deadly_feliciafoxx</a>
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Wendell French: Culture, Pride and Safe Spaces for Queer Mob

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/a22ab78f-1fd6-44c3-a198-b3840046edab/transcript

Wiradjuri Elder and Aboriginal activist Uncle Dave Bell has spent more than two decades guiding young people towards strength through culture, mentoring and connection. In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, he joins Mundanara Bayles from Black Magic Woman podcasts to share the story of Young Spirit Mentoring - a grassroots program changing lives across Campbelltown by reconnecting youth with Country, culture and community.

Together, Mundanara and Uncle Dave explore the importance of cultural identity, safe spaces for open conversation and how meaningful connection can break cycles of disconnection and pain.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

Find out about Young Spirit Mentoring https://youngspiritmentoring.wordpress.com/

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Wiradjuri Elder and Aboriginal activist Uncle Dave Bell has spent more than two decades guiding young people towards strength through culture, mentoring and connection. In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, he joins Mundanara Bayles from Black Magic Woman podcasts to share the story of Young Spirit Mentoring - a grassroots program changing lives across Campbelltown by reconnecting youth with Country, culture and community.
Together, Mundanara and Uncle Dave explore the importance of cultural identity, safe spaces for open conversation and how meaningful connection can break cycles of disconnection and pain.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
Find out about Young Spirit Mentoring <a href="https://youngspiritmentoring.wordpress.com/">https://youngspiritmentoring.wordpress.com/</a>
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Uncle Dave Bell | Aboriginal Activist on Culture & Mentoring

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/b295b14e-0567-4759-a12c-b376000c0ffc/transcript

In the newest Mental Fitness Conversations episode, produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, host Mundanara Bayles yams with Dr Clinton Schultz, a proud Gamilaroi man, psychologist and Head of First Nations Strategy at Black Dog Institute.

Clinton speaks openly about his life and the role of culture in shaping his path. He reflects on growing up disconnected from support, navigating systems that didn’t see him and the turning points that helped him realign with culture, lore and spirit. From building a career as a chef to retraining as a psychologist, Clinton’s journey shows the resilience of spirit that comes from culture and community.

At the heart of this yarn is Aboriginal psychology - a way of understanding wellbeing that goes beyond the mind to include spirit, belonging and connection. Clinton explains why psychology must reflect culture and lived experience, and how he works to embed this at Black Dog Institute.

Clinton’s story is raw, wise and deeply hopeful. He reminds us that mental fitness is not about going it alone but about drawing on culture, relationships and the practices that keep us strong across generations.

Resources and links:

Find out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us!

Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. If you found this content emotionally challenging, please practise self-care. There are support services available 24/7, 13YARN 13 92 76 and Lifeline 13 11 14.

In the newest Mental Fitness Conversations episode, produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, host Mundanara Bayles yams with Dr Clinton Schultz, a proud Gamilaroi man, psychologist and Head of First Nations Strategy at Black Dog Institute.
Clinton speaks openly about his life and the role of culture in shaping his path. He reflects on growing up disconnected from support, navigating systems that didn&rsquo;t see him and the turning points that helped him realign with culture, lore and spirit. From building a career as a chef to retraining as a psychologist, Clinton&rsquo;s journey shows the resilience of spirit that comes from culture and community.
At the heart of this yarn is Aboriginal psychology - a way of understanding wellbeing that goes beyond the mind to include spirit, belonging and connection. Clinton explains why psychology must reflect culture and lived experience, and how he works to embed this at Black Dog Institute.
Clinton&rsquo;s story is raw, wise and deeply hopeful. He reminds us that mental fitness is not about going it alone but about drawing on culture, relationships and the practices that keep us strong across generations.
Resources and links:
Find out more about Gotcha4Life at <a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us!
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. If you found this content emotionally challenging, please practise self-care. There are support services available 24/7, 13YARN 13 92 76 and Lifeline 13 11 14.

Dr Clinton Schultz on healing, culture and redefining psychology through a First Nations lens.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/29e20a06-e87c-4e05-a86d-b36b002eae1a/transcript

The fourth episode of the Mental Fitness Conversations podcast features a powerful yarn with Quaden Bayles, a 14-year-old First Nations actor, award-winning advocate and activist.

In this episode, Quaden speaks openly about how his life changed overnight, from the pain of relentless bullying to the opportunities and challenges of acting in major Hollywood films. What shines through most is his honesty about the role that culture, family and community have played in grounding him, especially after living in Redfern earlier this year where he found a renewed sense of belonging and strength.

Mental Fitness Conversations is part of Gotcha4Life’s mission to create a suicide-free world through stronger connections, inclusive conversations and culturally grounded truth-telling. In partnership with Black Magic Woman, the series explores the depth, strength and diversity of what it means to stay mentally fit, especially for First Nations peoples.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges including bullying which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

The fourth episode of the Mental Fitness Conversations podcast features a powerful yarn with Quaden Bayles, a 14-year-old First Nations actor, award-winning advocate and activist.
In this episode, Quaden speaks openly about how his life changed overnight, from the pain of relentless bullying to the opportunities and challenges of acting in major Hollywood films. What shines through most is his honesty about the role that culture, family and community have played in grounding him, especially after living in Redfern earlier this year where he found a renewed sense of belonging and strength.
Mental Fitness Conversations is part of Gotcha4Life&rsquo;s mission to create a suicide-free world through stronger connections, inclusive conversations and culturally grounded truth-telling. In partnership with Black Magic Woman, the series explores the depth, strength and diversity of what it means to stay mentally fit, especially for First Nations peoples.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges including bullying which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Quaden Bayles on bullying, belonging and mental fitness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/1cc4191a-4ec6-42fc-bea8-b354001dfb6e/transcript

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Steph Tisdell is one of Australia’s brightest creative forces. Known for her quick wit and powerful storytelling, she uses humour to break down barriers and spark conversations about identity, culture and mental health.

In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Steph for an open yarn about what it means to live authentically and use your platform for change. Steph reflects on her journey from aspiring lawyer to celebrated performer, the wisdom she’s received from Elders, and the way running, love and community have shaped her wellbeing. She speaks candidly about representation, self-acceptance and the importance of making space for others to shine.

Steph’s story is one of laughter, courage and deep connection. From viral comedy moments to acclaimed young adult author, she continues to use her voice to challenge stereotypes and open doors for the next generation.

This conversation is open, funny and inspiring - and a reminder that building mental fitness is about courage, connection and showing up as your whole self.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

Follow Steph on Instagram

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Steph Tisdell is one of Australia&rsquo;s brightest creative forces. Known for her quick wit and powerful storytelling, she uses humour to break down barriers and spark conversations about identity, culture and mental health.
In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Steph for an open yarn about what it means to live authentically and use your platform for change. Steph reflects on her journey from aspiring lawyer to celebrated performer, the wisdom she&rsquo;s received from Elders, and the way running, love and community have shaped her wellbeing. She speaks candidly about representation, self-acceptance and the importance of making space for others to shine.
Steph&rsquo;s story is one of laughter, courage and deep connection. From viral comedy moments to acclaimed young adult author, she continues to use her voice to challenge stereotypes and open doors for the next generation.
This conversation is open, funny and inspiring - and a reminder that building mental fitness is about courage, connection and showing up as your whole self.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org/">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
Follow Steph on Instagram
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Steph Tisdell | Comedian and Actor on Identity, Connection and Mental Fitness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/1ba0f9db-8cee-4f68-9117-b352006a51df/transcript

Actor, presenter and podcaster Matty Mills is a proud First Nations and queer storyteller whose energy lights up every room. Known for his “sparkly” persona on screen and stage, Matty also brings honesty and depth to conversations about healing, culture and mental fitness.

In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Matty for an open conversation about identity, belonging and the courage it takes to reclaim your story. Matty reflects on reconnecting with family, navigating grief and the role therapy played in strengthening his mental health. He speaks candidly about breaking through in the media, the pressure of representation and refusing to be boxed in by stereotypes.

Matty’s story is one of persistence, authenticity and cultural pride. From hosting red carpets to working with Baz Luhrmann, and now co-hosting First Things First with Brooke Blurton, Matty continues to use his platform to amplify First Nations and LGBTQIA+ voices.

This conversation is a reminder that behind every persona is a human story - of vulnerability, courage and connection. As Matty shares, building mental fitness means finding the strength to show up as your whole self and creating space for others to do the same.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life atwww.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman Podcast on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

Follow Matty on Instagram @itsmattymills.

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Actor, presenter and podcaster Matty Mills is a proud First Nations and queer storyteller whose energy lights up every room. Known for his &ldquo;sparkly&rdquo; persona on screen and stage, Matty also brings honesty and depth to conversations about healing, culture and mental fitness.
In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Matty for an open conversation about identity, belonging and the courage it takes to reclaim your story. Matty reflects on reconnecting with family, navigating grief and the role therapy played in strengthening his mental health. He speaks candidly about breaking through in the media, the pressure of representation and refusing to be boxed in by stereotypes.
Matty&rsquo;s story is one of persistence, authenticity and cultural pride. From hosting red carpets to working with Baz Luhrmann, and now co-hosting First Things First with Brooke Blurton, Matty continues to use his platform to amplify First Nations and LGBTQIA+ voices.
This conversation is a reminder that behind every persona is a human story - of vulnerability, courage and connection. As Matty shares, building mental fitness means finding the strength to show up as your whole self and creating space for others to do the same.
Resources and links Find out more about Gotcha4Life at<a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org"> </a><a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman Podcast on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.
Follow Matty on Instagram @itsmattymills.
About the podcast Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content note This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Matty Mills | Presenter and Actor on Culture, Grief and Everyday Mental Fitness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3b62949d-6120-4ace-8fdd-b3440065423f/transcript

We kick off our new podcast series with a heartbeat – and a Warrior Heart.

Host Mundanara Bayles speaks with Shantelle Thompson OAM – a proud Barkindji and Ngiyampaa woman, mother of five, three-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion and founder of the Warrior Heart Movement. Known as the Barkindji Warrior, Shantelle is a speaker, storyteller and fierce advocate for her people.

Shantelle shares her journey from deep trauma to cultural reclamation – a path grounded in ancestral strength, truth-telling and radical responsibility. Mental fitness, she says, is not just about being strong. It’s about remembering who you are, rising with your Ancestors at your back, and walking in sovereignty.

This episode is a call to come home to yourself and a reminder that we are not broken, we are becoming.

Resources and links:

Find out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast. 

Follow Shantelle on Instagram at @shantellethompsonofficial.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us! 

Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. If you found this content emotionally challenging, please practise self-care. There are support services available 24/7, 13YARN 13 92 76 and Lifeline 13 11 14

We kick off our new podcast series with a heartbeat &ndash; and a Warrior Heart.
Host Mundanara Bayles speaks with Shantelle Thompson OAM &ndash; a proud Barkindji and Ngiyampaa woman, mother of five, three-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion and founder of the Warrior Heart Movement. Known as the Barkindji Warrior, Shantelle is a speaker, storyteller and fierce advocate for her people.
Shantelle shares her journey from deep trauma to cultural reclamation &ndash; a path grounded in ancestral strength, truth-telling and radical responsibility. Mental fitness, she says, is not just about being strong. It&rsquo;s about remembering who you are, rising with your Ancestors at your back, and walking in sovereignty.
This episode is a call to come home to yourself and a reminder that we are not broken, we are becoming.
Resources and links:
Find out more about Gotcha4Life at <a href="http://www.gotcha4life.org">www.gotcha4life.org</a> and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and Black Magic Woman on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.&nbsp;
Follow Shantelle on Instagram at @shantellethompsonofficial.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on your Spotify app and tell your friends and family about us!&nbsp;
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.
Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. If you found this content emotionally challenging, please practise self-care. There are support services available 24/7, 13YARN 13 92 76 and Lifeline 13 11 14

Mental Fitness Conversations: Episode 1 with Shantelle Thompson OAM

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/3bc0d174-764f-425d-8cab-b32b005cf16d/transcript

Introducing Mental Fitness Conversations - a special podcast series created in partnership with Black Magic Woman and Gotcha4Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation I’m proud to be a board member of.

Gotcha4Life is all about inspiring and enabling people to take action to build their mental fitness: the everyday skills and support we all need to look after our wellbeing.

In this first series, I sit down with mob from across the country to yarn about identity, connection and our emotional strengths - in ourselves, in each other and in our communities. These are honest, uplifting conversations that celebrate culture, community and the simple actions that help us stay strong and connected through life’s ups and downs.

Join me as we explore how mob are taking action to build their mental fitness, one conversation at a time.

Introducing Mental Fitness Conversations - a special podcast series created in partnership with Black Magic Woman and Gotcha4Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation I&rsquo;m proud to be a board member of.
Gotcha4Life is all about inspiring and enabling people to take action to build their mental fitness: the everyday skills and support we all need to look after our wellbeing.
In this first series, I sit down with mob from across the country to yarn about identity, connection and our emotional strengths - in ourselves, in each other and in our communities. These are honest, uplifting conversations that celebrate culture, community and the simple actions that help us stay strong and connected through life&rsquo;s ups and downs.
Join me as we explore how mob are taking action to build their mental fitness, one conversation at a time.

Mental Fitness Conversations

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.



Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It’s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960’s.



Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at www.theblackcard.com.au.



If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit https://www.theblackcard.com.au./ Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.
 
Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It’s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960’s.
 
Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at www.theblackcard.com.au.
 
If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit https://www.theblackcard.com.au./ Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

Black Magic Woman

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