Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

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 LinksYaala 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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this yarn, I sit down with Sharon Winsor, a proud Ngemba Weilwan woman from Western NSW and the founder of Indigiearth, one of Australia's most awarded Aboriginal-owned businesses. For 30 years Sharon has been sharing First Nations food, knowledge, and culture with the world, not from ambition, but from a deep connection to Country and a knowing that this knowledge belongs to all of us. We talk about building a business from scratch, the fight to keep culture at the centre of an industry that has largely shut First Nations people out, and why less than 2% of Australia's native food industry is owned by First Nations people. We also get into the moment Sharon nearly skipped an awards night and ended up winning the Bill Granger Trailblazer Award without knowing she was even nominated. Resources and Links Indigiearth: www.indigiearth.com.au Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks: https://carriageworks.com.au/events/australian-native-food-festival/ Support First Nations businesses: www.supplynation.org.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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind 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 podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dylan Voller is a Ngarrindjeri man, hip hop artist, and advocate from Alice Springs, now based in Sydney. In 2016, footage of Dylan as a seventeen year old, hooded and strapped to a restraint chair inside the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, aired on the ABC's Four Corners program, went around the world, and sparked a Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory. But Dylan is more than that footage, and this yarn is proof. I sat down with Dylan for an honest, unfiltered conversation about growing up fast, what it meant to be a young blakfulla inside a system built to punish rather than protect, and what it has taken to rebuild a life on his own terms. Dylan talks about his big sister, the first person who truly believed in him. He talks about music as survival, writing poems inside and watching them find their way into the published anthology Fire Front: First Nations Poetry and Power Today alongside Archie Roach and some of this country's most powerful Aboriginal voices. He talks about the grassroots work nobody claps for, the burnout of being pushed before you're ready, the slow and hard road of healing from trauma, and the young ones in his community who inspire him just as much as he inspires them. He also speaks plainly about what the statistics mean when you've lived inside them, and why he refuses to let the media's version of his story be the last word. This is a yarn about resilience, family, music, and what it looks like to keep going when the world has already written you off. Dylan's music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Follow him on Instagram: @dylan_voller_ If this episode raised anything for you, support is available. Call 13YARN on 13 92 76, a 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Lifeline is also available on 13 11 14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I yarn with proud Dulguburra Yidinji woman Carly Wallace about her journey from going viral with her comedy platform CJays Vines to becoming a respected advocate and storyteller across media and community spaces. Carly reflects on navigating trolling, changing expectations around humour, and the importance of staying authentic while using your voice to advocate for mob and family. We also talk about Carly’s late ADHD diagnosis, how understanding neurodiversity has helped her reframe lifelong challenges, and the healing she’s found reconnecting with cultural practice through weaving. This yarn is a powerful reminder to follow your interests, step outside your comfort zone and stay grounded in who you are. Them Yarns Podcast (Spotify)https://open.spotify.com/show/5AdvfAcD5VNLb9vpiEO1Jx?si=4360bcecb6424493 Them Yarns Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/themyarnsthepodcast 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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 23, everything changed. In this yarn, I sit down with a proud Wakka Wakka and Mandandanji man, Ian Lacey, who opens up about losing his dream of playing professional rugby league and how that moment of failure became the turning point that shaped his life’s work. From sitting down with Wayne Bennett after a career-ending mistake, to navigating the pressure of leadership in community, Ian shares what it really takes to rebuild, stay grounded, and back yourself when things don’t go to plan. We also dive into the deeper purpose behind his work — creating pathways through sport, supporting mob in community, and building something bigger than the game itself. This yarn is about resilience, accountability, and understanding that sometimes the biggest setbacks can open the right doors — if you’re willing to learn from them. Key Themes 00:00 Losing a lifelong dream and the moment everything shifted 03:15 Learning from mistakes and building self-belief 08:40 Pressure, accountability, and leading in community 18:20 Life after sport — identity, purpose, and transition 24:10 Creating pathways through sport and giving back 32:30 Advice for young mob chasing high-performance sport Resources Arthur Beetson Foundation → https://arthurbeetsonfoundation.com/ 13YARN (24/7 support) → https://www.13yarn.org.au Lifeline Australia → https://www.lifeline.org.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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this yarn, I sit down with Courtney Ugle, a proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman, to talk about identity, grief, and the strength it takes to keep showing up. Courtney reflects on losing both of her parents, the ongoing impact of that loss, and how her mum continues to guide her in the work she does today. This is a powerful conversation about what it means to carry love and pain at the same time, and how our stories can shape who we become. Courtney also shares how she found her voice through storytelling, advocacy, and football, and how her social enterprise, Waangkiny — meaning “talking” — is creating change in the space of domestic and family violence. We yarn about identity, being questioned as a fair-skinned Blak woman, and why lived experience is a powerful tool for leadership and impact. This episode is about truth-telling, healing, and the strength that comes from owning your story. Key Themes 04:20 — Losing her mum and navigating grief into adulthood 11:10 — Finding her voice through storytelling and advocacy 23:40 — Domestic and family violence as a national crisis 31:15 — Identity, colourism and being questioned as a fair-skinned Blak woman 49:10 — Waangkiny and turning lived experience into impact Resources 1800RESPECT – https://www.1800respect.org.au Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au Our Watch – https://www.ourwatch.org.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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with proud Wiradjuri woman Aisha Wighton, who recently stepped onto one of the biggest global platforms as a contestant on Australian Survivor. From growing up in Condobolin to navigating the modelling, acting and social work industries, Aisha shares what it means to take up space as a young Black woman in spaces where representation still matters deeply. Together, we yarn about resilience, visibility and the courage it takes to back yourself — even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Aisha also reflects on the intense physical and emotional realities of life on the island, processing personal challenges while competing, and returning home with a renewed sense of clarity and strength. This is an honest conversation about identity, ambition and refusing to be boxed in — whether that’s in reality TV, the acting industry or in everyday life. Key Themes 24:40 — Being unapologetically Black and visible on mainstream television 14:10 — Surviving physically and mentally on Survivor 32:30 — Racism, beauty standards and growing up wanting to change her skin 10:05 — Breaking into modelling and acting — and resisting tokenism in casting 06:50 — Chasing dreams, relocating and stepping into a new chapter at 30 Resources Watch Australian Survivor → https://10play.com.au/australian-survivor Follow Aisha Wighton → https://www.instagram.com/aisha_wighton 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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is in partnership with the Australian Government. In this yarn, I sit down with mother and daughter Karla and Lowanna Grant to talk about what legacy really means in our communities — not just in terms of money, but in culture, stories, opportunity and security. We reflect on the journeys that shaped them, from growing up in Housing Commission and witnessing sacrifice, to working hard to create stability and independence for the next generation. It’s a powerful reminder that generational wealth for First Nations people is deeply connected to identity, resilience and the responsibility to carry knowledge forward. We also unpack the realities of home ownership, the pressures of cost of living, and the dreams many of our mob hold about creating a safe space to call their own. Karla shares what it meant to buy her first home and the security that brought her young family, while Lowanna reflects on forging her own path — following in her mother’s footsteps while building something uniquely hers. This episode is about perseverance, listening to our Elders, and creating pathways so the next generation can step forward with strength and pride. Key Themes 06:00 Listening and learning from Elders Karla speaks about being taught to observe and listen as a young girl15:00 Walking in your parents’ footsteps while making your own mark Lowanna reflects on finding her voice in media22:30 What generational wealth means for First Nations families culture, language and stories as legacy29:30 Creating security through home ownership and hard work Karla shares buying her first home36:00 Cost of living pressures and dreaming of owning a home Lowanna on independence and responsibility44:00 Advice for the next generation resilience, saving and setting goals Resources Living Black (SBS) → https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/news-series/living-blackAccess Granted podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/37bKl1269TIB5AkDzkF9Fj?si=4eeb46e663d74285 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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mundanara sits down with the three hosts of the Bros and Cons podcast — former gang members who once made headlines for crime and are now mentoring young people, building businesses, and reshaping what strength and leadership look like. Jayleks, Malik and Ronnie speak candidly about prison, rap culture, identity and the turning point that led them back to family, heritage and purpose. They unpack media stigma, masculinity, broken families and the responsibility that comes with influence — choosing growth over ego and legacy over reputation. A raw and honest yarn about transformation, accountability and standing proud for your people. Resources & Links 🎙️ Listen to Bros and Cons Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/search/bros%20and%20cons YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bros+and+cons+podcast Justice System Reintegration  Community Restorative Centre (NSW)Support for people leaving prison and rebuilding their lives.https://www.crcnsw.org.au SHINE for KidsSupports children and families impacted by incarceration.https://shineforkids.org.au Young Men, Mentoring & Identity PCYC AustraliaYouth programs, sport, leadership and community support.https://www.pcyc.org.au Street UniversityCreative programs for young people navigating disadvantage.https://www.streetuni.org Men’s Mental Health & Support MensLine AustraliaSupport for men navigating relationships, identity and life challenges.https://mensline.org.au 13YARN (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples)24/7 culturally safe crisis support.https://www.13yarn.org.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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 2 opens with human rights and discrimination lawyer Prabha Nandagopal. In this straight-talking yarn, Prabha reflects on the moments that shaped her — from working with asylum seekers in detention and contributing to landmark workplace reform inquiries, to navigating cultural expectations, divorce and solo motherhood. We unpack accountability, workplace culture, systemic change and what real leadership looks like under pressure. New format. Same powerful yarns. Resources & Links Elevate Consulting Partners – https://www.elevateconsultingpartners.com.au/ Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (2020) – https://www.humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/ahrc_wsh_report_2020.pdf Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (‘Set the Standard’ Report) – https://humanrights.gov.au/CPWReview 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, [email protected] Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode, I revisit some of the most powerful moments from my yarn with Nooky — a conversation that moves between music, culture, grief, and survival. We reflect on the making of his album with 3%, including the collaborations that shaped it and the intention behind centring cultural history and awareness. The iconic album artwork featuring Nicky Winmar stands as a defining moment in the discussion — a symbol of resistance, strength, and truth-telling in the face of racism. Nooky also speaks candidly about his personal journey through grief and addiction, and how community became central to his healing. His commitment to creating space for mob is evident through initiatives like We Are Warriors and his film trilogy centred on the black cockatoo — stories grounded in mentorship, culture, and passing knowledge to the next generation. We also touch on friendship, connection, and shared cultural spaces, including his relationship with The Kid Laroi, highlighting how community and identity continue to shape Indigenous voices in music. This Best Of yarn is a reminder of the power of storytelling — and how resilience, culture, and music can be tools for change, advocacy, and collective strength. Links & Resources: We are Warriors - https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/ 3% - https://amnplify.com.au/first-nations-collective-3-nooky-dallas-woods-angus-field-share-new-single-video-wont-stop-feat-jessica-mauboy-ahead-of-debut-album-kill-the-dead/ Blakout with Nooky - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/blak-out Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is in partnership with the Australian Government. In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I yarn with the deadly Amanda Sibosado, a proud Wardandi and Bard woman, PhD candidate, and long-time sexual health educator. Amanda joins me from Whadjuk Noongar Country to talk honestly about sexual health in our communities — from the gaps many of us experienced growing up, to why STIs like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea are on the rise. We break down what STI testing actually involves, why confidentiality matters, and why relying on symptoms alone can be risky. We also yarn deeply about shame — how it shows up, how our mob push through it every day, and how we can use that same strength to look after our bodies, have safer conversations, and support our young people. This episode goes beyond prevention and treatment, touching on healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and the role we all play as parents, aunties, uncles and community. This conversation is for our young people, our families, and anyone who’s ever felt unsure or embarrassed about sexual health. Knowledge is power, testing saves lives, and our mob deserve culturally safe care. For trusted information and resources, visit health.gov.au/sti/first-nations. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is proudly brought to you by ANZ. A new series of conversations with different mob around the country to yarn about, meaningful career opportunities within ANZ, building the capacity of Indigenous businesses and organisations, and helping individuals in the broader community to achieve financial wellbeing and resilience. If you’d like to know more about how ANZ can help improve your financial wellbeing, or help you start, run or grow your business, visit anz.com or call 13 13 14. In this episode of the ANZ Partnership Series, I sit down with Garry Jaffrey, Managing Director of Kurtarra Pty Ltd — a 100 % Indigenous, family-owned company from the Palkyu region of the Pilbara, Western Australia. Garry shares his powerful journey from growing up on Country to leading one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous businesses, weaving culture, community and economic opportunity into everything he does. Together, we explore the meaning of leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build a business that stays true to Country and community while engaging in large-scale industry partnerships. We also unpack the significance of supportive financial relationships like those with ANZ, and how access to purpose-driven investment and programs has helped Kurtarra scale its operations and deliver real opportunities for First Nations peoples. This conversation is a celebration of Indigenous enterprise, cultural strength, and the kinds of partnerships that create lasting impact — proving that when culture and business walk hand-in-hand, everyone benefits. Recommendations throughout this episode:  Indigenous small business banking services: https://www.anz.com.au/business/indigenous-banking/  https://dev.kurtarra.com.au/ Call ANZ’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customer support line on 1800 037 366 https://www.anz.com.au/support/contact-us/customer-support-line/  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Opportunities https://www.anz.com.au/careers/programs/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-opportunities/  For general enquiries visit anz.com or call 13 13 14  When we reference ANZ in this episode, we are referring to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group operating in Australia and New Zealand.  Given the nature of this podcast, all comments are general in nature and do not take into account the listeners’ financial circumstances, goals or objectives. Please think about what is right for you and seek independent advice.  Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au  Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast  The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities. Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.  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, [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most unforgettable yarns with proud Yuin and Thunghutti man, artist, creator, and community leader Nooky. Recorded live on the iHeart Podcast stage at SXSW Sydney, this conversation dives deep into his journey from growing up in Nowra to becoming a driving force in Australian music and culture. Nooky shares honest reflections on resilience, healing, identity, and the strength found in family and community, while also speaking about the purpose behind his work, including We Are Warriors, and the importance of representation for the next generation. This episode is a celebration of culture, pride, storytelling, and self-determination — a reminder of the power Blak excellence has to inspire change, unity, and hope. Links & Resources: We are Warriors - https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/ 3% - https://amnplify.com.au/first-nations-collective-3-nooky-dallas-woods-angus-field-share-new-single-video-wont-stop-feat-jessica-mauboy-ahead-of-debut-album-kill-the-dead/ Blakout with Nooky - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/blak-out Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode of Black Magic Woman, I sit down with Dem Mob, a rising Indigenous hip-hop group making waves in the Australian music scene. Formed in 2019 as a school project designed to re-engage Indigenous youth through music and culture, Dem Mob have since evolved into a powerhouse collective. Their music brings Aboriginal language and culture to the forefront, blending English and Pitjantjatjara to reach and connect with diverse audiences. In this yarn, Dem Mob reflect on their origins, their mission to inspire Indigenous young people, and the importance of integrating culture with education. They share how music became an escape, a form of empowerment, and a way to navigate education systems that often leave Indigenous students feeling disconnected. Now performing on major stages and earning national recognition, Dem Mob continue to give back to community while using music as a tool for change. Links & Resources: DEM MOB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dem_mob/?hl=en DEM MOB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aciJpcM8WNsBXP4dQv9yM?si=QIwlH1MwTBmdLSYgpCk3Ng Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most loved conversations with Coby Edgar — a proud Aboriginal curator, creative, mentor and cultural powerhouse. Coby’s story is filled with honesty, humour, resilience and deep cultural insight, making this episode a standout moment from the Black Magic Woman archives. As we wrap up the year, we’re sharing a selection of Best Of episodes while the team prepares for an exciting new chapter. Regular weekly releases will resume in the New Year, with a new and improved Black Magic Woman Podcast coming your way. Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to bring you a fresh season of powerful storytelling, leadership, and Blak excellence in 2026. Links & Resources: Bankstown Arts Centre website https://powerhouse.com.au/stories/durrmu-arts-aboriginal-corporation https://www.2022.australianceramicstriennale.com.au/presenters-and-artists/coby-edgar Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.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 podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast. Follow Wednell on Instagram @iam_deadly_feliciafoxx About the podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with proud Meuram woman Lala Gutchen from Erub island in the Torres Strait — a language teacher, diver, and climate advocate whose life’s work is rooted in protecting Country. We met at the First Nations Clean Energy Summit on Kabi Kabi Country, where Lala shared her story about preserving language, culture, and Sea Country in the face of rising tides and corporate development. From teaching her people’s first language, Erub Mer, to giving evidence in court alongside her parents to defend her homeland, Lala reminds us that caring for Country isn’t just environmental work — it’s cultural survival. Together, we yarn about the Torres Strait 8, youth leadership, the importance of elders’ guidance, and how connection to Country keeps language alive. Lala’s words are powerful and grounding — a reminder that protecting the planet begins with listening to those who live closest to it. 🎧 Tune in to hear a deeply moving conversation about family, resistance, and hope — and why, as Lala says, “Country breathes the language to us.” Resources & Links First Nations Clean Energy NetworkLearn more about the movement bringing mob together to shape a clean energy future.https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au Torres Strait 8 CampaignRead about the landmark human rights case led by Torres Strait Islanders to hold the Australian Government accountable for climate inaction.https://ourislandsourhome.com.au Erub IslandInformation about Erub, its people, and culture from Torres Strait Regional Authority.https://www.tsra.gov.au/the-torres-strait/community-profiles/erub Ben & Jerry’s – Protect the Islands CampaignHow the global ice cream brand partnered with the Torres Strait 8 to raise awareness about rising sea levels.https://www.benandjerry.com.au/values/issues-we-care-about/climate-justice/torres-strait Koori MailAustralia’s national Indigenous newspaper covering stories like the Torres Strait 8 and climate justice.https://koorimail.com The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.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 podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Cissy Gore-Birch, a proud a Jaru/Kija woman with connections to Balanggarra, Nyikina and Bunuba Country in the Kimberley, and the powerhouse behind Lulujaru — a fashion label that weaves together culture, conservation, and self-determination. Cissy shares her story of growing up in Wyndham as the eldest of eight kids in a big, busy household full of laughter, hand-me-downs, and strong family values. From a long career in Native Title, conservation, and land management to stepping into the creative world of fashion in her fifties, Cissy talks about the power of backing yourself, reconnecting with your creative spirit, and redefining what success looks like for our mob. We yarn about how Lulujaru began — inspired by species of cultural significance — and how every piece tells a story that celebrates Country, sustainability, and culture. Cissy also opens up about her passion for food security, self-sufficiency, and empowering the next generation through her Young Women on Country program and youth housing initiatives, funded directly through her fashion sales. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the beauty of creating our own futures — on our own terms. Resources & Links Lulujaru website: www.lulujaru.com.auLulujaru Instagram: www.instagram.com/official_lulujaru The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with Ruby Heard, a proud descendant of the Jaru and Gija peoples and founder of Alinga Energy Consulting. Ruby shares her journey into electrical engineering and how a decision at sixteen to “save the world” set her on a path from Hanging Rock, Victoria, to global projects in Silicon Valley and refugee camps in Ethiopia. We yarn about her role on the First Nations Clean Energy Network steering committee, the push to ensure mob are in the driver’s seat of Australia’s renewable energy transition, and the successes of community-led clean energy projects already underway. Ruby also speaks about the barriers communities face in accessing reliable and affordable power, the reality of prepaid “power cards” in remote areas, and the opportunities to create lasting change through policy, education, and Indigenous leadership. This conversation is both inspiring and practical—showing what’s possible when cultural knowledge and engineering expertise come together to build a just energy future. Resources & Links Alinga Energy Consulting:https://www.alinga.com.au First Nations Clean Energy Network:https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au Engineers Without Borders Australia:https://ewb.org.au Engineers Australia – 100 Engineers Making a Difference:https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast. About the podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with Uncle John Anderson, at the First Nations Clean Energy Network Summit on Kabi Kabi Country. Uncle John shares his journey from his saltwater connections on Palm Island and Innisfail to his work across western Queensland and Brisbane, leading independent and regulatory bodies with integrity and cultural strength. Together, we yarn about the importance of cultural protocols, what it means to be an “honourable ancestor,” and how First Nations knowledge offers powerful lessons for the future of clean energy and coexistence. Uncle John reflects on the legacy of elders, the responsibilities of relationship-building, and the deep wisdom of living and working the “proper way.” This is a powerful conversation about respect, diplomacy, and the role of First Nations peoples in shaping a more sustainable future for all. Resources & Links First Nations Clean Energy Network https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) – Deadly Sounds & History of Indigenous Media https://nirs.org.au AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia Supply Nation (Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses) https://supplynation.org.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast. Follow Steph on Instagram About the podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Tommy Hicks, Head of Cultural and Community at Indigenous Energy Australia, recorded at the First Nations Clean Energy Network Summit on the Sunshine Coast. Tommy shares his journey as a proud Badimia-Yamatji & Narungga man working at the intersection of culture, community, and infrastructure. He opens up about the importance of storytelling, relationship-building, and place-based knowledge in driving genuine progress across the clean energy and infrastructure sectors. Together, we explore what it means to put relationships before projects, how to stay grounded while leading in fast-paced industries, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling impact while staying true to community values. We also yarn about identity, resilience, and the lessons Tommy has learned as a young business leader creating pathways for the next generation. This is an inspiring conversation about culture, leadership, and why centring Aboriginal ways of knowing and being is critical to building a healthy, sustainable future for all. Resources & Links First Nations Clean Energy Networkhttps://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au/ Tommy Hicks Linkedin Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.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 podcastHosted 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 noteThis 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi, i’m Mundanara Bayles, host of the award-winning Black Magic Woman Podcast, where I celebrate the voices of First Nations people, leaders, and changemakers who are shaping our communities today. With honesty, laughter, and deep connection, I invite you into yarns that help us all learn, unlearn, and walk together towards a more just future. 🎙️ Tune in now and hear the stories that inspire, challenge, and uplift — told through a Blak lens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey you mob! In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly talented and inspiring Aunty Elverina Johnson—a proud Gungganji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman from Yarrabah, in Far North Queensland. Aunt Elverina is a true force: a singer, artist, fashion designer, businesswoman, and cultural leader. We yarn about everything from her creative roots growing up in a tin shack by the beach, to turning her artwork into wearable storytelling through her powerful collaboration with Taking Shape—a partnership that’s taken her all the way to Vogue and Sydney Fashion Week! We talk about the importance of backing yourself, building generational wealth, and creating your own path—whether that’s through art, business, or community. Aunt Elverina shares how she’s been able to grow her cultural tourism business, Paperbark Arts, on her own property in Yarrabah, bringing together art, events, workshops, and more with the support of her family. This is a powerful episode about creativity, culture, resilience, and self-determination. I’m so proud to share this yarn with you—it's one I know will fill your cup like it did mine. Resources & Links Paperbark Arts & Cultural Tours (Elverina’s business):https://paperbarkarts.com.au Taking Shape x Elverina Johnson collaboration (fashion label):https://takingshape.com/AU/style-stories/elverina-johnson-third.html First Nations Fashion + Design (FNAFAD):https://firstnationsfashiondesign.com Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct:https://www.yarrabah-arts-centre.com.au/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful NAIDOC Week yarn, I sit down with Uncle Cheg—Gregory Egert—one of our most respected elders and lifelong advocates for community, culture, and education in Southeast Queensland. From growing up in Inala in the 1960s, to decades of service on community boards and as an inaugural Elder in Residence at QUT and now UQ, Uncle Cheg shares stories of resilience, responsibility, and staying grounded in culture. We talk about the early days of big community meetings (complete with the occasional flying chair), the importance of giving back, and how Aboriginal-led research is shaping better futures through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures. Uncle Cheg reflects on what drives him to keep showing up for mob, why mentoring the next generation is non-negotiable, and his hopes and concerns for our young people as they step into a fast-changing world. Whether you’re mob, an ally, or someone wanting to understand more about what genuine community leadership looks like, this episode is a heartfelt reminder—especially during NAIDOC Week—that our culture, our stories, and our obligations endure. Tune in to hear Uncle Cheg’s wisdom on belonging, legacy, and the power of lifting each other up. Resources & Links ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futureshttps://indigenous-futures.org/ indigenous-futures.org+1indigenous-futures.org+1 The Murri Schoolhttps://murrischool.qld.edu.au/ murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11 QUT Carumba Institutehttps://www.qut.edu.au/research/carumba-institute qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3 University of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unithttps://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/atsisu Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I sit down with respected Wakka Wakka/Wulli Wulli Elder, author, academic, and leadership expert Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng. Recorded in Naarm at the Indigenous Leadership Summit, this yarn dives deep into the meaning of sacred leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing within modern systems. Aunt shares her journey from growing up in Longreach to working in public service and academia, and how she has applied First Nations knowledge to leadership development through her PhD and mentoring programs. She unpacks the foundational cultural laws of reciprocity, responsibility, and respect — teachings passed down through generations — and how these values shape authentic leadership today. Together, we also discuss supporting the next generation of Blak women, breaking free from limiting belief systems, and empowering young mob to lead in their own right — not by assimilating into dominant systems, but by centring cultural integrity and lived experience. Resources & Links • Aunty Tjanara Goreng Goreng – Personal websitehttps://www.tjanara.com/ • The Leadership Institute – Indigenous Leadership Summit:https://www.theleadershipinstitute.com.au/indigenous-leadership-summit/ • BlackCard – Aboriginal Terms of Reference (via About Us page)https://www.theblackcard.com.au/about-us/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with trailblazing Woppaburra woman, Angela Barney-Leitch, live from the Human Rights Summit on Yagara Country. From growing up in Woodridge to becoming the first Aboriginal woman appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Queensland, Angela reflects on her incredible journey and the importance of cultural leadership in institutions like QUT. Angela shares the transformative work happening through Carumba, the Indigenous Research Institute, and how initiatives like the Campus to Country strategy are reshaping what inclusion and sovereignty look like on university campuses. Angela also speaks candidly about the strength of community, the role of education in our liberation, and why standing strong in your identity is more important than ever. This yarn is a celebration of black excellence, black joy, and the power of returning to and standing on Country. An inspiring listen for anyone navigating the intersections of culture, education, and leadership. Resources & Links Books & Authors Another Day in the Colony by Professor Chelsea Wategohttps://www.uqp.com.au/books/another-day-in-the-colony Black Witness by Amy McQuirehttps://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/black-witness-9781922585725 Indigenous Education & Strategy at QUT Carumba Institute – Indigenous Research at QUThttps://www.qut.edu.au/research/carumba-institute Campus to Country: Positioning Strategyhttps://www.qut.edu.au/about/campus-to-country QUT Indigenous Strategyhttps://www.qut.edu.au/about/indigenous Indigenous Mathematics & Education YuMi Deadly Maths – QUThttps://research.qut.edu.au/ydc/about/yumi-deadly-maths/ Dr. Chris Matthews – Griffith University Profilehttps://www.griffith.edu.au/advancement/notable-alumni/2021-alumni-award-winners/professor-chris-matthews Woppaburra Country & Marine Stewardship Woppaburra Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA)https://woppaburra.com.au/100-2/ Reef Authority – Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreementshttps://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/traditional-owners/traditional-use-marine-resources-agreements Indigenous Business Leadership Master of Indigenous Business Leadership – Monash Universityhttps://www.monash.edu/indigenous-australians/study/master-of-indigenous-business-leadership Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I yarn with proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman Larissa Baldwin-Roberts — a lifelong community organiser, strategist, and changemaker. From growing up in Lismore surrounded by stories of resistance and survival, to leading major campaigns on climate, justice, and rights, Larissa shares how her family’s legacy shaped her political thinking and commitment to grassroots action. We explore the aftermath of the Voice referendum, the threats facing Treaty processes, and the urgent need to reframe how we organise, persuade, and protect First Nations rights on our own terms. Larissa reflects on the lessons passed down from her father and community Elders, the role of strategic activism, and why self-determination doesn’t need government permission. With deep insights into the political moment we’re in, this episode also shines a light on Indigenous-led leadership, featuring reflections on the work of Aunty Mary Graham and the power of Aboriginal logic and philosophy. 🖤💛❤️ Resources & Links The BlackCard – Cultural Education and TrainingFounded by Aunty Mary Graham and Dr Lilla Watson. https://www.theblackcard.com.au/ Passing the Message StickA research project led by First Nations campaigners, including Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, focused on how to shift public attitudes toward First Nations justice. https://passingthemessagestick.org.au/ GetUp!A progressive movement Larissa previously led — involved in campaigns on justice, climate, and Aboriginal rights. https://www.getup.org.au/ Voice Referendum – Resources and Reflections The Guardian – Referendum coverage and analysis:https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/voice-to-parliament Australian Human Rights Commission – Statement on the Voice:https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/voice-parliament Yoorrook Justice Commission (VIC)Victoria’s Truth-Telling Commission https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/ Truth and Treaty Processes (QLD & NT) Queensland Truth-Telling and Treaty:https://statementfromtheheart.com/treaty/qld/ Northern Territory Treaty Process:https://www.treaty.nt.gov.au/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with Walters Nkemfack, a proud Cameroonian-Australian father, cultural educator, and social justice advocate living on Kabi Kabi Country. Walters shares his deeply personal journey from Cameroon to Germany and finally to the Sunshine Coast—where the racism his young son experienced in kindergarten sparked a lifelong commitment to community-building and anti-racism work. From his grassroots “leaf experiment” in a classroom to becoming an ambassador for the Shine a Light on Racism campaign, Walters’ story is a testament to turning pain into purpose. He talks candidly about the realities of systemic discrimination in workplaces and schools, the exhaustion of starting over in each new setting, and the courage it takes to speak out when silence feels safer. This yarn is a reminder that inclusion is more than diversity—it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels like they truly belong.   Resources & Links Anti-Racism Campaigns & Education Shine a Light on Racism (Sunshine Coast Council)https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism Shine a Light Educational Resourceshttps://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/shinealightonracism/educate Shine a Light: Make a Pledgehttps://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism/pledge Racism. It Stops With Me (Australian Human Rights Commission)https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/ Racism. It Stops With Me – Resource Hubhttps://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/resourcehub Racism. It Stops With Me – Support Serviceshttps://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/take-action/support-services Reporting Racism Racism Registerhttps://racismregister.org/ Racism Register – Abouthttps://racismregister.org/pages/about Call It Out (First Nations Racism Register)https://callitout.com.au/ Mental Health & Crisis Support 13YARN (Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples)https://www.13yarn.org.au/ Lifeline Australia (24/7 crisis support)https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Mental Health Care Access Mental Health Treatment Plans (via your GP)https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan Workplace Support AccessEAP (Employee Assistance Program provider)https://www.accesseap.com.au/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance. In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down on beautiful Gimuy (Cairns) Country with Juan Walker—founder of Walkabout Cultural Adventures and proud Kuku Yalanji man. Juan shared with me his journey from being a shy young fulla to running one of the most respected cultural tourism businesses in the country. His tours don’t just take you across land—they connect you deeply to story, culture, and the responsibilities we carry. From mud-crabbing with the kids to learning about his family's history on Country, this yarn was filled with so many gems about what it means to be grounded in who you are while running your own business. Juan’s passion for culture, education, and empowerment is infectious. Whether he's teaching tourists, schoolkids, or mentoring other mob, he's walking the walk—literally and figuratively. This episode is all about that connection to Country, the power of lived experience, and why culture is our biggest asset. Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, this episode highlights the power of Blak business, community, and leadership. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Want to learn more about Juan and his work?🌐 Website: https://walkaboutadventures.com.au📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkaboutculturaladventures Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful and heartfelt Best Of episode, we revisit our yarn with Narelda Jacobs – a proud Whadjuk Noongar woman, seasoned journalist, and trailblazer in Australian media. Narelda opens up about her childhood in a proud Black household in Perth, the strength she draws from her community, and the journey from local newsreader to national presence on Channel Ten and NITV’s The Point. Together, Narelda and Mundanara dive into what it means to carry lived experience into white-dominated spaces, the importance of Black voices in journalism, and the deep emotional impact of telling stories that matter. From stories of joy and dancing in tracksuits to emotional reflections on the Voice to Parliament, this conversation is filled with warmth, resilience, and inspiration. Recommendations throughout this episode:  https://10play.com.au/studio-10/hosts/2023/narelda-jacobs/pa200520kpear Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance. In this powerful yarn, I sit down with proud Badtjala, Gunditjmara and Woppaburra man, Jesse Green—founder of Yilay —a 100% Indigenous-owned apparel, promotions, and signage business based in Brisbane. Jesse shares his journey from AFL community programs to building multiple businesses with deep roots in family, culture, and community. He speaks openly about the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with fatherhood, the importance of cultural protocol, and the need to address issues like black cladding in the Indigenous business sector. Jesse also highlights the role of authenticity, the strength of community collaboration, and his commitment to creating intergenerational wealth—one business at a time. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about genuine First Nations enterprise and social impact. 🔗 Jesse Green & Yilay Creative Yilay Official Website: Explore Yilay's range of Indigenous-designed apparel, promotional products, and signage.https://yilay.com.au/ About Yilay: Learn about Yilay's mission to bridge the cultural knowledge gap between corporate Australia and Indigenous communities.https://yilay.com.au/pages/about-us Yilay Collections: Browse Yilay's product collections, including their NAIDOC 2024 range.https://yilay.com.au/collections Yilay on Facebook: Stay updated with Yilay's latest news and offerings.https://www.facebook.com/Yilay2.0/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re revisiting one of our most powerful and inspiring episodes with the legendary Leah Purcell—award-winning actor, writer, director, and proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman. Leah shares the deeply personal story behind The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson, and how her mother, grandmother, and community shaped her fire as a truth-teller and creative force. From her early days in Murgon to her rise on stage and screen, this yarn touches on family, cultural survival, domestic violence, self-determination, and the power of Blak women’s voices. Leah’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and deadly storytelling—and a reminder that when we back ourselves, we bring our whole mob with us. Whether it’s your first listen or a return to a favourite, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and community power. 🔗 Resources from this episode: ABC News Feature: Leah Purcell weaves her Indigenous Songlines into new film Leah discusses how her personal history influenced her adaptation of The Drover's Wife. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka14nZDyv0s Eye For Film Interview: Leah Purcell about The Drover’s WifeA conversation about the challenges and inspirations behind her film adaptation.Read more: https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/feature/2021-03-18-interview-with-leah-purcell-about-the-drovers-wife-the-legend-of-molly-johnson-feature-story-by-jennie-kermode ACMI: Leah Purcell on reclaiming The Drover’s WifeAn exploration of Leah's Blak feminist retelling of Lawson’s classic.Read here: https://www.acmi.net.au/stories-and-ideas/leah-purcell-on-reclaiming-the-drovers-wife-with-the-legend-of-molly-johnson/Overland literary journal+3acmi.net.au+3The New Daily+3 Flicks Interview: Leah Purcell on the long journey of The Drover’s WifeInsights into the political power of the western genre and Leah's creative process.Read here: https://www.flicks.co.uk/features/leah-purcell-on-the-long-journey-of-the-drovers-wife-and-the-political-power-of-the-western/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, proudly brought to you by  NRMA Insurance, Mundanara yarns with Rory Chapman—a proud Wiradjuri/Ngemba man, founder of Embrace Tech, and the trusted IT partner behind BlackCard’s digital transformation. Based on Kabi Kabi Country, Rory shares how his purpose-led tech company supports First Nations organisations across the country with accessible, high-quality IT services. From growing up around his family’s computer store to launching a culturally grounded tech business that now powers BlackCard’s new eLearning platform, Rory offers powerful insights into cybersecurity, intergenerational wealth, and the role of culture in entrepreneurship. He speaks candidly about the challenges of running a business, staying connected to community, and building a future where more mob thrive in the tech industry. Whether you're in business, dreaming of it, or simply curious about the intersections of tech, culture, and community—this episode is full of inspiration, strategy, and strength.   🔗 Resources from this episode: Embrace Tech Official Website: https://www.embracetech.au/ About Rory Chapman: https://www.embracetech.au/about-us Rory Chapman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorychapman/ Welcome to Country – Rory Chapman: https://www.welcometocountry.com/pages/rory-chapman Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re throwing it back to our most downloaded episode of all time—a powerful and eye-opening yarn with proud Kabi Kabi and South Sea Islander man, Isaac Harrison. Isaac shares his deeply personal story—his family’s roots in blackbirding and survival, his experience navigating identity across cultures, and his remarkable journey from the sugar cane fields of his ancestors to founding one of Australia’s most exciting renewable energy companies, Bunji Energy. We also talk about intergenerational wealth gaps, the legacy of slavery in Queensland, and how love and resilience continue to shape our communities. This episode is rich with truth-telling, laughter, and vision—highlighting the strength of Blak entrepreneurship, the importance of cultural grounding, and why we must invest in First Nations youth and futures on our terms   Recommendations throughout this episode:    https://deadlydiscussionspodcast.com   http://bunjilenergy.com.au   Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast   The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do.   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, [email protected]     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most powerful and thought-provoking yarns—with the legendary Uncle Bruce Pascoe. A proud Bunurong, Tasmanian, and Yuin man, Uncle Bruce is a celebrated author, historian, and farmer, best known for his groundbreaking book Dark Emu. In this episode, we dive deep into the truth-telling of our past, and the future we can create through Indigenous knowledge, self-determination, and sustainable land practices. Uncle Bruce shares stories of resilience, the revival of traditional Aboriginal agriculture, and the importance of defining ourselves—on our own terms. From revitalising native grains on his farm to pushing back against systemic racism and the myth of the ‘hunter-gatherer’, this conversation is as inspiring as it is urgent. Whether this is your first listen or a return to a favourite, this yarn reminds us why truth-telling and cultural knowledge must be at the heart of Australia’s journey forward. Recommendations throughout this episode:  Books by Bruce Pascoe: Dark Emu – Black Seeds: Agriculture or Accident?https://www.magabala.com/products/dark-emu Young Dark Emu – A Truer Historyhttps://www.magabala.com/products/young-dark-emu Loving Country: A Guide to Sacred Australia (co-authored with Vicky Shukuroglou)https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/loving-country-by-bruce-pascoe/9781741176483 Agricultural & Cultural Projects: Black Duck Foods – Indigenous social enterprise reviving traditional food systemshttps://blackduckfoods.com.au Educational Resources: First Australians – SBS Documentary Serieshttps://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/first-australians Dark Emu Study Guide – Reading Australiahttps://readingaustralia.com.au/books/dark-emu/ AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australiahttps://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special replay takes us back to one of the very first episodes of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, originally recorded in 2020. Uncle Mick Gooda—respected Gungalu and Yiman man, former Social Justice Commissioner, and long-time advocate for our mob—joins Mundanara for a powerful yarn about truth-telling, sovereignty, the history of missions like Taroom and Purga, and the legacy of community-driven education through the Murri School. In a time when COVID-19 was redefining how we stayed connected, this episode reminded us of our resilience and adaptability—and those lessons still ring true today. We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you new and exciting weekly episodes, so thanks for sticking with us while we get back into the swing of things. Recommendations throughout this episode:  https://humanrights.gov.au/about/commissioners/mick-gooda-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-social-justice-commissioner https://www.referendumcouncil.org.au/council/mick-gooda.html Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with the deadly Elijah McDonald – a proud a Noongar|Yamatji|Pitta-Pitta man from WA– who’s part of the team behind Blaktasia: Invasion of the Merk, Australia’s first-ever Aboriginal-led mobile game. I caught up with Elijah fresh from Yabun Festival on Gadigal Country, where he and his team were showcasing Blaktasia and spreading the word about this groundbreaking project. Made by mob, for mob, this game isn’t just about fantasy and fun – it’s about reconnecting with Country, fighting back the darkness with mulga magic, and seeing our stories and faces represented in digital spaces. We yarn about Elijah’s journey from playing games with his dad to studying Game Art and Design at TAFE, and how he landed a role at Guck – a majority Blak-owned company making big waves in the gaming world. This was such a refreshing convo – I’ve never had a game developer on the podcast before, and Elijah is leading the way for young First Nations creatives in the tech space. If you’re a young fulla dreaming of a future in gaming, design or digital storytelling – or just curious about how culture and coding can come together – this one’s for you. And the best part? Blaktasia is 100% free – no ads, no microtransactions. Just pure Blak brilliance. 🔗 Resources from this episode: Follow Blaktasia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaktasia_game Follow Blaktasia on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blaktasia_game Follow Blaktasia on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/blaktasia_game Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blaktasiagame Learn more about Guck: https://www.guck.com.au Indigenous Game Developers (IGEA article): https://igea.net/2022/10/indigenous-game-developers CSIRO Indigenous STEM Programs: https://www.csiro.au/en/education/programs/Indigenous-STEM Indigitek – Mob in Tech & Innovation: https://indigitek.org.au Unity Learn (Free Game Dev Tutorials): https://learn.unity.com Unreal Engine Learning Portal: https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning Roblox Studio (Create Your Own Games): https://create.roblox.com Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I yarn with two deadly young changemakers, Brianne Yarran and Jeremy Last, who are part of the Culture Is Life Fullaship Program. Brianne, a proud Noongar woman from Ballardong, Whadjuk, and Wagyl Kaip Country, and Jeremy, a proud Wangkangurru, Yankunytjatjara, and APY Lands man currently living on Kaurna Country, share their journeys through the Fullaship experience. We talk about how the Fullaship supports young mob through leadership development, cultural connection, and personal growth—all without financial barriers. Bri and Jeremy reflect on the opportunities they've had to visit different First Nations communities, learn from respected Elders like Aunty Steph and Uncle Kenny Bedford, and gain tools to strengthen their mental health with support from Abstar Consulting. This conversation is filled with wisdom and practical insight—not just for young mob, but also for organisations and allies wanting to back First Nations excellence in meaningful ways. ✨ Learn more about the Culture Is Life Fullaship Program:https://cultureislife.org/fullaship/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with two incredible young leaders, Koby Sellings and Joel Matysek, who are part of the Culture is Life Fullaship Program. Recorded at iHeart Studios on Yuggera and Turrbal Country, this yarn dives deep into the personal journeys of these two deadly fullas and how the Fullaship has shaped their growth, leadership, and connection to culture. The Fullaship is a 12-month program open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People who are on a journey to become community leaders, role models and mentors. The Fullaship provides personal and professional development pathways for Young People to continue their own journey of cultural, personal, and professional growth and development. Koby and Joel share their motivations for joining the program, the importance of stepping outside their comfort zones, and the powerful relationships they've built while travelling to different mobs' Countries. We talk about the value of culture, community and the courage it takes to embrace new opportunities, especially for young mob finding their path. If you're a young First Nations person looking to grow personally and professionally—or if you're just looking for some inspiration—this episode is filled with wisdom, reflection, and encouragement to take that next step. Resources & Links 🌐 Culture is Life – Fullaship Program Info:Learn more about the Culture is Life Fellowship Program and how to apply:https://cultureislife.org/fullaship/ 🌐 Culture is Life Official Website:Explore more programs, resources, and initiatives supporting First Nations young people:https://cultureislife.org/ Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast is a little different—we’ve switched things up! Instead of me hosting, I’m in the guest seat while my sister Kate Russell takes over the mic to interview me. We yarn about my journey—personally and professionally—from growing up in a family deeply connected to media and activism to creating the Black Magic Woman Podcast and building BlackCard, a business that has been helping organisations engage meaningfully with First Nations people and culture. I also talk about the role Supply Nation has played in BlackCard’s growth, from those early days of hustling and cold calling to landing our first major contracts. I share the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous businesses, the importance of relationships in business, and how mob can make the most of networks like Supply Nation. We also dive into lessons I’ve learned along the way, my experience working with major brands, and a recent moment where I helped guide Jamie Oliver through cultural accountability. This is something I’ve never done before—sharing my own story in this way. So if you’ve ever wondered about the person behind the mic and how BlackCard became what it is today, this one’s for you. I hope you enjoy it! Links & Resources: BlackCard Official Website: https://www.theblackcard.com.au/BlackCard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theblackcard/ Supply Nation Official Website: https://supplynation.org.au/ 📺 Jamie Oliver & Cultural Accountability Exclusive Interview with Nerelda Jacobs on 10 News: https://10play.com.au/news (Search “Jamie Oliver First Nations interview”) Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with Kate Russell, a proud Worimi woman and the CEO of Supply Nation. Kate shares her journey from growing up in Western Lake Macquarie to leading an organisation that supports and celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurship. We yarn about the pivotal moments in her career, the value of education, and the power of mentorship. Kate provides an inside look at Supply Nation’s impact, including their role in facilitating over $4.6 billion in transactions between Indigenous businesses and corporate, government, and nonprofit buyers. She also highlights programs like Jumpstart, which offers targeted mentorship to help Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow their businesses. The conversation touches on the broader economic and social impact of Indigenous businesses, the importance of representation, and Kate’s vision for the future of Supply Nation. She also shares how she balances her roles as a leader, wife, and mother, offering heartfelt advice on self-reflection and resilience. Don’t miss this empowering yarn that celebrates the achievements of Indigenous businesses and provides practical insights for those looking to engage with Supply Nation or explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Links & Resources: Supply NationExplore how Supply Nation supports Indigenous businesses, connects them with buyers, and provides resources like the Jumpstart program.🌐 Visit Supply Nation Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)Learn more about IBA’s programs and services designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain their businesses.🌐 Explore IBA Resources The Sleeping Giant ReportDiscover the economic and social impact of Indigenous businesses through this groundbreaking research cited in the episode.🌐 Read the Report -  Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au Follow us on Instagram - @blackmagicwomanpodcast The Black Magic Woman Podcast is hosted by Mundanara Bayles and is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly Aboriginal guests and explores issues of importance to Aboriginal people and communities.  Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. 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, [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.