Petroglyph

Dr Alethea Beetson is a Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi and Wiradjuri storyteller, writer, director and cultural force whose work has reshaped the possibilities of contemporary First Nations creativity.In this episode of STAUNCH., Alethea reflects on building bold platforms for story, celebration, and community through projects such as Digi Youth Arts and Blak Social.This conversation explores leadership, creative ambition, structural change, and what it means to move beyond the expectations others place on you. Alethea shares her perspective on challenging institutions, nurturing the next generation, and building work that leaves the ground changed after it passes through. Hosted by Travis De Vries. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaylene Langford is a proud queer Guringai woman, founder of StartUp Creative, and a coach, educator, and speaker known for her direct, grounded approach to business and creativity. Kaylene reflects on the realities of building a sustainable creative practice; cutting through with clarity, honesty and practical insight. Drawing on her work across coaching, facilitation, and education, Kaylene speaks to the tension between creativity and commerce, and what it actually takes to make a living from your work without losing yourself in the process. Her approach blends evidence-based frameworks with lived experience, offering a perspective that is both structured and deeply human. This is a conversation about creative survival, ownership, and the discipline required to back yourself, especially when the path isn’t clearly laid out. Hosted by Travis De Vries. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loki Liddle is a proud Jabirr Jabirr man, poet, musician, and multi-platform artist, best known as the lead singer of Selve. With a practice that moves between music, writing, and community work, Loki brings a distinct voice shaped by culture, collaboration and performance. With Selve, Loki has quickly established himself on some of the country’s biggest stages, performing alongside artists including Electric Fields, Megan Washington, Archie Roach and Jessica Mauboy, and recording at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. Beyond the stage, his role as Creative Producer at Digi Youth Arts reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of First Nations creatives. In this episode of STAUNCH., Loki reflects on the relationship between poetry and music, the energy of live performance, and the responsibility of creating work that speaks both to community and beyond it. Hosted by Travis De Vries. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunch  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kobie Dee is a Gomeroi artist from Maroubra in South Sydney, on Bidjigal Land, and one of the most compelling voices emerging in Australian hip hop today. Known for his sharp storytelling and deeply personal lyrics, Kobie’s music reflects life growing up in South Sydney, the responsibilities of culture, and the power of community. With an innate ability to connect with young people, Kobie’s work extends beyond the stage. Alongside his music career, he remains deeply engaged in community work, using hip hop as a platform to inspire and uplift the next generation. Hosted by Travis De Vries. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dobby is the genre-defying artist whose unique blend of sounds and storytelling transcends traditional music boundaries. Known for his evocative lyrics and innovative production, Dobby draws on his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences to create a sonic landscape that resonates deeply with listeners. Dobby chats about his artistic journey, from his early influences and the challenges he's faced to his creative process and the powerful messages embedded in his work. He shares insights into his latest projects and the significance of storytelling in his music, reflecting on how his identity shapes his art. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a proud Gamilaroi man, Jake Duczynski has made a name for himself by pushing boundaries in animation and creative direction, with Studio Gilay being a space for telling powerful First Nations stories through innovative visual art and design. From working with Indigenous communities to collaborating on high-profile projects in the animation and media industries, Jake shares insights into what it means to run a creative studio with a deep cultural focus. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miss Kaninna is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman who received 3 ARIA nominations for her debut EP, KANINNA. Her work defies expectations by reclaiming ‘Black pop’ to connect with a global identity, while showing that First Nations music can empower and uplift without always centering trauma.  In this episode, Miss Kannina opens up about balancing artistry and advocacy, her collaborations with artists like Kobie Dee, and the importance of creating music that invites joy and self-expression. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alister Hill is an artist and producer who has carved a unique path through Sydney’s music scene. In this episode, Alister reflects on his journey as a musician, discussing his work with bands Worlds Only, Lortica and Saint Leon, each offering a different side of his creative expression. Alister also dives into his role as the Senior Producer of Contemporary Music at the Sydney Opera House where he has played a pivotal part in curating some of the city’s most cutting-edge musical performances. Throughout the conversation, Alister explores what it means to balance multiple creative projects while working behind the scenes to shape the music industry from within. His perspective as both an artist and a producer offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and rewards of fostering creativity in all its forms. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emily Wurramara opens up about the creation of her album, NARA, a project born from the highs and devastating lows of recent years. She reflects on the whirlwind of emotions she experienced while traveling the world with her music, giving birth to her daughter, losing her home in a fire,and grappling with mental health struggles. NARA – the Anindilyakwa word for 'nothing' – represents the void she felt, but also the realisation that from nothing came everything she needed.  Her story isn't neatly tied up. The edges remain rough, and the past lingers in ways she’s still learning to process. But there’s growth, and perhaps that’s what matters most. Please subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this episode. STAUNCH. is produced by Awesome Black — a creative studio committed to transforming contemporary culture through a First Nations perspective. Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/awesomeblack.studio/Find out more: https://awesomeblack.studio/staunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.