PODCAST · arts
SOVEREIGN
by RTRFM
Besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are just navigating life in their 20s and all the craziness and uni deadlines that come with it. Each fortnight, these Sistagirls bring love and comfort to the ears of mob and other beautiful people with yarns about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships, all while championing the sovereignty of sisterhood. Produced by Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Photography by Cole Baxter. Artwork by Lavinia ‘Nijalya’ McKenna. Theme Music by Flewnt and Tani Walker.
Episodes
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Ep 36: Manifestations, Music and Paul Mescal (You’re Welcome)…
Your favourite podcast besties are back! SOVEREIGN returns for 2025 bigger and funnier than ever; in IJ’s words its the year of elevation. Today’s episode is a lucky dip of books, music, manifestations, cats and Paul Mescal (you’re welcome). Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First...
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Ep 35: IJ’s lessons in solo travel
Fresh from Mauritius and South Africa, IJ chats about her lessons in solo travel! SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships.
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Ep 34: SOVEREIGN SPECIAL GUEST: Brodie George
Walmajarri-Gooniyandi women Brodie George is thriving in business. Growing up in Fitzroy Crossing, 400km east of Broome in WA’s Kimberley, Brodie values community and culture above anything else and that might be why she’s won the hearts and respect of consumers across the country. Her swimming...
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Ep 33: The Rind Legacy: A Fusion of Cultures in Perth
In this episode, Sharlene explores her family history; the remarkable story of the Rind family, an iconic presence in Perth, Western Australia. From their roots in the late 19th century, the family’s legacy began with the union of Goolam Badoola; a Baloch-Afghan cameleer and Mariam Martin; a...
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Ep 32: A SOVEREIGN Travel Guide
Trying not to cry because it’s Sharlene and IJ’s last time together for 2024… The duo catch up on what’s been happening and invite big sister and producer Dani into the studio for a chat! Then, in celebration of the holidays the girls outline their travel tips as young women wanting to explore…
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Ep 31: SOVEREIGN Bodies (Part Two)
Part Two of Sharlene and IJs conversation about reclaiming body sovereignty. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships.
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Ep 30: SOVEREIGN Bodies (Part One)
Today, IJ shares her date from hell which begs the question…is it okay to have racial dating preferences? The girls share how to look out for red flags when so called appreciation turns into fetishisation and how to reclaim body sovereignty. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene…
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Ep 29: SOVEREIGN SPECIAL GUEST Narissa Cullen
In this fortnight’s episode we’re thrilled to welcome Narissa Cullen, a proud Waanyi woman and the visionary behind Narissa Creative Studio. As a talented makeup artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, Narissa’s impactful work in her community is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as she shares her...
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Ep 28: A Year of Staunch Representation
Peak behind the curtain so far! In this special anniversary episode IJ McKenna is joined by producer Danielle Raffaele to chat about the year that was; the laughs, the drama, the achievements and the incredible power of SOVEREIGN representation. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene...
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Ep 27: It’s a SOVEREIGN Birthday!
Sharlene and IJ are celebrating one year of SOVEREIGN! On today’s episode, we’ve picked some of our favourite SOVEREIGN moments and yarns in celebration of this special anniversary. You can re-stream each episode except in full on iTunes, Spotify and RTRFM. Part One: Ramadan, Heartbreak High and...
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Ep 26: SOVEREIGN SPECIAL GUEST Shannon McGuire
On today’s episode of SOVEREIGN, Sistagirls IJ and Sharlene welcome Wadjuk, Balardong woman and fashion trailblazer Shannon McGuire into the big red studio. Shannon’s work in the fashion industry spans more than 20 years, getting her kick start on the inaugural season of Australia’s Next Top…
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Ep 25: SPECIAL EPISODE The Seven Sisters
In Aboriginal cultures across WA, the constellation of the Seven Sisters is embedded in lore as a tale of desire, forbidden pursuit and magic. And though it’s unique to the western deserts, there are echos of this story across continents and time. In this special episode of SOVEREIGN Sharlene...
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Ep 24: Girl, so confusing…Charli XCX, Girl Beef and Female Friendship
Feuds, beef, comparisons and never knowing where you stand…why are female friendships so confusing! Today, Sharlene and IJ unpack female friendships and the entertainment world’s treatment of women through the lens of Charlie XCX and the pop sensation’s latest album Brat. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM...
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Ep 23: SOVEREIGN Bookclub (Part Two)
We all need a SOVEREIGN bookclub in our lives… Luckily Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna have you covered on this episode of SOVEREIGN where they share stories that have moved, influenced and schooled them over the years. Plus, the girls catch up on what’s been happening in their busy lives…
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Ep 23: SOVEREIGN Bookclub (Part One)
We all need a SOVEREIGN bookclub in our lives… Luckily Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna have you covered on this episode of SOVEREIGN where they share stories that have moved, influenced and schooled them over the years. Plus, the girls catch up on what’s been happening in their busy lives…
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Ep 22: It’s (another) SOVEREIGN reunion (Part Two)
Back for part two of Sharlene and IJ’s reunion… The yapping continues with a discussion of some of their favourite tracks of all time as well as their thoughts on the ongoing Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls…
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Ep 21: It’s (another) SOVEREIGN reunion! (Part One)
It’s (another) SOVEREIGN reunion! After too much time apart the girls are back in the big red studio to…well…yap. In part one the girls debrief about their recent trip to Melbourne for a music festival, including IJ’s weird brush with fame? SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene...
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Ep 20: SOVEREIGN SPECIAL GUEST Amber Ugle-Hayward
On today’s episode, Sharlene yarns with her big sister, Amber Ugle-Hayward, a proud Noongar woman with connections to Ballardong, Menang, Wilman and Kaneang Noongar country. Amber currently works at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage as a Senior Heritage Officer in the Sites of Truth...
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Ep 19: Energy Drinks, Lettuce and Hectic Yarns…The IJ Starter Pack
Strap in, IJ is here for a solo episode of SOVEREIGN. This fortnight our Sistagirl answers your questions; from relationships to living alone and moving to the big smoke. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First…
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Ep 18: SOVEREIGN SPECIAL GUEST Leanne Dolby
On today’s special episode of SOVEREIGN, IJ sits down with Bardi, Nyikina, Yamatji and Dija powerhouse, Leanne Dolby. The sisters discuss all things Blak excellence and navigating the world as young activists and advocates. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna....
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Ep 17: “No One Really Cares About Your ATAR”: SOVEREIGN goes back to school
Uni is back, school is well and truely in session and the corporate schedule is filling up! With all the craziness of putting their noise back in the books, the girls give their top tips on surviving, organising and maintaining balance amongst all of life’s committments and why your ATAR score...
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Ep 16: Ramadan Mubarak, Heartbreak High and Indigenous Representation
Sharlene is fasting to observe the holy month of Ramadan, while IJ battles another bought of tonselitis. That doesn’t mean the SOVEREIGN fun stops! This fortnight, the girls review season one of the Australian Netflix comedy-drama Heartbreak High, in preparation to binge season two. They also...
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Ep 15: The SOVEREIGN sisters SPECIAL
Sisterhood is joyous. Sisterhood is complex. Sisterhood can be covering up for each other, fighting over clothes, late night yarns in each other’s bedrooms. In this SPECIAL episode of SOVEREIGN, Sharlene and IJ are joined by their younger sisters, Lavinia (Beans) and Mahki, to discuss the...
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Ep 14: The Most Unhinged Game Of ‘Would You Rather’…Blackfella Edition
Would you rather have perfect eyebrows or perfect hair for the rest of your life? Would you rather know your language fluently or speak to an Elder who has passed? In this episode the girls solve conundrums from the everyday to the ethical. SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene...
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Ep 13: Celebrating girlhood and embracing your elevated self
Hot girl walks are where the best ideas come to fruition… For Sharlene, who has been thinking a lot about past relationships, it’s where she realised the importance of celebrating girlhood and embracing your elevated self after a messy period. In this episode, the girls discuss what they have...
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Ep 12: Your SOVEREIGN Guide To 2024
The deadly duo are back! Strap in for a new year of First Nations yarns with your favourite Sistagirls Sharlene and IJ on the SOVEREIGN podcast! It’s a new year which means a new mindset for the duo as they navigate uni, work, relationships and the news cycle. Catch up with the girls as they tell...
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Ep 11: A SOVEREIGN Christmas!
What a year! The girls reflect on 2023 across culture, politics and their own lives as well as the podcast. SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships....
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Ep 10: Why Sharlene Turns Into A Cat On Friday And Other Life Hacks
Besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are back together in the big red studio, catching up with their current life hacks on love, life, food and career. Plus, your fortnightly SOVEREIGN-tea is back… SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each...
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Ep 09: It’s a SOVEREIGN reunion!
After several weeks apart, besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are back together in the big red studio…and there’s lots to catch up on. With exams and graduation on the horizon, the girls have career at the forefront of their minds. Is climbing the corporate ladder worth it? Should you be...
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Ep 08: This One Is For The Zayn Malik Girlies…
Horrah! Sharlene has officially finished her third year of university and is experiencing the highs and lows of what life is like without having anything to do…for once. On her solo episode of SOVEREIGN, she urges everyone to fill their cup with memes floating around on the internet and shares a...
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Ep 07: That One Time IJ Nearly Drove Off A Cliff…
IJ goes solo! Grab an oat iced latte and settle in for a bunch of epic stories full of rouge joy rides, an on-stage performance gone wrong and an (almost) hostage situation. SOVEREIGN is a new RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First...
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BONUS: SOVEREIGN and navigating the heavy times…
It’s been a heavy news cycle; from media on the Voice to Parliament to the escalating conflict in Palestine. Sharlene and IJ discuss the latest in news and current affairs from their lived experiences and unpack ways mob can practice mental health after care during this time. SOVEREIGN is a new...
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Ep 05: “Dear Boys…Please Stop Wearing Those Skinny, Saggy Blue Jeans” and Other Hot Takes
Things that are out; cows milk, racial profiling and BookTok. Things that are in; alternative milk, waxing and independant book stores. And skinny jeans…they are just absolutely cancelled. As the weather starts to warm up, the girls offer their hot takes in beauty, fashion and food. SOVEREIGN is…
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BONUS: SOVEREIGN and the Voice To Parliament
In this bonus episode of SOVEREIGN Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna break down the Voice to Parliament from a young, blak perspective and, thought it’s complex, why they will ultimately be getting behind the ‘YES’ campaign. You can find more information and resources on the ‘YES’ campaign at...
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Ep 03: “Twenty, Black and Deadly…You Know the Vibes” (Part Two)
This unpredictable Boorloo weather is cat-fishing the girls… As they cope with dramatic changes in the climate, they’re also coping with growing up in both ethnic and Aboriginal households (and spoiler alert, it’s a wild time!). Part two of a two-part conversation about navigating a career and…
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Ep 02: “Twenty, Black and Deadly…You Know the Vibes” (Part One)
IJ is tanned (kind of…) after a trip back home to Yawuru Country and Sharlene dusts off her puffer jacket following a work stint in Canberra. Back from interstate travel, the girls have lots to catch up on; including hitting their 20s and the impending doom of what they should be doing with their...
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Ep 01: “We Should Be Studying”
Besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are just navigating life in their 20s and all the craziness and uni deadlines that come with it. Each fortnight, these Sistagirls bring love and comfort to the ears of mob and other beautiful people with yarns about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are just navigating life in their 20s and all the craziness and uni deadlines that come with it.
Each fortnight, these Sistagirls bring love and comfort to the ears of mob and other beautiful people with yarns about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships, all while championing the sovereignty of sisterhood.
Produced by Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna.
Photography by Cole Baxter.
Artwork by Lavinia ‘Nijalya’ McKenna.
Theme Music by Flewnt and Tani Walker.
HOSTED BY
RTRFM
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does SOVEREIGN have?
SOVEREIGN currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is SOVEREIGN about?
Besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna are just navigating life in their 20s and all the craziness and uni deadlines that come with it. Each fortnight, these Sistagirls bring love and comfort to the ears of mob and other beautiful people with yarns about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and...
How often does SOVEREIGN release new episodes?
SOVEREIGN has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to SOVEREIGN?
You can listen to SOVEREIGN on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts SOVEREIGN?
SOVEREIGN is created and hosted by RTRFM.
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