SOVEREIGN

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 Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships.

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.

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 line Jalayimiya Swim stole the spotlight in 2022 with bright, bold designs and a Country-conscious philosophy that strives to shine a light on the oldest continuous living culture in the world. She joins IJ to yarn about the struggle of business ownership, authenticity and the importance of representation.

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 Badimaya Yamatji woman. Together, they bridged cultures and overcame the challenges of discriminatory policies like the White Australia policy and the Aborigines Act 1905. Discover how the Rind family’s contributions helped shape Western Australia’s pastoral and cultural history and why their story continues to inspire as a testament to resilience, diversity, and community strength.  

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 the world independently. Don’t fret though! There’ll be more solo episode to round out the deadly year.  

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.

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 Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships.

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 insights on the power of truth-telling, the importance of activism and embracing authenticity in a world that often challenges our true selves. Don’t miss this impactful conversation that inspires us all to find our voices and become better allies, individuals, and ways to uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 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.

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 Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ep-28-A-Year-Of-Staunch-Representation.mp3

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 Indigenous Representation Part Two: BONUS: SOVEREIGN and the Voice to Parliament  Part Three: Why Sharlene Turns Into A Cat On Friday And Other Life Hacks  https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ep-27-Its-a-SOVEREIGN-Birthday.mp3

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 Model where she came in 3rd place. As a national finalist in Miss Universe Australia in 2008 she realised the need for support of our Indigenous models and creatives and developed the Miss NAIDOC Perth leadership and empowerment program in 2010. This program now in its 12th year has now expanded to include Mr NAIDOC Perth. She now works as fashion brand Kirrikin chief executive. Shannon speaks generously about her journey as a First Nations trailblazer, representing Indigenous girls on the runway and championing First Nations communities. 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ep-26-SPECIAL-GUEST-Shannon-McGuire-2.mp3

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 Baloch recounts the story of The Seven Sisters and how the story represents the power of the Blak matriarchy and resilience of Indigenous cultures around the world. 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ep-25-The-Seven-Sisters-MASTERED.mp3  

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 podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ep-24-Girl-so-confusing.Charlie-XCX-Girl-Beef-and-Female-Friendship-MASTERED.mp3

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, including Sharlene’s overwhelming, underwhelming and whelming (?) trip to the Unites States of America. 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.

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, including Sharlene’s overwhelming, underwhelming and whelming (?) trip to the Unites States of America. 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.

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 each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Its-another-SOVEREIGN-reunion-part-two.mp3

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 Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Its-another-SOVEREIGN-reunion-part-one-MASTERED.mp3

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 Telling Project ensuring that mob are heard and cultural authority is respected. Amber is an avid footy player and advocate for the First Nations community, sitting on multiple Reconciliation Action Plan Working Groups and various volunteer roles. Together, they have a heartfelt yarn about Amber’s journey into leadership and a recent hardship. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SOVEREIGN-SPECIAL-GUEST-Amber-Ugle-Hayward.mp3

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 Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ep-19-Energy-Drinks-Lettuce-and-Hectic-Yarns.The-IJ-Starter-Pack.mp3

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. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships.

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 doesn’t matter 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ep-16-SOVEREIGN-Goes-Back-To-School.mp3

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 address First Nation’s issues dominating the news cycle and the dangers of our colonial history repeating itself. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ep-16-Ramadan-Heartbreak-High-and-Indigenous-Representation-MASTERED.mp3

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 importance of sisterhood, memories and coming of age. SOVEREIGN is an RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ep-15-The-SOVEREIGN-Sisters-SPECIAL.mp3

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 Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. GET IN TOUCH: Follow us on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/sovereignpodcast/ Email us your thoughts and ideas [email protected] https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Sovereign-Ep-14-The-Most-Unhinged-Game-of-Would-You-Rather.mp3

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 learnt from going through tough times in romantic partnerships. 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. GET IN TOUCH: Follow us on Instagram… https://www.instagram.com/sovereignpodcast/ Email us your thoughts and ideas [email protected] CREDITS:  Hosts: Sharlene Baloch, IJ McKenna Producer: Danielle Raffaele Audio Producer: Eddie Curtis https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Episode-14-Celebrating-Girlhood.mp3

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 you what is In and Out for them in 2024.   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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Ep-12-Your-SOVEREIGN-Guide-to-2024.mp3

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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ep-11-Sovereign-Final-Mastered.mp3

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 week for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Episode-Nine-SOVEREIGN-Why-Sharlene-Turns-Into-A-Cat-On-Friday-And-Other-Life-Hacks.mp3

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 prioritising money or your passions?  How do you grapple with outdated workplace values? And what should you do if you find yourself in a work slump?  Plus, they welcome their first guest, producer Danielle Raffaele, for some big sister life advice. 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Episode-Nine-Its-A-SOVEREIGN-reunion-MASTERED-15.11.2023.mp3

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 few she finds absolutely unhinged. Sharlene also reflects on the Palestinian struggle and problematic media narratives. She concludes the episode on how we need to be more present as individuals who are witnessing genocide. 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. For more information and support for issues raised in this program you can contact the following services.  13YARN 13 9276 (mob only) Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Brother To Brother Crisis Support Line 1800 435 799 https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Episode-Eight-SOVEREIGN-This-One-Is-For-The-Zayn-Malik-Girlies.mp3

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 Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SOVEREIGN-Episode-Six-That-One-Time-IJ-Nearly-Drove-Off-A-Cliff.mp3

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 RTRFM podcast by besties Sharlene Baloch and IJ McKenna. Join the girls each fortnight for chats about First Nations affairs, fashion, culture and relationships. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BONUS-SOVEREIGN-and-navigating-the-heavy-times.FINAL_.mp3

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 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Episode-Five-SOVEREIGN-Dear-Boys.Please-Stop-Wearing-Skinny-Jeans-MASTERED.mp3

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 yes23.com.au Read the factchecking article by The Guardian Australia The no pamphlet: campaign’s voice to parliament referendum essay – annotated and factchecked. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Episode-Four-SOVEREIGN-Voice-to-Parliament-MASTERED.mp3

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 love in your 20s. 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. 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. Episode Three Twenty, Black and Deadly (Part Two) Mastered

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 careers and love lives. Part one of a two-part conversation about navigating work and love in your 20s. 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. 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. Episode Two Twenty, Black and Deadly (Part One) Mastered AMEND 01.09.2023

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. Get to know a little bit more about your hosts in their debut. 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. https://rtrfm.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Episode-One-We-Should-Be-Studying-SOVEREIGN-Mastered.mp3