Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong man and an award-winning Australian writer, editor, and anthologist. His works have been published nationally and internationally, and have won several national literary competitions.  His book exploring the history of Aboriginal agriculture Dark Emu : Black Seeds : Agriculture or Accident? has attracted considerable attention for its discussion of land management practices in Australia prior to colonization.  Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fiona Foley is Badtjala and an influential curator, writer and academic as well as an internationally recognised artist. Dr Foley pursues a diverse artistic practice encompassing painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, mixed-media work, found objects and installation. Foley examines and dismantles historical stereotypes and her works explore a broad range of themes that relate to politics, culture, ownership, language and identity.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sianna is a proud Narungga woman who is the head of Brand and Marketing for Clothing the Gap, a clothing label meant to provide a space for people to come together, celebrate Aboriginal culture and design, and talk about Aboriginal history and social issues. Sianna also helped start a national campaign called ‘Free the Flag’ to raise awareness on licensing agreement issues with the Aboriginal flag. She has helped establish a junior’s side for the Fitzroy Stars, Studies a Bachelor in Health Science and was also a finalist for the channel 7 Yarn Strong Sister Aboriginal Young Achiever Award in 2020. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amy McQuire is a Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist with 14 years experience working across Aboriginal and independent media. For the past four years, she has co-hosted an investigative podcast into the wrongful conviction of Aboriginal man Kevin Henry. She was written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Meanjin, Marie Claire and the Guardian, amongst others. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Queensland researching media representations of violence against Aboriginal women.Here is a link to Curtin - The Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/curtain-the-podcast/id1164804753 Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Oliver was born in Cloncurry in North West Queensland and is currently based in Brisbane. He is a writer/performer in myriad fields ranging from poetry and acting to songwriting and cabaret. His written works for the stage include the plays Proppa Solid (published by Playlab Press) and From Darkness (Brisbane Festival), and his one-man cabaret show Bigger and Blacker (Adelaide Cabaret Festival), all of which received rave reviews from both critics and audiences. His poetic works have been published in international poetry journals Ora Nui and Solid Air as well as national journals Australian Poetry Journal and Fire Front: First Nations Poetry and Power Today. His spoken-word piece ‘What Matters’ opened the 2020 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and was televised globally.  His written works for the small screen include the web series A Chance Affair as well as Australia’s first Indigenous arts game show, Faboriginal, and the Logie-nominated sketch comedy show Black Comedy (Seasons 1 and 2). Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky, for which he is both writer and presenter, is his latest work. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guyala “Lala” Bayles is a proud Birri Gubba and Wonnarua woman born on Yuggera country in South Brisbane where she currently resides with her partner and family. Ever since she was a little girl, Lala always wanted to be a model to show the world just how beautiful Aboriginal people and culture really is. Lala never gave up on her childhood dream and after years of unsuccessful auditions, trials and tribulations she signed an exclusive contract in 2018 with Chic Model Management alongside Samantha Harris and has since graced international catwalks as well as travelling the world shooting for designer labels, Netflix series, tv commercials,  catalogues, and house hold brand names. Guyala is a model, poet, actor and artist who is extremely passionate about sharing her culture with the world. “My inspiration comes from my Mum, Pop, Grand Mother’s and the Honourable Ancestors who paved the way for us”. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 39 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Stella de Cos an Arrernte woman born in Canberra, with family ties to central desert and Alice Springs. As director of the Business Solutions program at Indigenous Business Australia, Stella is an integral part of the team providing business relief support to Indigenous businesses including the $50m package that NIAA announced in April for COVID-19 support.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 38 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Gaja Kerry Charlton an elder of the Go’enpul Tribe of Yuggera country which starts south west from the Great Dividing Range down to Logan River up to the Pine river and east to Moreton Bay. Gaja Kerry is a Traditional Owner of Yuggera, Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) and Kabi Kabi country north to the Sunshine Coast and has traditional ties to the Gulf area. Raised in a big extended family across her coastal and mainland country Gaja Kerry is a mother, grandmother and great grandmother who values her faith, family and community.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 37 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Aunty Diane Kerr who is a respected Elder, of the Ganun Willam Balak Clan of the Wurundjeri Tribe. Aunty Di is the matriarch of her family and takes pride in being a mother, stepmother, foster mother, aunty and a grandmother.Aunty Di has devoted much of her life to her local community as both a mentor and foster carer. She has worked in various fields including child care, education, native title, Stolen Generation support, and other community work, however, her passion lies in the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 36 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I yarn with Belinda Duarte who was born and raised in Ballarat, Victoria, and is a descendant of the Wotjobaluk & Dja Dja Wurrung people with Celtic and Polish origins. As the CEO of Culture is Life she supports Aboriginal-led solutions for the prevention of Aboriginal youth suicide. Belinda holds a range of positions including Director of Western Bulldogs, Board member of MCG Trust, Director of AnnaMilla, Co-Chair Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and Advisory Board Member of the Koori Youth Council. Some previous roles include Co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria, Deputy Chair Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and Chair of NASCA.Previously, Belinda was the inaugural director of Korin Gamadji Institute and the first female executive at Richmond Football Club. In 2012, she was acknowledged for her work in the AFL, and awarded football woman of the year.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 35 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Kevin Yow Yeh a proud Wakka Wakka and South Sea Islander man who grew up on Butchulla Country in Hervey Bay and now resides in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Jagera Country. Kevin is happily partnered with Kamilaroi man, Bob Smith and together they have two son's. Kevin is the oldest of seven siblings across two families and remains closely connected to his family across Queensland's South East Corner. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 34 of the Black Magic Woman I yarn with Leanne Caton a Kalkadoon Woman who was raised and educated in Darwin, with family and cultural connections in the NT, SA, WA and Qld.With a career spanning over thirty plus years, Leanne was appointed in 2015 to the role of Executive Director of the Office of Aboriginal Affairs with the Northern Territory Government where she became the most senior Aboriginal Public Servant in the NT.  In 2017, Leanne was appointed to the role of CEO of the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aide Service and commenced in the role of CEO of Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation in 2018.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 33 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Aunty Pat Mamanyjun Torres who is connected to the Jabirr-Jabirr, Nyul-Nyul, Bard, Djugun, Yawuru, and Garajarri lands of Western Australia. In 2018, Aunty Pat graduated with a Bachelor of Indigenous Languages and Linguistics degree through the Charles Darwin University at the Batchelor Institute, to record the remnants of language for her family’s Djugun and Jabirr-Jabirr languages.  Aunty Pat is Owner/Director of the Mamanyjun Tree Enterprises Pty Ltd company which features Mayi Harvests and a cultural consultancy business called Mamanyjun Cultural Training. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Rix is a Yuwaalayaay man through his Mother and Bagi (Grandmother) who come from the small community of Goodooga NSW. Matt grew up in Redcliffe and lives on Kabi Kabi Country in Noosa with his wife Tanya and son Cooper.Matt has over 20 years experience working in banking commencing as a teller and progressing through various roles including Branch Manager, Learning and Development Consultant and was an original member of CommBank's Indigenous Careers Team where he spent the last 4 years.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 31 of the Black Magic Woman Podcast I yarn with Florence Drummond a Dauareb/Wuthathi woman who was born and raised on Thursday Island in the Torres Straits.  As co-founder of Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA) and a Mine Operator, Florence understands from a grass roots level, the relationship of community and stakeholder relations and their shared vision for a sustainable future. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/black-magic-woman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.