Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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.

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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.