In this powerful and uplifting episode, recorded live at Yabun Festival 2025, we celebrate Survival Day on January 26. Join me as I connect with incredible voices from across the community in a spirit of resilience, pride, and joy.

Set on Gadigal Country at Victoria Park in Sydney, guests share their reflections on the significance of January 26, the challenges faced by First Nations people, and the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate survival, connection, and black excellence. Highlights include stories of thriving Indigenous businesses, the growth of Yabun over the years, and the safe, joyful energy that defines the festival.

Whether you’re a regular attendee or someone new to Yabun, this episode invites you to feel the love, solidarity, and vibrancy that make this gathering truly special. Don’t miss this celebration of culture, connection, and community! ✨

Links & Resources:

• • Yabun Festival
    Learn more about Yabun, its history, and upcoming events:
    Yabun Festival Official Website

  • 13 YARN
    Australia’s first 24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13 92 76 or visit:
    13 YARN Official Website

  • Support Indigenous Businesses
    Explore and support Indigenous businesses like those featured at Yabun:

    • Clothing the Gaps Merchandise: Clothing the Gaps Store
    • Gammin Threads: Gammin Threads Instagram

  • Watch '88' Documentary
    The documentary capturing the 1988 Bicentennial protests and Aboriginal rights movements.

  • Follow the Artists
    Keep up with some of the incredible talent featured at Yabun:

    • JK-47: JK-47 Instagram

  • The Walkabout Barber
    Learn about their incredible work in mental health, trauma recovery, and community building:
    The Walkabout Barber Website

  • Deadly Mentors
    Explore mentorship programs and resources by First Nations people:
    https://www.instagram.com/deadly_mentorz/reels/

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is proudly brought to you by ANZ. A new series of conversations with different mob around the country to yarn about, meaningful career opportunities within ANZ, building the capacity of Indigenous businesses and organisations, and helping individuals in the broader community to achieve financial wellbeing and resilience.

If you’d like to know more about how ANZ can help improve your financial wellbeing, or help you start, run or grow your business, visit anz.com or call 13 13 14.

In this latest episode, we continue our ANZ Partnership Series with an inspiring yarn featuring Donald Betts. A proud descendant of the Choctaw Nation and a trailblazer in his own right, Donald shares his incredible journey from becoming the youngest senator in the history of Kansas, to now a dynamic leader in Australia’s First Nations business space.

Donald talks about his role (at the time of recording) as Acting CEO of Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and their groundbreaking initiatives to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. From global trade alliances to hosting the World Indigenous Business Forum in 2025, Kinaway is making waves in Indigenous enterprise. 

This episode dives deep into the importance of partnerships like the one between ANZ & Kinaway, which is fostering opportunities for Indigenous businesses through financial literacy, tailored services, and global support. It’s an empowering yarn about resilience, community, and the limitless potential of First Nations entrepreneurship.

Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, collaboration, and vision for a brighter future.

Recommendations throughout this episode: 

Indigenous small business banking services:

 https://www.anz.com.au/business/indigenous-banking/ 

https://www.kinaway.com.au/

Call ANZ’s dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customer support line on 1800 037 366 https://www.anz.com.au/support/contact-us/customer-support-line/ 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Opportunities https://www.anz.com.au/careers/programs/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-opportunities/ 

For general enquiries visit anz.com or call 13 13 14 

When we reference ANZ in this episode, we are referring to Australia and New Zealand Banking Group operating in Australia and New Zealand. 

Given the nature of this podcast, all comments are general in nature and do not take into account the listeners’ financial circumstances, goals or objectives. Please think about what is right for you and seek independent advice. 

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special "Best Of" episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, we revisit one of our most heartfelt and inspiring yarns with a guest whose journey embodies resilience, pride, and representation. Hailing from the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, this trailblazer is known for breaking barriers in Australian media as a celebrated news presenter and advocate for social justice.

Our mystery guest grew up as the youngest of five daughters in a loving, culturally rich household and now uses their platform to amplify Indigenous voices across the country. They traveled over 36,000 kilometers in 2023 alone, engaging with grassroots communities, elders, and leaders, all while bringing authenticity and lived experience to the stories they tell.

Here’s a clue: You’ve likely seen this Black Magic Woman in the spotlight—whether anchoring the news, dancing in trackies on Instagram, or hosting thought-provoking conversations about cultural heritage and equality.

Can you guess who it is before the big reveal? Tune in to celebrate this iconic episode with a guest who truly embodies the spirit of the Black Magic Woman Podcast! 🌟

✨ We’re on holidays and will return with new episodes on the 22nd of January 2025! In the meantime, enjoy this unforgettable yarn and relive one of our best moments on the podcast. 🎧✨

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a special "Best of Black Magic Woman Podcast" episode featuring a Mystery Guest who has inspired thousands with their eloquent words, fierce love for their people, and unwavering commitment to creating a better Australia. Who could it be? Here are some clues:

• They’ve had a profound international career, reporting from over 80 countries, but their heart has always remained connected to their roots in Wiradjuri country.
• This guest is a passionate advocate for preserving Indigenous languages and was instrumental in the development of the first Wiradjuri dictionary alongside their father, a language trailblazer.
• They’ve delivered a viral speech, turning the Australian Dream on its head to spotlight the reality for First Nations people.

Can you guess who it is? Tune in for this powerful and inspiring conversation that showcases the heart and wisdom of one of Australia’s most influential voices.

✨ We’re on holidays and will return with new episodes on the 22nd of January 2025! In the meantime, enjoy this unforgettable yarn and relive one of our best moments on the podcast. 🎧✨

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This special episode revisits one of our most captivating conversations of the year, featuring a guest whose journey is as dazzling as it is inspiring. 🌟

Clue #1: Known as the "First Nations Drag Queen," they’re a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti person making waves in the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities. 💃🏽
Clue #2: Their story is one of resilience, passion, and breaking barriers, all while shining a light on the importance of self-expression and cultural pride. 🎭
Clue #3: They use their art to educate and empower, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of drag and First Nations activism.

✨ We’re on holidays and will return with new episodes on the 22nd of January 2025! In the meantime, enjoy this unforgettable yarn and relive one of our best moments on the podcast. 🎧✨

Think you know who it is? Tune in now to find out!

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we approach Christmas, we’re taking time to reflect on the incredible stories shared on the Black Magic Woman Podcast this year. This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my childhood sis, Samala Thakialee Cronin, the powerhouse behind MumRed the Label.

Samala is more than a designer; she’s a storyteller, weaving culture, identity, and resilience into every piece she creates. From using kangaroo sinew and weaving techniques passed down through generations to showcasing her work on international runways, she’s breaking barriers and ensuring our people are not just seen but celebrated.

We talked about her recent achievements, like creating stunning bespoke pieces for Thelma Plum and representing our culture at major events like New York Fashion Week. Samala also shared her powerful reflections on kinship, black matriarchy, and the strength of our mob.

💬 “How can they hear us if they can’t see us?”

This yarn is close to my heart, and I know you’ll feel the same. Samala’s passion and determination are inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder of the deadly work she’s doing.

Check out the links below for more info about MumRed the Label and how you can support my sista.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.mumred.com.au/
• https://www.instagram.com/mumred_the_label/

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I yarn with Coby Edgar, a proud queer First Nations curator and cultural practitioner. Coby shares her journey from Darwin to Sydney, the intersection of art and activism, and the significance of storytelling in keeping history and culture alive. We explore her approach to curating community-driven exhibitions, the joy of working with mob, and her vision for fostering connection through art.

Coby's current exhibition, "Same, Same, Different," at the Blacktown Arts Centre, explores how people connect across cultures through shared experiences like food, traditions, and storytelling. This community-focused show emphasizes the beauty of diversity while celebrating commonalities, inspired by her conversations with mob and her uncle's insights on cultural overlaps.

The exhibition highlights the connections between people, place, and history, offering a joyful and thought-provoking perspective on identity and belonging. Don’t miss this incredible showcase of creativity and cultural dialogue!

Links & Resources:

• Bankstown Arts Centre website
• https://powerhouse.com.au/stories/durrmu-arts-aboriginal-corporation
• https://www.2022.australianceramicstriennale.com.au/presenters-and-artists/coby-edgar

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode, Mundanara Bayles sits down with Amanda Mudege-Fleischer, one half of the dynamic duo behind It’s Layered, a podcast featured on the Black Cast Network. Amanda shares her journey from Zimbabwe to Australia, how she found her voice in podcasting alongside her co-host Rumbi (based in the Czech Republic), and the challenges and triumphs of creating a platform for honest conversations about life in the diaspora. 

We yarn about the power of storytelling, representation in media, and the importance of creating spaces where Black voices can thrive unapologetically. Amanda reflects on the cultural richness of her African heritage, the realities of navigating life in a new country, and the profound connections forged through podcasting.

Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or considering starting your own, this episode is filled with insights on intention, persistence, and the value of amplifying diverse voices.

✨ Don’t miss this engaging yarn about culture, creativity, and community.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.itslayeredpodcast.com/about
• https://open.spotify.com/show/2kG8UKCcxtsSR9joyURQjl?si=86add357b14a4911

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of our conversation on the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I continue my yarn with Sal Balharrie and Dannielle Maclean, the directors behind the moving film Like My Brother. This episode dives deeper into the complexities of creating a film that resonates with community values and represents the voices of young Tiwi women navigating their ambitions in football while staying rooted in cultural identity.

Sal and Dannielle share stories from the film’s seven-year journey, highlighting pivotal moments, including their dedication to obtaining cultural approvals and their partnership with Tiwi co-producers. We discuss how the film evolved from what they thought would be a “footy film” into an exploration of resilience, identity, and the strength required to walk proudly in two worlds. The conversation also touches on the trust built with the featured women and the life-changing experiences they faced, from the joy of winning grand finals to the lessons of returning home empowered with new perspectives.

Join us for this inspiring yarn that underscores the power of storytelling, the resilience of Indigenous communities, and why films like Like My Brother are essential gifts that can change perspectives and bridge divides. Don’t miss it!

Links & Resources:

• https://www.likemybrother.com/
• TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaLxna2AKRI

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks episode I sit down with Sal Balharrie and Dannielle MacLean, directors of the compelling film Like My Brother. The film delves into the intertwined stories of community, culture, and the enduring spirit of Tiwi women through the lens of their shared passion for football—a sport that becomes a metaphor for resilience, identity, and the dual worlds Indigenous people navigate.

Sal and Dannielle share the intricate journey behind bringing Like My Brother to life, starting with Sal’s desire to amplify First Nations women’s voices in sport. We explore the challenges and triumphs they faced, from gaining trust and approval from Tiwi elders and the Land Council to highlighting the importance of cultural consultation and community involvement.

Join us as we discuss why Like My Brother is more than just a film about sport; it’s a heartfelt narrative about pride, cultural strength, and what it takes to walk in two worlds. This episode is filled with insights that resonate beyond film, offering valuable takeaways for anyone interested in cultural storytelling, community collaboration, and the power of representation. Keep an eye out for Like My Brother, previously in Cinemas, coming soon to streaming.

Links & Resources:

• https://www.likemybrother.com/
• TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaLxna2AKRI

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with the talented group Dem Mob, a rising Indigenous hip-hop band making waves in the Australian music scene. Dem Mob, formed in 2019, began as a school project aimed at re-engaging Indigenous youth through music and culture. Today, they've transformed into a powerhouse collective, bringing Aboriginal language and culture to the forefront of their music, blending English and Pitjantjatjara languages to reach diverse audiences.

In our yarn, we discuss the group’s origins, their mission to inspire Indigenous youth, and the importance of integrating culture with education. They share how music provided them an escape and a path to empowerment, overcoming the challenges of mainstream education systems that often leave Indigenous students feeling disconnected. Now, with award-winning tracks and performances at major events like SXSW Sydney, Dem Mob continues to inspire and give back to their communities.

Tune in to hear about their journey, their dedication to culture, and their vision for the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Dem Mob’s powerful music and message. 

Links & Resources:

• DEM MOB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dem_mob/?hl=en
• DEM MOB Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4aciJpcM8WNsBXP4dQv9yM?si=QIwlH1MwTBmdLSYgpCk3Ng

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.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, [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.