In this week’s episode, I sit down with proud Wiradjuri woman Aisha Wighton, who recently stepped onto one of the biggest global platforms as a contestant on Australian Survivor. From growing up in Condobolin to navigating the modelling, acting and social work industries, Aisha shares what it means to take up space as a young Black woman in spaces where representation still matters deeply. Together, we yarn about resilience, visibility and the courage it takes to back yourself — even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Aisha also reflects on the intense physical and emotional realities of life on the island, processing personal challenges while competing, and returning home with a renewed sense of clarity and strength. This is an honest conversation about identity, ambition and refusing to be boxed in — whether that’s in reality TV, the acting industry or in everyday life.

Key Themes

• 24:40 — Being unapologetically Black and visible on mainstream television

• 14:10 — Surviving physically and mentally on Survivor

• 32:30 — Racism, beauty standards and growing up wanting to change her skin

• 10:05 — Breaking into modelling and acting — and resisting tokenism in casting

• 06:50 — Chasing dreams, relocating and stepping into a new chapter at 30

Resources

• Watch Australian Survivor → https://10play.com.au/australian-survivor

• Follow Aisha Wighton → https://www.instagram.com/aisha_wighton

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is in partnership with the Australian Government.

In this yarn, I sit down with mother and daughter Karla and Lowanna Grant to talk about what legacy really means in our communities — not just in terms of money, but in culture, stories, opportunity and security. We reflect on the journeys that shaped them, from growing up in Housing Commission and witnessing sacrifice, to working hard to create stability and independence for the next generation. It’s a powerful reminder that generational wealth for First Nations people is deeply connected to identity, resilience and the responsibility to carry knowledge forward.

We also unpack the realities of home ownership, the pressures of cost of living, and the dreams many of our mob hold about creating a safe space to call their own. Karla shares what it meant to buy her first home and the security that brought her young family, while Lowanna reflects on forging her own path — following in her mother’s footsteps while building something uniquely hers. This episode is about perseverance, listening to our Elders, and creating pathways so the next generation can step forward with strength and pride.

Key Themes

06:00 Listening and learning from Elders Karla speaks about being taught to observe and listen as a young girl
15:00 Walking in your parents’ footsteps while making your own mark Lowanna reflects on finding her voice in media
22:30 What generational wealth means for First Nations families culture, language and stories as legacy
29:30 Creating security through home ownership and hard work Karla shares buying her first home
36:00 Cost of living pressures and dreaming of owning a home Lowanna on independence and responsibility
44:00 Advice for the next generation resilience, saving and setting goals

Resources

Living Black (SBS) → https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/news-series/living-black
Access Granted podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/37bKl1269TIB5AkDzkF9Fj?si=4eeb46e663d74285

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us 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! If you’d like to contact us, please email, [email protected]

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mundanara sits down with the three hosts of the Bros and Cons podcast — former gang members who once made headlines for crime and are now mentoring young people, building businesses, and reshaping what strength and leadership look like.

Jayleks, Malik and Ronnie speak candidly about prison, rap culture, identity and the turning point that led them back to family, heritage and purpose. They unpack media stigma, masculinity, broken families and the responsibility that comes with influence — choosing growth over ego and legacy over reputation.

A raw and honest yarn about transformation, accountability and standing proud for your people.

Resources & Links

🎙️ Listen to Bros and Cons

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/search/bros%20and%20cons

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bros+and+cons+podcast

Justice System Reintegration 

Community Restorative Centre (NSW)
Support for people leaving prison and rebuilding their lives.
https://www.crcnsw.org.au

SHINE for Kids
Supports children and families impacted by incarceration.
https://shineforkids.org.au

Young Men, Mentoring & Identity

PCYC Australia
Youth programs, sport, leadership and community support.
https://www.pcyc.org.au

Street University
Creative programs for young people navigating disadvantage.
https://www.streetuni.org

Men’s Mental Health & Support

MensLine Australia
Support for men navigating relationships, identity and life challenges.
https://mensline.org.au

13YARN (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples)
24/7 culturally safe crisis support.
https://www.13yarn.org.au

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us 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! If you’d like to contact us, please email, [email protected]

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 2 opens with human rights and discrimination lawyer Prabha Nandagopal.

In this straight-talking yarn, Prabha reflects on the moments that shaped her — from working with asylum seekers in detention and contributing to landmark workplace reform inquiries, to navigating cultural expectations, divorce and solo motherhood. We unpack accountability, workplace culture, systemic change and what real leadership looks like under pressure.

New format. Same powerful yarns.

Resources & Links

• Elevate Consulting Partners – https://www.elevateconsultingpartners.com.au/

• Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report (2020) – https://www.humanrights.gov.au/sites/default/files/document/publication/ahrc_wsh_report_2020.pdf

• Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces (‘Set the Standard’ Report) – https://humanrights.gov.au/CPWReview

Website: www.blackmagicwoman.com.au

Follow us 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! If you’d like to contact us, please email, [email protected]

Black Magic Woman is produced by BlakCast.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Best Of episode, I revisit some of the most powerful moments from my yarn with Nooky — a conversation that moves between music, culture, grief, and survival.

We reflect on the making of his album with 3%, including the collaborations that shaped it and the intention behind centring cultural history and awareness. The iconic album artwork featuring Nicky Winmar stands as a defining moment in the discussion — a symbol of resistance, strength, and truth-telling in the face of racism.

Nooky also speaks candidly about his personal journey through grief and addiction, and how community became central to his healing. His commitment to creating space for mob is evident through initiatives like We Are Warriors and his film trilogy centred on the black cockatoo — stories grounded in mentorship, culture, and passing knowledge to the next generation.

We also touch on friendship, connection, and shared cultural spaces, including his relationship with The Kid Laroi, highlighting how community and identity continue to shape Indigenous voices in music.

This Best Of yarn is a reminder of the power of storytelling — and how resilience, culture, and music can be tools for change, advocacy, and collective strength.

Links & Resources:

• We are Warriors - https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/
• 3% - https://amnplify.com.au/first-nations-collective-3-nooky-dallas-woods-angus-field-share-new-single-video-wont-stop-feat-jessica-mauboy-ahead-of-debut-album-kill-the-dead/
• Blakout with Nooky - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/blak-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.

This episode is in partnership with the Australian Government.

In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I yarn with the deadly Amanda Sibosado, a proud Wardandi and Bard woman, PhD candidate, and long-time sexual health educator.

Amanda joins me from Whadjuk Noongar Country to talk honestly about sexual health in our communities — from the gaps many of us experienced growing up, to why STIs like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea are on the rise. We break down what STI testing actually involves, why confidentiality matters, and why relying on symptoms alone can be risky.

We also yarn deeply about shame — how it shows up, how our mob push through it every day, and how we can use that same strength to look after our bodies, have safer conversations, and support our young people. This episode goes beyond prevention and treatment, touching on healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and the role we all play as parents, aunties, uncles and community.

This conversation is for our young people, our families, and anyone who’s ever felt unsure or embarrassed about sexual health. Knowledge is power, testing saves lives, and our mob deserve culturally safe care.

For trusted information and resources, visit health.gov.au/sti/first-nations.

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 episode of the ANZ Partnership Series, I sit down with Garry Jaffrey, Managing Director of Kurtarra Pty Ltd — a 100 % Indigenous, family-owned company from the Palkyu region of the Pilbara, Western Australia.

Garry shares his powerful journey from growing up on Country to leading one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous businesses, weaving culture, community and economic opportunity into everything he does. Together, we explore the meaning of leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build a business that stays true to Country and community while engaging in large-scale industry partnerships.

We also unpack the significance of supportive financial relationships like those with ANZ, and how access to purpose-driven investment and programs has helped Kurtarra scale its operations and deliver real opportunities for First Nations peoples.

This conversation is a celebration of Indigenous enterprise, cultural strength, and the kinds of partnerships that create lasting impact — proving that when culture and business walk hand-in-hand, everyone benefits.

Recommendations throughout this episode: 

Indigenous small business banking services:

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

https://dev.kurtarra.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 powerful Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most unforgettable yarns with proud Yuin and Thunghutti man, artist, creator, and community leader Nooky. Recorded live on the iHeart Podcast stage at SXSW Sydney, this conversation dives deep into his journey from growing up in Nowra to becoming a driving force in Australian music and culture.

Nooky shares honest reflections on resilience, healing, identity, and the strength found in family and community, while also speaking about the purpose behind his work, including We Are Warriors, and the importance of representation for the next generation.

This episode is a celebration of culture, pride, storytelling, and self-determination — a reminder of the power Blak excellence has to inspire change, unity, and hope.

Links & Resources:

• We are Warriors - https://www.wearewarriors.com.au/
• 3% - https://amnplify.com.au/first-nations-collective-3-nooky-dallas-woods-angus-field-share-new-single-video-wont-stop-feat-jessica-mauboy-ahead-of-debut-album-kill-the-dead/
• Blakout with Nooky - https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/programs/blak-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.

In this Best Of episode of Black Magic Woman, I sit down with Dem Mob, a rising Indigenous hip-hop group making waves in the Australian music scene.

Formed in 2019 as a school project designed to re-engage Indigenous youth through music and culture, Dem Mob have since evolved into a powerhouse collective. Their music brings Aboriginal language and culture to the forefront, blending English and Pitjantjatjara to reach and connect with diverse audiences.

In this yarn, Dem Mob reflect on their origins, their mission to inspire Indigenous young people, and the importance of integrating culture with education. They share how music became an escape, a form of empowerment, and a way to navigate education systems that often leave Indigenous students feeling disconnected.

Now performing on major stages and earning national recognition, Dem Mob continue to give back to community while using music as a tool for change.

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.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most loved conversations with Coby Edgar — a proud Aboriginal curator, creative, mentor and cultural powerhouse. Coby’s story is filled with honesty, humour, resilience and deep cultural insight, making this episode a standout moment from the Black Magic Woman archives.

As we wrap up the year, we’re sharing a selection of Best Of episodes while the team prepares for an exciting new chapter.

Regular weekly releases will resume in the New Year, with a new and improved Black Magic Woman Podcast coming your way.

Thank you for your continued support — we can’t wait to bring you a fresh season of powerful storytelling, leadership, and Blak excellence in 2026.

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 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 links
Find 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 podcast
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 note
This 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.