Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

Mundanara Bayles
Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.   Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It’s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960’s.   Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at www.theblackcard.com.au.   If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit https://www.theblackcard.com.au./ Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

  1. Carrying the Load: Eldership, Obligation, and Hope for Our Future

    4 JULY

    Carrying the Load: Eldership, Obligation, and Hope for Our Future

    In this powerful NAIDOC Week yarn, I sit down with Uncle Cheg—Gregory Egert—one of our most respected elders and lifelong advocates for community, culture, and education in Southeast Queensland. From growing up in Inala in the 1960s, to decades of service on community boards and as an inaugural Elder in Residence at QUT and now UQ, Uncle Cheg shares stories of resilience, responsibility, and staying grounded in culture. We talk about the early days of big community meetings (complete with the occasional flying chair), the importance of giving back, and how Aboriginal-led research is shaping better futures through the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures. Uncle Cheg reflects on what drives him to keep showing up for mob, why mentoring the next generation is non-negotiable, and his hopes and concerns for our young people as they step into a fast-changing world. Whether you’re mob, an ally, or someone wanting to understand more about what genuine community leadership looks like, this episode is a heartfelt reminder—especially during NAIDOC Week—that our culture, our stories, and our obligations endure. Tune in to hear Uncle Cheg’s wisdom on belonging, legacy, and the power of lifting each other up. Resources & Links ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures https://indigenous-futures.org/ indigenous-futures.org+1indigenous-futures.org+1 The Murri School https://murrischool.qld.edu.au/ murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11murrischool.qld.edu.au+11 QUT Carumba Institute https://www.qut.edu.au/research/carumba-institute qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3qut.edu.au+3 University of Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit https://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/atsisu 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  2. We’ve Always Known How to Lead: Reclaiming Leadership on Aboriginal Terms

    27 JUNE

    We’ve Always Known How to Lead: Reclaiming Leadership on Aboriginal Terms

    In this episode I sit down with respected Wakka Wakka/Wulli Wulli Elder, author, academic, and leadership expert Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng. Recorded in Naarm at the Indigenous Leadership Summit, this yarn dives deep into the meaning of sacred leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of First Nations ways of knowing, being, and doing within modern systems. Aunt shares her journey from growing up in Longreach to working in public service and academia, and how she has applied First Nations knowledge to leadership development through her PhD and mentoring programs. She unpacks the foundational cultural laws of reciprocity, responsibility, and respect — teachings passed down through generations — and how these values shape authentic leadership today. Together, we also discuss supporting the next generation of Blak women, breaking free from limiting belief systems, and empowering young mob to lead in their own right — not by assimilating into dominant systems, but by centring cultural integrity and lived experience. Resources & Links • Aunty Tjanara Goreng Goreng – Personal website https://www.tjanara.com/ • The Leadership Institute – Indigenous Leadership Summit: https://www.theleadershipinstitute.com.au/indigenous-leadership-summit/ • BlackCard – Aboriginal Terms of Reference (via About Us page) https://www.theblackcard.com.au/about-us/ 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 min
  3. How Education Fuels Our Liberation and the Power of Standing Strong in Our Identity

    17 JUNE

    How Education Fuels Our Liberation and the Power of Standing Strong in Our Identity

    In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with trailblazing Woppaburra woman, Angela Barney-Leitch, live from the Human Rights Summit on Yagara Country. From growing up in Woodridge to becoming the first Aboriginal woman appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Queensland, Angela reflects on her incredible journey and the importance of cultural leadership in institutions like QUT. Angela shares the transformative work happening through Carumba, the Indigenous Research Institute, and how initiatives like the Campus to Country strategy are reshaping what inclusion and sovereignty look like on university campuses. Angela also speaks candidly about the strength of community, the role of education in our liberation, and why standing strong in your identity is more important than ever. This yarn is a celebration of black excellence, black joy, and the power of returning to and standing on Country. An inspiring listen for anyone navigating the intersections of culture, education, and leadership. Resources & Links Books & Authors Another Day in the Colony by Professor Chelsea Watego https://www.uqp.com.au/books/another-day-in-the-colony Black Witness by Amy McQuire https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/black-witness-9781922585725 Indigenous Education & Strategy at QUT Carumba Institute – Indigenous Research at QUT https://www.qut.edu.au/research/carumba-institute Campus to Country: Positioning Strategy https://www.qut.edu.au/about/campus-to-country QUT Indigenous Strategy https://www.qut.edu.au/about/indigenous Indigenous Mathematics & Education YuMi Deadly Maths – QUT https://research.qut.edu.au/ydc/about/yumi-deadly-maths/ Dr. Chris Matthews – Griffith University Profile https://www.griffith.edu.au/advancement/notable-alumni/2021-alumni-award-winners/professor-chris-matthews Woppaburra Country & Marine Stewardship Woppaburra Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) https://woppaburra.com.au/100-2/ Reef Authority – Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/traditional-owners/traditional-use-marine-resources-agreements Indigenous Business Leadership Master of Indigenous Business Leadership – Monash University https://www.monash.edu/indigenous-australians/study/master-of-indigenous-business-leadership 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  4. Legacy, Resistance, and the Power of Community

    5 JUNE

    Legacy, Resistance, and the Power of Community

    I yarn with proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman Larissa Baldwin-Roberts — a lifelong community organiser, strategist, and changemaker. From growing up in Lismore surrounded by stories of resistance and survival, to leading major campaigns on climate, justice, and rights, Larissa shares how her family’s legacy shaped her political thinking and commitment to grassroots action. We explore the aftermath of the Voice referendum, the threats facing Treaty processes, and the urgent need to reframe how we organise, persuade, and protect First Nations rights on our own terms. Larissa reflects on the lessons passed down from her father and community Elders, the role of strategic activism, and why self-determination doesn’t need government permission. With deep insights into the political moment we’re in, this episode also shines a light on Indigenous-led leadership, featuring reflections on the work of Aunty Mary Graham and the power of Aboriginal logic and philosophy. 🖤💛❤️ Resources & Links The BlackCard – Cultural Education and Training Founded by Aunty Mary Graham and Dr Lilla Watson. https://www.theblackcard.com.au/ Passing the Message Stick A research project led by First Nations campaigners, including Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, focused on how to shift public attitudes toward First Nations justice. https://passingthemessagestick.org.au/ GetUp! A progressive movement Larissa previously led — involved in campaigns on justice, climate, and Aboriginal rights. https://www.getup.org.au/ Voice Referendum – Resources and Reflections The Guardian – Referendum coverage and analysis: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/voice-to-parliament Australian Human Rights Commission – Statement on the Voice: https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/voice-parliament Yoorrook Justice Commission (VIC) Victoria’s Truth-Telling Commission https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/ Truth and Treaty Processes (QLD & NT) Queensland Truth-Telling and Treaty: https://statementfromtheheart.com/treaty/qld/ Northern Territory Treaty Process: https://www.treaty.nt.gov.au/ 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min
  5. Walters Nkemfack – Racism, Resilience & Raising Kids on the Sunshine Coast

    29 MAY

    Walters Nkemfack – Racism, Resilience & Raising Kids on the Sunshine Coast

    I sit down with Walters Nkemfack, a proud Cameroonian-Australian father, cultural educator, and social justice advocate living on Kabi Kabi Country. Walters shares his deeply personal journey from Cameroon to Germany and finally to the Sunshine Coast—where the racism his young son experienced in kindergarten sparked a lifelong commitment to community-building and anti-racism work. From his grassroots “leaf experiment” in a classroom to becoming an ambassador for the Shine a Light on Racism campaign, Walters’ story is a testament to turning pain into purpose. He talks candidly about the realities of systemic discrimination in workplaces and schools, the exhaustion of starting over in each new setting, and the courage it takes to speak out when silence feels safer. This yarn is a reminder that inclusion is more than diversity—it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels like they truly belong.   Resources & Links Anti-Racism Campaigns & Education Shine a Light on Racism (Sunshine Coast Council) https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism Shine a Light Educational Resources https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/shinealightonracism/educate Shine a Light: Make a Pledge https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/living-and-community/community-support/shine-a-light-on-racism/pledge Racism. It Stops With Me (Australian Human Rights Commission) https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/ Racism. It Stops With Me – Resource Hub https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/resourcehub Racism. It Stops With Me – Support Services https://itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au/take-action/support-services Reporting Racism Racism Register https://racismregister.org/ Racism Register – About https://racismregister.org/pages/about Call It Out (First Nations Racism Register) https://callitout.com.au/ Mental Health & Crisis Support 13YARN (Support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples) https://www.13yarn.org.au/ Lifeline Australia (24/7 crisis support) https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Mental Health Care Access Mental Health Treatment Plans (via your GP) https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan Workplace Support AccessEAP (Employee Assistance Program provider) https://www.accesseap.com.au/ 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min
  6. Juan Walker – Leading Blak Tourism Through Culture & Country

    22 MAY

    Juan Walker – Leading Blak Tourism Through Culture & Country

    Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance. In this episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down on beautiful Gimuy (Cairns) Country with Juan Walker—founder of Walkabout Cultural Adventures and proud Kuku Yalanji man. Juan shared with me his journey from being a shy young fulla to running one of the most respected cultural tourism businesses in the country. His tours don’t just take you across land—they connect you deeply to story, culture, and the responsibilities we carry. From mud-crabbing with the kids to learning about his family's history on Country, this yarn was filled with so many gems about what it means to be grounded in who you are while running your own business. Juan’s passion for culture, education, and empowerment is infectious. Whether he's teaching tourists, schoolkids, or mentoring other mob, he's walking the walk—literally and figuratively. This episode is all about that connection to Country, the power of lived experience, and why culture is our biggest asset. Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance, this episode highlights the power of Blak business, community, and leadership. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Want to learn more about Juan and his work? 🌐 Website: https://walkaboutadventures.com.au 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkaboutculturaladventures 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  7. Best Of: Narelda Jacobs – Living Between Worlds, Leading With Heart

    21 MAY · BONUS

    Best Of: Narelda Jacobs – Living Between Worlds, Leading With Heart

    In this powerful and heartfelt Best Of episode, we revisit our yarn with Narelda Jacobs – a proud Whadjuk Noongar woman, seasoned journalist, and trailblazer in Australian media. Narelda opens up about her childhood in a proud Black household in Perth, the strength she draws from her community, and the journey from local newsreader to national presence on Channel Ten and NITV’s The Point. Together, Narelda and Mundanara dive into what it means to carry lived experience into white-dominated spaces, the importance of Black voices in journalism, and the deep emotional impact of telling stories that matter. From stories of joy and dancing in tracksuits to emotional reflections on the Voice to Parliament, this conversation is filled with warmth, resilience, and inspiration. Recommendations throughout this episode:  https://10play.com.au/studio-10/hosts/2023/narelda-jacobs/pa200520kpear 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min
  8. Jesse Green – Building Legacy, Leading with Culture

    15 MAY

    Jesse Green – Building Legacy, Leading with Culture

    Proudly supported by NRMA Insurance. In this powerful yarn, I sit down with proud Badtjala, Gunditjmara and Woppaburra man, Jesse Green—founder of Yilay —a 100% Indigenous-owned apparel, promotions, and signage business based in Brisbane. Jesse shares his journey from AFL community programs to building multiple businesses with deep roots in family, culture, and community. He speaks openly about the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with fatherhood, the importance of cultural protocol, and the need to address issues like black cladding in the Indigenous business sector. Jesse also highlights the role of authenticity, the strength of community collaboration, and his commitment to creating intergenerational wealth—one business at a time. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about genuine First Nations enterprise and social impact. 🔗 Jesse Green & Yilay Creative Yilay Official Website: Explore Yilay's range of Indigenous-designed apparel, promotional products, and signage. https://yilay.com.au/ About Yilay: Learn about Yilay's mission to bridge the cultural knowledge gap between corporate Australia and Indigenous communities. https://yilay.com.au/pages/about-us Yilay Collections: Browse Yilay's product collections, including their NAIDOC 2024 range. https://yilay.com.au/collections Yilay on Facebook: Stay updated with Yilay's latest news and offerings. https://www.facebook.com/Yilay2.0/ 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, info@blackmagicwoman.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    27 min
4.9
out of 5
128 Ratings

About

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles who was born and raised in Redfern (Sydney) Australia and currently lives in Queensland. The Black Magic Woman Podcast is an uplifting conversational style program featuring mainly First Nations people from Australia and around the world sharing their stories about their journey to highlight the diversity amongst First Nations peoples and the resilience of her people. She hopes these stories inspire her listeners and also create a better understanding of what First Nations Peoples culture and history.   Mundanara is guided by Aboriginal Terms of Reference and focusses more on who people are rather than on what they do. Mundanara makes people feel relaxed and comfortable as if they were sitting around the kitchen table just having a yarn. It’s the way First Nations people have been building relationships and getting to know each other for tens of thousands of years. She draws from a long family history in the media industry and has grown up in culturally strong, politically active family who have been at the forefront of the Aboriginal Rights movement since the 1960’s.   Mundanara sees this platform as an opportunity to share her cultural knowledge and insights to her audience in a non confrontational way that brings people along with her to create change for a better Australia. To connect more with Mundanara check out the work she does with her elders at www.theblackcard.com.au.   If you'd like to support the show by making a financial contribution, visit https://www.theblackcard.com.au./ Any help is appreciated and goes a long way. I encourage to get behind any First Nations media, contribute, share and be apart of positive change that Australia needs.

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