Yarning Up First Nations Stories with Caroline Kell

Caroline Kell
Yarning Up First Nations Stories with Caroline Kell

Yarning Up is hosted by the ever-inspiring Caroline Kell - Mbarbrum woman, visionary behind Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting, and TedX Speaker. This show is helping to redefine the way listeners engage with First Nations people, stories, experiences and perspectives, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream narrative.  Through candid and heartfelt conversations, this platform opens doors to authentic learning and connection with First Nations people, issues, causes, and stories. Its purpose is truth telling and to help all Australians learn and unlearn Australia’s past, to work towards a better future.  

  1. 30 SEPT

    Penelope Towney- Sharing Indigenous Languages, Culture and Sciences as the Youngest First Nations Film Maker

    Looking for something deadly, for you and your jarjum, to dive into this school holidays? I had the absolute honour of chatting with the brilliant 10-year-old Penelope Towney—proud Wiradjuri and Palawa girl, YouTube star, and future media and presenter mogul. Penelope shared her passion for her Indigenous cultures, her languages, and their knowledges she has learnt from her family along the way.   We talked about her hit YouTube channel, Towney Time, where she makes learning fun and accessible, from Aboriginal science to Aboriginal culture. Plus, she gave me the scoop on her groundbreaking short film The Land We're On, which she created when she was just seven! We even got into her love for Dolly Parton, David Bowie, and the dream of one day featuring Dolly on Towney Time. Penelope’s vision? To be in a Disney film that authentically represents Indigenous cultures—and she's got the drive to make it happen. This yarn will leave you inspired and ready to make the most of life, no matter your age. Check out Penelope’s YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@towneytime  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!  We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.   This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au     This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  2. 5 SEPT

    Marley Morgan - First Nations storytelling through photography

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by the widely published photographer and storyteller Marley Morgan. A proud Wiradjuri woman born on Gumbaynggirr Land, Marley’s incredible portrayal of Aboriginal culture, stories, and women has taken her across so-called Australia. Her work has been featured in publications like Vogue and Marie Claire, where she shares awe-inspiring stories and imagery of Aboriginal women, deeply connected to Country and Culture   Caroline and Marley yarn about Marley’s career and her drive to capture authentic, intimate, and unforgettable moments for Aboriginal women, as well as her work supporting Blak owned businesses. They chat about the current state of Aboriginal representation in the media, and how to be authentic storytellers in a modern world. They also dive into topics like giving back to the community, managing the stresses of a work-life balance, and being supported by your mob. Lastly, Marley shares how she overcame her own self-doubts and anxietyabout her art, and was able to stay true to herself and her vision through the pressures of the photography industry.   To learn more about Marley Morgan and her work, follow her on Instagram @marleymorganphotography and visit her website here. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!      Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!    We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.   This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  3. 19 AUG

    Matt Moncrieff- First Nations Native Food & Food Sovereignty

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by TV star and proud Yamatji man Matt Moncrieff from  Gwoonwardu in Western Australia. Matt is a bushfood advocate with a large platform after featuring on Seven's My Kitchen Rules, and has made headlines again recently for his petition calling supermarkets to begin stocking native foods in order to support indigenous businesses, share indigenous culture, and promote the natural flavors and cuisine of our land.   In this episode, Caroline and Matt yarn about his inspiration for starting the petition, as well as the attention, support, and prospects it has attracted. Matt also talks about his relationship with food, how his community and family have influenced him, as well as his favorite ingredients and meals and how he was able to bring them to light on My Kitchen Rules. They also dive into questions abut the current food industry, the relationship between food and community, and the businesses and organisations out there who are already fighting behind the scenes to bring our ingredients and expertise into the forefront of Australian cuisine.   To learn more about Matt and his work, follow him on Instagram @_mattmoncrieff and have a read of his article for the Urban List here, and buy some of his candles here. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!    We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.   This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1 hr
  4. 31 JUL

    Commissioner Travis Lovett - A Deep Dive into the Yoorrook Justice Commission on Historical and Ongoing Injustices

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by Travis Lovett, Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. A proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara Traditional Owner, Travis plays a key role in the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria, the Yoorrook Justice Commission. The Commission, established by an agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government, operates independently of both. It delivered an interim report in June 2022, and a critical issues report in August 2023, and will present a final report in 2025. The Commission is led by five Commissioners, with three being Aboriginal. They bring extensive knowledge and experience in areas such as First Peoples’ knowledge, systemic disadvantage, land rights, history, law, trauma, and healing. In this episode, Travis shares his personal story, discusses what it's like being part of a big family and mob, and talks about his many passions, including being a dad, practising his Culture, working with Community, and preserving Aboriginal languages. Travis and Caroline discuss some of the most significant evidence of past injustices which have come forward. Commissioner Lovett also walks listeners through the truth-telling process, providing valuable insights into the important hearings taking place and the steps ahead. To follow the great work the Yoorrok Justice Commission are doing, visit their website https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/ To follow Travis’s journey then please visit his instagram page HERE. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!  If this episode has brought up anything for you contact 13YARN on 13 92 76. Or, visit the following pages for more useful contacts and support Where can I get help | R U OK? We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging. This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    51 min
  5. 10 JUL

    Kristal Kinsela - Utilising supplier diversity policy to boost First Nation businesses

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by Kristal Kinsela - fellow podcast host, experienced facilitator and an expert in supplier diversity policy. A proud descendant of both the Jawoyn and Wiradjuri nations, Kristal has worked with well-known global businesses and every level of government over the past 18 years to drive their supplier diversity efforts, giving talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander small businesses access to greater opportunities.  Caroline and Kristal yarn about their shared experience of taking the leap from their 9-5 into consultancy, and the joys of running podcasts focused on telling black stories. Kristal also breaks down for Caroline and you mob what supplier diversity really is, what it means and how it opens doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. When Kristal noticed a lack of resources on the subject here in Australia, she took her wealth of knowledge and self- published a book titled Supplier Diversity How, which is based on her proven approach (all while managing a 3 month old we might add!). So grab your headphones and access the wisdom of this passionate leader and advocate for First Nation businesses. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!  We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging. This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    49 min
  6. 12 JUN

    Kirby Bentley - Representing First Nation's people on her Survivor journey

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by Kirby Bentley, a proud Noongar woman and contestant in season 9 of Survivor. A lifelong lover of sports, Kirby played netball for Western Australia before switching fields to AFL, before becoming an AFLW coach. It’s this professional sporting background, along with the gifts of her culture, that she believes gave her the skills and the confidence to take on anything, even Survivor!   Caroline and Kirby chat about her goal of inspiring Aboriginal people through her television journey and how ultimately mob can accomplish anything! The pair also dive into Kirby’s Survivor strategy, from how she used the connection skills passed down from her ancestors to form bonds to those infamous tribal councils. They also yarn about her entertaining if not tumultuous collaboration with fellow contestant Feras Basal, and how their rivalry turned to an alliance to ultimately her eviction. Kirby shares her regrets about her time on the show and also gives Caroline the inside scoop on whether or not she’d go back in the Survivor game.   Kirby then catches Caroline and listeners up on her life post-Survivor and the incredible work she’s doing with her business Gnalla, an inclusive First Nations brand that encourages people to have the important conversations - even when no one is looking. The brand is all about celebrating identity, with the important goal of elevating suppressed voices. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed survivor fanatic like Caroline, or you’ve never seen an episode, you won’t want to miss out on this listen! To follow Kirby visit her Instagram page here. To check out Gnalla visit here. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!  We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging. This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 1m
  7. 3 JUN

    Grace Lillian Lee - Weaving stories through wearable art to celebrate Torres Strait Island culture

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by Grace Lillian Lee, a visionary Australian artist and leader deeply rooted in her Torres Strait Island heritage. With a Bachelor of Design in Fashion, Grace's journey as an artist has been nothing short of remarkable. It was on a trip back home to Island/Country with her Grandmother in 2010 that Grace was introduced to the art of weaving. Since then she has specialised in Grasshopper weaving and has been using this traditional technique to create contemporary body sculptures and artworks that resonate with her cultural and storytelling. Caroline and Grace yarn about the founding of First Nations Fashion + Design, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting cultural expression and representation within the fashion and design sectors. Hear about her collaborations with Indigenous communities and how she is helping to create strong, creative networks.    Excitedly, Grace also shared plans of expanding her creative practice in 2024, launching her own line of wearable art and one of a kind Torres Strait Islander handmade necklaces.    To follow Grace visit her Instagram page here, or visit her website to browse her incredible work If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!  We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, pre and emerging. This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  8. 1 MAY

    Dr Carissa Lee - Using performance art and academia to facilitate safe spaces for Aboriginal storytellers

    In this episode, Caroline is joined by Dr Carissa Lee, a Noongar actor and writer born on Wemba-Wemba country with a PhD in Indigenous theatre from The University of Melbourne. An actor who has featured in film, television, and voiceover work, as well as performing with major theatre companies, Carissa is a talented creative force. Paired with her impressive achievements in academia and position at Swinburne University of Technology, she is making waves in Australia’s performing arts industry.    In this episode, Caroline and Carissa yarn about her journey into the industry, starting in a small town doing highschool Shakesphere productions to working for some of Australia’s biggest theatre groups. She talks about the works that have inspired her as an actor and writer, and some of the favourite projects she’s been a part of in her career so far - and the exciting work she’s been doing on her new ABC  show Planet Lulin featuring as Principle Cruz.  Carissa and Caroline celebrate seeing more Aboriginal people on our screens, and the importance of seeking continuous improvement in representation and diversity in TV and film . You’ll also learn more about the amazing work Carissa has  been doing with her PhD, and how she wants to use her knowledge and experience to help protect Aboriginal people and their culture  by facilitating safe and ethical spaces to share stories.  To follow Carrisa Lee visit her Instagram page here, to watch her as feature as Principle Cruz here.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and don’t forget to follow the show!  Follow Caroline on Instagram @blak_wattle_coaching and learn more about working with Caroline here!    We would like to acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s First Peoples’ who have never ceded their sovereignty. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri/Woiwurrung people of the Kulin Nation where the podcast was taped. We pay our deepest respects to Traditional Owners across Australia and Elders past, present and emerging.   This podcast was brought to you by On Track Studio. www.ontrackstudio.com.au @on.track.studio   For advertising opportunities please email hello@ontrackstudio.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min

About

Yarning Up is hosted by the ever-inspiring Caroline Kell - Mbarbrum woman, visionary behind Blak Wattle Coaching and Consulting, and TedX Speaker. This show is helping to redefine the way listeners engage with First Nations people, stories, experiences and perspectives, offering a refreshing alternative to the mainstream narrative.  Through candid and heartfelt conversations, this platform opens doors to authentic learning and connection with First Nations people, issues, causes, and stories. Its purpose is truth telling and to help all Australians learn and unlearn Australia’s past, to work towards a better future.  

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