Deadly Discussions

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, today I sit with John Burgess, a proud Gurindji man and founder of Little Rocket, a 100% First Nations-owned and operated creative and marketing agency based in Brunswick, Naarm.With more than 15 years at the helm of Little Rocket, John reflects on building a purpose-led business, the traditional differences between marketing and PR, and why those distinctions matter when it comes to Indigenous storytelling. He unpacks the responsibility of being visible, advocating for truth, and why in his words, you have got to be in it to win it.John also shares a deeply personal story about his mother, a member of the Stolen Generations, and her search for answers about her ancestry. What began with questions led to a single photograph, which led back to her Country. A moment that brought a profound sense of home, connection, and healing after generations of separation.It is an honest and moving conversation about identity, truth-telling, business, and the reality that many people we cross paths with are only one step removed from one of Australia’s darkest chapters.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we sit with Uncle Ken Jones, a proud Boandik Elder and legendary cultural educator behind Bush Adventures, based out in the beautiful Limestone Coast.Uncle Ken shares stories of growing up on Country, learning from the land, and teaching the next generation through foraging, fishing, and the old songlines of the Boandik seasons.He also brings forward a legacy many people have never heard — the remarkable story of his grandfather, William Charles Westbury, a Boandik man who served in the Boer War and World War I. Partly responsible for the iconic photo, a young roo named Shake by the Egyptian Pyramids.This yarn is one of courage, resilience, and recognition, echoing through Uncle Ken’s own life’s work and ancestry.

On this episode of Deadly Discussions, I sit down with Renee Turner—an inspiring voice for change who’s making waves across culture, tourism, and storytelling. From her seafood adventures and the spiritual significance of Indigenous Welcomes to unveiling Australia’s hidden histories beyond 200 years, Renee brings fresh insights and passion to the mic.We dive into her work bridging cultures through bush medicine workshops, celebrating Western Australia’s best seafood and produce, and reshaping tourism to highlight cultural heritage. Plus, Renae shares her journey with astro tourism, the beauty of wildflowers, and how collaborative tourism in the Pilbara is unlocking new opportunities.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we sit down with Aunty Francene Kickett, a distinguished visual artist, textile and fashion designer, and educator of the Wiilman Nyoongah Yorga peoples. Recorded at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2024 at the iconic MCG, we delve into the significance of Indigenous tourism, the art of storytelling, and the unique journeys shared by mobs from across the country. Aunty Francine shares her insights on preserving heritage and the powerful role storytelling plays in connecting communities.Aunty Francine Kickett, born in Narrogin, Western Australia, has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of Indigenous artists. A graduate of Curtin University with an associate degree in Contemporary Aboriginal Art, she specializes in textile designs and visual art inspired by the Nyoongah Boodja (land). Her accolades include the NAIDOC South West Artist of the Year (1998) and Indigenous Designer of the Year (2001). Internationally, she has showcased her work at Malaysian and Hong Kong Fashion Weeks, launching her label BushWA designs. Aunty Francine continues to be a ground-breaking visual artist, textile and fashion design icon.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, We sit down with Haydyn, a descendant of the Adnyamathanha, Yarluyandi, and Narungga peoples, with deep connections to the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Simpson Desert, and South-West Queensland.As a qualified teacher with over 30 years of experience, Haydyn shares his journey from education to founding Bookabee Australia in 2005, a pioneering business in Aboriginal Cultural Tourism and Consultancy.The conversation explores:Starting Your Own Business: Insights into transitioning from a teaching career to becoming a leader in cultural tourism.Preserving Culturally Significant Sites: Balancing tourism with the protection of sacred spaces and heritage.Ensuring Sustainability for Future Generations: How Indigenous knowledge can guide modern environmental practices.Recognised as the City of Adelaide’s 2021 Australia Day Citizen of the Year, Haydyn’s passion for cultural sensitivity, education, and environmental stewardship is both inspiring and educational.Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends business, culture, and sustainability for a brighter future.

This week, we sit down with Mick Harding, the founder of Ngarga Warendj – Dancing Wombat, a thriving Indigenous business blending art, culture, and innovation.From his workshop on Gunai Kurnai country near Morwell, Mick shares how he turned his passion for Aboriginal art into a successful enterprise, creating unique products like shields and cutting boards featuring traditional symbols.Learn how Uncle Mick rediscovered his heritage, scaled his business with family support, and used innovation—like a laser cutter funded by Indigenous Business Australia—to increase production and grow his brand.

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we have two deadly guests: Sara and Jake. While their journeys are different, they share a common thread of overcoming challenges and staying grounded in their culture.Sara:Indigenous entrepreneur and founder of Australia’s largest female-owned commercial printing business.Grew up in the foster system and turned those challenges into the foundation for her success.Now thriving in industries like printing, fabrics, and pyjamas, she shares how resilience and creativity fueled her journey.Jake:Former AFL player and son of football legend Michael Long.Grew up balancing his father’s legacy with his own path in the AFL.Shares how his connection to Aboriginal culture grew over time and became a key part of his identity.Both Sara and Jake have faced significant life challenges, finding strength in unexpected places along the way. Sara’s entrepreneurial journey and Jake’s transition out of professional sports demonstrate that success is rarely a straight line. Their stories highlight the importance of embracing culture, as their Aboriginal heritage continues to shape and inspire their paths. Through life’s unpredictable twists, they share valuable lessons in adaptability, offering insights on staying grounded and moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

This episode was such a pleasant surprise. Petina Tieman, a highly respected coach and mentor, celebrated for her holistic approach to personal and business growth. A First Nation's woman from Tasmania, Petina outlines super practical framework for building economies in some of Australia’s most remote communities.Petina combines life coaching, and in some cases counseling, with expert strategies for small business development, helping entrepreneurs and micro-businesses succeed without relying on grants or external investments.Petina specialises in working with Indigenous businesses, copreneurs (couples or families who run businesses together), and small enterprises looking to overcome challenges and grow sustainably. Listen in to explore the unique struggles, strategies, and solutions that Petina brings to her clients, empowering them to build resilient, thriving businesses.

In this episode, we chat with Troy Benjamin, a self-made entrepreneur and proud Indigenous Man from Geelong. His journey began in 2010 with a small café in Melbourne. Troy went on to create Backup Barista, an online service connecting cafes with skilled baristas across Australia. Troy is also a huge personality and is an experienced MC and has a real go with the flow vibe.I’ve crossed paths with Troy a couple of times, so it’s awesome to finally get him on the pod to share his story.Now, Troy is the founder of Blak Brews, a 100% First Nations-owned business that blends premium teas with native ingredients to celebrate Indigenous culture. With a popular coffee truck and six unique tea blends, Blak Brews has made waves at festivals and events and won Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.

Recorded LIVE in person at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), traditional meeting area for the people of the Kulin Nation. I sat down with over 15 guests during three days at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference. Which brought together everyone and anyone for a corroboree around Tourism and Hospitality in Australia. Just like the mob who met on that ground down by the Yarra all those years before - we got to connect with people from all over the country. From house boat operators to explorers, star gazers, farmers and commercial drone pilots, the conference covered it all.So heads up if there is a bit of background noise. As the MCG was doing MCG things.First up we have Sharon Brindley. I have known Sharon for many years. We first met when she owned a cafe down on the Melbourne Mornington Penisula, where she served crocodile burgers with davidson plum jam.Fast forward to now, Sharon owns a successful confectionery (chocolate) business and is expanding the business by acquiring existing manufacturers and retailers. Sharon also serves on the board of FNBBAA (First Nations Bushfood and Botanicals Alliance Australia).As with many of my guests, Sharon overcame some serious childhood trauma to get where she is today. An encouraging listen for all, no matter where you are in your life.

Michael Morrissey, Electrician and owner of Melbourne Jerky. Handcrafted beef jerky which started here in Melbourne. Mike is a Gamilaroi (northern NSW) man from The Pines, Frankston.Notorious for many reasons, Mike unpacks growing up in that environment and never taking much notice.Business minded as a kid, Mike was always thinking of ways to get ahead. Combine that with a hard work ethic, a trade and becoming a young father and home owner. Mike’s responsibilities grew, as well as his passion for new ventures.This is a seriously encouraging listen. One thing I gained from listening to Mike, “setting your own boundaries of success” whatever that may be at this time of your life.Enjoy!

Bungandidj Man and Former Police Officer Nick Buenen unpacks his life as a brother who has walked and worked in two worlds.We discuss what it’s like to have parents and grandparents from the “mission” and to move from that environment at a young age.Nick shares about not identifying as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person when joining the police force. He eventually was found out by an aunty who spotted him playing in the local Indigenous football team.We finish discussing some crazy police stories, one involving Nick calling in a brother for some bush tracking, and Nick’s time working abroad.The pod concludes as we discuss current enterprise opportunities for Indigenous Australians, and some exploits people have been using to leverage this, and what can be done to stop this.

Model - Hairdresser - Frontman - Painter (trade) - Retail worker - Nurse Listen to find out how Josh turned all these experiences into the business he is today. The origins of Josh’s story begin with his Grandfather, a Palawa man moving from Tasmania to Queensland. Josh’s Grandfather, to remain under the radar, would often tell people he was eastern European as opposed to an Indigenous Australian and was quite private about culture. Josh’s father and uncles were and are very proud of their ancestral ties, which motivated connections with mob in Queensland. An accident befalls Dad at an early age and all Josh can really remember in those days is trauma, pain, domestic violence and moving around a lot. Josh would describe himself as a jack of all trades but unlike the cliché of being a master of none. Josh clearly displays authentic and rare artistic talent that has been shaped by life, love, and lost. This episode has jammed packed with goodies, nuggets of wisdom and some truly moving experiences.

Kaley Nicholson is the Co-Founder of Yilam. A sustainable camping brand that offers the highest quality camping gear and On Country tourism experiences. Yilam in Taungurung means camp. Kaley is connected to various tribes in Victoria and New South Wales, so she identifies as Koori, an Indigenous person from those areas.Kaley grew up in Swan Hill and migrated south to Geelong once she finished school. After sometime, the rest of the family came down too. Kaley and her mother had an off-the-cuff idea on one of their camping trips out On Country. This led to the founding of Yilam. The idea stuck and when they got home, Kaley got to work, using her policy background to shape up something doable.This mother and daughter team is one of a kind. They are inspiration on many levels. Starting a business with a middle-aged co-founder and no experience, dreaming big, and making financial changes for their family.

Kevin grew up between Adelaide and a township called Murray Bridge. He remembers vividly the challenges he faced as a young Aboriginal man just going with the flow. During his teen years, he was faced with a choice between hanging out with the “brothers” which could lead to trouble or listen to the advice of his father and leave. Not knowing where to go, Kev headed back to his ancestor’s country to stay with his Nan. During this time, he was offered an opportunity (through a ranger’s program) to work with nurseries, which held a lot of Native Australian stock. Kev shares the moment he knew he was called to work with Indigenous plants. Kev also outlines some characters along the journey that mentored him into being the Indigenous plants expert. One of those, a retired chemist who just turned up one day. Today Kev is sought out by many Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australian farmers needing cultural expertise with native plants. Kev currently works with Outback Academy's Follow the Flowers initiative where they help other farmers in the Murray Darling Basin, and across the southern regions of Australia.

Mick Buckworth married into the Yorta Yorta people in Shepparton, Victoria. Mick, a builder by trade, ended up working with the mob at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. For the last two decades, the Co-op focused its work on aged care, dental, GP and health programs to the First Nations community in North East of Victoria.Rumbalara, similar to other Indigenous Co-ops, has access to land, but are limited in capital and industry skills needed to develop country.This episode Mick shares about the unique ways in which the Co-op attracted funding, skills and even support from local farmers to kick start their Indigenous food growing business.Rumbalara is a part of the Follow the Flowers initiative who works with First Nation food growers across the country. The movement is open to all land tenure types, including Traditional Owner owned and jointly managed lands; Aboriginal community-controlled organisation (ACCO’s) lands/farms such as health cooperatives; and private, family-owned farms.

I sat down with David and Aunty Jeanette Crew to discuss their unique journey to owning their own farm in On Country. Aunty Jeanette, a Wemba Wemba woman, was forcibly relocated from the mission into town during her primary school years in the 60s. We discuss her take on first hand institutional racism. We also discuss what the economics were like for her family, who primarily worked in the shearing industry; and were paid at the same rates as their non-Aboriginal counterparts. After being “relocated”, the standard of living was drastically affected, but Aunty kept a passion for learning and a desire to do better. After studying and years working in public service, Aunty Jeanette decided it was time to return to Country. In the late 90s David and Jeanette purchased the Killara property in Deniliquin. They were the first to purchase land back on Country in their local area. So surprising that onlookers assumed they had been given the land by the government. More recently, Killara has joined in partnership with the Outback Academy’s program called Follow the Flowers, which works alongside the Government and private sector to fund Indigenous growers to maximise their growing capacities. With support from the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, David and Aunty Jeanette have the much needed industry experience for turning their plot of land into a sanctuary for bees, pollinating endemic native floral, fauna, and bush foods. They have named the farm Pandyil Farm in honour of the industrious Murray Cod.

Luke Fallini, a Quandamooka man with Italian heritage from SE Queensland, Australia, joins me on the podcast.A builder by trade, with a passion for football (of course). Shares his not so typical upbringing as an Indigenous Australian with an Italian father.We touch on the rental crisis in QLD, and Luke shares his unique construction business that is offering a new model for social housing. Luke also sits on the board for an Aboriginal Housing organisation as an interim board member. He shares some of the unique challenges facing Aboriginal housing organisations.

What an inspiring episode this was! Alana Kennedy is a Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from North Queensland. Raised by her Non-Indigenous mother in Mt Isa. Alana understood there was something a little different with her family. Knowing her heritage without “knowing” it was something she grew accustomed to. Alana’s mother set the standard for work ethic and encouraged the kids to always have a try. With such an amazing example before her, Alana set out to find out more about her culture (oldest living) and the world around her.The visionary origins of Alana’s business Orche Sun began in MLM. After years of success, she gradually lost interest in pursuing a “better” life, simply cause. Alana craved something, but didn’t know what it was. Another factor leading to the brands inception was Alana’s clients who were mainly women complained their husbands stole their products. The Husbands excuse, “well men’s products aren’t as good”.Fast forward to today. Alana has combined her passion for cosmetics, her love for native botanicals and care for community into the brand known as Orche Sun. Come and listen.

Cory is the founder of Meat Brothers, a food truck that had evolved into a shipping container cafe. A Kamilaroi and Wonnarua Man from New South Wales, Cory shares the importance of having powerful women in his family. It was his matriarchs and siblings that always pushed him outside of his comfort zones. This came in handy for Cory and Meat Brothers during the COVID waves that hit NSW. Cory was forced to navigate the business out of the “bush food” food truck business and into a more mainstream cafe working out of a shipping container on a busy construction site. Learning how to ask yourself the hard questions has been so important to Cory’s growth as a cook and businesses owner. If you feel yourself stuck in a rut or unable to break out of negative environments, Cory’s story is for you.

Dunghutti Man, Mervyn Fernando joins me on the podcast. Mervyn grew up in Kempsey NSW. After losing his mother at a young age, Mervyn was raised by his father. Growing up as a young Koori boy On Country Mervyn faced the typical obstacles facing our young men. Which not much work around and lots of reasons to get in trouble. Brother boy Mervyn took a random chance at a job on the other side of the Country, far away from Dunghutti culture and lore. From cleaning oil rig pipes to harvesting sandalwood in the Simpson Desert. Mervyn’s journey has certainly not been a straight path. Today Mervyn is a young dad with two successful growing brands, Claystone Marketing and Indigenous Medical Supplies, he is a NFP board member and active community member.Come, sit and listen to the story of Mervyn Fernando, Indigenous entrepreneur.

Samoan author, entrepreneur, and mother of seven Jen Wright joins me on the podcast. Academically skilled and very driven Jen felt like she was unstoppable. Graduating secondary school in New Zealand to pursue a university degree which would qualify her as a commercial pilot. Jen found herself at a dead stop, with an illness that would prohibit her ability to fly. Jen discloses some of the challenges she faced and how she turned her drive for her career into becoming a mother.Years later after another incident, Jen found herself looking for ways to aid her recovery. That is when her business journey began. Feelings of "I'm just a mum" and "I've been out of the workforce for too long" flooded her mind. However, Jen knew she had a story and she loved to yarn. With those strengths in hand, Jen was able to empower others with similar experiences to overcome and redeem what was once lost. Many tours, workshops, and events Jen found herself writing a book.You can find Jen's book here,https://www.amazon.com/RedeemHer-Heart-stories-hide-behind/dp/1777173418

Brain Joyce a Papua New Guinean man with a passion for environmental change joins me on the Deadly Discussions Podcast.Growing up in the islands Brain emigrated to Australia during his school years. Landing in coastal Queensland, Brian and his siblings quickly realised that they went from being the majority "On Country" to the minority on somebody else's land.A part-time model, E-Commerce maestro, Fashionista(sorry mate had to put that in), combined with a proven background in businesses has afforded Brian many amazing opportunities throughout his life.As he shares on the podcast, life as an entrepreneur can be a wild ride. The key to longevity is to know when to jump off the roller coaster every now and then.Brian unpacks why it is so important to get back to your roots to reset your mind, body and soul.

The founder of Jarrah Integrated Services Chadd Croshaw does not hold back. An Anēwan man from New South Wales, Chad is fixated on giving the best services to his clients. A veteran in the hospitality and service industry Chad goes the extra mile to ensure his organisation satisfies all of his customer's expectations. Being a First Nations Man, Chadd grew up not knowing whether to share his heritage with others. From an early age, Chad was well aware of those negative stereotypes. It was so taboo, that many in his family didn't want anything to do with culture as they knew it would bring controversy. Fast forward to today, Chadd is a very successful entrepreneur and proudly shares his culture through his business endeavors. Using his platform Chadd can directly inject opportunity in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector here in Australia. Come hear Chadd's story on the Deadly Discussions Podcast, just type in Deadly Discussions Podcast in your Itunes or Spotify search bar.

Founder of Our Songlines and Our Dilly Bag Kayla Cartledge manages to spare some time for the Deadly Discussions Podcast. With a passion for change and justice for First Nations people, you will find Kayla on the front line in her community gracefully challenging the haunting narratives of Terra Nullis. When not working on her businesses Kayla also works in the corporate space bringing her passion for change to the establishments with a role at Kinaway the Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy! *NOTE The quality of the audio is not up to the standard that I usually desire, please bear through it though, there is some seriously good content here.*

What does the future of importing and exporting look like, and what does that mean for our First Nation businesses here down under?Darren Godwell, a Kokoberren man from Cape York joins me on the podcast to unpack some of the most exciting upcoming opportunities that will transform how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business is done.A proven and experienced executive, Darren's journey is one marked with many challenges, ups and downs. So find a quite space, listen and learn from this Deadly Discussion

Experienced business leader and Kamilaroi Man, Richard Hurst, joins me on the Deadly Discussions podcast. I've been looking forward to getting Richard onto the podcast to hear his perspective on modern day money culture. The western financial model is a massive roadblock to our First Nations people trying to close the gap and get ahead. Many of our ancestors and parents were simply trying to make the best out of old knowledge while trying understand the new foreign system. On this podcast we explore how mob should conduct ourselves in this day and age and discuss topics such as; wealth creation, cross cultural understanding, sales and marketing, being versatile in business and learning to overcome and press forward.

For the first time on Deadly Discussions, I will be hosting two guests (well, technically they are one). I welcome a married couple, Adam and Carmel Wooding of Empower Digital. Adam, a Yorta Yorta man, and his wife Carmel, a teacher/librarian, are the founders of a business that helps other businesses go digital through E-commerce. Hear their story.

Passionate about working towards positive change, building networks, sharing knowledge and learning. Benson, loves 'curiosity' and believes it is the beginning of all great things. He has alwys worked hard to live a values driven life and cares more for character than personality. Benson has recently been appointed as general-consul to US, making not only his family proud but the rest of First Nations Australia.

Liandra, the Founder of Liandra Swim joins me on the podcast, from school teacher to global swimwear brand, hear the story of this young Yonglu woman's journey. Oh did I mentioned she had a few babies along the way! Liandra Swim fuses Aboriginal Australian Culture with on-trend premium designer swimwear. Our swimwear includes seamless designs and striking prints.

CEO of Brisbane Indigenous Media Association, Jyi a Bidjara joins me on the Deadly Discussions Podcast to share the importance of Indigenous content for Indigenous people. With a proven track record in working alongside Indigenous people all across Australia, Jye will be exclusively sharing his journey and just how he ended up where he is today.

CEO Scott McCartney went LIVE with Isaac L Harrison on Deadly Discussions this morning.Scott covers some important topics such as, - Trends - Keeping Focus - Managing Cash Flow - Mindset - How to prepare your business to come out of this He also shares the latest updates on the overall sector with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd latest report COVID 19 Economic Conditions Report.

A unique name with a unique story. Noon Van Der Silk joins me on the podcast to share, - Growing up in a Cult hence the name! - Finding your identity - Finding your purpose - Struggling at school but thriving at college - AI and it's power to bring social change and harmony This one is for all you techies!

Laura Thompson joins me on the Deadly Discussions Podcast. Laura a Gunditjmara woman, shares he very unique approach in "Closing the Gap". Through Spark Health Organisation, Laura and her team have been involved in the Melbourne Indigenous community for decades. She also shares the story of Clothing the Gap brand and how a strong brand needs community connections, not just with Indigenous people but all Australians, creating an inclusive community. We touch on, - Growing up in a metro Indigenous community - Growing a sustainable brand - Closing the Gap by Clothing the Gap - Free the Flag Movement - A New Model for Community Health You can find the website here, clothingthegap.com.au

An Aboriginal man from the Kabi Kabi people, "Chilly" was product of violence, - Grew up in foster system - Became homeless - Shot during a tussle on the streets - Then ended up in prison With stints and various roles of employment in the underworld, he found himself in Rural Victoria with an honest job. From there, he put himself through studies and built up enough courage to start his own business.

This week on Deadly Discussions I sit down with the inspirational Narrun Williams. A Twelve year old Indigenous social entrepreneur, trailblazing the way for Indigenous youth in Business. With the motto Be Brave, Stand Strong we explore a couple things throughout the podcast, such as, - Growing a brand - Creating followers and community - What it means to be in business - Culture - Where he sees the brand in the future Great episode for all ages this one. Big Nuz's store can be found on the link below, https://www.bignuzz.com/

This week on the Podcast I have the pleasure of interviewing Bevan Mailman, a First Nations Lawyer with quite a story to share. We yarning up about, - Growing up Maori and Indigenous, Cultural identity? - Being caught in the youth detention system as a young man - Going for Gold in Judo! - Formal education and the road less travelled - The future for First Nations People and our Australian Countrymen And much, much more! Enjoy.

I'm always blown away by the stories of my guests, their stories of resilience, dedication and the ability to overcome inspire me. Dr. Kaushik Sridhar is our guest on Deadly Discussions this week. His story will cover, - Growing up Indian in Nigeria - Being held at gun point, not once but THREE times - Moving to Texas at 12 to pursue a tennis career - Bullying he faced as a child and how that transferred to greater strengths - Falling into "Sustainability" by accident - Public Speaking as an introvert And all the other twist and turns on the road that brought him to where he is today.

Paul joins the Deadly Discussions Podcast to talk spreading the love in the corporate world, in particular the tech companies. Paul who initially migrated from Scotland as a young boy found himself in Frankston and on his path to study chemical sciences but instead took a turn towards computer sciences. This lead Paul navigating through a successful start up and found himself a leader of a small army of techies. Which, as we find out eventually started wearing down his physical and mental health. We also cover, - Paul's recovery journey and how he uses that help people today - Managing people problems vs Software problems - Work/Life Balance - And of course "What does love have to do with it" Sorry couldn't help my self. Tune in and please leave a rating or comment.

Big shout out to Yolanda Finette for coming onto the Deadly Discussions Podcast and sharing her story. We discuss, - Growing up with an Indigenous mother, African-American father and a Greek grandparent. Talk about multiculturalism! - Challenges she's faced as a single mother away from home - Overcoming depression and abusive relationships - Her work with at risk youth and stolen generation victims -And finally, what lead her to start her on consultancy. We also address the topic of Indigenous activism today vs past activism.

It was my great pleasure to host Andrew Keast on this week's Deadly Discussions Podcast. Andrew a Melbourner through and through joins me on the show to discuss how he developed a hard work ethic from his upbringing on a farm in the Cathedral Range, his path in life which lead him to HR, and his passion to help refugees to Australia though his work at Refugee Talent. A more in depth conversation this week dressing the stigmas of migration. We also touch on, what is a "social entrepreneur?"

Andy Mcarthy, founder of Gippsland Solar joins us on Deadly Discussions to share his journey in the renewables industry. Andy is one of those honest, humble, hard working blokes that have built a successful enterprise. His values have been instilled into him during life's journey before starting Gippsland Solar. We discuss, - Growing up in a good home but running with the wrong crowd - Horrible jobs that lead to incredible work ethic - Taking a leap a faith with a 8.5 month pregnant wife and starting a business in your 3rd bedroom - Understanding from little things big things grow - The future of the renewable energy sector, and Andy's passion to give back wherever he can.

Deadly Discussions is excited to have Liam Ridgeway on the show, Liam is a tech entrepreneur, he was the first ever indigenous employee at Microsoft. A proud descendant of the Gumbaynggirr people of Nambucca Heads in Northern New South Wales and the Wakka Wakka people of Southern Queensland, Liam will be sharing his journey and what lies ahead for himself and his company. We are discussing indigenous people in tech, tokenism across all sectors and his charity Indigitek that helps bring indigenous boys and girls into the STEM industries.

This week on Deadly Discussions I have my distant relation via the South Islander Indigenous connection on the show. Bulla Benny Eggmolesse is a social entrepreneur with a wide range of skills sets centred around employment and security services industries. Benny is also a Stand Up comedian(unfortunately he didn't share any jokes) and has his HQ based in Canberra. We talk about the challenges of living away from home in the political heart of Australia. A very unique episode this week, make sure you tune it! Also if you have the time please rate the show and leave a comment, good or bad!

This week we are joined by Rory Smeaton. Rory is Gunai Kurnai Man from Gippsland Victoria. He grew up predominantly away from country in Melbourne City and shares his cultural experiences and learnings. Currently the Aboriginal Employment and Skills Manager at Level Crossing Removal Project,Rory has recently started his own Florist business with his partner in which he aims to employ and implement cultural engagement across every aspect of the business.

This week on Deadly Discussions I am joined by Shantelle Thompson a 3X Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. Shantelle is a proud Barkindji/Ngiyambaa Woman from NW New South Wales, a business owner who juggles being mum, a motivational speaker and self-funded professional fighter. Some of the topics we cover, power of thoughts, - Increasing self-awareness - Creating your own opportunities - Balancing Work/Life - Legacy This one is for all those strong ladies out there paving a future of your own.

This week on Deadly Discussions we are interviewing the creative lighting man himself Matthew Fellingham. Topics range from growing up in Bundeena as an Awabakal man, learnings from his fathers time in Redfern, his recent trip to the Isaloni festival, and the balance of being a creative and a businessman. I've learnt a lot from Matty over the years I've known him. He is one of those consistent hardworking black leaders that will path the way for future generations.

I am joined by the lovely Florence Drummond on this week's Deadly Discussions, We cover Women in mining, being a Dauareb/Wuthathi woman away from the salt water, the challenges for a young indigenous woman sent to boarding school in Brisbane, Florence's journey from hospitality to the mines and her advocacy work at IWIMRA.

This week on Deadly Discussions we have the fortiudius Timothy Werner from Coles sharing his story about overcoming. Tim shares finding out late in life his father was indeed a stepfather, his aboriginality and that his daughter he raised by himself for two years was in fact not this biological child. We go deep into family issues and challenges Tim has overcome to make him the solid corporate operator he is today.

Marty Oakley joins me this week on Deadly Discussions. We are discussing growing a social enterprise, communities in Papa New Guinea, time in Japan and the theme of Indigenous people groups globally who are land rich but cash poor.