Episodes

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) t...

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...

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 an...

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 c...

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...

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 exp...

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, Tro...

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 ...

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 resilie...

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 innovatio...

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 Busin...

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 sto...

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 ...

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 Westbur...

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,...