Mental Fitness Conversations

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with proud Gamilaraay man, founder of Walkabout Barber and community wellbeing advocate, Brian Dowd, for a deeply honest yarn about mental fitness, identity, vulnerability and the power of truly listening to people. Known to many as "The Walkabout Barber", Brian shares how a simple haircut can become somethi...

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bayles chats with Aaliyah Bulla – 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...

At just 25, Wendell French – also known by their stage name Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress – is a proud Kamilaroi and Dhunghutti "brotherboy, sistergirl, brista – brothersister". They are a performer, advocate and entrepreneur using drag as a powerful tool for storytelling, self-expression and connection. In this honest and uplifting conversation with host Mundanara Bayles, Wen...

Wiradjuri Elder and Aboriginal activist Uncle Dave Bell has spent more than two decades guiding young people towards strength through culture, mentoring and connection. In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, he joins Mundanara Bayles from Black Magic Woman podcasts to share the story of Young Spirit Mentoring – a grassroots program changing lives across Campbelltown by reconnecting youth...

In this Mental Fitness Conversations episode, produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, host Mundanara Bayles yarns with Dr Clinton Schultz, a proud Gamilaroi man, psychologist and Head of First Nations Strategy at Black Dog Institute. Clinton speaks openly about his life and the role of culture in shaping his path. He reflects on growing up disconnected from support, navigating systems that...

The fourth episode of Mental Fitness Conversations podcast features a powerful yarn with Quaden Bayles, a 14-year-old First Nations actor, award-winning advocate and activist. In this episode, Quaden speaks openly about how his life changed overnight, from the pain of relentless bullying to the opportunities and challenges of acting in major Hollywood films. What shines through most is his honesty...

Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Steph Tisdell is one of Australia's brightest creative forces. Known for her quick wit and powerful storytelling, she uses humour to break down barriers and spark conversations about identity, culture and mental health. In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Steph for an open yarn about what it means to live authentically and use your pla...

Actor, presenter and podcaster Matty Mills is a proud First Nations and queer storyteller whose energy lights up every room. Known for his “sparkly” persona on screen and stage, Matty also brings honesty and depth to conversations about healing, culture and mental fitness. In this episode, host Mundanara Bayles sits down with Matty for an open conversation about identity, belonging and the courage...

We kick off our new podcast series with a heartbeat – and a Warrior Heart. Host Mundanara Bayles speaks with Shantelle Thompson OAM – a proud Barkindji and Ngiyampaa woman, mother of five, three-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion and founder of the Warrior Heart Movement. Known as the Barkindji Warrior, Shantelle is a speaker, storyteller and fierce advocate for her people. Shantelle shares her journey...