In this heartfelt episode of Yarning Up , host Caroline Kell sits down for a rich and inspiring yarn with Megan Waters—media presenter, host of Yokayi , Nike ambassador, and proud Warumungu and Yawuru woman. Megan is also a passionate community advocate, deeply committed to amplifying First Nations voices and supporting community wellbeing. Together, they explore what true wellness looks like from a First Nations perspective—mind, body, and spirit all connected. Megan reflects on her childhood g...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 23
With less than a week until the 48th Federal Election, I had the privilege of sitting down with Yamatji-Noongar woman and the first Indigenous woman to represent Western Australia in the Senate, Senator Dorinda Cox. This election feels like a turning point—First Nations justice, climate, housing, and international solidarity are all on the ballot. In this candid episode, I explore Dorinda Cox’s personal journey and unprecedented path into politics, unpacking the challenges and lessons she gained...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 4Ep. 24
In this episode, we sit down with Troy Benjamin, a proud Wadi Wadi, Tadi Tadi, Mutti Mutti, and Wemba Wemba man. A entrepreneur, storyteller, and the visionary behind Black Brews, Australia’s first 100% First Nations-owned tea business. Troy’s journey is one of resilience, cultural pride, and groundbreaking success. From his early days navigating the challenges of business ownership, to winning Australia's first ever Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay, he has continuously pushed boundaries with fun a...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this deeply moving episode of Yarning Up , we sit down with Kyarlee Tighe, a proud Kamilaroi and Wonnarua woman whose story of resilience, strength, and advocacy is nothing short of inspiring. Kyarlee shares her journey growing up in out-of-home care, the challenges of navigating the foster system as a young Aboriginal woman, and the impact of systemic barriers on First Nations youth. She opens up about overcoming personal and generational trauma, the importance of cultural identity in healin...
Apr 02, 2025•56 min
Join us for a thought-provoking yarn with Bundjalung woman Ella Noah Bancroft, a storyteller, artist, and activist reshaping the conversation around decolonisation, community, and Indigenous-led solutions. Ella shares her journey of growing up on Country, the wisdom of her matriarchal lineage, and how she has dedicated her life to reclaiming First Nations ways of being. We explore the transformative power of women-centred societies, the role of food and land sovereignty in healing our communitie...
Mar 04, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Were back for 2025. Join us for a powerful yarn to kick things off, with Rona Glynn-McDonald—entrepreneur, storyteller, musician, and proud Central Desert woman. As the founding CEO of Common Ground and now First Nations Futures, Rona has dedicated years to amplifying First Nations voices, sharing stories, and shifting narratives across ‘Australia.’ In this conversation, Rona reflects on her journey of stepping away from fast-paced, rigid structures shaped by a colonial mindset. She shares how s...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this episode of Yarning Up , we sit down with the multi-talented Jalen Sutcliffe, a proud Darumbal, Kalkadoon, and Papua New Guinean performer from Townsville, North Queensland. Jalen takes us on a journey through his inspiring career as a musician, comedian, actor, and storyteller. From his roots in high school performances to starring on television shows like Bay of Fires and theatre productions like Straight from the Strait , Jalen reflects on the power of art to break down barriers, honou...
Dec 15, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 18
In this episode of Yarning Up , we welcome renowned sexologist and sex educator Lauren French, a Karajarri woman who grew up on Larrakia Country in Darwin. Lauren is a trailblazer in supporting couples and individuals to free their anxiety around sex to experience deeper connection and pleasure. Together they explored the impact of colonial narratives on body autonomy and the importance of pleasure as a form of resistance and healing for First Nations people. Lauren shares insights from her own ...
Nov 27, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 17
Ever been curious about Aboriginal astronomy and how the night sky has guided mobs for thousands of years? In this episode of Yarning Up , Caroline sits down with Karlie Alinta Noon, a Gamilaroi astrophysicist, author, and advocate for Indigenous and women’s rights in STEM. Karlie is the first Indigenous Australian woman to graduate with a double degree in maths and physics, and she’s currently completing a PhD in astrophysics at the Australian National University. As the co-author of the award-...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 16
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, fr...
Sep 30, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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 ...
Sep 05, 2024•46 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 ...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 11
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 bo...
Jul 31, 2024•51 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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 sh...
Jul 10, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 10
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 throug...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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 contemporar...
Jun 03, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 8
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. I...
May 01, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode, Caroline is joined by Kobie Dee, hailed as one of the most exciting voices in Australian hip hop. Kobie Dee, a Gomeroi artist from Maroubra in South Sydney, Bidjigal Land. Through songs like "Statistic," "Father's Eyes," and "Still Standing," (to name a few) Kobie is using his love and passion for music and performing to create powerful messages and stories, using hip hop music as a vehicle for change. In this episode, Caroline and Kobie Dee yarn about Kobie’s music journey, whe...
Apr 15, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, Caroline is joined by Naomi Moran, CEO of the National Indigenous Newspaper, the Koori Mail. Naomi is a proud Bundjalung and Djangadi woman. Generations of her family have lived on Cabbage Tree Island in Yangaboar country, and she also has strong roots in Kempsey country. She started her career in black media, where at the age of 14 she made the decision to leave school and begin a traineeship at the Koori Mail in 1988. Fast Forward to now, she’s the CEO of this media outlet, wh...
Mar 25, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode, Caroline is joined by model, actress, poet and activist Guyala Bayles. Guyala is a proud Birri Gubba and Wonnarua woman. At only 21 years old, she has a very impressive portfolio under her belt, working with iconic Australian brands like Country Road, David Jones and Cotton On. Guyala’s trailblazing efforts to make Aboriginal faces seen and heard in Australia’s media landscape are inspired by her family. Her grandfather Tiga Bayles had a passion for amplifying First Nation’s voi...
Mar 04, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, Caroline is joined by Jye Murray, also known as his online persona, The Koori Physio. Jye is a proud Wiradjuri and Ngemba man who was born and raised in Cowra. A qualified Physiotherapist and someone who is incredibly passionate about Aboriginal social determinants of health. He is using his voice to help close the widening Aboriginal health gap grossly affecting Aboriginal people and communities. He inspires and educates mobs to live healthy lives and advocates for systemic cha...
Feb 11, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In today's “pinch me moment” episode, Caroline has a special yarn with the incredibly talented singer, songwriter and performer, Kee’ahn Bindol at the 2023 Beyond The Valley Festival at Barunah Plains an, an ancient and natural amphitheater, on Waddawurrung Country. Kee’ahn is a proud Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu Islander who in 2019 ventured from their home town in North Queensland, to pursue a dream in the Naarm. In 2020, Kee’ahn released the debut single ‘Better Things’. That year, Kee’ahn was awar...
Jan 25, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this week's funny episode, Caroline is joined by the incredibly talented Kimmie Lovegrove, a proud Ngarrindjeri and Romanian woman who has been gracing the comedy scene since 2014. With accolades such as Deadly Funny finalist in both 2017 and 2018, and appearing as a special guest on the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival roadshow in 2021. Kimmie has taken her passion further by curating comedy shows and creating comedy workshops through her company Kungari Productions, to he...
Dec 15, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In this week’s episode Caroline is joined by proud Wiradjuri and Yuin Woman Teisha Toi. Teisha is a mother, a cultural dancer and woman, a Dhelk Dja Counsellor at Albury Wodonga Health Service (AHWAS) and is deeply passionate about the reclamation and decolonisation of ancient and sacred Aboriginal practices - such as birthing on Country. In this potent episode, Caroline and Teisha engage in an exceptionally raw yarn about motherhood, and delve into Teisha's remarkable journey of motherhood and ...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this weeks episode, Caroline is joined by proud Palawa woman from Nipaluna (Hobart) in Lutruwita (Tasmania) Maggie Blanden. Maggie is a graduating lawyer and community activist and passionate youth advocate in the space of Indigenous self-determination, gender and sexual violence and criminal justice reform, particularly empowering young women. In this exceptionally candid episode, they unpack their very raw feelings and the fallout from a failed and racist referendum where almost 60 percent ...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Mob always come come together, driven by our shared concern for the safety, well-being and joy of our communities. As we await the referendum announcement, we note that our community has been through a rollercoaster of uncomfortable emotions, unthinkable encounters with racism and danger, moments of anxiety, but also instances of remarkable beauty, too. Today's special guest is Tanja Hirvonen, a proud Jaru and Bunuba woman who was born and raised on the lands of the Kalkadoon people. Tanja is a ...
Oct 10, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Have you ever asked yourself, "What exactly is a Treaty?" As Australia prepares to participate in an unprecedented referendum in October to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the constitution, it's a question that many everyday Australians find themselves pondering. Something many First Nations communities have long called for. In this episode, Caroline is joined by the Co-Chairs of the Victorian First People's Assembly, Reuben Berg and Ngarra Murray. Reuben Berg is a pro...
Sep 27, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this very important episode, Caroline yarns extensively with Thomas Mayo, a proud Kaurareg, Kalkalgal and Erub Torres Strait Islander man. Thomas is a published author having published six books, his latest book is co-authored with well-respected journalist, Kerry O’Brien, The Voice to Parliament Handbook - All the details you need was published 17 May 2023. Tom is also the signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart and has been a leading advocate since the statement's development in 201...
Aug 24, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode, Caroline welcomes Thomas Busby and proud Torres Strait Islander man, and Jeremy Marou from Busby Marou to the podcast. From playing in a Rockhampton (Darumbal land) pub for a couple of beers, to having three Top 5 albums on the ARIA charts over an impressive 15 year music career, the journey of Busby Marou is certainly an inspirational one. In this episode, Caroline talks with this down to earth and dynamic duo, about the release of their fifth studio album, Blood Red. Thomas an...
Jul 24, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this captivating episode, Caroline is accompanied by a truly exceptional guest who holds a special place in her heart—her beloved Uncle Gerry Turpin. Uncle Gerry is a proud Mbarbrum man from Far North Queensland, a distinguished Ethnobotanist, and TEDx Speaker, a hobbyist guitarist, and all round legend. Gerry brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience on traditional bush medicine. With the 2023 NAIDOC week theme, "For Our Elders” resonating deeply, Caroline and Uncle Gerry engage i...
Jul 03, 2023•46 min•Season 3Ep. 7
