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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.