Black Magic Woman with Mundanara Bayles

This episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast is a little different—we’ve switched things up! Instead of me hosting, I’m in the guest seat while my sister Kate Russell takes over the mic to interview me.

We yarn about my journey—personally and professionally—from growing up in a family deeply connected to media and activism to creating the Black Magic Woman Podcast and building BlackCard, a business that has been helping organisations engage meaningfully with First Nations people and culture.

I also talk about the role Supply Nation has played in BlackCard’s growth, from those early days of hustling and cold calling to landing our first major contracts. I share the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous businesses, the importance of relationships in business, and how mob can make the most of networks like Supply Nation.

We also dive into lessons I’ve learned along the way, my experience working with major brands, and a recent moment where I helped guide Jamie Oliver through cultural accountability.

This is something I’ve never done before—sharing my own story in this way. So if you’ve ever wondered about the person behind the mic and how BlackCard became what it is today, this one’s for you. I hope you enjoy it!

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In this inspiring episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, I sit down with Kate Russell, a proud Worimi woman and the CEO of Supply Nation. Kate shares her journey from growing up in Western Lake Macquarie to leading an organisation that supports and celebrates Indigenous entrepreneurship.

We yarn about the pivotal moments in her career, the value of education, and the power of mentorship. Kate provides an inside look at Supply Nation’s impact, including their role in facilitating over $4.6 billion in transactions between Indigenous businesses and corporate, government, and nonprofit buyers. She also highlights programs like Jumpstart, which offers targeted mentorship to help Indigenous entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow their businesses.

The conversation touches on the broader economic and social impact of Indigenous businesses, the importance of representation, and Kate’s vision for the future of Supply Nation. She also shares how she balances her roles as a leader, wife, and mother, offering heartfelt advice on self-reflection and resilience.

Don’t miss this empowering yarn that celebrates the achievements of Indigenous businesses and provides practical insights for those looking to engage with Supply Nation or explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

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In this powerful and uplifting episode, recorded live at Yabun Festival 2025, we celebrate Survival Day on January 26. Join me as I connect with incredible voices from across the community in a spirit of resilience, pride, and joy.

Set on Gadigal Country at Victoria Park in Sydney, guests share their reflections on the significance of January 26, the challenges faced by First Nations people, and the importance of coming together as a community to celebrate survival, connection, and black excellence. Highlights include stories of thriving Indigenous businesses, the growth of Yabun over the years, and the safe, joyful energy that defines the festival.

Whether you’re a regular attendee or someone new to Yabun, this episode invites you to feel the love, solidarity, and vibrancy that make this gathering truly special. Don’t miss this celebration of culture, connection, and community! ✨

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This episode is proudly brought to you by ANZ. A new series of conversations with different mob around the country to yarn about, meaningful career opportunities within ANZ, building the capacity of Indigenous businesses and organisations, and helping individuals in the broader community to achieve financial wellbeing and resilience.

If you’d like to know more about how ANZ can help improve your financial wellbeing, or help you start, run or grow your business, visit anz.com or call 13 13 14.

In this latest episode, we continue our ANZ Partnership Series with an inspiring yarn featuring Donald Betts. A proud descendant of the Choctaw Nation and a trailblazer in his own right, Donald shares his incredible journey from becoming the youngest senator in the history of Kansas, to now a dynamic leader in Australia’s First Nations business space.

Donald talks about his role (at the time of recording) as Acting CEO of Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and their groundbreaking initiatives to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. From global trade alliances to hosting the World Indigenous Business Forum in 2025, Kinaway is making waves in Indigenous enterprise. 

This episode dives deep into the importance of partnerships like the one between ANZ & Kinaway, which is fostering opportunities for Indigenous businesses through financial literacy, tailored services, and global support. It’s an empowering yarn about resilience, community, and the limitless potential of First Nations entrepreneurship.

Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, collaboration, and vision for a brighter future.

Recommendations throughout this episode: 

Indigenous small business banking services:

In this special "Best Of" episode of the Black Magic Woman Podcast, we revisit one of our most heartfelt and inspiring yarns with a guest whose journey embodies resilience, pride, and representation. Hailing from the lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, this trailblazer is known for breaking barriers in Australian media as a celebrated news presenter and advocate for social justice.

Our mystery guest grew up as the youngest of five daughters in a loving, culturally rich household and now uses their platform to amplify Indigenous voices across the country. They traveled over 36,000 kilometers in 2023 alone, engaging with grassroots communities, elders, and leaders, all while bringing authenticity and lived experience to the stories they tell.

Here’s a clue: You’ve likely seen this Black Magic Woman in the spotlight—whether anchoring the news, dancing in trackies on Instagram, or hosting thought-provoking conversations about cultural heritage and equality.

Can you guess who it is before the big reveal? Tune in to celebrate this iconic episode with a guest who truly embodies the spirit of the Black Magic Woman Podcast! 🌟

✨ We’re on holidays and will return with new episodes on the 22nd of January 2025! In the meantime, enjoy this unforgettable yarn and relive one of our best moments on the podcast. 🎧✨