7 Must-listen Indigenous Podcasts

Over the last couple of years the popularity of podcasts has grown in a big way. Podcasts have become an important part of our learning, hearing new perspectives and staying up to date on the latest news all while we’re driving to work. As the world seemingly gets busier and busier, podcasts have become a great way of staying up to date and expanding our minds by listening to a huge variety of people talk about a huge variety of topics. Out of this has emerged an incredible array of podcasts lead by Indigenous hosts that talk about a diverse range of topics significant to First Nations people. Today, we are sharing seven podcasts that include Indigenous voices, language and discuss many of the issues faced by Indigenous Australians and our nation as a whole.

Take It Black Podcast. Courtesy of NITV, 2021.

'Take It Blak' is NITV's leading podcast that explores the stories behind the news, hosted by Goori journalist Jack Latimore and Wiradjuri STEM journalist Rae Johnston. This incredibly informative and insightful podcast discusses important Indigenous events, news and profiles of First Nations people that are doing amazing things within their communities. They also air regular STEM episodes which focus upon the latest happenings within science, technology, engineering and maths, looking at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science (NITV, 2021). 

Pretty For An Aboriginal Podcast. Courtesy of Buzz Feed, 2021.

Hosted by Gamillaroi/Torres Strait Islander woman Nakkiah Lui and Larrakia woman Miranda Tapsell, 'Pretty For An Aborignal' is a series of commentary created to challenge traditional perceptions of Indigenous Australia. In the podcast, produced by BuzzFeed Australia, they talk honestly about a range of topics including relationships, being a boss in male-dominated industries, the importance of representation and how to be a good ally. The conversation is friendly and sharp and you’ll hear important perspectives at the intersection of politics and culture. They also draw from a wonderful diversity of Australian and international guests (VACCA, 2021). 

Blacademia Podcast. Courtesy of Blacademia, 2021.

'Blacademia' is a podcast created and hosted by Gamilaroi woman Amy Thunig. She is an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Education Studies at Macquarie University, lecturing and researching in the area of Indigenous knowledge and formal education systems. She launched the podcast as a way of sharing First Nation peoples perspectives on research, education and scholarship. In each episode, Thunig chats with a different Indigenous academic, such as Gamilaraay woman and astrophysicist, Karlie Noon. This thoughtful and inspiring series is definitely worth a listen (Blacademia, 2021). 

Unapologetically Blak. Courtesy of Spotify, 2021.

'Unapologetically Blak' is brought to listeners by Gomeroi, Gamilaraay woman Ginny (also founder and designer of Ginny’s Girl Gang) and her amazing mate AJ, a proud Barkindji, Latje Latje and Wakka Wakka woman. Through the podcast they seek to place Indigenous voices at the front and centre of tough conversations to show Australia a new narrative of First Nations’ experiences in contemporary society. The pair laugh and cry as they discuss topics that have long been put in ‘too hard a basket’ such as black identity, mental health and heartbreak (Urban List, 2020).

Word Up Podcast. Courtesy of ABC Radio National, 2021.
'Word Up' is an ABC Radio National podcast hosted by Bundjalung and Kullili man, Daniel Browning. It explores the diverse languages of Indigenous Australia from Anmatyerre to Arrernte, from Bidjara to Bundjalung, from Nyungar to Ngaanyatjarra, from Yankunytjatjara to Yorta Yorta. In each episode, a guest chooses a word from their language and talks about the meaning behind it. This beautiful, simple podcast provides an amazing introduction to Indigenous languages and the importance they have within culture (ABC Radio National, 2021).
The Ash Podcast. Courtesy of SoundCloud, 2021.
'The Ash Podcast' provides intimate, sex-positve conversations about sexual health between friends Dominic Eliseo and Sasha Smith on Kaurna Country (Adelaide). Both hosts, who identify as queer, talk about their personal experiences and challenges and give advice to anyone wishing to access sexual health information. Domonic draws upon his experience working in the Aboriginal health sector for the last fourteen years and Sasha, a sex worker, talks openly about her industry. They aim to educate, encourage sex-positivity and unpick the influence of shame within Indigenous communities (NITV, 2021).
Curtain Podcast. Courtesy of NITV, 2021.
'Curtain' is a powerful series by acclaimed Indigenous journalist Amy Mcquire and Senior Advocate for Foreign Prisoner Support Service, Martin Hodgson, that explores justice for First Nations people. Through the podcast they take an indepth look at the case of Kevin ‘Curtain’ Henry. Henry has been in prison for 25 years for murder, but has always maintained his innocence. The podcast highlights the lack of DNA evidence and concerns of coercion, unveiling some serious flaws in the police investigation in a town well known for its racial divisions. This podcast highlights just one of the many cases of bias and injustice from police and courts around Australia (NITV, 2021).