Mental Fitness Conversations
Podcast series
In partnership with
Introducing Mental Fitness Conversations, a new podcast series from Gotcha4Life.
Hear more about how people in our village build their mental fitness through connection, community and simple everyday actions.
In this first season, created in partnership with Black Magic Woman and produced by BlakCast, we hear from First Nations people across the country as they share their experiences of taking action to build mental fitness. This series explores identity, connection and culture alongside personal approaches to strengthening mental fitness.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or inside the Mental Fitness Gym app. Subscribe and be the first to know when new episodes drop.
Our host: Mundanara Bayles
Mundanara Bayles is an award-winning Indigenous businesswoman, educator, changemaker and Gotcha4Life board member. Through this series, Mundanara helps us explore identity, connection and culture alongside personal approaches to strengthening mental fitness.
Episode 4: Quaden Bayles - Bullying, belonging and community
In Episode 4 of Mental Fitness Conversations, young First Nations actor and advocate Quaden Bayles shares his powerful story of overcoming bullying, finding belonging and building mental fitness. From the viral moment that changed his life to starring in Hollywood films, Quaden speaks openly about resilience, culture and community. Listen to this inspiring conversation about the importance of connection, inclusion and courage – and hear Quaden’s message to young people everywhere: be brave, speak up and know your worth.
About Quaden Bayles
Quaden Bayles is a 14-year-old First Nations actor, award-winning advocate, and activist. Born in Brisbane, QLD, Quaden rose to national and international prominence for his powerful stand against bullying. He continues to inspire others by championing mental fitness, inclusion and resilience.
Previous episodes
New episodes every fortnight
Our Mental Fitness Conversations podcast releases fresh episodes every two weeks. Check back here to listen, explore show notes, and discover powerful stories as they drop.
Steph Tisdell | Comedian and Actor on Identity, Connection and Mental Fitness
An open, funny yarn with Steph Tisdell on identity, culture and mental fitness – from returning to Country to opening doors for others.
Matty Mills Presenter and Actor on Culture, Grief and Everyday Mental Fitness
A raw and uplifting conversation with Matty Mills, as he shares the moments that shaped his identity, career and mental fitness, and reflects on what it takes to stand proudly in culture and authenticity.
Mental Fitness Conversations with Shantelle Thompson
For Shantelle Thompson OAM, mental fitness is reclamation. It’s breathing through silence, remembering your name, and risng with your Ancestors at your back.
Continue the conversation
There are many ways to build our mental fitness through small steps, everyday actions and moments shared with others. That might mean connecting with people you love and adore in your community, joining community activities, spending time on things that make you feel grounded, or seeking extra support when you need it.
If you’d like to keep the mental fitness conversation going, learn new strategies for looking after your wellbeing or find support, these services are a great place to start. Created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, these resources are grounded in culture, community and connection, and offer ways to connect with others and strengthen your emotional muscles. They’re also valuable for anyone who wants to learn, share and help build mental fitness in the people around them.
13YARN provide free and confidential 24/7 support from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members. Call 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
WellMob provide social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources. Visit wellmob.org.au
Brother to Brother is a 24-hour support line for Aboriginal men. Call 1800 435 799 or visit dardimunwurro.com.au
Yarn Safe (via headspace) provide mental health resources for young people. Visit headspace.org.au/yarn-safe
Listen to the podcast in the Mental Fitness Gym app
Download the app for free today
