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 7: Wendell French - Culture, pride and safe spaces for queer mob
At just 25, Wendell French – also known as Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress – is using drag to celebrate culture, pride and connection. In conversation with Mundanara Bayles, Wendell shares how creativity and community have shaped their mental fitness journey. From breaking down stigma to creating safe spaces for young queer mob, this episode is a powerful reminder that being true to yourself is one of the greatest acts of courage.
About Wendell French
Wendell French is a proud Kamilaroi and Dhunghutti “brotherboy, sistergirl, brista – brothersister” raised in Campbelltown, Western Sydney. They are a performer, advocate and entrepreneur known on stage as Felicia Foxx, the Aboriginal Enchantress, they use drag to celebrate identity and strengthen community. Through their new venture, Rainbow Emu Entertainment, Wendell is creating safer, more inclusive spaces for young queer mob to express themselves with pride.
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.
Uncle Dave Bell | Aboriginal activist on culture & mentoring
Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Dave Bell shares how culture, mentoring and connection strengthen youth mental fitness and build stronger communities.
Dr Clinton Schultz | Culture, lore and redefining psychology
Dr Clinton Schultz shares his story and insights on healing, culture and redefining psychology through a First Nations lens.
Quaden Bayles | Bullying, belonging and community
Young actor and advocate Quaden Bayles shares his journey from bullying to belonging, and how culture, community and connection shaped his mental fitness.
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
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