Meet Kitty Obsidian -- a Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi non-binary performer mixing political activism with sequins, offering a fresh perspective on Black burlesque in Australia.

Plus, follow activists and musicians Ray Dimakarri Dixon and Stuart Joel Nuggett as they sing their protest against the fracking impacting their homes in the Beetaloo basin of the Northern Territory.

Dr Katrina Wruck, a First Nations industrial chemist and neurodivergent black woman, who once believed she wasn’t supposed to succeed due to what she calls her ‘golden trifecta’, has been named Young Australian of the Year.

Plus, Larissa Behrendt, the host of our tidda show, Speaking Out, shares behind-the-scenes moments of her latest documentary One Heart One Mind.

Artists Bibi Barba and Dennis Golding discuss how public art reasserts a First Nations connection to Country.

Plus, Word Up returns with Susan Hay Huges sharing some of her language — Thalanyji.

Walmajarri Elder Kankawa Ngarra is the latest recipient of the prestigious Australian Music Prize.

Hear how Kankawa keeps herself grounded, and why she dedicates her win to her community of Wangkatjungka. 

Then, Uncle Rex Greeno spent much of his life as a fisherman but more recently he’s been re-invigorating the Palawa practice of building reed and bark canoes.

With two of his canoes, and a collection of drawings on show at the Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery, Uncle Rex explains what drew him to art as a means of resistance.

And, Ben Graetz discusses his upcoming cabaret show: Tina – A Tropical Love Story. 

Professor Marcia Langton says artists “can tell the truth where others cannot or will not because they can represent the truth visually.”

But what responsibility do institutions like galleries have in this process of truth telling?

Marcia explains how she worked with her co-editor Judith Ryan to draw together the work of artists, historians, curators, critics, and even an ethno-musicologist to tell a short history of Indigenous art in this Country for 65 000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art.

Then Kee’ahn is a non-binary, queer artist known for lush melodies with lyrics that speak to the heart

They discuss the joy of an intimate gig, and to perform their new song – love you more.

Hear from artists Dr Bronwyn Bancroft, Kyra Kum Sing and Kylie Caldwell as they discuss what Blak success looks like in a capitalistic world, and how mob hold space for ourself and each other.

Then, choreographer and playwright Henrietta Baird talks through her multidisciplinary work Plant A Promise.

Plus, Karina Lester and her daughter Larissa share the Yankunytjatjara name for 'magpie'.

Meet three Bangarra dancers who are stretching their choreographic skills to become a new generation of storytellers. 

And, Maningrida’s all-female saltwater rock band Ripple Effect perform live in the Radio National studios.

Hear how bagan bariwariganyan (echoes of country) brings together the work of three First Nations artists to wrap the work of a significant Yuin artist-ancestor in Country.

Then, Gumbayngirr musician Maanyung continues the Mob Music Month celebrations as he discusses his debut EP Until No More.

Plus for Word Up, head back to north west of South Australia where Yankunytjatjara speakers Karina Lester and her daughter Larissa take you will share a little more of their language.

After almost 18 years as a driving force behind ILBIJERRI Theatre Company Rachael Maza will step down from her role as Artistic Director and Co-CEO at the end of 2025.

Rachael shares how her time at ILBIJERRI shaped her ideas of Blak theatre, and what she plans to do next.

Then Jem Cassar-Daley plays live in the Radio National studios for Mob Music Month and explains why she makes music with the people she loves. 

Plus for Word Up, Yankunytjatjara speakers Karina Lester and her daughter Larissa share a word that describes a precious commodity on their Country. 

Reko Rennie has two exhibitions running concurrently. One charts his evolution as an artist, and the other showcases a collection of new works. 

He discusses what he learnt about art by taking the long road to professional artist.

Then director Jon Bell’s feature film debut The Moogai is a horror that reflects the real fears of Blackfullas. Jon, along with actor Meyne Wyatt share how they turned what was originally a short film into a full-length feature, and explain why Jon calls The Moogai a love letter to the Aboriginal women in his life. 

Plus for Word Up, you’ll meet Yankunytjatjara speakers Karina Lester and her daughter Larissa.