The fourth episode of the Mental Fitness Conversations podcast features a powerful yarn with Quaden Bayles, a 14-year-old First Nations actor, award-winning advocate and activist.

In this episode, Quaden speaks openly about how his life changed overnight, from the pain of relentless bullying to the opportunities and challenges of acting in major Hollywood films. What shines through most is his honesty about the role that culture, family and community have played in grounding him, especially after living in Redfern earlier this year where he found a renewed sense of belonging and strength.

Mental Fitness Conversations is part of Gotcha4Life’s mission to create a suicide-free world through stronger connections, inclusive conversations and culturally grounded truth-telling. In partnership with Black Magic Woman, the series explores the depth, strength and diversity of what it means to stay mentally fit, especially for First Nations peoples.

Resources and links
Find out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast.

About the podcast
Hosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness.

Content note
This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges including bullying which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.