My guest this month is Sri Lankan-Australian artist Kuweni Dias Mendis. Kuweni integrates movement, sound, film, installations, markings and sculptural ritual objects to create immersive works. These works invite you to reconnect to your heartbeat, rhythm, gait, posture, and sense of time and space within a decolonised body. Her practice is shaped by her cultural experiences of Sri Lanka and Australia. As a migrant on unceded lands, Kuweni advocates for and amplifies the voices of marginalised women through collaborative artworks, exhibitions and participatory experiences. She creates spaces where these voices can be heard and valued.

In this episode, Kuweni and I chat about what prompted her to leave her corporate career and follow her dream of becoming an artist, how she found a new family of aunties and discovered she's a river woman. We also yarn about why connection to culture and country is important, how Kuweni's art is a bridge between two cultures, and why we need to make sure we go to the table where we belong.

Visit Kuweni's art exhibition 'Riverscope' at Logan Art Gallery from 11 August to 12 September 2025. Check out her website: Kuweni – Kuweni Dias Mendis and follow her on Facebook: dimuthu.dias or Instagram: kuweni_artist

This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB 98.1FM and Global Digital on Turrbal and Yuggera Country. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting.

• Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com
• Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia
• Instagram: @nettafinney
• Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

My guest this month is Councillor Trina Massey. Trina is a proud, queer woman and immigrant of Filipino and African American ethnicity. She's also the first ever Black, Asian, queer woman to hold political office in Queensland! As a record-spinning DJ with an extensive music collection, Trina goes under the name Black Amex.

We yarn about what it was like for Trina growing up as a mixed race kid in Brisbane, how she likes to surprise Filipinos by bursting out in Tagalog, and the importance of community and social justice. We also talk about how emotional white men can be, being authentic and doing politics differently, and encouraging diverse women to get into politics.

Check out Trina's website: Trina Massey - Greens Councillor for The Gabba Ward. Follow her on Facebook: Trina Massey Councillor for the Gabba Ward or Instagram: trinamasseygabba.

This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB 98.1FM and Global Digital on Turrbal and Yuggera Country. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting.

• Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com
• Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia
• Instagram: @nettafinney
• Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

Content warning: Ableism, racism, ageism and domestic abuse

My guest this month is talented Filipina-Australian singer, dancer and rapper, Danii. We yarn about Danii's connection to her heritage, her love of music (especially K-pop) and how she got her start in show biz. We also talk about her experiences of discrimination in general and in the music industry, why representation matters, and how there needs to be more of a spotlight on women of colour performers.

Follow Danii on Instagram iamdaniimusic and her website iamdanii.com.

If you’re in Australia and you need support:

• 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling)
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 (crisis support)
• 13YARN on 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners)

If you’re outside Australia please contact the support service in your area.

This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB 98.1FM and Global Digital on Turrbal and Yuggera Country. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting.

• Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com
• Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia
• Instagram: @nettafinney
• Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia