Lioness Heart

About Lioness Heart

What's up, Kitties? Are you a woman of colour? Then join me, Netta Finney Mejia on Lioness Heart, a monthly half-hour podcast where we delve into the life of a strong, brilliant, badass woman of colour. Let's raise our voices, share our stories, and laugh and cry together. But most importantly, let's roar! Because let's face it, it's a jungle out there, and for us black and brown women, our big lioness hearts give us the strength and courage to smash through that jungle and forge our own paths. Produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Ethnic Community Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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 • Radio 4EB website : www.4eb.org.au Content warning: Some of the topics we discuss may be distressing, so take care of yourself. If you're in Australia and you need to talk to someone, please call: • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (crisis support) • 13YARN on 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners) • 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling) If you're outside Australia please contact the crisis support service or domestic violence support service in your area.

Publisher

Netta Finney Mejia

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Oct 2024

Latest episode

1 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Amrita Deshpande - part 2

   This month, we're joined by Amrita Deshpande — an Indian-Australian artist, communicator, educator, journalist, media content creator and experienced community engagement professional whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, research, and social impact. We ended up chatting for an hour, so I've split Amrita's interview into two episodes. In this second episode, Amrita shares why she admires her grandmother, her passion for migrant and refugee community issues and how she expresses herself through art.  We also talk about why it's important to get involved in politics and your local community radio station, the descrimination Amrita has witnessed against migrant communities, as well as encouraging advice if you're a new arrival to Australia. Find out about: Amrita's projects: FeminineFeminism and Refugee project The Curry Festival on 12 September 2026 at Rocklea Markets Brisbane to raise money for The Bangle Foundation (https://www.banglefoundation.com.au/) Joining Radio 4EB (https://www.4eb.org.au/subscribe/) WEN (Women's Ethnic Network) — ECCQ (Ethnic Community Council Queensland) If you're in Australia and you need domestic, family and sexual violence support: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 DV Connect (https://www.dvconnect.org/) on 1800 811 811 The Bangle Foundation for South Asian women SSI (Settlement Services International) 13YARN on 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners This podcast is written, produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB — 98.1FM and Global Digital. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Lioness Heart is made on the unceded lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal people. I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers of this country, pay respects to their Elders, and honour the wisdom and leadership of First Nations women. Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia Instagram: @nettafinneymejia Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

2. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Amrita Deshpande - part 1

   This month, we're joined by Amrita Deshpande — an Indian-Australian artist, communicator, educator, journalist, media content creator and experienced community engagement professional whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, research and social impact. We ended up chatting for an hour, so I've split Amrita's interview into two episodes. In this first episode, Amrita shares what it's been like living in several different countries throughout her life, how much fun it was growing up in India surrounded by extended family, and the drawbacks of the caste system. We also chat about arranged marriages versus love marriages, the stigma surrounding divorce and where you can go for help if you're South Asian and you're experiencing domestic violence. Amrita's projects explore how art can open up conversations, build connection, and create space for voices and experiences that are often overlooked. You can learn more about one of her research art projects here: FeminineFeminism (https://sites.google.com/site/amritadeshpa/project1).  Amrita has also worked on creative projects with refugee communities, using storytelling and participation to support connection, visibility, and shared understanding. Explore that work here: Refugee project. If you're in Australia and you need domestic, family and sexual violence support: 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 DV Connect (https://www.dvconnect.org/) on 1800 811 811 The Bangle Foundation for South Asian women SSI (https://www.ssi.org.au/) (Settlement Services International) 13YARN on 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners) This podcast is written, produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB - 98.1FM and Global Digital. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Lioness Heart is made on the unceded lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal people. I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers of this country, pay respects to their Elders and honour the wisdom and leadership of First Nations women. Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia Instagram: @nettafinneymejia Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

3. 

   30 Jul 2026

   Amanda Shalala - more than the game

   My guest this month is award-winning Lebanese-Australian sports journalist and broadcaster Amanda Shalala. She is the Deputy Editor for ABC Sport and has led broadcast coverage of the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Paralympics and Olympics. Amanda also oversees the 50:50 Equality Project, which works to improve representation in sport. In this episode, Amanda reflects on growing up in Sydney, navigating the pressure to assimilate, and the regret she carries about not learning Arabic. She speaks candidly about the impact of negative media stereotypes of Middle Eastern communities and how those narratives shaped her early experiences. We explore her lifelong love of sport and the vital role diverse journalists play in bringing richer stories informed by a wide range of perspectives. Amanda shares her gratitude for the incredible women in sports media who supported her career, and how she now pays that forward by mentoring emerging reporters. She also discusses what it has meant to be underestimated as a female sports journalist, and how she continues to push through those challenges. We talk about the excitement building around the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and the opportunities it will create for fresh, quirky and uniquely Australian storytelling. The episode closes with Amanda's heartfelt advice for women of colour aspiring to enter journalism, offering encouragement, realism and hope. I hope you like our new music! It was composed by my talented childhood friend, El Salvadorian-Australian Rene Castillo. Check out his bank Izalco. This podcast is written, produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB - 98.1FM and Global Digital. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Lioness Heart is made on the lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal people. I acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first storytellers of this country, and honour the wisdom and leadership of First Nations women whose stories continue to guide and ground us. Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia Instagram: @nettafinneymejia Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

4. 

   27 May 2026

   Saalihah Seedat - wellbeing and interculturalism

   My guest this month is South African-born Indian-Australian Saalihah Seedat. She is a consultant clinical pharmacist, personal development coach, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and mum of three. Saalihah is passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, social issues and making a difference in people's lives. In 2025, Saalihah was named one of Brisbane's top 60 most inspirational women. In this episode, Saalihah chats about what it was like growing up in South Africa during the Apartheid era, the strong legacy of the women in her family and the tragedy of losing her mum and grandmother during the COVID lockdowns.  We find out what drew Saalihah to the health field and why stress management is an important part of our wellbeing. Saalihah also tells us about the ways she deals with discrimination and how younger women are more confident and graceful at it than we are, as well as why we all benefit from building an intercultural community of women. This podcast is written, produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I live, the Yuggera and Turrbal people. I pay my respects to their Elders and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land. Black lives matter. Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia Instagram: @nettafinneymejia Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

5. 

   30 Jul 2025

   Kuweni Dias Mendis - connecting cultures through art

   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 (https://kuweni.com/) 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

6. 

   23 Jun 2025

   Trina Massey: Doing politics differently

   Councillor Trina Massey discusses her experiences as a mixed-race, queer woman in politics and the importance of community and social justice in an interview with Netta Finney Mejia.

7. 

   27 May 2025

   Danii

   Singer Danii discusses her Filipina-Australian heritage, her music career, and experiences with discrimination in the music industry in an interview with Netta Finney Mejia.

8. 

   20 Apr 2025

   Olivia Afriyie Johnson - part 2

   Content warning: child sexual abuse, racism and domestic violence. This is the second part of our chat with Olivia Afriyie Johnson (https://oliviajohnson.com.au/). In this episode, Olivia shares how she figured out what she was experiencing was domestic abuse, what it was like getting backlash from her own community, and what helped her. She also talks to us about her charity work. 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 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

9. 

   20 Apr 2025

   Olivia Afriyie Johnson - part 1

   Content warning: child sexual abuse, racism and domestic violence. My next guest is Olivia Afriyie Johnson. Olivia is a passionate advocate, sociopreneur, and human resources & business management professional dedicated to empowering others through her lived experiences. Born in Ghana and raised in Australia, her cross-cultural journey has shaped a powerful perspective on resilience, identity, and healing. She is the founder of Olive Solutions Consultancy, and Community Partners, a charity committed to breaking social barriers and fostering positive representation for culturally and liquistically diverse communities. Learn more about Olivia's journey in her blog and her memoir, Echoes of Resilience. Our yarn is split into two episodes - this is the first. In this episode, we yarn about Olivia's diverse upbringing, language, stereotypes and how it's rude to touch a black women's skin and hair without asking! We also talk about code switching, racism at work and the importance of education. 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) Kids Helpline (https://kidshelpline.com.au/) on 1800 551 800 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 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

10. 

    24 Mar 2025

    Let's roar with He Huang

    My guest this month is Chinese-Australian Comedian He Huang. He went viral after she appeared on Australia’s Got Talent in 2022. Her deadpan delivery and self-deprecating jokes based on her Chinese culture made her go viral. I caught up with He at the Woodford Folk Festival in December 2024 where she was performing. In this episode, we chat about He's new show, 'White man's Burden', the crap that minority comedians have to deal with, and He's various aliases. We also talk about how policy and law isn't that different from comedy, what it was like growing up in China, and how Chinese people can be just as bogan and racist as Aussies. Watch He Huang on Australia's Got Talent. This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Multicultural Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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  (https://linktr.ee/NettaFinneyMejia?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=76f8c82c-a01b-41bc-91f2-fba4c0b458e8)

11. 

    23 Feb 2025

    Let's roar with Sara Yan

    Content warning: Domestic and family violence My guest this month is Sara Yan. Sara has Chinese heritage and is a talented writer, cartoonist and published author. She’s the brains behind the comic strips ‘Lennan and Smallsy’ and ‘Live, Learn, Change’ which aim to educate about domestic abuse, by focusing on boys and men. Sara and I talk about what it’s like being a halfie, plus her own experience of domestic and family violence and why it inspired her to do what she does. We also discuss myths about perpetrators, potential solutions to reduce male violence, before ending with great advice for other girls and women of colour. Sara and I love Lundy Bancroft’s books. These are excellent resources if you want to learn about domestic violence. 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) Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 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 on Turrbal and Yuggera Country. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting. ·         Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com) ·         Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia ·         Instagram:@nettafinney (https://www.instagram.com/nettafinney/) ·         Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

12. 

    25 Jan 2025

    Let's roar with Caroline Brunne

    Content warning: child sexual abuse, incest and family violence My next guest on this series about strong, brilliant, women of colour is Caroline Brunne, who was born in Mauritius. In her debut book ‘More than one thing can be true’, Caroline shared her experience of overcoming child sexual abuse, incest and family violence, offering a narrative of bravery and resilience. Today, Caroline yarns with me about her work as a lived experience expert and survivor advocate, how she tried to fit into Aussie culture as a little brown girl, and how you can’t be what you can’t see. Read about the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (https://www.acms.au/). 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) Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 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 on Turrbal and Yuggera Country. Broadcast on the Community Radio Network around Australia. Music by Stephen Utting. ·         Email: lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com (mailto:lionessheartpodcast@gmail.com) ·         Facebook: Netta Finney Mejia ·         Instagram:@nettafinney (https://www.instagram.com/nettafinney/) ·         Linktree: Netta Finney Mejia

13. 

    17 Dec 2024

    Let's roar with Chiou See Anderson part 2

    Here is part two of my interview with Chiou See Anderson. In this episode, Chiou See talks to us about how she used strategies from the book ‘The Art of War’ to win a court case against her local City Council, why girls need to stop being pick mes, and how to confidently own a room. Chiou See has Singaporean Chinese heritage and is President of the National Council of Women Australia (https://ncwa.org.au/) and Head of the Australian delegation for the G20 Women Care Economy Working Group. She is also a proud grandma of two. Content warning: We mention domestic violence. If you’re in Australia and you need to talk to someone, please call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling). If you’re outside Australia please contact the domestic violence support service in your area. This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Ethnic Community Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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 Radio 4EB website : www.4eb.org.au

14. 

    17 Dec 2024

    Let's roar with Chiou See Anderson part 1

    My next guest on this series about strong, brilliant, women of colour is Chiou See Anderson. This interview is split into two episodes. In this first part, Chiou See chats about her upbringing in Singapore, her own resilient grandma, and how she managed to build her career and get her university qualifications whilst raising her 3 kids as a single mum (NOT a dragon mum!). Chiou See is President of the National Council of Women Australia, Head of the Australian delegation for the G20 Women Care Economy Working Group, Juror of the Australian Women in Music Executive Game Changer Award, Chair of a software company and Owner/Operator of two retirement villages. Chiou See is also a proud grandmother of two. This podcast is produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Ethnic Community Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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 Radio 4EB website : www.4eb.org.au

15. 

    22 Nov 2024

    Let's roar with Kristine

    Author and advocate Kristine shares her powerful story of resilience and healing, breaking down barriers to mental health and domestic violence support for Indigenous women.

16. 

    27 Oct 2024

    Lioness Heart (trailer)

    What’s up, Kitties? Are you a woman of colour? Then join me, Netta Finney Mejia on Lioness Heart, a monthly half-hour podcast where we delve into the life of a strong, brilliant, badass woman of colour. Let’s raise our voices, share our stories, and laugh and cry together. But most importantly, let’s roar! Because let’s face it, it’s a jungle out there, and for us black and brown women, our big lioness hearts give us the strength and courage to smash through that jungle and forge our own paths. Produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Ethnic Community Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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 Radio 4EB website : www.4eb.org.au Content warning: Some of the topics we discuss may be distressing, so take care of yourself. If you’re in Australia and you need to talk to someone: Lifeline on 13 11 14 (crisis support) 13YARN on 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners) 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling) If you’re outside Australia please contact the crisis support service or domestic violence support service in your area.

17. 

    27 Oct 2024

    Let's roar with Karina Hogan

    My first guest on this series about strong, badass, women of colour is my mate, Karina Hogan. Karina’s a proud Aboriginal and South Sea Islander woman with ancestral ties to Bunjalung Country. She’s also a highly respected journalist, broadcaster, content producer, non-executive director and businesswoman. We yarn about what it was like for Karina growing up in Logan, her love of family, and what she does to fight systemic injustice. Content warning: We discuss domestic, family and sexual violence. We also mention the names of Aboriginal people who have died. If you’re in Australia and you need to talk to someone, there is help. Please call: - Lifeline on 13 11 14 (crisis support) - 13YARN on 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners) - 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling) If you’re outside Australia please contact the crisis support service or domestic violence support service in your area. Produced and hosted by Netta Finney Mejia. Recorded in the studios of Brisbane Ethnic Community Radio 4EB 98.1FM 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 Radio 4EB website : www.4eb.org.au

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Lioness Heart

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Lioness Heart