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Welcome to “The New Dreaming Podcast”, a powerful platform created to celebrate strength, success, and storytelling among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
Born from a partnership between IBA and New Dream Productions, this special series holds space for truth-telling and real conversations that inspire, challenge, and empower. Each episode features First Nations men who are reshaping their futures, sharing journeys of resilience, leadership, and cultural pride in a space that honours their voices.
From stories of overcoming adversity to reflections on identity and purpose, the series invites listeners into conversations that are honest, uplifting, and deeply grounded in lived experience.
It’s a space where voices are heard, stories are honoured, and futures are imagined—together.
From his early days in Bowen dreaming by the shoreline to launching a coffee window beside his sister’s clinic, Josh’s journey is one of creativity, resilience, and purpose. Drawing on his background in Indigenous health and HR, he’s built a business that prioritises staff wellbeing and customer connection, challenging industry norms with professional practices and a family-first culture.
With plans to expand into deli-style offerings and a wine bar, Josh continues to grow his impact while staying true to his artistic roots in music. His story is a testament to trusting your instincts, building with intention, and creating spaces where people feel truly seen.
With no formal business training or entrepreneurial background, Jordan followed his instincts, diving into podcasts, audiobooks, and industry research to carve his own path. Support from IBA played a pivotal role, helping him turn ambition into action with practical guidance and funding.
Jordan speaks candidly about the realities of burnout and the importance of balance, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone considering a leap into business. His story is a powerful reminder that trusting your gut and taking the first step can lead to a life of purpose and growth.
Raised in Logan as one of nine siblings, James draws strength from his Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri roots, which now shape the heart of his digital marketing business. After years of watching his cultural knowledge benefit others, he launched Barragi Mawang to empower Indigenous businesses with digital tools while staying true to community values.
With support from IBA, James has built a platform that blends business with storytelling—producing documentaries like Yurlu Country and writing about his great-uncle, the first Indigenous person commissioned in the Australian Army. His journey is a reminder that success doesn’t have to mean speeding up—it can mean slowing down to honour culture, connection, and authenticity.
In this candid episode, Adam explains how starting with social media before moving into e-commerce has helped First Nations businesses grow at the right pace. His story highlights the importance of relationships, especially with support organisations like IBA, and shows how real-world connections are just as vital as digital tools.
With new initiatives like the POS Cafe Shopify app and tailored programs for service-based businesses, Adam and his partner Carmel are creating meaningful change while staying grounded in culture and community.
