S3 - Episode 11 - John Burgess - Tracing Back Through The Stolen Generation & First Nation Media Wizz

S3 - Episode 11 - John Burgess - Tracing Back Through The Stolen Generation & First Nation Media Wizz

Author: Isaac Harrison February 19, 2026 Duration: 55:12

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, today I sit with John Burgess, a proud Gurindji man and founder of Little Rocket, a 100% First Nations-owned and operated creative and marketing agency based in Brunswick, Naarm.

With more than 15 years at the helm of Little Rocket, John reflects on building a purpose-led business, the traditional differences between marketing and PR, and why those distinctions matter when it comes to Indigenous storytelling. He unpacks the responsibility of being visible, advocating for truth, and why in his words, you have got to be in it to win it.

John also shares a deeply personal story about his mother, a member of the Stolen Generations, and her search for answers about her ancestry. What began with questions led to a single photograph, which led back to her Country. A moment that brought a profound sense of home, connection, and healing after generations of separation.

It is an honest and moving conversation about identity, truth-telling, business, and the reality that many people we cross paths with are only one step removed from one of Australia’s darkest chapters.


Isaac Harrison hosts Deadly Discussions, a series of conversations that digs into the human stories behind meaningful enterprise. Each episode moves beyond spreadsheets and business plans to explore how leaders and founders build ventures that genuinely serve the people around them. You’ll hear from individuals who measure success not just in profit, but in positive impact, discussing the real-world challenges and triumphs of running operations that support both communities and families. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of practical management, entrepreneurial spirit, and non-profit ethos, offering a grounded perspective often missing from typical business talk. The dialogue focuses on the decisions, values, and daily work that define a purpose-driven career. Tune in for honest reflections on what it means to do good business, providing listeners with both inspiration and actionable insight from those who are quietly getting it done.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 57

Deadly Discussions
Podcast Episodes
S2 Episode 11 - Mick Buckworth - Rumbalara - Indigenous Food Growers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:34
Mick Buckworth married into the Yorta Yorta people in Shepparton, Victoria. Mick, a builder by trade, ended up working with the mob at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. For the last two decades, the Co-op focused its wo…
S2 Episode 9 - Luke Fallini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Luke Fallini, a Quandamooka man with Italian heritage from SE Queensland, Australia, joins me on the podcast.A builder by trade, with a passion for football (of course). Shares his not so typical upbringing as an Indigen…
S2 Episode 8 - Alana Kennedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:10
What an inspiring episode this was! Alana Kennedy is a Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from North Queensland. Raised by her Non-Indigenous mother in Mt Isa. Alana understood there was something a little different with her family…
S2 Episode 7 - Cory Grech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Cory is the founder of Meat Brothers, a food truck that had evolved into a shipping container cafe. A Kamilaroi and Wonnarua Man from New South Wales, Cory shares the importance of having powerful women in his family. It…
S2 Episode 6 - Mervyn Fernando [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
Dunghutti Man, Mervyn Fernando joins me on the podcast. Mervyn grew up in Kempsey NSW. After losing his mother at a young age, Mervyn was raised by his father. Growing up as a young Koori boy On Country Mervyn faced the…