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: 50

Deadly Discussions
Podcast Episodes
S2 Episode 1 - Darren Godwell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
What does the future of importing and exporting look like, and what does that mean for our First Nation businesses here down under?Darren Godwell, a Kokoberren man from Cape York joins me on the podcast to unpack some of…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:05
Experienced business leader and Kamilaroi Man, Richard Hurst, joins me on the Deadly Discussions podcast. I've been looking forward to getting Richard onto the podcast to hear his perspective on modern day money culture.…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:05
Experienced business leader and Kamilaroi Man, Richard Hurst, joins me on the Deadly Discussions podcast. I've been looking forward to getting Richard onto the podcast to hear his perspective on modern day money culture.…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 30 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:05
Experienced business leader and Kamilaroi Man, Richard Hurst, joins me on the Deadly Discussions podcast. I've been looking forward to getting Richard onto the podcast to hear his perspective on modern day money culture.…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 29 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
For the first time on Deadly Discussions, I will be hosting two guests (well, technically they are one). I welcome a married couple, Adam and Carmel Wooding of Empower Digital. Adam, a Yorta Yorta man, and his wife Carme…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 29 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
For the first time on Deadly Discussions, I will be hosting two guests (well, technically they are one). I welcome a married couple, Adam and Carmel Wooding of Empower Digital. Adam, a Yorta Yorta man, and his wife Carme…
Deadly Discussions Podcast Episode 29 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:53
For the first time on Deadly Discussions, I will be hosting two guests (well, technically they are one). I welcome a married couple, Adam and Carmel Wooding of Empower Digital. Adam, a Yorta Yorta man, and his wife Carme…
Deadly Discussions Episode 28 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:20
Passionate about working towards positive change, building networks, sharing knowledge and learning. Benson, loves 'curiosity' and believes it is the beginning of all great things. He has alwys worked hard to live a valu…
Deadly Discussions Episode 28 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:20
Passionate about working towards positive change, building networks, sharing knowledge and learning. Benson, loves 'curiosity' and believes it is the beginning of all great things. He has alwys worked hard to live a valu…