The Back Cover

Australia has gender targets and countless awards for gender equality, but when it comes to racism in the workplace, the silence is deafening.In this interview, MindTribes CEO Div Pillay explains why racism remains one of corporate Australia’s biggest blind spots — and how the new Business in Colour Awards (launching this November) will celebrate anti-racism, cultural strength, and inclusive leadership across Australia.Hosted by Mibengé Nsenduluka on The Back Cover Podcast.Don’t miss this conversation if you care about:Anti-racism and workplace equityFirst Nations and culturally diverse leadershipWhy data and reporting matter for real changeHow Australia compares to the US and UK on racial equity✨ Subscribe for more bold conversations on culture, equity and leadership.#AntiRacism #Australia #BusinessInColourAwards #WorkplaceDiversity

What if your boss’s “joke” wasn’t funny—but harassment in disguise?Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody, joins The Back Cover to unpack the damning Speaking from Experience report—an explosive national investigation into how sexual harassment is enabled and excused in Aussie workplaces.From “banter” used as cover for abuse, to the silence forced on workers with visas, disabilities, and casual jobs—this interview reveals the uncomfortable truth about power, culture, and inequality at work.🔎 In this episode:How “Aussie humour” hides workplace abuseWhy young, migrant, and disabled workers face the worst of itThe toxic role of NDAs and fear in silencing victims11 urgent reforms to fix a broken system📢 Access free workplace resources here:👉 https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/workplace-sexual-harassment-resources#SexualHarassment #WorkplaceRights #AnnaCody #TheBackCover #RespectAtWork #HumanRightsAustralia

For 25 years, Gloria Tabi wore a wig to work. Then she took it off—and everything changed.In this powerful interview, anti-racism specialist and founder of Enable Women Africa, Gloria shares her deeply personal journey of confronting internalised racism, challenging Eurocentric beauty standards, and the surprising environmental toll of synthetic hair.We explore why Black hair is political, how discrimination affects professional opportunities, and why more women are ditching wigs—not just for identity, but for the planet.🔥 Topics we cover:– Workplace bias against natural Black hair– The psychological pressure to conform– Environmental harm of synthetic wigs and weaves– How beauty standards uphold systemic racism– Gloria’s decision to compete in a pageant… at 50, with natural hair🎧 Listen to the full podcast on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/etc.]📣 Support Gloria’s work: Enable Women Africa📌 Follow @TheBackCover for more untold stories#BlackHairMatters #NaturalHair #AntiRacism #GloriaTabi #TheBackCover #HairDiscrimination #Sustainability #BeautyStandards #Wigs #EnvironmentalJustice #EurocentricBeauty

In this powerful interview, South African designer Hlumelo Nyaluza opens up about the dream that foretold his mother’s passing and how that life-altering moment led him on a spiritual journey—one that ultimately inspired his luxury handbag label, HN.Hailed as Africa’s answer to Hermès, Nyaluza’s brand blends ancient Xhosa traditions with modern design to create custom, ultra-premium handbags rooted in purpose, identity, and empowerment.🎙️ Hosted by Mibengé Nsenduluka on The Back Cover Podcast, this conversation explores:How Hlumelo turned grief into greatnessHis sacred journey through Xhosa initiation schoolThe deeper meaning behind each bagWhy African excellence deserves a global stage

In this insightful interview, CYDA CEO Skye Kakoschke-Moore chats to host Mibenge Nsenduluka about critical issues affecting people with disabilities in Australia. She addresses the impact of NDIS fraud crackdowns, highlighting how they risk overshadowing the abuse and exclusion faced by children with disabilities. Skye also talks about the upcoming federal election, stressing the urgent need for policies that truly support the disability community. Plus, she weighs in on the rising cost of living crisis and how it disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Don't miss this important conversation on the challenges and solutions for a more inclusive Australia.

🚨 In this exclusive sit-down, Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri pulls no punches. From the erosion of democracy to the federal election, she lays bare the truth about how both major parties put power over people. She reveals shocking details about the Victorian government’s crackdown on protests, the institutional bullying she faces in Parliament, and why Labor is no longer the party it once was.💬 Topics Covered:✔️ Why both major parties prioritize power over principles✔️ How the Victorian government is silencing protests✔️ The harsh reality of being a progressive woman in Parliament✔️ The growing need for a strong crossbench to hold government accountable🔔 Subscribe for more fearless interviews and independent journalism. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! #GabrielleDeVietri #AustralianPolitics #Greens #LaborParty #RightToProtest #TheBackCover

Join journalist Mibenge Nsenduluka in an exclusive interview with Independent senator Lidia Thorpe as she discusses her perspectives on the upcoming federal election, critiques of mainstream feminism, and the ongoing fight against systemic injustices faced by First Nations peoples in Australia. This insightful conversation sheds light on the need for genuine systemic reform and inclusivity. #LidiaThorpe #federalelection2025 #politics #indigenous #internationalwomensday #media #thebackcover

This International Women’s Day, The Back Cover presents "Stay In Your Lane: The High Price Women of Colour Pay for Justice"—a bold and unapologetic documentary that shines a light on the systemic barriers faced by trailblazing women of colour in Australia.Featuring powerful insights from Senator Lidia Thorpe, Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri, and legal expert Maker Mayek, this documentary unpacks the challenges of intersectional feminism, allyship, and racial injustice.We also examine two high-profile cases—journalist Antoinette Lattouf, who is suing the ABC for alleged discrimination, and lawyer Nyadol Nyuon, who has spoken out about alleged racism at Victoria University.As Thorpe powerfully states: "White women need to move over and allow Black and brown women the opportunity to have their say."De Vietri adds: "We can’t have women’s justice without justice for people of colour, for LGBTQIA+ communities, for trans and gender-diverse people."It’s time to confront the uncomfortable truths and demand real change.

In this interview, author Peter Matthews dives deep into the themes of modern masculinity, identity, and personal growth explored in his groundbreaking book, The Elixir Effect. Join host Mibengé Nsenduluka as they unpack Peter's insights on navigating LGBTQIA+ identities in a world that is constantly evolving. Discover the inspiration behind his work, the challenges of redefining traditional norms, and the message his story delivers to readers.

In this enlightening interview, esteemed journalist and Founder of Back Cover Media Mibengé Nsenduluka sits down with trans inclusion consultant Davey Shlasko to discuss why respecting pronouns is more than just a courtesy—it’s crucial for creating safe, inclusive spaces. Davey shares personal insights from their own journey of self-discovery, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of navigating identity in a world that often resists change. From college days of exploration and acceptance to facing blatant workplace discrimination, Davey’s story reveals the importance of using correct pronouns and the profound impact it has on mental health, personal boundaries, and professional safety. Drawing on over 20 years of experience helping leaders and organisations foster trans-friendly environments, Davey explains why small actions—like using the right name and pronouns—can transform lives, especially for young trans people. Guided by Mibengé’s thought-provoking questions, this interview dives into how inclusive practices can go beyond policies to create genuine respect and trust. If you want to understand how pronouns, boundaries, and dignity intersect, this conversation is a must-watch. Tune in to this impactful dialogue as Mibengé Nsenduluka and Davey Shlasko explore what it means to build a more inclusive world for everyone.