SHIRALEE HOOD LAUNCHES NEW PODCAST CELEBRATING FIRST NATIONS VOICES
BY ASAD KHAN AND TANGIORA HINAKI
From Stand-Up Stages to Podcasting
Noongar, Kurnai, and Gunditjmara comedian, writer, and educator Shiralee Hood has taken her storytelling to a new platform with the launch of Shiralee’s Hood Podcast.
Known nationally for her sharp stand-up, Ms Hood said the podcast brings together the lessons of her lived experience, her creative career, and her deep connection to Country.
“I’ve had all these life experiences, and I just thought it’s time to put it into my world,” she said.
“I want to talk to people I know, people I’ve seen, and people who’ve had different experiences.”
Roots in the Pilbara
Ms Hood grew up in the Pilbara after her family moved north from Perth. She recalls hot days spent BMX riding, swimming at the local pool, and watching her hometown of Karratha transform from a small settlement into a major hub during the iron ore boom.
A defining moment came when her mother took her to the 1983 court case of 16-year-old John Pat, whose death in custody in Roebourne became a national flashpoint.
“I remember watching the police in court and telling Mum, ‘they’re lying,’”
“That’s when Mum told me—this is why we need lawyers.”
Comedy as Advocacy
Though Ms Hood once dreamed of becoming a lawyer, she found her calling in performance. Starting in theatre and later moving into stand-up, she discovered comedy gave her a powerful way to speak truth to audiences.
“When Jason Roach started Deadly Funny at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, I thought—brilliant idea,” she said.
“Next minute, I realised I could say things quickly, from my perspective, and people connected with it. That’s the strength of storytelling.”
Conversations Beyond the Stage
Ms Hood’s podcast continues that tradition, offering space for voices from across the entertainment industry, law, activism, and community. The first episode features her sister, rapper and songwoman Maki Hood.
“I want to yarn with celebrities, creatives, but also with old aunties in the bush,”
“Our mob has brilliant knowledge that isn’t lifted up in wider society. In our culture, it’s very high—we’ve got to speak about it.”
A Voice for Country and Justice
Her memories of growing up on Ngarluma land shape her outlook today. She remains vocal about the impacts of mining and the importance of Aboriginal people leading on their own Country.
“They tried to bury us, but they don’t realise we are the seeds,” she said.
“Keep growing, my peeps. Keep really strong. Keep getting inspired.”
Shiralee’s Hood Podcast is now available on YouTube, with new episodes released monthly.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Tangiora Hinaki speak with Shiralee Hood: