Big Esso

This is the penultimate episode of the season and the final story from proud Larrakia and Meriam Mir storyteller Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury. Big Esso, meaning “big thanks” in Torres Strait Creole, is a love letter to the women in her family and to the islands that shaped them. It is a story that could only be told by a First Nations woman and it carries the unshakable rhythm of the Torres Strait.

Aaliyah takes us into the heart of her lineage, from her great-grandmother, a fierce matriarch with fire in her voice, to her trailblazing mother and grandmother who carved their place in spaces not built for them. Through their stories, we see the strength, humour, and quiet resilience that has been passed down through generations of women who refused to be small.

Set against the backdrop of saltwater Country, Big Esso captures the beauty of connection to place and the responsibility that comes with legacy. It is both a personal reflection and a celebration of Torres Strait Islander identity, womanhood, and survival.

NRMA Insurance, proud supporters of First Nations’ storytelling. Because that’s what a Help Company would do.

Find And Tell is co-production between BlakCast & iHeart Australia.

Hosted by Mundanara Bayles.

Storytellers are Dobby, Micah Kickett and Aaliyah Jade Bradbury.

Show Producer is Phoebe Adler-Ryan & Aaliyah Jade Bradbury.

Theme music, sound design, mix & mastering by Alex Cox.

Special thanks to Mundanara Bayles, Corey Layton, Alyssa Partington, & Aaron Sokolenko.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.