meet
aka dr rachael gunn
Known for her originality and engaging presence, she combines academic rigour with creative practice to challenge expectations and connect with audiences. She is an advocate for authenticity, resilience, and creative thinking, using her platform to support communities and causes close to her heart.
Olympian.
Bgirl.
Academic.
academic
Rachael has a PhD in Cultural Studies, completing her thesis on the gender politics of Sydney’s breaking culture in 2017. Until 2026, she was a lecturer in media and popular culture at Macquarie University (Sydney), where she was known as an engaging and passionate teacher, and received awards for both teaching and research across her academic career.
research profile
Rachael built a strong research profile exploring the cultural politics of breaking and street dance, with a broader focus on identity, gender, representation, the body, and the transformative power of dance.
Her research has been presented at leading national and international conferences, including the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, the Popular Culture Association Conference, the PoP Moves (Popular Dance) Conference, the Breaking in the Olympics Speaker Series, the Cultural Studies Association of Australasia, and the Research to Practice Conference.
Beyond academia, Rachael has been committed to making research accessible and relevant to broader audiences. Her work has included a City of Sydney study examining street dancers’ experiences of dancing in public spaces, as well as writing for The Economist and The Conversation.
You can explore Rachael’s published research here.
teaching profile
Rachael has extensive experience in university teaching, lecturing and curriculum development across media, communication and popular culture. She coordinated undergraduate and postgraduate internship and professional practice units, managing teaching teams, developing curriculum, and connecting students with industry partners across journalism, public relations, marketing, radio, screen and the creative industries. She also taught large first-year introductory media units, delivering lectures to cohorts of up to 400 students both in person and online, alongside small-group tutorials.
bgirl
Raygun has always been a dancer, but came to breaking later in life, entering her first competition in 2012 at 25. In a then underground, male-dominated scene, she never imagined it would lead to the Olympic stage. Battling alongside and against men shaped her advocacy for bgirls and her commitment to more inclusive spaces. She has competed across Australia and internationally, representing Australia at multiple world championships. She’s still breaking and works to support the next generation of bgirls.
titles
- 1# Ranked Australian Bgirl – 2023
- Winner – 2023 – Oceania Breaking Championships / Olympic Qualifier, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2023 – Destructive Steps, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2023 – ABA Battles Series 6, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2022 – ABA Battles Series 5, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2022 – ABA Battles Series 4, 1v1 Bgirl
- 1# Ranked Australian Bgirl – 2021
- Winner – 2021 – ABA Battle Series 3, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2021 – ABA Battle Series 2, 1v1 Bgirl
- Runner Up – 2021 – ABA Battle Series 1, 1v1 Bgirl
- 1# Ranked Australian Bgirl – 2020
- Winner – 2019 – Ryugi Vol. 25, 1v1 Bgirl
- Runner Up – 2019 – Destructive Steps 11, 1v1 Bgirl
- Winner – 2019 – Rhythm Faction’s 10 Year Anniversary, Crew (mixed)
- Runner Up – 2016 – Battle of the Year: Australia Qualifier, 2v2 Bgirl
- Winner – 2014 – Sydney Bboy League, Crew (mixed)
- Runner Up – 2013 – Mind Control, 2v2 (mixed)
charity work
Rachael is passionate about using her platform to support charities focused on mental health, women’s shelters, and community initiatives. Through her speaking, she shares her experiences to help others build resilience, navigate social media, stay motivated, and think creatively.
philanthropy and community impact
Raised $40,000 for Cancer Council NSW by hosting the ‘Sip & Swap’ Daffodil Day event.
Donated a $10,000 keynote speaking fee directly to the Women’s Resilience Centre.
Generated over $8,000 for emergency childcare infrastructure in regional NSW by coordinating a charity kids' disco and auction for Harden's Bunyip Preschool.
Headlined as the keynote speaker for the Give Geelong Appeal breakfast, helping drive a $70,000 fundraising week for local community initiatives.
Supported mental health and crisis support by competing in Fitzy & Wippa’s Backyard Cricket, securing $10,000 each for Lifeline and Batyr.
Advocated for HeartKids through active, face-to-face community fundraising on the ground.
“Raygun is not an untouchable celebrity calling out for fame or a sports star looking to milk her 15 minutes in the spotlight – she is an everyday human being trying to help her fellow Australians.”
testimonials
“This is so incredibly awesome. Above and beyond. RayGun, you’re a legend! Thank you for taking the time and putting so much thought, effort and humour into this video. Really appreciated.”
“Her message resonated with the audience at the breakfast who gave her a standing ovation.”
“Loved it. Raygun is the GOAT. Funny and genuine at the same time!”
“Absolutely brilliant! Raygun did an amazing birthday message for my buddy, I asked for a bit of humour and it cracked me up, he’s going to love it. Super positive, nailed the request, couldn’t have asked for more, we’ll be talking about this for years to come! Thoroughly recommend :)”
“To hear Rachael speak is to meet the real person behind the headlines. She captures the room with warmth, honesty and a powerful message about resilience, growth and moving forward.”
“Legend! Above expectations! Creative, fun, and personalized for my team. Super excited about sharing it with my team who I got it for.”
“Loved it! Raygun is a true gem, she’s encouraging, strong, creative, and resilient - qualities I’m trying to cultivate in myself each day. Thank you for the kind and motivational pep talk!”