The Unkles Podcast

What happens when your professional rugby career ends and it's time to find a new direction? In Episode 148, Gavin Luka joins The Unkles to discuss his journey from playing for the Queensland Reds to leading Nexus Allied in the Philippines. Gavin reflects on his Samoan heritage, growing up in Queensland, the challenges of retiring from professional sport, and rebuilding his identity beyond rug...

What does the future hold for Papua New Guinea, Bougainville and the wider Pacific? In Episode 147, Oli Nobetau, a PNG legal professional and Pacific affairs commentator, joins The Unkles to discuss his journey into law and policy, PNG–Australia relations, Bougainville’s independence aspirations, regional security and Pacific leadership. Drawing on his professional experience and research, Oli exp...

In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, Michaela shares how a personal effort to help a family in Simbu, Papua New Guinea, grew into a community water project amid the impacts of El Niño and severe drought. From delivering essential supplies to helping establish a 5,000-litre water tank, Michaela explains how local leadership, ancestral knowledge and community collaboration helped bring hope to fam...

Richie and Jackman catch up for Episode 145 of The Unkles as they reflect on the podcast’s journey towards four years. They talk about persistence, consistency, growing The Unkles audience, the power of short-form content, reaching 60,000 followers on Facebook, PNG culture and food, running, business and their goals for the rest of 2026. They also look ahead to 2027 and discuss plans for more comm...

In Episode 144 of The Unkles, we’re joined by Emmanuel “Manu” Peni, a human rights defender, climate activist and advocate for the people and environment of Papua New Guinea. Manu takes us through his journey growing up along the Sepik River and his work with Project Sepik and the Save the Sepik campaign. We discuss the proposed Frieda River mine, the importance of Indigenous leadership, ancestral...

In Episode 143, Jackman chats with Paul Minei, a sports physiotherapist working with the Sydney Swans in the AFL and the PNG Kumuls . Paul takes us through his journey from growing up in Sydney in a PNG family, discovering physiotherapy, working in the NRL and eventually moving into the AFL. We talk about the differences between AFL and NRL, the demands of working in professional sport, his experi...

C TEN and Richie are back for another relaxed catch-up covering upcoming events, life in Brisbane, PNG and Pasifika community happenings, random questions and everything in between. A classic Unkles conversation with plenty of laughs, opinions and random chats. Listen to Episode 142 now.

Former professional rugby player Tiaan Tauakipulu joins The Unkles Podcast to talk about life after professional sport, identity, purpose and athlete wellbeing. After stepping away from professional rugby, Tiaan has turned his attention towards helping athletes better prepare for the challenges that come with life beyond the game. We discuss mental health, identity, culture, purpose and the import...

Caleb, founder of Pacific Love, joins The Unkles to share his journey from building a Pasifika clothing brand to organising events and bringing some of PNG’s most exciting artists and DJs to Australia. We talk about the growth of PNG music in Australia, sold-out events, artist visas, touring Queensland, building industry relationships, entrepreneurship and Caleb’s vision for creating bigger opport...

In Episode 139 of The Unkles Podcast, Clare returns to the studio with JMoney and Richie to discuss the PNG Chiefs and what the rise of the team could mean for the future of rugby league and sport in Papua New Guinea. We discuss the potential for the Chiefs to become a catalyst for change through grassroots development, women’s rugby league, athlete pathways, employment, tourism and the growth of...

What would you change about Papua New Guinea today to improve life for future generations? In Episode 138 of The Unkles Podcast , C10 is back in the studio with Unkle Richie as we take a question from our Facebook community that received 53 comments . We selected 10 of the most engaging responses and put them on the table for discussion. From financial literacy and entrepreneurship to leadership,...

Sini and Arnie from WT Compensation Lawyers return to The Unkles Podcast to discuss workplace injuries, car accidents, workers' compensation, TPD insurance and the legal rights that every worker in Australia should understand. The conversation focuses on educating the PNG and Pasifika communities about common misconceptions, the importance of reporting injuries early, and why knowing your righ...

Tyson and Ollie are back after an unforgettable trip to Papua New Guinea , where they were invited by the PNG Chiefs for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. They share what it was like touring Santos National Football Stadium , interviewing the SP PNG Hunters , meeting rugby league legends, experiencing Port Moresby and witnessing the incredible passion Papua New Guineans have for the game....

In Episode 135, Richie and JMoney discuss the growing role of rugby league in PNG-Australia relations and Pacific diplomacy , inspired by a recent ABC article exploring Australia's use of the sport to strengthen ties across the region. With the PNG Chiefs joining the NRL in 2028 , the boys look beyond what happens on the field and ask what this opportunity could mean for PNG—from youth pathway...

In Episode 134 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Gallagher and Ishmael Bangura from PwC Papua New Guinea to discuss one of the country's most impactful corporate community events—the PwC Corporate Challenge 2026.Celebrating 25 years, the PwC Corporate Challenge has grown into much more than a 5km run or walk. It's an initiative that brings together businesses, organisations a...

In Episode 133 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with the organisers and contestants behind the inaugural Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queensland Program, a cultural leadership initiative dedicated to preserving, promoting and passing on Motu Koita culture to future generations living in Australia. We speak with program organiser Lillian, Assistant Director and former Hiri Queen Allison Exton, and contesta...

In Episode 132 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Tyson and Ollie from Footy Chats with Ollie, the young rugby league interviewer whose viral Tok Pisin videos captured the hearts of Papua New Guineans around the world. We discuss their deep connection to Papua New Guinea, Tyson's incredible journey completing the Kokoda Track three years in a row, and how those experiences sparked a lifel...

JMoney reflects on The Unkles' landmark trip to Papua New Guinea for PwC PNG's Staff Development Day. In this Q&A episode, he shares what it was really like stepping into one of Port Moresby's most professional corporate environments, presenting to 150 people for the first time, and connecting with inspiring leaders like Alison Judd and Managing Partner Jonathan Keita. Honest, pers...

Unkle C TEN joins The Unkles Podcast for a special Q&A episode discussing the release of his new single “You and I.” We talk about the inspiration behind the song, the long creative process, working alongside Stanley T, returning to music after a break, and representing PNG and Pasifika culture through sound and storytelling. A laid-back conversation about creativity, music, confidence, and fi...

In this episode of the PwC Momentum Series, we speak with Shirleyanne Fauma, Human Capital Manager at PwC PNG. We discuss career growth, CV and interview tips, personal development, leadership, communication skills, and the mindset needed to succeed professionally in Papua New Guinea. A valuable conversation for students, graduates, and professionals looking to build confidence and grow their care...

In this episode of the PwC Momentum Series, we speak with Alison Judd, Advisory Partner at PwC PNG and the first Papua New Guinean woman to become a Partner in a Big 4 accounting firm. We discuss leadership, mentorship, resilience, women in business, inclusive workplace culture, and the importance of growth and collaboration in Papua New Guinea. An inspiring conversation filled with valuable insig...

Maggie joins The Unkles Podcast to share her inspiring mission of helping the youth of Tokarara in Port Moresby. We talk mentorship, leadership, community programs, and the importance of creating opportunities for young Papua New Guineans through training, support, and purpose. A motivating conversation about service, youth empowerment, and building a better future for PNG.

Shane Senituli joins The Unkles Podcast for a deep conversation on mental health, purpose, identity, and helping the Pasifika community thrive. As a Principal Psychologist with Tongan, Chinese, and Papua New Guinean heritage, Shane shares his journey through psychology, community leadership, rugby mentoring, and the importance of creating culturally safe spaces for wellbeing. A powerful episode fo...

Chris Lam joins The Unkles Podcast to share his journey from navigating life after high school to becoming the founder of Barata PNG and GM of Marketing & Advertising at CPL. We explore the realities of building a brand in Papua New Guinea, the mindset required to succeed, and the importance of consistency, learning, and staying committed to your vision. A powerful conversation about entrepren...

Chris Cobb joins The Unkles Podcast for a powerful and honest conversation about his journey from Papua New Guinea to the stage of The Voice . We go beyond the music to explore identity, personal struggles, and the mindset it takes to grow as both an artist and a person. Chris opens up about his experiences, lessons learned, and what it really takes to pursue your passion. A real conversation abou...