Pacific Soul Podcast

Some names can carry a story before a life even begins, shaping how you are seen and how you see yourself. 

Reverend Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai says faith at Christmas means standing with those who are wounded and pushed aside. This edition of Pacific Soul was a repeat of the program broadcast on 14th December 2025

Stan Antas, of roots-reggae band Stan and the Earth Force, grew up with his father playing Bob Marley and asking him to sit with the lyrics.

When Indo-Fijian sociologist Rohini Balram's period came, so did a rule that made no sense: she could no longer enter her own prayer space as a devout Hindu.

Western sporting systems fail to recognise Indigenous forms of movement, physical skill, and cultural expression, one researcher says. 

Māori and Pasifika communities are calling for their traditional performing arts to be formally recognised as sport and active recreation in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Kanak leaders share their vision for decolonisation beyond politics by freeing the mind, spirit and forging relationships with Indigenous and First Nations group across the region.  

Stan Antas, of roots-reggae band Stan and the Earth Force, grew up with his father playing Bob Marley and asking him to sit with the lyrics.

Stan Antas is a Rastaman from Vanuatu who still goes to church, speaks out on teachers strikes, advocates for West Papua's right to self-determination, and uses his music with Stan and the Earth Force to champion the marginalised across the Pacific. He deliberately keeps the Rasta label out of his music so the message reaches everyone, because livity is about doing good, not belonging to a movemen...

Grand Chief Sinewami explains why he stepped away from the Customary Senate and helped establish Inaat Ne Kanaky as a new space to restore genuine Kanak customary authority

Kanak activists say you can’t separate women's safety, autonomy and dignity from the wider struggle against colonial power in New Caledonia. 

Some names carry meaning that can shape how you’re seen and how you see yourself. I think of my aunty Kelera Whiffin, whose maiden name Vakaloloma — meaning pity or sorrow — haunted her until she remarried. 

Fiji pauses to farewell high chief and former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau in a state funeral that revealed the soul of a nation.

Practical theologian Dr Jill Gowdie has spent her career exploring how faith is lived in everyday life through education, leadership, and personal story. She’s also helping shape the upcoming Waves of Hope conference in Fiji later this year, with papers currently being accepted through April. Ahead of that gathering, she joins Pacific Soul to reflect on lived theology, hope, and what spirituality,...

Life can feel fragile and overwhelming when suffering is all around us. Leaders say Easter does not turn away from these realities. 

Dehumanisation is often the first step towards genocide and history shows how quickly it can take hold when it isn’t challenged. 

This season of spiritual reflection is shared by other faith communities too, Muslims observing Ramadan, and Hindus, particularly in places like Fiji, marking festivals like Ram Navami.  

Samoan fa’afafine Manu Solomona and Leota Fagalima Tagaloa are warming up the vocal chords ahead of Easter church performances alongside SolFa Music.

In Lakeland in Queensland's Cape York, Tongan farm workers who have been the backbone of a major banana operation for a decade now gather in a hilltop chapel built just for them

In Samoa, where Christianity shapes nearly every corner of public life, a tiny Muslim community is trying to quietly keep the faith.

Two American women who fled Fiji's Grace Road Church are now prepared to return and give evidence in long-stalled human trafficking investigations. 

Writing in Talanoa ‘o Tonga, he says that as an evangelical Christian and long‑time Republican voter, Trump’s cruelty, narcissism and abuse of power contradicts the teachings of Jesus and the values of Christianity and Republicanism. 

Caroline Hunt spent years carrying anger she didn’t know how to release, watching her children witness her pain, and feeling like she wasn’t enough. Her debut book chronicles the journey. 

Reverend Professor Dr Upolu Luma Vaai says faith at Christmas means standing with those who are wounded and pushed aside.

We’re off to the Hapi Isles Solomon Islands Christmas Concert. There’s music, carols, the whole community… and yes, a 35-kilogram pig ready to be devoured.