The Unkles Podcast

This week on The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Clare Akauma, an assistant site manager at Graincorp, a dedicated Pasifika community member, and a proud PNG representative athlete 🇵🇬✨Clare’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and cultural identity. Growing up as the only Papua New Guinean family in the regional town of Muswellbrook, she quickly realised she was different and set out on a j...

This week, we sit down with Elizabeth Aisi, a passionate lawyer at Caxton Community Legal Centre, dedicated to human rights and social justice 💼⚖️ Liz shares her inspiring journey—from moving to the United States at just four years old, living abroad for 13 years, and then returning to Brisbane to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and the drive to ma...

🌴 Thank You, Unkles Fam! 🇵🇬 We asked, and you delivered! 🙌 In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, we dive into the things you miss most about Papua New Guinea—from the taste of Snax Biscuit to the fresh seafood at Koki Market, and even the small but special moments like greeting each other in passing. 🔥 What’s in this episode? ✅ The top things our community misses about PNG. ✅ Personal storie...

This week, Richie sits down with Christian Pang, a talented Papua New Guinean basketball player and a 6'4" swingman who plays for the South West Metro Pirates in Australia's NBL One league. Despite being a late bloomer in basketball, Christian’s success is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the guidance of his mentors.🌟 Highlights of the Episode: - Christian’s upbringing in Kokopo an...

💪 Kickstart 2025 with this must-watch episode featuring Kenny, aka @movementempawa, a fitness trainer at Anytime Fitness Stones Corner and a longtime friend of the show. In this episode, Kenny dives into: 🏋️‍♂️ The importance of nutrition for an active lifestyle 🔑 The three key factors to consider: how you feel, how you look, and how you move 🧠 How nutrition, functional fitness, and mental heal...

In our Season 2 finale, we dive deep into one of the hottest topics of the year: PNG’s historic inclusion in the NRL! From the political motivations behind the move to the grassroots and economic impact, we tackle the key points raised by our incredible community. Here’s what we discussed:The geopolitical chessboard: Is this about sports or a counter to China’s influence in PNG?The economic debate...

In our thrilling season two finale, Richie sits down with Jeremiah "Jerry" Simbiken, the powerhouse backrower from the PNG Kumuls. Jerry shares his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in Goroka to becoming a standout in rugby league. Discover how Jerry followed his brother's footsteps into the game, starting with the Canberra Raiders juniors and rising through the ranks to play for the Re...

In this special second-last episode of season two, JMoney catches up with Liam Horne to dive into his inspiring journey from Port Moresby to rugby league stardom. Liam shares his story of discovering his passion for rugby league in Darwin, playing junior footy in Brisbane, and finding his stride with Norths Rugby League. Hear about his hard work and determination that led to his debut for the PNG...

In this episode, C TEN sits down with Caleb to explore his life, business ventures, and creative journey over the past few years. You’ve probably seen the iconic certified lover boy t-shirts featuring flags of Pacific nations that took Queensland by storm. Caleb shares the story behind this unique idea, how it kickstarted his entrepreneurial career, and what exciting plans he has for the future. W...

🎙️ JMoney and Richie are back for another exciting episode of The Unkles Poddy!🏆 Recently, JMoney and C TEN had the honor of MCing the PNG Gulf Association Ball, and JMoney was a panelist at the QUTPNG Student Association Sumatin Networking Night. These incredible events showcased the talent and ambition of Papua New Guineans making a difference in their communities.📚 In this episode, we dive in...

🎙️ This week, JMoney sits down with Michael Chow, a talented presenter and producer originally from Papua New Guinea. Michael has turned his passion for music and storytelling into a remarkable career, creating content for Tone Deaf, The Music Network, and Rolling Stone Magazine.🎧 Michael spent six incredible years as a host on Triple J and now brings his unique voice to the ABC Pacific with his...

🎙️ Join JMoney and Richie as they dive into the Pacific Championships, breaking down the teams competing in this exciting tournament! 🏉📖 Plus, we reflect on the heart and purpose behind The Unkles Podcast—sharing positive stories of remarkable people from Papua New Guinea and celebrating the strength of our culture and community.💡 We recorded this episode in the morning, so you might notice som...

🎙️ In this week’s episode, Richie sits down with the incredible Mili, a passionate and driven boxer, to discuss her inspiring journey from her roots in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, to the boxing ring. 🥊📖 Mili shares the challenges she faced growing up in the village and adjusting to life in Australia at a young age. She opens up about navigating life after school, overcoming setbacks, and steppi...

🎙️ This week, C TEN sits down with the talented Charmaine Kopana, who shares her journey of balancing university, community leadership, and expressing her unique perspective on life through art. 🌏 Charmaine's story is filled with laughter and inspiration as she reflects on: Her upbringing, marked by frequent moves before settling in Queensland during high school. Discovering her passion and n...

🎙️ Join JMoney and Richie as they share their top five must-visit destinations in Papua New Guinea, showcasing the natural beauty, culture, and adventure that PNG has to offer. 🏝️ From pristine beaches to lush highlands, this episode is perfect for anyone planning a trip to PNG or simply wanting to explore the stunning locations of this unique country. 📣 What are your top travel spots in PNG? Hav...

🎙️ This week, Richie sits down with Trevor Exton, a former PNG Kumul who represented Papua New Guinea in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup and played in several PM's XIII matches. 🌟 Trevor shares his incredible journey, including: His upbringing and how he discovered his passion for Rugby League. The keys to his success as a consistent Queensland Cup (Q Cup) player. Unforgettable memories from...

🎙️ This week, C TEN reconnects with high school friend Brandon Lee, diving into his inspiring journey from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, to Australia and beyond. ⚽ Brandon shares how his love for soccer ignited his fitness journey, leading to incredible achievements such as: Playing college football in America Running marathons and completing triathlons Embracing CrossFit training and competing in Hy...

🌟 Live from the Strike Studios! This week, Unkle Richie sits down with Melissa Maykin, a talented journalist and podcast host working with ABC. 📚 Melissa shares her inspiring journey, from her upbringing to building a career at the ABC, where she hosts the insightful podcast Pacific Pulse. Her show dives into important issues across the Pacific, focusing on health, religion, and more. You can li...

🔥 From the Taste Tester to episode 68—what a journey it’s been! Join us as we reflect on how far we’ve come and gear up for some exciting weeks ahead, featuring incredible new guests and recording in our brand-new studio! 🙌 Special Thanks: To Strike Group Australia for letting us record in their amazing offices. If you need high-quality phone cases or car phone holders, check out their website:...

🏅 We’re back! After a week off to showcase Vlog 11 (JMoney in PNG), we’re back with a fresh episode! If you haven’t seen the vlog yet, you're missing out—make sure to check it out! In this week's episode, Richie and JMoney catch up on: Their life updates A full recap of Team PNG’s performance at the Olympics JMoney’s exciting trip to PNG 🙌 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to lik...

This week, C TEN is back on the mic with Richie as they take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting the best songs from the 90s and 2000s! 🎧 Join us as we reminisce about the simpler times when life revolved around the radio, and mobile phones were nowhere in sight. 📻 C TEN and Richie each share their top 10 favorite tracks from the era, reflecting on the emotions these songs evoke and th...

In this episode, JMoney makes his much-anticipated return after a holiday to Papua New Guinea! He shares the highlights, lowlights, and unforgettable experiences from his journey, including traveling along the iconic Hiritano Highway. JMoney reflects on the importance of reconnecting with his roots, visiting family, and immersing himself in the unique culture of PNG, also known as the Land of the...

This week, Richie catches up with Alex Mafi, a longtime friend and professional rugby union player. Alex shares his inspiring journey from growing up on Brisbane’s southside to playing for some of the biggest teams in Super Rugby.🏉 Key Highlights:Alex’s early days playing for Sunnybank Dragons and attending Nudgee College, where he connected with Richie and C TEN.Being selected for the Australian...

This week, Richie dives into the questions sent in by our amazing followers about his journey of going 6 months without alcohol. He shares the highs, lows, and life changes he's experienced along the way.💡 Questions Answered in This Episode:1️⃣ What are the biggest physical and mental changes since quitting alcohol?2️⃣ Do you have other indulgences while staying off the beers?3️⃣ What challenges...

This week, C TEN sits down with longtime friend and rugby league star Richard Pandia, Kumul No. 279, to share his inspiring journey from Lae and Port Moresby to achieving greatness on the rugby league field. 🌟 Episode Highlights: - Richard’s early days in Lae and Port Moresby before moving to Abergowrie, Queensland, where his love for rugby league began. - His transition to Brisbane, meeting the...