In Episode 114 of The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with Dr Lavau Nalu — a proud Papua New Guinean storyteller, researcher, and co-founder of Archive Ples. Lavau works at the intersection of health, culture, and community, using storytelling as a powerful tool to amplify Indigenous and Pacific voices while reshaping how Papua New Guinea is represented to the world. In this episode, we dive into Lavau’s upbringing in Port Moresby, his strong family foundations, and how he strategically positioned himself to access opportunities overseas. We reflect on his powerful speech at the One Young World Summit in Germany, where Lavau shared an authentic portrayal of PNG life in a way global audiences could truly understand — a moment that resonated deeply with young Papua New Guineans everywhere. Lavau also opens up about living in the United States, navigating life abroad, and how those experiences continue to shape his work today. We unpack the beginnings of Archive Ples, its vision to reimagine PNG’s visual and cultural narratives, and the exciting future plans for the platform. This conversation is about identity, representation, opportunity, and responsibility — and what it means to carry PNG with you wherever you go. 🔍 In this episode, we discuss:- Growing up in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - PNG identity and diaspora experiences- One Young World Summit Germany - Indigenous and Pacific storytelling- Health, culture, and community advocacy - The creation and future of Archive Ples - Representing PNG on global platforms If you’re passionate about PNG stories, Pacific leadership, Indigenous voices, cultural preservation, or global representation, this episode is a must-listen. A big thank you to Lavau for joining The Unkles. Make sure to subscribe as we head into 2026 with even more powerful conversations.
