The Unkles

The Unkles

The Unkles Podcast 🎙️ | Sharing remarkable PNG stories | Changing the narrative through resilience, success & inspiration ✨🔥 #TheUnklesPodcast

  1. Ep. 117 - PNG Diaspora Spotlight: Michelle Wong on Resilience, Business & Giving Back

    19 HR AGO

    Ep. 117 - PNG Diaspora Spotlight: Michelle Wong on Resilience, Business & Giving Back

    In Episode 117 of The Unkles Podcast, we launch the PNG Diaspora Business Council of Australia (PNGDBCA) Spotlight Series ahead of the inaugural Australian PNG Diaspora Trade & Investment Delegation to Papua New Guinea (February 2026).Our first spotlight features Michelle Wong, owner of CU@N8's, a pool hall and bistro in Ipswich. Michelle shares her journey from growing up in Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, to building a life and business in Australia, navigating identity, resilience, and the realities of small business ownership.We talk about resilience as a daily practice, balancing a full-time career in insurance with entrepreneurship, the importance of family and culture, and why the PNG diaspora has a critical role to play in supporting trade, skills transfer, and opportunity back home.This episode explores diaspora identity, third-culture experiences, small business, and the responsibility of giving back, offering insight for anyone interested in PNG business, Pacific entrepreneurship, and diaspora-led development.

    39 min
  2. Ep. 116 - Back in the Studio: Grow & Build, PNG Reflections & Our Vision for 2026

    18 JAN

    Ep. 116 - Back in the Studio: Grow & Build, PNG Reflections & Our Vision for 2026

    In this week’s episode of The Unkles Podcast, JMoney and Richie are back in the Strike studios to kick off 2026 with intention, clarity, and purpose.Both share their word of the year — Grow & Build — and unpack what that means personally, professionally, and for The Unkles moving forward.JMoney reflects on his recent trip back to Papua New Guinea, where he visited his old school and attended local sporting competitions, reconnecting with his roots and gaining perspective on growth, community, and opportunity. If you’re keen to see more from this journey, make sure to subscribe for the upcoming PNG vlog.The conversation then shifts to the year ahead, including:- Our mindset and goals for 2026- The evolution of The Unkles brand- A new slogan that will shape our direction moving forward- Growing intentionally while building something meaningfulThis episode is about reflection, alignment, and setting the foundation for what’s next — as individuals, as creatives, and as a platform for Pacific voices.If you’re interested in PNG stories, personal development, diaspora journeys, podcasting, or building with purpose, this episode is for you.👉 Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay connected and catch the upcoming vlog.

    30 min
  3. Ep. 115 - WT Compensation Lawyers: Sinau & Arnold on Law, Purpose & Workplace Injury Advice

    11 JAN

    Ep. 115 - WT Compensation Lawyers: Sinau & Arnold on Law, Purpose & Workplace Injury Advice

    In this week’s episode of The Unkles Podcast, JMoney sits down with Sinau and Arnold from WT Compensation Lawyers to talk law, life, and purpose.Sinau, the Director of WT Compensation Lawyers, shares the story behind how the firm was founded and the values that guide their work today. WT Law is dedicated to helping clients navigate complex workplace injury and compensation matters, with a strong focus on clear communication, empathy, and genuine client support.Sinau and Arnold open up about their backgrounds, growing up, and the personal journeys that led them into the legal profession. This conversation goes beyond the courtroom — it’s about understanding people, doing the right thing, and advocating for those who need support during difficult times.The episode also covers important advice around workplace injuries, including: - Why it’s critical to report injuries immediately - What to do if you’re injured at work- Protecting your rights as an employee- Doing the right thing for your health and your futureWhether you’re considering a career in law, dealing with a workplace injury, or simply want to hear how Pacific professionals are making an impact, this episode offers valuable insight and real-world guidance.If you’d like to get in touch with WT Compensation Lawyers, visit 👉 https://wtlaw.com.au/Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with Pacific professionals, leaders, and change-makers.

    51 min
  4. Ep. 114 - Lavau Nalu: PNG Storytelling, Archive Ples & Representing Home on the Global Stage

    24/12/2025

    Ep. 114 - Lavau Nalu: PNG Storytelling, Archive Ples & Representing Home on the Global Stage

    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.

    59 min
  5. Ep. 113 - Inside the Art of Yuriyal Bridgeman: PNG Heritage, Haus Yuriyal & Six2Six Exhibition

    10/12/2025

    Ep. 113 - Inside the Art of Yuriyal Bridgeman: PNG Heritage, Haus Yuriyal & Six2Six Exhibition

    Richie and JMoney sit down with Yuriyal Eric Bridgeman — one of Papua New Guinea’s most prominent contemporary artists — for an inside look at his creative world, cultural roots, and latest exhibition Six2Six at Milani Gallery in West End, Brisbane.Yuri is a multi-disciplinary artist working across photographic portraiture, video, sculpture, installation, drawing, and painting. His work is deeply connected to his heritage, drawing influence from the men’s practices of his tribe, Yuri Alaiku of the Simbu Province (PNG) — especially through his powerful shield paintings.A graduate of Queensland College of Art, Bridgeman’s practice blends contemporary expression with cultural storytelling, using art as a medium for identity, community, and social commentary.He is also the co-founder of Haus Yuriyal, an artist collective in Jiwaka, Papua New Guinea, where he collaborates with family members to facilitate contemporary art projects rooted in Melanesian culture.In this episode, we dive into:- Yuri’s journey as a PNG-Australian artist- The cultural meaning behind shield paintings- His multi-disciplinary approach to portraiture, sculpture, and installation- The inspiration behind his current exhibition Six2Six, on display at Milani Gallery until December 20- The importance of preserving and honouring PNG cultural identity through contemporary artIf you're in Brisbane, make sure to visit Six2Six at Milani Gallery, West End, and experience Yuri’s powerful work firsthand.If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from PNG creatives, Pacific leaders, and artists shaping the region.

    23 min
  6. Ep. 112 - From Vanuatu to Solomon Islands: Chef Denzel & Valin Kaba

    03/12/2025

    Ep. 112 - From Vanuatu to Solomon Islands: Chef Denzel & Valin Kaba

    In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with the rising Pacific culinary star — Chef Denzel.If you’re on Pacific TikTok, you’ve definitely seen his cooking videos blowing up online. But long before the fame, Richie and Denzel were mates growing up together in Brisbane. Now, Denzel is making waves across the region with his authentic island flavours and his restaurant Valin Kaba in the Solomon Islands.Denzel shares his incredible life journey — from growing up in Vanuatu (Santo Island and Port Vila), to moving to Australia, and eventually returning to the Solomon Islands where he now runs his own kitchen. This episode dives deep into his roots, his passion for food, and how culture, community, and family shaped the chef he is today.If you’re into Pacific food, island culture, Solomon Islands cuisine, cooking inspiration, or the stories behind today’s most influential Pacific creatives, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.If you’re ever in the Solomon Islands, make sure to visit Valin Kaba and tell them The Unkles sent you.What you’ll hear in this episode:- Chef Denzel’s early life in Vanuatu- Growing up in Brisbane and reconnecting with Pacific identity- Returning home to the Solomon Islands- Building Valin Kaba from the ground up- The rise of Pacific TikTok food culture- Cultural storytelling through cooking- Lessons from family, community, and island livingSupport the channel:If you enjoy this content, please like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from remarkable Papua New Guineans, Pacific Islanders, and creatives across the region.

    32 min
  7. Ep. 111 - Peter Aitsi: Banking, PNGFM & Building a Better Papua New Guinea

    23/11/2025

    Ep. 111 - Peter Aitsi: Banking, PNGFM & Building a Better Papua New Guinea

    In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, Richie sits down with his father, Peter Aitsi, to explore his incredible life journey — from growing up in Melbourne during his teens to transitioning back to Papua New Guinea after high school.Peter shares how his early experiences shaped his identity, the challenges and opportunities he faced returning to PNG, and how he built a successful career across banking, finance, media, and executive leadership. From his time in the financial sector to joining PNGFM and leading some of the country’s most influential organisations, Peter reflects on the key lessons that moulded his understanding of economic systems, personal development, and nation-building.This episode offers insight into:- PNG diaspora experiences and returning home- Building a career in banking and finance- Leadership journeys in Papua New Guinea- The evolution of PNG media through PNGFM- Giving back to community and contributing to national growth- Personal development and navigating life transitionsIf you’re interested in Papua New Guinea stories, leadership inspiration, career guidance, personal growth, or PNG history and development, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Subscribe for more inspiring stories from remarkable Papua New Guineans, both at home and across the world.

    1h 8m
  8. Ep. 110 - Catching Up + Europe Recap: JMoney’s Trip Highlights & Lessons

    16/11/2025

    Ep. 110 - Catching Up + Europe Recap: JMoney’s Trip Highlights & Lessons

    JMoney and Richie are back! In this episode, we catch up on life and unpack JMoney’s Europe trip, travel highlights, culture shocks, budgeting on the road, and what he learned along the way. If you’re into travel, storytelling, and PNG voices abroad, this one’s for you.

    34 min
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About

The Unkles Podcast 🎙️ | Sharing remarkable PNG stories | Changing the narrative through resilience, success & inspiration ✨🔥 #TheUnklesPodcast

Information

  • Creator
    The Unkles
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Unkles
  • Show Website
    The Unkles