Charles Lomu on being privileged to see love in action in his grandparents, how a spiral into grief and anger led him to periodic detention, and how cutting hair today helps him steer young men away from a dark path (R). 

When Charles was born, he was lovingly given to his grandparents, in the Tongan adoption custom of pusiaki.

He lived a gentle, religious life in Tonga, and saw love in action through his grandparents' care.

The family moved to Australia, where Charles grew to be an up-and-coming Rugby League player.

When grief shook his family, Charles turned down a dark path, which ended in periodic detention in jail.

Originally broadcast July 2022.

This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan and the Executive Producer was Carmel Rooney.

This episode of Conversations explores masculinity, love, boyhood, manhood, toxic masculinity, mentoring boys, family life, sports, men in sports, grief, trauma, trauma response, manosphere, Louis Theroux, HSTikkyTokky, Waller, Sneako, men for boys to look up to, recidivism, incarceration, criminal justice system, repeat offending, turning your life around, father figures, grandfather.

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