In Episode 120 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Ando, the creative formulator behind AmyBlu Island Essentials — a mother-daughter brand dedicated to celebrating Melanesian textured hair, identity, and self-love.Ando shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Port Moresby to building a natural haircare brand in Australia using organic superfoods, plant oils, and traditional knowledge. What started in her backyard kitchen became a powerful mission to empower Melanesian women and young girls to embrace their natural curls and wear their “MelAfro crowns” with pride.In this episode, we discuss:• The story behind AmyBlu Island Essentials• Melanesian beauty standards and cultural identity• Moving to Australia and overcoming depression• The importance of passion and purpose in life• Building a diaspora business between PNG and AustraliaThis is a powerful conversation about culture, resilience, entrepreneurship, and redefining beauty for the next generation.Subscribe to The Unkles Podcast for more PNG diaspora stories, business insights, and inspiring journeys from the Pacific community.

In Episode 119 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Cook, widely known as the “Mr. Real Estate” of Papua New Guinea, who shares powerful insights from nearly 25 years in the PNG property industry. From starting as a junior real estate consultant to becoming a franchise CEO and industry leader, Kelly breaks down his journey, lessons, and business advice for Papua New Guineans and diaspora looking to invest or work in PNG. We also dive into:• The biggest cultural challenges PNG students face studying in Australia• How PNG alumni programs improved student success rates abroad• The realities of doing business in Papua New Guinea• Why patience and adaptability are essential for diaspora returning home• Practical advice for entrepreneurs wanting to enter the PNG marketWhether you're interested in PNG real estate, business opportunities in Papua New Guinea, diaspora success stories, or Pacific Island entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Subscribe to The Unkles Podcast for more stories on PNG business, culture, diaspora journeys, and inspiring Pacific voices.

In Episode 118 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with Asher Piari, a Business and International Relations student at Griffith University, community advocate, and PNG diaspora leader.Asher shares her journey growing up between Papua New Guinea and Australia, navigating identity, culture, and belonging while being raised in a strong matriarchal family. We explore her word of the week, stewardship, and what it means to lead with purpose, give back to PNG, and serve community with intention.The conversation touches on diaspora identity, resilience, Pacific women in leadership, education reform, and the responsibility of using opportunity to uplift others. Asher also reflects on the impact of the Pacific Future Ancestors Program, her involvement in NGO and education initiatives, and her upcoming participation in the PNG Diaspora Business Council of Australia (PNGDBCA) delegation to Port Moresby.This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength, voice, and leadership of young Pacific women shaping the future across Australia and Papua New Guinea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.