The Unkles Podcast

What happens when your professional rugby career ends and it's time to find a new direction?

In Episode 148, Gavin Luka joins The Unkles to discuss his journey from playing for the Queensland Reds to leading Nexus Allied in the Philippines. Gavin reflects on his Samoan heritage, growing up in Queensland, the challenges of retiring from professional sport, and rebuilding his identity beyond rugby.

He also shares how hard work, resilience and building a personal brand helped him transition into business, grow a team in the Philippines and attract new clients through social media.

An honest conversation about health, entrepreneurship, life after sport and having the courage to try something new.

What does the future hold for Papua New Guinea, Bougainville and the wider Pacific?

In Episode 147, Oli Nobetau, a PNG legal professional and Pacific affairs commentator, joins The Unkles to discuss his journey into law and policy, PNG–Australia relations, Bougainville’s independence aspirations, regional security and Pacific leadership.

Drawing on his professional experience and research, Oli explores why stronger partnerships, informed conversations and improving the lives of people across the region must remain central to the Pacific’s future.

In this episode of The Unkles Podcast, Michaela shares how a personal effort to help a family in Simbu, Papua New Guinea, grew into a community water project amid the impacts of El Niño and severe drought.

From delivering essential supplies to helping establish a 5,000-litre water tank, Michaela explains how local leadership, ancestral knowledge and community collaboration helped bring hope to families facing water shortages.

We also discuss cultural responsibility, the importance of listening to communities, and practical ways Papua New Guineans living overseas can give back to the people and places they call home.

Richie and Jackman catch up for Episode 145 of The Unkles as they reflect on the podcast’s journey towards four years.

They talk about persistence, consistency, growing The Unkles audience, the power of short-form content, reaching 60,000 followers on Facebook, PNG culture and food, running, business and their goals for the rest of 2026.

They also look ahead to 2027 and discuss plans for more community events, vlogs and another potential Unkles Golf Day.

A relaxed catch-up about the journey, the lessons learned and what’s next for The Unkles.

In Episode 144 of The Unkles, we’re joined by Emmanuel “Manu” Peni, a human rights defender, climate activist and advocate for the people and environment of Papua New Guinea.

Manu takes us through his journey growing up along the Sepik River and his work with Project Sepik and the Save the Sepik campaign.

We discuss the proposed Frieda River mine, the importance of Indigenous leadership, ancestral knowledge, PNG culture and the deep connection between the Sepik River and the communities who call it home.

Manu also shares the story behind the award-winning documentary Sukundimi Walks Before Me and what he hopes audiences take away from the film.

A powerful conversation about PNG, the Sepik River, environmental protection, Indigenous leadership and protecting home for future generations.

In Episode 143, Jackman chats with Paul Minei, a sports physiotherapist working with the Sydney Swans in the AFL and the PNG Kumuls.

Paul takes us through his journey from growing up in Sydney in a PNG family, discovering physiotherapy, working in the NRL and eventually moving into the AFL.

We talk about the differences between AFL and NRL, the demands of working in professional sport, his experience with the PNG Kumuls, the importance of mentorship and his plans to help develop sports physiotherapy opportunities in Papua New Guinea.

A great conversation about sport, career, culture, family and the importance of enjoying the journey.

C TEN and Richie are back for another relaxed catch-up covering upcoming events, life in Brisbane, PNG and Pasifika community happenings, random questions and everything in between.

A classic Unkles conversation with plenty of laughs, opinions and random chats.

Listen to Episode 142 now.

Former professional rugby player Tiaan Tauakipulu joins The Unkles Podcast to talk about life after professional sport, identity, purpose and athlete wellbeing.

After stepping away from professional rugby, Tiaan has turned his attention towards helping athletes better prepare for the challenges that come with life beyond the game.

We discuss mental health, identity, culture, purpose and the importance of supporting athletes before, during and after their sporting careers. A powerful conversation about finding your next chapter beyond professional sport.

Caleb, founder of Pacific Love, joins The Unkles to share his journey from building a Pasifika clothing brand to organising events and bringing some of PNG’s most exciting artists and DJs to Australia.

We talk about the growth of PNG music in Australia, sold-out events, artist visas, touring Queensland, building industry relationships, entrepreneurship and Caleb’s vision for creating bigger opportunities for PNG talent.

A great conversation about PNG music, Pasifika culture, business and the next generation of Pacific entertainment.

In Episode 139 of The Unkles Podcast, Clare returns to the studio with JMoney and Richie to discuss the PNG Chiefs and what the rise of the team could mean for the future of rugby league and sport in Papua New Guinea.

We discuss the potential for the Chiefs to become a catalyst for change through grassroots development, women’s rugby league, athlete pathways, employment, tourism and the growth of the wider sports industry.

Clare also shares her experience playing in the Santos Cup, her work with Queensland PNG Rugby League, and what she is learning through her studies with the Brisbane Broncos Sport Business Institute and TAFE Queensland.

We also explore visa accessibility, the importance of developing PNG talent in Australia, the role of events such as the Kokomo 9s, and what success could look like for the Chiefs over the next 10 to 20 years.

Ultimately, the conversation asks a bigger question: can the PNG Chiefs become more than just an NRL team and help create long-term opportunities and positive change for Papua New Guinea?