Stories From The Pacific

Maps made of memory: Kathy Martin's story of culture, identity and growing up Micronesian

For Kathy Martin, maps aren’t something you find on your phone — they’re inherited, passed down in the way your aunty cuts fish or says your name like it belongs to the land. Raised in Piis-Paneu in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, Kathy grew up knowing place wasn’t something to chart, but something to feel. She travelled between islands as if the ocean were a highway, guided by language, memory, and community. Culture wasn’t taught — it was lived. In a community where every adult cared for every child, stories were shared like food, and language anchored identity, Kathy carried those values into her work — from teaching at her former high school to supporting Micronesian students and families across the Pacific, and sharing stories onstage. In this episode of Stories From The Pacific, Kathy explains to host Wendy Mocke that culture is not small — and neither is Micronesia. Listen on ABC Radio Australia. This edition of Stories from the Pacific was a repeat of the program broadcast on 4th June 2025

Accidental activist Isaac Nasedra: From university mix-up to fierce Pacific political voice

Born of Fijian heritage, but raised in the heart of Western Sydney, Isaac Nasedra accidentally stumbled into environmental forensics, due to a university admissions error, only to discover a lifelong calling to protect the Pacific.   From running for state parliament in a sulu, to challenging the status quo of "polite" activism, Isaac is on a mission to prove that Pacific Islanders are not just performers for consumption, but thinkers, philosophers and political forces.    Isaac speaks candidly to Wendy Mocke in this episode of Stories From The Pacific on ABC Radio Australia.

From Fiji to the Frontlines: Dr Suhailah Ali on climate justice, mental health and saving the Pacific

In this episode of Stories From the Pacific, our guest traces her journey from a curious child in Fiji — gazing out across the ocean — to a leading neuroscientist exploring how the human brain works. But for Dr Suhailah Ali, understanding the mind was only part of the story. She came to realise that science alone isn’t enough if we don’t also fight for the world we inhabit.  Now a passionate climate justice advocate, Dr Ali has moved beyond the lab to the frontlines, working with organisations like Jubilee Australia to hold powerful corporations accountable.  Joining host Wendy Mocke, she shares why climate change is not only reshaping our environment but how it’s also taking a profound toll on our mental health. More importantly, she explains why protecting the Pacific means caring for one another’s wellbeing — our spirits as much as our shores.  Listen on ABC Radio Australia.

From Captaining the PNG Kumuls to shaping the next generation

From the rugby fields of Cairns, far north QLD, to representing his country by captaining the Kumuls, Rod Griffin has carved out a career defined by resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back.   A proud Papua New Guinean who made his mark in the game, Rod has played for clubs like the Wests Tigers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and Ipswich Jets. But his legacy extends beyond the field, he's shaping the next generation of young athletes today. From professional footy to mentoring aspiring players, Rod’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose.   This edition of Stories From The Pacific was a repeat of the program broadcast on 23rd April 2025

Toutai Kefu: Strength, legacy and a moment that changed rugby forever

In this episode of Stories From The Pacific, Wendy Mocke sits down with rugby icon Toutai Kefu — a powerhouse No. 8 whose story is deeply woven into Australian rugby folklore. Born into a family legacy that helped shape the game, Toutai rose from a Queensland debut sensation to a world champion, delivering one of the most unforgettable moments in Bledisloe Cup history. From triumph to heartbreak and ultimately Hall of Fame recognition, this is a story of resilience, heritage, and the enduring strength of Pacific identity.