Encore: The barber who helps boys become good men

2026-03-25

Download

When Charles Lomu 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.Further informationOriginally broadcast July 2022.This episode was produced by...

When Charles Lomu 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.

Further information

Originally broadcast July 2022.

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

To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Comments (3)