5 With A Digger Podcast

Episode 64 and I'm joined by Matho. Matho served 13 years in the army but discharged after a mental breakdown in 1989. Following his discharge, he turned down a dark path doing some very questionable things. He changed his ways and became a minister in 1992. In 2023 he was called to Ukraine and has built the infrastructure and partnerships required to build a national rehabilitation system for veterans and their families. He intends to bring those works back to Australia to serve our veterans through an Holistic Wellbeing Vocationally based family support system. It's called Veterans Training Resettlement Action Cooperative. (V.T.R.A.C). I was lucky enough to catch up with him for a yarn before he heads back to the Ukraine with government officials to show them his work over there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 63 and I'm joined by JD.JD is a returning guest after first appearing on the show on episode 4. We talk more about his deployments and life post military. We also chat about a new challenge we are going to launch in conjunction with the new studio opening, 'The 5 With A Challenge'. Big shoutout to M Adams Civil, Above and Beyond Home Maintenance, Gravel Empire, New Look Painting Contractors and All Fixed Diesels for all their help getting our new studio up and running. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 62 and I'm joined by Dani. She has completed a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine in 2024. She is a certified Holistic Health Coach and she is also qualified in Trauma informed care, coaching & somatic breathwork facilitation. She has a special interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals experiencing complex health and mental health issues, as well as those navigating or recovering from challenging life events and circumstances. We also discuss PTSD and the effects and treatment available. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 61 and I'm joined by Turk! Turk joined the RAN in 2004 as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He was posted to RAAF WAGGA,HMAS ALBATROSS, HMAS KANIMBLA and RAAF TOWNSVILLE.He transferred to army in 2011 and voluntary discharged in 2012. Following his military career he moved overseas to continue his fighting career but also ended up down the wrong path seeking the camaraderie that he missed from his service, ultimately leading him to a jail sentence. We talk about support for veterans incarcerated and his life now that he has rejoined society. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 60 and I'm joined by Matty Sawyer. Matty joined the army in 2008 as a rifleman and was posted to 8/9RAR. During his time he completed courses as a combat first aider, a bushmaster driver and a bushmaster commander. He deployed to Darwin in 2010 on Op resolute to assist the navy with border patrol. In 2011 he assisted in QLD with a flood assist exercise. In 2012 he was deployed to Afghan for SOTG 17. And discharged on 2014. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 59 and I'm joined by Logan Baker. Logan is based on the Sunshine Coast and is a mental health advocate and entrepreneur involved in multiple organizations driven by a singular mission: to help others with mindset shifts and gratitude. He also works to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 58 and I'm joined by local Cooroy legend, personal trainer and boxing coach Mark Evans. Mark spent his childhood moving around Australia going down what could be only described as a troubled path. He managed to turn his life around and now spends his days running his own boxing gym Impact Boxing, one of the Australian Boxing coaches and the president of the QLD boxing academy. He is instrumental in community programs with children with disabilities, troubled youths, mental health support and veterans programs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 57 and I'm joined by Maison. He did basic training in 2019 but broke his pelvis 5 weeks in! He was pushed back for E months, finally finishing at Kapooka 6 months after he started. He posted to Bandiana for 3 months to learn logistics, before posting to Robertson barracks in Darwin. He served with 5 RAR for 4 years including plenty of field exercises for in the harsh NT weather. He then deployed to Malaysia in 2022 with delta company for jungle warfare training before being medically discharged in December 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 56 and I'm joined by Renee! Renee joined the navy when she was 18, in 2007 after a rebellious childhood. She spent a total of 6 years in defence. She deployed to Operation resolute in 2009. Having 3 children while in the navy, moving across the country. She discharged in 2013. She now focuses her life on her real estate career and being a mum! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 55 and I'm joined by Mary from Are You Bogged Mate! After years working in rural and remote Australia, Mary has a knack for communicating with men and helping them tackle adversity and other challenges! Although Mary herself isn't a veteran, her organization aligns with plenty of the values of our podcast and what we are trying to do with building a community of like minded people! Also, huge happy birthday to my best mate, my son Thomas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 54 and I'm joined by Crowy! Crowy first came on the show on episode 3 and he returns for a special ANZAC Day special! It's also 5WAD's first birthday! We talk about the significance of this special day, traditions, history and so much more! Crowy also touches on life since his first episode premiered on the 5 With A Digger network! Huge shoutout to the amazing men and women who have and continue to give their lives for ours. Lest We Forget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 53 and I'm joined by Rod. He joined the Navy in Jun 2001, his first deployment was to Iraq in 2003 followed by RIMPAC in 2004. Moving to Military Intelligence in 2005, KAAOT in 2006, CTF158 in 2007/8, Newcastle OP Manitou in 2013. He was then posted to Defence Force Recruiting 2014-17, deployed to Bahrain in 2020 and returned to HMAS Brisbane 2021/22. He was medically discharged from the ADF in Apr 2022. We talk about life after defence and some incredible therapy he was treated with to help his mental health! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 52 and I'm joined by Stu. He joined the Royal Marine Commandos as a young Officer in 1985 and got his Green Beret in 1986. He Served for just under twenty years and was deployed on operational tours in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, both Gulf Wars, Rwanda and South Africa. He specialized in Arctic Warfare, Sniper, was a Platoon Weapons Officer as well as Physical Training and Sports Officer and Para and Dive Trained. He also represented the Combined Services at cricket and Squash. Since his discharge he has relocated to Australia and fly's commercial planes, trained as a mental health peer support leader! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 51 and I'm joined by Simon. Growing up in the Gold Coast with a strong sporting background, and a wholesome loving family, he joined the army at age 17 in 2002. Both his older and younger brothers joining defence too. Simon completed 6 weeks at Kapooka and prepared for his first deployment to The Solomon Islands in 2003. He followed that deployment with two trips to East Timor and two trips to Afghanistan on SOTG Rotation. Following his deployments and career he discharged in 2014. Since leaving defence he has focused his time on project management, but not without some struggles with his mental health. Not only loosing his job in the Australian Army, but loosing his identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WELCOME TO OUR 50TH EPISODE! Episode 50 and I'm joined by my mate Bryze from the Deadass Podcast! Not only does he host his own podcast he also runs a funeral home, pet cremation service and a Harley hearse service. Although Bryze isn't a veteran himself he has hosted countless veteran funerals and offers an insight into the funeral industry. I also wanted to have a yarn with him to celebrate my 50th ep! Huge shout out to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me so far and I cant wait for the next 50! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 49 and I'm joined by Darren Hurford. Darren enlisted in the Army in 2013 at 27 years old under the DRS program. After completing basic training and Infantry IET's he went to the AIT program at Holdsworthy, then on to Commando selection in 2014. After being medically withdrawn from the course he was posted to 6 RAR later that year and struggled with the day to day soldier life in the battalion. In 2015 he attempted the Basic Reconnaissance Course but was unsuccessful in passing. The following year Darren went for Commando selection again but was removed via BOS (Board Of Studies) 3 days before the end. Needing to regroup and refocus, Darren set his sights on SASR min mill selection. Through 2017 he was chosen for the Duke Of Gloucester Cup team representing 6 RAR, with the team being successful in obtaining the Royal Ulster's Trophy (run and shoot portion of the competition). In April of 2018 Darren attended SASR selection but withdrew after day 3. Following his return to the battalion he underwent the process of medical discharge from the Army, ultimately leaving in May 2019. Since then he has started a bootcamp style program working with people who want to change their lives! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 48 and I sit down with Hayden Heath. With a dynamic 9 year army career including deployments to Afghanistan at the age of 23, Hayden helps to lead and inspire both men and women, awakening the buried inner warrior. Through leading high stakes missions overseas and adapting military grade leadership skills and communication. Now as the founder of Firevolt he applies peak performance principles learned in the military to driver personal, business and professional growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 47 and I'm joined by John Armfield. John joined the navy in 2003 and spent 20 years in service. He completed several phases of naval training including diving and demolitions, leadership training, clearance and specialty courses. Since leaving the navy in 2023 John has played a significant role in media, including providing testimony to the royal commission into defence and veteran suicide about the death of his brother, RAAF Leading Aircraftman Andrew Armfield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 46 and im joined by Dan. Dan joined the RAAF in 2014 as a tech before changing to a clerk. He deployed to AMAB in 2019. He left full time service in 2021 but still continued to work with DVA as an advocate and fulfilling his reserves obligations. Now he works FIFO on the gas rigs and spends plenty of time keeping fit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 45 and I sit down for a quick chat with Temeeka. Temeeka is a qualified breathwork facilitator and crystal healer dedicated to helping people regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with their inner strength. Temeeka isn't a veteran however i believe some of her skills and beliefs could help my audience.Merch available at https://www.crewapparelprint.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 44 and we faced a few technical and timing challenges this week so we have dug through the archives to bring you another collab with our mate Bryze on the Deadass Podcast from last year. Make sure you head over and give the deadass podcast some love on the socials! Regular programming to resume next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 43 and I'm Joined by Jono. Jono joined in July 2005 till Oct 2010. He joined as infantry and followed in his fathers footsteps who served in infantry in Vietnam. He had several deployments to the Solomon Islands, East Timor and training in Germany before being medically discharged. He now spends his days taking veterans fishing and building his youtube channel Big Reds Aussie Adventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 42 and I'm joined by Greg. Greg is a local personal trainer who has worked with a variety of clients from professional athletes, veterans, people with disabilities, amputees and so many more. Greg has been integral in my health and fitness journey and he has some incredible insights and beliefs with years and years of knowledge and experience which i know will be valuable to our listeners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 41 and I'm joined by Marlon. Marlon is back for a part two to follow up on his life since discharge after 16 years in the navy. Hear about his mental health, physical health, buying a house and everything in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 40 and I'm joined by Tayla. another guest who grew up in country Victoria. She joined the army at age 19 in the ready reserves scheme, from recovery mechanical roles, the black Saturday bushfire operations, deployments, medic and theatre technician roles her 30 year career was cut short with medical and mental health problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 39 and we were lucky enough to sit down with Ty from 'The Roads We've Walked' Podcast. Ty talks to me about my life, my podcast '5 With A Digger' and everything in between. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 38 and I'm joined by Matt. Growing up in country Victoria, Matt always knew he would join the army. Enlisting at 18 matt focused his career on combat fitness designing programs still used by the defence force. 11 years of service, overseas exercises, countless stories and experiences and finally a medical discharge. Matt now spends his days as a personal trainer and bootcamp style instructor on the sunshine coast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 37 and I'm joined by Dylan. Dylan joined straight after high school but injured himself in initial training at Kapooka. He continued with his IET Training but battled with his injury for the rest of his career, eventually being medically discharged just short of 4 years. We touch on how he was treated and his mental health challenges he faced since joining and injuring himself.Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and shout out to the amazing men and women deployed and working over Christmas, thankyou for your service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 36 and I'm joined by Brett L. After enlisting under the 'Ready Reserve' Scheme as a recovery mechanic in 1996, his career took him on several postings around Australia finally deploying to East Timor in 2011. We touch on Brett almost being medically discharged and fighting to stary in service and how his career nearly cost him his family. Id also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the 5WAD team! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 35 and I'm joined by Jordan and Chris from Walk & Talk. Although these two gentleman aren't veterans, their organization is based around men's mental health. We recorded this episode after one of their 3 weekly men's walk and talk events, which i was invited to attend and speak at Infront of just under 100 men in Rockhampton. The Walk & Talk organization strongly aligns with the morals and goals of the 5WAD podcast and it was great to sit back and have a beer and a yarn and plan some future collaborations! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 34 and I'm joined by Garth and Max. Garth joined the army in 2000 as a store man, he deployed to Timor in 2004 and Iraq in 2005. Whilst playing rugby union for the Army he broke his neck in 2015. He discharged in 2017. Fast forward to 2024 and I'm joined by Garth and his service dog Max, 40 days and 1200 odd kilometers into their mammoth walk around Australia raising money for much needed organizations.Big shoutout to Straight Up Bricklaying. Category 5 Fabrications. CRM Strategy. Unfamiliar Apparel and Unique Signs and wraps for making their trip possible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 33 and I'm joined by Jess. Jess joined the army at age 18 as a medical technician. After posting to Brisbane after training she had a baby and got married. At age 21 she deployed to Iraq with a 1 year old son at home. 3 days after her deployment, her marriage broke down and she transitioned to a single parent within defence! Another deployment to PNG and postings to DFR Robina and various other nursing roles, she was medically discharged in Feb 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 32 and I'm joined by Justin. Episode 4 from South Australia live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. Justin joined the Army in 1983 as an Apprentice Carpenter at the age of 15, completed his trade and transferred to Engineers and was posted to 2CER in Brisbane. He deployed to Namibia and Cambodia over his career to serve with UN Peacekeeping forces. He left the regular army in 1993, served 4 years with reserves in the Armored Corps, including 12 months with ADF recruiting. Don't miss this yarn!Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31 and I'm joined by Blue. My first current serving member of the ADF. Obviously we cant reveal too much about his career here, so make sure you tune in and hear what life is like for a current serving member of the RAAF.Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30 and I'm joined by Jonny live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. A pretty rough childhood left Jonny searching for something more fulfilling which lead him to a 22 year Army Career. Several deployments, Christmas in a war zone and plenty more wild experiences in country, a mental health breakdown and life after serving. We also chat about Jonnys new passion, Black Ops Veterans Garage, A mens shed for veterans with a focus on PTSD Support.Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29 and I'm joined by my mate Braddy live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. Braddy opens up about his childhood growing up in SA followed by motocross and side car racing till his late teens. he joined the army and began his 23 year long career which was cut short by a medical discharge in 2010. Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 28 and I'm joined by Smitty! With a pretty nerdy childhood under his belt, he joined the army and found a sense of brotherhood like no other! He deployed 5 times to various conflicts over close to 20 years, only being medically discharged in 2023. He gives a very raw insight into combat in a war zone. This episode contains very confronting issues so please tale care when listening to this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27 and I'm joined by Roger and Angie from PTSD Dogs Australia. Roger served 14 years as a photographer in the Air Force. Upon his discharge, his mental health took a tumble and he and his wife Angie set up PTSD Dogs Australia. Angie is a qualified Dog Behaviorist and and trainer and specializes in Psychiatric Assistance Dog Training! PTSD Dogs Australia is a registered NFP organization who source suitable shelter dogs, train them as PTSD Assistance Dogs and gift them to veterans clinically diagnosed with PTSD! Make sure you head over to social media and give them a like and a follow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 26 - Join me when I chat with Garry. Garry joined the ADF in 1976. He enlisted into survey core and was a litho-photographer. He was also a recruit instructor at Kapooka. Following his discharge in 1986, he has followed his love of music, continuing to play music and teaching fellow veterans how to play guitar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 25 and I sit down with Will from the Journeymen! While Will isn't a veteran, he has started a mental health movement on the sunshine coast and is a huge advocate for community and connection. We only sat down for a brief chat, but make sure you stay tuned for future collaborations between 5WAD and The Journeymen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 24 and I'm joined by Derko. Derko has been one of the podcasts biggest supporters since we kicked off and after featuring on episode 10, he wanted to come back on for another chat to delve a bit deeper into his mental health struggles after his service.Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues. If you are affected please seek professional help. You're never alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 23 and I sit down with Naomi. From humble beginnings in Sydney, relocating to the Sunshine Coast to farm pineapples and later relocating to the Wide Bay, her 6 year Army Career took her to East Timor where she helped the locals build various facilities; and across Australia to educate kids about the significance of camels in the world wars. We also touch on her life after discharge and some of the challenges she has faced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 22 and I sit down with Dan M. From growing up in Mt Isa to joining the army as a young fella and deploying to Afghanistan, A white Christmas in a war zone, Discharging and re adjusting to civilian life where joining a sporting club helped him reconnect with some like minded people! Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 21 and I sit down with Sammy C. Sammy suffered from a debilitating injury whilst in training at Kapooka which has left him classified as "Class 4 Medically Unfit". We hear about Sammy's childhood and his drive to join the army at age 17, and the incident which has changed his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 20 and I'm joined by Suzie! Suzie grew up with both parents in the army. And although she hasn't served herself, A military based childhood has pushed her to the active lifestyle she leads today. She is a qualified personal trainer, sports nutritionist, wellness and mindset coach and it was unreal to sit down and have a yarn with Suzie about health and fitness and everything in between!Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 19 and Im joined by Zac. Zac featured on episode 12 and reached out to share some more about his road to recovery after a suicide attempt. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 18 and I'm joined by Sam. Sam spent close to 10 years in the Army. During this time he faced several challenges including a cancer diagnosis and multiple service related injuries. It was during these times that his mental health deteriorated. This is a must listen episode. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17 and I'm joined by Dan. Dan spent 10 years in the Australian Defence Force. 6 in the Navy and 4 in the RAAF Fire Rescue. He also deployed to Iraq in 2003. He was a member of the navy boarding teams in Iraq and captured sea mines and POW's! We also touch on his mental health struggles and life after discharging! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16 and I'm joined by Tom. From first joining the NZDF to transferring to The ADF, we hear about his life, service in all 3 forces and his journey since discharging. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15 and I'm joined by my first guest from over the ditch. We get a real insight into what life is like for the men and women in the NZDF. We touch on the struggles Dave faced due to injury and his life post service. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 14 and I'm joined by Big H. From humble beginnings in Penrith, to joining the Army and deploying with his brother, relationship breakdowns and life after serving 16 years. Don't miss this one! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.