Podcasts about Australian Army

Welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's conversation is with a man whose journey is a powerful example of how one decision can completely change the direction of a life. Clancy Roberts spent 12 years in full-time service with the Australian Army — six years serving with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and six years with the 2nd Commando Regiment as a Special Forces operator. Before joining the Army, Clancy says he was on a path to nowhere. He had little direction in life and had found himself in trouble with the law. But he made the decision to join the military — a decision he has never regretted — and that choice ultimately transformed the direction of his life. He went on to become one of the Australian Army's elite 2 Commando Regiment Special Forces operators, serving on three combat tours of Afghanistan and completing two deployments protecting Australian personnel in Iraq. Clancy was also the combat first aider within his team, a responsibility that would place him at the centre of one of the most tragic moments of his life. In 2012, while serving in Afghanistan, Clancy was on the ground following the tragic helicopter crash that killed his team mates Mervyn McDonald and Nathanael Gallagher. That experience, along with everything else he carried from his years of service, forms an important part of today's conversation. After leaving the Army in 2015, Clancy spent three years managing security training and planning for the Sydney Opera House, before continuing to navigate what so many veterans and first responders know all too well — the transition away from service and finding a new sense of direction and purpose. This is a raw and honest conversation about the true cost of service — not just to the individual, but to their family as well. We talk about service, combat, friendship, loss, the experiences that stay with you, finding direction after the military, and the challenges of rebuilding your identity when the uniform comes off. Host : Adam Blum  Guest : Clancy Roberts Editor : Kyle Watkins

Welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's conversation is with a man whose journey from the Royal Australian Air Force, to the Australian Army, and ultimately to the Australian Special Air Service Regiment, is a story of determination, sacrifice, self-belief and overcoming doubt. Dan Sultanowsky enlisted in the RAAF in February 2006 as an Airfield Defence Guard, posting to 2ADFS at Amberley, Queensland. Dan deployed to Iraq in 2008 on SECDET 13, attached to 7RAR A Company, In 2010, Dan set his sights on one of the most demanding paths in the Australian Defence Force — SASR selection. Dan attempted SASR selection in 2010 at just 22 years old, and his journey was captured in the Australian military documentary Search for Warriors. Dan went on to pass selection and the required courses before eventually posting to the Special Air Service Regiment in Perth. Serving in the regiment from 2010 through to 2019, Dan deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 with SOTG 3 Squadron, followed by another deployment in 2016 on SOPT and two rotations of TAG - WEST. But Dan's deployment to Afghanistan in 2012 carries a particularly heavy memory. During that deployment, one of his fellow soldiers, Sergeant Blaine Diddams MG, was killed in action. Behind every deployment statistic is a person, a mate, a family and a story — and today, Dan opens up about that reality. In 2019, Dan made the decision to transition out of the Regiment and faced another challenge familiar to so many veterans and first responders — finding his identity and purpose after leaving the world he had known for so many years. But Dan had already been preparing himself for his next chapter. While serving in the Regiment, he taught himself how to code. That passion eventually led him into the IT industry, where he worked as a software engineer and later spent years writing code full-time enabling discreet operations for Defence. Dan eventually left Defence completely in May 2025 and is now working in the private sector, from home, for a US based company. Today, we have a raw and honest conversation about chasing the dream of serving in the SASR, silencing the doubts in your own head, and what it takes to push yourself beyond what you believe you're capable of. We talk about fighting alongside your mates, the realities of deployment, the loss of Sergeant Blaine Diddams MG, and the experiences that can stay with you long after you leave the battlefield. But we also talk about something that affects so many veterans, police, firefighters, paramedics and first responders — transitioning from a life of service back into the civilian world. Who are you when the uniform comes off? How do you find purpose again? And how do you silence the doubt that tells you that you're no longer who you were? Dan's story is one of service, resilience, loss, reinvention and ultimately finding a new purpose. This is a raw conversation about the reality of serving in Australia's Special Forces, the sacrifices that come with it, and the journey of finding your place again when the uniform comes off. Host : Adam Blum Guest : Dan Sultanowsky Editor : Kyle Watkins

Building a strong team requires more than just assembling talented individuals. It's about creating a collective that shares a purpose, trusts one another, and holds each other accountable. In this episode, Glenn delves into the foundations of building a genuine team, highlighting the importance of clarity, trust, standards, belonging, and collective ownership. A team's success isn't just about individual achievements, but about what they can accomplish together. Glenn emphasizes that leaders must continually connect individual effort to collective purpose, communicate the bigger picture, and demonstrate the behavior they expect from their team. Trust is built through repeated behavior, not motivational speeches or posters, and leaders must model the behavior they want to see in their team. Glenn shares personal anecdotes from his experience in the Australian Army, where strong teams were built through shared experiences and pressure. He discusses how leaders establish standards through what they demonstrate and tolerate, and how people will watch what you do more closely than they listen to what you say. The episode also touches on the importance of belonging, where people feel they're part of something bigger than themselves, and that their contribution matters. If you're looking to build a stronger team, this episode is a must-listen. The speaker challenges listeners to assess their own team's dynamics, asking questions like: Do we have a clearly understood purpose? Do we trust each other? Are our standards demonstrated and upheld? And when something goes wrong, do we take ownership or search for someone to blame? Listen to this episode to discover how to create an environment where trust, contribution, accountability, and belonging are expected. The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.auADVENTURE WITH GLENN ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORING See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colonel Bronwyn Thomas from the command team of the Australian Army's Force Support Group gave us a buzz to let us know about Exercise Pozeiers' Run See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this powerful episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, tGlenn shares a heart-wrenching story of a young soldier who fought in one of the most pivotal battles of World War II. The story of Private Joseph Rovkin, a 16-year-old boy who enlisted in the Australian Army and died in combat, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by young men during the Kokoda campaign. The episode delves into the complexities of Joe's story, exploring how he concealed his Jewish identity to join the army and the reasons behind his decision. Glenn takes listeners on a journey through Joe's life, from his childhood in Sydney to his enlistment and eventual deployment to Papua New Guinea. Along the way, we learn about the challenges he faced and the people who were affected by his death. This episode is a moving tribute to the young men who fought in the Kokoda campaign, many of whom were barely out of their teens. Glenn's narrative is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering the stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. By sharing Joe's story, he aims to keep the spirit of Kokoda alive and to honor the memories of those who fought and died in the campaign. If you're interested in learning more about the Kokoda Track and the people who trekked it, this episode is a must-listen. Glenn's passion and respect for the subject matter shine through, making this a compelling and emotional listen. Join us as we explore the history and significance of the Kokoda Track and the people who were affected by it. This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sisters Kabora and Razia Ali talk to Cheryl Akle, sharing their family's journey from Afghanistan to Australia. Exploring identity, belonging and resilience, Kabora reflects on becoming the first woman of Afghan descent to join the Australian Army at 18. The sisters also share how their family's history and Kabora's personal experiences came together to create the book. Their memoir, First of Her Kind, is out now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Zero Limits Podcast Matt Morris chats with Shaun Preston former 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and succesful businessman.Enlisting in the Australian Army in 2005, he completed his infantry training before being posted to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR). He went on to deploy to Baghdad, Iraq, with SECDET X, supporting the Australian mission in a complex and dangerous environment, before later deploying to Timor-Leste following the 2008 assassination attempts on the country's leadership. After leaving the Army, he struggled with the transition back into civilian life and bounced between different jobs before finding his way into the pest-control industry. After gaining experience in the trade, he took the gamble of starting his own company, which he spent the next 12 years building into a highly successful business before eventually selling it to global pest-control company.Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these means. Please message the instagram or email if you are wanting a response. Support the showWebsite - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisFor the new Zero Limits Pre workout and creatine supplements head to link belowZero Limits Supplements - www.zerolimitssupplements.comSponsorsInstagram - @3zeroscoffee3 Zeros Coffee - www.3zeroscoffee.com.au10% Discount Code - 3ZLimitsInstagram - @getsome_auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10% Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

At age nine, Kbora Ali arrived in Australia as an Afghan refugee after her family fled Taliban rule. Less than a decade later, she became the first Afghan woman to join the Australian Army.In this deeply personal conversation, Kbora reflects on her journey from Afghanistan and Pakistan to suburban Adelaide, the challenges of growing up Hazara, and her determination to serve the country that gave her family safety and a future.She speaks to Hamish Macdonald and Waleed Aly candidly about belonging, identity, military life, and the deeply difficult choice she made to remove her headscarf when she first arrived at Kapooka. Now an Air Force flying officer, and co-author, along with her sister,  of her new memoir First of Her Kind, Kabora shares a story that sits at the intersection of migration, service, multicultural Australia and the enduring consequences of war.Guest: Kbora Ali, Air Force flying officer and co-author of First of Her Kind.Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.au

A new four-part series from This Is Not A Drill… Putin thought he could conquer Ukraine with a tank, air and infantry-led attack straight out of the Second World War. Instead Kyiv turned the tables on Russia with the fastest, most intensive transformation of warfare in half a century. In this mini-series Gavin Esler explores this new generation of weapons and how they'll fight – or prevent – the next wars. This time: cheap, mass-produced drones enabled Kyiv to hit Russia hard and deep. Ukraine is now the world expert in this new technology. What does it mean when you can take out a warship with a weapon that costs less than a family car? What is “precision mass”? And why A.I. will make drones even more powerful. Gavin Esler talks to: • Illya Sekirin, former frontline drone operator for Ukraine and author of Rise of the Machines: Drone Warfare in the Russia-Ukraine War • Michael Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Technology and Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations • Peter Apps, global defence columnist for Reuters, British Army reservist and author of The Next World War • Major General (Ret.) Mick Ryan of the Australian Army, author of The War for Ukraine and the Futura Doctrina Substack Buy books through our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund This Is Not A Drill by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kokoda Track Podcast delves into the stories of two Aboriginal men who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Their names, Private George Leonard and Private Harold West, are etched in history as two brothers in arms who fought side by side in the treacherous terrain of Papua New Guinea. This episode is a poignant reminder of the bravery and camaraderie that defined their service. In this episode, we explore the lives of George and Harold, from their childhood in northwestern New South Wales to their enlistment in the Australian Army and their deployment to the Middle East and Papua. We learn about their skills as trackers and their experiences on the Kokoda Track, where they faced unimaginable challenges and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their stories are a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous Australians who served their country with honor and distinction. The Kokoda Track Podcast sheds light on the often-overlooked stories of Indigenous servicemen who fought in World War II. We hear about the discriminatory enlistment rules and recruiting practices that created barriers for Indigenous volunteers, and how these men persevered despite the odds. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of Indigenous Australians in our nation's history. If you're interested in learning more about the stories of George and Harold, and the experiences of Indigenous Australians during World War II, tune in to this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast. You'll hear about the challenges they faced, the bravery they showed, and the lasting impact of their service on their communities and our nation. This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of TBCY's Leaders Who Care series, Brontë Hamilton, VP, Strategy & BD at TE Connectivity, shares her remarkable journey from growing up on a remote farm in Western Australia to becoming a leader in global technology, strategy, and innovation.Hosted by Mark Sadovnick, the conversation explores Brontë's experiences in the Australian Army, her deployment to Iraq, leadership lessons learned through working with horses and high-performing teams, and her transition from military service to the corporate world.Brontë also shares her perspective on the future of AI, technology, the workplace, and the 5th Industrial Revolution, while discussing the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in leadership.Building resilience through challenging experiencesLearning trust and leadership from horsesTurning diverse experiences into professional strengthsTransitioning from military service to corporate leadershipBuilding high-performing teams through trust and clarityUnderstanding the complexity of global technology and supply chainsPreparing for AI-driven disruption and the future of workBalancing technological progress with humanity and social responsibilityLeading with optimism, empathy, and purposeBrontë's reflections on career transitions, military service, leadership, innovation, and the future make this episode a valuable conversation for leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating a rapidly changing world.

How can Australia strengthen the protection of critical defence infrastructure while navigating the modern drone-heavy environment? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper and Robert Dougherty unpack a series of developments across Australia's defence and national security landscape, including drone incursions over RAAF Base Williamtown, the expansion of Australia's first-person view drone capabilities, major defence industry partnerships and emerging opportunities for Australian technology exports. Discussion includes the recent swarm of unidentified drones observed over RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport, with the team examining the implications for the protection of Australia's air bases and high-value military assets. The team also explores the Australian Army's growing focus on FPV drones and cooperation with New Zealand, including the development of short-range drone specialist capabilities and the role of Australian instructors in supporting New Zealand's capability development. Attention then turns to Rolls-Royce's expanded Australian defence operations, including its new Canberra headquarters and partnership with Melbourne-based Marand Precision Engineering to supply specialised anti-submarine warfare propulsion systems for the UK's Type 26 frigate program. The panel also examines the significant agreement between the Australian and UK governments covering CEA Technologies' radar technology, with discussion focusing on the potential scale of the export opportunity and what the partnership could mean for Australia's sovereign defence technology industry. The episode then looks at the Global Combat Air Programme and ongoing speculation about whether Australia could eventually join the sixth-generation combat aircraft initiative. Rounding out the episode, the pair discuss Australia's growing defence engagement with the Pacific Islands, including the Pukpuk Treaty and cooperation with Papua New Guinea, the opening of Australian-supported border outposts in Solomon Islands, and the potential for deeper regional defence cooperation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Can nature help us to feel less alone?

For six years, a Church of England priest has been trying to uncover the fate of more than 60 Iraqis taken prisoner by Coalition forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion. 

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On today episode of True-Blue Conversations, I am joined by Adam Smith, a veteran of the 2nd Commando Regiment and the Victoria Police Special Operations Group. Adam joined the Australian Army in 2005 and was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR). During his time with 2RAR, he deployed twice to East Timor before successfully attempting and completing selection for the 2nd Commando Regiment in 2008. After completing the demanding Reinforcement Cycle, he earned the coveted Sherwood Green beret. Throughout his Special Forces career, Adam deployed on multiple Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) rotations to Afghanistan and Iraq and served on Tactical Assault Group EAST ( TAG- EAST). He shares his firsthand experiences of modern warfare, including being on the ground in Afghanistan in 2011 when his mentor and friend, Brett Wood, MG DSM, was killed in action. Adam opens up about the raw emotion of losing a close mate in combat and reflects on the deaths of fellow Special Forces operators Todd Langley and Sapper Rowan Robinson, and the lasting impact those losses have had on him and those who served alongside them. Adam also speaks candidly about the tragic training accident in 2014 during an extreme Alpine climate exercise that claimed the life of one of his fellow commandos. He discusses the invisible wounds of service, his battle with PTSD, and the true cost that war and military service can have on those who answer the call. Following his military career, Adam laterally transferred to Victoria Police and, after graduating from the academy, went directly into the elite Special Operations Group. Even after discharging from full-time service, he continued serving Australia as a member of the 1st Commando Regiment, Australia Army Reserve Special Forces capability, based in Melbourne. This is a raw, powerful and deeply honest conversation about sacrifice, resilience, grief, mateship, and the realities of life as an elite Australian Special Forces & Victoria Police Special Operations Group Operator. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Adam Smith Editor: Kyle Watkins

Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Monday Motivation #3 – Trust Is Built in the Small ThingsTrust is the foundation of every great relationship, every high-performing team and every successful leader.In this week's Monday Motivation, Glenn explores why trust isn't earned in the big moments of life—it is built through the hundreds of small moments that nobody applauds. Drawing on lessons from the Australian Army, leading over 100 Kokoda Track expeditions and working with businesses across Australia, Glenn shares practical leadership insights that will help you strengthen trust in your workplace, your family and your everyday relationships. Whether you're leading a team, running a business, coaching a sporting group or simply striving to become a better person, this episode will challenge you to look at trust differently and remind you that every interaction is either making a deposit or a withdrawal from the relationships that matter most.In this episode: Why trust is built long before it's tested The power of keeping your word Why consistency creates confidence How owning your mistakes strengthens credibility The leadership skill of listening before leading Stephen Covey's Emotional Bank Account and how to make more deposits than withdrawals A practical leadership episode that will change the way you think about trust and give you simple actions to strengthen every relationship in your life.Because trust isn't built in extraordinary moments... it's built one ordinary choice at a time. The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.auADVENTURE WITH GLENN ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORING See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/australian-and-new-zealand-studies

Soldiers and Bushmen: The Australian Army in South Africa, 1899–1902 (Cambridge UP, 2025) by Dr. Thomas Richardson examines the commitment to what was expected to be a short war. It presents a thematic, analytical history of the birth of the Australian Army in South Africa, while exploring the Army's evolution from colonial units into a consolidated federal force. Soldiers and Bushmen investigates the establishment of the 'bushmen experiment' – the belief that the unique qualities of rural Australians would solve tactical problems on the veldt. This, in turn, influenced ideals around leadership, loyalty and traditional combat that fed the mythology of the Australians as natural soldiers. The book also examines the conduct of the war itself: how the Army adapted to the challenges of a battlefield transformed by technology, and the moral questions posed by the transition to fighting a counterinsurgency campaign. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts.

Matt Williams returns to the show to discuss where things stand in Ukraine and with Trump's war with Iran. Discussed on the show: Williams' YouTube Channel Matt is an Australian Army veteran, independent journalist, and content creator. He served in the Australian Infantry with the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment from 2014-2021 and was awarded a Queen's Order of Australia Medal. Since 2022 he has worked as an independent war correspondent and analyst. Subscribe to his YouTube Channel.  Sign up for the Scott Horton Academy of Foreign Policy and Freedom at scotthortonacademy.com For more on Scott's work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott's other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott's books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/43D82oY (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/4eMQblu Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/4a5fKvx Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Tax Attorney Matt Sercely https://agoristtaxadvice.com; Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.com; Expat Money https://expatmoney.com/scott; and Crowdhealth https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ (use promocode Horton) You can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Download Audio. Matt Williams returns to the show to discuss where things stand in Ukraine and with Trump's war with Iran. Discussed on the show: Williams' YouTube Channel Matt is an Australian Army veteran, independent journalist, and content creator. He served in the Australian Infantry with the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment from 2014-2021 and was awarded a Queen's Order of Australia Medal. Since 2022 he has worked as an independent war correspondent and analyst. Subscribe to his YouTube Channel.  Sign up for the Scott Horton Academy of Foreign Policy and Freedom at scotthortonacademy.com For more on Scott’s work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott’s other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott’s books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/43D82oY (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/4eMQblu Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/4a5fKvx Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Tax Attorney Matt Sercely https://agoristtaxadvice.com; Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.com; Expat Money https://expatmoney.com/scott; and Crowdhealth https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ (use promocode Horton) You can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show!

How can Australia strengthen its future defence workforce while building sovereign industrial capability across shipbuilding, sustainment and advanced military technology? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro unpack a series of developments across Australia's defence and industrial landscape, including new pathways into higher education through the Australian Army Cadets, growth in the submarine supply chain and emerging defence industry opportunities. Discussion includes a new initiative from James Cook University that recognises the Australian Army Cadets experience as part of university admissions and the role cadet programs can play in building future defence capability. The team also examines major announcements linked to Australia's naval industrial base, including a contract awarded to Bisalloy Steels to support construction of Virginia Class submarines and the selection of a contractor to design a floating dry dock that will support Australia's future nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Attention then turns to the announcement of a pre-feasibility study into a proposed new Australian oil refinery and the broader implications for national preparedness and economic security. The panel also explores developments unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow, including the appearance of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat alongside the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile, Boeing's plans to establish international manufacturing hubs, and growing international interest in next-generation combat aircraft programs such as the Global Combat Air Programme. Rounding out the episode, the team discusses comments about the Ghost Shark, chemical weapons restrictions and facial recognition from Anduril founder Palmer Luckey. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

At just 19 years old, James Bennett enlisted in the Australian Army, joining Alpha Company, 7RAR, in search of purpose, adventure and the chance to serve his country. His military journey would take him across Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand on Rifle Company Butterworth 115, where he forged lifelong friendships and experienced the highs and lows of military life. But behind the scenes, James was fighting battles that few knew about.For the first time publicly, James opens up about the difficult discharge process that followed between 2015 and 2017, the lasting impact it had on his life, and the realities many veterans face when the uniform comes off.We also dive into his unique role assisting the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in the recreation of the Lindt Café Siege offering a rare insight into one of Australia's most significant counter-terrorism training exercises.This is an honest, raw and powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, resilience and life after the Army.Huge thanks to the legends at Last Laugh Apparel Isaac Sullivan and Summit Performance Centre – Altitude Group Fitness Cairns for helping us on our interstate trip to Adelaide to record this episode!IOS GROUP LAE - InstagramLast Laugh Apparel - InstagramSummit Performance Centre Cairns - InstagramSA REO - FacebookGabagool - InstagramYianni's Hellenic Yiros on HindleyIt'll Take A Tribe Community Food Bank Open - FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook InstagramThis podcast proudly sponsored by Gravel Empire Holdings - InstagramCuzkell – InstagramElite Boxing Club Adelaide - InstagramMerch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday Motivation #2 – Building Better TeamsGreat leaders don't just build successful businesses—they build great people. In this week's Monday Motivation, Glenn explores five powerful leadership principles that help create high-performing teams, stronger workplace cultures and better human beings.Drawing on lessons from the Australian Army, leading expeditions on the Kokoda Track, and working with organisations ranging from small family businesses to companies employing hundreds of staff, Glenn shares practical leadership strategies that can be applied immediately—whether you're leading a work crew, running a business, coaching a team or raising a family.Leadership isn't about titles. It's about influence. And influence is built one conversation, one decision and one interaction at a time.In this episode: Why great leaders are hard on standards but easy on people Why pressure doesn't build character—it reveals it How clarity eliminates confusion and improves performance Why trust is earned in the smallest everyday moments The leadership habit of leaving people better than you found them This practical Monday Motivation will challenge you to lift your standards, strengthen your leadership and invest in the people around you.Because better humans build better teams, better businesses and better communities. The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.auADVENTURE WITH GLENN ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORING See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reg Chard, the last Kokoda veteran, has passed away at age 102. This is a re-release of the 2022 podcast, with a tribute from host Alex Lloyd at the start. The original video podcast is still available on YouTube. Rest in peace, Reg. Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Reg Chard was an infantryman in the Australian Army in the Second World War. He fought in the jungle against the Japanese in New Guinea along the Kokoda Trail in 1942 for months. Since 2011, Reg has been a volunteer guide at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Sydney. In 2022, the 98-year-old celebrates the release of his biography, THE DIGGER OF KOKODA by Daniel Lane. Reg spoke with Alex Lloyd about his military service, his experiences in New Guinea and how Kokoda still lives with him today. This conversation can be watched as a video podcast on YouTube or heard through all podcast apps. Closing music by The Externals. To see photos related to today's interview, visit our website - www.lifeonthelinepodcast.com - or follow us on social media: @lifeonthelinepodcast on Facebook and Instagram, @LOTLpod on X and 'Thistle Productions' on LinkedIn.

Ooooh buckle up kids... I knew this would be an interesting conversation, but I had no idea just how much it would stay with me. Kat Rae's story is one of those rare ones that refuses to fit into neat lil' boxes. We talk about serving in the Australian Army, what twenty years in Defence taught her about courage, resilience and purpose... and how those lessons were tested in ways no one could ever prepare for. After losing her husband to suicide while raising their two-year-old daughter, only days after escaping his violence, Kat found herself carrying grief, relief, anger, compassion and heartbreak all at the same time. We dive into the messy reality of complex grief, domestic violence, parenting through unimaginable loss, and why healing isn't about finding neat answers. We also explore the stories Australia tells itself about war, sacrifice and service, and why Kat's work as an artist is challenging the narratives we've become so comfortable accepting. This one left me with goosebumps more than once. SPONSORED BY TESTART FAMILY LAWYERS Website: testartfamilylawyers.com.au KAT RAE Website: katrae.net TIFFANEE COOK Linktree: linktr.ee/rollwiththepunches Website: tiffcook.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Zero Limits Podcast Matty Morris chats with Ep. 252 Phil Thompson OAM MP Australian Army 1RAR - Federal Member For Herbert.A former Australian Army infantry soldier with the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Thompson served in East Timor and Afghanistan. During his 2009 deployment to Afghanistan, he shot and killed an armed insurgent, and just two weeks later was severely wounded in action by an improvised explosive device (IED).After leaving the military, he moved into politics, being elected as the Federal Member for the Queensland electorate of Herbert in the Australian House of Representatives, representing the Liberal National Party (LNP). He also serves as Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel.Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these means. Please message the instagram or email if you are wanting a response. Support the showWebsite - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisFor the new Zero Limits Pre workout and creatine supplements head to link belowZero Limits Supplements - www.zerolimitssupplements.comSponsorsInstagram - @gatorzaustraliawww.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auInstagram - @3zeroscoffee3 Zeros Coffee - www.3zeroscoffee.com.au10% Discount Code - 3ZLimitsInstagram - @getsome_auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10% Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

Mark Wales joined the military as a wide-eyed 17-year-old recruit, and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually leading one of Australia's most elite special forces troops in some of the most dangerous combat environments on earth. He saw the war in Afghanistan evolve from targeted counter-terrorism into something far more complicated, and ultimately, far less certain. In this episode of I Catch Killers, Mark opens up about what it takes to earn a place in the SAS, the psychological toll of repeated deployments, and how he watched the Afghan war slowly lose its sense of purpose from the inside. Mark speaks candidly about kill lists, mission creep, the counterinsurgency strategies that were doomed before they started, and the moment he knew the war was effectively over… long before the politicians admitted it. Gary and Mark also tackle the recent war crimes allegations, the complex environment that shaped those events, the chain of command responsibility that rarely gets discussed, and why, no matter how it unfolds, almost nobody comes out of this saga looking good. Subscribe to our new Youtube channel. Follow I Catch Killers:Instagram: @icatchkillersTiktok: @icatchkillerspodcastFacebook: @icatchkillersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For review:1. Talks between Cuba and the U.S. are at a standstill, despite the island recently approving a series of free-market reforms, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced Tuesday.2. Attackers shot dead two members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at their home in the western city of Paveh, near the border with Iraq's Kurdistan region, state media reported Tuesday.It was not immediately clear who was behind the shooting. 3. Top US envoys Steve Witkoff and ‌Jared Kushner were in Doha on Tuesday for meetings with Qatari mediators to discuss negotiations with Iran, but Qatar and Iran said there would be no high-level meeting between Washington and Tehran on Tuesday or in the coming days.4. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told IDF troops in the southern Lebanon security zone on Tuesday that the military would remain in the area for the foreseeable future, crediting the soldiers' work for the recent agreement between Israel, Lebanon, and the US that demands Hezbollah's disarmament to enable an Israeli withdrawal.5. The Israel Defense Forces' Military Intelligence Directorate and Southern Command submitted a warning last week to Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir that Hamas's military wing is preparing for renewed war with Israel, the Kan public broadcaster reported Sunday.6. Russian President Putin has admitted that there was no deal with President Trump to end the war in Ukraine, after Kremlin officials insisted such an agreement was made between the two leaders last August in Alaska.7. China called on Ukraine and Russia to resume peace talks “as soon as possible” and reiterated its support for an immediate ceasefire during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, June 30.8. Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that British defense spending will reach close to £80 billion ($105 billion) annually by 2029.9. Based in Townsville in northern Queensland, the Australian Army's 3rd Brigade is undergoing a massive transformation, as the heavy armored formation absorbs whole new fleets of vehicles.10. Russia and China conducted joint bomber patrol flights on Saturday for the first time this year, prompting Japan and South Korea to scramble fighter aircraft.

Today on True Blue Conversations, we sit down with an extraordinary woman whose story is built on resilience, service, family, and an unbreakable mindset. Eva Clarke is a former Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force Physical Training Instructor, a mother, a wife to a serving military member, and one of Australia's most accomplished fitness endurance athletes. A multiple Guinness World Record holder, Eva has built a reputation for achieving what many would consider impossible through grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout her military career, Eva dedicated herself to helping others achieve their best, but it was her own battles with injury, adversity, and personal hardship that forged the resilience that would define the next chapter of her life. From serving in uniform to breaking world records in push-ups, burpees, pull-ups, endurance events, and fitness challenges across the globe, Eva has continually redefined what is possible. Despite battling serious wrist injuries and significant medical setbacks, she refused to let limitations dictate her future, instead turning obstacles into fuel and proving that the human spirit is capable of far more than most people imagine. As a mother, military spouse, veteran, educator, coach, and elite athlete, Eva's story is not simply about physical strength. It is about discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and finding purpose through challenge. Her achievements have inspired countless people around the world and helped raise significant funds for charitable causes through her record-breaking efforts. This is a conversation about service, family, resilience, mental toughness, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life throws everything it has at you. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the remarkable story of Eva Clarke. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Eva Clarke Editor: Kyle Watkins

President Eisenhower was notable in expressing his frustration at his civilian staff's unwillingness to challenge or disagree with him face to face. That practice, of being challenged and questioned, was something he valued when he served as Supreme Allied Commander but it seems less evident in military headquarters today, or in recent history. Nor is this a peculiarly American tendency: as researcher, author, and provocateur Dr Charles Vandepeer from Charles Sturt University points out, both the British, French, and Australian militaries have been prone to self-deception and optimism bias. Notable in acquisition and procurement decisions and behaviours, it is also present in military headquarters and by commanders. There is lots of evidence and research on how to overcome it yet using trite phrases such as "My door is always open" just won't cut it if leaders are serious about countering conspiracies of optimism that lead to operational failure. In order to confront reality, military leaders need to change their outlook and find more time for thinking. This might seem harder today than previously: in the age of real time chat, ubiquitous communications connectivity, and endless distractions, it is easier for leaders to doomscroll their way through command appointments than to make time and space for challenge, reality, and thinking. This conversation came about because of this article from War On The Rocks from 2019: https://warontherocks.com/self-deception-and-the-conspiracy-of-optimism/ In his remarks, Charles noted the remarks made by Major General Chris Smith of the Australian Army in 2025 at the Chief of Army History Conference . Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv6wQiUu4yo

On this special episode of True Blue Conversations, we sit down with Australian Army Combat Medic veteran and Distinguished Service Medal recipient Damien Silva. This man has faced some of the most confronting moments of Australia's war in Afghanistan.From the chaos of the battlefield to the split-second decisions that mean life or death, Damien opens up about serving as a combat medic alongside some of Australia's elite soldiers. He reflects on the night in 2009 when he fought to save Mason Edwards from the 2nd Commando Regiment after he was critically wounded in an MRE pre-deployment in Cultana, South Australia — a moment that would stay with him forever. Damien also takes us inside one of the darkest chapters of the Afghanistan war: the 2010 Black Hawk helicopter crash that claimed the lives of three Australian soldiers and seriously injured many others. He speaks candidly about treating the fallen, the emotional toll carried by medics, and the burden of being the person trying to hold everything together when tragedy strikes. This is a raw and powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, trauma, mateship, and what happens after the battlefield goes quiet. It's the story of a man who stood shoulder to shoulder with Australia's finest in their darkest hours — and carried those memories home and found purpose long after the dust settles from the battlefields. This is raw; it's in your face and a must-listen for all veterans and first responders. This is True Blue Conversations, honouring those who serve and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, LEST WE FORGET. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Damien Silva Editor: Kyle Watkins

What Happens When Leadership Doesn't Meet the Environment? This is one of the most important episodes we've ever recorded on The Kokoda Track Podcast. After receiving numerous messages from listeners, trekkers and trek leaders regarding a recent review posted online, Glenn takes a deep dive into the lessons that can be learned when a Kokoda experience doesn't meet expectations. This episode is not about naming companies, assigning blame or creating controversy. Instead, it's about examining the role leadership plays in shaping every aspect of a Kokoda trek and why leadership is often the difference between a difficult experience and a rewarding one. Drawing on over 100 Kokoda crossings, 25+ years leading expeditions around the world and 17 years in the Australian Army, Glenn explores the critical importance of communication, decision-making, duty of care, risk management and emotional control in remote environments. Whether you're planning your first Kokoda trek, preparing to become a trek leader, or simply interested in leadership under pressure, this episode provides valuable insights into what trekkers should look for, what operators should strive for and how we can all contribute to a stronger and more sustainable future for Kokoda. In This Episode Why Glenn decided to tackle a controversial topic The review that sparked the discussion Leadership versus experience Why communication matters more than most people realise Duty of care in remote environments Managing uncertainty and expectations on the track The concept of being "the calm in the chaos" Why feedback should be welcomed, not feared Lessons every operator can learn from difficult experiences Questions every trekker should ask before booking Kokoda How leadership training impacts safety, culture and overall experience Raising standards across the Kokoda trekking industry Key Message Every challenge on Kokoda gets amplified by poor leadership and minimised by good leadership. Bullet Point Takeaways Kokoda is unpredictable. Strong leadership is what helps people navigate that unpredictability. Weather, injuries, delays and difficult conditions are inevitable on Kokoda. How leaders respond to them matters most. Communication is one of the most important leadership skills on the track. Trekkers don't need perfect conditions, but they do need clear, honest and consistent information. Good leaders don't avoid difficult conversations; they lean into them. Feedback should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve, not as a personal attack. Leadership is not about titles; it's about responsibility, decision-making and accountability. Experience alone does not create great leaders. Training, mentorship and development do. Kokoda exposes weaknesses. Any gaps in communication, planning or leadership will quickly become apparent in the jungle. Emotional control is a critical leadership skill. The ability to remain calm under pressure creates confidence in those around you. Duty of care should always be a priority when managing people in remote environments. Leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions when safety and wellbeing are at stake. Every operator should have systems, processes and contingency plans in place before things go wrong. Trekkers have every right to ask detailed questions before committing to a company. The quality of leadership can have a significant impact on the overall Kokoda experience. A sustainable future for Kokoda relies on operators continually learning, improving and raising standards. The focus should always remain on the history, the local people, the trekkers and the future of the track—not individual personalities or egos. Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Trek Who will be leading my trek? Will there be a second-in-command? What experience and training do they have? How are medical emergencies managed? What happens if someone requires evacuation? How are dietary requirements handled? What food is supplied during the trek? What support is provided to local PNG carriers? What happens if someone struggles physically on the track? Do you provide a structured training plan before departure? How do you handle feedback and complaints? Quote of the Episode "Kokoda doesn't expose your strengths. Kokoda exposes your weaknesses. And nowhere is that more evident than in leadership." Final Thought The goal is not perfection. The goal is continuous improvement. If we genuinely care about Kokoda, its history, its people and its future, then we must be willing to listen, learn and keep raising the standard for everyone who walks the track. This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hava Mendelle defies easy categorisation. Openly gay and proudly Jewish, she is a fifteen-year Australian Army veteran, emergency department nurse, published author, and co-founder of Minority Impact — a coalition of Australian minorities united in their opposition to Islamic radicalism and far-left extremism. She writes for The Spectator Australia, The Times of Israel, and The Jewish Independent, and has been making waves on social media for her unflinching commentary on antisemitism, the activist left, and the slow erosion of Australian national identity.In this conversation with Quillette's Zoe Sankey, Hava traces a remarkable personal journey — from an orthodox Jewish childhood and boarding school in Israel, to climate activism and Marxist study groups at university, to her current role as one of Australia's most clear-eyed critics of the movements she once moved in. They discuss the red-green alliance, the activists behind the Gaza flotilla, the radicalisation of the Australian Greens, why the United Nations deserves far more scepticism than it receives, and what October 7th changed — for Hava personally, and for Jewish Australians more broadly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we sit down with Australians who've dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and shaping the nation we're proud to call home. Today's guest is Major Damien Batty, a retired Australian Army Officer who served with distinction for more than 26 years in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps and broader Defence organisation. Appointed in 1996 and commissioned in 1997, he built a career defined by leadership, professionalism, operational service, and unwavering dedication to the soldiers and units under his command. Throughout his career, Major Batty served across a broad range of operational, instructional, logistical, and Special Operations appointments, including postings to 1st Field Hospital, 1st Health Support Battalion, Special Operations Headquarters, Army School of Health, Army School of Logistic Operations, and Headquarters 17th Sustainment Brigade. His service reflected a rare blend of operational experience, strategic capability, and commitment to mentoring and developing others. Major Batty deployed on multiple operations, including Operation BEL ISI, Operation ANODE, Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, and Operation COVID ASSIST.  His honours and awards include the Afghanistan Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, Australian Service Medal, Army Combat Badge, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation for service with Special Operations Task Groups. Widely respected for his integrity, loyalty, and devotion to duty, Major Batty's career stands firmly in the finest traditions of the Australian Army. It's a raw and honest conversation about service, sacrifice, and the bonds that are forged when people rely on each other in life-and-death moments and finding purpose after service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Damo Batty Editor: Kyle Watkins

G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we share the stories of those who've stood the line, served their country's communities, and carried the weight of responsibility most will never truly understand. In this episode, we sit down with Sue Osborn, whose career is anything but ordinary. Sue spent 27 and a half years in the Australian Army, operating in some of the most demanding environments you can imagine. She started as a Combat Medic, spending 15 years at the pointy end—where decisions are immediate, the stakes are life and death, and there's no room for hesitation. She then made a hard pivot into a completely different battlefield, spending the next 12 and a half years as an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Operator—a drone pilot—working in the evolving space of modern aviation warfare, where pressure doesn't disappear, it just changes form. Across her career, Sue deployed to the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and completed two tours of Afghanistan. She's seen conflict up close, and from a distance—but always with real consequences attached to every decision. What stands out about Sue isn't just the length of her service, it's the range. She's operated on the ground, under pressure, treating casualties… and later, from the air, where the responsibility shifts but never gets lighter. This is someone who understands what it means to perform when it matters—again and again, over nearly three decades. But wait until the end when you hear what she's doing now, this is a raw and honest chat about service and the toll that service has both physically and mentally. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sue Osborn Editor: Kyle Watkins

G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we share the stories of those who've stood the line, served their country's communities, and carried the weight of responsibility most will never truly understand. In this episode, we sit down with Sue Osborn, whose career is anything but ordinary. Sue spent 27 and a half years in the Australian Army, operating in some of the most demanding environments you can imagine. She started as a Combat Medic, spending 15 years at the pointy end—where decisions are immediate, the stakes are life and death, and there's no room for hesitation. She then made a hard pivot into a completely different battlefield, spending the next 12 and a half years as an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Operator—a drone pilot—working in the evolving space of modern aviation warfare, where pressure doesn't disappear, it just changes form. Across her career, Sue deployed to the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and completed two tours of Afghanistan. She's seen conflict up close, and from a distance—but always with real consequences attached to every decision. What stands out about Sue isn't just the length of her service, it's the range. She's operated on the ground, under pressure, treating casualties… and later, from the air, where the responsibility shifts but never gets lighter. This is someone who understands what it means to perform when it matters—again and again, over nearly three decades. But wait until the end when you hear what she's doing now, this is a raw and honest chat about service and the toll that service has both physically and mentally. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sue Osborn Editor: Kyle Watkins

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 54 *The two outer rings of the ice giant Uranus show starkly different origins Astronomers have discovered that two of the planet Uranus's outer rings have very different compositions and so must have come from different origins. *Africa breaking apart faster than thought A new study claims Africa is much closer to being physically torn apart into two separate continents than previously thought – possibly in just a few million years from now. *Engine issues blamed for the failure of the maiden flight of the Eris rocket The investigation into the failure of the maiden flight of the Eris rocket last year has traced the problem to two of the launch vehicles hybrid rocket engines. *The Science Report Scientists have discovered a new way for some coronaviruses to infect humans. The Australian Army to get 268 more Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles. Study warns most teens are sent sexting messages from strangers. Alex on Tech: Bad Samsung update.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-with-stuart-gary--2458531/support.

Major General Mick Ryan, Australian Army (retired), Senior Fellow for Military Studies at the Lowy Institute, adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and author of the Futura Doctrina Substack joins the show to dissect the current state of the war in Iran. Is this conflict entering a postmortem phase, or are we still in the middle of it? How has America performed so far? How does this war connect to the Pacific theater? Are we adapting for a broader global conflict, and are our adversaries adapting as well? Times: 002:20 Iran war impact on Australia 05:06 American performance in this war 06:22 Israeli partnership over NATO 08:21 Strait of Hormuz closure 13:07 Is the US prepared for a long-term war? 15:50 Importance of AI 18:17 Israeli performance 18:55 Iran frustrating US objectives 19:26 Lessons for Taiwan 20:31 Does political decapitation work? 22:41 How is the Axis learning from this conflict 25:44 China's interest in the Middle East 29:04 Grim predictions of the road ahead 30:40 Iranian hardliners 31:16 Importance of getting the strait open 34:29 Pilot rescue mission Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more at The Free Press.

On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with Australian Army, Private Security Contractor, South Australian Ambulance Service and author Joining the Army at 17 years of age, Daniel later serves as a Forward Scout on Australia's first military deployment to East Timor. Returning, restless, he undertakes officer training and serves again in East Timor as an Infantry Platoon Commander. However, his service in the Army leaves hidden scars and he leaves in search of life's great meaning. He serves in federal law enforcement but the adrenaline spiking allure of war leads him to Afghanistan. Here he works as a Security Contractor dodging death and tempting fate alongside American and Australian forces in Australia's longest war. Seeking redemption and healing from his past experiences, Daniel studies to be a Paramedic. He joins the Ambulance Service where he gains and shares a unique insight into life, death, grief and loss.Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these means. Please message the instagram or email if you are wanting a response. Support the showWebsite - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsorsInstagram - @gatorzaustraliawww.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.auInstagram - @3zeroscoffee3 Zeros Coffee - www.3zeroscoffee.com.au10% Discount Code - 3ZLimitsInstagram - @getsome_auGetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10% Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 46 *Discovery of over eleven thousand new asteroids Preliminary data from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory has led to the discovery of over 11,000 new asteroids. *Confirmation that the Earth was made locally A new study has shown that planet Earth was formed from materials located in the inner solar system rather than stuff from beyond Jupiter. *Virgin Galactic's new spaceship to be flying before the end of the year Space tourism company Virgin Galactic says work on the first of its new Delta class spacecraft will be completed within a few weeks. and construction of the second of these sub orbital space planes is now underway. *The Science Report Could routine be key to successful weight loss. A new study has found that Tyrannosaurus Rex walked and ran on their tippy toes. The Australian Army's new Huntsman Self-Propelled Howitzers now rolling off the production line. Skeptics guide to monsters in the railroad yard.   Our Guests This Week: DSN Spokesperson Rhianna Lyons from the CSIRO Sean Hodgman from the Australian National University Yogesh Sridhar from the Australian National University   And our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics      

The Iran war is over. Or is it just a pause? In this episode of The Voices of War, host Vedran 'Maz' Maslic sits down with Matthew Williams — Willy OAM — former Australian Army crew commander, Afghanistan veteran, and one of YouTube's sharpest daily conflict analysts, with over 225,000 subscribers and 63 million views. Together they break down the US-Iran ceasefire, Iran's growing global leverage, why Israel is the key spoiler most likely to reignite the Iran war, the nuclear threat on the table, China's strategic gains, and the very real danger of a false flag escalation. Is the Iran-Israel conflict truly over — or is this a strategic reset that benefits Tehran far more than Washington?  In this deep-dive episode:

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The FORGE Truth Podcast, Pete Alwinson and Jayson Quiñones sit down with Rees Nicholes to talk about the power of mentoring, the necessity of humility, and the kind of relationships that help men grow in Christ. Rees shares his story of growing up in the church, walking away from faith, serving in the Australian Army, battling PTSD, depression, and addiction, and ultimately being brought back to God through grace, truth, and the investment of godly men in his life.Together, they explore why so many men resist mentoring, why insecurity often leads to passivity, and why real spiritual growth happens best in honest, relational discipleship. The conversation also touches on marriage, fatherhood, accountability, blind spots, and the importance of loving others enough to speak truth into their lives. This is a strong and deeply personal conversation that calls men to both seek out mentors and become mentors for others.

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde sits down with Chris Rhyss Edwards, a writer, doctoral researcher, former Australian Army combat engineer, and the founder of FOLQ.ai to explore why so many people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support before they ever speak to another human. Drawing from lived experience with PTSD and his research into conversational AI and mental wellbeing, Chris examines a difficult but timely question: what does it say about our world when people feel safer talking to machines than to each other? Together, they unpack silence, stigma, loneliness, trust, and the rise of AI as a "first listener." Is this a breakthrough in access and support, or a warning sign about the systems and relationships failing us? And how can AI help without replacing the human connection people still need most?Sponsors and partners:Promeed: 100% mulberry silk pillowcases and bedding that feel incredibly soft, stay breathable, and are naturally gentle on hair and skin.SurviveX: professional-grade FSA/HSA eligible first aid and preparedness kits designed in Virginia, USA and produced in an FDA-registered facility.Alison US CA: Alison is the world's largest free online learning and skills-training platform, helping more than 50 million learners in 193+ countries build career-ready skills with 6,000+ free courses, certificates, and diplomas.eSign (iOS only): eSign is a clean, privacy-first document-signing app that works entirely on your device, letting you sign PDFs, DOCX files, images, and scans, edit and assemble pages, and export crisp 300 DPI PDFs in seconds, without accounts, cloud uploads, or compromising sensitive documents.Support the show

Rodger Shanahan joins John Anderson to examine the true objectives behind U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran. Is this about preventing a nuclear capability, dismantling Iran's proxy network, or ultimately forcing regime change? Shanahan argues that while public messaging has been inconsistent, the rhetoric and targeting patterns increasingly point toward regime change — a strategic ambition with a poor historical record when pursued through air power alone.The discussion unpacks Iran's ideological foundations, its history of foreign intervention, the erosion of its “forward defence” strategy, and the real limits of military precision in shaping political outcomes. From contested nuclear claims to the future of the rules-based order, this is a sober, strategic assessment of whether the world will emerge safer — or more unstable.Rodger Shanahan is a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute specialising in Middle East security and strategic affairs. He holds a PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies from the University of Sydney and is a former Australian Army officer with operational deployments to Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan and East Timor, as well as diplomatic postings to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He has also served as an expert witness in more than 30 Australian terrorism cases.

Scott interviews Matt Williams, known as WillyOAM on YouTube, about the partial release of the Epstein files. They discuss what was revealed, how it all fits in to what we already know and why it matters. Matt is an Australian Army veteran, independent journalist, and content creator. He served in the Australian Infantry with the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment from 2014-2021 and was awarded a Queen's Order of Australia Medal. Since 2022 he has worked as an independent war correspondent and analyst. Subscribe to his YouTube Channel. Audio cleaned up with the Podsworth app: https://podsworth.com Use code HORTON50 for 50% off your first order at Podsworth.com to clean up your voice recordings, sound like a pro, and also support the Scott Horton Show! For more on Scott's work: Check out The Libertarian Institute: https://www.libertarianinstitute.org Check out Scott's other show, Provoked, with Darryl Cooper https://youtube.com/@Provoked_Show Read Scott's books: Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine https://amzn.to/47jMtg7 (The audiobook of Provoked is being published in sections at https://scotthortonshow.com) Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism: https://amzn.to/3tgMCdw Fool's Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan https://amzn.to/3HRufs0 Follow Scott on X @scotthortonshow And check out Scott's full interview archives: https://scotthorton.org/all-interviews This episode of the Scott Horton Show is sponsored by: Roberts and Roberts Brokerage Incorporated https://rrbi.co Moon Does Artisan Coffee https://scotthorton.org/coffee; Tom Woods' Liberty Classroom https://www.libertyclassroom.com/dap/a/?a=1616 and Dissident Media https://dissidentmedia.com You can also support Scott's work by making a one-time or recurring donation at https://scotthorton.org/donate/https://scotthortonshow.com or https://patreon.com/scotthortonshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices