True Blue Conversations Podcast

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

Welcome back to True Blue Conversations, where we preserve the stories of the men and women who have shaped Australias history through service, sacrifice, and resilience. Todays guest is nothing short of extraordinary. Henry Young is one of the last living links to the Greatest Generation. At an incredible 102 years of age, Henry served as a Royal Air Force Spitfire pilot during the Second World War, taking to the skies at a time when courage was measured not in words, but in actions. He belonged to a generation of young men who answered the call without hesitation, knowing every mission could be their last. But Henrys remarkable life didnt end when the war was over. Returning home, he forged an outstanding career as a professional tennis player, proving that the determination and discipline that carried him through combat also drove him to excel in sport. His life has spanned more than a century of extraordinary change, from the darkest days of World War II to the modern world we know today. In this conversation, well explore Henrys childhood, his decision to become a fighter pilot, the realities of flying the legendary Spitfire in wartime, the mateship and sacrifices of those who never returned, and how he rebuilt his life after the war through professional tennis. Well also reflect on the lessons hes learned across more than 100 years of life—lessons on resilience, purpose, gratitude, and what it truly means to serve something greater than yourself. It is an absolute privilege and honour to welcome one of the last surviving World War II Spitfire pilots. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Henry Young Editor: Kyle Watkins

Today on True Blue Conversations, I sit down with an extraordinary Royal Australian Navy veteran whose career spans more than 35 years of service, multiple operational deployments, and a lifetime of leadership—Fred Campbell OAM. Fred joined the Royal Australian Navy on 8 January 1982 through the Naval Apprentice Scheme as an Air Technical Aircraft fitter. From the flight lines at HMAS Albatross to serving aboard some of Australia's most iconic warships, Fred built an exceptional career supporting the Fleet Air Arm and mentoring generations of sailors. His operational service took him to some of the defining conflicts of the modern era, including Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait, Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, the Solomon Islands, and Iraq in 2004 aboard HMAS Stuart. During that deployment, Fred was involved in one of the most significant naval incidents of the Iraq War—the USS Firebolt incident—a dramatic and little-known event that tested leadership, courage, and decision-making under extreme pressure. In this conversation, Fred takes us behind the headlines to share what really happened, what he witnessed, and the lessons that have stayed with him ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, Fred served as Command Warrant Officer at HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Creswell, HMAS Melbourne, and HMAS Parramatta, becoming one of the Navy's most respected senior leaders. His outstanding service was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours, along with numerous Australian and international operational medals and commendations. But service didn't end when Fred hung up the uniform in 2017. Today, he continues to fight for those who have served as the President of the Keith Payne VC AM Veterans Benefit Group, working alongside Australia's only living Victoria Cross recipient from the Vietnam War to support veterans and their families. His commitment to the veteran community, advocacy, and ensuring no veteran is left behind has become his new mission. Beyond service, Fred is a proud husband to a fellow Navy veteran, a father, grandfather, rugby tragic, Harley rider, knife maker, guitarist, barbecue enthusiast, and someone who believes in giving back to the mateship that shaped his life. This is a conversation about leadership, combat, resilience, transition, and continuing to serve long after the uniform comes off. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Fred Campbell OAM Editor: Kyle Watkins

G'day, and welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's guest is Lucas Atkins, a former Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer whose 12-year career placed him at the very centre of some of Australia's most significant security operations. Lucas began his policing career protecting high-profile dignitaries, including the United States and Israeli Ambassadors, as well as international VIPs such as the Dalai Lama. His professionalism and dedication soon earned him a position within one of the AFP's most elite close protection teams, where he became responsible for the full-time security of Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Lucas was on the ground during the dramatic events of Australia Day 2012, when protests marking the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy escalated into a major security incident. As the threat rapidly intensified, Lucas played a key role in the emergency evacuation of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition from a Canberra venue surrounded by hostile protesters. After leaving the Australian Federal Police, Lucas continued working in close personal protection operations across the globe, protecting clients in some of the world's most demanding environments. Today, he has taken that wealth of experience and founded his own business. But this conversation goes far beyond protective operations and high-profile missions. It's a raw and honest discussion about identity, purpose, and the challenges that so many veterans and first responders face when the uniform comes off. We talk about transition, rebuilding life after service, and finding a new mission beyond the job. This is an episode filled with stories from behind the security cordon, lessons forged under pressure, and a powerful reminder that the toughest battles often begin after the career ends. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the True-Blue Conversations of former Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer, Lucas Atkins. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Lucas Atkins Editor: Kyle Watkins

G'day, and welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's guest is a man who has lived a life of service, resilience, and excellence. Ryan Wilson began his military career in the Australian Army Reserve before taking on one of the toughest challenges in the world—Special Air Service Regiment selection. After successfully earning his place in the SASR, Ryan went on to serve on multiple operational deployments around the globe as a specialist dog handler, operating alongside some of Australia's most elite soldiers. But this conversation goes far beyond medals and missions. Ryan opens up about the reality of life inside Special Forces—the relentless standards, the pressure of operating at the highest level, the unbreakable bonds forged between teammates, and the devastating pain of losing mates along the way. It's a raw, honest, and deeply personal insight into a world very few Australians ever get to see. Today, Ryan has taken that same commitment and discipline into business as the owner of Whipper Snap Distillery, proving that the values forged in military service can continue to shape success long after the uniform comes off. This is an episode about sacrifice, mateship, resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to serve. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ryan Wilson. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ryan Wilson Editor: Kyle Watkins

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

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

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 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 represents the very heart of Australian values — integrity, service, and a deep commitment to community. We're honoured to be joined in the special 150 th episode by Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC , the 28th Governor-General of Australia. With a career spanning business, sport, climate advocacy, and social justice, Sam Mostyn has long been a powerful voice for fairness, inclusion, and national progress. From boardrooms to grassroots initiatives, she's championed the idea that leadership is about lifting others and leaving things better than you found them. Now, as the King's representative in Australia, she carries forward a proud tradition — supporting our communities, recognising extraordinary Australians, and reflecting the spirit of a modern nation. In this conversation, we go beyond the title — into the person, the purpose, and the passion behind the role. This is a yarn about service at the highest level… about what it means to represent a nation… and about staying grounded while carrying great responsibility. So, settle in — for this special 150 th episode. This is True Blue Conversations with Her Excellency, Sam Mostyn AC .

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 communities, and carried the weight of responsibility most will never truly understand. Today's guest represents something rare — not just service, but endurance at the highest level. Forty-eight years in policing. Nearly five decades of showing up, day in and day out, through the good, the bad, and everything in between. Joining us is Superintendent (Retired) Geoff Stewart of the Western Australian Police — a man who built a career on leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the job and the people beside him. From walking the beat in the early days to making the tough calls at senior command, he's seen policing evolve, faced moments that test character, and led from the front when it mattered most. This is more than a career — it's a lifetime of service. A story of mateship, pressure, sacrifice, and what it truly means to wear the badge for nearly half a century. So, settle in — because this is True Blue Conversations, and today, you're hearing from a man who's given 48 years to the job, and has the stories to prove it. This is a raw and honest chat about how much policing has changed from the late 1970s to the modern day. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Geoff Stewart Editor: Kyle Watkins

G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations—where we sit down with the people who've served, sacrificed, and continue to give back long after the uniform comes off. Today's guest is a man who has taken a life of service and turned it into something truly special. Barry Randall is a current serving Victoria Police Officer with over 32 years of service, having seen the job from the frontline. Barry knows exactly what it means to carry the weight that comes with it—the pressure, the trauma, and the quiet battles that follow you home. But instead of walking away from it, Barry leaned in. He's the driving force behind the program Operation Soul Surf —a grassroots movement using the power of the ocean to help veterans, first responders, and anyone doing it tough find a bit of peace again. It's about saltwater therapy, connection, and reminding people they're not alone. This is a chat about service beyond the badge, about healing, and about finding purpose in helping others stand back up. Last year, in 2025, Barry won the Rotary Emergency Services Officer of the Year award. This is a raw and honest chat about serving on the frontline and the cost of protecting the community. Barry, welcome to True Blue Conversations. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Barry Randall Editor: Kyle Watkins

Service doesn't end when you hang up the uniform—it evolves. And for some, the next mission becomes even more personal. Today on True Blue Conversations, we sit down with Jared Purcell—Australian Army veteran, former 2RAR soldier, and the voice behind the Broken Fathers podcast. Jared has lived the highs and the hardships of military life, but it's what came after service that shaped his next chapter. Through Broken Fathers, he has created a space for raw, honest conversations about fatherhood, identity, struggle, and rebuilding—topics that often go unaddressed but matter more than most. In this episode, we dive into Jared's time in 2RAR, the experiences that defined his service, and the transition out of the military. We explore the challenges of finding purpose beyond the uniform, the realities of fatherhood, and why telling the hard stories can be the most important mission of all. This is a conversation about resilience, responsibility, and redefining what it means to show up—not just as a veteran, but as a man and a father. It's a raw and powerful honest chat. This is True Blue Conversations—let's get into it. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Jared Purcell Editor: Kyle Watkins

Welcome back to True Blue Conversations, where we sit down with those who've lived extraordinary lives in service, leadership, and beyond. Today's guest is someone who has quite literally operated at the edge of human performance. Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot who flew the Tornado GR4 on combat and operational missions around the world. In an environment where precision, resilience, and split-second decision-making can mean the difference between success and failure, Mandy carved out a career in one of the most demanding roles in military aviation. Since leaving the RAF, she's become a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author, sharing powerful insights into leadership, teamwork, and performing under pressure—lessons forged at 40,000 feet and in some of the most high-stakes situations imaginable. In this episode, we dive into Mandy's journey into the RAF, what it takes to fly fast jets in combat, the realities behind the cockpit, and how those experiences translate into leadership and life beyond the military. This is a conversation about courage, discipline, and thriving in high-performance environments. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mandy Hickson Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Lana Boland, a dedicated Canadian police officer who has served her community with courage and compassion. From navigating high-stress investigations to mentoring young officers, Lana has seen it all. But beyond the badge, she's a voice for mental health in policing, shining a light on the human side of law enforcement. Join us as we explore her journey, the challenges she's faced, and the hope she's bringing to a profession that demands so much. This is a raw and insightful conversation about resilience, mental health, and the unseen weight carried by those who serve. Lana shares the lessons she's learned, the challenges she's faced, and the tools she now uses to help others heal, grow, and take back control of their lives. Whether you're in emergency services, supporting someone who is, or just looking to better understand trauma and recovery—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Lana Boland Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Western Australia WA Police Detective Meg Jarvis, who has spent years on the front line of some of the most confronting and complex cases imaginable. Meg's career in policing exposed her to the realities most people never see—trauma, crisis, and the human side of crime. But what sets her apart is what came next. Drawing on her lived experience, she's transitioned into a trauma coach, helping others navigate the psychological toll that comes with high-pressure roles and life- altering events. This is a raw and insightful conversation about resilience, mental health, and the unseen weight carried by those who serve. Meg shares the lessons she's learned, the challenges she's faced, and the tools she now uses to help others heal, grow, and take back control of their lives. Whether you're in emergency services, supporting someone who is, or just looking to better understand trauma and recovery—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Meg Jarvis Editor: Kyle Watkins

Welcome back to part 2 of our chat with Michal Dawson, BM. A man who has lived a life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael is an Australian Army veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handler. He is a recipient of the Bravery Medal—an honour awarded to those who display extraordinary courage in the face of real danger. From his time in the Army to the moment that would ultimately see him recognised for bravery, Michael's story is one of instinct, selflessness, and stepping forward when others might hesitate. In this episode, we unpack that defining moment—what happened, what drove him to act, and the aftermath of carrying that experience. But more than that, we explore the man behind the medal: the lessons from military life, the transition beyond service, and what courage really looks like when no one's watching. This is a raw and grounded conversation about service, sacrifice, and the quiet professionals who walk among us, as well as the true cost of service and the struggles that every veteran and first responder face in transitioning back to civilian life after service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM Editor: Kyle Watkins

Today's guest is a man who has lived a life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM is an Australian Army veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handler. He is a recipient of the Bravery Medal—an honour awarded to those who display extraordinary courage in the face of real danger. From his time in the Army to the moment that would ultimately see him recognised for bravery, Michael's story is one of instinct, selflessness, and stepping forward when others might hesitate. In this episode, we unpack that defining moment—what happened, what drove him to act, and the aftermath of carrying that experience. But more than that, we explore the man behind the medal: the lessons from military life, the transition beyond service, and what courage really looks like when no one's watching. This is a raw and grounded conversation about service, sacrifice, and the quiet professionals who walk among us, as well as the true cost of service and the struggles that every veteran and first responder face in transitioning back to civilian life after service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Captain Jonathan Finch, whose 27year journey in the Australian Defence Force reflects the evolution of a peacetime organisation into one operating at an intense operational tempo around the world. Finchy began his career in 1999, enlisting in the Army Reserve as a cook—just as the ADF was transitioning into an era marked by frequent deployments and complex missions abroad. Over the years, Finchy's adaptability, professionalism, and appetite for challenge saw him rise through the Australian Army Catering Corps to the rank of Sergeant before commissioning as a logistics officer within the Royal Australian Corps of Transport. His career has carried him across the IndoPacific and throughout Australia on a wide variety of operations, humanitarian tasks, and training commitments. From remote community support to international deployments, his service has spanned nearly every corner of the Army's contemporary mission set. Today, CAPT Finch continues to serve with enthusiasm, contributing his extensive experience to capability development, junior leader mentoring, and operational planning. Beyond Defence, he remains engaged in community organisations, bringing the same energy and dedication to local initiatives as he does to his military career. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Jonathan Finch Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Army Combat Medic Jody Tieche, a man whose story is built on service, resilience, and the experiences that come from operating in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Jody served as a combat medic with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, a role that puts you right in the thick of it. When soldiers are wounded and every second matters, the medic is the one running toward the danger — carrying the responsibility of keeping his mates alive. Jody served in Timor in 2006 and served two tours of Afghanistan, Rotation IV with Task Force 66 in 2007 and Rotation VII in 2008. In this episode, we're going to talk about Jody's journey into the military, what it's really like serving as a combat medic, the realities of battlefield medicine, and how those experiences shape the person you become long after the uniform comes off. After Jody left the military and went into the mining industry, before moving into Oil and Gas as a Paramedic. In 2021, Jody applied and was successful in securing employment with the South Australian Ambulance Service through the Internship program. Shift work and juggling on-road workload, plus young toddlers, became too much for Jody and his wife. Jody put his family first and concluded his internship. Jody currently works for BHP as a Paramedic/Emergency Services Officer. 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. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Jody Tieche Editor: Kyle Watkins