Inspired by the people and events that have shaped Australian history and character, with his authentically Australian down to earth approach, Adam Blum explores and shares their stories. Learn how in the past and more recently, service, sacrifice and grit have and continue to play a central role i
On this week's podcast, I speak with Australian Federal Police officer Matt. Before joining the Federal Police, Matt spent some time in the Royal Australian Airforce both as a photography and as a reservist airbase security. During this time he joined the Victorian Police Force in 1996 and then in 2013 laterally transferred to the Feds. On 23 September 2014, 18-year-old Abdul Numan Haider attacked police officers one being a plain clothes Victorian Police Officer Officer A and the other being Matt a Counter Terrorism Unit Agent with a knife outside the Victoria Police Endeavour Hills police…
Terry Ledgard has lived a life less-ordinary, from humble beginnings in the oddball mining town of Coober Pedy, to the volatile warzone of Afghanistan as a Special Forces Medic, the frozen wasteland of Antarctica to the summit of Mt. Everest, and back again. In this episode we follow Terry's early years as a Coober Pedy desert rat to the explosive action, IED strikes, saving Waltzing Matilda, gory trauma and gut-wrenching humanitarian aid missions as a Special Forces Medic in Afghanistan. After returning home unscathed, Terry discusses his brief battle with 'the big, bad PSTD', his sense of…
In this episode of True Blue Conversations, I sit down with Peter Rock, an 8 RAR National Serviceman, Vietnam veteran and recipient of the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Peter was conscripted into the Australian Army and, after completing his basic training, was posted to 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8 RAR), where he served as a machine gunner. Peter takes us back to his time in the jungles of Vietnam, including the Battle of the Long Hai campaign in 1970, where his actions saw him awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He speaks openly about the battle, and the…
John Brien - 8 RAR Platoon Commander, Vietnam / Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment Veteran: Vietnam, the unpopular war Today on True Blue Conversations, I'm joined by John Brien — Vietnam veteran, former 8RAR Platoon Commander and SASR operator, whose life is a powerful story of service, sacrifice and transition. John's early years took him from Sydney to Adelaide and then Queensland, where he spent his teenage years in high school and surfing. He had planned to become a surfboard maker, but medical issues changed that path. In January 1967, John joined the Australian…
On this week's podcast, I speak with Arron Ferguson, a former 23-year NSW Police Detective and 24-year Australian Army 1st Commando Regiment Special Forces Operator. Arron joined the army first as a commando, and two years later, he was offered a spot on a deployment to Timor. However, the NSW Police also offered a full-time policing position at the academy. Arron lived a double life as both a Detective and army Special Forces reserve soldier. Arron was involved in hundreds of domestic police investigations and then deployments to Timor and highly kinetic operations in Afghanistan as part of…
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Army Reservist and NSW Police Officer Matt Nicholson. Matt served in the NSW Police for 18 years. After leaving school, Matt joined the Army reserves and joined the Royal Australian Artillery Corps. In 2007, Matt was accepted into the NSW Police and headed to the academy in 2008. Matt spent his career as a general duties officer and later moved into the Raptor task force targeting bikie gangs and other organised crime groups. Matt was diagnosed with PTSD and was medically retired from the NSW Police after 18 years' service, Matt suffered…
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…
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.…
Welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today, I'm joined by someone whose journey through the Australian Defence Force spans service, deployments, communications, international operations, and an enduring passion for defence, intelligence and geopolitics. Darwin Fermo enlisted in January 2000 as a Reservist, marching into 10th Light Horse Squadron as a Driver/Crewman before transferring to the Australian Regular Army in February 2001 as an Operator Specialist Communications Signalman. He was posted to the School of Signals, where he was completing his training when the world changed…
On today's episode of True-Blue Conversations, I am joined by Mike Durant, a former 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, aka Night Stalkers. Mike's deployment to Somalia was portrayed in the Hollywood movie Blackhawk down. Mike was a member of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 Blackhawk helicopter Master Aviator in the 160th SOAR after participating in combat operations Prime Chance, Just Cause, and Desert Storm, and also Gothic Serpent, in which he was briefly held…
On todays episode of True-Blue Conversations, I am joined by former Australian Special Forces SASR veteran Dr Dan Cooper. After underperforming at school, Dan joined the Army and posted to 3 RAR, deploying to Timor in 1999. A short time later, Dan attempted SASR selection in 2001 and completed the selection course. After Reo and 9-11, Dan (qualifying as a water operator) deployed straight away on the 2nd rotation to Afghanistan in 2002. Dan served in all 3 Sabre SQNs and OSS during his career. Between 2002 and 2016, Dan conducted dozens of operations in Afghanistan and other parts of the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
About True Blue Conversations Podcast
Inspired by the people and events that have shaped Australian history and character, with his authentically Australian down to earth approach, Adam Blum explores and shares their stories. Learn how in the past and more recently, service, sacrifice and grit have and continue to play a central role i
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