True Blue Conversations Podcast

Adam Blum

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 in Australia's True Blue History.

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29 episodes
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Avg 2 hr 34 min
English

Episodes 29

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S7 · E168
Monday · 3 hr 58 min
True Blue Conversations - Matt Newlands - South Australian Police Veteran - Frontline Mental Health Advocate
On this episode of True Blue Conversations Podcast, I sit down with Matt Newlands, a former South Australian Police Officer whose life took a devastating turn when he was arrested at work in 2015. After 10 years serving on the frontline with South Australia Police, Matt witnessed the darkest sides of humanity, the constant exposure to trauma, and the challenges of working within a system that can sometimes leave those protecting the community struggling to protect themselves. The cumulative toll of service eventually caught up with Matt. Diagnosed with severe post-traumatic stress and depression, he found himself fighting battles behind closed doors that threatened to destroy everything he held dear. His marriage, his family, his identity and his future were all at risk. Battling deep depression, reckless behaviour and suicidal thoughts, Matt reached a point where his life was spiralling out of control. But his story doesn't end there. Since leaving SAPOL, Matt has worked to rebuild his life, finding purpose and direction beyond the uniform. He has moved into the mental health space, co-founding Frontline Mental Health, supporting first responders as they navigate the challenges of transition and life after service. Matt is also an ambassador for RUOK? Day, helping encourage conversations that can make a genuine difference in people's lives. This is a raw, honest and powerful conversation about the true cost of serving your community, walking the thin blue line, and what happens when the uniform comes off but the invisible wounds remain. We explore resilience, accountability, mindset, mental health and the importance of finding purpose beyond the job. This episode is for every police officer, firefighter, paramedic, veteran and first responder who has struggled in silence, as well as anyone navigating the difficult journey of transitioning out of service. Because your identity is more than your uniform, your past doesn't have to define your future, and there is life, purpose and hope after service. HOST : Adam Blum GUEST : Matt Newlands EDITOR : Kyle Watkins
S7 · E167
October 11 · 3 hr 32 min
True Blue Conversations - Matt - Australian Federal Police Officer / Victorian Police / Royal Australian Air Force Veteran Bravery Medal Recipient
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 station located in Endeavour Hills, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Both Matt and officer A sustained multiple stab wounds which subsequently led to Officer A discharging his sidearm once neutralizing the threat. Matt's identity has been suppressed for operational security reasons. This is a raw an honest chat about service and find purpose after a critical incident changes your career. Host : Adam Blum Guest : Matt Editor : Kyle Watkins
S7 · E166
October 5 · 3 hr 23 min
True Blue Conversations - Terry Ledgard - Special Forces Medic, Everest Summiteer and Author
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 existential boredom and the journey to rediscover adventure and purpose as he undertakes the 'climbing the 7 summits' odyssey with long-time friend Brad Watts. This is where the conversation ratchets up a notch as we chat about Terry's first book Bad Medicine, chasing great white sharks and orca whales as a medic / dive safety specialist on nature documentaries, and recount Terry's battles with frostbite and near-death crevasse fall as he completes 6 of the 7 summits, culminating in summiting Mt. Everest in 2024. This is a raw and unfiltered, uncannily insightful conversation about service, adventure, mental resilience and rediscovering purpose in life after the green machine. Host : Adam Blum Guest : Terry Ledgard Editor : Kyle Watkins
S7 · E165
September 28 · 50 min
True Blue Conversations - Peter Rock - 8 RAR National Serviceman Vietnam, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Veteran
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 realities of fighting in the jungle. But Peter's story doesn't end when he left Vietnam. He also talks honestly about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, coming home from a war zone, and adjusting to life after service. This conversation follows last week's episode with Peter's platoon commander, John Brien, whom Peter served under in Vietnam. It's a raw and honest conversation about service, combat, sacrifice, wounds and the journey home. HOST : Adam Blum GUEST : Peter Rock Editor : Kyle Watkins
S7 · E164
September 21 · 2 hr 35 min
True Blue Conversations - John Brien - 8 RAR Platoon Commander, Vietnam / Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment Veteran
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 Army to attend Officer Cadet School, graduating later that year before serving at the Jungle Training Centre at Canungra. He was posted to 8RAR, served in Malaysia, and in November 1969 deployed to South Vietnam, where he spent a year commanding a rifle platoon during the Vietnam War — an unpopular conflict that would profoundly affect many Australian veterans, particularly when they returned home. Following Vietnam, John was recommended for SASR selection by his former Company Commander, Mike Jeffrey, who would later become Governor-General of Australia. John passed selection and went on to spend more than a decade in Special Forces, including service with US Special Forces at Fort Bragg. After leaving the Army in 1988, John faced another major transition. He studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, including four months in China, and eventually practised as a doctor for 35 years before retiring in 2025. For many veterans and first responders, transitioning away from service can be one of life's greatest challenges — finding purpose, identity and direction beyond the uniform. Today, John shares his story of service, transition and life after the military. HOST: Adam Blum GUEST: John Brien Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E137
September 20 · 2 hr 55 min
True Blue Conversations - Arron Ferguson - NSW Police Detective Australian Army Special Forces 1st Commando Regiment Veteran.
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 the special operations task force. He was forced into early retirement due to a genetic muscle disease, which took a toll on his mental health and, not to mention, his physical capabilities. In this podcast, Arron talks about the loss of mates while he was deployed in Afghanistan, how policing has changed from when he joined and the true mental cost of serving as a first responder and in the military. Arron also talks about the mental health aspect of loss of purpose and finding purpose again after being diagnosed with this genetic muscle disease, and what every veteran and first responder struggles with transition back to civilian life after living a high kinetic life that veterans and first responders live. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Arron Ferguson Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E139
September 20 · 2 hr 8 min
True Blue Conversations - Matt Nicholson Australian Army Reservist and NSW Police Officer
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 what every veteran and first responders face when they transition out of service and how to find purpose as a civilian, this is a raw and honest chat about life as a general duties police officer and what they face on a day to day basis protecting the community. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Matt Nicholson Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E163
September 14 · 2 hr 44 min
True Blue Conversations - Clancy Roberts - 3RAR - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Veteran
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
S7 · E162
September 7 · 3 hr 19 min
True Blue Conversations - Dan Sultanowsky - RAAF / Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment SASR Veteran
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
S7 · E161
August 31 · 1 hr 20 min
True Blue Conversations - Darwin Fermo - Australian Signalman / Australian Federal Police AFP Veteran
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 forever with the September 11 terrorist attacks. From there, Darwin was posted to Brisbane's 1st Joint Support Unit, serving with Radio Troop. His career would soon take him well beyond Australia, including a deployment to the Solomon Islands in 2003, participation in the first Talisman Sabre exercise aboard USS Boxer in 2005, and deployment to Iraq with AMTG2 later that year. He would go on to serve in Darwin with HQNORCOM, supporting Operation Resolute, while simultaneously undertaking university studies in Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism. Darwin ultimately made the difficult decision to leave the Army in 2008, choosing to pursue his university studies full-time. But the ADF never really left him. He was offered the opportunity to re-enlist in 2018, which he declined while preparing for his wedding. Then, in 2019, he sat an Officer Selection Board for the Maritime Warfare Officer role. Despite being assessed as highly suitable, an unexpected medical classification issue prevented him from progressing. Today, Darwin continues to maintain a deep interest in the ADF, international relations, security and geopolitics. But his service didn't end when he left the Army. Darwin went on to serve as an Australian Federal Police officer, bringing together his military communications background, operational experience and passion for security and national service. In this conversation, we're going to explore Darwin's journey — from a young Reservist joining the 10th Light Horse, through the School of Signals and the post-9/11 military, to the Solomon Islands, Iraq and Talisman Sabre, and ultimately his transition from the ADF into policing and transitioning out of the AFP. We talk about the decisions that shaped his career, the opportunities he pursued, the ones that didn't work out, and what it means to continue serving in a different uniform and finding purpose again after the uniform comes off. Host: Adam Blum Guest: Darwin Fermo Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E160
August 17 · 1 hr 54 min
True Blue Conversations - Mike Durant - 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment - Black Hawk Down
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 prisoner for 11 days in 1993 after a raid in Somalia. During Operation Gothic Serpent, Mike was the pilot of Super Six Four, the second MH-60L Black Hawk helicopter to crash during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 3, 1993. The helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in the tail, which led to its crash about a mile southwest of the operation's target. This is a raw and honest chat, an episode not to be missed! Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mike Durant Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E159
August 10 · 2 hr 32 min
True Blue Conversations - Dr Dan Cooper - Former 3RAR and Special Air Service Regiment SASR Veteran
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 world. In 2008, Dan started what would grow into the SASR Human Performance program and the foundation program for SOCOMD and the Army to develop their Human Performance and gained an undergrad degree in Sports Science a double masters in Strength and Conditioning and conducted research into cognitive and physiological performance. After qualifying for a research scholarship, Dan has gone on to further studies and has completed a PhD on the Human Factors to improve transfer of training and performance in high-threat combat environments. On leaving SASR, Dan spent 2 years working with the QLD Reds high-performance program. Dan now uses his experience and research to develop a Critical response performance and innovation initiative to provide free education, training, and development to front-line performers/organisations. Between 2010 and 2022 Dan completed a range of activities including a 250km multi day ultra in the Aussie desert, several 100km ultra's, coveted at the Cross-fit regionals and masters games, the Yukon Arctic Ultra 750km foot race, a 24hr obstacle course race, the Iditarod trail invitational 550km and 1600km foot race and currently looking into an attempt at a solo South Polo expedition. This is a raw, powerful and deeply honest conversation about sacrifice, resilience and the realities of life as an elite Australian Special Forces operator. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Dr Dan Cooper Editor: Kyle Watkins
S7 · E158
August 3 · 3 hr 31 min
True Blue Conversations - Adam Smith - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment & Victoria Police Special Operations Group Veteran
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
S7 · E157
July 28 · 1 hr 2 min
True Blue Conversations - Henry Young - WW2 Spitfire Pilot
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
S7 · E156
July 21 · 1 hr 55 min
True Blue Conversations - Fred Campbell O.A.M - Royal Australian Navy Veteran
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
S7 · E155
July 13 · 6 hr 32 min
True Blue Conversations - Lucas Atkins - Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer
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
S7 · E154
July 6 · 2 hr 17 min
True Blue Conversations - Ryan Wilson - Former Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Veteran
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
S7 · E153
June 29 · 2 hr 20 min
True Blue Conversations - Eva Clarke - Australian Army & Royal Australian Air Force Physical Training Instructor & Guinness World Record holder
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
S7 · E152
June 20 · 3 hr 34 min
True Blue Conversations - Damien Silva - Distinguished Service Medal - Australian Army Combat Medic
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
S7 · E151
June 8 · 3 hr 27 min
True Blue Conversations - Damo Batty - Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Veteran
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

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