Episodes
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On this week’s podcast Episode 100: Part 3 the Final part of a 20 years of service in the Special Forces.
I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment operator Craig Hamburger who enlisted into the Australian Defence Force in 1999; and served his country proudly for 20+ years. During his posting to 4 Royal Australian Regiment as a Commando, Craig deployed on multiple operations, including Timor Leste, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During one of his deployments in Afghanistan, he was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry. The citation reads "Corporal Hamburger’s gallantry in the face of heavy, accurate and sustained enemy fire ultimately ensured the safety of the other members of his team, and allowed them to regain the initiative, forcing the enemy to withdraw. His actions were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian special operations forces, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.” We spoke of the highs and lows of his service, losing mentors and mates, and the challenges many veterans and first responders face when they transition from service…. Part 3 of the 3-Part Series tells Craig’s raw, insightful, and gallant story.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Craig Hamburger
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast Episode 100 part 2:
I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment operator Craig Hamburger who enlisted into the Australian Defence Force in 1999; and served his country proudly for 20+ years. During his posting to 4 Royal Australian Regiment as a Commando, Craig deployed on multiple operations, including Timor Leste, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During one of his deployments in Afghanistan, he was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry. The citation reads "Corporal Hamburger’s gallantry in the face of heavy, accurate and sustained enemy fire ultimately ensured the safety of the other members of his team, and allowed them to regain the initiative, forcing the enemy to withdraw. His actions were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian special operations forces, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.” We spoke of the highs and lows of his service, losing mentors and mates, and the challenges many veterans and first responders face when they transition from service…. This is Part 1 of a 3-Part Series telling Craig’s raw, insightful and gallant story.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Craig Hamburger
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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Missing episodes?
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On this week’s podcast Episode 100:
I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment operator
Craig Hamberger who enlisted into the Australian Defence Force in 1999; and
served his country proudly for 20+ years. During his posting to 4 Royal Australian
Regiment as a Commando, Craig deployed on multiple operations, including Timor
Leste, Iraq, and Afghanistan. During one of his deployments in Afghanistan, he was
awarded a Commendation for Gallantry. The citation reads "Corporal Hamburger’s
gallantry in the face of heavy, accurate and sustained enemy fire ultimately ensured
the safety of the other members of his team, and allowed them to regain the
initiative, forcing the enemy to withdraw. His actions were of the highest order and in
keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian special operations forces, the
Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.” We spoke of the highs and lows
of his service, losing mentors and mates, and the challenges many veteran and first
responder face when they transition from service…. This is Part 1 of a 3-Part Series
telling Craig’s raw, insightful and gallant story.Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Craig Hamburger
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway -
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Television Journalist Amelia Adams. Amelia has
been a journalist for more than 21 years; more than 14 of those with the 9 Network.Before joining the 60 Minutes team in 2022, she was Nine’s Senior Foreign
Correspondent in North America.
Amelia’s live reporting from the US Capitol during the January 6 insurrection saw her
win two Kennedy Awards and a Walkley nomination. She has also reported from war
zones in Ukraine and Iraq.
Amelia covered the volatile final year of Donald Trump’s presidency and led the
9News coverage of the unprecedented 2020 presidential election. She reported from
the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests and the ‘Make America Great Again’ rallies.
She was Nine’s London-based Europe and Middle East Correspondent, reporting on
Brexit, the fall of Theresa May, and the 2019 UK election. In the Middle East, she
covered the Turkish incursion into Syria and the US assassination of Iranian General
Qasem Soleimani.She has reported directly from crisis zones around the world including the
Fukushima nuclear disaster and the Christchurch earthquake.Over the years Amelia has also regularly filled in hosting the Today Show and Nine’s
6 pm News. Amelia knows how to tell a story, share a story, and put words to paper.
We spoke in depth of Amelia’s love for all things military history, the balancing act of
being a working Mum and traveling around the world for work and the dangers that
reporters face on the frontline.Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Amelia Adams
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway -
On this week’s podcast, I speak with a former Australian Army veteran serving in the Royal Australian Infantry 2RAR and Royal Australian Armoured Corps 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment and 2nd Cavalry Regiment current Queensland Fire Service Station Officer Luke Smith.
Luke deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2011 he applied for the Queensland Fire Service for a position as a firefighter and was accepted. After finishing recruit training, he was posted to Bowen where he spent his first 13 months as a firefighter.
Luke transferred to Townsville in 2013 and got heavily involved in the rescue side of fire and rescue becoming highly skilled in swift water, vertical, confined space, trench, and urban search and rescue. He is now also a state instructor for vertical rescue. After promotional courses, he attained the rank of Station Officer/OIC in 2018. In 2021 after a couple of traumatic events from service, he suffered PTSD depression, and anxiety. Luke took 12 months off and worked through that with great support from the Queensland Fire Service and found a way back, we spoke of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders and how important purpose is…
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Luke Smith
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway -
Part 2 of our chat with former Australian SAS soldier and officer, Brigadier Dan
Fortune, DSC and Bar (Retd).Dan joined the Army at 17 years old as a private soldier and served for over 42
years before discharging for medical reasons. Between 1982-1992, Dan completed
the SAS selection course three times (Yep wait for the story. He served in a Sabre
Squadron for four years as an operator/gunslinger in both HALO / Freefall and Land
Assaulter Counter Terrorist roles. We spoke of Dan’s early years in the regiment and
his growth as a soldier. We spoke of Dan's time at RMC becoming an officer and
then after a short period in 1RAR reattending the entire SAS selection again and
passing the course as a LT. We spoke of his service as a Troop Commander and on
exchange with US SF then his time as an SAS Officer Commanding on multiple
deployments, Bougainville, East Timor, Afghanistan, and Dan’s time as the ADF
Tactical Assault Group for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.We discussed his more senior appointments including as CO RMC and as CO of the
SOTG (2008) then, when serving in multiple year-long deployments to Afghanistan in
senior ISAF SOF Command role, SOHQ as a Brigadier.
We discussed his transition from the Army to the Commonwealth SES Public
Service appointment in AGSVA and the cost of service to one's family and the
challenges facing contemporary SF veterans and their families. For Dan’s
leadership in action (under fire, outside the wire..) in Command in Afghanistan, he
was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (2008)and Bar.(2014)Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Dan Fortune
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway -
On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Australian SAS soldier and officer, Brigadier Dan Fortune, DSC and Bar (Retd).
Dan joined the Army at 17 years old as a private soldier and served for over 42 years before discharging for medical reasons. Between 1982-1992, Dan completed the SAS selection course three times (Yep wait for the story.. He served in a Sabre Squadron for four years as an operator/gunslinger in both HALO / Freefall and Land Assaulter Counter Terrorist roles. We spoke of Dan’s early years in the regiment and his growth as a soldier. We spoke of Dan's time at RMC becoming an officer and then after a short period in 1RAR reattending the entire SAS selection again and passing the course as a LT. We spoke of his service as a Troop Commander and on exchange with US SF then his time as an SAS Officer Commanding on multiple deployments, Bougainville, East Timor, Afghanistan, and Dan’s time as the ADF Tactical Assault Group for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
We discussed his more senior appointments including as CO RMC and as CO of the SOTG (2008) then, when serving in multiple year-long deployments to Afghanistan in senior ISAF SOF Command role, SOHQ as a Brigadier.
We discussed his transition from the Army to the Commonwealth SES Public Service appointment in AGSVA and the cost of service to one's family and the challenges facing contemporary SF veterans and their families. For Dan’s leadership in action (under fire, outside the wire..) in Command in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (2008)and Bar.(2014)
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Dan Fortune
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Royal Australian Navy veteran Jennifer Wittwer CSM.
Jennifer Wittwer joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1981 as a supply officer. She went on to have an international career as a thought leader, humanitarian, and advocate for women’s rights, equality, and empowerment. Some of her roles in uniform have included being the first ADF Gender Advisor to NATO Operations in Afghanistan, and a secondment to UN Women in New York. She is also the Author of Against the Wind How women can be their authentic selves in male-dominated professions. We spoke about being a female in the Navy during the '80s and '90s and the changes that Jen saw over her 40-plus years of service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Jennifer Wittwer
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Commanding Officer Brigadier Ret Ian Langford DSC & Bars.
Ian served for 30 years as a senior officer in the Australian Defence Force, Ian had the challenge and opportunity of leading large and small teams in complex and ambiguous environments.
Ian held a range of appointments in the Army and Special Forces throughout his career.
commanded the 2nd Commando Regiment, as well as multiple Special Operations Task Groups in Afghanistan, Iraq, and on domestic counter-terrorism duties. Ian has also led at the strategic level, responsible for the Army’s future strategic investments, future concepts and capabilities. His deployments include East Timor, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, and the South West Pacific. We spoke about commanding troops in battle the loss of mates in battle, and transition and what comes after service. For Ian’s service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross on three occasions the only person to date to receive that honour.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Ian Langford
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment operator John Dixon.
John spent 16 years in the Australian Army. During his postings at 1RAR and 6RAR, he deployed to East Timor which gave him an introduction to military active deployments. After completing SF selection and the Commando reinforcement cycle, John was posted to Bravo Company 4RAR Commando now the 2CDO regiment. He was soon deployed as a special forces operator to Afghanistan on a SOTG (Special Operations Task Group) on his first combat deployment he was on ground the in
2007 the night when Luke Worsley was KIA. After this first deployment, John went on to further highly kinetic operations in Afghanistan in assault teams and as a sniper. He deployed to Iraq in 2015 and the Philippines before discharging the
military in 2016. We spoke about the hard transition that all veterans and first responders face when they leave service and finding purpose again after service.Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: John Dixon
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway -
On this week’s podcast, I sat down with Royal Australian Artillery Warrant Officer Class 2 Mark Henneberry. Mark served for 23 years in the RAA. Mark joined the Army at 17. We discussed his deployment to Cambodia in 1993 and the effects of deploying at a young age. Mark talked about what all veterans and first responders face when they discharge, finding purpose after service. Mark found that purpose and now works in defence industries.
Mark is a partner with other veterans and first responders for a whiskey company called Wet Canteen Bottling Company. Creating an authentic taste for veterans and first responders to come together and reflect on service and mateship. Head over to Wet Canteen to grab your copy of whiskey today.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Mark Henneberry
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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A momentous ANZAC Day 2024 with the launch of my interview with Matt Anderson PSM, an ADF veteran and the Director of the Australian War Memorial,
Matt discusses the current and future re-development of the war memorial, as well as what the memorial and the term ‘remembrance” means him. I remain inspired to hear Matt speak about the essence of what makes the war memorial a humbling and meaningful space to learn, commemorate, reflect, and honour the 103,000 men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Matt Anderson PSM
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I sat down with Detective Superintendent (Ret) Deb Wallace NSW Police veteran serving for 36 years. Deb joined the NSW Police in 1983 and quickly found herself gaining notoriety early in her career when she was involved in the investigation into the murder of 26-year-old nurse Anita Cobby. From this, she was invited to undertake Detective training which led to an extensive career commanding various specialist squads, including the South East Asian Crime Squad, Middle Eastern Organised Crime, and Strike Force Raptor. In the 90s she was a detective at Cabramatta fighting Asian street gangs, including the infamous 5T. She has headed the Middle Eastern Crime Squad (MEOCS) which has been credited with dismantling the vicious Brothers for Life gang responsible for dozens of shootings in Sydney and then moving into Raptor, set up in 2009 targeting OMCG which disrupts bikie business with heavy-handed tactics.
In 2019 after a 36-year distinguished career, Deb retired from the NSW police. In retirement, Deb is now the host of Million Dollar Murders which Aires on the Nine Network Deb is also working with the parole board of NSW and working with Grace’s Place the centre named in honour of Grace Lynch mother of Anita Cobby.
The primary purpose of Grace’s Place is to provide a unique place of healing and restoration for children who have lost a loved one to homicide.
Deb’s autobiography A Woman OF Force was published in 2020 and is available online and in bookstores.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Deborah Wallace
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I sat down with Detective Superintendent (Ret) Deb Wallace NSW Police veteran serving for 36 years. Deb joined the NSW Police in 1983 and quickly found herself gaining notoriety early in her career when she was involved in the investigation into the murder of 26-year-old nurse Anita Cobby. From this, she was invited to undertake Detective training which led to an extensive career commanding various specialist squads, including the South East Asian Crime Squad, Middle Eastern Organised Crime, and Strike Force Raptor. In the 90s she was a detective at Cabramatta fighting Asian street gangs, including the infamous 5T. She has headed the Middle Eastern Crime Squad (MEOCS) which has been credited with dismantling the vicious Brothers for Life gang responsible for dozens of shootings in Sydney and then moving into Raptor, set up in 2009 targeting OMCG which disrupts bikie business with heavy-handed tactics.
In 2019 after a 36-year distinguished career, Deb retired from the NSW police. In retirement, Deb is now the host of Million Dollar Murders which Aires on the Nine Network Deb is also working with the parole board of NSW and working with Grace’s Place the centre named in honour of Grace Lynch mother of Anita Cobby.
The primary purpose of Grace’s Place is to provide a unique place of healing and restoration for children who have lost a loved one to homicide.
Deb’s autobiography A Woman OF Force was published in 2020 and is available online and in bookstores.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Deborah Wallace
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast I sat down with Television Personality Johanna Griggs AM
Before Johanna was on our television screens; she was a superstar Australian swimmer.
We spoke about Joh’s life growing up, representing Australia, and winning a bronze medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games. We spoke about Joh entering the world of television at such a young age and how hard it is in the media industry. The highs and lows that come with being in the public eye. We also spoke about Joh’s passion the work she does as a director of Beyond Blue. Joh is a true professional, but what really sets Joh apart is her warmth and genuine interest in others what you see on TV is how she is in real life she is a star.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Johanna Griggs AM
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast I sat down with former NSW Police Officer Andrew “Panda” MacFarlane We spoke about his life and serving for 21 years in the NSW Police Force. The roller coaster ride in policing that stretched from being a general duties officer, then moving to undercover roles in various agencies including the NSW Crime Commission NSW Drug Enforcement Agency, Being a tactical operator (high risk policing operations) CT Command and Australian Federal Police then finishing up in Dignitary Protection. We also spoke about the loss of colleges the toll of serving at the sharp end of policing. Andy faced what every first responder and veteran face when they transition from service finding purpose again after service. Andy has found purpose again and currently works in the mining industry. Thank you for your service Andy and to all your fellow brother and sisters who walk the thin blue line.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Andrew MacFarlane
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast speak with former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Warrant Officer from the 2nd Commando Regiment Michael "Slatts" Slattery.
Slatt’s enlisted in 1986 as a medic in the Australian Army serving 26years with multiple postings to different units. At the age of 36 Slatt’s attempted and passed the Commando Selection Training Course then completing the demanding Commando reinforcement cycle earning his beret qualifying as a special force’s operator. During his career he deployed on multiple operations including Iraq working alongside US medical doctors, nurses, and medics inside a role 2 medical facility. He also deployed to Afghanistan as the Special Operations Task Group CSM however found his way onto a US AME helicopter providing over 75 air medical evacuations. After 26 years Slatt’s discharged from the army and now works as a nurse and also currently training director with SOTER International @soterinternational, Where he teaches all the experience he learnt in combat.Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Michael Slattery
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast, I speak to 3 RAR / Current Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Station Officer Matthew Connelly Cavanagh. Matt was posted into 3 RAR and deployed to East Timor in 1999. In 2000, Matt then transferred to Army Fire Service. In 2004, Matt discharged from the Army and joined the ACT Fire Brigade until 2008. In that same year, Matt went on to join the Queensland Fire Department. Matt is currently a station officer and a recruit instructor passing on his knowledge and over 20 years. Fire experience to new recruits.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Matthew Connelly Cavanagh
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On this week’s podcast I speak to Mitch Parker former NSW Police officer former Superintendent NSW SES Command of the New England and Retained Fire Fighter with Fire and Rescue NSW. Mitch spent 17 years within the NSW police and 17 years and counting as a retained fire fighter with NSW Fire and Rescue. During his time within both roles Mitch has many stories from incidents that even led to receiving commendations for bravery as both police officer and firefighter. After an extensive career serving the community on the front lines he moved onto the role as Superintendent NSW SES Command of the New England and North West of Western Zone within the NSW State Emergency Service better know as the SES. Mitch now works for the NSW Reconstruction Authority working to rebuild after natural disasters.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Mitch Parker
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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On part two of our chat with Rachel Ingram we speak about coming back from deployments.
Being medically discharged from the Army after 19 year’s service and facing what every veteran faces when they leave the ADF, Transition, finding purpose after service and finding a new identity away from Defence the highs and the lows faced by all veterans and first responders when they leave service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Rachel Ingram
Editor: Kyle Watkins
Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway
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