5 With A Digger Podcast

Episode 37 and I'm joined by Dylan. Dylan joined straight after high school but injured himself in initial training at Kapooka. He continued with his IET Training but battled with his injury for the rest of his career, eventually being medically discharged just short of 4 years. We touch on how he was treated and his mental health challenges he faced since joining and injuring himself.Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and shout out to the amazing men and women deployed and working over Christmas, thankyou for your service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 36 and I'm joined by Brett L. After enlisting under the 'Ready Reserve' Scheme as a recovery mechanic in 1996, his career took him on several postings around Australia finally deploying to East Timor in 2011. We touch on Brett almost being medically discharged and fighting to stary in service and how his career nearly cost him his family. Id also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the 5WAD team! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 35 and I'm joined by Jordan and Chris from Walk & Talk. Although these two gentleman aren't veterans, their organization is based around men's mental health. We recorded this episode after one of their 3 weekly men's walk and talk events, which i was invited to attend and speak at Infront of just under 100 men in Rockhampton. The Walk & Talk organization strongly aligns with the morals and goals of the 5WAD podcast and it was great to sit back and have a beer and a yarn and plan some future collaborations! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 34 and I'm joined by Garth and Max. Garth joined the army in 2000 as a store man, he deployed to Timor in 2004 and Iraq in 2005. Whilst playing rugby union for the Army he broke his neck in 2015. He discharged in 2017. Fast forward to 2024 and I'm joined by Garth and his service dog Max, 40 days and 1200 odd kilometers into their mammoth walk around Australia raising money for much needed organizations.Big shoutout to Straight Up Bricklaying. Category 5 Fabrications. CRM Strategy. Unfamiliar Apparel and Unique Signs and wraps for making their trip possible! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 33 and I'm joined by Jess. Jess joined the army at age 18 as a medical technician. After posting to Brisbane after training she had a baby and got married. At age 21 she deployed to Iraq with a 1 year old son at home. 3 days after her deployment, her marriage broke down and she transitioned to a single parent within defence! Another deployment to PNG and postings to DFR Robina and various other nursing roles, she was medically discharged in Feb 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 32 and I'm joined by Justin. Episode 4 from South Australia live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. Justin joined the Army in 1983 as an Apprentice Carpenter at the age of 15, completed his trade and transferred to Engineers and was posted to 2CER in Brisbane. He deployed to Namibia and Cambodia over his career to serve with UN Peacekeeping forces. He left the regular army in 1993, served 4 years with reserves in the Armored Corps, including 12 months with ADF recruiting. Don’t miss this yarn!Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31 and I'm joined by Blue. My first current serving member of the ADF. Obviously we cant reveal too much about his career here, so make sure you tune in and hear what life is like for a current serving member of the RAAF.Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30 and I'm joined by Jonny live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. A pretty rough childhood left Jonny searching for something more fulfilling which lead him to a 22 year Army Career. Several deployments, Christmas in a war zone and plenty more wild experiences in country, a mental health breakdown and life after serving. We also chat about Jonnys new passion, Black Ops Veterans Garage, A mens shed for veterans with a focus on PTSD Support.Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 29 and I'm joined by my mate Braddy live from the Highlander Hotel in Adelaide. Braddy opens up about his childhood growing up in SA followed by motocross and side car racing till his late teens. he joined the army and began his 23 year long career which was cut short by a medical discharge in 2010. Shoutout to the Highlander Hotel, Ashendens pest control, Elite Boxing and SA Reo for making the trip to SA so memorable! We will definitely be back again! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 28 and I'm joined by Smitty! With a pretty nerdy childhood under his belt, he joined the army and found a sense of brotherhood like no other! He deployed 5 times to various conflicts over close to 20 years, only being medically discharged in 2023. He gives a very raw insight into combat in a war zone. This episode contains very confronting issues so please tale care when listening to this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 27 and I'm joined by Roger and Angie from PTSD Dogs Australia. Roger served 14 years as a photographer in the Air Force. Upon his discharge, his mental health took a tumble and he and his wife Angie set up PTSD Dogs Australia. Angie is a qualified Dog Behaviorist and and trainer and specializes in Psychiatric Assistance Dog Training! PTSD Dogs Australia is a registered NFP organization who source suitable shelter dogs, train them as PTSD Assistance Dogs and gift them to veterans clinically diagnosed with PTSD! Make sure you head over to social media and give them a like and a follow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 26 - Join me when I chat with Garry. Garry joined the ADF in 1976. He enlisted into survey core and was a litho-photographer. He was also a recruit instructor at Kapooka. Following his discharge in 1986, he has followed his love of music, continuing to play music and teaching fellow veterans how to play guitar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 25 and I sit down with Will from the Journeymen! While Will isn't a veteran, he has started a mental health movement on the sunshine coast and is a huge advocate for community and connection. We only sat down for a brief chat, but make sure you stay tuned for future collaborations between 5WAD and The Journeymen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 24 and I'm joined by Derko. Derko has been one of the podcasts biggest supporters since we kicked off and after featuring on episode 10, he wanted to come back on for another chat to delve a bit deeper into his mental health struggles after his service.Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues. If you are affected please seek professional help. You're never alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 23 and I sit down with Naomi. From humble beginnings in Sydney, relocating to the Sunshine Coast to farm pineapples and later relocating to the Wide Bay, her 6 year Army Career took her to East Timor where she helped the locals build various facilities; and across Australia to educate kids about the significance of camels in the world wars. We also touch on her life after discharge and some of the challenges she has faced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 22 and I sit down with Dan M. From growing up in Mt Isa to joining the army as a young fella and deploying to Afghanistan, A white Christmas in a war zone, Discharging and re adjusting to civilian life where joining a sporting club helped him reconnect with some like minded people! Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 21 and I sit down with Sammy C. Sammy suffered from a debilitating injury whilst in training at Kapooka which has left him classified as "Class 4 Medically Unfit". We hear about Sammy's childhood and his drive to join the army at age 17, and the incident which has changed his life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 20 and I'm joined by Suzie! Suzie grew up with both parents in the army. And although she hasn't served herself, A military based childhood has pushed her to the active lifestyle she leads today. She is a qualified personal trainer, sports nutritionist, wellness and mindset coach and it was unreal to sit down and have a yarn with Suzie about health and fitness and everything in between!Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 19 and Im joined by Zac. Zac featured on episode 12 and reached out to share some more about his road to recovery after a suicide attempt. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 18 and I’m joined by Sam. Sam spent close to 10 years in the Army. During this time he faced several challenges including a cancer diagnosis and multiple service related injuries. It was during these times that his mental health deteriorated. This is a must listen episode.  Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected, please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 17 and I’m joined by Dan. Dan spent 10 years in the Australian Defence Force. 6 in the Navy and 4 in the RAAF Fire Rescue. He also deployed to Iraq in 2003. He was a member of the navy boarding teams in Iraq and captured sea mines and POW’s! We also touch on his mental health struggles and life after discharging! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 16 and I’m joined by Tom. From first joining the NZDF to transferring to The ADF, we hear about his life, service in all 3 forces and his journey since discharging. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 15 and I’m joined by my first guest from over the ditch. We get a real insight into what life is like for the men and women in the NZDF. We touch on the struggles Dave faced due to injury and his life post service. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 14 and I’m joined by Big H. From humble beginnings in Penrith, to joining the Army and deploying with his brother, relationship breakdowns and life after serving 16 years. Don’t miss this one!  Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 13 and I’m joined by my first female guest on our regular Thursday show. I get a real insight into what life is like for a woman in the Army! We also chat about the upcoming ‘Beat The Retreat’ Fundraiser!  Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 12 and I’m joined by Zac. We talk about his childhood, life in the army and life since his discharge.  Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 11 and I sit down with Martin. Martin is the Gympie RSL Group Manager. We talk all things RSL and some of the amazing initiatives the Gympie RSL is leading the way with! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10 and I sit down with my mate Derko! We talk all things army and his mental health since his discharge! We also dedicate this show to my dad! Thanks for your service dad. Lest we forget! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9 and I’m joined by Aaron Pearce. We talk about his army service, some wild training exercises and his life after service. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8 and I’m joined by my mate Marlon. We talk all things Navy and his struggles since discharging. We also dedicate this show to our good mate and brother Xmas. GBNF. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7 and I record live from The Veterans Retreat in Mothar Mountain! I sit down with Kylie and talk about how she has transformed her property to a facility for veteran wellness, healing, and homelessness. We also chat about the upcoming ‘Beat The Retreat’ Fundraiser!  Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6 and I’m joined by Ash Pendergast. From humble beginnings growing up in Tewantin, his love of MMA, his service, and deployments to life after discharge and how his passion for MMA has helped build a new community for veterans who love mixed martial arts! Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5 and I’m joined by Matthew Woo. We hear about his travels in Europe as a youngster, his journey through the army and his deployments and he touches on the great work "Wounded Heroes" does for veterans. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4 and I’m joined by another mate of mine JD. From growing up in a remote mining community to life in Brisbane as a teenager to heading overseas for a deployment with the Army and life after his service. Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3 and I sit down and have a yarn with my mate Crowy. We talk about his service, deployments, his mental health struggles and life after leaving the Army.Trigger Warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. You're Never Alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 2 and we are joined by Gerard Irvine. A veteran, businessman and mental health advocate. We touch on his military career and life after service and everything in between! Trigger warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode number 1 and I'm joined by my mate Charlie as we talk about his life in the navy and his life afterwards.Trigger warning: May contain confronting issues, if you are affected please seek professional help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A voice for our veterans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.