True Blue Conversations Podcast

Adam is joined in a 3-part Episode with Royal Australian Navy Commander Sandy Coulson CSM Rtd. Serving for 26 years fulltime service then transferring to the reserves. Sandy joined the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) as an Officer Cadet in late 1974. There were only 25 WRANS Officers plus an even smaller group of female nurses who made up the RAN Nursing Service. Commander Coulson was commissioned as an officer in the Navy in March 1975 and specialised as an Administration Officer and became the senior Administration Officer in the RAN. Sandy was the first female Executive Officer (Second in Command) of the Navy's submarine base HMAS PLATYPUS from 1988 to 1990 from where she was promoted to the rank of Commander. Sandy was also the first female member of the Directing Staff of the RAN Staff College at HMAS PENGUIN (the Navy's management and leadership training college). The highlight of her career was when she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2000 for 'outstanding achievement as the Senior Naval Officer South Australia'. The citation for her award referred to her as an 'inspirational officer who has provided outstanding support and advocacy to the Naval community, particularly to submariners. She is an outstanding role model.' Sandy's story is one of being a trailblazer for women and breaking the glass ceiling. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sandy Coulson Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Adam is joined in a 3-part Episode with Royal Australian Navy Commander Sandy Coulson CSM Rtd. Serving for 26 years fulltime service then transferring to the reserves. Sandy joined the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) as an Officer Cadet in late 1974. There were only 25 WRANS Officers plus an even smaller group of female nurses who made up the RAN Nursing Service. Commander Coulson was commissioned as an officer in the Navy in March 1975 and specialised as an Administration Officer and became the senior Administration Officer in the RAN. Sandy was the first female Executive Officer (Second in Command) of the Navy's submarine base HMAS PLATYPUS from 1988 to 1990 from where she was promoted to the rank of Commander. Sandy was also the first female member of the Directing Staff of the RAN Staff College at HMAS PENGUIN (the Navy's management and leadership training college). The highlight of her career was when she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2000 for 'outstanding achievement as the Senior Naval Officer South Australia'. The citation for her award referred to her as an 'inspirational officer who has provided outstanding support and advocacy to the Naval community, particularly to submariners. She is an outstanding role model.' Sandy's story is one of being a trailblazer for women and breaking the glass ceiling. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sandy Coulson Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Adam is joined in a 3-part Episode with Royal Australian Navy Commander Sandy Coulson CSM Rtd. Serving for 26 years fulltime service then transferring to the reserves. Sandy joined the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) as an Officer Cadet in late 1974. There were only 25 WRANS Officers plus an even smaller group of female nurses who made up the RAN Nursing Service. Commander Coulson was commissioned as an officer in the Navy in March 1975 and specialised as an Administration Officer and became the senior Administration Officer in the RAN. Sandy was the first female Executive Officer (Second in Command) of the Navy's submarine base HMAS PLATYPUS from 1988 to 1990 from where she was promoted to the rank of Commander. Sandy was also the first female member of the Directing Staff of the RAN Staff College at HMAS PENGUIN (the Navy's management and leadership training college). The highlight of her career was when she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2000 for 'outstanding achievement as the Senior Naval Officer South Australia'. The citation for her award referred to her as an 'inspirational officer who has provided outstanding support and advocacy to the Naval community, particularly to submariners. She is an outstanding role model.' Sandy's story is one of being a trailblazer for women and breaking the glass ceiling. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sandy Coulson Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Rebecca Doyle is the Director of the Sir John Monash Centre, in Villers-Bretonneux, France. Rebecca is also the senior in-country representative for the Department of Veterans' Affairs, as Counsellor accredited to the Australian Embassy in Paris. Prior to her appointment as Director of the Sir John Monash Centre, Rebecca was the Director of the Overseas Memorials Section in the Office of Australian War Graves, overseeing 40 official Australian memorials in 16 Nations, Adam sat down With Rebecca live in France to understand Why Australians come to France and Belgium to go on a pilgrimage and honour the 46000 ANZACS that fell on the Western Front from 1916 to 1918. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Rebecca Doyle Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In this week's Episode Adam is having a conversation with AWM Historian Michael Kelly about Australia's involvement in a largely overlooked conflict - the 'Malayan Emergency'. . The 'Emergency' began in mid-1948, but Australia's involvement didn't begin until 1950, the year the Korean War started. Australia's initial commitment was from the RAAF with supply drops and other aerial operations. This extended to bombing runs against the Communist forces in 1954. By 1955, Aussie troops were committed and undertook extensive patrolling and other operations against the guerrillas. The RAN also patrolled Malayan waters during the latter part of the decade. Although the Emergency was declared over by the end of July 1960, Australian forces remained in Malaya undertaking anti-communist operations until August 1963. By the end of the Malayan Emergency, Australia had lost 39 serviceman killed (15 on operations), with a further 27 wounded. Presenter: Adam Bl Guest: Michael Kelly Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In this week's conversation Adam is joined by former Australian Muay Thai kick-boxing champion and Aussie soldier, Paul 'Warlord' Waaaaaarrrrrrennnnn! Paul is no stranger to the physically punishing world of martial arts at its highest level and the demands of being a soldier. But nothing could prepare him for the violence and brutality of the fight he found himself in barely a month after arriving in Afghanistan in July 2009. A fight that saw the death of his mate; Private Ben Ranaudo. Thanks to the quick-thinking of his battalion-mates and the wonders of modern battlefield medical evacuations, Paul Warren's life was saved with a quick trip in a helicopter that saw him in surgery within 16 minutes. During the conversation with Adam, Paul shares about the many dark times grappling with the shattering effects of PTSD, and the hammer-like blows of guilt and grief over the death of his mate, Benny. At his lowest, Paul thought about 'tapping out', like many other soldiers in similar circumstances and describes his road to recovery as a desperately painful process. However, sustained by the love for his kids, and through self-discipline, sheer mental will, and physical toughness often displayed in the ring, Paul is winning the fight. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Paul Warren Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In this week's episode Adam is having a conversation with Air Vice-Marshal (Retired) John Quaife. John spent 28 years living every young kids dream as a fighter pilot with the Royal Australian Air Force. He is a graduate of the RAAF's 'top gun' training course and his service career included command of one of Australia's finest fighter squadrons. Of particular interest is that John is one of a small number of pilots who has successfully ejected from their stricken aircraft. That is a story worth listening in for. By 2002 John was one of Australia's most experienced fighter pilots and commanded all strike and fighter squadrons in Australia. On promotion to Air Vice-Marshal, John was appointed Air Commander Australia - the RAAF's most senior operational commander. In 2005 he was attached to United States Central Command as director of all coalition air operations in the Middle East theatre. "I feel the need, the need for speed!" Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: John Quaife Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In the first podcast of Season 4 Adam is joined by the man with the moustache and a love for reading, 6 RAR infantry Captain, Dylan Conway. Dylan is the founder of BrothersNBooks, a charity that is seeking to make reading cool again. BrothersNBooks was founded in 2020 after the pandemic crisis which saw millions of people around the world suffering from isolation and lockdowns, poor mental health and a sense of helplessness. Through his own mental and physical struggles during his recovery from 9 lower back surgeries (including the amputation of his lower back), Dylan found purpose through reading books. From that moment he made it his mission to start this amazing charity to help others who are suffering with mental health issues. Dylan's example of triumph over adversity is a true inspiration to all who are suffering psychological issues. It was through his own determination and the power of reading that he has overcome many of his mental and physical setbacks. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Dylan Conway Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In season 3 finale Adam interviews Troy Knight, Troy is a former Royal Australian Airforce Joint Terminal Attack Controller, Author, and PSD Operator. The Combat Controllers are known as the Special Forces unit of the Air Force, with Troy deploying alongside members of the Special Operations Task Group in combat in the Middle East. Throughout his Military career Troy deployed on multiple operations to Iraq, Sumatra and Afghanistan tasked with combat air control calling in ordinates in a combat area. Troy also spent time working in the private security sector in Iraq and throughout Asia. Troy is now retired and spends his time and resources giving back to the veteran community. Troy's book "Havoc 06" tells his journey to Special forces, and sheds light on the struggles he and many veterans face once they leave the combat zone, and transition from Defence to civilian life. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Troy Knight Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Chris May joined the Australian Army at 16.9months, Chris was a war veteran at nineteen deploying to Afghanistan in 2009, Chris deployed again in 2011 and on September 23rd 2011, Chris's life changed forever when he survived driving over an improvised explosive device. Chris has gone on to do so much for veterans and veterans mental health he formed Young Veterans with his brother and was the winner of the John Church award in 2017, and now Chris works full time for Fire Rescue Victoria. Chris's story is one of true Grit and determination and never giving up, he is a true leader and has a positive outlook on life. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Chris May Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

What would you do if you were stranded in the coldest place on earth as the world you knew back home changed forever… Adam speaks with Author David Knoff, As station leader at the Davis Research Station in Antarctica, David was leading 24 expeditions on a standard mission when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, international travel came to a standstill and their ride home was cancelled – Indefinitely, What was supposed to be a routine season became a high pressure cauldron of uncertainty and anxiety where everyone was pushed to their mental limits. Facing unprecedented challenges, including a complex medical evacuation and a fire on the ship meant to get them out, David would need all his experience as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat to keep the team safe and get them home, albeit to a world that was changed forever. 537 Days of Winter is a high-octane, sub -zero story unlike any other in modern Antarctic history. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mark Wales Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: David Knoff

During his recent visit to the battlefields of the Western Front, Adam visited the medieval town of Ypres (modern day Ieper), and sat down with the chairman of the Last Post Association, Benoit Mottrie. The Last Post Association is an independent voluntary, non-profit organisation who founded the Last Post Ceremony back in 1928. It is still responsible for this unique daily act of homage to this very day. The mission of the Last Post Association is to honour and remember the soldiers of the British Empire who gave their lives during the Great War. The daily Last Post Ceremony seeks to express the lasting gratitude which we all owe to the men who fought and fell for the restoration of peace, and the independence of Belgium. Every evening just before 8pm, the local Police halt the traffic passing through the Menin Gate to the east of the town centre. For a brief moment the modern world is brought to a stop, as the solemn Last Post Ceremony allows us to reflect on the men who passed through this gate on their way to the deadly battlefields of the Ypres Salient. The cost of war is all too evident as we stand under the Menin Gate where 54,000 names to the missing are recorded. Men who have not had the honour of a proper military burial. No grave for family to visit and tend. We pause and remember their sacrifice. In the words of Field Marshal Plumber, pronounced during the unveiling of the monument in July 1927 " HE is not missing, he is here". These men still lie in Flanders Fields. We owe it to them to remember their ultimate sacrifice they made for our freedom. Lest we forget. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Benoit Mottrie Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Adam is joined by former special operations team commander, SASR Major Mark Wales (RET). Among his many career achievements Mark is the author of "Survivor: Life in the SAS", the founder of fashion label, "Kill Kapture", and the winner of the TV phenomenon, "Survivor". Mark shared his experiences of his time away on multiple deployments, his life after service, particularly in building resilience and finding purpose again. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mark Wales Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Tim Thomas is a former special forces Australian Commando serving in the 2nd Commando Regiment, Tim was one of the first to take part in the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS) in 2004, The SFDRS aims to attract 23-29 year old males with high fitness levels and a proven ability to excel. The higher recruitment standards aim to assist not only in enlisting people of the desired quality, but also in accelerating them through the training system. A Commando Regiment is a Special Forces Unit that conducts large-scale offensive operations beyond the scope and capability of other ADF elements. These include, but are not limited to, special recovery, special reconnaissance, offensive operations and support operations. Tim served in Timor and saw combat in Afghanistan in 2009, following his discharge in 2010 he experienced Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) that saw him ultimately become heavily involved in the 'Veteran Recovery' field assisting others effectively deal with their experiences. Tim is the author of the book Fight Flight Feel, and as the cover says he is the Commando In Your Corner. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Tim Thomas Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Tim Thomas is a former special forces Australian Commando serving in the 2nd Commando Regiment, Tim was one of the first to take part in the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS) in 2004, The SFDRS aims to attract 23-29 year old males with high fitness levels and a proven ability to excel. The higher recruitment standards aim to assist not only in enlisting people of the desired quality, but also in accelerating them through the training system. A Commando Regiment is a Special Forces Unit that conducts large-scale offensive operations beyond the scope and capability of other ADF elements. These include, but are not limited to, special recovery, special reconnaissance, offensive operations and support operations. Tim served in Timor and saw combat in Afghanistan in 2009, following his discharge in 2010 he experienced Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) that saw him ultimately become heavily involved in the 'Veteran Recovery' field assisting others effectively deal with their experiences. Tim is the author of the book Fight Flight Feel, and as the cover says he is the Commando In Your Corner. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Tim Thomas Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Kane Vandenberg Digger Day Digger Day was founded in 2012 as a fundraising event in support of veterans in the local community who had sustained physical or psychological disability from their military service. It is organised through the totally and Permanently Incapacitated Ex- Servicemen & Women Association and the RSL. It is an event unlike our two current commemorative events Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, both of which primarily commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of all our veterans and fallen in all our past wars and conflicts. Digger Day is a day of celebration rather then commemoration, showcasing our current serving men and women and more importantly our Nation's and Commonwealth's highest award for valour, the Victoria Cross. Whilst this event is and always will be for veterans, it has highlighted that the term Digger is not always about veterans, but is a term synonymous with mateship, camaraderie, doing what is right and helping your mate in any situation no matter the cost. As such, the day also honours our civilian heroes, those recipients of the George Cross and Cross of Valour. These heroes performed acts of gallantry and valour, often on the spur of the moment in saving fellow Australians. For this they should be recognised and given the same accolade and respect as their military counterpart. Digger Day is about honouring and celebrating these Australian heroes. Adam is joined by Founder of Digger Day and Chairman of the Keith Payne VC Veterans Benefit Group, Rich Meehan OAM JP, formed in 2018 to talk about Digger Day 2022 the first in 3 years due to Covid. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Rick Meehan OAM Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Hailing from Melbourne George Petrou is a successful graphic designer and acclaimed portrait artist. Passionate about ordinary Australians who have served our nation with gallantry and sacrifice, George captures the eye and gives voice and further life to their incredible stories. George's portraits proudly hang in museums in France, Government House Canberra, and a range of military institutions across Australia As a patron for TPI Victoria Inc, George assists in supporting the interests and welfare of ex-servicemen and women, their families and dependents. In June 2020 George was awarded an OAM for "Services to the Visual Arts and to Veterans", and in the same year he released his amazing book, The Art Of Sacrifice. – a haunting and poignant exploration of George's life and the Anzac Spirit. With over 70 portraits, 63 stories, and numerous serendipitous moments, George explores the idea of valour, of courage, bravery, and of sacrifice. Using images of the past and stories of today, he connects the past with our present within a unique and powerful environment. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: George Petrou Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Pete Rudland joined the Australian Defence Force on 21 March 1989. He spent 28 years in the Royal Australian Infantry and served in 3RAR, 4RAR, The Parachute Training School, SASR and 2CDO Regiment. Pete deployed to Cambodia as part of UNTAC in 1993, to Iraq with the SASR during the 1997 bombing campaign, East Timor in 2001 as part of the 4RAR (CDO) deployment, Iraq in 2003 as part of an exchange with British forces, Timor Leste in 2006 with 4RAR (CDO) and Afghanistan in 2010 as part of ACOY 2CDO.On 21 June 2010, three Australian Commandos and a US soldier were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Pete was wounded in the crash and received multiple muscle-skeletal injuries and a frontal lobe bleed. As a result of the injuries, Pete was discharged from Defence on 08 November 2017. Since being wounded he started a company counselling soldiers, police and emergency services for PTS, depression and associated illnesses. Peter is now a national ambassador For RSL Australia. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Peter Rudland Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

The remarkable wartime experiences of Kit McNaughton Kitty's War is based upon the previously unpublished war diaries of Great War army nurse Sister Kit McNaughton. Kit and historian Janet Butler grew up in the same Victorian district of drystone walls, wheatfields and meandering creeks, except many decades apart. The idea of this young nurse setting out on a journey in July 1915 which would take her across the world and into the First World War took hold of Janet Butler and inspired her to research and share Kit's story. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Dr Janet Butler Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Carly Box served in the Australian Army for 11 years, where she became the first female to enlist into a Combat Corps as an operator of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs, commonly known as Drones). She deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 as a ScanEagle UAV operator, racking up over 1000 operational flying hours, returning in 2013 as a Shadow mission commander. Carly now co-owns the successful Barracks Gym in Brisbane, and hosts the Becoming Badass podcast. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Carly Box Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Gwen Cherne was appointed as the inaugural Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner on the Repatriation Commission in August 2020. The following year in March, Gwen was selected as a member of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission. Gwen is committed to representing the perspectives of veteran families in ongoing policy and decision-making across Government. As a single mother with two young children at home, and having tragically lost her husband to suicide, Gwen is acutely aware of many of the challenges that Defence families face. "I am proud to be the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner and to be charged with ensuring the voice of veterans' families are heard,' Gwen says. "As the widow and mother of veterans I am very passionate about this work and the important role that families play in Australia's veteran support system. There is so much we can, and should, learn from families and I will make sure we do." Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Gwen Cherne Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Warrant Officer Kevin Arthur "Dasher" Wheatley VC enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1956. He served in Malaya with various units until 1965 when he was posted to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV). Dasher is one of the most extraordinary characters in Australian military history. He was a husband, father, champion footballer and one of the finest soldiers this country has ever produced. The story of his sacrifice is used by the ADF to this day as a perfect example of valour and mateship. Although he is one of the most famous Victoria Cross recipients of all time, his story has never been fully told, until now. Author Michael Madden's book captures every sense of this compelling story of courage, sacrifice and never leaving your mates behind. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Michael Madden Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

In this Special 50th episode of True Blue History I am joined by Former Australian Army intelligence Officer Major Sarah Watson. Sarah served 18.5 years in the military, including a deployment to Iraq where she provided strategic intelligence support to Overwatch Battlegroup West 2. Sarah discharged from the Army in 2015, Since that time Sarah has thrown herself into supporting Veterans through her work with 'Soldier On', and 'Mates for Mates'. Sarah competed in the 2017 Invictus games winning 5 gold and 2 silver in swimming, cycling and athletics events. When Sarah is not helping veterans she is busy raising her two sons George and David, training for triathlons, and running her new business 'Good 2 Go' mindset. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sarah Watson Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

My guest today is former SAS Sergeant Harry Moffitt, who spent the majority of his 30 years in Australia's Defence Force with the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). Harry completed 11 service deployments amassing nearly 1,000 days on combat operations globally, including being wounded in action in 2008. He completed his time with the SASR as its Director of High-Performance. He recently authored his memoir, Eleven Bats, a book about his military service and his love of cricket. He has a research Master of Psychology from Deakin University and recently completed a Harvard Business School Program. Harry and his family are based in Melbourne where he practises as a psychologist and strategic advisor across high performing sports, corporate, and government organisations as the founder and Director of Performance at Stotan Group. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Anthony "Harry" Moffitt Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Welcome to a very special episode with today's guest, Dr Aaron Pegram as we talk about one of the Australians' most significant military actions during the Great War In early April 1918, the Australians and British had successfully defended the French village of Villers Bretonneux, only to have it lost later that month on 24 April. With the German Spring Offensive still threatening to break through towards the crucial transport and communications centre of Amiens, two exhausted Australian Brigades rushed towards Villers Bretonneux that afternoon to not only stop the German advance, but to retake the town. The significance of the pending anniversary was not lost on these Aussie troops as they fixed bayonets and waited in the darkness for the order to attack... Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Dr Aaron Pegram Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Welcome back to our podcast with former Australian Army Combat Engineer, Author, Paralympian Gold medallist and World Champion, Curtis McGrath. We previously learned of his near-death experience with a landmine in Afghanistan that cost him his legs. In Part 2, we speak with Curtis about his road to recovery; not just physically, but mentally. Through his passion for sport Curtis approached every setback and challenge with courage, resilience, humour, grit and determination. This saw him compete in two Paralympic games where he won several gold medals. His is a truly inspiring story. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Curtis McGrath Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

In todays podcast Adam is joined by former Australian Army Combat Engineer, Author, Paralympian Gold medallist and World Champion, Curtis McGrath. While serving in Afghanistan in 2012, Curtis stepped on a land mine, which resulted in life threatening injuries. Still conscious and aware he'd bleed out within minutes, Curtis, as the unit's chief first aid officer, calmly directed his comrades to apply tourniquets and administer an IV and morphine. As Curtis was stretchered to a helicopter, fearing he would never see his family again, he joked that he would one day become a Paralympian. Against the odds, just months later Curtis was up and walking on prosthetic legs, motivated by the opportunity to march with his unit in their welcome home ceremony. Kayaking gave Curtis a new sense of purpose and this saw him go on and win Gold in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In 2021, Curtis stormed home to victory in the Tokyo Paralympic Games bringing home 2 more Gold medals. Through his passion for sport and how it can transform lives, Curtis is ready to share his extraordinary story, and how he has approached every setback and challenge with courage, resilience, humour, grit and determination. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Curtis McGrath Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

It is the 80th anniversary of Kokoda this year and who better to have along to talk about that then Dr Karl James of the Australian War Memorial. Dr James will talk about his book, Kokoda: Beyond the Legend, and how the fighting in New Guinea from July through to November 1942 was some of the toughest of the Second World War. The Japanese were rolling through the Pacific in early 1942 and seemed unstoppable. For the first time, Australia was virtually in the front line and experienced the effects of 'Total War' with the bombing of Darwin in February of that year. For many Australians, the threat of invasion seemed all too real. But, just how significant was the battle within the Pacific theatre, and was Australia ever really in danger of a Japanese invasion? Find out as we talk about Kokoda: Beyond the Legend. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Dr Karl James Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

In Part 3 of our chat with, former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Sergeant McQuilty 'Coco' Quirke NSC, Coco will be talking about his long recovery after being blown up by an IED, and the determination he showed when cancer tragically affected his family. By cultivating a positive mindset and developing resilience, Coco and his family got through that tough time together. He is now a motivational speaker, sharing his story to help others who face similar adversity. The future is bright for Coco and his family. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: McQuilty Quirke Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

In Part 2 of our chat with, former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Sergeant McQuilty 'Coco' Quirke NSC, Coco will be talking about fighting demons from his tour of Iraq and overcoming PTSD arising from that deployment. Deploying again in 2011 in Afghanistan McQuilty's life changed forever when on 13 August 2011, he was blown out of the back of the Bush Master after hitting an IED. He received life-threating wounds but fought courageously and with great determination to overcome what many would never have survived. By cultivating a positive mindset and developing resilience, Coco was well on the road to recovery. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: McQuilty Quirke Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Our special guest for today is former Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Sergeant McQuilty Quirke NSC. Despite receiving life-threating wounds in battle, he fought courageously and with great determination to overcome PTSD arising from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. McQuilty joined the Medical Corps because he wanted to save lives. 'Coco' to his mates, he was a soldier, a medic, a leader, but in a brief moment, his life was suddenly in the hands of the blokes around him. He deployed to East Timor in 2001, and to Iraq in 2006. Like many other veterans, McQuilty's return home was not a smooth transition, and his life descended into a nightmare of excessive alcohol consumption to drown out the horrors of his time in Iraq. However, unlike many people, McQuilty had a loving and supportive wife, and two kids, all of who saved him from a perilous journey. In 2007, McQuilty's exceptional skills were recognised when he was awarded the extremely rare, but well-deserved, Nursing Service Cross for his lifesaving treatment of a badly injured soldier in 2004. By cultivating a positive mindset and developing resilience, McQuilty fought hard to be deployed again. These traits were to be sorely tested when McQuilty was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. On 13 August 2011, McQuilty's life changed again, forever... Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: McQuilty Quirke Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Welcome back everyone, and thanks for joining me and my good mate, Battlefield Historian, Pete Smith, for Part 2 of our walk around the iconic Belgian town of Ypres. Known as 'Wipers' to the Allied soldiers, the town and surrounding countryside were the scene of some of the most fierce and tragic events on the Western Front during the Great War. 'Lest We Forget' all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Pete Smith Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Former Australian Army Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment, Electronic Warfare operator Team Leader Corporal Andy Fermo. Andy enlisted in the regular Army in 2001 as an Electronic Warfare (EW) operator in Royal Australian Signals Corps. In 2006, he was posted to 2 Commando, immediately deploying domestically with Tactical Assault Group-East in support of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Having worked closely with Special Forces during this time he undertook the arduous selection process, becoming Commando qualified and realised a career goal. Andy did two (2) operational deployments to Afghanistan as an Electronic Warfare Team Leader and was awarded a Special Forces Commendation for his performance during his first deployment. Over two special episodes, Andy shares what its like to be a Special Forces Commando, the toll it took on his life, and why he is optimistic about the future. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Andy Fermo Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

Former Australian Army Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment, Electronic Warfare operator Team Leader Corporal Andy Fermo. Andy enlisted in the regular Army in 2001 as an Electronic Warfare (EW) operator in Royal Australian Signals Corps. In 2006, he was posted to 2 Commando, immediately deploying domestically with Tactical Assault Group-East in support of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Having worked closely with Special Forces during this time he undertook the arduous selection process, becoming Commando qualified and realised a career goal. Andy did two (2) operational deployments to Afghanistan as an Electronic Warfare Team Leader and was awarded a Special Forces Commendation for his performance during his first deployment. Over two special episodes, Andy shares what its like to be a Special Forces Commando, the toll it took on his life, and why he is optimistic about the future. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Andy Fermo Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

G'day and welcome to the third season of True Blue History. Thanks to all those who have supported the podcast, and a special welcome to new listeners. What a line-up of great guests and topics we have for you this year, On today's podcast, we'll be joining my good mate, Battlefield tour guide, Pete Smith, on a walk around the iconic Belgian town of Ypres. Known as 'Wipers' to the Allied soldiers, the town and surrounding countryside were the scene of some of the most fierce and tragic events on the Western Front during the Great War. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Pete Smith Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

The largest mass escape of prisoners-of-war in modern military history occurred on Australian soil during the Second World War. Attempting to overcome the disgrace of captivity 1,104 Japanese prisoners-of-war escaped from the prisoner-of-war camp in Cowra, New South Wales. Mat McLachlan shares insights about the Cowra Breakout and what Prime Minister John Curtin later called 'a suicidal disregard for life'. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Mat McLachlan Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Former Australian Army Special Forces, 2nd Commando Regiment, Warrant Officer Nick Hill served in Malaysia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as being deployed to other countries including Egypt and the United States of America. Over two episodes, Nick shares fascinating insights about his twenty-five-year career (1989-2014), as well as family members who include a Victoria Cross recipient and a nuclear physicist who was involved with the Manhattan Project and Atomic Testing during the Second World War. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Nick Hill Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Former Australian Army Special Forces, 2nd Commando Regiment, Warrant Officer Nick Hill served in Malaysia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as being deployed to other countries including Egypt and the United States of America. Over two episodes, Nick shares fascinating insights about his twenty-five-year career (1989-2014), as well as family members who include a Victoria Cross recipient and a nuclear physicist who was involved with the Manhattan Project and Atomic Testing during the Second World War. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Nick Hill Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Former Australian Army Special Forces, 2nd Commando Regiment, Warrant Officer Nick Hill served in Malaysia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as being deployed to other countries including Egypt and the United States of America. Over two episodes, Nick shares fascinating insights about his twenty-five-year career (1989-2014), as well as family members who include a Victoria Cross recipient and a nuclear physicist who was involved with the Manhattan Project and Atomic Testing during the Second World War. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Nick Hill Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Remembering respectfully those who have died in the service of their country is one of the aims of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Faced with the daunting task of locating and burying fallen veterans after the First World War, the Commission created cemeteries that were respectful of the fallen and functional for those who would visit. Pete Smith shares the history of the Commission, the role it plays today and how people can visit these beautiful but poignant resting places of the fallen. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Pete Smith Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Fresh from high school, Rach Ranton, like all recruits in the Australian Army, was abruptly introduced to a new style of leadership upon her arrival at Kapooka in 1997. For over a decade, Rach served as an Electronic Weapons operator and was deployed to East Timor and Afghanistan. Following her military career, Rach has received acclaim as an author, TED and keynote speaker and is passionate about sharing her insights about leadership, teamwork and courage, drawn from her military and corporate experiences. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Rach Ranton Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

The Battles of El Alamein conjure images of legendary the Allied 'Spartan General' Field Marshal Montgomery and the Axis 'Desert Fox' Field Marshal Rommel. Pitting their armies against each other in fierce fighting in the Western Desert the loss for the Axis was profoundly significant. Australian War Memorial Senior Historian Craig Tibbitts discusses the battles and the role played by Australian troops in this pivotal World War 2 Allied victory. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Craig Tibbitts Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Authors and Australian Defence Force veterans, Jennifer Crane and Melanie Bird CSC share a passion for recording the stories of female veterans. They have collected the stories and creative works of women who have served in the ADF since 1960. The authors' goal was to capture female veterans' unique 'spirit' through the different forms in which they chose to express their service. They share their insights not only about the book but also the service of female veterans. Presenter: Adam Blum Guests: Jennifer Crane and Melanie Bird CSC Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

It was Cameron Stewart Baird's 40th birthday on 7 June 2021. He wasn't there. Corporal Baird was killed in action on 22 June 2013 in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. Cameron was posthumously honoured with Australia's highest honour award the Victoria Cross for his bravery. Families of the men and women who serve, know the price of their loved one's service. Doug Baird, OAM, reflects about his son's life and service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Doug Baird OAM Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Conscripted into National Service in 1968, Gary McKay neither knew where Vietnam was or cared. In 1971, Gary's brave leadership led to the successful withdrawl of his section and platoon and he was awarded the Military Cross. After Vietnam, Gary served in the Australian Army. Gary is Australia's most prolific author about the Vietnam War and shares his insights regarding one of Australia's most unpopular wars. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Gary McKay MC Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Researcher: Justin Guion Image: Supplied by Gary McKay

Following the Battle of Fromelles in 1916, 250 Australian soldiers were buried in a mass grave behind the German lines and lay unnoticed for nearly nine decades. Determined to find them, amateur historian Lambis Englezos, AM, led the efforts to discover where the missing soldiers were. Lambis shares the amazing story of the discovery and recovery of this group of Australia's war dead. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Lambis Englezos AM Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike.

The Korean War does not have the same extent of public recognition in Australia as World War 1, World War 2 and the Vietnam War. For many people, their only knowledge of the war has been gained from watching the popular American television series M*A*S*H. ANZAC Memorial historian Brad Manera discusses Australia's involvement in the war and questions related to the nature of its operation to help provide greater visibility for a largely ignored war. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Brad Manera Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike

Respite from the horrors of the battlefield was an integral part of life for the Australian Imperial Force. Life behind the lines was essential for the sanity and morale of the troops however, it did not guarantee the troops safety. While some used their time for sightseeing and entertainment, others sought quiet solace. Battlefield historian and host of the Battle Walks podcast, Pete Smith shares how the men utilised their time away from the battlefields of the Great War. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Pete Smith Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Image: AWM EZ0094

British author and television documentary producer, Richard van Emden, interviewed over 270 Great War veterans over a period of twenty years. Richard's book, Britain's Last Tommies, records the men's stories and memories about what they endured. Richard shares the challenges of undertaking an oral history project of this nature and his memories of the men who shared with him the ordeal of fighting in an unprecedented global war. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Richard van Emden Editor: Kyle Watkins Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike Image: Supplied by Richard van Emden