True Blue Conversations Podcast
History
About
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.
Episodes
- True Blue Conversations - Geoff Stewart - Western Australian Police Superintendent Ret.
This episode features Geoff Stewart, who served 48 years in the Western Australian Police, retiring as a Superintendent. He discusses his long career, leadership, resilience, and the changes in policing over the decades.
- True Blue Conversations - Barry Randall - Victorian Police Officer / Operation Soul Surfer Founder
Barry Randall, a Victorian Police Officer with over 32 years on the frontline, shares his experiences and discusses the founding of Operation Soul Surf. This program utilizes saltwater therapy to support veterans, first responders, and ind…
- True Blue Conversations - Jared Purcell - Australian Army 2 RAR Veteran and Podcaster Broken Fathers
Jared Purcell, a veteran of the Australian Army's 2 RAR and creator of the Broken Fathers podcast, joins True Blue Conversations to discuss his military experiences, the transition from service, and the challenges and realities of fatherho…
- True Blue Conversations - Mandy Hickson Royal Air Force Fast Jet Pilot Tornado GR4 Combat Pilot / Author
Mandy Hickson, a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot who flew the Tornado GR4 in combat, shares her experiences in aviation, leadership, and performing under pressure. The episode covers her journey into the RAF, the realities of combat…
- True Blue Conversations - Lana Boland - Canadian Police Officer / Author
This episode features Lana Boland, a Canadian police officer and author, discussing her experiences in law enforcement, including navigating high-stress investigations and advocating for mental health within the profession. The conversatio…
- True Blue Conversations - Meg Jarvis - Western Australia Police Detective / Trauma Coach
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Western Australia WA Police Detective Meg Jarvis, who has spent years on the front line of some of the most confronting and complex cases imaginable. Meg's career in policing exposed her to the r…
- True Blue Conversations - Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM EW Operator / Military Police Dog Handler Part 2
Welcome back to part 2 of our chat with Michal Dawson, BM. A man who has lived a life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael is an Australian Army veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handle…
- True Blue Conversations - Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM EW Operator / Military Police Dog Handler Part 1
Today's guest is a man who has lived a life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM is an Australian Army veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handler. He is a recipient of…
- True Blue Conversations - Captain Jonathan "Finchy" Finch
On this week's podcast, I speak with Captain Jonathan Finch, whose 27year journey in the Australian Defence Force reflects the evolution of a peacetime organisation into one operating at an intense operational tempo around the world. Finch…
- True Blue Conversations - Jody Tieche - Voodoo Combat Medic
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Army Combat Medic Jody Tieche, a man whose story is built on service, resilience, and the experiences that come from operating in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Jo…
- 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 Ar…
- 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 of…
- True Blue Conversations - Ben O'Brien - NSW Police Officer
On this week's podcast, I speak with former NSW General Duties Police Officer Ben O'Brien. Ben was born and raised in Sydney. Ben comes from a strong ADF family background. Ben's grandfather was a World War II veteran. Ben had a Great uncl…
- True Blue Conversations - Mark Tregellas - Victorian Police / Commando Regiment Author Veteran
On this week's podcast, I speak with Mark 'Trigger' Tregellas. Mark is a former Victorian Police officer & Australian Army 1 st Commando Regiment Veteran & Author. From a teenage athlete, world adventurer, and martial artist, Mark's thirst…
- True Blue Conversations - Brendan Haley BM - Queensland Police Service (QPS) Police Veteran
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Queensland QPS Police veteran Brendan Haley BM. Joining the QUEENSLAND Police Service aged 18 years, Brendan spent 33 years serving the Queensland community in a variety of locations and roles. S…
- True Blue Conversations - Talissa Papamau 'TJ' - Advanced Medical Technician Combat Medic
On this week's podcast, I speak with Talissa Papamau (TJ), an Afghanistan veteran and former combat medic who served in the Australian Army. Her deployment as part of MTF5 spans the highest loss of Australian life in a 24hr period since th…
- True Blue Conversations - Kurt Ludke 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Kurt Ludke. Kurt was born in Invercargill, NZ, and later moved to Western Australia. Kurt joined the army in 1998. After basic training, he…
- True Blue Conversations - Robert Kilsby - Australian SASR Vietnam Combat Veteran - Author Keynote Speaker
On this week's podcast, I speak with Robert Kilsby, a former Australian Special Forces Special Air Services Regiment Vietnam combat veteran. Born on Boxing Day in 1951 in the small coal-mining town of Leigh Creek, South Australia, Robert's…
- True Blue Conversations - Paul Burns DSC and Bar Colonel Ret. Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment Commanding Officer
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces Special Air Services Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel ret Paul Burns DSC & Bar. Paul served as both a soldier and an officer in the Australian Defence Force for 25 ye…
- True Blue Conversations - Bonnie Hancock - World Record holder for Circumnavigation by Paddling around Australia
On this weeks podcast, I speak with Ironwoman and world record holder, Bonnie Hancock. Bonnie spent 254 days, travelled 12,700 kilometres, battled sea sickness, sharks, crocodiles, and the ocean. Bonnie broke numerous records on her fastes…
- True Blue Conversations - Army Marine Specialist Special Operations Veteran - Chris Ghalayini
On this week's podcast, I speak with former Marine Specialist Chris Ghalayini. Chris joined the Australian Army in transport before transferring to a specialist role as a Marine Specialist. He served across East Timor, Iraq, and within a S…
- True Blue Conversations - Charlie Bezzina Ret. Veteran Police Homicide Detective
On this week's podcast, I speak with Former Victorian Police Officer Charlie Bezzina. Charlie was one of Victoria's top Homicide detectives. In his 17 years in the Homicide Squad, he investigated more than 300 suspicious deaths, including…
- True Blue Conversations - Emma Donaldson - Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RA Sigs)/Wife, Mum, Veterans' Families Advocate Veteran
On this week's podcast, I speak with Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RA Sigs) veteran Emma Donaldson. Emma served for 20 years, both full-time and as a reservist. Emma served in several units throughout Australia. Emma served at 152 Sig…
- True Blue Conversations - US Marine, Police Officer & DEA Agent Bret Hamilton
On this week's podcast, I speak with former US Marine / Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Officer / DEA Agent Bret Hamilton. Bret served in the US Marine Corps as a commissioned Officer. Bret deployed in the 1 st Gulf War. Bret left the Marines…
- True Blue Conversations - Australian Special Forces SASR - Federal Police Veteran Doug Sheridan
On this week's podcast, I speak with Special Air Service Regiment & Australian Federal Police veteran Doug Sheridan, Doug enlisted in the regular army in 1991, posting to 5/7 RAR. In 1997, Doug attempted and completed SASR selection. He se…
- True Blue Conversations - Mark Thomas Victorian Police Sergeant and Code 9 Foundation Founder
On this weeks podcast, I'm joined by Victorian Police Sergeant Mark Thomas and the founder of the Code 9 Foundation. Mark joined the Victorian Police in 1996 and has spent over 29 years in the force. However, over the course of his career…
- True Blue Conversations - Zachary Rolfe BM Australian Army / Northern Territory Police Officer
True Blue Conversations is inclusive of all stories. On this podcast, I speak with Zach Rolfe BM. Zach is a former infantry soldier from the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment and Northern Territory Police Officer. In 2010, Zach enlis…
- True Blue Conversations - Keith Payne VC, AM - Oldest living Victoria Cross Recipient in the World
On todays podcast, I speak with Keith Payne VC, AM, the oldest living recipient of the Victoria Cross in the world. From the battlefields of Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam to the struggle for veterans welfare, Keith Payne has never shied away…
- True Blue Conversations - Royal Australian Navy Medic Karney Armstrong
On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Royal Navy Veteran Karney Armstrong. With over 11 years of service as a medic, Karney's journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. During her career, she faced extraordinary challe…
- True Blue Conversations - Todd Bowler - WAPOL Police Tactical Response Group Veteran
On today's podcast, I speak with Todd Bowler from, Western Australian Police Tactical Response Group Veteran. Todd has 23 years of combined Police experience, consisting of general duties, close personal protection, and undercover work, wi…
- True Blue Conversations - Nick Caldwell - Australian Special Forces 4 RAR Commando / SASR Veteran
On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Veteran Nick Caldwell. Nick spent 12 years in the military. Nick started his career in the Army Reserves before deciding to go full-time. Nick served 6 years as an SAS operator and…
- True Blue Conversations - Kevin Humphreys - BLACK HAWK & CHINOOK / SEARCH & RESCUE HELICOPTER PILOT / AUTHOR VETERAN.
On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Army Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter veteran Kevin Humphreys. Kevin is an inspiring and transformative international keynote speaker, mentor, and author. He's well-known for smashing stereotypes…
- True Blue Conversations - Wayne Weeks - Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment RSM Veteran
Who Dares Wins On today's podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment operator, retired, Regimental Sergeant Major RSM ( RET) Wayne Weeks. Wayne joined the military in 1988, after completing year 12, and se…
- True Blue Conversations - Northern Territory TRG Police Veteran Ben Hosking
On todays podcast, I speak with Ben Hosking. Ben worked for 11 years with the Northern Territory Police Force. Ben started his career as a general duties officer before specialising as a Tactical Police Officer in the TRG. In 2015, Ben com…
- True Blue Conversations - Troy Simmonds 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR Regiment Veteran
On todays podcast, I speak with 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR regiment veteran Troy Simmonds. Troy had a decorated career that included deployments to Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he was also a member of the domesti…
- True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 2
On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterro…
- True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 1
On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterro…
- True Blue Conversations - Linton "Harry" Harris - 1RAR / 2 Cav Veteran
On Todays podcast, I speak with an Australian Army 1 RAR / 2 Cav veteran. This is a story of the tenacity of Linton "HARRY" Harris, joining the army not once but twice, in his quest for purpose. Harry's 1st term of service included deploym…
- True Blue Conversations - - Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver
On this week's podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Secu…
- True Blue Conversations - Shane Cav 3RAR and Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran
On today's podcast, I speak with Shane Cav 3RAR and 2nd Commando Regiment veteran. Shane Cav is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force serving 17 years, enlisting into the infantry in 2006. Post training, he was posted as a paratrooper…
- True Blue Conversations - Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment
On this week's podcast, I speak with Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Jon's journey in health and fitness started when he was young. He was very active in Athletics and was selected to compete in th…
- True Blue Conversations - BEYOND THE DROP ZONE: A PARATROOPER'S STORY
On this week's podcast, I speak with former UK 3 Para and current UK Firefighter Andy Williams. Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andy enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afgh…
- True Blue Conversations - Beyond The Blankets: The Real Stories of Army Logistics
Today, we're honored to introduce Warrant Officer Class One David Smith, a distinguished leader with 35 years of combined full-time and part-time service in the Australian Army. David began his journey on July 12, 1989, and has since built…
- True Blue Conversations - Former NSW Police Detective Deborah Locke – "Whistleblower"
True Blue Conversations is inclusive of all stories, this weeks guest had a controversial policing career not by her choosing. Deborah Locke, a former Detective served 12 years with the NSW police. She began in 1984 as a trainee at the Red…
- True Blue Conversations - AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL FORCES 2ND COMMANDO REGIMENT VETERAN Craig Ball
Welcome back to season 6 of True Blue Conversations podcast: On this week's podcast, I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Craig Ball. Craig passed Commando selection in 2000 as a reservist and went fu…
- True Blue Conversations - NSW Rural Fire Service Area Commander Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White
On this weeks podcast, I speak with NSW Rural Fire Service Area Commander Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White. Kelwyn commenced her service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and, since then has worked across NSW in Distric…
- True Blue Conversations - Margaret Cunneen SC - "The Boxing Butterfly A Life Of Conviction"
On this weeks podcast, I spoke with Australian barrister & Public Prosecutor now defence lawyer Margaret Cunneen SC. For over four decades, Margaret Cunneen helped put away some of Australia's worst, as a crown prosecutor and, as her profi…
- True Blue Conversations - Col. Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell Retired A - 10 Warthog Pilot & Best Selling Author
On this week's episode I spoke with Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell DFC "Retd" served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience…
- True Blue Conversations - Western Australian Police Officer Detective Kristi McVee
On this week's episode I spoke with Western Australian Police Officer Kristi McVee, a former detective and specialist child interviewer, she spent years investigating child sexual abuse and prosecuting pedophiles. In this chat, she gets re…
- True Blue Conversations - Veteran Rod Henderson - Australian 3RAR Paratrooper, Army Aviation Loadmaster & Author
On this week's Episode 101: I spoke with Rod Henderson former 3RAR Paratrooper & Army Aviation Loadmaster. Rod spent a total of 22 years within the Australian Defence Force both serving as a paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Austra…