5 With A Digger Podcast

Episode 106 and I’m joined by Brenden ‘Chuck’ Berry. Brenden Berry is a former Australian soldier, instructor, and Australian Border Force firearms and defensive tactics trainer, with nearly 40 years of service behind him.A third-generation cavalryman, Brenden enlisted in 1989 and served across multiple units including 3/4 Cavalry Regiment, 2RAR, and 3RAR. His deployments include Rwanda during the UN mission following the genocide, East Timor, and Iraq with SECDET 9.Alongside his military career, Brenden represented both the Australian Army and state rugby, while also serving as an instructor shaping the next generation of soldiers. After discharging from full-time service, he continued giving back spending a decade training officers within the Australian Border Force.A career built on resilience, discipline, and hard-earned lessons — this is one you won’t want to miss.Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 105 and I’m joined by Tod. Tod is a former Australian Army Combat Engineer who served 12 years in the Corps from 2009–2021.Starting his career as a young Sapper, Tod spent his early years on the tools as a Combat Engineer before transitioning into the civil construction side of the trade, eventually rising through the ranks to Corporal.Across his time in service he was involved in a huge range of work — from AACAP projects in remote communities around Australia, to major exercises like Hamel and Cultana, and operational tasks including:• Refurbishment works at Navy Dive School – Shoalwater Bay• Infrastructure builds on Nauru• Flood relief operations in Port MacquarieTod also spent two years posted to the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy as an instructor, helping train and mentor the next generation of Combat Engineers coming through the Corps.But this episode goes deeper than just the jobs and deployments.We talk about life in the Army, the challenges that come with service, the personal battles along the way, and what life looks like on the other side.Another powerful conversation and another important story.Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 104 and I’m joined by Keegsy. Keegsy signed up to the Australian Army in 2009 at just 17 years old, joining the Infantry and posting to 8/9 RAR. In 2010, he deployed to Timor — a young digger getting his first taste of operational service early in his career.By 2012, Keegsy was heading to Malaysia alongside 6RAR, continuing to build experience, strengthen his skills, and forge the kind of mateship only infantry life can create. After four solid years in green, Keegsy discharged in 2013, stepping into a new mission — building a career as a mechanic and navigating the transition to life on civvy street.From joining the Army as a teenager, to deployment, to life after service we dive into the journey, the lessons learned, the brotherhood, and what it really looks like to transition young. Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 103 and I’m joined by Michael Lappin. Michael is a Newcastle-based speaker and advocate whose journey is raw, real, and powerful. Raised in a military household, Michael grew up witnessing the long-term effects of service firsthand. His father served 35 years in the Australian Army, also being as a Vietnam veteran. Like many defence families, the impact of untreated PTSD shaped life at home in ways that lasted for years.After decades battling addiction, Michael spent 13 years in prison. But that wasn’t the end of his story — it was the turning point.Since his release, he’s rebuilt his life from the ground up and now speaks openly about addiction, incarceration, trauma, accountability, and what true rehabilitation actually looks like.https://www.instagram.com/michaellappin1978?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Shoutout to Now That’s Dramas Podcast for letting us use their studio!Now Thats Dramas Podcast – Now That’s Dramas PodcastFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 102 and I’m joined by Matthew French. Matthew is an Australian Army veteran, Infantry Paratrooper, former leader in Veteran Mentors, and now the CEO of The Youth Regiment. After serving his country on deployment, Matthew transitioned his passion for leadership and mentorship into the civilian space — co-founding Veteran Mentors and delivering impactful programs for young people facing real adversity across Australia.Today, through The Youth Regiment, he’s driving an Australia-first, veteran-led movement focused on early intervention, discipline, resilience, and real-world life skills. With long-term mentorship and a strong family-first ethos at its core, the program is helping shape stronger teenagers, stronger families, and stronger communities.This is a powerful conversation about service, purpose, and building the next generation of resilient young Australians. HOME | The Youth RegimentShoutout to Now That’s Dramas Podcast for letting us use their studio!Now Thats Dramas Podcast – Now That’s Dramas PodcastFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 101 and I’m joined by Ryan. Ryan enlisted in 2009, marched out of Kapooka in 2010 and posted to 3RAR. He completed Basic Parachute Course, Assault Pioneer Course, deployed to Afghanistan with MTF-5, later qualified as a Combat Engineer before transferring to become an ADF Firefighter with 6 Aviation Regiment.Medically discharged in 2017 with physical and mental injuries, Ryan did what many struggle to do — he rebuilt. He faced his demons, sorted his injuries, and turned pain into purpose.Since leaving the Army he’s run operations for Veteran Mentors, opened his own strength & conditioning facility (REVL Training), and now serves as Co-Founder & Director of The Youth Regiment, backed by Campsie RSL — launching this April to give young Aussies discipline, direction and accountability.HOME | The Youth RegimentShoutout to Now That’s Dramas Podcast for letting us use their studio!Now Thats Dramas Podcast – Now That’s Dramas PodcastFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode and I’m joined by Jarchy. Jarch never wore the uniform himself, but his respect for the Defence community runs deep. That respect was forged through his family, particularly his grandfather’s service, which gave him a grounded understanding of what it truly means to serve: the sacrifice, the mateship, and the quiet strength of the families who stand behind every digger.Jarch is a natural storyteller. A bloke who brings honesty, chaos, humour, and vulnerability in equal measure. In this episode, we yarn about family, legacy, respect for service, mental health, the power of humour as a pressure release, and why backing our veterans doesn’t require a uniform, just authenticity, empathy, and showing up.From the bottom of my heart thank you to every guest, every listener, every sponsor, and every supporter who’s been part of the journey so far. You’ve helped turn this podcast into something bigger than a show, it’s a community.Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 99 and I’m joined by Tooney. Tooney originally applied to join the RAAF as an Airfield Defence Guard, he instead enlisted into the Australian Army as a Rifleman in 2007. While at Kapooka, he trade-transferred into Air Dispatch, marching out with the Royal Australian Corps of Transport and posting to 176 Air Dispatch Squadron after training at Puckapunyal.In 2008, an injury cut his Basic Parachute Course short — but it never slowed him down. Away from service life, he earned selection in the Australian Army Rugby Union and Australian Services Rugby Union teams, representing Australia through to 2012 Highlights include playing in NZ on ANZAC Day (Brumbies v Hurricanes curtain raiser), the PACMIL Cup, and facing the US Services team.Postings at RAAF Richmond, Amberley, and Randwick — a career built on resilience and service.teamtooneyfishing | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | LinktreeFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 98 and I’m joined by Chad. Chad served as an Army Infantry Soldier from 2017–2021, earning his DFSW qualification and stepping up as a Fitness Leader during his time in uniform. Known for his relentless work ethic and high standards, he capped it off by taking out Best at Physical Training at Singleton, a massive achievement in any soldier’s career.Life after Defence hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Chad has doubled down on his passion for fitness, now a qualified personal trainer, helping others raise their standards and push their limits. On top of that, he’s recently taken the leap into business, launching his own clothing brand, continuing to build, create, and lead from the front.inature (@inature.running) • Instagram photos and videosFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!