5 With A Digger Podcast

Episode 67 and I'm joined by Brent. Enlisting in the Australian Army in 1987 at the age of 17, he went to Kapooka, completing an extended 18-week recruit training due to an injury. Following this, he spent time at the School of Signals, Norforce in Darwin and 103 Signal Squadron in Townsville. In 1994, he was deployed as part of the South Pacific Peacekeeping Force (SPPKF) to Bougainville PNG. Unfortunately, he was medically discharged at the end of 1998, marking over a decade of committed service. Since his discharge he has struggled with alcohol and hopes his story can help others.

Episode 66 and I'm joined by Paul Malone. Paul started his career in the Army Apprentice School at Balcombe in 1979. Throughout his 20 year career he moved all across Australia, finally discharging and finishing his career after a posting in Townsville. Following his discharge, he opened an outboard shop in Maroochydore but to no avail. He now contracts for defence repairing marine equipment and is the QLD representative for an amazing veterans charity “Guitars for Veterans Australia".

Episode 65 and I'm joined by Suzie B Fit! Suzie returns to the show after appearing on episode 20 to catch up, and help me launch our new challenge "The 5 With A Challenge". Its very simple, pick 5 things you want to achieve over 5 days over the week! They don't have to be fitness based and can incorporate any aspect of your life. After regular progress each week, you will see what consistency can do! Looking forward to having as many of you as possible join us for this challenge starting on Monday 30th June!

Episode 64 and I'm joined by Matho. Matho served 13 years in the army but discharged after a mental breakdown in 1989. Following his discharge, he turned down a dark path doing some very questionable things. He changed his ways and became a minister in 1992. In 2023 he was called to Ukraine and has built the infrastructure and partnerships required to build a national rehabilitation system for veterans and their families. He intends to bring those works back to Australia to serve our veterans through an Holistic Wellbeing Vocationally based family support system. It’s called Veterans Training Resettlement Action Cooperative. (V.T.R.A.C). I was lucky enough to catch up with him for a yarn before he heads back to the Ukraine with government officials to show them his work over there.

Episode 63 and I'm joined by JD.JD is a returning guest after first appearing on the show on episode 4. We talk more about his deployments and life post military. We also chat about a new challenge we are going to launch in conjunction with the new studio opening, 'The 5 With A Challenge'. Big shoutout to M Adams Civil, Above and Beyond Home Maintenance, Gravel Empire, New Look Painting Contractors and All Fixed Diesels for all their help getting our new studio up and running.

Episode 62 and I’m joined by Dani. She has completed a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine in 2024. She is a certified Holistic Health Coach and she is also qualified in Trauma informed care, coaching & somatic breathwork facilitation. She has a special interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals experiencing complex health and mental health issues, as well as those navigating or recovering from challenging life events and circumstances. We also discuss PTSD and the effects and treatment available.

Episode 61 and I’m joined by Turk! Turk joined the RAN in 2004 as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. He was posted to RAAF WAGGA,HMAS ALBATROSS, HMAS KANIMBLA and RAAF TOWNSVILLE.He transferred to army in 2011 and voluntary discharged in 2012. Following his military career he moved overseas to continue his fighting career but also ended up down the wrong path seeking the camaraderie that he missed from his service, ultimately leading him to a jail sentence. We talk about support for veterans incarcerated and his life now that he has rejoined society.

Episode 60 and I’m joined by Matty Sawyer. Matty joined the army in 2008 as a rifleman and was posted to 8/9RAR. During his time he completed courses as a combat first aider, a bushmaster driver and a bushmaster commander. He deployed to Darwin in 2010 on Op resolute to assist the navy with border patrol. In 2011 he assisted in QLD with a flood assist exercise. In 2012 he was deployed to Afghan for SOTG 17. And discharged on 2014.

Episode 59 and I’m joined by Logan Baker. Logan is based on the Sunshine Coast and is a mental health advocate and entrepreneur involved in multiple organizations driven by a singular mission: to help others with mindset shifts and gratitude. He also works to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.