5 With A Digger Podcast

After a lifetime of service, elite sport, and overcoming adversity, Layla found herself searching for something more. That search became a journey into trauma recovery, emotional healing, and understanding the incredible connection between the mind and body. Through years of study and lived experience, Layla developed 11/11 Breathwork and later created La Cuna a trauma-informed healing program designed to help people release emotional pain, navigate PTSD, overcome addiction, reduce anxiety, and reconnect with who they truly are.In this powerful follow-up conversation, we explore breathwork, healing, trauma, resilience, and why sometimes our greatest purpose is found after our toughest battles. Whether you’re carrying your own struggles or simply curious about the power of breath and healing, this is a conversation worth listening to.https://www.1111breathwork.com.au/Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Some people break barriers while others redefine them. Born in Slovenia, Layla became one of the country’s pioneering female boxers at just 19 years old, stepping into the ring when women’s boxing was still fighting for recognition. Despite facing sexism and limited opportunities, she refused to back down, becoming a multiple-time national champion and proudly representing her country across Europe and the world.Her journey didn’t stop there. Following Slovenia’s independence, Layla became part of the first generation of women permitted to serve in the Slovenian Armed Forces. While serving in a 120mm mortar fire control unit, she completed peacekeeping deployments to Bosnia and Kosovo all while continuing her boxing career. Eventually, life brought her to Australia, where she once again started from scratch, determined to build a new future. This is an incredible conversation about resilience, service, elite sport, and having the courage to keep moving forward, no matter what life throws at you.https://www.1111breathwork.com.au/Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.\YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

This week, we’re joined by Bradey. His Army career wasn’t defined by medals or headlines, it was defined by service, sacrifice and resilience.After enlisting in the Australian Army in 2014, Bradey served with 6RAR as an infantry soldier before transitioning into the Intelligence Support pathway. Sadly, repeated Achilles injuries to both feet brought his military career to an early end, leading to a medical discharge in 2019.Like so many veterans, the transition out of service was one of the toughest battles he faced. The impact on his mental health became so significant that he deleted almost every photo from his time in uniform because the memories were simply too painful.But Bradey’s story doesn’t end there. Together with his wife a former Army Reserve MP they’ve created something truly special.Blank Cheque Trading Co. is more than a distillery and café. It’s become a safe place where veterans and emergency service workers can connect, support one another, and know they’re always welcome.Each month, 40–50 veterans from Vietnam veterans through to currently serving members, gather around a coffee or a whisky to share stories, check in on one another, and keep the spirit of mateship alive. Their vision is even bigger. They’re working towards transitioning the café into a not-for-profit so they can expand the support, programs and events they provide to the veteran and emergency services community.One of the most meaningful parts of the café is its military wall, where veterans leave a patch, coin, photo or personal item as a reminder that they’ll always belong—no matter where life takes them. It’s an incredible conversation about finding purpose after service, rebuilding identity, and creating a community where no one has to walk alone.Blank Cheque InstagramBlank Cheque FacebookBlank Cheque Trading Co.Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

We wish to dedicate this episode to Jim. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. Lest we forget.Episode 121 and I’m joined by Ryan Mayne. Ryan’s career has taken him from military service and elite sport to frontline emergency services, surf safety, and high-performance coaching.Ryan is a former Australian Army aircraft technician, professional triathlete, Senior Firefighter and Rescue Technician with the Queensland Fire Department, and now the founder and head coach of Surfskate Noosa. He is also the inventor of the Surfskate training system, a unique coaching tool designed to help surfers improve their technique, balance, confidence and understanding of wave riding away from the water.Over nearly three decades, Ryan has worked in high-pressure environments requiring leadership, resilience, quick decision-making and a commitment to helping others. Along the way he’s built a wealth of experience in emergency response, rescue operations, peer support, athlete development and surf education.In this episode we dive into Ryan’s journey through the Army, professional sport, firefighting, mental health, surf safety, entrepreneurship and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime spent performing under pressure.www.militaryresilience.com.au(2) Facebookwww.surfskatenoosa.comInstagramFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 119 and I’m joined by Zac. At 19 years old, Zac joined the Australian Army and went on to serve in Afghanistan as a Cavalry Reconnaissance soldier. But this episode isn’t just about military service.It’s about what happened after.Zac opens up about life after Defence, a Veterans Motorcycle Club, addiction, debt, poor decisions, losing everything, and the long road back.His story is raw. Honest. Controversial. Some people will love him. Some won’t. But one thing is certain — Zac doesn’t hide from his past. This is a powerful conversation about service, resilience, redemption, and living life with no regrets.Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 118 and I’m joined again by Simon from episode 51. Joining the Army at just 17 years old, Simon would go on to serve in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and complete two deployments to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group before discharging in 2014. In this episode, we talk about military service, the challenges of transition, mental health, rebuilding identity after Defence, and his journey into launching his own consultancy business. We also discuss some of the more controversial topics making headlines today, including the Ben Roberts-Smith saga, the Afghanistan years, and the ongoing debate surrounding ISIS brides returning to Australia. A raw, honest conversation from someone who lived it.Home | 343 ConsultantsMARCH OUT | VETERAN SERVICESFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 117 and I’m joined by Alex. Alex joined the ADF back in 2012, enlisting into the Australian Army Aviation Corps as a Ground Crewman Aircraft Support. Not long after, he found himself posted to Darwin with the 1st Aviation Regiment, working on the ARH Tigers from early 2013.Unfortunately over time a number of injuries that eventually culminated in a medical discharge not long after leaving Defence in late 2019.Not every military story is about combat deployments. This episode we’re gonna dive into Army life, aviation culture, the ARH Tiger years, injuries, transition, and everything in between.Massive thanks to @inature.running @lastlaugh.apparel @jcshaulage and @certified_mechanical for helping this Darwin trip come to fruitionInstagram Instagram(20+) FacebookCMS Mechanical Services | Mining, Civil, Agriculture and road transport MechanicsCharlie's of Darwin - Restaurant, Bar, Distillery in DarwinFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Episode 116 and I’m joined by Jase Shore. Jase enlisted into the Australian Army back in 2006 as Infantry Corps, posted straight to Darwin with 5/7 RAR. In 2007 he deployed to Iraq on Operation Gateway 3, detached from battalion to support SECDET 6 alongside boys from 1RAR and 7/6RAR.After discharging in 2010, life took a completely different turn. And then in 2019 during the Sydney knife attack, Jase found himself in the middle of absolute chaos.When most people were running away; Instinct kicked in. Training kicked in. And Jase stepped forward. From Army life. Deployment stories. Transitioning out. Massive thanks to @inature.running @lastlaugh.apparel @jcshaulage and @certified_mechanical for helping this Darwin trip come to fruition. Also shoutout to @charliesofdarwin for letting us record there!Instagram Instagram(20+) FacebookCMS Mechanical Services | Mining, Civil, Agriculture and road transport MechanicsCharlie's of Darwin - Restaurant, Bar, Distillery in DarwinFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!