5 With A Digger Podcast

Episode 58 and I’m joined by local Cooroy legend, personal trainer and boxing coach Mark Evans. Mark spent his childhood moving around Australia going down what could be only described as a troubled path. He managed to turn his life around and now spends his days running his own boxing gym Impact Boxing, one of the Australian Boxing coaches and the president of the QLD boxing academy. He is instrumental in community programs with children with disabilities, troubled youths, mental health support and veterans programs.

Episode 57 and I’m joined by Maison. He did basic training in 2019 but broke his pelvis 5 weeks in! He was pushed back for E months, finally finishing at Kapooka 6 months after he started. He posted to Bandiana for 3 months to learn logistics, before posting to Robertson barracks in Darwin. He served with 5 RAR for 4 years including plenty of field exercises for in the harsh NT weather. He then deployed to Malaysia in 2022 with delta company for jungle warfare training before being medically discharged in December 2023

Episode 56 and I’m joined by Renee! Renee joined the navy when she was 18, in 2007 after a rebellious childhood. She spent a total of 6 years in defence. She deployed to Operation resolute in 2009. Having 3 children while in the navy, moving across the country. She discharged in 2013. She now focuses her life on her real estate career and being a mum!

Episode 55 and I’m joined by Mary from Are You Bogged Mate! After years working in rural and remote Australia, Mary has a knack for communicating with men and helping them tackle adversity and other challenges! Although Mary herself isn’t a veteran, her organization aligns with plenty of the values of our podcast and what we are trying to do with building a community of like minded people! Also, huge happy birthday to my best mate, my son Thomas!

 Episode 54 and I’m joined by Crowy! Crowy first came on the show on episode 3 and he returns for a special ANZAC Day special! It’s also 5WAD’s first birthday! We talk about the significance of this special day, traditions, history and so much more! Crowy also touches on life since his first episode premiered on the 5 With A Digger network! Huge shoutout to the amazing men and women who have and continue to give their lives for ours. Lest We Forget.

 Episode 53 and I’m joined by Rod. He joined the Navy in Jun 2001, his first deployment was to Iraq in 2003 followed by RIMPAC in 2004. Moving to Military Intelligence in 2005, KAAOT in 2006, CTF158 in 2007/8, Newcastle OP Manitou in 2013. He was then posted to Defence Force Recruiting 2014-17, deployed to Bahrain in 2020 and returned to HMAS Brisbane 2021/22. He was medically discharged from the ADF in Apr 2022. We talk about life after defence and some incredible therapy he was treated with to help his mental health!

Episode 52 and I’m joined by Stu. He joined the Royal Marine Commandos as a young Officer in 1985 and got his Green Beret in 1986. He Served for just under twenty years and was deployed on operational tours in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, both Gulf Wars, Rwanda and South Africa. He specialized in Arctic Warfare, Sniper, was a Platoon Weapons Officer as well as Physical Training and Sports Officer and Para and Dive Trained.  He also represented the Combined Services at cricket and Squash. Since his discharge he has relocated to Australia and fly's commercial planes, trained as a mental health peer support leader!

Episode 51 and I’m joined by Simon. Growing up in the Gold Coast with a strong sporting background, and a wholesome loving family, he joined the army at age 17 in 2002. Both his older and younger brothers joining defence too. Simon completed 6 weeks at Kapooka and prepared for his first deployment to The Solomon Islands in 2003. He followed that deployment with two trips to East Timor and two trips to Afghanistan on SOTG Rotation. Following his deployments and career he discharged in 2014. Since leaving defence he has focused his time on project management, but not without some struggles with his mental health. Not only loosing his job in the Australian Army, but loosing his identity.

WELCOME TO OUR 50TH EPISODE! Episode 50 and I'm joined by my mate Bryze from the Deadass Podcast! Not only does he host his own podcast he also runs a funeral home, pet cremation service and a Harley hearse service. Although Bryze isn't a veteran himself he has hosted countless veteran funerals and offers an insight into the funeral industry. I also wanted to have a yarn with him to celebrate my 50th ep! Huge shout out to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me so far and I cant wait for the next 50!