5 With A Digger Podcast

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 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!

Episode 97 and I’m joined by Grant from Rippys Clothing. Grant might not be a veteran, but the values behind Rippy’s align strongly with what this podcast stands for: resilience, mental health, accountability, and backing your mates. Built from the ground up, Rippy’s isn’t just a clothing brand.It’s a platform for real conversations and real stories, especially the ones that often go unheard.This yarn is about purpose over trends, creating something meaningful from scratch, and using creativity to make a genuine impact. Proof that you don’t have to wear a uniform to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who do.InstagramNew Arrivals – Rippy's Clothing CoFind 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!

As we roll into the New Year, we’re dropping a few “best of” episodes, The biggest laughs, the hardest conversations, and the moments that reminded us why this podcast exists.These episodes are a look back at the year that was:Real storiesReal peopleReal conversationsPlenty of laughs and plenty of heartPerfect listening whether you’re on leave, on duty, on the road, or just stealing five quiet minutes over the break.A massive thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, supported, and backed 5 With A Digger this year, and to our sponsors Minority Influences Clothing, Elite Boxing Club Adelaide, Gravel Empire Hervey Bay, Cuzkell Contractors Sunshine Coast, Crew Apparel Print, and Savvy Touch. We couldn’t do this without you legends.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!

As we roll into the Christmas break, we’re dropping a few “best of” episodes, The biggest laughs, the hardest conversations, and the moments that reminded us why this podcast exists.These episodes are a look back at the year that was:Real storiesReal peopleReal conversationsPlenty of laughs and plenty of heartPerfect listening whether you’re on leave, on duty, on the road, or just stealing five quiet minutes over the break.A massive thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, supported, and backed 5 With A Digger this year, and to our sponsors Minority Influences Clothing, Elite Boxing Club Adelaide, Gravel Empire Hervey Bay, Cuzkell Contractors Sunshine Coast, Crew Apparel Print, and Savvy Touch. We couldn’t do this without you legends.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!