This episode is a little different but it’s one that could genuinely make a difference to your future. We’re joined by Hannah Hines, Financial Adviser at Apex Financial Services, to break down the world of money, financial planning and preparing for life beyond service.

With more than 15 years of experience across banking and financial services, and a Master of Financial Planning, Hannah is passionate about helping everyday Australians make informed financial decisions without all the confusing jargon.

What makes this conversation especially relevant to our community is Hannah’s close connection to the Defence family. With immediate family members who have served in the Air Force, Navy and Army, she understands many of the unique opportunities and challenges that serving members, veterans and their families face.

Please note: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and is provided for educational purposes only. It is not personal financial advice. Always seek advice from a qualified financial adviser before making decisions about your finances, investments, superannuation or insurance.

* MoneySmart - https://moneysmart.gov.au/

* MoneySmart Budget Planner - https://moneysmart.gov.au/budgeting/budget-planner

* Good Schools Guide (Australia) - https://www.goodschools.com.au/   

It’ll Take A Tribe Community Food Bank Open - Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook Instagram

This podcast proudly sponsored by 

Gravel Empire Holdings - Instagram

Cuzkell – Instagram

Elite Boxing Club Adelaide - Instagram

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At just 19 years old, James Bennett enlisted in the Australian Army, joining Alpha Company, 7RAR, in search of purpose, adventure and the chance to serve his country. His military journey would take him across Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand on Rifle Company Butterworth 115, where he forged lifelong friendships and experienced the highs and lows of military life. But behind the scenes, James was fighting battles that few knew about.

For the first time publicly, James opens up about the difficult discharge process that followed between 2015 and 2017, the lasting impact it had on his life, and the realities many veterans face when the uniform comes off.

We also dive into his unique role assisting the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) in the recreation of the Lindt Café Siege offering a rare insight into one of Australia’s most significant counter-terrorism training exercises.

This is an honest, raw and powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, resilience and life after the Army.

Huge thanks to the legends at Last Laugh Apparel Isaac Sullivan and Summit Performance Centre – Altitude Group Fitness Cairns for helping us on our interstate trip to Adelaide to record this episode!

IOS GROUP LAE - Instagram

Last Laugh Apparel - Instagram

Summit Performance Centre Cairns - Instagram

SA REO - Facebook

Gabagool - Instagram

Yianni's Hellenic Yiros on Hindley

It’ll Take A Tribe Community Food Bank Open - Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook Instagram

This podcast proudly sponsored by 

Gravel Empire Holdings - Instagram

Cuzkell – Instagram

Elite Boxing Club Adelaide - Instagram

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is Sam Bamford. Australian Army combat veteran, former paratrooper and host of the 2 Worlds Collide Podcast. After serving in Afghanistan in 2012, Sam transitioned out of the Army and built a platform known for long-form, unfiltered conversations that challenge ideas, ask difficult questions and encourage open discussion on the issues shaping Australia today.

Away from the microphone, Sam continues to serve the veteran community. In 2025, he ran more than 1,000 kilometres from Melbourne to Adelaide, raising vital funds and awareness for veterans and first responders living with PTSD. Love him or disagree with him, one thing is certain, Sam isn’t afraid to tackle the conversations that many others avoid.

In this episode, we dive into his military service, life after the Army, the growth of independent media, the power of open conversation, and what continues to drive him to speak up on the issues he believes matter most. This is an honest, thought-provoking conversation you won’t want to miss.

Huge thanks to the legends at @lastlaugh.apparel @ios_group_lae and @summit_cairns for helping us on our interstate trip to Adelaide to record this episode!

Recorded live from Adelaide. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible! 

IOS GROUP LAE - Instagram

Last Laugh Apparel - Instagram

Summit Performance Centre Cairns - Instagram

SA REO - Facebook

Gabagool - Instagram

Yianni's Hellenic Yiros on Hindley

It’ll Take A Tribe Community Food Bank Open - Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook Instagram

This podcast proudly sponsored by 

Gravel Empire Holdings - Instagram

Cuzkell – Instagram

Elite Boxing Club Adelaide - Instagram

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Australian outback to the world's most exclusive superyachts, Justin has lived a life few could ever imagine.

After spending eight years travelling Australia with nothing more than a swag, fishing rods and a passion for adventure, Justin found himself in the superyacht industry in

southern France. Starting at the bottom, he worked his way up to Chief Officer on 120-metre luxury yachts, rubbing shoulders with billionaires, celebrities and elite military operators from around the world.

Today, Justin is the founder of Dead Reckoning Rum, a global Australian rum brand now sold in seven countries. But his greatest passion goes far beyond great rum. Through his business, Justin honours Australia's fallen soldiers by creating special releases dedicated to each of the 41 diggers lost in Afghanistan, with 50% of the profits donated to veterans' organisations chosen by their families.

It's an incredible conversation about adventure, resilience, purpose and giving back.

[email protected]

https://deadreckoningrumusa.com/

Quality Spirits Distributor | La Rumbla Imports | Adelaide

Instagram

Facebook

Recorded live from Adelaide. Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible!

IOS GROUP LAE - Instagram

Last Laugh Apparel - Instagram

Summit Performance Centre Cairns - Instagram

SA REO - Facebook

Gabagool - Instagram

Yianni's Hellenic Yiros on Hindley

It’ll Take A Tribe Community Food Bank Open - Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. Facebook Instagram

This podcast proudly sponsored by

Gravel Empire Holdings - Instagram

Cuzkell – Instagram

Elite Boxing Club Adelaide - Instagram

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

\YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Instagram

Blank Cheque Facebook

Blank Cheque Trading Co.

Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Facebook

www.surfskatenoosa.com

Instagram

Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 120 and I’m joined by Chris Endres. This episode is a little bit different as we welcome a fellow podcaster for a special cross-podcast collaboration between 5 With A Digger and one half of The Culture Standard.

Originally from Victoria, Chris built a strong reputation through country football before making the move north to Queensland, where he now serves his community on the frontline as a firefighter. Through sport, emergency services, and podcasting, Chris has developed a passion for leadership, culture, resilience, and helping people become the best version of themselves.

In this conversation we dive into Chris’s football journey, life in the fire service, the importance of culture and leadership, lessons learned through adversity, the world of podcasting, and what it takes to build high-performing teams both on and off the field.

A great chat packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and plenty of value for anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, and creating positive culture.

https://www.instagram.com/military_resilience_co?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/theculture.standard?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

https://open.spotify.com/user/31ka5vkbznwzwn7y5r5xoylzkpna?si=1fc0a903c2264197

https://support.fightmnd.org.au/fundraisers/GympieCats/gympie-cats-afl-club

Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 | Facebook

Find us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcast

This podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl

Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel Now

Like. Subscribe. Tell your mates.

YOU'RE NEVER ALONE!



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.