Hot Debrief Podcast

Simon Bouda AM - 40 year veteran journalist, author and ambassador for victims of crime.   In this episode, Simon talks about life as a journalist, and the parallels with the emergency services world along with the amazing work he is doing supporting so many causes in the community including his role as ambassador for Homicide Victims Support.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Hot Debrief episode, Matt talks to Simon Bouda AM, a veteran journalist with a career spanning over 40 years.  Simon talks of his deployments to East Timor with the Australian Defence Force, Fiji covering the violent coup where he was almost shot and later his role in the rescue of the last surviving victim of the Christchurch Earthquake in New Zealand.  Simon reflects on the importance of maintaining trust with those people around him, including the emergency services workers and victims throughout his journalistic career.

Simon also talks about his work as an ambassador for Grace's Place - the Homicide Victims Support centre where he proudly hosts the 'Ride For Justice' combining his passion for motorcycles with yet another community support activity he is involved with.  Combined with his career as a journalist, this community work has had him recognised in the Queens Birthday Honours with the Member of the Order of Australia medal.

His support of the Police and Emergency Services is evident in his roles with Police Legacy and more recently being appointed as Editor of the Australian Police Journal.  Simon has also authored and co authored a range of books including Deadline, Man's Best Friend and Survival.  

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org
Spotify Walk Song Playlist

#journalist #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Daniel Jamieson - Former Royal Australian Army Infantry Sergeant.  In this episode, Dan talks about his career in the military, and the accident that almost killed him in East Timor and his subsequent struggles with PTSD resulting from a massive head injury.  We cover Accredited Assistance Dogs, alternative treatments for PTSD including Esketamine and different ways people can apply mindfulness in their day.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Dan Jamieson, a former Royal Australian Army Infantry Sergeant and survivor a terrible accident on deployment in East Timor in 2000 that almost cost him his life, leaving him with an injury that would cause long term battles with PTSD.  Dan talks about his last 12 months with Accredited Assistance Dog 'Miley' his new inseparable mate who accompanied him to the PTSD group therapy sessions where Dan and Matt met.

This is a deep and diverse chat about so many aspects of life with PTSD.  Beyond life with an Accredited Assistance Dog, Dan talks about the various treatments he has tried, right through to his current Esketamine treatment and associated therapies for PTSD and its symptoms.

We also get to hear how Dan has applied activities in his life that he is passionate about that demand total concentration as a form of mindfulness in managing his PTSD related symptoms.  In true Dan form, these range from extreme rock climbing on some of Australia's largest cliffs through to the art of 'Horology' - the profession of timekeeping and all things watches.

So get ready for a great casual chat while we hear from Dan about everything from military life to fixing watches!

Dan's song choice is: Duran Duran - Ordinary World.  Listen to the episode to find out why!
We also talk about a YouTube video on watchmaking.  See it here: https://youtu.be/4hZGCguYUj8

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org
Spotify Walk Song Playlist

#assistancedogs #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Peter Clark - Founder of Due South Inc. Tasmania talks about support and mate-ship for veterans and first responders done differently through their 100% volunteer basis, private sector funded programs that have set up a self sufficient incorporation that is not reliant upon donations and government funds.  

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Peter Clark from Due South Inc. Tasmania, a Royal Australian Air Force Veteran doing amazing things to support those who serve with a fantastic team down in Tasmania.   Due south are doing things differently, founded off the back of Tasmanian veterans using their own initiative and resources to set up what is now a fantastic array of support for not only veterans and first responders, but the local community as well with the view of them being all tied together in getting people through whatever they may be going through.
 
Due South is a self-funded organisation with their sights set on delivering world-class wellness initiatives for Veterans and First Responders. 

Acting as a logistical hub, they deliver wellness initiatives specifically designed to support those brave and courageous individuals who serve our country. Due South wellness initiatives are referred to as their ‘mid-year resets’ and have been developed to support areas such as lifestyle transition, personal development and general wellbeing. Mid-year resets are run between the months of May and November are proudly planned and delivered by their team of selfless, dedicated and driven volunteers. 

Their executive board is represented by Navy, Army, Air-Force, First Responder personnel and as dedicated community advocates we guarantee our charity model will never include wages. 

Due South operate three purposefully designed homes, and off-grid adventure property, a farm and a community hub. These properties are all located in the picturesque town of Ulverstone, on the North-West Coast of Tasmania. Ulverstone is well recognised for its military memorials and parks and they are proud to call it home.

Check them out on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Due-South-Australia-104597315168137/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duesouth_australia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-clark-ab10a4206/

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#DueSouthAus #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Dr. Jacqueline Drew - Associate Professor.  Former QPS Police psychologist and now specialist with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Griffith Criminology Institute at the Griffith University, QLD.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. 

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In this episode, Matt talks to Dr Jacqueline Drew.  Dr Drew is currently conducting a research project into the predictive factors contributing to psychological injury faced by Police in the execution of their duties, with the view of implementing truly preventative strategies to support Police and first responders more broadly - which has already discovered some amazing outcomes.  This research is being done in partnership with the QPS and Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

Dr Drew's research has already shown that the organisational and operational stressors in Policing cause 3 times the harm compared to exposure to critical incident and traumatic event exposure when looking at psychological distress in Police officers. Further, the research has looked into the more recently coined 'Post Traumatic Embitterment' disorder and Moral Injury against instances which may have been somewhat incorrectly diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder emanating from one or more traumatic event exposures.

Some of the more troubling statistics highlighted by Dr Drew are that over 80% of current Police Officers in Queensland are suffering burnout, compared to around 50% in the general workforce but more disturbingly 12% of Police in Queensland are suffering from extreme/severe levels of psychological distress (found consistent with the Beyond Blue research in 2018) against around 1.5% of the general Australian workforce.

Dr Drew also talks about the effect of losing the 'Police Family' for former members and how damaging the workers compensation system combined with loss of identity can be on the individuals involved in post service support can be.

All current and former members of Australia's Police Forces are encouraged to listen to this episode and follow the research being done by Dr Drew and the Griffith University. 

To get in touch or follow Dr Jacki Drew's work check out these links:

Griffith experts page: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/8497-jacqueline-drew

LinkedIn: Jacqueline Drew, PhD

Twitter: @drjackid

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/hotdebrief

www.soaringeagleproductions.com.au

#QPS #griffithuni #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Jamie Caldwell - Senior NSW Government Emergency Manager and son of Undercover operative 'M'.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Jamie Caldwell, Senior NSW Government emergency management specialist who grew up as the son of a long term NSW Police Force undercover operative.

We cover some really serious topics in this chat; from what it was like to grow up in a loving average everyday family where your dad has multiple false identities as an undercover drug squad operative where it was known that criminal networks had taken contracts out on the family, right through to his observations as a child seeing his dad struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) suffered as a result of the work he did.  

With a Dad known as Undercover ‘M’ in the book Secrets of the Jury Room by Malcolm Knox, Jamie’s childhood was far from the norm most would know, however to him it was exactly that.  Jamie’s father, Keith ‘Cocky’ Caldwell, was a 30 year veteran NSW Police officer who spent an insane 10 years undercover and worked on some of the largest major crime syndicates in the country.  Despite having fantastic physical outlets as a life long surf lifesaving operative and former NSW Police Rugby League champion, Jamie reflects on his fathers passing at a relatively young age, and what effect living with PTSD may have played towards this.

Leaving school against the advice of his teachers at the age of 15 to pursue his surf life saving aspirations, Jamie has proven to all around him that with self-motivation, determination and never leaving those doors closed around you that you can succeed despite what a school careers advisors crystal ball once said.  Since this time, Jamie has become qualified and experienced in Paramedic services, Fire and Rescue operations and had the somewhat unique experience of providing these services as a private contractor to large industrial sites and huge expanses of the Western Australian outback under WA government contracts.  Moving on to running his own training organisation, Jamie has worked in the NSW Police Force as a Regional Emergency Management Officer, Emergency Coordinator with Transport for NSW and now has the role of Energy and Utility Services Functional Area Coordinator on the NSW State Emergency Management Committee.

If this wasn’t enough, Jamie is also the President of the Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club, and has been responsible for coordinating some hectic rescue operations off the coastline, including the rescue of 7 people from an overturned boat off Peggys Beach, which resulted in the simultaneous resuscitation of 4 patients, one of the largest multi-agency operations seen in the Illawarra region of recent years.  Similarly to our earlier podcasts with Dr Dan Pronk and Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA, Jamie also talks about the need for the impacts of emergency services work on our volunteers and private sector responders to be better recognised given their stepping in-and-out of their response roles and sometime limited support.

Jamie puts up the song ‘Working class Man’ by Jimmy Barnes to our Spotify Playlist in recognition of the ‘daily grind’ faced by our first responders in doing their jobs day in and day out.

Get ready for an amazing chat.

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#bullisurfclub #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Tim Peck - Deputy Director, Centre of Excellence, Mental Health for Emergency Workers at Phoenix Australia.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Tim Peck, former Detective Senior Sergeant with VicPol turned mental health advocate with some serious lived experience in this space. 

Tim talks openly about the impacts his career as a Police Officer had on him personally and the great lengths he went to hiding his deteriorating condition from his workmates and family right through to his attempted suicide.  Post this dark point in time, Tim talks about the opportunities he has had working in mental health advocacy for first responders including time with Beyond Blue, Blue Hub and now Phoenix Australia.  Despite ultimately losing his career and it’s associated identity, Tim has worked tirelessly in supporting mental health of Police and First responders through his work which has included some really successful programs supporting our Police and Emergency Services workers during and post service. 

The great work that Tim has been involved in subsequent to his career in VicPol can be see in the following links. 

Phoenix Australia’s Responder Assist program helping Victorian emergency services: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/responder-assist/about/

Blue Hub - helping Victorian Police: https://www.bluehub.org.au

Beyond Blue - Answering the Call report and associated elements: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/about-us/about-our-work/workplace-mental-health/pes-program

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#phoenixaustralia #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Emerge & See - with Pia and Alana. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Pia and Alana - co-founders of the Emerge & See charitable organisation supporting NSW and ACT first responders.

We talk all about their individual stories both during and post their NSW Police Force service, and how the concept for the Emerge & See organisation came about between these two great people that had maintained their friendship from the Police Academy right through to this day supporting each other through their own PTSD struggles.

Pia and Alana tell us all about the programs and initiatives running currently through the Emerge & See programs.  Things like checking in on colleagues currently in mental health care, Connect Hubs around NSW and ACT for former emergency services members right though to surfing therapies and more.

They are a busy duo, doing amazing work - and a little singing on the side.  So settle in and hear their amazing stories and what to look out for from Emerge & See.

You can check out more information about their programs at: https://emergeandsee.org.au

Instagram: @emergeandseenswandact
Facebook: @emergeandseensw 

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#emergeandsee #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA - Heart 2 Heart Walk Ambassador. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Allan Sparkes on location at the National Police Memorial in Canberra.  Allan shares his skills, support and knowledge to so many mental health focused organisations as Patron, Ambassador and all round supporter so its unlikely in this space you haven't already come across him. The Heart 2 Heart Walk is honoured to have Allan as our Ambassador and supporter of our walk and foundation objectives.

Towards the end of his 20 year career in the NSW Police Force, Allan faced some of his toughest shifts including being involved in a tactical response team deployed to a scene where two fellow police were shot and killed at Crescent Head in 1995 and the rescue of a young child from a flooded storm water drain in perilous circumstances in 1996 that would later see him awarded the Cross of Valour - Australia's highest civilian honour.  These actions took their toll on Allan personally, and he uses these experiences today helping others facing their own struggles across so many sectors of mental health education and advocacy.

Thank you Allan for your tireless work supporting causes such as ours.

Allan has authored the book The Cost of Bravery - available here

More about Allan Sparkes can be found here 
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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#danpronk #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Rohan Scott AFSM - Chief Officer - ACT Rural Fire Service. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Rohan Scott, current Chief Officer of the Australian Capital Territory Rural Fire Service.  After seeing some friends heading off to a place he only knew as 'The Shed' on regular occasions, Rohan commenced his firefighting career at the age of 23 as a foundational volunteer at the Molonglo RFS brigade.  In these early days, Rohan talks about storing their fire trucks in a nearby farm owned by one of their members while their station was being constructed to provide this essential service, right through to becoming the organisations Chief Officer and senior executive member of the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA).

We cover a lot of issues in this episode, including how even 20 years of from the 2003 Canberra bushfires firefighters still struggle in some ways from the event.  Rohan shares his personal story of his involvement in the event and how it affected him, right through to now as the head of the organisation, using his personal experiences to shape his focus on looking after his workforce and their families including targeted programs looking at leadership practices within the organisation both operationally and administratively.

Rohan has also established a range of Female Network meetings and commenced female only training opportunities to encourage and extend diversity within the ACT RFS in what is well known to be a very different volunteer workforce from generations prior. 

Rohan talks specifically about his support of the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023 and how important it is to have a diverse suite of supports for people in emergency services, to help people deal with the operational demands in a meaningful and suitable manner.

So listen in for a great chat with an emergency services leader who has gone from recruit volunteer to Chief Officer, having dealt with some of the nations most deadly fire events.

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#danpronk #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness

Keith Banks BM, VA and bar. - Former QLD Police Officer - Tactical Operations and Undercover drug specialist, author and mental health advocate. 
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Listener discretion is advised; this episode talks about suicide and explains some graphic details along with some potentially distressing topics.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt and Milney talk to former QLD Police Officer turned author, Keith Banks.  This epic chat goes right back to the start of Keith's tough upbringing, joining the QLD Police Force as a 16 year old cadet as a means of escape right through to what its like to doing drug busts as an undercover operator. 

We talk about some of the wild moments during Keith's Policing career from the effects upon him when a mate and colleague was shot during a tactical assault on a house, through to his somewhat 'loose' approach to an offender armed with explosives and firearms.  Keith also talks at length about his resilience being tested during the dark periods of corruption plagued policing era of Queenslands history, and having the strength to stand up and speak out about things that are not right when you need to.

While there is no doubt Keith has been recognised for his bravery during his career, however going further we deep dive into the mental health impacts and effects this had on him at the time, and still to this day.  Talk about the physiological impact this persistent stress can have on the human body right through to the work Keith does today with Police Veterans Victoria (PVV).

Keith has written a number of books which are available on his website: www.keithbanks.com.au 

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Get it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

www.heart2heartwalk.org

#danpronk #H2hwalkpodcast #heart2heartwalk2023 #triplezeroalliance #heart2heartwalk #firstresponderfamily #firstrespondermentalhealth #firstrespondersaustralia #firstresponder #firstresponderfamily #FirstResponderPTSD #firstrespondersuicide #ptsd #mentalhealthawareness