Invisible Injuries - Podcast

In this episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast we delve into Al Somers (ex-Royal Navy) journey of transitioning from military life in Scotland to becoming a stay-at-home parent in Adelaide, Australia.

We explore the challenges of finding employment, the decision-making process behind becoming a stay-at-home parent, and the evolving role of gender expectations in parenting.

Join us as we discuss the value of parenting, the importance of community support, and the need for adaptability in navigating life's transitions. Al's story "Flipping the script" serves as an empowering reminder that unconventional paths can be rewarding and purposeful.

• Key Takeaways: 
  • Transitioning from military service to civilian life poses unique challenges, including employment and identity shifts.
  • Gender expectations and societal stigmas influence decisions regarding caregiving responsibilities within partnerships.
  • Re-entering the workforce after an extended break requires resilience and support from both individuals and communities.
  • Parenting is a fundamental role that deserves recognition and support, challenging traditional views on work and caregiving.
  • Building inclusive and supportive communities is essential for individuals navigating life's transitions.

Contact -  Al Somers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.gibb.58
Instagram: Veteran Transiton Center
Website: https://www.veteranstc.org.au/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode of the Invisible Injuries podcast, host Andy Fermo continues his conversation with Kurt Ludke, ex-Special forces commando, adaptive sports athlete and mental health ambassador. Kurt shares his journey of finding therapy through a recent knifemaking programafter his time as an ex-special forces commando, highlighting how it helped him cope with challenges and connect with others. 

He delves into his experience "flipping the script" as a stay-at-home dad, emphasising the importance of this role and how it has allowed him to evolve his cooking skills, finding passion and therapy in the kitchen as the Commando Cook.

The conversation explores the therapeutic aspects of cooking and nutrition, touching on the significance of wholesome food for mental well-being. Kurt provides insights into his approach to mental health and self-care, advocating for keeping busy, prioritising a healthy body, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. 

*Spoiler alert - Rounding off the episode Kurt announces his collaboration with Invisible Injuries to create meal plans and recipes aimed at promoting mental well-being through nutrition.

Contact -  Kurt Ludke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurt.luds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commando_cook/
Website: N/A
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the opening episode of Invisible Injuries podcast - Season 5 the focus is on themes, kicking off with “Flipping the script” where our male guests (for whatever reason) have “flipped thier script and found themselves taking more of a support role, the challenges, the invaluable benefits and overcoming stigmas.

In episode one, host Andy Fermo speaks with Kurt Ludke, an ex-Special Forces Commando, about his experiences serving in the military and the challenges he’s faced with mental health and wellbeing.

Kurt shares insights into the intense training and preparation required for deployments, the adrenaline rush of combat situations, and the somber reality of losing comrades in a helicopter crash. He opens up about the toll that deployments took on his mental health, including struggles with depression and anger issues, and the difficulty of seeking support within the military culture.

Reflecting on his transition out of the military, Kurt discusses the impact on relationships and the process of rebuilding his life post-service. Through candid conversations, Kurt and Andy shed light on the unseen battles faced by military personnel and the importance of mental health support for veterans.

Don't miss this insightful Season 5 opening episode of "Flipping the script" where Kurt's story offers a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of those who have served.

Contact -  Kurt Ludke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kurt.luds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commando_cook/
Website: N/A
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the final episode of season 4 Andy concludes his chat with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR veteran, Registered Nurse and spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie share's his lived experience transitioning from military to civilian life,  he speaks to coming back to his Jiu-Jitsu training and the opportunities through the sport which which allowed him a smoother transition into being a civvy. This however wasn't without its challenges where Brodie recalls the big culture shift and difference in mindset from the military, in particular lowing his expectations and standards to meet his new surroundings and work culture.

Their conversation then pivots to Brodies curiosity and thirst for knowledge in medical and health care fields leading him to further studies and becoming a Registered Nurse and landing a job in the Emergency Department (ED) of a private hospital.

Through his jiu-jitsu Brodie also met a key figure at Veteran Benefits Australia where he felt the organisation was in alignment with his values and interest in preventative care. He's now a spokesperson for the organisation where the pair chat the amazing things VBA is doing for the veteran community and their immediate support.

Veteran Benefits Australia's mission is to help veterans connect with trusted and reputable sources of information on services, and programs available to them post-military services. A recent addition to VBA's offerings is their program to assist veterans to connect with Psychiatry services with a focus on claims reports to streamline what is often a frustrating and lengthy process for veterans., especially when they're not in the best mental health state.

Listen to the concluding episode to find out more about the whole range of services VBA provides.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the season finale episodes Andy speaks with Brodie Moore, ex 6RAR soldier, now spokesperson for Veteran Benefits Australia.

Brodie shares his enlistment and recruit training experiences, subsequent posting to 6RAR and how he used his martial arts skills having trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to inadvertently create an opportunity building rapport, trust and confidence to be a handful of young diggers posted to the company within the battalion next-in-line to deploy to Afghanistan. It was his enlistment dream and wish come true.

Moving on he also details daily life at a Forward operating base, keeping tabs and being real when it came to recognising the signs and looking out for the welfare of his fellow comrades, especially when there were indicents that caused casualties and KIA's in the latter part of their tour.

Rounding off part 1 Brodie candidly shares his post deployment / transition mindset and development of "bad and toxic habits:" that were used as coping mechanisms to process his traumas and transition to civilian life and the point where he decided to take action to reset and rebuild, calling on his martial arts training and repurposing his military skills to give him purpose and determination to do positive things and be of service.

Tune in to the season finale episode where Andy and Brodie shift their focus to the amazing work Veteran Benefits Australia is doing for the veteran community.

Contact -  Brodie Moore
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veteranbenefitsaus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteransbenefitsaus/
Website: https://veteranbenefitsaustralia.com/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode to Andy's chat with Craig Watson from Walking4Warriors (Gladstone QLD) the focus shifts to the core values and ethos of the organisation and their plan to expand thier offerings and fundraising to be inclusive of the first responder community in the CQ area.

Of all the attributes, "Resilience" is what comes to the forefront of Craigs mind and how a regular core activity such as their weekly walks are bringing veterans, first responders, their immediate support and wider community together.

He recalls the buzz and sense of achievement and satisfaction at the transformative effect of their offerings i.e from the first walk, building up to running short distances and even competing in ultra-marathons.

Contact -  Craig Watson
Facebook: Walking for Warriors (discussion group)
Website: https://walking4warriors.org/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

It's been a long time coming and "good things come to those who wait".  In this episode we chat with Craig Watson, co-founder of Walking for Warriors based in Gladstone, Central Queensland.

We chat and advocate for collaboration amongst ex-service organisations (ESO's) and service providers.....Walking 4 Warriors and their collaborations with ESO's and community in the Central Queensland region were regarded amongst our top 5 setting a high benchmark whilst we were on our PTSD 12month National Awareness tour in 2021.

Craig shares his story of overcoming self sabotage and mental blocks deciding to take action one-step at a time, forming Walking 4 Warriors, a social and movement activity group with co-founder Justin and building up to competing in ultra-marathons. The pair felt so much connection and respect for the veteran and first responder community and their mantra's they hosted a 24 hour walking event to raise money for ESO's in the local area.

Contact -  Craig Watson
Facebook: Walking for Warriors (discussion group)
Website: https://walking4warriors.org/
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode to host Andy's chat with Trudy Dwyer, ex WAPOL officer (General Duties), the pair shift the focus to the point in time where Trudy was experiencing the debilitating effects of her PTSD, anxiety and dysfunctional nervous system.

Being stood down from duty medically wasn't easy for Trudy to come to terms with and she withdrew further, self medicating, stress eating and increased drinking leading to putting on weight....she entered a toxic feedback loop.

It got to a point where Trudy decided enough was enough and made the decision to seek specialist help and have a go at a holistically based approach to the treatment of her PTSD and repairing her nervous system. This is where the idea of the Bibbulmun track was planted, slowly allowing herself the TLC and self care to build up the courage getting out the house, to walking outside, the lead up training and trekking 1000km to become a member of the "end to ender" alumni of the Bibbulmun track.

She highlights the insights of life on the track with "me, myself and I" alone with her thoughts, reconnecting with nature and the power it has to transform, repair and build....especially her nervous system.

Completing the Bibbulmun track was an achievement and catalyst for her Post Traumatic Growth and continued journey and it also enabled Trudy to come to accept that although she is no longer able to serve the community in law enforcement it, she's capable of repurposing her skills to service the community in many other ways.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In this episode host Andy chats with Trudy Dwyer, a former WAPOL officer (General Duties). The pair chat about her motivation to join WAPOL as a mature age recruit and (at the time) single mum with two teenage kids.

From her lens Trudy shares her experience at the recruit training college and the generational gap between her and the majority of the cohort. What was initially a dream posting  to a smaller station closeby to where she grew up in the Goldfields region, Western Australia slowly turned into a nightmare with her experiencing a cumulation of on-the-job organisational trauma and increased workplace bullying.

Trudy shares a glimpse of how debilitating these traumatic experiences were for her on a daily basis, the isolation of not being able to confide in her immediate support person (as they were at same posting) and the negative impact this had on her nervous system.

Closing part one of their chat she touches on how "Grapevine" chat set her up for failure at a subsequent posting which was supposed to be a fresh start for her and her husband.

Tune in to part two where the pair discuss her ongoing pathway to post traumatic recovery & growth including her "Bibbulmun Track" sojourn to reset her nervous system.

Guest -  Trudy Dwyer
At the request of Trudy we've respected her privacy and not provided contact details.
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show

In the concluding episode to Andy's chat with Tanya Cory, Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach she shares insights for beginners looking to commence a yoga practice,  the importance of building a solid foundation thats in-tune with the persons mobility and range of motion for that day and finding a teacher & style that you connect.

Rounding off the episode Tanya also speaks to the holistic benefits of the other parts of yoga besides the postures including self-regulation techniques of active breathing (pranayama), acceptance and being mindful and present in the moment.

Contact -  Tanya Cory
Website: https://www.homyogastudio.com.au/teachers
Help Lines Open Arms (VVCS) | Lifeline | RedSix app

"RESPECT, NO POLITICS, WE'RE VOLUNTEERS"

Disclaimer: The accounts and stories are "Real lived experiences" of our guests some of the content may trigger Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms in some of our audience. Feedback regarding other organisations, courses and initiatives remains largely unsensored. Whether its good or bad they remain the OPINION of our guests and their experiences it is important in building an accurate statistic on what really happens. 
During the course of our conversations sometimes sensitive information may be accidentally mentioned, as such, Invisible Injuries respects the law and sensors any information that may breach Operational Security OPSEC

Support the show