Priority Zero Podcast

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Steve “Brute” Rodgers.

Steve served as a Trooper in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and completed a 12-month deployment in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He shares his experience of going through SAS selection, his very first time on a plane — which he promptly parachuted out of — and an unforgettable lesson about the importance of water.

Steve also offers insight into his patrols in Vietnam, including a close encounter where his team was inadvertently discovered by the Viet Cong and much more!

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Mick Willing APM, a highly respected leader with over three decades of service in law enforcement. Mick dedicated 31 years to the NSW Police Force, rising through the ranks to become a Deputy Commissioner.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served in some of the most challenging and high-stakes areas of policing, including:

Homicide Squad

Drugs & Organised Crime

Counter Terrorism & Special Tactics Command

Mick shares his insights into some of the most high-profile cases in Australian history, including the Lindt Café Siege and various homicide investigations. His firsthand experiences provide a rare glimpse into the complexities of modern policing and crisis response.

Today, Mick continues his commitment to supporting Australia’s first responders as the CEO of Fortem Australia, a vital organisation dedicated to the wellbeing of those who serve our communities in critical roles.

In this episode, we sit down with Senior Firefighter and USAR Officer Dylan Teicher from the Western Australian Fire & Rescue Service. Dylan brings nearly 17 years of firefighting experience, having been part of the WA USAR taskforce for 12 years. A former Australian Defence Force soldier with a deep passion for service, Dylan’s journey includes a remarkable career, from his military days in East Timor to becoming a key player in disaster response across the globe.

He shares his unique experiences, from surviving a wild 15-month backpacking adventure through Central America, to tackling some of the toughest rescue operations in cyclones, bushfires, and floods. Dylan reflects on the invaluable skills veterans bring to the emergency services, the importance of teamwork, and the profound job satisfaction that comes with helping communities in crisis.

Tune in to hear about Dylan’s inspiring career path, his experiences in some of the most challenging environments, and what drives him to continue serving on the front lines of disaster response.

In this episode, we are joined by Stephen "Locky" Lockwood, a former infantry soldier in the Royal Australian Army who served in Afghanistan and Timor. Locky shares his experiences in the military, offering valuable insights into life during deployment and his transition from service to civilian life. He discusses how the skills and determination he developed in the army have helped him pursue higher education at university. Additionally, Locky introduces us to his latest venture, The Last Post, an inspiring journey in which he and two close friends will travel 15,000 km around Australia on postie bikes to raise awareness and funds for veteran mental health.

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Ian Rawson, who served for 19 years with the Royal Australian Air Force. Ian dedicated almost a decade of service as an Airfield Guard before transitioning to a role as a Ciscon for another 10 years.

During our conversation, Ian shares insights from his time in the RAAF, discussing experiences from boot camp, the future of warfare including the use of drones and unmanned aircraft, the enduring importance of ground troops, and the circumstances leading to his discharge from the Australian Defence Force, along with the challenges he faced during this transition.

We also delve into Ian's post-military endeavours, particularly his founding of Australian Warfighter Coffee. Despite his discharge, Ian's commitment to service remains unwavering, as he donates proceeds from Warfighter Coffee to various organisations that support first responders and military veterans.

www.australianwarfighters.com.au