The Grey Man Podcast

Tim Thomas: 2nd Commando Regiment, The Moral Load, and Healing Through Breathwork

In this raw and unfiltered episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Tim Thomas—a former operator from the 2nd Commando Regiment who has transitioned from the extremes of human performance to the forefront of holistic health.

Tim joins Harley Fox to pull back the curtain on the silent struggles that define life after service: insomnia, hyper-vigilance, and the weight of the "Moral Load." Tim shares his personal evolution, moving beyond traditional clinical methods to discover the life-changing power of the breath. This episode isn’t just a conversation; it’s a toolkit for recovery, featuring a live breathwork demonstration designed specifically for veterans and first responders.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The SF Transition: Moving from the 2nd Commando Regiment to life as a holistic coach.

• The Moral Load: Understanding the psychological weight carried by operators and how to process it.

• Breathwork in Bed: Tim’s specialized method for tackling veteran insomnia and calming the nervous system.

• Foundation of Recovery: Why high-quality sleep is the non-negotiable first step in healing trauma.

• Live Demonstration: A guided breathwork session you can follow along with to find immediate calm.

Whether you are a veteran, a first responder, or a family member supporting a loved one, Tim’s insights into human performance and nervous system regulation offer a roadmap to reclaiming your health.

🔗 Connect with Tim & The Tribe:

• Breathwork in Bed: breathworkinbed.com.au

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #TimThomas #2ndCommando #SpecialForces #Breathwork #VeteranHealth #Insomnia #MoralLoad #Resilience #ADFTransition

Scott May has lived several lifetimes in one. From serving as an Australian Army Cavalryman in Iraq and Afghanistan to patrolling the streets with Victoria Police, Scott has seen the best and worst of service. In this episode, we explore the friction of transitioning between high-pressure environments, the internal battle with PTSD, and his dedication to the veteran community through the Toowoomba RSL, Young Veterans, and his latest project, Real Steel Rescue. A powerful look at resilience and rebuilding.

What does it take to fundamentally change the way the Australian Army fights? In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, Harley Fox sits down with WO2 Aaron Johnston, a man whose career spans across Army Signals, the RAAF, and 2 Commando Regiment.

A retired veteran of the Australian Regular Army, Aaron’s distinguished military career spans deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He is a former member of the elite 2nd Commando Regiment and a certified Special Forces Close Quarter Fighting Supervisor. His instructional legacy includes foundational leadership roles such as the inaugural Sergeant Major of the 7th Brigade Combat Behaviour Centre, Vice President of the ADF Martial Arts Association, and President of the Integrated Combat Club Brisbane.

Aaron was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in 2022, honouring his outstanding contributions as Senior Instructor and Subject Matter Expert in Army Combatives. His dedication to excellence has continued within Black Dragon Kai, where his influence and commitment have been formally recognised. In 2023, Aaron received the prestigious Gold Kai Award, presented alongside the Black Dragon Kai BJJ Student of the Year, marking a dual celebration of leadership and personal growth within the community.

As the originator of the Point of Impact Training philosophy, Aaron continues to pioneer approaches that equip martial artists and combat professionals to maintain composure under pressure, regulate fear responses, and make ethical decisions in high-stakes environments. His programs transcend physical technique, fostering psychological resilience and moral fortitude to ensure individuals act with integrity when it matters most.

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Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

Facebook: @greymanpodcast

Website: www.thegreyman.au

#TheGreyManPodcast #AaronJohnston #ArmyCombatives #2Commando #ArmySignals #ADF #CombatBehaviours #SpecialForces #MilitaryTraining #VeteranStories

"It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning."

Harley Fox hits the pavement at the VVMC & VMC Bike and Hot Rod show in Slacks Creek to talk to the men behind the patches. We explore the deep-rooted "mateship" that defines the Veteran Motorcycle Club, the rigorous 15-month journey to becoming a full patch member, and how these clubs provide a vital safety net for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

Whether it's $5 beers on a Friday night or housing homeless veterans through their "Veteran House" charity, the Queensland Chapter proves that the mission doesn't end when you hang up the uniform. Featuring interviews with the Chapter President, "Big H," and contemporary vets who found their tribe again through the love of Harleys and shared history.

The Grey Man Podcast | Authentic stories from the veteran community.

Host Harley Fox welcomes Isaac Adams to explore a different side of veteran recovery. From the front lines to the stables, Isaac shares how working with horses saved his life and provided the clarity that traditional methods couldn't.

Highlights include:

• Beyond the Uniform: The psychological hurdles of leaving the service.

• Producer’s Cut: A look at why "alternative" therapies like Isaac’s are becoming essential for the veteran community.

• The Bond: Understanding the silent communication between a veteran and a horse.

If you know a veteran who is struggling or looking for a new path, please share this episode with them. Leave us a 5-star review to help more people find these stories.

Follow the show:Instagram: @thegreymanpodcastHost: Harley Fox

He’s back! Jarryd Goundrey joins Harley Fox on The Grey Man Podcast for a highly anticipated second round. I mentioned in the podcast that the first one with Jarryd was Episode #8, but I was mistaken, it's actually Episode #12 if you want to check it out.

From serving as an infantry soldier in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) to becoming one of Australia’s fastest-rising comedians, Jarryd’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

In this episode, we move past the basics and get into the "dirty work" of his career today. We talk about the discipline learned in the Army, the isolation of the touring life, and the importance of finding a community that "gets it." Whether you’re a veteran navigating civilian life or an aspiring creative, Jarryd’s "no-punches-pulled" approach to life and mental health is exactly what you need to hear.

Key Highlights:

• Military to Mic: How the Army prepared Jarryd for the rejection of stand-up.

• The Business of Show: Why being funny is only 50% of the battle.

• Veteran Mental Health: Honest talk about anxiety, identity, and moving forward.

Follow the guest: Jarryd Goundrey (@jarrydgoundrey)

Hosted by: Harley Fox

Support the show: Visit thegreyman.au for merch and more.

In this episode, Harley Fox explores the concept of "both sides of the coin" with a unique father and son duo. Tony Irwin retired as an RSM after 30 years in the Army and now spends his time volunteering for RSL QLD. He is joined by his son, an active Army Reservist in the Artillery. Together, they discuss the discipline of military life, the challenges of transition, and the unique bond shared by those who serve.

What happens after the uniform comes off? Today on The Grey Man Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Henneberry, a 23-year veteran of the Royal Australian Artillery. From deploying to Cambodia as a teenager to transitioning into the defense industry, Mark has seen the full spectrum of the veteran experience.

Mark opens up about the struggle many veterans and first responders face when searching for a new mission. He shares how he found his "next" by co-founding Wet Canteen Bottling Company, a whiskey brand built on the foundation of mateship and shared history.

Whether you’re currently serving, transitioning, or a first responder looking for a community that "gets it," this conversation provides a roadmap for finding purpose beyond the service.

Highlights:

• The impact of early-career deployments.

• Strategies for finding a new identity in the civilian sector.

• Why community and "community chats" are vital for post-service mental health.

• Turning a passion for whiskey into a platform for connection.

Follow The Grey Man Podcast for more episodes focused on identity, purpose, and community.

What does it take to move from the intensity of the QPS Dog Squad to coaching elite performers? Shaun O’Gorman joins The Grey Man Podcast for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the battles fought both on the street and inside the mind.

Shaun shares his journey through policing and transition, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and explaining why vulnerability is actually a tactical advantage. Whether you’re a first responder, a veteran, or someone looking to level up your life, Shaun’s insights on purpose and fatherhood provide a roadmap for high-performance living.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mission: Shifting your mindset from "surviving" to "thriving."

• The Mind: Tactical strategies for mental health and resilience.

• The Man: Balancing the roles of a warrior and a father.

Follow The Grey Man Podcast for more episodes featuring those who live life in the grey.

Check out Shaun's reference materials here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/n8sf6b3e4n4vldylh4e77/ALKT03dW4XKzrux2cQx3vdA?rlkey=kr78g1inkqi3ry9atwvvu9nne&st=wahgnbz8&dl=0Follow Shaun O’Gorman: https://www.thestronglifeproject.com/

What does it take to build a brand after surviving one of the most intense battles of the Afghanistan war? Harley Fox talks with David Payne, Afghanistan war veteran and founder of Lifespan Supplements.

In this episode:

• Growing up on the Sunshine Coast.

• First-hand account of the Battle of Muzasi (Tarin Kowt).

• The struggle of transitioning to civilian life.

• Building a business and maintaining relationships post-service.