The Grey Man Podcast

Geoff Pocock: Combat Engineering, Professional Setbacks, and the QPS Firearms Line

In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Geoff Pocock, a former Combat Engineer in the Australian Army and current Firearms Instructor for the Queensland Police Service (QPS). Geoff’s story is a raw and necessary look at the high-stakes world of military engineering and the personal cost of navigating a career within a rigid system.

Geoff opens up about the "mental health fallout" that followed a significant professional disappointment—losing a promotion—and the deep disillusionment that forced him to re-evaluate his path. We explore his journey of rebuilding trust, finding grit in the face of growth, and how he now uses precision and discipline to mentor others within the police force.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Combat Engineering: The reality of life as a Sapper in the Australian Army.

• The Promotion Pivot: Navigating the mental health impact of professional setbacks and institutional disillusionment.

• The Transition to QPS: Moving from military service to becoming a Firearms Instructor for the police.

• Mentorship & Discipline: How Geoff translates his military experience into training the next generation of law enforcement.

• Non-Linear Recovery: A powerful discussion on the reality of healing and finding purpose on the other side of service.

Geoff’s journey is a reminder that while the road to recovery isn't always linear, it is possible with the right mindset. Whether you’re an ADF veteran, a first responder, or someone facing your own professional hurdles, this conversation offers a masterclass in resilience.

🔗 Join the Tribe:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

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#TheGreyManPodcast #GeoffPocock #CombatEngineer #QPS #FirearmsInstructor #VeteranMentalHealth #Resilience #MilitaryTransition #ADF #QueenslandPolice

Luke Stewart: Coastal Veterans, Saltwater Therapy, and Finding Solidarity After Service

How does the ocean help a warrior heal? In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Luke Stewart, the founder of Coastal Veterans, to discuss how saltwater and solidarity are transforming the lives of Australian veterans.

Luke shares his raw journey from the battlefield to the beach, exploring the profound impact of veteran trauma, the complexities of military transition, and the life-saving power of finding a new purpose. This conversation is a powerful reminder that while the road to recovery is personal, it doesn't have to be walked alone.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Coastal Veterans: The origin story of the movement and its mission to support the ADF community.

• The Healing Power of the Ocean: Why saltwater and outdoor solidarity are effective tools for mental health.

• Navigating Trauma: A raw look at the emotional toll of service and the realities of the transition to civilian life.

• Building Community: How shared experiences outside of the military structure create lasting bonds.

• Recovery and Resilience: Luke’s personal insights into reclaiming identity and purpose.

This episode is raw, uplifting, and deeply human. Whether you are a veteran looking for a tribe, a first responder, or interested in holistic mental health, Luke’s mission offers a blueprint for healing.

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode contains emotionally intense content regarding mental health and trauma.

🔗 Connect with Luke & The Tribe:

• Coastal Veterans Instagram: @coastal_veterans

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #LukeStewart #CoastalVeterans #VeteranMentalHealth #SaltwaterTherapy #ADF #MilitaryTransition #Resilience #AustralianVeterans

Becky McGaw: Breaking the Silence on Grief, Mistreatment, and the RAAF

In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we are joined by Air Force veteran Becky McGaw for a conversation that is as raw as it is long overdue. Becky speaks with unflinching honesty about her time in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), shedding light on the mistreatment she endured and the deep-seated grief that followed her service.

Becky’s story is a powerful examination of the emotional cost of silence within military institutions. She shares her journey of navigating a system that often leaves members feeling unseen and unheard, and the transformative power of finally finding the courage to speak out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has felt pushed aside or is searching for the strength to share their own truth.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The RAAF Experience: A candid look at the reality of life and culture within the Air Force.

• The Cost of Silence: Navigating the psychological impact of military mistreatment and institutional betrayal.

• Processing Grief: How service-related loss and trauma shape life after the uniform.

• The Power of Voice: Why being heard is a vital step in the veteran recovery process.

• Advocacy and Awareness: Shifting the narrative for women and men in the ADF.

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode contains emotionally intense content regarding mental health and mistreatment.

🍫 Support Our Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by It’s a Hard Choc Life.Visit them at www.itsahardchoclife.com and follow them on Instagram: @its_a_hard_choc_life.

🔗 Join the Community:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #BeckyMcGaw #RAAF #VeteranVoices #MilitaryMistreatment #VeteranGrief #ADF #Resilience #ItsAHardChocLife

Andy Fermo: Special Forces, Invisible Injuries, and the Path to Post-Military Purpose

In this powerful episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Andy Fermo—a former Australian Commando turned dedicated mental health advocate. Andy opens up about the high-stakes reality of life in the Special Forces, the heavy weight of the transition to civilian life, and the vital mission behind his work with Invisible Injuries.

Andy shares the tools he has developed to support veterans through trauma and recovery, emphasizing that the battle doesn't always end when the uniform comes off. We explore the intersection of identity and resilience, and why speaking the unspoken is the first step toward collective healing in the ADF community.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Commando Experience: What it’s really like operating at the elite level of the Australian Special Forces.

• Invisible Injuries: The origin of the movement and how it supports those dealing with PTSD and trauma.

• Navigating Transition: Managing the shift in identity when moving from elite combat service to civilian life.

• Vulnerability as Strength: How building community through honest conversation can save lives.

• Recovery Tools: Practical strategies for navigating trauma and fostering long-term growth.

This is more than just a veteran’s story—it’s a masterclass in human resilience. Whether you are an active-duty member, a veteran, or someone supporting a loved one through recovery, Andy’s insights are essential listening.

🔗 Connect with Andy & The Tribe:

• Invisible Injuries: www.invisibleinjuries.org.au

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #AndyFermo #InvisibleInjuries #AustralianCommandos #SpecialForces #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #Resilience #ADFTransition #MilitaryVoices

Ash Semmens: Navy Clearance Diving, HUMINT Interrogation, and the Mission to Rise

In this gripping episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Chief Petty Officer (Ret.) Ash Semmens for a deep dive into an 18.5-year career within the Royal Australian Navy. Ash’s journey is one of extreme transitions—from the high-stakes physical world of a Navy Clearance Diver and EOD expert to the psychological front lines of HUMINT (Human Intelligence) interrogation.

Ash reflects on two distinct deployments to Afghanistan, sharing the raw reality of service at the elite level and the impact it has on one's identity. We explore how he navigated the shift to civilian life, his commitment to his brothers through the Navy Clearance Diver Trust, and his latest mission to empower others through the We Rise Collective.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Clearance Diver Path: Life as a Navy diver and the precision of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

• The Shift to HUMINT: Transitioning from physical operations to the mental game of intelligence and interrogation.

• Afghanistan Service: Personal reflections on two intense deployments and the lessons learned in the field.

• The Navy Clearance Diver Trust: Supporting the community and maintaining the bond after service.

• We Rise Collective: Ash’s new venture focused on leadership, resilience, and helping others find their purpose.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, the evolution of identity, and the drive to continue serving long after the uniform is hung up. Whether you are interested in elite naval operations, intelligence work, or veteran entrepreneurship, Ash’s story is essential listening.

🔗 Connect with Ash & The Tribe:

• Navy Clearance Diver Trust: www.ncdt.org.au

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #AshSemmens #NavyClearanceDiver #HUMINT #EOD #AfghanistanVeteran #RoyalAustralianNavy #WeRiseCollective #VeteranResilience #ADF

Lukas Taylor: The Army Reserve, Mental Health Advocacy, and "It’s a Hard Choc Life"

In this powerful episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Lukas Taylor—an Army Reservist, professional social worker, and the founder of It’s a Hard Choc Life. Lukas provides a rare and necessary look at the unique mental health challenges faced by "chocs" (part-time soldiers) who must constantly balance the demands of military service with their civilian lives.

Drawing from his lived experience as both a soldier and a practitioner, Lukas discusses his mission to create culturally competent care for the veteran community. We explore the stigma and silence that often define the reservist journey, from the barracks to the brink of burnout, and how his organization is working to bridge the gap between veterans and the support they deserve.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The "Choc" Identity: Navigating the dual life of a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve.

• It’s a Hard Choc Life: The origin story of the movement and its advocacy for better veteran support.

• Closing the Gap: Why veterans need practitioners who understand the unique culture and language of service.

• Burnout and Stigma: Addressing the mental health hurdles specific to the Reserve community.

• A Call to Action: Moving toward real, systemic change in how we support those who serve.

This conversation is a must-listen for Reservists, full-time veterans, and health practitioners alike. Lukas Taylor’s insights offer a masterclass in empathy, advocacy, and the strength found in reclaiming your story.

🔗 Connect with Lukas & The Tribe:

• Website: itsahardchoclife.com

• Instagram: @its_a_hard_choc_life

• The Grey Man Podcast Merch: www.thegreyman.au

#TheGreyManPodcast #LukasTaylor #ItsAHardChocLife #ArmyReserve #VeteranMentalHealth #SocialWork #ADF #PartTimeService #Resilience #VeteranAdvocacy

Jesse Stevenson: Combat Engineering in Afghanistan and Finding a Lifeline in BJJ

In this raw and deeply moving episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with Afghanistan war veteran Jesse Stevenson. As a former Combat Engineer, Jesse operated on the front lines, where the cost of service was often measured in lives lost and the heavy scars carried home.

Jesse opens up about the reality of the Afghanistan war, the weight of combat, and the long, non-linear road to recovery. He shares how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) evolved from a hobby into a vital lifeline, providing the discipline and community needed to navigate life after service. With unflinching honesty, Jesse reflects on the healing power of purpose and the unwavering support of his family in helping him rediscover his strength.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Sapper's Toll: The high-stakes reality of life as a Combat Engineer in a combat zone.

• The Weight of War: Processing the loss of comrades and the emotional impact of deployment.

• BJJ as Therapy: How Brazilian Jiu Jitsu serves as a tool for mental health and physical resilience.

• The Power of Family: The role of a spouse and children in a veteran's journey toward healing.

• Rediscovering Purpose: Finding a new mission and identity in the aftermath of military service.

This is more than just a veteran’s story—it is a masterclass in resilience and the importance of human connection. Whether you are a veteran, a martial artist, or someone supporting a loved one through PTSD, Jesse’s journey offers a powerful reminder that there is a way back from the dark.

🔗 Join the Community:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

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• TikTok: @thegreymanpodcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #JesseStevenson #CombatEngineer #AfghanistanVeteran #BJJ #VeteranMentalHealth #ADF #Resilience #FamilyStrength #MilitaryTransition

Maria Rodrigues: EMDR Therapy, PTSD, and Navigating the Veteran Mental Health Landscape

In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we sit down with psychologist Maria Rodrigues for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about the invisible wounds carried by the veteran community. Maria brings her clinical expertise to the table as we dive deep into the realities of PTSD, the mechanics of trauma, and the paths toward genuine recovery.

A major focus of this discussion is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Maria explains how this specialized therapy helps process deep-seated trauma, and I open up about my own personal journey using EMDR to find a way forward.

Inside this episode:

• The Clinical Toolkit: Understanding EMDR and why it is a game-changer for PTSD treatment.

• Roots of Resilience: Maria shares her upbringing as one of seven siblings and the influence of her father's life as a Merchant Marine.

• The Therapy Room: Breaking down the stigma around seeking help and what veterans can expect from the process.

• Sustainable Self-Care: Moving beyond the "buzzwords" to find routines that actually keep you grounded.

• Family & Support: Insights for loved ones navigating the mental health landscape alongside a veteran.

Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a practitioner, Maria’s raw honesty and professional insights offer a masterclass in human resilience.

🔗 Join the Tribe:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #MariaRodrigues #EMDR #PTSD #VeteranMentalHealth #Psychology #ADF #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #SelfCare

Ashleigh Shannon: Air Dispatching, Middle East Deployments, and Transitioning to the Corporate World

In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, we are joined by Ashleigh Shannon, who served 11 years as an Air Dispatcher in the Australian Army. Ashleigh’s career spans a decade of high-tempo operations, including multiple deployments to the Middle East and a unique role serving during the peak of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ashleigh opens up about the highs and lows of life in uniform, from the technical demands of Air Dispatch to the emotional experience of returning to her hometown as a serving member. We also explore her successful military transition, discussing how she translated a decade of Army leadership and grit into a flourishing career in the corporate world.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• The Air Dispatcher Role: Inside the high-stakes world of aerial delivery and logistics.

• Deploying to the Middle East: Reflections on service, operational tempo, and life overseas.

• COVID-19 Operations: The Army’s role during domestic restrictions and the challenges of that period.

• Military to Corporate: How Ashleigh leveraged her ADF experience to find success in the business sector.

• Identity and Resilience: Finding new ways to serve and lead after a long-term military career.

Whether you are currently serving in the ADF, a veteran navigating your own transition, or a professional interested in leadership and resilience, Ashleigh’s journey offers a masterclass in evolving your purpose.

🔗 Join the Tribe:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

• LinkedIn: The Grey Man Podcast

#TheGreyManPodcast #AshleighShannon #AirDispatcher #AustralianArmy #MilitaryTransition #MiddleEastVeteran #ADF #CorporateLeadership #Resilience #VeteranVoices

Anthony Symes: Cavalry Leadership, Mental Health Collapse, and the Climb Back to Purpose

Anthony Symes spent his military career leading from the front as a Cavalry Crew Commander with both 2 Cav and 2/14 Cav. But as many veterans know, the toughest battles often begin after the uniform comes off. In this episode of The Grey Man Podcast, Anthony opens up about the "chaos" that followed his service—from debilitating panic attacks to a total mental health collapse.

This is a raw, unfiltered look at the kind of trauma that doesn’t show up on a service record. Anthony shares his journey from the edge of breaking to building a life defined by quiet strength, family, and a thriving business. It’s a story about the "climb back" and what it truly takes to find purpose in the civilian world.

Key topics discussed in this episode:

• Cavalry Life: The reality of leadership and high-tempo operations in 2 Cav and 2/14 Cav.

• The Invisible Battle: A candid discussion on panic attacks, trauma, and the fallout of service.

• The Turning Point: Identifying the moment of collapse and the first steps toward recovery.

• Building a New Mission: Transitioning from military leadership to successful veteran entrepreneurship.

• Family and Strength: The role of support systems in the long climb back to health and happiness.

Anthony’s story is one of brutal honesty and profound resilience. Whether you are a fellow Cavalry veteran, currently serving in the ADF, or a family member supporting a loved one, this conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.

Find Anthony: https://squared-away.com.au/

🔗 Join the Tribe:

• Website & Merch: www.thegreyman.au

• Instagram: @thegreymanpodcast

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#TheGreyManPodcast #AnthonySymes #Cavalry #2Cav #214Cav #VeteranMentalHealth #ADF #MilitaryTransition #Resilience #AustralianVeterans