Vince Craig is an ex-Special Air Service Regiment soldier, historian with a PhD, and author of Never Get Off The Train, a semi-fictional account of his time as a foreign military advisor in Ukraine. From joining the army the day Elvis died in 1977 to serving in K-Troop doing freefall parachuting and working with US Navy SEALs, Vince brings decades of military experience and a unique perspective on modern warfare. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey from SAS operator to university academic, his decision to leave everything behind and fly into an active war zone just three weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the extraordinary experiences that followed across multiple deployments training Ukrainian forces alongside Americans, Brits, Kiwis, Norwegians, Danes, and fighters from across the world.

We dive deep into Vince's first chaotic days in Poland, knocking on the Ukrainian Embassy door in Warsaw, sleeping in a copse of trees after missing train connections, being woken by police at 5:30am while eating beans from a can, and arriving at the Polish-Ukrainian border to find a scene nothing like the orderly refugee operation he expected—complete with a cardinal blessing people, a guy on a unicycle throwing balls, and French tents abandoned like a scene from Dunkirk. Vince shares stories of guarding refugee women and children from human traffickers and pedophiles, filling shopping trolleys with pasta and water to distribute across the border, and the moment he realized that even in humanitarian crises, organizations don't want to share their toys because they want all the glory.

The conversation takes a compelling turn as we explore what Kiev was like in those early days when it resembled I Am Legend with Will Smith, completely empty streets with tank traps everywhere, and the reality of training Ukrainian forces who took two weeks to learn basic weapons safety procedures. Vince explains why he sees the Ukrainian military in 2022 as similar to Australia in 1914—a militia force, not ready, with only a small core of professional soldiers—and how units varied wildly from elite groups like Azov to units commanded by podcast hosts and guys who could do lots of chin-ups. We discuss the shocking reality that a Ukrainian Major who served in Iraq couldn't run a basic range practice, why officers were chosen because they owned petrol stations or had cousins in government, and how Vince and his team worked to implement NATO-standard training across diverse units.

We tackle the brutal realities of the conflict, from Vince nearly dying of pneumonia on his first trip and having a US Navy corpsman check his vitals at 3am, to experiencing air raids in Mykolaiv where rockets landed close enough to make him put his helmet on, to the philosophy that two things get you killed—bad luck and fuck ups—and sometimes there's nothing you can do about bad luck. Vince opens up about the soldiers he trained who later invaded Russia and sent him photos holding the Ukrainian flag in Russian territory, the heartbreaking reality that many of those guys are now dead, and why Ukraine is so short of men that nuclear physicists get sent to assault brigades instead of using their skills where they're actually needed.

The episode explores Ukrainian culture and resilience, from experiencing Banya saunas so hot that men just sit there grunting to force out the pain, to meeting Vitali Klitschko the heavyweight champion and mayor of Kiev standing next to knocked-out Russian tanks displayed in front of St. Michael's Church, to playing guitar and singing under railway stations for morale until police moved them along. We discuss why Ukrainians are the toughest people Vince has encountered, how they've already rebuilt towns like Bucha that were destroyed because their mindset is "you're not getting back here," the sophistication of Ukrainian cities with shopping malls that make Australian ones look like dirt farms, and why their innovation with drones, floating bombs, and improvised weapons is leading the world.

We examine the human cost of the conflict, why smaller towns and villages bear the recruiting burden while young people skateboard in Kiev, the conscription age and meat grinder reality for soldiers sent to units with officers who don't care, the woman at the souvenir stand who started crying when Vince told her "you're not alone," and why he keeps going back despite the financial cost and physical toll. Vince shares his thoughts on what Australia should do to support Ukraine, why giving them our mothballed helicopters instead of cutting them up would make a difference, the challenge of finding an off-ramp for Russia that doesn't require Ukraine to cede territory, and his disappointment that Trump hasn't brokered the deal he hoped for.

Get Vince's book Never Get Off The Train at www.vincecraig.com.au

Saxon Davidson is a research fellow at the IPA, regular media commentator, and contributor to multiple newspapers across Australia. From discussing environmental lawfare and publicly funded green activists to debating Australia's energy crisis and the systemic failures of our political class, Saxon brings sharp analysis and unfiltered opinions to The JBH Show. Join us as we explore how Section 487 of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act allows Melbourne-based green activists to challenge regional mining and agriculture projects they've never visited, why the Environmental Defenders Office receives government funding to stop job-creating industries, and the shocking reality that China replaces Australia's entire annual emissions in just twelve days.

We dive deep into Saxon's journey from IPA admin assistant to research fellow, how he survived university by writing like a leftist while working for a free market think tank, his first-year essay arguing the Iraq War wouldn't have happened if the Shah hadn't been deposed in Iran, and why he questions Ben Shapiro's debate skills despite following his university survival strategy. Saxon opens up about the importance of media training, how the IPA taught him to articulate complex policy positions, the difference between writing research reports versus newspaper commentary, and why he believes discussing trade-offs is more important than debating climate change itself.

The conversation takes a deep policy turn as we explore why Australia's Future Made in Australia policy is fundamentally flawed, the energy trilemma of reliability, affordability, and environmental considerations, how the government has sacrificed the first two for the third, and why manufacturing based on intermittent renewables is impossible. Saxon explains why Anthony Albanese is the only Prime Minister in recorded history to oversee an overall reduction in GDP per capita from start to finish, how ten out of thirteen quarters under this government have seen living standards decline, why Jim Chalmers is the most fortunate treasurer ever because Liberal Party turmoil has distracted from his horrific budgetary record, and the critical difference between real surpluses and accounting tricks that ignore rising gross debt.

We tackle government spending approaching $1 trillion in gross debt, why you have to slay the beast before you starve it, the myth that cutting taxes forces spending reductions, bracket creep in superannuation taxes, how Albanese's untouched parliamentary pension contrasts with his changes to super for farmers and self-managed funds, the case for bringing back parliamentary pensions to attract quality people to politics, and why regional industries like agriculture and mining suffer when public servants and politicians regulate from hundreds of kilometres away. Saxon shares his thoughts on new states and regional exit movements, why he's not opposed to breaking up Australia's vast states, the Free State of Riverina concept, North Queensland independence dreams, and why he thinks it would take a generation but could bring government closer to the people.

The episode takes a lighter turn as we discuss Essendon Football Club, why Saxon went from confident to pessimistic between seasons, his prediction of finishing 17th, the spectacular Bristol Beaufighter Anzac Day guernsey that briefly restored his hope, why Nic Martin as captain concerns him despite being a good bloke, the Zach Merrett trade saga and why Saxon is completely off him after requesting to play under Sam Mitchell who stole Joe Daniher's Brownlow, and the Essendon Messiah complex that prevents the club from addressing systemic institutional failure. We explore whether Christian Petracca rumors could save the club, why bringing back James Hird would be a mistake despite Saxon's love for him, the baby bombers hope for the future, and why both Essendon and Australia share a tendency to look for saviors instead of fixing structural problems.

Whether you're interested in environmental law reform, energy policy, the mechanics of how green activism stops regional development, government spending and taxation, the decline in Australian living standards, footy club dysfunction, or just want to hear someone who can articulate conservative policy positions with clarity and passion, this episode delivers compelling insights, brutal honesty about both national politics and Essendon's prospects, and a roadmap for reversing Australia's decline before we cross the Rubicon or as Saxon calls it, the Nullarbor.

["Matt Ward returns for his second appearance on The JBH Show, bringing his trademark blend of raw honesty, conspiracy theories, and unfiltered conversation. From discussing the mysteries of the Egyptian pyramids and questioning everything from ancient civilizations to modern politics, Matt takes us on a wild ride through his unique worldview. This episode kicks off with ancient mysteries and quickly spirals into discussions about Catholicism, determinism, and why Matt believes that if a higher power has already written the script, every decision you make is ultimately the right one—even when it feels wrong in the moment. We explore Matt's journey back to faith, how becoming Catholic twelve months ago transformed his approach to mental health and anxiety, and why letting go of control has paradoxically given him better control over his life. Matt opens up about parenting his nearly three-year-old daughter Maeve, who's already showing signs of his rebellious personality by letting German Shepherds into the house at 5:30am and drawing on walls while laughing about it. With a son due in twenty days and his wife working to turn a breached baby, Matt reflects on how his own challenging upbringing has shaped his parenting philosophy of providing what his children need without spoiling them, and why soft parenting simply isn't possible with a child like Maeve. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Matt reveals his battle with painkiller addiction, detailing how an injury led to taking twelve Panadeine Forte tablets daily for months, creating an elaborate rotation system involving friends and family to hide his dependency. He shares the moment his wife discovered the truth, the overwhelming shame that followed, and how he channeled his addictive personality into running, then football, and now fighting—completing eight fights in two years when most fighters manage three annually. Matt discusses living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, why missing a gym session sends him into an anxious spiral, the importance of structure for his mental health, and his philosophy of openly discussing struggles that many people can't vocalize themselves. We dive into everything from Disneyland obsession and why Matt goes full Disney adult mode despite initially preferring Universal Studios, to his annual Thailand training camps, the Stranger Things ending controversy and Conformity Gate conspiracy theories, Trump's ninety-minute operation to remove Maduro from Venezuela, the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth minerals, and why Matt thinks there will be a secret sixth season of Stranger Things. The episode explores second chances for ex-convicts, whether anyone truly deserves to die, the difference between punishment and rehabilitation, mental health advocacy, why Matt focuses only on things he can control, and his final message about treating every conversation as if it could be your last. Whether you're interested in ancient mysteries, addiction recovery, parenting chaos, mental health advocacy, geopolitics, or just want to spend ninety minutes inside one of the most fascinating minds you'll encounter, this episode delivers compelling insights, brutal honesty, and genuine human connection."

Sarah Hien Tran is the CEO and founder of Glamjet, a medical tourism company that organizes beauty, dental, and wellness holidays across South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. From her humble beginnings offering free tour guides in Hanoi to learn English, to studying international business in the Netherlands and accidentally discovering her calling while getting cosmetic procedures in South Korea, Sarah's journey is one of serendipity, hustle, and unwavering commitment to quality. Join us as we explore how a chance Facebook post about her Korean medical experience led to clinic owners approaching her, how she personally vets every single surgeon and hospital she works with, and why she believes medical tourism should be built on care and integrity rather than just profit.

We dive deep into Sarah's meticulous pre-qualification process—from reading Korean-language reviews on Naver to sitting in clinic lobbies watching how they treat local patients, to personally staying in every hotel she recommends and even getting procedures herself to test the service. Sarah shares fascinating insights about the stark cost differences (eyesight correction for $2,500 in Korea versus $10,000 in Australia), why Korean clinics that serve demanding local customers provide superior service compared to tourist-focused operations, and how her white-glove service includes everything from translators waiting outside surgery rooms to arranging IV drips and post-op red light therapy. From door-knocking Seoul clinics to building a network of 35 leading hospitals across four countries, Sarah's hands-on approach sets a new standard in an industry often plagued by sketchy operators.

The conversation takes a strategic turn as we discuss Sarah's ambitious 2026 plans, including a US road tour bringing Korean surgeons to American cities, developing a mobile app to bring transparency to the medical tourism industry, and her $30K investment in AI agents to provide 24/7 client support. We explore the unexpected networking connection that led to partnerships with top Australian surgeons, why Sarah spends four to five days a week at a Melbourne wellness club combining deep work with oxygen therapy and red light treatments, her passion for preventative health after witnessing patients with late-stage cancer who could have benefited from early detection, and the life-changing advice from a billionaire entrepreneur about failure. Whether you're considering medical procedures overseas, interested in building a service-based business, or just curious about how someone turns free tour guiding into a thriving international company, this episode delivers compelling insights from an entrepreneur who's built success through relentless quality control and genuine care.

David Wilson is a retired engineer, author, and world traveller with a fascinating career spanning continents and industries. From his unexpected pivot from medicine to engineering in 1960s Queensland to building his fortune in dredging projects across Singapore, London, and Indonesia, David's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and hard-won wisdom. Join us as we explore his remarkable life—from working on the Botany Bay port development to setting up engineering companies in London, losing everything in a disastrous eel farm venture, and rebuilding his wealth through strategic property investments during Britain's economic turbulence.

We dive deep into David's experiences living through Thatcher's Britain, the Falklands War, and the class structures that defined an era. David shares candid insights about engineering massive cross-country pipelines in Indonesian Borneo despite having zero experience, the Dutch disease phenomenon that decimated Australian manufacturing, and why being an Australian in 1970s London gave you a unique social advantage. From grave digger strikes to motorbike mishaps that changed his career trajectory, David's stories paint a vivid picture of a life lived fully across multiple continents.

The conversation takes a serious turn as we discuss David's three published books and his work-in-progress on Australia's defence preparedness. David doesn't hold back on his views about Australia's political class, our non-existent sovereign defence capability, the arrogance of both major parties, and why we desperately need a grand strategy that encompasses everything from manufacturing to national service. We explore anti-Semitism in Australian politics, the French remembering Australian sacrifice at the Somme, why Emmanuel Macron responds to constituent letters while Australian MPs won't, and David's compelling argument for why nuclear power is actually cheaper than renewables—using the government's own numbers. Whether you're interested in engineering adventures, political reform, defence strategy, or just a bloody good yarn from someone who's lived an extraordinary life, this episode delivers.

All of David’s books can be found at https://davidwilsonpublications.com/

Or purchased on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/40e1pHD

Joe McCracken is an Upper House MP for the Western Region in Victoria, representing the Liberal Party. Born in Ballarat and raised across Western Australia and Victoria, Joe brings a unique perspective shaped by his decade as a history teacher and six years serving on the Colac Otway Shire Council. Join us as we dive deep into Joe's journey from the classroom to parliament, exploring what drives someone to leave a stable career to pursue public service.

We discuss the realities of political life, from campaign trails to question time, the challenges of representing 78,000 square kilometers of diverse communities, and the importance of authentic representation. Joe opens up about being the first Victorian MP to come out in their maiden speech, the emergency services tax controversy affecting rural communities, housing affordability for younger generations, and why he believes teaching was the perfect training ground for politics.

This conversation tackles everything from local council graffiti to global political trends, the polarization of modern politics, what it really takes to serve 500,000 constituents, and why Joe thinks merit should always come before identity in public service. Whether you're interested in Victorian politics, considering a run for office yourself, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes in parliament, this episode offers an honest, unfiltered look at political life from someone who chose service over self.

James Cashat is the CEO an Founder of SHOC. The number 1 name in football visors. Join us as we discuss James’ life pre-SHOC, the origin of the company and the secrets to running a successful online business from someone who has been involved with E-commerce for nearly 30 years. James also talks about expanding product ranges, what’s next for SHOC, keeping in line with your values, his experience in the US Navy and more!

Get YOUR pair of the SHOC Sunglasses here: https://shoc.com/products/wrap-around-sunglasses

Garry is a Melbourne based buyers agent, known as “The Property Buyer” with over 15 years experience in sales negotiations. We cover a wide range of topics on the pod regarding his experience in property, the time he accidentally got closer to Tony Robbins than expected and the wonderful world of Whisky.

Kiani Mills is the visionary founder behind The Kiani Mindset, author of The Purple Pill and owner of Imperiale Conveyancing. With a powerful belief that a Million-Dollar Business begins with a Million-Dollar Mindset, Kiani has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of elite business owners and visionary entrepreneurs. Join Kiani on this podcast as she shares transformative insights, real-world strategies, and the mindset shifts that unlock extraordinary potential within you and your business.

Check out her book here: https://amzn.to/4aIHzek

Anna Florance is an activist and political volunteer, she joins us to talk about everything from living in tiny homes and the causes that mean the most to her.