The Last Post Radio Show

It was 1997. Luke McCallum, Broken Hill-born, left home to join the navy. Luke was 17. He served in the Royal Australian Navy for nearly two decades as a Communications and Information Systems sailor. Throughout his service, Luke participated in operations spanning regions like the Middle East, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and Border Protection duties near Australia. Following a suicide-attack in the Persian Gulf, and injury to his legs during a training drill, Luke was medically discharged in 2013. Here, Luke speaks with Dr Mary Anne Whiting about his injuries, his career after leaving the navy and how sport, speaking and media work has helped to face and overcome the physical and mental challenges that presented themselves.

The RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley sits down with the Radio Show to explain why discussion needs to be had on the federal government's plan to sell off defence estate.

Asked to appear on this special World Cup episode of The Selection Table, Michael Bridger, true to form, starts the conversation by using it as an opportunity to praise his beloved Roosters and later, again putting the boots into The Dragons ("The Dragons will sign anyone. They'd sign Mr Whippy if they thought it'd get them a win"). Michael also points to some front-page news on the playing future of Nathan Cleary. Eventually we get around to discussing the World Cup and these quotes from Michael followed -

"There must've been 100 cars in the street with horns" "I won't mention where he's from" "They'll challenge Australia, don't worry about that" "Especially up in the hills of PNG" "It's great to see people happy" "I'm not playing, I'll be enjoying a nice glass of wine" "How much rest does he need?"

Amidst growing public protest, RSL Australia is leading a national campaign against the federal government's planned sale of our military estate. Here, Peter Tinley sits down with the Radio Show to explain why this should not go ahead.

The Radio Show chats with author Rich Hardy about his new book, Trip Reports. In an exciting, interesting and complicated field Rich chats about ongoing research and the potential to find new ways to treat depression, PTSD, dementia and other conditions. This chat takes a deep dive into the experimental science, the history of psychedelic medicine, treatments available and what has happened and what is happening around the world.

Author Kate Clinch sits down to talk with the Radio Show about her new book, Every Inch A Saint, the story of Eileen O'Conner whose work with, and caring for the sick and poor in Sydney's slums has resulted in her becoming Australia's Saint-in-Waiting. Against the backdrop of her own poor health, WW1 and with the help of Father Edmund McGrath, Eileen dedicated her time to being a trailblazer in the help of Sydney's disadvantaged. Visiting Eileen's house, Kate tells us that she felt that she was in the presence of a Saint...and of her own near death experience.

Historian and author of 24 books, Ian Howie Willis sits down with the Radio Show to talk about his latest book. We look at the history of what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, a history that goes back to Shakespeare. This conversation includes a reading of Vietnam veteran Stephen "Butch" Daly's poem, "There's nothing wrong with me". At a time when up to 11% of the Australian population is believed to suffer from PTSD, a timely and important book.

A free online will-writing webinar is being conducted next Wednesday, Oct 21 by Australian Red Cross. An opportunity to write your will, completely free.

Legacy Australia is a historic charity founded in 1923 from a promise made in World War I - "I'll look after your family". Today Legacy Australia continues that promise by supporting the families of fallen or injured Veterans. Hear more of the story in Dr Mary Anne Whiting's interview with Judy Mack, Past President of Canberra Legacy as she explains the changing but still vital role of Legacy.

Author historian Lynette Ramsay Silver speaks with the Radio Show about her latest book, Operation Kingfisher. A story of cover-ups, bungled operations, failures of leadership, poor judgement and flawed assumptions...and of lives lost and of Douglas Stirling, who joined the ADF at the age of 14. And of Douglas' parents, who knew nothing of their sons whereabouts until they received a postcard from Borneo.

Silver has received numerous Australian + international honours for her contribution to military history and veterans. Through this book and interview, the truth is out. A painful story but a must read and listen.