True Blue Conversations Podcast

On this week's podcast I speak to Mitch Parker former NSW Police officer former Superintendent NSW SES Command of the New England and Retained Fire Fighter with Fire and Rescue NSW. Mitch spent 17 years within the NSW police and 17 years and counting as a retained fire fighter with NSW Fire and Rescue. During his time within both roles Mitch has many stories from incidents that even led to receiving commendations for bravery as both police officer and firefighter. After an extensive career serving the community on the front lines he moved onto the role as Superintendent NSW SES Command of the New England and North West of Western Zone within the NSW State Emergency Service better know as the SES. Mitch now works for the NSW Reconstruction Authority working to rebuild after natural disasters.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Mitch Parker

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On part two of our chat with Rachel Ingram we speak about coming back from deployments.

Being medically discharged from the Army after 19 year's service and facing what every veteran faces when they leave the ADF, Transition, finding purpose after service and finding a new identity away from Defence the highs and the lows faced by all veterans and first responders when they leave service.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Rachel Ingram

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's podcast, I speak with Army veteran Rachel Ingram.

Rache served for 19 years in the Australian Army deployed on multiple deployments, including East Timor, Afghanistan, Iraq, Solomon Islands, and multiple deployments in Australia. Rache was a photographer in the Army and covered many official events throughout her service. Rache was serving with 1RAR as part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF – 2) in 2009 where Private Ben Ranaudo was killed by an anti-personnel explosive device and seriously wounded private Paul Warren on the 18th of July 2009. After 19 years in the Army, Rachel was medically discharged in 2014 and faced what all veterans face, what life is like after service, and finding purpose again. This is a raw and honest 2-part chat.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Rachel Ingram

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's podcast I speak with Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran / Police Officer Murray Turner. A friend submitted an application on behalf of Murray to become a NSW Police Officer. After a short two-year career as a Police Officer, Murray was looking to further his career in which he decided to join the Royal Australian Army. Upon being accepted into the military post training he was posted to the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. He then completed selection for then 4RAR Commando which now is the 2nd Commando Regiment. He spent a total of 16 years as a Commando deploying to East Timor and multiple highly kinetic Afghanistan operations as part of Special Operations Task Group, also working in Tactical Assault Group (TAG- EAST). Murray spoke of his deployments the cost of war service losing mates in combat and transiting from the Special Forces and finding purpose again after service a raw and honest chat.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Murray Turner

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's podcast I speak with Western Australian Police Officer / Army veteran Senior Constable Stephanie Bochorsky SC, who had a willingness to serve and her dream was to join the police from a young age. This dream was achieved in 2008 when Stephanie was accepted into the WA Police academy, Steph had to overcome adversity and also sat the police entrance exam on the day her Mother passed away.

All of her training could not prepare her for what she would face In the early morning of 28 August 2015, Senior Constable (then First Class Constable) Stephanie Bochorsky rescued two young children who had been covered with fuel and set alight at a house in Doubleview, Western Australia. At approximately 12:30am, Constable Bochorsky was off-duty and at home when she heard a female neighbour screaming in the street. She opened her door and saw a woman in her dressing gown. Steph yelled out to her if she needed help to which she responded, "He's setting my kids on fire". Constable Bochorsky immediately left her own home and approached the property. As she entered the home, she smelt a strong odour of petrol. She made her way to a bedroom and on entering the room. She was confronted with a 3 year old child standing in her cot with her head engulfed in flames. Constable Bochorsky grabbed a nearby blanket and began to extinguish the flames on the small child. After extinguishing the flames, Steph felt a presence behind her within the room, as she turned around, Steph saw a naked man standing next to a small bed - the father of the children - armed with a fuel can. He was in the process of pouring petrol onto the second child who was lying in bed. Despite the presence of the violent man, the offender continued to pour petrol onto the young girl's face who was struggling to breathe. Constable Bochorsky, without regard for her own safety, removed the young child from the cot and grabbed the girl from the bed and quickly left the house. She took the youngest girl to her own home where she placed the child in the bathtub and began to administer first aid to the child's burns. By her actions, Senior Constable Bochorsky displayed conspicuous courage,

For her Actions on that night Steph was awarded the Inaugural National Police Bravery Award, the Commissioner's Award for Bravery and in 2019 Steph was awarded the Star of Courage.

Steph is now studying to be a psychologist.

On this week's podcast I speak with Damien Thomlinson former 2nd Commando Regiment Operator, Author, Actor, Motivational Speaker , Golfer, Double Amputee IED Survivor. Inspired by the military service of his grandfather, Damien joined the Australian Defence Force and at the age of just 24 achieved his dream of becoming a Commando. This elite group is tasked with the most physically demanding, mentally challenging and dangerous roles in the armed forces. He joined the Australian Army in 2005, It was while serving in Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment that Thomlinson's life was changed forever. In April 2009, whilst on night patrol in Southern Afghanistan, Damien's unit drove over an improvised explosive device planted by the Taliban. Damien suffered horrendous injuries in the explosion, which resulted in both of his legs being amputated. The damage to his body was so severe his medical team claim it is a miracle he wasn't killed, and there were many times throughout his immediate treatment and beyond that medical staff did not think he would pull through. This is an inspiring conversation about Damien's military career, his life after the blast and how he turned that fateful day into the best thing that ever happened to him.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Damien Thomlinson

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's podcast we speak with former 4RAR Commando / SASR Veteran Jordan McCallum. Jordan served 19 years within the Australian Army, starting as an infantryman and first deploying to East Timor in 2003 with the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. Shortly after returning he passed the Special Forces (SF) barrier test for 2nd Commando Regiment (originally 4RAR) getting his first taste of SF.

Jordan spent six years at the 2nd Commando Regt (2 Cdo) and deployed twice to Afghanistan within Special Operations Task Group (SOTG). Both trips were life changing for Jordan in many ways and only grew his appetite for Special Operations.

He also served two rotations of TAG-East on Domestic Counter Terrorism Duties (DCT). During this time, he conducted numerous Personal Security Detachments (PSD) to the Middle East providing protection for the Minister for Defence, CJOPS, and CDF. This experience gained was pivotal, and his time spent at 2Cdo was cherished, and it was extremely hard to leave the unit behind in 2009.

In 2009, Jordan attempted and passed the elite Special Air Service Regiments (SASR) Selection Course and was chosen to begin training. Over the following 18 months he qualified to become a member of the elite SASR, earning his Sandy Beret. He spent 6 years within the unit, deploying another two times to Afghanistan and another rotation within DCT, this time within TAG-West.

Jordan's time serving within the SASR was unfortunately, cut short due to burnout and physical injuries. It was at this point that was the hardest decision to date to leave the SASR after so much blood, sweat and tears.

Jordan spent two years posted to the 16th Royal Western Australian Regiment (RWAR) on a low tempo posting, teaching Army Reserves basic soldering skills and running short courses for their development.

His final three years within Defence was with the 1st Intelligence Battalion involved within some specialist roles. This is where he discharged in 2020

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Jordan McCallum

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's episode we speak with current serving Queensland Police Officer (QPS) Detective Senior Constable / Author Sonya Leeding,

Born in New Zealand, Sonya relocated to Australia with her parents and three siblings in 1987. Sonya grew up in Logan and relocated to the Gold Coast in 2001. After completing a double degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies and a Bachelor of Laws Sonya practiced law for a short time and found her true passion in policing in 2003. She has been a Queensland Police Officer ever since, working at Southport, Runaway Bay, and eventually finding her passion, and fulfilling a lifelong dream becoming a detective with the Child Protection and Investigation Unit. Sonya was widowed at 32 years old and has had to adjust to life on her own, as a single mother since. Losing her husband Police Officer Damian Leeding who was killed in 2011 trying to stop an armed hold up at the Pacific Pines Tavern has taught Sonya many valuable lessons, but most importantly has allowed her resilience to shine through, which is also evident in her work in the Child Protection Unit. Sonya's debut book, 'Blue Widow' is the journey of how she navigated life as a police officer after love and loss. It is a journey of resilience and the discovery that trusting in yourself can be the very thing that saves you. This story will introduce you to the humans behind the badge. When Sonya is not protecting vulnerable victim's, you will find her in mum mode with her two children Hudson and Grace. Sonya has a passion for baking, it soothes her soul. Sonya's downtime is spent at her local F45 gym or out walking with Labradoodles Elliot and Amalie. Sonya is also a keen camper and with the assistance of her 1968 Viscount vintage caravan, 'Felicia' manages to find peace and quiet at new locations around Southeast Queensland.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Sonya Leeding

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's podcast we speak with 2 x Olympian kayaker & QFS Queensland Fire Service firefighter Aly Bull. Born and raised in Queensland Aly's love for the water came at a young age.

Unable to go to the Olympic Games in her chosen sport of surf lifesaving, Alyssa 'Aly' Bull started kayaking to fulfil an Olympic dream. Bull was inspired to try kayaking when she watched her surf lifesaving idol Naomi Flood compete at London 2012.

When Aly is not working as a firefighter or training in her kayak, you will find her giving back to the community as a Surf Lifesaver and competing in the

Nurti-Grain Ironwoman Series.

Bull started ski paddling at the age of 16 for surf lifesaving and was the Under 17 Australian Ironwoman Champion in 2012.

In 2016 Aly represented Australia at the Rio Olympics and again in Tokyo in 2021.

In 2019 Aly was crowned the Single Ski World Champion.

With a willingness to serve Aly joined the Queensland Fire Service (QFS) in 2017, we spoke about all thing's mindset competing at the elite level and dealing with the trauma that first responders see on the front line. Aly has just qualified to represent Australia again in 2024 in Paris Go Aly Australia is right behind you as you chase Gold.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Aly Bull

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

RAAF Wing Commander (Ret'd) Sharon Bown

"One Woman's War and Peace: a nurse's journey in the Royal Australian Air Force".

On this week's podcast we speak with former Wing Commander Sharon Bown (Ret'd) completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Tasmania in 1995. In 1999 wanting more of a challenge Sharon joined the Air Force RAAF. Born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania, Sharon served as a Nursing Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for 16 years. She deployed to Timor-Leste in 2000 and again in 2004, where she narrowly escaped death twice – first in a near-fatal helicopter crash and again during the surgery that followed. Having fought for her life, Sharon took on the colossus of the Australian Defence Force to overcome her injuries and to fight to save her career. She exceeded all expectations and in 2008 was appointed to command in a theatre of war – Afghanistan. A Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Sharon translates the contemporary research surrounding resilience, mindset, and posttraumatic growth, and explores the strategies that can transform personal trauma into personal growth. Sharon is the award-winning author of One Woman's War and Peace: a nurse's journey in the Royal Australian Air Force and this humble Registered Nurse from Tasmania now serves as a Member of the Council of the Australian War Memorial and as an Ambassador for Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sharon Bown Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway