Who Dares Wins

On today's podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment operator, retired, Regimental Sergeant Major RSM ( RET) Wayne Weeks. Wayne joined the military in 1988, after completing year 12, and served a total of 33 years. Wayne started out his career in the Corps of Signals for the first couple of years, and during his time at Signals, Wayne attempted and passed selection in 1992, after which he completed a series of specialist courses that were required to become a qualified operator. Wayne spent a couple of years in the UK (Special Boat Service) and deployed with them and SASR, with 15 overseas deployments with SASR. From Kuwait, Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, and Bougainville and other places throughout the world, he managed peacekeeping efforts and stabilisation operations across multiple task missions. After 33 years of service, Wayne discharged from the army and moved into the corporate world, now working as the COO for Executive Risk Solutions, Wayne still serves in the Army Reserve. Recently, Wayne, with other SASR operators, has just wrapped up the documentary Bravery & Betrayal.

The True Story of the S.A.S. in Afghanistan After 9/11, our Nation sent the Aussie S.A.S. into harm's way to protect us. 25 years later, their suffering continues. The S.A.S. now tell their story of what really happened in Afghanistan and Iraq. Featuring exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with officers and soldiers of the S.A.S. As Prime Ministers Rudd, Howard, and Abbott tell for the first time what they knew, and the brave pilots of the American Army reveal what they saw. Most heartbreaking of all are the stories by the wives, mothers, widows, and children left behind. This is their story, in their words, of the S.A.S. in the War on Terror. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Wayne Weeks Editor: Kyle Watkins

On todays podcast, I speak with Ben Hosking. Ben worked for 11 years with the Northern Territory Police Force. Ben started his career as a general duties officer before specialising as a Tactical Police Officer in the TRG. In 2015, Ben completed the highest level national qualification in the Australian Police curriculum for Dignitary Protection, to enable him to plan operations supporting internationally recognised dignitaries, as well as train specialist law enforcement officers in dignitary protection. Throughout his career, he has earned several accolades, including the prestigious Commissioners Commendation for demonstrating exceptional conduct. This recognition was bestowed upon him for his decisive actions in employing lethal force to apprehend an offender who had attempted to murder a fellow police officer in the line of duty. In 2017, he moved from Policing into the private sector to work with a range of Executive Protection clients who are categorised as Ultra High Net Worth individuals before moving into the private sector, Ben has since worked across the industry providing Executive Protection in locations throughout the Asia Pacific region, including: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and managed operations in the Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei. Ben works in the executive protection field and currently works for Panoptic Solutions. During his free time, Ben dedicates himself to mastering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a blue belt practitioner, he achieved the Gold Medal in the ultra-heavyweight division at the Australian Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu National Open competition. He currently holds a Blue Belt. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Ben delves into the teachings of Stoicism and finds inspiration in William Ernest Henleys poem "Invictus". He is a dedicated husband and father.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ben Hosking Editor: Kyle Watkins

On todays podcast, I speak with 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR regiment veteran Troy Simmonds. Troy had a decorated career that included deployments to Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he was also a member of the domestic counterterrorism team TAG West. As a kid, Troy always wanted to join the SAS after being given a book when he was little. Troy joined the army in 1991. Troys dream became a reality when he was selected to join the Perth-based SAS Regiment in 1996. Troy joined the SASR during one of the most operationally active periods of its history. As well, he was a member of TAG for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. In 2008, while in 3 SQN, Troy was the Patrol Commander of the lead patrol in the battle, known as the Battle of Khas Uruzgan, which was one of the bloodiest engagements involving Australian troops during the Afghanistan campaign. Nine in his team of thirteen were wounded in action against a Taliban force of over 150 over the 2-hour battle. It would result in one of Troy's team, Mark Donaldson, being awarded Australia's first Victoria Cross in 40 years. Troy was wounded three times in that furious battle and still has a Taliban bullet in his pelvis today. In 2012, after 22 years of service, Troy discharged from the Army. In post-service life, Troy now works as a Safety manager for an international offshore marine company. Troy was President of the Western Australian branch of the Australian SAS Association. Currently, he is Assistant National Secretary of the SAS Association National Executive. Troy is deeply involved and passionate about the challenges and opportunities faced by veterans.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Troy Simmonds Editor: Kyle Watkins

On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterrorism team. Andy joined the army at the age of 17. Andy marched into 4RAR in 2000, he went on selection at 17.5, making him one of the youngest to successfully pass the Commando selection and reinforcement cycle. During this conversation, we discuss the impact of being the team commander during the tragic live fire training incident of Mason Edwards that still weighs heavily on Andy. We spoke of the loss of one of Andy's close friends, the late Cameron Baird VC MG. Andy was on the ground in 2008 when Jason Marks was killed, a day Andy said he was lucky to survive himself. For more about that day, go back and listen to episode 81, Jordan McCallum, and episode 100, Craig Hamburgers recollection of that day. After Andy discharged from the Army, he went contracting in Afghanistan and around the world. Andy talks about how faith has helped him find peace and purpose after service, This is a raw, honest powerful two-part episode. A true story of resilience and redemption.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Andy Steele Editor: Kyle Watkins

On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterrorism team. Andy joined the army at the age of 17. Andy marched into 4RAR in 2000, he went on selection at 17.5, making him one of the youngest to successfully pass the Commando selection and reinforcement cycle. During this conversation, we discuss the impact of being the team commander during the tragic live fire training incident of Mason Edwards that still weighs heavily on Andy. We spoke of the loss of one of Andy's close friends, the late Cameron Baird VC MG. Andy was on the ground in 2008 when Jason Marks was killed, a day Andy said he was lucky to survive himself. For more about that day, go back and listen to episode 81, Jordan McCallum, and episode 100, Craig Hamburgers recollection of that day. After Andy discharged from the Army, he went contracting in Afghanistan and around the world. Andy talks about how faith has helped him find peace and purpose after service, This is a raw, honest powerful two-part episode. A true story of resilience and redemption.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Andy Steele Editor: Kyle Watkins

On Todays podcast, I speak with an Australian Army 1 RAR / 2 Cav veteran. This is a story of the tenacity of Linton "HARRY" Harris, joining the army not once but twice, in his quest for purpose. Harry's 1st term of service included deployment to Somalia, Africa, as a 19-year-old. Re-enlisting after a 7-year break, Harry's 2nd term of service included 2 tours to Iraq, resulting in the awarding of the Commendation for Distinguished Service. After service, seeking the quest for a purpose that is often an issue for Veterans, Harry rose to the position of VP of the Tasmanian RSL, only to be betrayed by that organisation, while fighting for the plight of a homeless veteran, leading to a mental breakdown, and suicidal ideation, due to the RSLs treachery. An incredible story that goes to show you don't have to be in special forces to serve at the pointiest end.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Linton "Harry" Harris Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver. Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, he was medically discharged at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, now he volunteers his time to the Clearance DiverTrust. Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers.

CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Ash is about to take on his toughest challenge yet, he has set his sights on becoming the first person to swim the English Channel — in a peculiar backwards manner. To achieve the record, Ashley will need to swim on his back for more than 15 hours, not in a traditional backstroke, but dolphin kicking while facing the sky, with minimal use of his arms.

He said preparing for the 34.2-kilometre swim was as much mental as physical. The kicking is effectively how I would work in my previous profession, he said. But as a clearance diver, I will be taking mental resilience into the swim. The channel swim is set for June 2025 and aims to raise money for the Navy Clearance Divers Trust. Good luck, Ash, you got this! This is a raw story owning all your faults and redemption! To donate to the cause, see the link below

https://ncdt.org.au/donations/sponsor-ash-in-a-world-first-finning-across-the-english- channel/

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ashley Semmens Editor: Kyle Watkins

On today's podcast, I speak with Shane Cav 3RAR and 2nd Commando Regiment veteran. Shane Cav is a veteran of the Australian Defence Force serving 17 years, enlisting into the infantry in 2006. Post training, he was posted as a paratrooper to the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. During his time at 3RAR, Shane deployed to Timor Leste and Afghanistan. In 2011 Shane completed selection and training in the 2nd Commando Regiment to become a qualified special forces operator. Shane deployed on multiple operations as an infantryman and special forces operator, including Timor Lest, Afghanistan, and Iraq. After losing mates on deployments, Shane lost his way after leaving the Army, Shane came to a crossroads in life. At the fear of losing everything, Shane found his faith again, and with the support of his wife and kids, he found purpose after service.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Shane Cav

Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Jon's journey in health and fitness started when he was young. He was very active in Athletics and was selected to compete in the World U18 titles in Javelin. Shortly after, he received an injury, which finished his athletics career. Jon played rugby league for a few years and enlisted in the Australian Military at age 20 into the Special Forces direct entry program as a Commando.

Jon was a fully qualified Commando at age 22 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 on highly kinetic operations as part of the Special Operation Task Group Task Force 66.

For many years and during his military career Jon battled with a serious alcohol & drug addiction, Jon went in and out of rehab 20 times before he found his new purpose he is now a professional Hyrox athlete away from competing around the world, he is a husband and a father of two, this a raw and honest chat Jon doesn't hold back this is a powerful journey of hitting rock bottom finding purpose and redemption.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Jon Wynn

Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former UK 3 Para and current UK Firefighter Andy Williams. Despite a turbulent upbringing, Andy enlisted in the Parachute Regiment at just 16. Deployed to the deadly frontlines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2006, he confronted the brutal realities of warfare, engaging in some of the most intense combat witnessed by the British Army since the Korean War. After his military service, Andrew transitioned into domestic counter-intelligence and spent over a decade as a high-risk security consultant, navigating some of the world's most dangerous and unpredictable environments. These harrowing experiences forced him to face not only the physical dangers around him but also the deep, often unseen, psychological scars left by war.

Beyond The Drop Zone, takes you on a gripping journey from patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland to war-torn Iraq, coming face to face with ISIS, and engaging in fierce battles in Afghanistan with 3 PARA.

This raw and unflinching memoir reveals the psychological toll of combat, Andrew's struggles with mental health, and his fight against a life-threatening illness. It is a powerful account of overcoming immense adversity, finding a path to healing, and discovering the strength of perseverance. Andy is a best-selling author and is passionate about helping veterans' transition and advocates for mental health awareness for veterans and first responders.

This is his story, told in his own words.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Andy Williams

Editor: Kyle Watkins