True Blue Conversations Podcast

On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Royal Navy Veteran Karney Armstrong. With over 11 years of service as a medic, Karney's journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. During her career, she faced extraordinary challenges—including a life-saving rescue when she treated a civilian attacked by a shark off Garden Island, WA, just shy of completing her Advanced Medics Assistant Course. Her dedication and quick thinking in that moment exemplify her bravery.

Despite her service, Karney faced personal battles, including PTSD, OCD and anorexia, all while managing young motherhood and deployments. Drawn to healing, she turned to yoga to reconnect with her body and calm her nervous system. After years of training, she achieved a historic milestone as the first female from Australia to medal at the Invictus Games in 2023 in Germany—winning gold in a race chair and silver in seated shot put.

With her loyal service dog Ivy by her side, Karney now dedicates her life to helping other Veterans and First Responders. She is an upcoming author, trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, and is often seen on both the News and state newspapers advocating for Veterans and First Responders, proving that healing is possible—that true strength lies in community and service. Join us as we explore her inspiring story of resilience, recovery, and purpose—because Veterans helping Veterans is where the magic is!

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Karney Armstrong Editor: Kyle Watkins

On today's podcast, I speak with Todd Bowler from, Western Australian Police Tactical Response Group Veteran.

Todd has 23 years of combined Police experience, consisting of general duties, close personal protection, and undercover work, with 15 years of experience as a Team Leader and Senior Instructor with the WA Police Tactical Response Group, Todd has led high-risk operations ranging from shootouts with armed criminals to arresting the Claremont Serial Killer and billion dollar drug busts.

He's worked deep undercover and provided close personal protection for U.S. Presidents and members of the British Royal family. After 23 years in the Police, Todd decided to transition back to the civilian world. Like most veterans and first responders, Todd found it hard to transition after living a very kinetic life, as all first responders live when they are serving. Todd has found purpose after service. He is now a keynote speaker and is working overseas. This is a story of true grit, determination, and never giving in.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Todd Bowler

Editor: Kyle Watkins

On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Veteran Nick Caldwell. Nick spent 12 years in the military. Nick started his career in the Army Reserves before deciding to go full-time. Nick served 6 years as an SAS operator and 4 years as an Australian Commando with 4 RAR Commando. Nick's military career was cut short due to the kinetic high-tempo lifestyle of a special forces operator. Nick was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Nick was medically downgraded and made he hard decision to discharge from the job he loved. Nicks operational service included deployments throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Iraq, and East Timor. Since leaving the army, Nick has established two companies as a founding Director, The Mill Gym and Omni GeoX, and a new fitness competition, the Tier-1 Games. Throughout these endeavours, Nick has provided risk management, leadership, and elite-level performance consulting in austere environments globally, including multi- national corporations, government, and non-government organisations. Nicks charter is to build real-world resilience amongst individuals and a no- compromise culture for excellence. Nick is an example of resilience; no matter what life throws at you, its how you overcome these challenges. Nick lives his life like the motto of the SAS: Who Dares Wins. Nicks story is one of true grit and determination and never giving up.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Nick Caldwell Editor: Kyle Watkins

On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Army Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter veteran Kevin Humphreys. Kevin is an inspiring and transformative international keynote speaker, mentor, and author. He's well-known for smashing stereotypes and transforming self-leadership. Graduating top of his pilot's course at just 21, Kevin went on to serve in the Army for 20 years flying Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. He deployed on numerous overseas operations. In 2006, Kevin was one of the Chinook pilots who flew in under fire into a hot HLZ to pick up the Canadian Special forces in the battle of DA Nile. 24 Commandos were left on the ground facing 300 Taliban. Head back to listen to episode 100 with Craig Hamburger, he was one of the 24 Commandos on the ground that day, and speaks about the respect he has for Kev and the other Chinook pilots that day. Towards the peak of his career, Kevin contemplated suicide and suffered a breakdown due to a cocktail of mental illness, alcohol abuse, and a toxic culture. Kevin not only got back on his feet but also back in the air again, spending the next ten years as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, flight instructor/examiner, Chief Pilot, and Director of Operations. Kevin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and courageous leadership under fire in Afghanistan. Kevin was also recognized as the role model for the most recent Military Order of William recipient in the Netherlands (their oldest and highest honour). His impact as a mental health advocate and founder of COR INFINITUS, which gives dignity and respect to the families of those who have served their nation and taken their own lives, was also recognized with the award of a 2023 Community Citizen of the Year. Kevin is the Mental Health Ambassador for AIRBUS Australia Pacific. This is a powerful story of finding peace and redemption.

www.corinfinitus.org www.kevinhumphreys.com.au Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Kevin Humphreys Editor: Kyle Watkins

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