True Blue Conversations Podcast

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

Today, we're honored to introduce Warrant Officer Class One David Smith, a distinguished leader with 35 years of combined full-time and part-time service in the Australian Army. David began his journey on July 12, 1989, and has since built a career defined by dedication, expertise, and global impact. Currently stationed at Headquarters Australian Army as part of the Logistics Advisory Team remote in Newcastle, NSW, David provides critical support and advice to unit commanders at the highest levels.

David's career highlights include pivotal roles in Special Operations Command, supporting the Commando Selection and Training Course, and multiple operational deployments, including Afghanistan with NATO forces. He's also contributed to peacekeeping missions in Bougainville, East Timor, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands—earning an impressive array of honors, including the Australian Active Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Defence Long Service Medal with four clasps.

Outside the Army, David excels in the private sector as a Logistics Manager with Boeing, overseeing transportation, warehousing, and logistics operations.

Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Warrant Officer Class One David Smith, his insights on leadership, logistics, and service, and the lessons from a lifetime of extraordinary dedication. This is a story of resilience and impact you don't want to miss!

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: David Smith

Editor: Kyle Watkins

True Blue Conversations is inclusive of all stories, this weeks guest had a controversial policing career not by her choosing. Deborah Locke, a former Detective served 12 years with the NSW police. She began in 1984 as a trainee at the Redfern Police Academy and concluded her service in 1996 when she was discharged from the service and deemed "medically unfit" as a result of workplace victimization and harassment as an internal witness, more commonly referred to as a "whistleblower."

During her time in the NSW Police Force, she was stationed at various commands including the notorious Kings Cross Undercover Drug Unit, the Gaming Squad, Parramatta Detectives, and the Fraud Squad. In 1989 Deborah received a Commissioners Commendation for bravery in relation to her undercover work. As a young city detective in the early 1980s to mid-1990s, she was exposed to the reality of criminal investigation in a major city. That reality was the widespread police corruption which involved detectives freely associating with high-profile members of Sydney's underworld. The police with whom she was working, were involved with accepting bribes, protection money, drug trafficking, fraud, and the improper use of confidential information, but to name a few. When she presented the senior officers of Internal Affairs and subsequently the highest levels of the Police Force with compelling evidence of what she had observed, she was branded a "whistleblower" and placed her life at risk. Since leaving the police she has been involved in developing and advocating for services for families of people with disabilities, she is the author of WATCHING THE DETECTIVES.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Deborah Locke Editor: Kyle Watkins

Welcome back to season 6 of True Blue Conversations podcast:

On this week's podcast, I spoke with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Craig Ball. Craig passed Commando selection in 2000 as a reservist and went full-time in 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan as a signaller in the 2nd Commando Regiment in 2010 and 2012. Craig spoke about how veterans struggle with transition after service, returning from a warzone, and migrating back into civilian life. Today, Craig is passionate about helping veterans and working in the mental health space he is a speaker and competed in the Invictus games.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Craig Ball Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this weeks podcast, I speak with NSW Rural Fire Service Area Commander Southwestern Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White. Kelwyn commenced her service with the NSW Rural Fire Service in 2002 and, since then has worked across NSW in District, State, and Area-based roles. Kelwyn has been both a salaried officer and a volunteer during her service. Kelwyn's commitment, especially in Community Risk & Community Engagement, is held in the highest regard by her peers and the community. Kelwyn continues to be a proud advocate for engaged communities, playing a significant leadership and mentoring role in this field to NSW RFS membership and the community. Kelwyn is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help others achieve their desired outcomes, as a keen advocate for training, she gives her time to develop others. When Kelwyn commenced with the RFS, she started in administration and has worked her way through the ranks to be one of the 7 Area Commanders and, currently the only female in this role. During this time, Kelwyn has been fortunate to see the evolution in the way women are seen and operate within the RFS and is proud to have been a part of that. Yet knowing that, there is more to come and is proud to be in a position to support, encourage and mentor women to develop into leadership roles, or simply be the best version of themselves they can be within emergency service or their own lives. As the Area Commander for the Southwestern Area, Kelwyn is responsible for the coordinated fire-fighting arrangements across the Area, including mitigation of bushfire risks to the community through strategic organisational programs to reduce risk to the community from bushfire and other emergencies and ensuring communities are engaged, prepared and warned appropriately before and during an emergency.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Kelwyn White Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this weeks podcast, I spoke with Australian barrister & Public Prosecutor now defence lawyer Margaret Cunneen SC. For over four decades, Margaret Cunneen helped put away some of Australia's worst, as a crown prosecutor and, as her profile grew, so did the media attention, Margaret recalls the headline cases that helped establish her reputation, the controversies she became embroiled in.

In 2022 Margaret published her autobiography " The Boxing Butterfly" A Life Of Conviction is a career chronicle of Margaret Cunneen SC—the boxing butterfly who turned the tables on ICAC, amidst prosecuting murderers, pedophiles and rapists—as she launches into her new chapter as a defence barrister. In her rearview mirror, Cunneen sees her trial successes—her convictions—interspersed with the flak from the ground fire of some colleagues who resented her success and were determined to stop her climb to greater heights. She regrets nothing and is satisfied with what she does. As Madam Crown, she empathised with the victims and their families. Now, as defence counsel, she empathises with the accused she defends. And what stories she tells! Some are gruesome and confronting, such as prosecuting the irreverent Skafs for gang rape, Robert 'Dolly' Dunn for pedophilia, the Butcher of Bega for unspeakable medical malpractice and the Charbaji Brothers for an ice- fuelled torture session that ended in murder. Others—especially relating to her defence clients, are filled with humanity. Margaret is a wife Mother and Grandmother loves her NRL and is a passionate Manly fan, she is deeply faithful we spoke about the many high-profile cases she has been involved with the toll of being in the public sector, and how Margaret dealt with some of the terrible cases she has worked on over the 45 years. This was a ripping chat.

Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Margaret Cunneen SC Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

On this week's episode I spoke with Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell DFC "Retd" served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience while weaving in ideas and lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and decision making in stressful environments. Kim has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of London.

She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defence. Most recently, Kim served as the Director for the Centre for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. In 2023 Kim published her bestselling book FLYING IN THE FACE OF FEAR A fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage. Kim is a mum a wife and now travels around America speaking and helping veterans transiting out of the military.

Presenter: Adam Blum

Guest: Kim "KC" Campbell

Editor: Kyle Watkins

Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway