Latest episode out!

S03E31 | Glenn Keys - Aspen Medical - Arte et Marte! From test pilot on rotary wing and F18, through to starting the global leader in deployable health care - Aspen Medical. An amazing Australian #stillserving through his business, leadership and Project Independence.

From flying rotary wing aircraft and F18s in the Australian Defence Force to founding one of the world’s leading deployable healthcare companies, Glenn Keys AO has built a life around service, leadership, and impact.

As Founder of Aspen Medical, Glenn has grown the organisation from a startup in 2003 into a globally respected healthcare provider operating across 21 countries, delivering innovative medical solutions in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.

But this conversation goes far beyond business success.

Glenn shares insights from his military career, the lessons learned leading high-performing teams under pressure, and why social purpose has always been central to Aspen Medical’s mission. We also dive into Project Independence, the charity Glenn founded to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve home ownership, along with his continued support of veterans through Invictus Australia and the Invictus Games Foundation.

This is an episode about leadership, purpose, service beyond the uniform, and building organisations that genuinely make a difference.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media 

🌐 Learn more:
👉 https://www.aspenmedical.com/

🌐 Join the VBC Community:
👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community 

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #AspenMedical #Leadership #ArteEtMarte #StillServing #VeteranLeadership #Healthcare #Entrepreneurship #Invictus #ProjectIndependence

New Episode Drop!

Phil Dembon - British Navy veteran now passionate North Queenslander. From Manchester to Mareeba and the Cairns VBC regional chapter starting up

From the Royal Navy to regional North Queensland, Phil Dembon’s journey spans countries, careers, and a lifelong return to service through community.

Born in England, Phil joined the Royal Navy in 1972 and served until 1985. After relocating to Australia in 1986, he built a diverse career across the NSW Prison Service, private security, and eventually ran his own security business in Darwin. Along the way, his work expanded into counselling, massage training, and financial education, helping people navigate debt and rebuild stability.

Today, Phil focuses on helping everyday Australians understand digital assets in a clear, practical, and scam-aware way. In a space often driven by hype and confusion, his approach is grounded in education first — slowing things down, highlighting risks, and helping people make informed decisions before they invest.

In this episode, Phil also shares his personal journey of rediscovering connection to the veteran community through VBC, and his role in helping grow the Cairns regional chapter in Far North Queensland.

This is a conversation about reinvention, lived experience, and why education and community matter more than ever.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
 👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media 

🌐 Join the VBC Community:
 👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #VeteranTransition #Community #DigitalAssets #FinancialEducation #MilitaryToCivilian #NorthQueensland

Latest episode out!

S03E29 | Andrew Macdonald - From Army Officer to building global brands. Scaling Ringers Western, expanding into the US, and what it really takes to grow

What does it actually take to turn an idea into a globally recognised brand?

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Macdonald — entrepreneur, operator, and former Army Officer — whose career spans military leadership and high-level commercial execution across apparel, footwear, and wellness.

As Founder and former CEO of Ringers Western, Andrew took a startup concept and scaled it into a leading apparel brand, growing to 130+ staff, 350+ wholesale accounts globally, and a valuation exceeding $60M.

He now leads Genuins USA, driving North American expansion for a $400M+ global footwear business, and is also Co-Founder & CEO of ALIVIA Wellness, a performance-focused health brand built for scale in the digital space.

This conversation cuts into the reality of building and scaling businesses — from brand positioning and distribution to leadership, discipline, and commercial decision-making under pressure.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
 👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌐 Join the VBC Community:
 👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BrandBuilding #Scaling #BusinessGrowth

Latest episode out!

S03E28 | Shane Mitchell - Cold Bore Precision. From 30 + years in the Army to shooting ferals (animals) and blasting on mine sites. A life full of adventure and passion for country. 

Joining the Army at just 17, Shane went on to serve 27 years full-time across a range of units including 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, 3 RAR, Norforce, and SASR. His career saw deployments to East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Kuwait, and Afghanistan, as well as contracting work in South Sudan — giving him experience across some of the most demanding and high-risk environments.

Airborne operations became a defining part of his service, completing 168 static line jumps and nearly 1,000 freefall jumps. That level of exposure forged a mindset where precision, planning, and accountability are non-negotiable.

While still serving, Shane founded ADEL Precision, translating military airdrop and logistics expertise into the commercial world — including a unique project airdropping jet skis for a big wave surfing documentary.

But the mission didn’t stop there.

After transitioning out of full-time service, Shane founded Cold Bore Precision in 2021 — a business focused on protecting Australia’s environment through the management of feral and invasive species, supporting farmers, industry, and government. It’s a natural evolution of his lifelong commitment to service — shifting from defending the nation to protecting its land.

In this episode, Shane shares insights on adapting military skillsets into business, operating in high-risk environments, and building a mission-driven company grounded in purpose.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌐 Join the VBC Community:
👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #Entrepreneurship #Precision #HighPerformance #EnvironmentalProtection #VeteranOwnedBusiness

Latest episode out!

Back to the track - ANZAC Day 27 - Brigade Hill on Kokoda Track with Trojans Trek. Dan Vincent and Tim Keeffe explain how it all works

This one is something special.

In the lead up to ANZAC Day 2027, we’re heading back to one of the most significant places in our military history — Brigade Hill on the Kokoda Track — with the team from Trojans Trek.

In this episode, Daniel Vincent and Tim Keeffe break down what Trojans Trek is all about, how the experience works, and why it continues to have such a powerful impact on veterans, emergency service personnel, and leaders.

Daniel, a former Australian Army soldier with 16 years of service, now serves as Chair of Trojans Trek. His work across mental health, education, and veteran transition is driven by a deep commitment to helping people reconnect with purpose, identity, and direction beyond service.

Tim brings a strong background in leadership, culture, and performance, helping organisations bridge the gap between strategy and execution. With foundations in the military, his approach centres on building trust, accountability, and high-performing teams.

Together, they share how the Kokoda experience creates space for reflection, challenge, and growth — physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is not just a trek. It’s a reset. A chance to step away from the noise, reconnect with purpose, and walk alongside others who understand the journey.

If you’ve ever considered Kokoda, or you’re looking for something that will genuinely challenge and shift your perspective — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 veteranbc.com/veteran-media 

🌐 Learn more:
👉 www.trojanstrek.com

🌐 Join the VBC Community:
👉 veteranbc.com/join-our-community

Check out Daniel Vincent’s recent pod: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ggyqrRTj5AKqE6nkElW5T?si=Uv1vceQtTwi609j0VJ9fZQ

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #ANZAC #Kokoda #KokodaTrack #TrojansTrek #Leadership #MentalHealth #VeteranSupport #Purpose #Resilience

Fresh Drop!

S03E26 | John McIlrath - an amazing inspiring story from a remarkably average Aussie bloke. Joining the Army young, to dying 5 times, to building a thriving Safety Business. Arte et Marte

In this episode, we sit down with John McIlrath, a former soldier turned Chartered OHS Professional and business owner, whose story is anything but ordinary.

From joining the Army at a young age to facing life-threatening moments where he quite literally died five times, John’s journey is one of resilience, grit, and rebuilding. Today, he is the Managing Director of his own safety consultancy, helping organisations across industries create safer, stronger workplaces.

John shares how his military experience shaped his approach to risk, leadership, and accountability, and how those lessons carried through into building a successful business in the safety and risk space. His story is raw, honest, and a reminder that even the most “average” beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• John’s early days in the Army and lessons from service
• The life-changing events that reshaped his perspective on risk and safety
• How he transitioned into the safety and risk industry
• Building a thriving business across multiple high-risk sectors
• Why lived experience matters when it comes to leadership and safety

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 Website – veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌐 Learn more:
👉 eastmanlynch.com.au
👉 safetyriskbusinesssolutions.com.au 

🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Safety #Leadership #Resilience #RiskManagement #MilitaryToCivilian #BusinessOwner #HighPerformance #ArteEtMarte

New VBC Podcast Episode!

S03E25 | Jesse Edwards - Northy gym - The power of authenticity and community. What is HYROX and why you should join Pete on the HYROX journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Edwards, former Australian Defence Force member (13 years full-time, 5 years reserves) and now owner of Northy Gym in North Nowra.

Jesse shares his journey from military service into civilian life, and how that transition led him to building a fitness space centred on authenticity, accountability, and community. We dive into what drives him today as a gym owner and coach, and how his Defence background continues to shape the way he leads and supports others.

We also explore the growing world of HYROX—what it is, why it’s becoming so popular, and why Jesse is encouraging people (including Pete!) to jump into the challenge and experience it for themselves.

This episode is all about showing up, backing yourself, and finding strength in community both inside and outside the gym.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Jesse’s transition from Defence Force life to gym ownership
• The role of authenticity and community in building Northy Gym
• What HYROX is and why it’s gaining momentum worldwide
• Why structured fitness challenges build resilience and connection
• Lessons from military service applied to everyday performance and wellbeing

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
👉 Website – veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #HYROX #FitnessCommunity #Leadership #Resilience #MilitaryToCivilian #NorthyGym #Authenticity #Community

New Episode Alert!

S03E24 | Damien Thomlinson - Part 2 - Life after the military. The power of turning up (and becoming an author, multisport athlete, reality TV star, Hollywood actor - is there anything this lad can't do??)

In Part 2, we continue the conversation with Damien Thomlinson as he shares what came next after life-changing injuries in Afghanistan—and how he rebuilt his life with purpose, discipline, and an unrelenting mindset.

From learning to walk again with prosthetics to pushing himself into new arenas, Damien’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. He opens up about the power of simply turning up, staying consistent, and refusing to let adversity define the outcome.

Since leaving the military, Damien has gone on to become a best-selling author, Invictus Games competitor, multi-sport athlete, reality TV contestant, and even a Hollywood actor, appearing in Hacksaw Ridge. His story is proof that limitations are often self-imposed—and that with the right mindset, there’s always another level.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Life after service and the realities of recovery and rehabilitation
• The mindset behind “just turning up” and building momentum
• His journey into sport, competition, and the Invictus Games
• Stepping into new arenas—from writing a book to acting on the big screen
• Lessons in resilience, identity, and pushing beyond perceived limits

🎧 Listen to the full episode:
 👉 Website – veteranbc.com/veteran-media

🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Resilience #Mindset #Leadership #InvictusGames #ANZACSpirit #OvercomingAdversity #MilitaryToCivilian #HighPerformance

Fresh Drop!

S03E23 | Damien Thomlinson - Part 1. From coastie life, to joining up, to 'that' day in Afghanistan

In Part 1, we sit down with Damien Thomlinson, former 2nd Commando Regiment soldier, to explore the early chapters of his journey—from his upbringing and decision to join the Australian Defence Force, through to earning his place in one of the military’s most elite units.

Damien shares what drove him to serve, the realities of Commando life, and the mindset required to operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. The episode builds toward “that” day in Afghanistan in 2009, when an IED blast would change his life forever.

This is a raw and honest conversation that sets the foundation for a story of resilience, identity, and what it takes to face life-altering adversity head-on.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Damien’s journey from civilian life to becoming a Commando
• The demands and realities of special operations
• The mindset required to operate in high-risk environments
• The events leading up to the life-changing incident in Afghanistan

🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Commandos #SpecialForces #MilitaryToCivilian #Leadership #Resilience #ANZACSpirit #Afghanistan #StoryOfService

New Episode Drop!

S03E22 | Victor Kortlang – Veteran Capital: Wealth Creation and Protection, Do You Have the Right Experts in Your Corner?

In this episode, we sit down with Victor Kortlang, founder of Veteran Capital, a boutique financial advisory firm dedicated to helping veterans and their families build, protect, and take control of their financial future.

A former Maritime Warfare Officer in the Navy with 15 years of service, Victor deployed on multiple operations including humanitarian and domestic support missions, finishing his career as Executive Officer of HMAS Benalla. Through his own transition, he identified a major gap — a lack of financial advisers who truly understand the complex entitlements, superannuation structures, and financial challenges unique to the veteran community.

In this episode, Victor breaks down:

• Why so many veterans struggle with financial confidence and planning
• The gaps in the financial advice industry when it comes to veteran-specific knowledge
• The shift from defined benefit schemes like MSBS to modern superannuation, and what it means for long-term security
• How veterans can build wealth, protect their future, and choose the right experts to support them

🌐 Learn more: veterancapital.com.au
🌐 Join the VBC Community: veteranbc.com/join-our-community

#VBC #VBCPodcast #VeteranBusinessCommunity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #FinancialPlanning #WealthCreation #VeteranSupport #MilitaryToCivilian #ADF #Superannuation #FinancialSecurity #VeteranCapital