Bonafide with Luke Bona

In Episode 102 of the Bonafide Podcast, we’re navigating the extremes, from the chaotic frontlines of modern warfare to the emptying aisles of Australia's once-great retail empires.
Inside this episode:

The Reality of Combat: Retired Colonel and former Minister for Defence, Mike Kelly, joins Luke for a sobering deep dive into the "moral calluses" forged in war zones . Together, they unpack the complexities surrounding the upcoming Ben Roberts-Smith trial, the harsh realities of the rules of engagement, and the rising threat of global information warfare .
Chaos in D.C.: Sky News Washington Bureau Chief Jonathan Kearsley provides a gripping, firsthand account of the armed security breach and shooting at the Washington Hilton during a highly anticipated Donald Trump event .

Retail Ghost Towns & Festival Droughts: Finance expert Scotty Phillips breaks down the teetering collapse of iconic department store David Jones and explains why beloved music festivals like the Big Red Bash and Bluesfest are suddenly struggling to survive .

Truckie Tuesday: Rod Hannifey checks in from the road to talk about the future of Aussie freight, including the ambitious new push to convert traditional diesel trucks into electric heavy vehicles .

Plus: Luke and Kelsey debate the controversial Anzac Day protests, brainstorm some highly un-official Australian citizenship tests, and decode the life-saving meaning behind ordering an "Angel Shot" at the bar.
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This segment originally aired 21st April 2026.
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❤️ Cheers to⁠ GME⁠ for making this episode of Truckie Tuesday Possible
🚚 Outfit your rig with the very best, Australian-made, communication technology ⁠here ⁠
---
👕 GET YOUR BONAFIDE MERCH ⁠HERE ⁠
---
Have Your Say on The Bonafide Podcast!
☎️ Call the Bonafide Hotline - (02) 9128 9311 - to leave a voicemail
😎 Follow Luke on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠
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When you’ve already reached the top of the mountain, why start a new climb? For Ben Fordham, the move from TV to 2GB was all about the editorial freedom to choose his own stories.
And boy, was that a bet that paid off, securing Sydney’s #1 spot for Breakfast radio. Hear from Ben as he opens up about his late father’s legacy, the "creepy" evolution of his rivals Kyle and Jackie O, and why radio remains the king of immediacy in 2026.

Inside This Episode:
Honouring the Anzac Spirit: We sit down with Martin Shaw (President of Wounded Heroes) and Major David McHenry (Ret.) to discuss the "perfect storm" of triggers facing veterans this year.

A Century of Service: Meet Ron Fell, a 100-year-old World War II veteran who shares his incredible journey from jungle training at Canungra to becoming an SP bookmaker in Rabaul.

The Man Cave: The Vice Captain, Adam McDonald (Aussie Pickers), reveals the secrets of police auctions. Meanwhile, The Coffin Confessor: Bill Edgar returns with a wild tale of the client who offered him $200,000 to be buried with his "treasures".

AI Dogs & Bear Suits: We tackle the bizarre news of Bruce the Border Collie replacing 40 jobs and the "geniuses" who tried to scam insurance companies by trashing a Rolls Royce in a bear costume.

Plus: Why Kelsey’s "spirit animal" is a long-legged Maned Wolf and a listener's Simpsons-inspired meme that perfectly nails Luke's obsession with his V8.

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🫶 Join the Bonafide Subscriber Page ⁠Here⁠
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👕 GET YOUR BONAFIDE MERCH ⁠HERE ⁠
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Have Your Say on The Bonafide Podcast!
☎️ Call the Bonafide Hotline - (02) 9128 9311 - to leave a voicemail
😎 Follow Luke on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠
🎥 Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated with LIVE SHOWS!
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📧 [email protected]
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Celebrate our 100th episode milestone with a packed lineup featuring expert insights, raw history, and a hell of a lot more!!

Legal Myths Debunked: Defense lawyer James Glissan explains why Australian "rights" differ drastically from American TV portrayals and discusses the legal complexities of the Ben Roberts-Smith case.

The Economy & Energy: AMP Chief Economist Shane Oliver breaks down the $53 billion defense budget and warns of Australia's extreme fuel vulnerability.

A Soldier's Principles: Vietnam Veteran Lyle O’Reil shares the moving story of how he met his wife, Coral, via wartime letters and why he was eventually expelled from the Labor Party for his beliefs.

Live Truckie Tuesday: Rod Hanifey joins us to discuss a landmark Fair Work ruling on fuel levies and calls for better road safety and empathy for drivers

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🫶 Join the Bonafide Subscriber Page Here
⁠⁠---
❤️ Cheers to GME for making this episode of Truckie Tuesday Possible
🚚 Outfit your rig with the very best, Australian-made, communication technology here
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🍻 Thanks to James for Joining Today's Chat.
👉 YouTube
👉 TikTok
👉 Glissan & Associates

👕 GET YOUR BONAFIDE MERCH HERE
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Have Your Say on The Bonafide Podcast!
☎️ Call the Bonafide Hotline - (02) 9128 9311 - to leave a voicemail
😎 Follow Luke on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠
🎥 Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated with LIVE SHOWS!
👊 ⁠⁠LEAVE US A DIGITAL VOICEMAIL HERE⁠⁠
📧 [email protected]
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🍻 Support the VICE CAPTAIN by Following EHVA on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠, OR ⁠visit ⁠⁠ehva.com.au⁠

🫶 Support The Podcast Joining the Bonafide Subscriber Page Here 👉 ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Jsgn8GnPw/⁠⁠
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Have Your Say on The Bonafide Podcast!
☎️ Call the Bonafide Hotline - (02) 9128 9311 - to leave a voicemail
😎 Follow Luke on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠
🎥 Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ to stay updated with LIVE SHOWS!
👊 ⁠⁠LEAVE US A DIGITAL VOICEMAIL HERE⁠⁠
📧 [email protected]
---
🍻 Support the VICE CAPTAIN by Following EHVA on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ &⁠⁠ Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠, OR ⁠visit ⁠⁠ehva.com.au⁠