True Blue Conversations Podcast

Welcome back to True Blue Conversations, where we sit down with those who've
lived extraordinary lives in service, leadership, and beyond.
Today's guest is someone who has quite literally operated at the edge of human
performance. Mandy Hickson is a former Royal Air Force fast jet pilot who flew the
Tornado GR4 on combat and operational missions around the world. In an
environment where precision, resilience, and split-second decision-making can mean
the difference between success and failure, Mandy carved out a career in one of the
most demanding roles in military aviation.
Since leaving the RAF, she's become a highly sought-after keynote speaker and
author, sharing powerful insights into leadership, teamwork, and performing under
pressure—lessons forged at 40,000 feet and in some of the most high-stakes
situations imaginable.
In this episode, we dive into Mandy's journey into the RAF, what it takes to fly fast
jets in combat, the realities behind the cockpit, and how those experiences translate
into leadership and life beyond the military.
This is a conversation about courage, discipline, and thriving in high-performance
environments.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Mandy Hickson
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Lana Boland, a dedicated Canadian police
officer who has served her community with courage and compassion. From
navigating high-stress investigations to mentoring young officers, Lana has seen it
all. But beyond the badge, she's a voice for mental health in policing, shining a light
on the human side of law enforcement. Join us as we explore her journey, the
challenges she's faced, and the hope she's bringing to a profession that demands so
much. This is a raw and insightful conversation about resilience, mental health, and
the unseen weight carried by those who serve. Lana shares the lessons she's
learned, the challenges she's faced, and the tools she now uses to help others heal,
grow, and take back control of their lives.
Whether you're in emergency services, supporting someone who is, or just looking to
better understand trauma and recovery—this is an episode you won't want to miss.
 
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Lana Boland
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Western Australia WA Police Detective
Meg Jarvis, who has spent years on the front line of some of the most confronting
and complex cases imaginable.
Meg's career in policing exposed her to the realities most people never see—trauma,
crisis, and the human side of crime. But what sets her apart is what came next.
Drawing on her lived experience, she's transitioned into a trauma coach, helping
others navigate the psychological toll that comes with high-pressure roles and life-
altering events.
This is a raw and insightful conversation about resilience, mental health, and the
unseen weight carried by those who serve. Meg shares the lessons she's learned,
the challenges she's faced, and the tools she now uses to help others heal, grow,
and take back control of their lives.
Whether you're in emergency services, supporting someone who is, or just looking to
better understand trauma and recovery—this is an episode you won't want to miss.
 
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Meg Jarvis
Editor: Kyle Watkins

Welcome back to part 2 of our chat with Michal Dawson, BM. A man who has lived a
life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael is an Australian Army
veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handler. He is
a recipient of the Bravery Medal—an honour awarded to those who display
extraordinary courage in the face of real danger.
From his time in the Army to the moment that would ultimately see him recognised
for bravery, Michael's story is one of instinct, selflessness, and stepping forward
when others might hesitate.
In this episode, we unpack that defining moment—what happened, what drove him
to act, and the aftermath of carrying that experience. But more than that, we explore
the man behind the medal: the lessons from military life, the transition beyond
service, and what courage really looks like when no one's watching.
This is a raw and grounded conversation about service, sacrifice, and the quiet
professionals who walk among us, as well as the true cost of service and the
struggles that every veteran and first responder face in transitioning back to civilian
life after service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM
Editor: Kyle Watkins

Today's guest is a man who has lived a life defined by service—both in uniform and
beyond. Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM is an Australian Army veteran serving as an
EW operator and in the Military police as a dog handler. He is a recipient of the
Bravery Medal—an honour awarded to those who display extraordinary courage in
the face of real danger.
From his time in the Army to the moment that would ultimately see him recognised
for bravery, Michael's story is one of instinct, selflessness, and stepping forward
when others might hesitate.
In this episode, we unpack that defining moment—what happened, what drove him
to act, and the aftermath of carrying that experience. But more than that, we explore
the man behind the medal: the lessons from military life, the transition beyond
service, and what courage really looks like when no one's watching.
This is a raw and grounded conversation about service, sacrifice, and the quiet
professionals who walk among us, as well as the true cost of service and the
struggles that every veteran and first responder face in transitioning back to civilian
life after service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Michael "Smokey" Dawson BM
Editor: Kyle Watkins