True Blue Conversations Podcast

• True Blue Conversations - Jon Wynn former Commando Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment

  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

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• True Blue Conversations - BEYOND THE DROP ZONE: A PARATROOPER'S STORY

  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

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• True Blue Conversations - Beyond The Blankets: The Real Stories of Army Logistics

  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

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• True Blue Conversations - Former NSW Police Detective Deborah Locke – “Whistleblower”

  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

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• True Blue Conversations - AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL FORCES 2ND COMMANDO REGIMENT VETERAN Craig Ball

  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

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