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True Blue Conversations Podcast

Adam Blum
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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  • True Blue Conversations - Kevin Humphreys - BLACK HAWK & CHINOOK / SEARCH & RESCUE HELICOPTER PILOT / AUTHOR VETERAN.
    On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Army Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter veteran Kevin Humphreys. Kevin is an inspiring and transformative international keynote speaker, mentor, and author. He’s well-known for smashing stereotypes and transforming self-leadership. Graduating top of his pilot’s course at just 21, Kevin went on to serve in the Army for 20 years flying Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters. He deployed on numerous overseas operations. In 2006, Kevin was one of the Chinook pilots who flew in under fire into a hot HLZ to pick up the Canadian Special forces in the battle of DA Nile. 24 Commandos were left on the ground facing 300 Taliban. Head back to listen to episode 100 with Craig Hamburger, he was one of the 24 Commandos on the ground that day, and speaks about the respect he has for Kev and the other Chinook pilots that day. Towards the peak of his career, Kevin contemplated suicide and suffered a breakdown due to a cocktail of mental illness, alcohol abuse, and a toxic culture. Kevin not only got back on his feet but also back in the air again, spending the next ten years as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, flight instructor/examiner, Chief Pilot, and Director of Operations. Kevin was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his command and courageous leadership under fire in Afghanistan. Kevin was also recognized as the role model for the most recent Military Order of William recipient in the Netherlands (their oldest and highest honour). His impact as a mental health advocate and founder of COR INFINITUS, which gives dignity and respect to the families of those who have served their nation and taken their own lives, was also recognized with the award of a 2023 Community Citizen of the Year. Kevin is the Mental Health Ambassador for AIRBUS Australia Pacific. This is a powerful story of finding peace and redemption. www.corinfinitus.org www.kevinhumphreys.com.au Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Kevin Humphreys Editor: Kyle Watkins
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  • True Blue Conversations - Wayne Weeks - Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment RSM Veteran
    Who Dares Wins On today's podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment operator, retired, Regimental Sergeant Major RSM ( RET) Wayne Weeks. Wayne joined the military in 1988, after completing year 12, and served a total of 33 years.  Wayne started out his career in the Corps of Signals for the first couple of years, and during his time at Signals, Wayne attempted and passed selection in 1992, after which he completed a series of specialist courses that were required to become a qualified operator. Wayne spent a couple of years in the UK (Special Boat Service) and deployed with them and SASR, with 15 overseas deployments with SASR. From Kuwait, Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Cambodia, and Bougainville and other places throughout the world, he managed peacekeeping efforts and stabilisation operations across multiple task missions. After 33 years of service, Wayne discharged from the army and moved into the corporate world, now working as the COO for Executive Risk Solutions, Wayne still serves in the Army Reserve. Recently, Wayne, with other SASR operators, has just wrapped up the documentary Bravery & Betrayal. The True Story of the S.A.S. in Afghanistan After 9/11, our Nation sent the Aussie S.A.S. into harm’s way to protect us. 25 years later, their suffering continues. The S.A.S. now tell their story of what really happened in Afghanistan and Iraq. Featuring exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with officers and soldiers of the S.A.S. As Prime Ministers Rudd, Howard, and Abbott tell for the first time what they knew, and the brave pilots of the American Army reveal what they saw. Most heartbreaking of all are the stories by the wives, mothers, widows, and children left behind. This is their story, in their words, of the S.A.S. in the War on Terror.   Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Wayne Weeks Editor: Kyle Watkins
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  • True Blue Conversations - Northern Territory TRG Police Veteran Ben Hosking
    On todays podcast, I speak with Ben Hosking. Ben worked for 11 years with the Northern Territory Police Force. Ben started his career as a general duties officer before specialising as a Tactical Police Officer in the TRG. In 2015, Ben completed the highest level national qualification in the Australian Police curriculum for Dignitary Protection, to enable him to plan operations supporting internationally recognised dignitaries, as well as train specialist law enforcement officers in dignitary protection. Throughout his career, he has earned several accolades, including the prestigious Commissioners Commendation for demonstrating exceptional conduct. This recognition was bestowed upon him for his decisive actions in employing lethal force to apprehend an offender who had attempted to murder a fellow police officer in the line of duty. In 2017, he moved from Policing into the private sector to work with a range of Executive Protection clients who are categorised as Ultra High Net Worth individuals before moving into the private sector, Ben has since worked across the industry providing Executive Protection in locations throughout the Asia Pacific region, including: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia and managed operations in the Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei. Ben works in the executive protection field and currently works for Panoptic Solutions. During his free time, Ben dedicates himself to mastering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As a blue belt practitioner, he achieved the Gold Medal in the ultra-heavyweight division at the Australian Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu National Open competition. He currently holds a Blue Belt. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Ben delves into the teachings of Stoicism and finds inspiration in William Ernest Henleys poem "Invictus". He is a dedicated husband and father. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ben Hosking Editor: Kyle Watkins
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  • True Blue Conversations - Troy Simmonds 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR Regiment Veteran
    On todays podcast, I speak with 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR regiment veteran Troy Simmonds. Troy had a decorated career that included deployments to Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he was also a member of the domestic counterterrorism team TAG West. As a kid, Troy always wanted to join the SAS after being given a book when he was little. Troy joined the army in 1991. Troys dream became a reality when he was selected to join the Perth-based SAS Regiment in 1996. Troy joined the SASR during one of the most operationally active periods of its history. As well, he was a member of TAG for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. In 2008, while in 3 SQN, Troy was the Patrol Commander of the lead patrol in the battle, known as the Battle of Khas Uruzgan, which was one of the bloodiest engagements involving Australian troops during the Afghanistan campaign. Nine in his team of thirteen were wounded in action against a Taliban force of over 150 over the 2-hour battle. It would result in one of Troy’s team, Mark Donaldson, being awarded Australia’s first Victoria Cross in 40 years. Troy was wounded three times in that furious battle and still has a Taliban bullet in his pelvis today. In 2012, after 22 years of service, Troy discharged from the Army. In post-service life, Troy now works as a Safety manager for an international offshore marine company. Troy was President of the Western Australian branch of the Australian SAS Association. Currently, he is Assistant National Secretary of the SAS Association National Executive. Troy is deeply involved and passionate about the challenges and opportunities faced by veterans. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Troy Simmonds Editor: Kyle Watkins
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  • True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 2
    On today's podcast, I speak with Australian special forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Andy Steele. Andy had a decorated career that included deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and also serving in the domestic counterterrorism team. Andy joined the army at the age of 17. Andy marched into 4RAR in 2000, he went on selection at 17.5, making him one of the youngest to successfully pass the Commando selection and reinforcement cycle. During this conversation, we discuss the impact of being the team commander during the tragic live fire training incident of Mason Edwards that still weighs heavily on Andy. We spoke of the loss of one of Andy’s close friends, the late Cameron Baird VC MG. Andy was on the ground in 2008 when Jason Marks was killed, a day Andy said he was lucky to survive himself. For more about that day, go back and listen to episode 81, Jordan McCallum, and episode 100, Craig Hamburgers recollection of that day. After Andy discharged from the Army, he went contracting in Afghanistan and around the world. Andy talks about how faith has helped him find peace and purpose after service, This is a raw, honest powerful two-part episode. A true story of resilience and redemption. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Andy Steele Editor: Kyle Watkins
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About True Blue Conversations Podcast

Inspired by the people and events that have shaped Australian history and character, with his authentically Australian down to earth approach, Adam Blum explores and shares their stories. Learn how in the past and more recently, service, sacrifice and grit have and continue to play a central role in Australia's True Blue History.
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