True Blue Conversations Podcast

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Kurt Ludke. Kurt was born in Invercargill, NZ, and later moved to Western Australia. Kurt joined the army in 1998. After basic training, he was posted to 1 RAR in Townsville. Kurt faced adversity early in his career looisng his Mum to an aneurysm. Kurt took a compassionate posting for a few months before posting back to 1 RAR.
Kurt deployed on multiple overseas deployments include multiple trips to East Timor, Afghanistan & Iraq.
In 2005, Kurt applied and was selected for selection in 4 RAR Commando. After passing selection, Kurt moved into the reo cycle, where he was successful and posted into the regiment.
Kurt served on SOTG Rot 4 in Afghanistan in 2007, Rot 8 in 2008, and Rot 12 in 2010. In the lead-up to Rot 12, Kurt and his company lost a good friend, Mason Edwards, in a prep deployment exercise. This was the start of several losses for the Company. 
Kurt was involved in the Battle of Shah Wali Kot. Only a few days later, on the 21st of June, three Australian Commando's were killed in a Blackhawk helicopter. Kurt talks about being on the ground that day when he arrived at the crash. 
Kurt went on to serve on TAG EAST, and the Special Forces Training Centre SFTC Kurt also served in Iraq. Kurt talks about burnout and suffering from PTSD, losing mates, and, after 19 years of service, having an administrative discharge. Like all veterans and first responders, Kurt struggled with the transition back to civilian life. He found purpose again, completing his MBA in 2022 and representing Australia at the Invictus Games in 2023. This is a powerful chat about the cost of serving at the elite level and finding purpose again after service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Kurt Ludke 
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with Robert Kilsby, a former Australian Special
Forces Special Air Services Regiment Vietnam combat veteran. Born on Boxing Day
in 1951 in the small coal-mining town of Leigh Creek, South Australia, Robert's early
years were steeped in the spirit of adventure—bushland escapades, go-kart races,
and the kind of rugged independence that would come to define his life.
By age 14, Robert had already experienced one of life's hardest lessons—his
parents' separation. But instead of falling, he rose. He understood something rare at
that age: that people, even parents, are human. That insight marked the beginning of
a lifelong journey of resilience, purpose, and service.
In 1969, just one day after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, Robert began his
military career. He joined the Australian Regular Army with a determination to be a
part of the Vietnam War before it ended. Not long after, at just 18 and a half years
old, he became one of the youngest soldiers to be badged as an SAS Trooper—an
elite path marked by grit, humour, and unstoppable drive.
From high-risk operations, including those with SEAL Team 1 in Vietnam, to
developing unconventional warfare tactics back home, Robert helped shape the
future of Australia's Special Forces. His career spanned infantry, intelligence,
Mandarin Chinese language training, and leadership roles in SASR counterterrorism
operations. His post-military life has been just as extraordinary. From
founding Veterans In Motorsport – Australia, to paddling 2,450 kilometres down the
Murray River at age 70 to raise funds for homeless veterans. Even after facing
down stage 4 cancer in 2022 and open-heart surgery in 2024, Robert's next mission
is already underway: becoming a keynote speaker and author. His
message? 'Ultimate Freedom – How to Be in Charge of Yourself' from his 2026 book
Ultimate Freedom – The Five Fundamental Principles to Being In Charge of Yourself.
A philosophy forged in fire, lived on two battlefields—one in combat, the other in life.
 You're about to hear from a man who's never stopped pushing limits—who
embodies courage, service, and reinvention. 
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Robert Kilsby
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Australian Special Forces Special Air
Services Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel ret Paul Burns DSC & Bar. Paul
served as both a soldier and an officer in the Australian Defence Force for 25 years,
with operational tours to Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
During his service, he commanded 1 SAS Squadron in the Western Desert during
the invasion of Iraq and was tasked with a mission of vital strategic importance, for
which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) and Australia's first
Unit Citation for Gallantry. From 2009, he commanded the Special Air Service
Regiment (SASR), Australia's most elite Special Forces unit, tasked with solving the
Australian government's most urgent, politically sensitive and dangerous situations
within Australia and overseas. In 2010, he commanded all of Australia's Special
Forces in Afghanistan and executed an operational plan that resulted in the liberation
of over 30,000 Afghan civilians from Taliban control, and the removal of numerous
very senior Taliban leaders, for which he received a Bar to the DSC. His rotation was
awarded a Battle Honour for the Shah Wali Kot Offensive, the first and only since the
Vietnam War.
Paul is an honour graduate of the United States Marine Corps School of Advanced
Warfighting (SAW) and holds two Master's degrees. In 2012, Paul discharged from
the Army after 25 years of service.
Paul is currently the owner of several companies that provide immersive live fire
shooting capabilities, immersive training solutions and strategic security services for
Australian and international customers. He is also the founder of Heroes and Horses
Australia, a 41-day program for combat veterans that "un-programs the
programmed" post military service. Paul is married with two adult children.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest :Paul Burns DSC & Bar
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this weeks podcast, I speak with Ironwoman and world record holder, Bonnie
Hancock. Bonnie spent 254 days, travelled 12,700 kilometres, battled sea sickness,
sharks, crocodiles, and the ocean. Bonnie broke numerous records on her fastest
ever circumnavigation by paddle around Australia, but that wasn't the achievement
she is most proud of. Testing the limits of her mental and physical toughness, she
learned what it means to overcome adversity and how important teamwork and
perspective truly are. What looks distressing from the rocky shore or storm-tossed
waves can be inspiring when you look to the heavens.
Bonnie is the author of "The Girl Who Touched the Stars", which is a love story, a
travelogue, and an exhilarating exploration of human ambition coming face-to-face
with the beauty and power of nature. But most of all, it's a lesson in overcoming self-
doubt, trusting others and finding your true self. Bonnie demonstrates vividly and
honestly the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of reaching for the
stars. Bonnie talks about growing up as a young surf lifesaver and competing in the
Ironwoman series with her older sister Courtney, and what it takes to compete at the
elite level. This is a raw and honest, powerful chat about pushing your body to the
limit and discovering who you.
Bonnie set a target to raise $100,000 for the charity Gotcha4Life. Bonnie achieved
that goal as she paddled into the finish line on the Gold Coast after paddling for 254
days and 12,700 Kilometres.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Bonnie Hancock
Editor: Kyle Watkins

On this week's podcast, I speak with former Marine Specialist Chris Ghalayini. Chris joined the Australian Army in transport before transferring to a specialist role as a Marine Specialist. He served across East Timor, Iraq, and within a Special Operations Unit, living a career built on discipline, purpose, and service. Chris thought he would wear the uniform for life, but everything changed the day a back injury brought his journey to a sudden halt. It wasn't just the end of his military career; it was the start of a new battle he never saw coming. In this podcast, Chris shares his story in full. The highs of service. The deployments that grounded Chris for life. The pride of serving as a Marine Specialist in SOCOMD, one of the most adverse environments in the Defence Force. Chris also talks about the back injury that ended his career due to the pain he was suffering; it sent Chris into a dark place. After 6 doctors said no to operating on his back, the 7 th doctor was willing to operate. This gave Chris a new outlook on life. Unfortunately, after this operation, Chris suffered a stroke in early 2024 during his recovery, he was determined to live for his family. Chris discusses the medical separation and the transition that no soldier is ever truly prepared for. This isn't just a story about hardship. It's about rebuilding, redefining purpose.
Finding strength outside the uniform, learning that sometimes the greatest comeback starts the moment life knocks you down. This is Chris's journey before, during, and after Defence. Chris is now an entrepreneur who is the managing director of Poseidon Seas Group, which specialises in the luxury yacht space. Chris now gives veterans and first Responders a way to transition after service and give them purpose again by giving them opportunities to work. Chris is still serving, just in a different uniform and a different way. This is raw, honest and a story of redemption.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Chris Ghalayini
Editor: Kyle Watkins