True Blue Conversations - - Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Release Date: 04/07/2025
True Blue Conversations - Royal Australian Navy Medic Karney Armstrong
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Royal Navy Veteran Karney Armstrong. With over 11 years of service as a medic, Karney’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. During her career, she faced extraordinary challenges—including a life-saving rescue when she treated a civilian attacked by a shark off Garden Island, WA, just shy of completing her Advanced Medics Assistant Course. Her dedication and quick thinking in that moment exemplify her bravery. Despite her service, Karney faced personal battles, including PTSD, OCD and anorexia, all while managing young...
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True Blue Conversations - Todd Bowler - WAPOL Police Tactical Response Group Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On today's podcast, I speak with Todd Bowler from, Western Australian Police Tactical Response Group Veteran. Todd has 23 years of combined Police experience, consisting of general duties, close personal protection, and undercover work, with 15 years of experience as a Team Leader and Senior Instructor with the WA Police Tactical Response Group, Todd has led high-risk operations ranging from shootouts with armed criminals to arresting the Claremont Serial Killer and billion dollar drug busts. He’s worked deep undercover and provided close personal protection for U.S. Presidents and members...
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True Blue Conversations - Nick Caldwell - Australian Special Forces 4 RAR Commando / SASR Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On todays podcast, I speak with Australian Special Forces Veteran Nick Caldwell. Nick spent 12 years in the military. Nick started his career in the Army Reserves before deciding to go full-time. Nick served 6 years as an SAS operator and 4 years as an Australian Commando with 4 RAR Commando. Nick’s military career was cut short due to the kinetic high-tempo lifestyle of a special forces operator. Nick was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Nick was medically downgraded and made he hard decision to discharge from the job he loved. Nicks operational service included deployments...
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True Blue Conversations - Kevin Humphreys - BLACK HAWK & CHINOOK / SEARCH & RESCUE HELICOPTER PILOT / AUTHOR VETERAN.
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Wayne Weeks - Australian Special Forces Special Air Service Regiment RSM Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Northern Territory TRG Police Veteran Ben Hosking
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Troy Simmonds 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR Regiment Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 2
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Andy Steele - Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran Part 1
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Linton “Harry” Harris - 1RAR / 2 Cav Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On Todays podcast, I speak with an Australian Army 1 RAR / 2 Cav veteran. This is a story of the tenacity of Linton "HARRY" Harris, joining the army not once but twice, in his quest for purpose. Harry’s 1st term of service included deployment to Somalia, Africa, as a 19-year-old. Re-enlisting after a 7-year break, Harry's 2nd term of service included 2 tours to Iraq, resulting in the awarding of the Commendation for Distinguished Service. After service, seeking the quest for a purpose that is often an issue for Veterans, Harry rose to the position of VP of the Tasmanian RSL, only to be...
info_outlineOn this week’s podcast, I speak with Ashley Semmens. Ashley spent 18 years in the
Australian Navy, enlisting in 2005 into the direct entry program as a Clearance Diver.
Ashley deployed multiple times, which included Op Resolute Border Security, OP
Manitou, a human remains recovery in Tongan deep waters, and two deployments to
Afghanistan on OP Slipper providing Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)
Reconnaissance to the Infantry combat team whilst on patrol in Afghanistan and
during the withdrawal of Afghanistan in 2021. In 2022, he was medically discharged
at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, now he volunteers his time to the Clearance DiverTrust.
Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces’ specialist divers.
CD tasks include specialist diving missions to depths of 54 metres, surface and
underwater demolitions, and the rendering safe and disposal of conventional
explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices. Ash is about to take on his
toughest challenge yet, he has set his sights on becoming the first person to swim
the English Channel — in a peculiar backwards manner.
To achieve the record, Ashley will need to swim on his back for more than 15 hours,
not in a traditional backstroke, but dolphin kicking while facing the sky, with minimal
use of his arms.
He said preparing for the 34.2-kilometre swim was as much mental as physical.
The kicking is effectively how I would work in my previous profession, he said.
But as a clearance diver, I will be taking mental resilience into the swim.
The channel swim is set for June 2025 and aims to raise money for the Navy
Clearance Divers Trust. Good luck, Ash, you got this!
This is a raw story owning all your faults and redemption!
To donate to the cause, see the link below
https://ncdt.org.au/donations/sponsor-ash-in-a-world-first-finning-across-the-english-
channel/
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Ashley Semmens
Editor: Kyle Watkins