True Blue Conversations - Kurt Ludke 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment Veteran
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Release Date: 01/27/2026
True Blue Conversations - Jared Purcell - Australian Army 2 RAR Veteran and Podcaster Broken Fathers
True Blue Conversations Podcast
Service doesn’t end when you hang up the uniform—it evolves. And for some, the next mission becomes even more personal. Today on True Blue Conversations, we sit down with Jared Purcell—Australian Army veteran, former 2RAR soldier, and the voice behind the Broken Fathers podcast. Jared has lived the highs and the hardships of military life, but it’s what came after service that shaped his next chapter. Through Broken Fathers, he has created a space for raw, honest conversations about fatherhood, identity, struggle, and rebuilding—topics that often go unaddressed but matter more than...
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True Blue Conversations - Mandy Hickson Royal Air Force Fast Jet Pilot Tornado GR4 Combat Pilot / Author
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Lana Boland - Canadian Police Officer / Author
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Meg Jarvis - Western Australia Police Detective / Trauma Coach
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Michael “Smokey” Dawson BM EW Operator / Military Police Dog Handler Part 2
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Michael “Smokey” Dawson BM EW Operator / Military Police Dog Handler Part 1
True Blue Conversations Podcast
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...
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True Blue Conversations - Captain Jonathan “Finchy” Finch
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Captain Jonathan Finch, whose 27year journey in the Australian Defence Force reflects the evolution of a peacetime organisation into one operating at an intense operational tempo around the world. Finchy began his career in 1999, enlisting in the Army Reserve as a cook—just as the ADF was transitioning into an era marked by frequent deployments and complex missions abroad. Over the years, Finchy’s adaptability, professionalism, and appetite for challenge saw him rise through the Australian Army Catering Corps to the rank of Sergeant before...
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True Blue Conversations - Jody Tieche - Voodoo Combat Medic
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Australian Army Combat Medic Jody Tieche, a man whose story is built on service, resilience, and the experiences that come from operating in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Jody served as a combat medic with the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, a role that puts you right in the thick of it. When soldiers are wounded and every second matters, the medic is the one running toward the danger — carrying the responsibility of keeping his mates alive. Jody served in Timor in 2006 and served two tours of Afghanistan, Rotation...
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True Blue Conversations - Matt Nicholson Australian Army Reservist and NSW Police Officer
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with former Australian Army Reservist and NSW Police Officer Matt Nicholson. Matt served in the NSW Police for 18 years. After leaving school, Matt joined the Army reserves and joined the Royal Australian Artillery Corps. In 2007, Matt was accepted into the NSW Police and headed to the academy in 2008. Matt spent his career as a general duties officer and later moved into the Raptor task force targeting bikie gangs and other organised crime groups. Matt was diagnosed with PTSD and was medically retired from the NSW Police after 18 years’ service, Matt...
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True Blue Conversations - Arron Ferguson - NSW Police Detective Australian Army Special Forces 1st Commando Regiment Veteran.
True Blue Conversations Podcast
On this week’s podcast, I speak with Arron Ferguson, a former 23-year NSW Police Detective and 24-year Australian Army 1st Commando Regiment Special Forces Operator. Arron joined the army first as a commando, and two years later, he was offered a spot on a deployment to Timor. However, the NSW Police also offered a full-time policing position at the academy. Arron lived a double life as both a Detective and army Special Forces reserve soldier. Arron was involved in hundreds of domestic police investigations and then deployments to Timor and highly kinetic operations in Afghanistan as part of...
info_outlineOn 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