Service and Beyond
Former Navy and Air Force pilot Matthew Dank speaks to former Australian Defence Force members on their career highlights, greatest challenges, and their personal experiences transitioning out of uniform. Matt uncovers how each individual shaped their options for future employment, professional and personal success, and how they navigated often complex transitions out of the military and back to civilian life. Matt explores the keys to building a rich career both in and out of uniform, and delves into the range of education, training, and support service options that are available for transitioning ADF members. Follow the conversation on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/serviceandbeyondpodcast/
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IG Episode 5 Stefan & Evelyn Huss
09/06/2023
IG Episode 5 Stefan & Evelyn Huss
Stefan and Evelyn Huss tell their story of Stefan's service with the German armed forces and the powerful and beneficial impact that the Invictus Games and sports recovery has had on them and their family. Stefan Huss is a still serving Sergeant in the Bundeswehr. After his second Afghanistan mission in 2013 he developed post-traumatic stress disorder. His treatment in recovery for this condition including sports therapy which resulted in his becoming fully operational and deployable once again, and Stefan went on to specialise in the delivery of sports recovery for the German Army and since then he has been a champion for mental heath of current and former members of the Germany military. In 2017 Stefan was appointed to the team for the Invictus Games in Toronto, and he was elected Team Captain for the 2018 Games in Sydney. As one of three ambassadors, Stefan is the face of the INVICTUS GAMES DÜSSELDORF 2023. In this episode we also cover the ongoing discussions within Germany around a national day of recognition for veterans and service personnel, and the place of veterans within German society. The legacy of Germany's history in the two world wars still feature heavily in public debate, however there are a new generation of German service personnel who believe the time for recognition has come. This Invictus Games 2023 series charts the journey of current and former Invictus Games athletes from a range of countries covering their military careers, their deployment histories and the injuries they sustained. We talk about their experience of life changing injury, and their remarkable physical and emotional recover through training and competing in adaptive sports and through the Invictus Games. Invictus Games Dusseldorf
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IG23 Episode 4 Francine Dudfield
09/06/2023
IG23 Episode 4 Francine Dudfield
Francine Dudfield served 7 years as an Australian Army medic and trained to support special forces operations, going on to obtaining advanced rescue qualifications with New South Wales emergency services and deploying on operations within the Asia Pacific. After suffering a series of deteriorating medical conditions Francine was discharged from Army, dealing at the time with chronic pian, family breakup, and the unknown of a forced career transition. Inspired by Sydney 2018 Invictus Games Francine applied for the Invictus Games, quickly making connections to community sports groups and experiencing a shared sense of belonging and purpose. The Invictus experience has allowed her to recast her experience and perception of her departure from military service, while learning to better manage her physical recovery. In this episode we also touch on the fine balance between determination tenacity learned in military service and self compassion and the need to listen to the body when undergoing recovery from complex injuries. Francine is a member of the 2023 Australian Invictus Games team and is competing in Powerlifting, Rowing and Sitting Volleyball at Dusseldorf. This Invictus Games 2023 series charts the journey of current and former Invictus Games athletes from a range of countries covering their military careers, their deployment histories and the injuries they sustained. We talk about their experience of life changing injury, and their remarkable physical and emotional recover through training and competing in adaptive sports and through the Invictus Games. Invictus Games Dusseldorf
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IG23 Episode 3 Rachel Kerrigan
09/06/2023
IG23 Episode 3 Rachel Kerrigan
As an engineer with the Royal Australian Air Force Rachel Kerrigan saw active service with the International Coalition Against Terrorism in 2002, five years later a series of life changing events triggered trauma from her deployment and she was medically discharged. In 2010 she was diagnosed with PTSD and suffered a stress induced stroke. The turning point to recovery was the ever present support from her 8 year old daughter Kiara, who encouraged her to take up adaptive sports and apply for the 2016 Invictus Games. Rachel has been an Invictus Games competitor, coach, ambassador for the 2018 Sydney Invictus Games and was previously responsible for bringing new veterans into adaptive sports programs in Australia, as a veteran engagement specialist for Invictus Australia. This year she is a special advisor to The Conversation a forum held by the Invictus Games Foundation, which aims so share best practices for the recovery wounded injured and sick service personnel. Rachel has had a lifetime connection to horses, and today we also tell the story of the role equine therapy played in Rachel overcoming PTSD and learning to rebuild trust. This Invictus Games 2023 series charts the journey of current and former Invictus Games athletes from a range of countries covering their military careers, their deployment histories and the injuries they sustained. We talk about their experience of life changing injury, and their remarkable physical and emotional recover through training and competing in adaptive sports and through the Invictus Games. Invictus Games Dusseldorf Equine Encounters Australia: Spur Equine Program: Remount: The Healing:
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IG23 Episode 2 Kionte Storey
09/06/2023
IG23 Episode 2 Kionte Storey
Kionte Joined the United States Marine Corps to meet a call for adventure and to go beyond his home town of Compton California. On completing infantry training Kionte saw service in Iraq and later in Afghanistan, where he was struck by an IED blast resulting in the loss of his leg, traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Soon after his repatriation to the US Kionte turned to the track, trying his hand at adaptive sports. He was quickly identified for his talent and potential and within 2 years was competing nationally. Between track training and marathon running, Kionte took to mountain climbing, summiting peaks in Antarctica and Africa to challenge himself further. It was while facing defeat when attempting to climb Mt Vinson in Antarctica that Kionte realised his full potential to overcome any challenge Kionte's drive to overcome has been channelled into his career and academic studies, and finding ways to go beyond his previous brain injury, he is well on his way to completing two degrees building his dream of becoming a physical therapist. In this episode we also touch on the central role of Kionte's service dog Koja in aiding with his PSTD recovery over the decade following his injury. Kionte is a member of the 2023 Invictus USA team having first competed in The Hague in 2022. This Invictus Games 2023 series charts the journey of current and former Invictus Games athletes from a range of countries covering their military careers, their deployment histories and the injuries they sustained. We talk about their experience of life changing injury, and their remarkable physical and emotional recover through training and competing in adaptive sports and through the Invictus Games. Invictus Games Dusseldorf
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IG23 Episode 1 David Wiseman
09/06/2023
IG23 Episode 1 David Wiseman
David is a former British Army infantry officer who suffered a near fatal wound in a combat exchange in Afghanistan in 2009. Following his injury and after his military career, David has been instrumental in the Invictus Games movement playing key roles in the organising committee of the inaugural games, as UK team captain and as a competitor where he was won 14 medals across 3 games. David's remarkable physical and psychological recovery which saw him embark on a series of mountaineering challenges while recovering from his injury has inspired thousands of wounded injured and sick former service people to take up adaptive sports. David is now the Director for International Development at the Invictus Games Foundation where he is responsible for the growth of the Invictus Games, welcoming new nations into the Invictus family. This Invictus Games 2023 series charts the journey of current and former Invictus Games athletes from a range of countries covering their military careers, their deployment histories and the injuries they sustained. We talk about their experience of life changing injury, and their remarkable physical and emotional recover through training and competing in adaptive sports and through the Invictus Games. Invictus Games Dusseldorf We are Invictus online community Netflix - Heart of Invictus
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Cliff Morgan - Leadership Development with Lumian Consulting
03/15/2023
Cliff Morgan - Leadership Development with Lumian Consulting
How do you approach building credibility in a new professional role, or choosing where to invest time and effort to get ahead? What is the most important trait to have, to get through setbacks and hurdles when undergoing your career transition? How to you grow the abilities of your team, while engendering trust and investing in your team's performance not just now but for the future? We address these questions and more in today's episode with Cliff Morgan, organisational psychologist and director of Lumian Consulting. Cliff commenced his career as an Air Force airfield defence guard, and after retraining as a psychologist Cliff now coaches and develops leaders and leadership teams to realise the benefits of prioritising the development of their people. As founder and director of Lumian Consulting Cliff is particularly passionate about helping leaders become luminaries, people of prominence within their organisations, trusted to navigating growth and develop a pipeline of leaders within their companies. Cliff is also the author of The Coaching Leader, Essential skills to enhance your leadership and develop your people every day. You can reach Cliff at: Lumian.com.au and LinkedIn -
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Remembrance Day 2022 - Pete Rudland RSL Ambassador
11/11/2022
Remembrance Day 2022 - Pete Rudland RSL Ambassador
Today's Remembrance Day special features Pete Rudland veteran of SASR and Commando service and RSL Ambassador. After a highly decorated 28 year Defence career and after surviving a 2010 Blackhawk helicopter crash while deployed in Afghanistan, Pete shaped his transition from service and built a new career around assisting other veterans and emergency service personnel through counselling, coaching and leadership through his example of overcoming major injuries and returning to the sporting arena. Pete is a national ambassador for RSL Australia and has been offering close counsel and support to the ongoing Royal Commission hearings, and he joins me today for this in depth conversation about his life and career.
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Boeing Veterans - Dr Brendan Nelson President of Boeing Australia
02/05/2022
Boeing Veterans - Dr Brendan Nelson President of Boeing Australia
This is Part 3. of the Boeing Veterans series and features Dr Brendan Nelson AO - President Boeing Australia New Zealand and South Pacific. Dr Nelson commenced his career as a medical doctor in Tasmania and was elected President of the Australian Medical Association before moving onto senior roles in government and public life. These included Leader of the Opposition, Minister for Defence, and Ambassador to NATO Belgium Luxembourg and the EU. Brendan served for 7 years as Director of the Australian War Memorial before joining Boeing. In 2018 RSL conferred Honorary Life Membership upon Dr Nelson for his services to and support of veterans and ex-service organisations. In this episode we examine Brendan's long connection to Defence Force personnel and veterans, commencing from his upbringing surrounded by family stories of service from World War 1. Brendan discusses his career and path to senior leadership, and his diplomatic post where he developed an even deeper connection to Australian World War I history and sacrifices. We discuss the modern period of conflict from September 11 2001 onwards, and the growth of ANZAC day as a national symbol of meaning amid the heightened position of our Defence Force in the national consciousness. Brendan covers the growth of Australian defence industry in supporting the ADF and the close co-operation that defines the current relationship between the ADF and the range of defence industry participants. We touch on the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (Loyal Wingman) Australia's first locally designed combat aircraft in more than 50 years, as a combined effort of 35 Australian companies. Brendan discusses the future focus on career flexibility and movement of people between Defence and industry, and the recent Afghanistan evacuation as an example of this model in practice. Brendan discusses the values, culture and experience that Defence veterans bring to employers and the extraordinary efforts of small to medium size veteran owned business in mentoring and guiding former serving members into meaningful employment as recognised by the Prime Minister's Veterans Awards. Follow the show Link to Boeing Veterans Dr Brendan Nelson Prime Ministers Veterans Employment & Awards
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Boeing veterans - Amy List head of Boeing Veterans Working Group
01/31/2022
Boeing veterans - Amy List head of Boeing Veterans Working Group
Amy List is director sustainment operations at Boeing Defence Australia and the Executive Sponsor of the Boeing Veterans Working Group. Joining the Royal Australian Air Force and training as an aeronautical engineer Amy served across Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern theatres, starting her career on the P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Amy transitioned from service into a role in defence industry before joining Boeing in 2018. Amy's partner was also In Defence and Amy experienced operational deployments from both sides, and tells of the close ties and ever present support with the defence community at home while her partner was away on extended deployment. In this episode we discusses the support provided to veterans when joining Boeing on transitioning out of service and the efforts at a national level on a range of priorities including fostering greater opportunities for two way movement of veterans between industry and ADF service. We touch on Boeing's role in support veteran events is including Invictus Games, The Australian War Memorial's Centenary of ANZAC and a range of ex-service organisations. Lastly Amy outlines the changing expectations on Defence industry with the 2020 bushfires, COVID-19 and the shifting security environment in the Asia-Pacific. Watch this episode on YouTube Link to Boeing veterans
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Boeing veterans - Krishell Ennis
01/23/2022
Boeing veterans - Krishell Ennis
Service and Beyond stars anew in 2022 with a 3 part series on Boeing veterans. Episode 1 of the series features Krishell Ennis, former Navy Communications Sailor. Krishell served for 9 years in the Navy before finding her way through numerous jobs and onto Boeing working on the Wakulda Air Battlespace Management program. In this episode Krishell discusses the challenges of raising a young family in a service career, dealing with post partum depressions and navigating the Defence mental health support system, the struggle for employment on separation from Defence and a move across the country that ultimately led to a start in Defence industry. Coming back East, Krishell discusses her move to Boeing and the Wakulda program, experiencing a workplace culture akin to her Navy career, the experience of working on Defence problems from the industry side, and the trust extended to ex Defence personnel for the insights and experience they bring.
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Javiera Soto - WYWM
11/24/2021
Javiera Soto - WYWM
This is part 3 in a 3 part series on Australian veteran owned company WithYouWithMe In this episode we speak with Javiera Soto WithYouWithMe account executive responsible for directing much of the business growth beyond the company's initial veteran focus, and onto other under represented groups and other countries. As a military spouse of over 20 years, a registered nurse and having worked in aiding Defence members through rehabilitation, Javiera has a unique insight into the employment challenges of Defence families gaining and maintaining meaningful employment amid the continuous posting cycles. In this episode we cover the confidence and self belief that flows from discovery of new skills and new potential from portable careers in burgeoning technology roles. We talk about the Ah-huh moment, the insights and motivation from discovering your preferred learning style and realising past barriers to learning and employment no longer stand in the way. And we cover the impact WithYouWithMe is having on shaping the future of work in Australia and beyond.
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Tom Larter - WithYouWithMe
11/09/2021
Tom Larter - WithYouWithMe
This is part 2 in a 3 part series on veteran owned company WithYouWithMe Be fierce, Be curious, Be transparent, Be the customer These are the values that guide WithYouWithMe on their mission to transform the way companies approach hiring, globally. Starting with veteran underemployment WithYouWithMe has expanded into programs for spouses, indigenous and neurodiverse and they're not only employing but empowering sections of society previously overlooked due to rigid recruitment and training models. In episode 2 we feature former Army infantry officer and WithYouWithMe chief customer officer - Tom Larter. Tom shares his story through service and how he and the leadership team have united the company behind a social purpose that is putting more people into meaningful employment, and unlocking unrealised talent pools both internal and external to company boundaries. Tom discusses the long term goal of changing global hiring practices, his company's ambitious plan to achieve it, and the many wins already on the board for the fast growing company.
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Pablo Quintana - WithYouWithMe
11/02/2021
Pablo Quintana - WithYouWithMe
This is part 1 in a 3 part series on veteran owned company With You With Me WithYouWithMe began with the idea that those leaving Defence ought to be hired based on potential rather than on experience. Armed with this hypothesis WYWM set out and succeeded to disrupt conventional hiring practices, and has laid a new path for ADF veterans into tech careers. From this starting point WYWM quickly evolved from a recruitment platform for veterans, to offering a suite of career-enhancing services with the model -DISCOVER -TRAIN -DEPLOY -GROW Now offering free online aptitude testing and tech industry training, WYWM has places over 20,000 candidates into in-demand roles like cyber, software development and automation with under 100 hours of training. WYWM are moving on up, now catering for Defence spouses and neurodiverse and rapidly expanding into overseas markets. In episode 1 we feature former Navy communications sailor and WithYouWithMe engagement manager - Pablo Quintana
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Dane Christison - Survive to Thrive Nation
10/21/2021
Dane Christison - Survive to Thrive Nation
Dane Christison is an Army veteran and founder and CEO of Survive to Thrive Nation, Australia's premier online mental health, transition and personal development program for ADF personnel and veterans. Experiencing family tragedy growing up in Sth East Queensland, Dane found direction in service to the nation with the Australian Army and deployed to East Timor and Iraq. After leaving the military he narrowly avoided the 2005 London terror attacks. Dane later suffering debilitating PTSD stemming from his service. From a place of pain Dane transformed his life with an extraordinary vision of changing the way Defence Force veterans are transitioned out of service. This vision became Dane's mantra and his coaching and mentoring and has touched the lives of thousands of veterans, and had an enormous community effect over the last 9 years. In this incredibly raw, moving and inspiring episode, Dane bares all and we examine in depth his 8 module program for mental health, transition support and personal development. You can show your support for Survive to Thrive Nation on socials, and find out more about the program at For 24hr counselling and support contact please contact
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Transition Coaching - Outplacement Australia
10/07/2021
Transition Coaching - Outplacement Australia
With the end of the year approaching and new jobs and opportunities on the horizon for many this episode focuses on mindsets tools and tips that only a transition coach can bring to your transition journey. Gillian Kelly is an award winning career coach, resume writer, and self proclaimed future of work nerd. She understands what employers are looking for when hiring veterans, and she's worked with thousands of employees moving between roles, often involuntarily In this episode we break down: Working out what your skills are and what your next job looks like The importance of time out to reflect deeply before lining up a new role Weighing up your personal situation and readiness to move Thinking about the why behind your career experiences, and how to package this up for a job interview How to use story telling and evidence to represent your career achievements in job interviews LinkedIn, using the platform and network referrals to get access to the right hiring managers And, in the trailer I discuss my transition journey and recent career stepping stones You can find Gillian and Outplacement Australia here
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R U Okay Day - Dane Christison, Survive To Thrive Nation
09/08/2021
R U Okay Day - Dane Christison, Survive To Thrive Nation
This special episode is to mark RUOkay Day. Catch the abbreviated video version at https://youtu.be/aVvgA4w11Hw On RUOkay Day we're reminded of the power of a simple conversation to help save a life. Our guest for this episode is Dane Christison, Army veteran and founder of Survive to Thrive Nation - a proven and remarkably successful program for helping transitioning veterans find inspiration, motivation and passion for getting the most out of life after service. Dane has faced trauma prior to, during and after his military service and the insights he shares from his journey, and those of the many he has coached and mentored emphasise the importance of a simple conversation, and the willingness to listen without judgement. https://survivetothrivenation.com Connect - Connect -
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Kristen Hansen - CEO EnHansenperformance - Neuroplasticity growth and adaptation
07/25/2021
Kristen Hansen - CEO EnHansenperformance - Neuroplasticity growth and adaptation
Kristen Hansen is trusted by business leaders and executives to advise and coach them through periods of major transformation. Kristen's philosophy is that by understanding the mechanics of the brain you can engineer your own change and lead yourself through any personal or career transition. As a business coach leadership expert and international keynote speaker with over 20 years of sales and management experience in major corporations, Kristen draws on qualifications in neuroscience of leadership and emotional intelligence to explain the brain level barriers to change that are frequently encountered during periods of major life change. Kristen outlines her structured coaching method to navigating the transition from service back to civilian life, by applying a growth mindset approach, the deliberate application of positive feedback and a conscious shift from threat to reward state Kristen reveals a practical toolset any veteran can use to guide their transition and adjustment process. Kristen is CEO of EnHansen Performance and author of TRACTION. The Neuroscience of Leadership and Performance
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Miriam Dwyer - CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
07/03/2021
Miriam Dwyer - CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation
Miriam Dwyer is the CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation one of the country's premier institutions for the advancing health outcomes of ADF veterans and their families. Located at Greenslopes hospital in Brisbane, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation (GMRF) undertakes clinical trials research and patient treatment targeting diseases and health concerns that disproportionately affect ADF veterans. Key veteran focal areas for GMRF areas include liver disease, skin cancer melanoma and post traumatic stress disorder. GMRF has also undertaken significant research around the difficulty veterans face transitioning out of service, commissioning a number of studies to measure and discover the causes of the re-adjustment difficulties many veterans face. In partnership with RSL Queensland, GMRF conducted a six year research study to investigate the transition experience and psychological adjustment and cultural reintegration to civilian life. This study led to the development of the post-transition Military-Civilian Adjustment and Reintegration Measure (M-CARM). M-CARM is a world first online survey based tool where after transitioning from service, ADF veterans can complete a 5 minute survey and receive personalised feedback on their transition and re-integration progress. Areas identified for improvement can then be directly addressed by the Go Beyond self paced online program recently launched. Go Beyond features modules on; -Finding Purpose -Social Connection -Regimentation -Beliefs About civilians In this conversation we discuss the extraordinary range of research, trials and treatment work the team at GMRF are doing to enhance the health and wellbeing of ADF veterans and their families, and we discuss how the ground breaking M-CARM and Go Beyond tools are enhancing the quality of life of Australian veterans.
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Rob Skoda - RAAF Ground Defence Officer, RSL QLD General Manager Veterans Affairs
06/22/2021
Rob Skoda - RAAF Ground Defence Officer, RSL QLD General Manager Veterans Affairs
Robert Skoda is a former Air Force Ground Defence Officer and now General Manager Veteran Affairs and Policy at RSL Queensland. During Rob's career he served in various command, leadership and training roles deploying to East Timor and numerous Middle East theatre rotations. On leaving Defence Rob pivoted into overseas remote site resource and mining work, before moving into commercial management roles. Seeking a greater sense of fulfilment and service Rob joined RSL Queensland successfully translating his commercial expertise to help build a range of programs and initiatives that provide valuable support to modern veterans and their families. In this episode we chat about Rob's Defence career, his full circle journey from Air Force Officer through to supporting ADF veterans in his work at RSL Queensland. We discuss the difficult demands placed on ADF families due to deployment and posting cycles, and the invaluable role that Defence families play in underpinning the Australian Defence Force's mission of defending the nation. Lastly we explore some of RSL Queensland's veteran support programs, including their funding to Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation which has developed a world first set of online tools to measure and help overcome the re-adjustment challenges that ADF members face when leaving service. These tools are free and can be accessed online at: You can follow Service and Beyond here on Instagram And here on Facebook
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Tim Thomas - SF Commando - Veteran Advocate and Ambassador
06/04/2021
Tim Thomas - SF Commando - Veteran Advocate and Ambassador
Tim Thomas joined the Army at the age of 29, where he was fast tracked into special forces service seeing action in East Timor and Afghanistan. Enjoying his career in Army Tim was set on serving the remainder of his career in uniform until a personal commitment he had made was called into question. Tim stood firm on his belief in the face of pressure from his fellow soldiers and chain of command, starting a series of events which would smear his reputation and lead to the end of his career as a special forces soldier. On leaving Army Tim experienced mental and physical decline followed by resurgence, finding purpose in connecting with other veterans and helping steer them through their own journeys. Tim is the author of the book: Fight, Flight, Feel - he spreads his message of healing via his website and Youtube channel - Commando in Your Corner. His 2019 ANZAC Day speech was noted by our Former Governor General, Dame Quentin Bryce as being one of the most remarkable ever. Tim's ANZAC Day speech 2019 - Commando in Your Corner - Commando in Your Corner - Youtube channel
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John Noble - The pain of missed deployments & re-building Identity
05/26/2021
John Noble - The pain of missed deployments & re-building Identity
John served 5 years in the Australian Army as an infantry soldier amassing a range of skills, weapon and vehicle qualifications with ultimate aim of deploying to Afghanistan. Despite his continual efforts John's posting trajectory and a later leg injury meant he was overlooked for deployment, leaving him dealing with shame and feelings of inadequacy of a solider trained but not deployed to the battlefield. John later made the decision to discharge from Army with minimal planning, training or transition assistance - fortunately landing security role along with a number of his former colleagues. In the years following transition John worked to piece together his identity and life direction working in fields as diverse as immigration detention, youth and disability work and now to study to pursue his passion of a career in paramedicine. As a proud veteran John has crafted his own identity and experienced remarkable personal growth and now looks forward to fatherhood and welcoming his first child. If you've got a story of service to share, or feedback on Season 1 or 2 you can reach me at - [email protected] For more information on Soldier On's Gala Ball go to
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Jason Dunn - Identity and Adjustment to life after Army
05/19/2021
Jason Dunn - Identity and Adjustment to life after Army
Jason Dunn served 9 years full time in the Australian Army in transport roles across numerous operational deployments, and was attached to both Australian and British Special Forces units. On initially discharging from service Jason experienced difficulties obtaining employment and finding meaning in civilian life. Defining himself as an Australian soldier from age 17, leaving service he struggled to move on from Army's culture, camaraderie and security. In the years that followed, Jason experienced a series of crises that threatened his welfare, personal relationships and quality of life. Following one incident Jason came face to face with his unexamined emotional scars, understanding that his rigid self reliance, and fervent independence was preventing him from asking for help and being open to dealing with the issues the affected him. Jason has since sought out the help he needed to transform his life, he's demonstrated the strength to confront his difficult truths, and has now found purpose in a new profession, and in fatherhood and family. Jason now shares his story of identity and adjustment to life after service.
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Season 2 Preview Episode
05/14/2021
Season 2 Preview Episode
This is the introduction to Season 2 where Matt discusses the theme of season 2; The Identity shift and Adjustment to life after service careers. Matt reveals his own adjustment experience in his early Defence career and how his identity struggles upon discharge from service following academic training failures have shaped his thoughts on the challenges many face in their ADF transition. He also previews the veterans stories and guest research organisations and transition and coaching professionals who will be featured in season 2. Submissions are being taken into the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, you can find out more and have your say here
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ANZAC Day 2021 Special Episode
05/01/2021
ANZAC Day 2021 Special Episode
This ANZAC Day special episode was recorded in Canberra on 25 April 2021, marking the return of the public commemoration of ANZAC Day following last year's cancellation of official events around that nation due to COVID19. In this episode I speak with a number of fellow veterans about their experiences of ANZAC Day under lockdown in 2020, and the special meaning the day has to them now they're reunited with their mates and peers and able to commemorate ANZAC Day 2021. I also preview the upcoming season - launching 12 May 2021. You can provide your feedback on your favourite episode from season 1 and the topic you would most like explored in the upcoming season at: [email protected]
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Heston Russell - Army Commando, Voice of A Veteran
04/08/2021
Heston Russell - Army Commando, Voice of A Veteran
In this the final episode of season 1, I host an open discussion with my fellow veteran, advocate and podcaster Heston Russell. Heston's remarkable story of special forces service, his openness over his mental health battles, and his public stand for those without a voice is changing the face of the veteran's discussion in Australia. We talk about our own mental health journeys, emotional compartmentalisation while in service, the push for a Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide, the future demands on the service men and women of the ADF, and the case for emotional intelligence skills training and exposure to enhance both the in-service performance and wellbeing and the transition experience of ADF personnel. For more on Heston's background go to episode 7 of his podcast at Support Heston's movement at My men's group Common Ground has been instrumental to my mental health through my transition
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Heath Smith (Part 2) - The Recruiting Process, The Big 8 Transition Questions
03/29/2021
Heath Smith (Part 2) - The Recruiting Process, The Big 8 Transition Questions
This is Part 2 of my discussion with Heath Smith. Heath discusses his experiences in recruiting veterans to his company and advising veterans on enhancing their employability as well as taking a learning approach to the recruiting process in general. He also answers the big 8 transition questions revealing what shaped his journey out of Defence and into management consulting and ultimately business ownership. If you wish to discuss your transition journey or career options with Heath you can reach him at [email protected]
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Heath Smith (Part 1) - Army Aeronautical Engineer, GSA Management Consulting
03/25/2021
Heath Smith (Part 1) - Army Aeronautical Engineer, GSA Management Consulting
Heath Smith is a former Army Aeronautical Engineer who's early career included an exchange with the US Army's 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan, before assuming the senior engineer role for Army's 1st Aviation Regiment ARH Tiger helicopters in Darwin. Heath was later selected to join an expert panel led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, which conducted a wholesale review of all aspects of Army Aviation. Heath later left Army trading his engineering expertise for management consulting with KPMG, and in 2019 he co-founded his own business GSA Management Consulting which has grown steadily now employing a number of ADF veterans. In this in-depth conversation Heath outlines his views on the learning and growth stages throughout a career, and the outsized role that unexpected opportunities played in both advancing his Army career and shaping options for his transition into an entirely different industry following his service. Heath also discusses the inherent sacrifices of giving up one career for another, the mindset and work ethic needed to re-establish momentum in a new profession, and the importance of family in guiding his transition journey.
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Sean O'Loughlin (Part 2) - Big 8 Questions
03/17/2021
Sean O'Loughlin (Part 2) - Big 8 Questions
In Part 2 of my interview with Sean O'Loughlin, Sean answers the 8 transition questions and I discuss my key takeaways from Sean's story; the application of military learned resilience skills to the identity shift of becoming a civilian once more, the power of mindfulness practices in dealing with the emotional stressors and distractions of life, and the Sean's affinity for training mentoring and teamwork which were instrumental in his transition from infantry soldier to university student peer mentor, and then on to emergency medicine training provider with Emergency Australia. For more on mindfulness I recommend CD and MP3 recordings from Jon Kabat Zinn (also available on YouTube) Or neuroscientist Sam Harris' app Waking Up for iOS or Android
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Sean O'Loughlin (Part 1) - Army Infantry, Emergency Australia
03/12/2021
Sean O'Loughlin (Part 1) - Army Infantry, Emergency Australia
Sean O'Loughlin is a former Army infantry soldier who deployed to East Timor and later Afghanistan where contributed to Australian forces mentoring of the Afghan National Army. After leaving Army Sean completed a degree in paramedicine at Charles Sturt University. During his studies Sean teamed with fellow veterans to provide paramedic services at motor racing events in rural NSW and later throughout the country, and following increasing demand for his services Emergency Australia was born in 2013. Sean's company now provides training to emergency medical practitioners and remote paramedics, including in his Brisbane high fidelity simulation center. Sean was recognised in Prime Minister's Veterans Awards as Small Business of The Year 2020. In this episode Sean discusses his passion for mentoring and training cultivated during his Army career, pursuing an interest in paramedicine through full time university studies, and combining these and his perspectives from his military experience to incrementally grow Emergency Australia into its current form. We also discuss the media portrayal of the 'broken veteran' narrative, adjusting to life after service, devoting time and energy to self care and keeping an active eye on mental health, and the sense of purpose through joining in humanitarian assistance efforts during the Syrian refugee crisis.
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Matthew Smith (Part 2) - Detailed Transition Planning and the Big 8 Transition Questions
03/04/2021
Matthew Smith (Part 2) - Detailed Transition Planning and the Big 8 Transition Questions
In part 2 of the interview with Matthew Smith, Matt details the significant time and effort he invested into exploring his transition options, from a career locality and lifestyle perspective and also considering his family's future priorities. This included a number of trips across the country to explore the area in which he intended to settle, as well as reaching out to numerous former colleagues and discussing their transition lessons. Matt describes how his hard work and careful forethought paid off through his transition out of RAAF. Service and Beyond is taking part in the March On Challenge - organised by Soldier On, where we'll run 96kms in the month of March to support ADF veterans' mental health services. You can support the team by donating at
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