Priority Zero Podcast

In this episode, I have the absolute pleasure of speaking with Steve “Brute” Rodgers. Steve served as a Trooper in the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and completed a 12-month deployment in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He shares his experience of going through SAS selection, his very first time on a plane — which he promptly parachuted out of — and an unforgettable lesson about the importanc...

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Mick Willing APM, a highly respected leader with over three decades of service in law enforcement. Mick dedicated 31 years to the NSW Police Force, rising through the ranks to become a Deputy Commissioner. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in some of the most challenging and high-stakes areas of policing, including: Homicide Squad...

In this episode, we sit down with Senior Firefighter and USAR Officer Dylan Teicher from the Western Australian Fire & Rescue Service. Dylan brings nearly 17 years of firefighting experience, having been part of the WA USAR taskforce for 12 years. A former Australian Defence Force soldier with a deep passion for service, Dylan’s journey includes a remarkable career, from his military days in E...

In this episode, we are joined by Stephen "Locky" Lockwood, a former infantry soldier in the Royal Australian Army who served in Afghanistan and Timor. Locky shares his experiences in the military, offering valuable insights into life during deployment and his transition from service to civilian life. He discusses how the skills and determination he developed in the army have helped him pursue hig...

In this episode, we speak with Jarryd Goundrey, a former Australian Army infantry soldier who served for seven years, including a deployment to Timor Leste. After leaving the military, Jarryd transitioned to the culinary world, working as a Fine Dining Chef at one of Melbourne's top restaurants. During our conversation, Jarryd opens up about his struggles with addiction, mental health, and depress...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael, who served for 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy as a Dental Assistant. Michael offers a unique perspective on military service, sharing insights into joining the Navy in a non-combat role, life at sea, and the challenges of maintaining a fully functional dental clinic aboard a ship. He also recounts his multiple deployments across the globe, includin...

In this episode, I have the honour of interviewing David Dotson, who served for almost 13 years in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Marine and was deployed to active warzones including Afghanistan and Iraq. David candidly discusses the complexities of war, his motivations for joining the USMC, and his experiences in boot camp. He also shares a deeply personal account of "one of the wo...

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Ian Rawson, who served for 19 years with the Royal Australian Air Force. Ian dedicated almost a decade of service as an Airfield Guard before transitioning to a role as a Ciscon for another 10 years. During our conversation, Ian shares insights from his time in the RAAF, discussing experiences from boot camp, the future of warfare including the...

Join us in this compelling episode featuring Dan Sivan, as he shares poignant insights into his upbringing in Israel. From navigating the omnipresent threat of terrorism and the normalization of having a home equipped with a bomb shelter, Dan delves into the realities of growing up in a region marked by turmoil. Drawing from his experiences in the Israeli Defence Force, where he fulfilled his cons...

In this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Dylan Conway, an Australian Army veteran and the founder of the Brothers N Books charity. Dylan discusses his inspiration for joining the Australian Army, sharing fond memories of his time in the organisation, including his experiences at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and the Royal Military College (RMC). He also opens up about hi...

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Chris Punch, an 8-year veteran of the Western Australia Fire & Rescue service. From childhood dreams inspired by his father's legacy in law enforcement to the stark realities of facing death and trauma on the job, Chris offers a candid glimpse into the life of a firefighter. Embark on a riveting journey with Chris as he traces his path from childhood drea...

This episode features Sam George, a former Corrections Officer from the Northern Territory, who offers a candid account of his six-year tenure within the correctional system. Throughout the episode, Sam delves into his progression through the ranks to attain a senior officer position, providing insightful narratives encompassing incidents such as riots, attempted escapes, and the somber experience...

Heston Russell embodies a legacy of military service spanning five generations, having distinguished himself as a Major within the Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Across a span of 16 years, his deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Timor reflect a steadfast commitment to duty and a profound understanding of the complexities of modern conflict. In this compelling episode, Heston ar...

***TRIGGER WARNING - SENSITIVE TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE*** In this podcast episode, Juan provides a comprehensive narrative of his multifaceted career trajectory, encompassing significant roles spanning from his tenure as an infantry soldier in the Royal Australian Army to his commission as an officer. His professional journey extends to his service in the NSW Police Force and his tenure wi...

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with the remarkable Karney. Karney's distinguished career spans her tenure as a medic in the Royal Australian Navy, where she served with honour and distinction. Furthermore, Karney's resilience were showcased on the international stage as she proudly represented Australia in the prestigious Invictus Games, securing both Gold and Silver Med...

In this episode, Benji chats about his extensive professional journey spanning various roles within the Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory and Tasmanian Police Forces, and Border Force. With a meticulous attention to detail, he delves into the intricacies of his distinguished career, recounting poignant moments of service, some of which carried the weight of potential life-altering outco...

In this episode, we are privileged to feature "CJ," who, for reasons of Family Privacy, operates under an alias. During this discussion, he provides an overview of his tenure as a New South Wales Police Officer, offering candid insights into the intricacies of mental health within the Police Force. Additionally, he shares his genuine perspectives on the transition from law enforcement to...

In this episode, we are honoured to feature Ross Lewis, a distinguished veteran of the Australian Army with a remarkable 30-year service record. Ross has not only demonstrated his dedication as a military professional but has also contributed significantly to public safety as a firefighter. Currently, he is actively engaged in the mental health industry, where he passionately advocates for the wel...

Many Santos served in the United States Marine Corps for 9 years. In this episode he talks about the unique reason that made him join. He also talks about the experiences he had during his deployments to Australia, Yemen, Syria, Oman and more. We also talk about some funny stories that occurred during his time with the USMC. Enjoy!

Mitch Haw Australian Army Veteran & Disaster Relief Australia Member. Mitch talks about his enlistment in the Australian Army as a Rifleman, the unique perspective of joining at the age of 30 and his experience deploying to East Timor. After being medically discharged Mitch talks about this role with Disaster Relief Australia and the struggles of returning to civilian life.

Jeff, a native of England, embarked on a transformative journey during his formative years when he relocated to South Africa in his early childhood. His life took a distinctive turn when he found himself conscripted into the South African Army, where he served as a Combat Medic. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for the field, Jeff pursued a trajectory that led him to the roles of an Intensive Care...

James undertook a progressive career trajectory within St John New Zealand, commencing as a volunteer and ultimately ascending to the role of paramedic. During his tenure, he demonstrated commendable leadership capabilities, culminating in his transition to a managerial position. Noteworthy among his achievements is his pivotal involvement in the inception of a pilot program designed to extend amb...

Theo embarked on a remarkable journey from electrician to plant genetics scientist before finding his true passion as a dedicated paramedic. His pivotal moment occurred during a humanitarian mission abroad, igniting his commitment to pre-hospital healthcare. With 32,000 followers, Theo's StudentParamedic Instagram page is a hub for sharing clinical studies and educational insights, enriching the p...

Johnny aspired to emulate his father's path and pursue a career as an aviation rescue firefighter. Despite embarking on a journey as an electrician during his formative years, he resolved to turn his aspirations into reality. However, this path was far from smooth, as Johnny encountered numerous setbacks and sustained injuries in his relentless pursuit of his dream job. Nevertheless, his unwav...

Yvette boasts an extensive 16-year tenure as a seasoned member of the SES, where she has accumulated a multitude of qualifications, including alpine rescue expertise. Additionally, Yvette possesses a commendable four-year military background as an Australian military veteran, having served in the esteemed Military Police. It was during her voluntary work as an Advanced Responder with St John volun...