Axons Unleashed

Recorded live from Veteran Games 2026 at the Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast, this episode of Axons Unleashed captures the energy, purpose and community behind one of Australia’s most unique veteran events. Robbie Turner is joined by Lou, Heston Russell and Katie to talk about Veteran Games Season 4, life after Defence, ADF transition, veteran identity, teamwork, resilience and the importan...

Heston Russell joins Robbie Turner on Axons Unleashed ahead of Veteran Games Season 4 for a powerful conversation about purpose, community and identity after service. They unpack how Veteran Games began, why the “broken veteran” narrative needs to change, and what it takes to build an event that brings veterans, families, businesses and the wider community together. From the Gold Coast event to na...

Anzac Day means something different when you’ve lived it. In this special episode, four Australian veterans sit down to share real stories from their time in service. From deployment to coming home, from mateship to loss, this is an honest conversation about what Anzac Day truly represents beyond the marches and ceremonies. No scripts. No filters. Just lived experience. Whether you’ve served, know...

What really happens when the uniform comes off? After 20 years in the Australian Army, Dan faced the reality of medical discharge, identity loss, and the psychological weight of transition. What followed wasn’t freedom. It was a spiral. In this deeply honest conversation, Dan and Yas share the untold side of military separation — the loss of tribe, the struggle with purpose, the pressure on family...

ADF Dietitian Emma Harvey joins Robbie Turner for a raw and insightful conversation about the nutrition mistakes that lead to injuries, weight gain, downgrades, and medical discharge — and how the right approach can completely reverse the cycle. Emma talks about: • Why soldiers gain weight during injuries • How prehab and nutrition dramatically improve recovery • The problem with BMI in Defence •...

This special Axons Unleashed episode was recorded on location at the Veteran Games in the Numinbah Valley, where veterans, serving members, and supporters came together for a weekend of challenge, connection, and community. Robbie Turner chats with: 🎙️ Heston Russell – Founder of the Veteran Games 😂 Jarryd Goundrey – Comedian & MC 💪 Sam – Operations Manager behind the scenes ❤️ Barb – Heston...

Former SAS Team Commander Harry Moffitt joins Robbie Turner on Axons Unleashed to dive into his new book The Fourth Pillar: Modern Stoicism and the Philosophy of High Performance. With nearly 30 years in Special Forces and 11 deployments, Harry shares how ancient Stoic philosophy and elite military experience come together to create powerful lessons for life, leadership, and performance. In this e...

He’s the veteran comedian who slept in a tent to fund his first tour. Now? Sold-out shows. 75 million views. Forces Entertainment gigs in Europe. In this episode, Jarryd Goundrey returns to Axons Unleashed to share the real story behind his rise — from flop videos and panic attacks to flying the flag for veterans through stand-up comedy. 🎤 From surviving hecklers to rebuilding confidence… 🧠 From...

What if your next injury could be prevented before it even happens? In this episode of Axons Unleashed , Robbie sits down with Steve Bayukhin — a seasoned Exercise Physiologist and Strength & Conditioning Coach with over a decade of experience working with athletes, military personnel, and everyday Aussies looking to perform at their best.https://www.bahealth.com.au/ Steve shares the real trut...

What happens when Invictus isn’t the right fit? In this powerful chat, Robbie sits down with former Special Forces officer Heston Russell to unpack how a single idea — The Veteran Games — grew into a national movement focused on purpose, mateship, and saving lives. Heston reveals why he walked away from Invictus, what inspired him to build something different, and how the 2025 Games are shaping up...

In this episode of Axons Unleashed , Robbie and Ryan sit down with Dr. Tim Nelson, a veteran, researcher, and leading advocate for transforming healthcare for those who have served. Dr. Nelson’s groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine and his commitment to improving veterans' health outcomes make for a powerful and insightful conversation. Tim shares his journey from military service as a...

In this episode of Axons Unleashed , Robbie and Damo sit down with Taggart Blackwood, a former SOCOMD operator whose journey has been anything but ordinary. Taggart’s story begins in an unconventional childhood, growing up on a yacht before eventually finding his way into the military. His path took him from carpentry to the elite ranks of Special Forces, where he faced gruelling selection process...

In this episode, Robbie welcomes Tim Webb, a decorated Army veteran and the very first guest in Axon’s brand-new podcast studio. Tim’s journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and reinvention. From his early days in Melbourne, inspired by military displays, to serving in elite SOCOMD units, and enduring the physical and mental toll of high-tempo deployments, Tim’s story is as inspiring as it is...

In this powerful episode, Robbie connects with Dan Vincent, an Army veteran whose path through military service has been anything but straightforward. Dan shares stories from his beginnings in aviation, moving through special forces training, and deployments that included both intense physical demands and moments of vulnerability. From his unexpected spinal injury in East Timor to working with NAT...

Robbie sits down with Louis Cleaver, an Axon client and Army veteran whose journey from Tasmania to military service—and ultimately civilian life—is full of resilience and insight. Louis shares his story of growing up in Tassie, joining the Army Reserves, and later transitioning to full-time service, where he faced everything from intense training to deployments in Afghanistan.  Through candid con...

Imagine being married to two wives, and they know about each other. This is the two-paths, once-purpose career that Doug Sheridan undertook for over twenty-five years. In this episode of Axons Unleashed , Robbie hosts a man with decades of dedicated service to Australia. Despite being in the same place at the same time at multiple points, their paths didn’t cross until now—yet their stories and ex...

In this episode of Axons Unleashed , Robbie dives into a powerful conversation with Jonpaul Baran (JP), a long-time Axon client and military veteran. In a charismatic and no-BS way, JP shares his unique journey with us. It starts with his childhood in Newcastle, shifting to his career as a truck driver in the Australian Army, and finally, the story shifts to his challenges in dealing with mental h...

In this episode of Axons Unleashed Robbie and Luke catch up with Kyle Farram, a former Army veteran who turned his toughest challenges into triumphs. This is a belter podcast that is a MUST listen for anyone in the defence community! Kyle shares the highs and lows of his military career, including a pivotal moment when he sustained a serious injury in Afghanistan - and still went back two more tim...

When Brodie and Mick from Medilinks first agreed to come onto Axons Unleashed, we were intrigued but didn’t know much about them. However as it turned out (as it often does) Luke and Mick actually had a great connection from their service days! After getting to know them over a quick bite before we entered the studio, we discovered the incredible journey they’ve both been on. From their days in th...

Get ready for a vibrant and electric episode! Luke and RT are joined on the podcast by an absolute weapon, Kelly Hopkins from Hays, the world's largest employment recruiter. While Kelly has never served herself she specialises in the recruitment and employment of veterans across all industries in Australia. This episode is packed full of incredible stories, insights and hilarity as Kelly immed...

Aaron Cornwall knows a thing or two about hitting rock bottom. But seeing where he has landed now will tell you he knows more about dusting yourself off and climbing back to the top! Aaron, the most recent recipient of the Veteran Employee of the Year at the Prime Minister’s National Veterans’ Employment Awards , joins RT and Luke to tell his incredible story that taught him that life isn’t always...

Hayley Boswell may not have served as a former SOCOMD operative or deployed overseas, but her impact on the lives of hundreds of ADF Members and their families is profound, all through her work as a children's author! As a mother, Hayley grappled with the challenge of explaining the significance of her husband's job and his extended absences to their daughter. Out of this concern, Defence...

When Glen Marshall first agreed to come onto Axons Unleashed he replied with “I’ll probably be the most boring guest you’ll ever have”. Well, after a session in our studio, we can confidently say that is simply not true! His energy and vibrance is a great listen!  Witness Glen's unwavering determination and steadfast commitment as he navigates a remarkable journey. From an incredible military...

This is a true story of grit and determination that you do not want to miss! Axon clients John & Sarah join RT over the wire to tell an amazing story of how they both came to work in NSW Emergency Services as a Paramedic and Police Officer respectively. Their combined selfless and serving approach to life is an inspiration! This episode takes us from a nightclub on the Gold Coast, a deployment...

Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt because this episode is an absolute riot! Join RT and Luke as they sit down with the incredible Jarryd Goundrey, a soldier-turned-chef-turned-stand-up-comedian who proudly bears the title of "Australia’s Least Decorated Soldier." Enjoy the ride as the trio embarks on a rollercoaster filled with unexpected connections (courtesy of our producer’s wif...