Warriors and Wardens (Formerly Origin K9 Podcast)

Mike is a former Naval Special Warefare Development Group (NSWDG) K9 Handler.  He spent over 20 years in the US Navy which culminated in his posting to that Tier 1 Unit where he deployed multiple times in close combat.  In 2009, whilst looking for US deserter Bowe Bergdahl, his K9 partner Remco was shot and killed.  Mike went on to serve in his local Police Force after his Navy care...

Mike Ritland is a man who has dedicated his life to the service of others.  From being a Navy SEAL, a military instructor, working K9 rehabilitator, author, entrepreneur and a father.  He is a serial entrepreneur in the working dog space where he offers online training courses, dog food, protection training and rehabilitation programmes.  We discuss his operations in Iraq during the invasion in 20...

Erick is a former US Army Ranger K9 Handler.  He has 5 deployments under his belt: 1 to Iraq and 4 to Afghanistan, 2 of which he deployed as a multi-purpose K9 handler. He has seen combat as a part of direct action mission, ambushes, he has lost friends in combat, to suicide and experienced  He has since left the military and started a successful career as dog trainer and working dog dev...

Tony is someone I had heard of for years but never knew.  I have used adaptations of his S.P.E.A.R Systems for most of my career without even knowing it.  We first met in Vegas and now I consider Tony a friend and part of the Tribe.  His system has been taught to private client all the way up to Tier 1 military units around the world and has undoubtably saved hundreds if now thousan...

On this episode I am a guest of Shaun O'Gorman from The Strong Life Project.  This is a podcast about high performers from everything from the business world, athletes, intellectuals or police and military personnel.  It was awesome to be considered a high performer and this may give some insights about my mentality as a business owner and leader. 

Michael is a former German soldier turned K9 social media influencer.  He is one of the most driven and passionate people I have met in my journey with this business.  We talk growing up in Germany, the military, buying dogs, training and the negative attention that social media can be a magnet for.  Michael is a highly resilient person who is committed to his passion for paying hom...

On this Bonus Episode we discuss our time in Las Vegas at the Shot Show convention.  We met some amazing people, got some awesome connections and it was worth the trip.  Vegas was a blur, even though neither Shaun nor myself drink alcohol at all.  Day and night were almost indistinguishable but the mission to impact the military and law enforcement world was another mini success.&nb...

Shaun and I discuss our trip in the USA so far.  An amazing pilgrimage.  Opportunities are endless, networks are working their ass off and we are achieving everything we wanted and more.  Highlights so far:  - The amazing hospitality of Gregg and Candice for hosting us  - The K9 ride along with Sacramento Sheriffs Department  - Watching the DTACK9 training night &nbsp...

Dave is someone who has seen and done a LOT. From multiple deployments to Afghanistan, East Timor, Solomons, the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Domestic Counter-Terrorism. We discuss battles, being wounded, the loss of then reunion with Sarbi and the effects of service on soldiers. Strap in and enjoy what Dave has to say.

I sit down with Jim from Jim K9.  Jim's first language is French and we did this podcast in English! Jim has been a K9 handler and trainer for more than 20 years.  He started in the French Army and deployed multiple times into Africa as well as other theatres. He left the Army to start a career as a Police K9 handler in the South of France for 8 years. Today he lives in Miami and is the...

Rick and I discuss his early life leading up to the military in the 90s. We discuss all things Desert Storm and his transition to Special Forces prior to 9/11/2001. Rick served as a Special Forces soldier throughout the GWOT, serving in both theatres as both an assaulter and CAD handler.  His story is raw and real.  We touch on the affects that losing team mates can have as well as the a...

Ryan is an ex Australian Special Forces soldier, having served with the Special Air Service Regiment, one of the world's most elite fighting forces.  He completed multiple deployments to Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG). We discuss taking enemy life, the loss of a Regiment K9 in combat and how these experiences shaped his future career as a K9 handler.  Rya...

Eric and I discuss the brutal realities of frontline policing, violent encounters and his no bullshit opinion about police culture and leadership.  Eric has served his community for 27 years as a police officer and served as a canine handler and trainer from 2005 - 2018.  He now owns VanEssK9, Ridgeside K9 and Working Dog Radio as well as dedicating time to the Police K9 Association.&nbs...

Gregg is a man who has served his community for decades.  He has been working Law Enforcement for 25 years, handling a total of 4 dogs across multiple Counties.  Chasing violent offenders, serving as a SWAT member and Commander, Gregg has lived an impressive Law Enforcement career.  Gracefully leaving at a time of his choosing, Gregg started DTACK9 in order to transfer the knowledge...

Shaun is a 13 year veteran of the Queensland Police Service with 9 of those years being served as a dog handler with the Queensland Police Dog Squad. Shaun has been involved in countless violent incidents and eventually left the Police in 2001/02 having been diagnosed with PTSD.  He now runs The Strong Life Project where he helps individuals and organisations perform to their potential. ...

In this episode, Evan and I talk about everything from his transition to the US from NZ, his career in the US military including 2 deployments and his time in Special Operations and the reality of being an Animal Care Specialist in a warzone.  We cover his struggle with post traumatic stress and how it manifests today. We finish by discussing how he now helps other K9 handlers and professionals on...

In part 2 of episode 1, Shaun and I discuss my mental health battles, depression, suicide and my transition from the ADF.  We finish the episode by talking about the 'why' behind Origin K9 and what makes me so driven and passionate in this industry.   Website: Origin K9 Instagram: @origin.k9 Facebook: @origink9 Voice Link: Origin K9 Pty Ltd

In this episode, I (Tom Brown) am interviewed by Shaun O'Gorman from The Stronglife Project.  We discuss my early life, joining the ADF, my deployments and my career as a dog handler in Special Forces.  In the next episode we discuss my challenges during my transition and the beginning of Origin K9.  Website: Origin K9 Instagram: @origin.k9 Facebook: @origink9 Voice Link: Origin K9 Pty Ltd