Behind the Badge

Todd Maguire never planned on becoming a police officer. A conversation over a few schooners changed that — and began a career that would eventually take him deep into Queensland's undercover policing world. But Todd's story is about much more than police work. After the sudden death of his partner Karen, Todd found himself struggling with grief, guilt and a pain he didn't know how to...

What does a career spent running towards danger eventually take from you? Keith Banks spent decades in policing, including some of the most demanding and dangerous roles imaginable. In this episode of Behind the Badge, Keith takes us from the experiences that first drew him towards policing through a career that would include tactical operations, undercover work, violence, adrenaline and years spe...

Two years. Thirty-six episodes. Countless conversations. In this special anniversary episode, Josh and Jase take a step back to reflect on the journey so far—why they started Behind the Badge, the lessons that have stayed with them, and how those conversations have shaped not only the podcast, but their own lives. From practical tools and proactive wellbeing to identity, purpose and life beyond th...

Laughter is often dismissed as entertainment. Mark McConville argues it's much more than that. Mark is Australia's only comedian and suicidologist, combining nearly three decades in stand-up comedy with postgraduate research into mental health, suicide prevention and the science of humour. In this conversation, we explore why laughter is more than a reaction—it's a tool. From frontline...

From lying awake at Kapooka convinced he'd made a huge mistake, to serving in Afghanistan, policing Australian communities and pursuing a lifelong passion for acting, Tommy Archer's story is a reminder that growth often begins where comfort ends. In this episode, Tommy reflects on the self-doubt that followed him through military training, the lessons learned under pressure, the reality of deploym...

In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Cameron — paramedic and counsellor — to talk about the realities of the job, the impact it can have over time, and what comes next. From years on the road to navigating PTSD, Geoff shares an honest perspective on identity, trauma, and the importance of planning for life beyond the uniform. This is a conversation about: The risk of tying your identity solely...

In this episode, we sit down with Scott May — former Army and Police — to unpack a journey shaped by service, trauma, and what happens when the job is taken away. After years of chasing adrenaline and building a career in policing, Scott found himself facing injury, identity loss, and the reality of life beyond the uniform. This is a raw and honest conversation about: Critical incidents and cumula...

In this episode, we sit down with a paramedic who opens up about the realities behind the uniform — from a challenging childhood to the cumulative weight of trauma, and what happens when identity becomes tied to the job. This is a raw and honest conversation about suicidality, PTSD, and the pressure of emergency service work , but more importantly, it’s about what comes next. We dive into: The dan...

Firefighter and former cavalry soldier Luke Smith joins Behind the Badge to share a raw, insightful and often emotional journey across two careers defined by service—first in the Australian Defence Force, then on the frontline with Queensland Fire and Rescue. Luke opens up about: Deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan at 20 and the moment war became real Losing mates, the weight of leadership, and the...

Former Air Force PTI, veteran, and endurance runner Will Burnett (@theveteranrunner) joins Behind the Badge to share his incredible story of resilience—from military life and loss of identity, through rock bottom, to finding purpose on a 4,000km run across Australia. Will opens up about the moments that broke him, the unconventional healing journey that rebuilt him, and what it truly means to put...

Harry Moffitt spent more than 30 years with the SAS before becoming a psychologist and leadership consultant. In this episode of Behind the Badge , he joins us to explore the ideas behind his book The Fourth Pillar — and how philosophy, education, and self-awareness shape resilience across every domain of service. We talk about the evolution of human performance, the importance of curiosity and id...

In this episode of Behind the Badge , Dr. Daniel Higuera — professor of kinesiology and director of one of California’s largest firefighter wellness programs — shares insights from decades of frontline health data. We dive into the evolving state of firefighter wellbeing: how culture, fitness, hormones, and sleep all interact to shape long-term health and performance. Daniel explains what his data...

Kate Duncan’s career took her from firefighting in the US to paramedicine in Australia — high-intensity roles that left lasting scars. With Anxiety, hypervigilance, and self-diagnosed PTSD creeping in, Kate discovered that mindfulness wasn’t a quick fix, but a powerful path to recovery. In this conversation, Kate opens up about: Her journey through trauma and burnout in emergency services Why mind...

In this episode of Behind the Badge , firefighter Paul Mildner reflects on his career spanning from East Sussex, UK, to Queensland, Australia. Paul opens up about surviving a heart attack, facing prostate cancer, and the mental toll of recovery—while still showing up for his family, his crew, and himself. It’s a conversation about resilience, identity, and the importance of speaking up and getting...

From Army Reservist to Air Marshal, AFP officer to fitter armourer, Josh Bailey’s service life has spanned decades, continents, and critical incidents. Along the way he’s faced trauma, loss, and organisational challenges that shaped his path into psychology. In this candid conversation, Josh shares: Lessons from his years in the military, policing, and emergency response The hidden toll of trauma...

Dan Cooper is no stranger to challenge. From years in the Australian Special Forces to pushing physical and psychological limits in the name of research, Dan has built a life around discomfort—and learning from it. In this episode, we dig into the mindset behind high performance, mental toughness, and why most people fear the very things that lead to growth. Dan also shares the hard lessons he’s l...

Matty Newlands thought he was managing. Until one day, he wasn’t. In this episode of Behind the Badge , Matty shares how the weight of the job slowly crept in—changing how he saw himself, how he connected with others, and how he coped in silence. After leaving the police, the fallout only got louder. Now a councilor, mental health advocate and co-founder of frontline mental health, Matty talks ope...

In Part 2 of our raw, unfiltered conversation, Tom Bown opens up about what came after the uniform. He talks candidly about the slow onset of depression, what it looked like to spiral silently, and how shame, ego, and fear of being seen as “broken” nearly took his life. It’s heavy—but what follows is the real power of this episode. Tom shares how he began rebuilding, how therapy and accountability...

Tom Brown isn’t your typical soldier—and this isn’t your typical story. In Part 1 of this raw and unfiltered two-part episode, Tom opens up about growing up in a volatile home, chasing meaning through military service, and what it’s like to deploy to Afghanistan with something to prove. We talk: Misfits, masculinity, and the search for identity The hidden costs of operational service Near misses,...

From UN deployments to sleep science labs, Dr. Ian Dunican knows what it takes to stay sharp in high-pressure, high-risk roles. In this episode, we dig into the real cost of shift work, the science of sleep, and how first responders and frontline workers can better manage fatigue, stress, and health. Whether you’re working nights, backing up calls, or just trying to function on broken sleep—this o...

From childhood adversity to combat deployments, sniper duties, and elite-level coaching—Shaun Kober’s story is one of grit, growth, and relentless commitment to purpose. In this episode of Behind the Badge , Shaun opens up about his military career, including deployments to Iraq, East Timor, and Afghanistan, where he earned a Commendation for Gallantry. He shares how he discovered breathwork under...

In this powerful episode of Behind the Badge , Dr. Nikki Jamieson shares the heartbreaking loss of her son, Daniel, a young soldier who died by suicide in 2014. What followed was Nikki’s own mental health crisis—and her decision to transform unimaginable grief into purpose. Now a leading expert in moral injury and suicide prevention, Nikki unpacks the difference between PTSD and moral injury, why...

When the flames are out, the real danger often lingers. In this episode of Behind the Badge , Dave Ridley shares the personal story behind his mission to protect firefighters from the invisible toxins they carry long after their shift ends. After becoming aware of the elevated cancer risks faced by firefighters due to exposure to known carcinogens and other toxic chemicals, Dave set out to create...

In this episode, we dive into a unique wellness approach that combines permaculture, diet, and mental health support for veterans. Will Gold, founder of Dig in Health Co. , shares how his transformative workshops are blending green therapy with nutritional guidance to help veterans improve their mental wellbeing. Learn about the measurable impacts, future plans to include first responders, and how...

In this episode of Behind the Badge, we sit down with NRL legend Ryan Girdler to explore his incredible evolution—from a wide-eyed teenager in Wollongong to elite rugby league stardom, and ultimately to a new chapter grounded in healing, breathwork, and service. Girds shares candid reflections on the mental toll of professional sport, the emotional crash after retirement, and the inner discipline...