Veteran Business Community Podcast

New VBC Podcast Episode!

S03E25 | Jesse Edwards - Northy gym - The power of authenticity and community. What is HYROX and why you should join Pete on the HYROX journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Edwards, former Australian Defence Force member (13 years full-time, 5 years reserves) and now owner of Northy Gym in North Nowra.

Jesse shares his journey from military service into civilian life, and how that transition led him to building a fitness space centred on authenticity, accountability, and community. We dive into what...

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S03E24 | Damien Thomlinson - Part 2 - Life after the military. The power of turning up (and becoming an author, multisport athlete, reality TV star, Hollywood actor - is there anything this lad can't do??)

In Part 2, we continue the conversation with Damien Thomlinson as he shares what came next after life-changing injuries in Afghanistan—and how he rebuilt his life with purpose, discipline, and an unrelenting mindset.

From learning to walk again with prosthetics to pushing himself into new arenas, Damien’s journey is a masterclass in r...

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S03E23 | Damien Thomlinson - Part 1. From coastie life, to joining up, to 'that' day in Afghanistan

In Part 1, we sit down with Damien Thomlinson, former 2nd Commando Regiment soldier, to explore the early chapters of his journey—from his upbringing and decision to join the Australian Defence Force, through to earning his place in one of the military’s most elite units.

Damien shares what drove him to serve, the realities of Commando life, and the mindset required to operate in some of the most demanding envi...

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S03E22 | Victor Kortlang – Veteran Capital: Wealth Creation and Protection, Do You Have the Right Experts in Your Corner?

In this episode, we sit down with Victor Kortlang, founder of Veteran Capital, a boutique financial advisory firm dedicated to helping veterans and their families build, protect, and take control of their financial future.

A former Maritime Warfare Officer in the Navy with 15 years of service, Victor deployed on multiple operations including humanitarian and domestic support missions, finishing his career as Executive Officer of HMAS Benalla. Through his ow...

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S03E21 | David Hammon – Scenic World, BridgeClimb and Sydney Zoo: Creating a Family Legacy in Business

On this episode, we speak with David Hammon, Group CEO and Director of Hammons Holdings, the parent company behind some of Australia’s most iconic tourism experiences, including Scenic World and BridgeClimb Sydney. David brings a rare blend of family legacy, strategic leadership, and business growth expertise to the table.

David shares his journey from co-managing Scenic World alongside his sister to leading Hammons Holdings through major expansions and innovative projects, incl...

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S03E20 | James Giess – Your Import Partner: Is Importing Right for You and How to Do It with Confidence

On this episode, we talk with James Giess, a former Australian Army officer turned startup leader. James’ career spans operational, command, and staff roles—including deployments on Operation SLIPPER and Operation PALADIN—where he commanded the 3rd Field Supply Company. His time in Defence gave him a strong foundation in leadership, logistics, decision-making, and performing in uncertain environments.

After leaving the Army, James tested himself in the private sector...

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S03E19 | Part 2 - leading Australian Aviation Corps first combat air assault in Afghanistan and why he started Cor Infinitus - building monuments to recognise those who served the country and have taken their own lives.

In this second part of our conversation with Kevin Humphreys DSC, we dive deeper into his extraordinary journey as a helicopter pilot and Army officer, leading the Australian Aviation Corps’ first combat air assault in Afghanistan. Kevin shares the challenges, the decisions under pressure, and the leadership lessons that shaped him during one of...

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S03E18 | Kevin Humphreys DSC - Part 1  - the quest to fly and developing the Chinook as a combat ready weapon in Afghanistan.

In this episode of the Veteran Business Community Podcast, we talk with Kevin Humphreys DSC, ex-Army officer, helicopter pilot, and mental health ambassador. Kevin’s career spans over 20 years of service, including operational deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he helped develop the Chinook helicopter into a combat-ready offensive weapon. His leadership under fire earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.

Beyond his...

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S03E17 | Don Shields - Surprising truths about business insurance. The things you need to now but probably never thought of. 

In this episode of the Veteran Business Community Podcast, we sit down with Don Shields, Army veteran, former Major, and founder of Geelong Insurance Brokers. Don shares his extraordinary journey from enlisting in the Australian Army in 1982, rising through the ranks, and facing life-changing adversity, to building a successful business in the insurance industry.

From his military experiences — firing salutes that broke windows, commanding tro...

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Tony Simmonds is a former Australian Army Sapper Officer who served for more than 22 years before transitioning into the world of project management, risk management, and education. With over four decades of experience across defence, government, and international consulting, Tony has worked in complex environments around the world including the Middle East, Europe, and Indonesia. Today he leads Interlink Technology and its Registered Training Organisation, helping professionals and organisations develop the practical skills required to manage projects, risk, and leadership in high-stakes environments. 

In this episode, Tony shares l...

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S03E15 | VBC Advisory - The launch is here. VBC takes community support to the next level with our business coaching and advisory service. Listen to the chat with Ed Plant and Pete Liston

In this episode, Peter Liston sits down with business coach and Army veteran Ed Plant to introduce VBC Advisory — a new initiative designed to help veteran business owners grow stronger, more sustainable businesses.

As co-founder of The Business League, Ed has spent more than 15 years helping service-based businesses focus on...

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S03E14 | From Denmark to the Marine Corps to Principal of Merg Architect Agency: A Global Journey 

Christian Thuesen’s journey spans continents, careers, and industries. From growing up in Europe and the U.S., to serving as a U.S. Marine Corps engineer, Christian pivoted into architecture in Germany and Australia, leading major infrastructure projects like Sydney Light Rail and Sydney Metro. In 2025, he co-founded MERG, a design and construction company built on collaboration, respect for trades, and practical problem-solving.

In this episode, Christian shares lessons from his...

S03E13 | Nick Swifte from Swifty Media - Does your business have a place advertising in mass media? How the digital revolution is creating more access for businesses advertising in media

Nick Swifte is an advertising, marketing and media professional with more than 25 years’ experience, including senior leadership roles overseeing State and Federal Government behaviour change campaigns. From negotiating national media agreements and managing teams of 60+ people, to securing “Outstanding” Federal Government rate outcomes, Nick has operated at the highest levels of media strategy, investment and procurement. Today, as Founder of Swifty Media, he helps organisations — including RSL Vict...

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S03E12 | Miriam Kent - Gallipoli Medical research - What is it, what do they do and why is it important.

Miriam Kent is the CEO of Gallipoli Medical Research, a not-for-profit advancing veteran health and wellbeing through world-class research. With a career spanning senior leadership roles in both Australia and the UK — including Brisbane City Council, The Body Shop, Marks & Spencer, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency — Miriam brings deep experience in strategy, operations, and delivering meaningful impact at scale.

In this episode, Miriam shares insi...

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S03E11 | The most important pod to date - Michelle Creevey - why veteran procurement matters to Australia

Michelle Creevey is a supply chain and procurement leader with nearly two decades of experience delivering high-value outcomes across complex and highly regulated industries. As Founder of Purpose Procurement, she helps organisations in defence, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technology design human-centric procurement strategies that strengthen supply chains, boost sovereign capability, and create measurable social and economic impact.

In this episode, Michelle shares insights from her career at Boeing...

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S03E10 | Aaron Drew - Imperium engineering  - How to harness Absolute Power.  From firing Harpoon missiles on Australian frigates to leading a world class electrical engineering company fusing design, construction and software. 

Aaron Drew joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1991 as a 17-year-old apprentice, serving 16 years across WA-based ships as a Missile and Gun Fire Control operator and maintainer. Spending more than 11 years at sea, including deployments to Iraq, Aaron built his career in high-risk, high-reliability environments where precision and accountability mattered.

After transitioning out of the Navy, Aar...

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S03E09 | Marcus Nyholm from Live Financial planning - Your finances are an ecosystem. Why your financial advisor needs to be one of your inner circle.

Marcus Nyholm is a financial adviser and founder of Live Financial Planning, a practice built around clear, practical advice without unnecessary complexity. He began his career in financial services in his early 20s, completing his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification before joining Victoria Police in 2006. Alongside his policing career, Marcus served in the Australian Army Reserve and later spent 14 years with the 1st Commando Regiment...

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S03E08 | Clint Rahe - peak performances doesn't just apply to elite athletes and teams - it's there for all of us. Tune in to get some basic hacks from an expert on how to deliver at your best

Clint Rahe is a former Royal Air Force Physical Training Instructor with 12 years’ service, working with fast-jet pilots, frontline squadrons, and special operations teams. After military service, he supported elite professional sports teams, including Premier League football clubs, Super League rugby teams, and national-level athletes. Today, as found...

S03E07 | Dan Fussell - From firing live artillery in Afghanistan to teach corporate leadership through Adventure training. Come and see why Dan believes people don't rise to the moment, they fall to their highest level of training.

Dan Fussell is a former Australian Army officer with 14 years’ service, including operational deployments to Afghanistan as a Gun Line Troop Commander and Joint Fires Team Commander. After witnessing firsthand the pressures soldiers face on operations, Dan became deeply involved in adventurous training, using controlled exposure to fear, stress, and uncertainty to build resilience and leadership. Today, as Ma...

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S03E06 | James Middleton - From managing the air warfare battle space in the Middle East to ethical leadership. 

James Middleton is a former Royal Australian Air Force Air Battle Manager and Mission Commander on the E-7A Wedgetail, with nearly two decades of leadership experience across military operations and the defence industry. Serving at No. 2 Squadron, James led and mentored mission-ready teams across multiple deployments before transitioning into industry, where he has delivered complex capability development and leadership programs for organisations of all sizes. His work centres on building resilient, h...

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S03E05 | Veteran Industry Portal - It's live and ready for opportunities. Come listen to Tim Walmsley and Pete chat about how the BenchOn-powered Portal is going to revolutionise veteran procurement.

Tim Walmsley is a former Australian Defence Force leader with 12 years’ service, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he managed complex operations in challenging environments. After transitioning to business, Tim founded BenchOn, a platform that transforms procurement, supply chain management, and resource allocation by digitally connecting projects, people, and suppliers. His work helps Tier 1 contractors and major projects build re...

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S03E04 | James Jensen - Why leadership is a profession, not a position. How K6 leadership consulting was born from a lifetime of service at the pointy end of the SASR. 

James Jensen is a former SAS Patrol Commander with 20 years in the Australian Defence Force, including 14 years in the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS). He led teams on multiple combat tours across Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, and the Philippines, gaining firsthand insight into the power—and consequences—of leadership in high-pressure environments. Today, as the founder of K6 Consulti...

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S03E03 | Dominic Smith - Army veteran, entrepreneur, farmer, aboriginal man. A quiet Australian making big noise through his community programs and amazing businesses.

Dominic Smith is a veteran, entrepreneur and nurse whose work sits at the intersection of health, business and men’s wellbeing. After serving as a chef in the Australian Defence Force, Dominic worked across nursing, disability, aged care and community support before founding Brotherwood, a men’s mental health and leadership ecosystem built around purpose, structure and community. Alongside this, he runs Pundi Bitters, Diramu Skincare, and a r...

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S03E02 | Stepping up or stepping out of your business - how to drive accountability performance with Rebecca Plant

Rebecca Plant is a Performance and Accountability Partner who works with founders, CEOs and executive teams to lift standards, stabilise performance, and stop leaders carrying their businesses alone. With a background in journalism and more than 15 years in behavioural and leadership consulting, Rebecca is known for helping organisations remove accountability gaps early, cleanly, and without drama. She is the co-author of the international bestseller Lead-the-Ship and the founder of The Business League.

A...

Daniel Vincent is a 16-year Australian Army veteran and one of the leading voices in veteran transition, mental wellness, and employment pathways. Now Chair of Trojans Trek, he helps deliver programs built on self-discovery and peer connection for veterans and emergency service personnel.

Daniel has created national scholarship and mentoring programs, shaped cyber-focused transition initiatives, and held senior roles across health leadership and wellbeing at GO2 Health. With an MBA and mental health qualifications, he brings both lived experience and clinical understanding to his work.

We also touch on his recent Kokoda...

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S02E48 | Joe Piasecki - Surfer, stockman, submariner, social procurement. One man's journey to find his personal legend.

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Piasecki, a Royal Australian Navy veteran who has become one of Victoria’s strongest operators in social procurement and community impact.

After nearly a decade serving in submarine engineering, Joe transitioned into major infrastructure and quickly built a reputation for delivering measurable social value. At North East Link Tunnels, he led a team that achieved $55M+ in social procurement outcomes, supporting more than 70 socia...

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S02E47 | Andrew Warner - Veteran Workforce Solutions - how Andy's 25 year career in the military has led to an amazing business helping corporate Australia hold and grow their veteran workforce.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Warner, founder and CEO of Veteran Workforce Solutions (VWS) — a nationally recognised veteran-owned business delivering scalable, procurement-aligned programs that help Australian organisations attract, support and retain veteran talent.

After nearly 25 years in the Australian Army, with deployments to East Timor, Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan, Andy transitioned into...

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S02E46 | Angela Harper - Aviation medic to Press Club journalist to QLD Senate candidate to PR consultant. Everything you need to know about Public Affairs and Government Relations

In this episode, we speak with Angela Harper, whose career spans the Army, national media, politics and now public affairs. From aviation medic to Press Gallery journalist to Senate candidate, Angela has spent over 20 years working where politics, policy and media collide.

Today she leads HarPR, guiding organisations through government engagement, advocacy and reputation management. Angela breaks down how Canberra really wor...

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 S02E45 | Rob Hall - how chewing home made jerky out bush turned into the Beef Chief phenomenon with over 70k customers.

In this episode of the VBC Podcast, we chat with Rob Hall, founder of The Original Beef Chief — one of Australia’s leading premium jerky brands. A former Australian Army soldier with 2RAR, Rob turned his grit, humour, and love for quality Aussie beef into a multi-award-winning business now serving over 70,000 customers nationwide.

What started as frustration over a bad bag of jerky during a field exercise in Towns...

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S02E44 | Morgan Hunter - 34MJ. Creating biodiesel from fish and chip oil and it's contribution to Australia's sovereign capability

In this episode of the VBC Podcast, we sit down with Morgan Hunter, founder of 34MJ, an engineer, soldier, and innovator who’s spent over 25 years building practical solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future. With a career spanning defence research, advanced manufacturing, and renewable fuels, Morgan has proven that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.

From growing up tinkering with diesel engines in Adelaide to developing circul...

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S02E43 | Matt Newlands - Frontline Mental Health - Living on purpose and the crossover between first responders and the military experience

In this episode of the VBC Podcast, we speak with Matt Newlands, Co-Founder of Frontline Mental Health and a passionate advocate for the wellbeing of First Responders, Military, and frontline communities.

After more than a decade serving with the South Australia Police and time connected to the Defence community, Matt faced his own service-related mental health challenges — experiences that now drive his purpose to create lasting cultural change. Today...

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S02E42 | Ben and Amy Barber from Beaufort Professionals - Here there and back again - From rural QLD, to a career in the AirForce and back to the land.

In this episode of VBC Podcast, we chat with Ben and Amy Barber, the husband-and-wife team behind Beaufort Professionals, a Queensland-based consulting firm delivering strategic, marketing, and community solutions across defence, logistics, emergency management, and agriculture.

Drawing on Ben’s military background and their shared commitment to service and purpose, Ben and Amy discuss how they’ve grown Be...

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S02E41 | Jason Neumann - Candid Property. The combat cook. A story of supporting the warfighter in heavy combat zones through to establishing a thriving real estate business.

After 16 years in the Australian Army and two tours of Afghanistan, Jason Neumann traded the battlefield for the property market — founding Candid Property, a boutique buyer’s agency based in Ipswich, Queensland.

Jason’s transition from soldier to strategist highlights how the skills developed in service — discipline, leadership, and precision — translate directly into business and investing success. Through Candid Property, he now helps...

🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E40 | Joseph Kovelia - Blacklight security - Growing up in Afghanistan to offensive pen testing in the cyberspace.

From infantry operations to cybersecurity innovation — meet Joseph Kovelia, Founder of Blacklight Security, a Sydney-based offensive cybersecurity firm protecting enterprise and government clients across Australia and New Zealand.

After serving in the New Zealand Army Infantry and leading disaster welfare teams with the NZ Red Cross, Joseph applied his operational mindset to the digital frontlines. In just its first year, Blacklight Security delivered over 30 high-impact engagements, securing $2B in client assets through penet...

🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E39 | Episode 2. Australian vs US veteran enterprise support. How Australia is so far behind the curve when it comes to empower our veterans in business.

Dr. Roy G. Taylor — U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, and founder of Taylor Law Enforcement Consulting — returns for Part 2!

In this episode, Roy and the team dive into how veteran enterprise support systems in the U.S. and Australia differ — and what opportunities exist to help Australian veterans thrive in business. It’s an inspiring look at collaboration, growth, and how com...

 🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E38 | Episode 1 - Dr Roy Taylor - Bronze star with valour - a life of service and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Roy G. Taylor is a U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star with Valor recipient, and Chief of Police who has built a life defined by leadership, integrity, and service. With decades of experience across the military and law enforcement, Roy founded Taylor Law Enforcement Consulting to reform how police handle mental health crises—driving change through expert training and testimony.

Beyond the badge, Roy is a Porsche racing enthusiast and hi...

 🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E37 | Mick Bainbridge and Paul James - there's always 3 sides to every story - let hear from these lads on their resignation from the RSL NSW Board 

This episode features Paul James and Mick Bainbridge, co-founders of Operational Legal Australia, a law firm dedicated to supporting veterans, defence personnel, and first responders.

Mick Bainbridge served 15 years in the Australian Army Special Forces (4RAR CDO & 2 CDO Regt) with deployments to East Timor and Afghanistan, before transitioning into law.

Paul James has over 20 years in the Army Reserv...

🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E36 | Steve Golding - Meeting Hub, Veterancowork.com and how to build a SAAS business. 

In this episode of VBC Pod, we chat with Steve Golding, a former Leading Seaman Radio Operator in the Royal Australian Navy (1989–1999). During his 10 years of service, Steve was deployed on HMA Ships Tobruk, Success, and Newcastle, and held key shore postings at HMAs Cerberus, Albatross, Nowra, and Maritime Headquarters. He was awarded the Australian Operational Service Medal – Border Protection Duties, the Australian Defence Medal, and the Operational Service Badge.

After leaving the Navy, St...

 🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E35 | Thomas Brown - Founder of Origin K9 and The Origin Initiative - A frank conversation about Army, suicide, life, and business.

In this episode of VBC Pod, we sit down with Thomas Brown, a former Australian Army soldier who served from 2007–2019, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of 3rd Battalion and 2nd Commando Regiment. Thomas also served as a Special Forces K9 handler, an experience that deeply shaped both his career and personal mission.

After surviving a personal crisis in 2018, Thomas channelled his purpose into busine...

🎙 New Episode Drop! S02E34 | From infantry to accounting: what you need from a relationship with your financial advisor 

What happens when an Infantry soldier trades the battlefield for the balance sheet?

In this episode, Jesse Gray shares his journey from serving with 8/9 RAR in Timor and Afghanistan to building his own accounting firm. After being medically discharged, Jesse turned to study and eventually launched his own practice, where he’s built a reputation for detail, trust, and going beyond the “copy-and-paste” approach too common in accounting.

We dive into: