Hot Debrief Podcast

Associate Professor Tracey Varker - Special Edition No. 5 for the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2026.
Presentation: Responder Assist: A Specialised Mental Health Service for Emergency Services Workers (1405hr 3 March 2026)

WARNING: This Episode discusses mental health themes.

This the fifth episode in a short special edition series where we hear from presenters of at the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2-3 March 2026 ( details here: https://anzmh.asn.au/fmhc )

Associate Professor Tracey Varker is a Director of Research at Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, and an Associate Professor with the Department of Psychiatry, Un...

Rev. Dr Mark Layson - Special Edition 4 for the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2026.
Presentation: Preventing Organisational Betrayal and Moral Injury: Mitigating Psychosocial Risks of Organisational Injustice Through Just Cultures. (1100hrs 2 March 2026)

WARNING: This Episode discusses mental health themes.

This the fourth episode in a short special edition series where we hear from presenters of at the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2-3 March 2026 ( details here: https://anzmh.asn.au/fmhc )

Mark is an interdisciplinary researcher and emergency manager who researches at the intersection of moral injury, trauma exposure, and psychosocial risk mitigation. He...

Matt Newlands - Special Edition 3 for the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2026.
Presentation title: Stress, Resilience & Functioning: Building mental fitness across Frontline communities.

WARNING: This Episode discusses mental health themes.

This the third episode in a short special edition series where we hear from presenters of at the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2-3 March 2026 ( details here: https://anzmh.asn.au/fmhc )

Matt Newlands is a mental health advocate and consultant drawing on over a decade of frontline policing experience with SA Police. Having navigated his own service-related mental health challenges, Matt brings unique...

James Maskey - Special Edition 2 for the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2026.

WARNING: This Episode discusses suicide and mental health themes.

This the second episode in a short special edition series where we hear from presenters of at the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2-3 March 2026 ( details here: https://anzmh.asn.au/fmhc )

James is driven to build a mental health system that is accessible, compassionate, and grounded in community. His lived experience as a former police officer living with PTSD shapes his commitment to timely, rights-based psychosocial support.

As CEO of the...

Dr Tara Lal AFSM - Special Edition 1 for the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2026.

WARNING: This Episode discusses suicide and mental health themes.

This the first episode in a short special edition series where we hear from presenters of at the Frontline Mental Health Conference 2-3 March 2026 ( details here: https://anzmh.asn.au/fmhc )

Tara is an applied researcher, former firefighter, and internationally published author. She is deeply passionate about the need to embed the voice of lived experience into translational research to tackle the complex challenges of mental health, trauma, and suicide prevention...

Officer B had his life changed in 12 seconds during a terrorist attack in the Melbourne Suburb of Endeavour Hills on 23rd September 2014 when he and his partner were stabbed during a routine day at the office.  Attached to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team - Melbourne Office, while meeting with Numan Haider, an 18 year old on an ASIO watch-list, a knife was produced and Officers A and B were both stabbed before the offender was shot and killed.  An event that Officer B reflects on constructively during this episode.

Officer B started out in the Royal Australian Air Force as...

EP25 - The Final H2H Walk Podcast: Life after the walk with Billy, Bats, Greg and Matt.

The podcast wrap-up.  We've been back for a while, and a few walkers have had a chat!

I'll say sorry up front for the delay in doing this podcast.  Even after getting it recorded, it has taken a while to edit it for the platform.  
To be honest, I've not been going too well for a long time since we got home and sometimes things are just a bit harder than they should be.  I'll talk abou...

Sergeant Greg Corin APM - Australian Federal Police 36 years.  Such a diverse career from General Duties Policing, Specialist Response Group (SRG) - Discreet Operations Team through to Team Leader, Close Personal Protection team for the Governor-General and Prime Minister.

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Listener discretion is advised; this episode raises issues such as child abuse, suicide and other emotive issues that might not be suitable for all listeners.

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In this Hot Debrief episode, Matt talks to Sgt Greg Corin APM during the Heart 2 Heart Walk.  Greg has led an am...

Living alongside PTSD- a family perspective with Janine Hopkin and Sarah U'Brien. 

In this episode, Matt takes a step back from the microphone and lets two of the Heart 2 Heart Walkers, Sarah and Janine have a 'self interview' by the waters edge not far from our camp at Urana, NSW.  After setting up the recording equipment and hitting the red button it was over to them.

However this is no ordinary chat between these ladies.  Both Sarah and Janine were 'Police wives' and everything that goes along with it.  From living in small communities with the...

Nicky Skinner - Paramedic - London Ambulance Service to the ACT Ambulance Service. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Nicky Skinner, a Heart 2 Heart Walker who joined us on a short break from her role as a Paramedic with the ACT Ambulance Service. 

Nicky talks all about what it is like to join as an Ambulance Paramedic, both here in Australia and with the London Ambulance Service where she started her career.  As a 23 year old Paramedic, Nicky was a single unit responder in the rough streets of Romford in London's East, where stabbings were the...

Steve Watson - Served in both the Royal Australian Army - 6RAR and Royal Australian Air Force - Airfield Defence Guard roles with multiple deployments to East Timor, Afghanistan and more.

Steve talks about the highs and lows of service, and the challenges of adjusting to life out of uniform.

This is such a fantastic, raw chat with Steve, talking through his life and careers.  From starting out as a typical young bloke tearing up the town starting out with Army Reserve moving to full time service then changing services to the RAAF and the c...

Senator Jacqui Lambie - Talking all things from military service, thoughts on broken support systems for first responders and so much more! 

In this episode, Matt has an open chat to Senator Jacqui Lambie while on the Heart 2 Heart Walk from the shores of Lake Popiltah in western NSW.  Jacqui talks openly about her service in the Australian Army - including a rough time in the Military Police and how that has affected her but given an opportunity to influence her real life experience in various government portfolios to improve systems for veterans.

Equally, Jacqui ta...

Peter Forbes - Former Australian Federal Police (AFP) Officer and Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023 member. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Forbsy by the camp fire in a dry riverbed near Algebuckina Bridge, south of Oodnadatta on the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023.  Forbsy talks about life as a kid shooting rabbits to a calling he and a good mate followed into Policing.  We hear all about what it's like to be in Police Rescue, becoming a sniper team leader and how he lost a finger in a training accident during time in Perth training with the Special Air Service. 

This episode was recorded at our first official 'First Responder Engagement Day' or FRED as we call them, at Oodnadatta SA while we are doing the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023.  This episode is with newly appointed Captain Matt Corner from the Coober Pedy Country Fire Service who travelled out all the way to Oodnadatta to honour a promise he made when we caught up with them at Coober Pedy on the trip to start our walk.

Matt comes from a long standing family tradition of Rural Fire Service and his recent appointment to Captain now makes it 3 generations o...

Our first ever 'Pubcast' recorded literally at the bar of the Transcontinental Hotel, Oodnadatta with publican Simon Gunther hosted by Billy Brooks and Matt.
 
Simon was one of those characters you couldn't miss on our arrival into Oodnadatta setting up a basecamp for a lot longer than planned due to bad weather. 

Simon and his wife travel the country, and at the moment are in Oodnadatta with Simon filling any number of critical town functions like comedian, larrikin, publican, Uber driver and much more.  

This is a light hearted chat between a few lad...

Our first episode recorded on the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023: Walking the Old Ghan Rail Line near Oodnadatta with on of our walking members Greg Mitchell - a retired 42 year veteran nurse who specialised in NSW Air Ambulance Flight Nursing which included roles conducting complex aeromedical transfers across the state.  Greg is also a current Rural Fire Service member, a keen bushwalker and now primary producer in his 'retirement'.

Greg has a hugely diverse background in the field of nursing, including working internationally, specialising in emergency nursing, midwifery and later aeromedical transfers as a Flight Nurse with Air A...

Dean Yates - A mental health advocate and veteran war zone correspondent, journalist and author of the recently released book 'Line in the Sand'.  Dean has had an extensive domestic and international career, which ultimately lead him to being admitted to a psych ward (Ward 17) multiple times in managing his PTSD.  One major contributor was the tragic friendly fire incident where two of his staff were killed by an American Apache attack helicopter in Iraq.  Dean continues to recognise the impact that his career has had on his family, and dedicated this book in recognition of this seriously under-acknowledged iss...

Paul "Fluffy" Sinclair - Comedian / Instagram Megastar - Ex VicPol Forensic Investigator turned worm farmer who has now transformed his life into what works for him!

*** Language Warning *** - If you are offended by bad language, this episode is NOT for you !

Before you listen to this episode, do yourself a favour and check out Fluffy's instagram posts or his website here: @paul_fluffy_sinclair .  With over 125,000 followers including major celebrities and general Joe's - I'll be surprised if you haven't already heard of him.

There are no words to describe this guest.  A...

Dr Laura Finlayson-Short is a Research Fellow at Phoenix Australia's Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.

In this episode, Matt talks to Dr Laura Finlayson-Short.  Matt participated in a trial program called 'SOLAR-m' during his time in Fire Rescue NSW that was lead by Laura and the team at the Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.   The SOLAR-m FRNSW trial aims to find out if using a smartphone app designed specifically for first responders, can help firefighters improve their mood as well as wellbeing and feel more in control of their reactions to distressing situations.

Beyond exploring th...

Toby Rowallan - Emergency Medical Dispatcher for 27 years with Ambulance Tasmania. 

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Listener discretion is advised; In this episode talk about some distressing events that may be triggering for some listeners, and issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Toby Rowallan, a 27 year veteran Emergency Medical Dispatcher with Ambulance Tasmania.  Toby's career commenced officially accepting his position just a day after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996 which set the...

Simon Bouda AM - 40 year veteran journalist, author and ambassador for victims of crime.   In this episode, Simon talks about life as a journalist, and the parallels with the emergency services world along with the amazing work he is doing supporting so many causes in the community including his role as ambassador for Homicide Victims Support.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Hot De...

Daniel Jamieson - Former Royal Australian Army Infantry Sergeant.  In this episode, Dan talks about his career in the military, and the accident that almost killed him in East Timor and his subsequent struggles with PTSD resulting from a massive head injury.  We cover Accredited Assistance Dogs, alternative treatments for PTSD including Esketamine and different ways people can apply mindfulness in their day.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

Peter Clark - Founder of Due South Inc. Tasmania talks about support and mate-ship for veterans and first responders done differently through their 100% volunteer basis, private sector funded programs that have set up a self sufficient incorporation that is not reliant upon donations and government funds.  

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Peter Clark from Due South Inc. Tasmania, a...

Dr. Jacqueline Drew - Associate Professor.  Former QPS Police psychologist and now specialist with the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Griffith Criminology Institute at the Griffith University, QLD.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners. 

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In this episode, Matt talks to Dr Jacqueline Drew.  Dr Drew is currently conducting a research project into the predictive factors contributing to psychological injury faced by Police in the execution of their duties, with the view of implementing tru...

Jamie Caldwell - Senior NSW Government Emergency Manager and son of Undercover operative 'M'.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Jamie Caldwell, Senior NSW Government emergency management specialist who grew up as the son of a long term NSW Police Force undercover operative.

We cover some really serious topics in this chat; from what i...

Tim Peck - Deputy Director, Centre of Excellence, Mental Health for Emergency Workers at Phoenix Australia.

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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this episode, Matt talks to Tim Peck, former Detective Senior Sergeant with VicPol turned mental health advocate with some serious lived experience in this space. 

Tim talks openly about the impacts his career as a Police Officer ha...

Emerge & See - with Pia and Alana. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Pia and Alana - co-founders of the Emerge & See charitable organisation supporting NSW and ACT first responders.

We talk all about their individual stories both during and post their NSW Police Force service, and how the concept for the Emerge & See organisation ca...

Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA - Heart 2 Heart Walk Ambassador. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health, suicide and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Allan Sparkes on location at the National Police Memorial in Canberra.  Allan shares his skills, support and knowledge to so many mental health focused organisations as Patron, Ambassador and all round supporter so its unlikely in this space you haven't already com...

Rohan Scott AFSM - Chief Officer - ACT Rural Fire Service. 
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Listener discretion is advised; some episodes raise issues regarding mental health and other matters that might not be suitable for all listeners.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Rohan Scott, current Chief Officer of the Australian Capital Territory Rural Fire Service.  After seeing some friends heading off to a place he only knew as 'The Shed' on regular occasions, Rohan commenced his firefighting career at the age of 23 as a f...

Keith Banks BM, VA and bar. - Former QLD Police Officer - Tactical Operations and Undercover drug specialist, author and mental health advocate. 
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Listener discretion is advised; this episode talks about suicide and explains some graphic details along with some potentially distressing topics.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt and Milney talk to former QLD Police Officer turned author, Keith Banks.  This epic chat goes right back to the start of Keith's tough upbringing, joining the QLD Police Force as a 16 year old...

"I'm Cooked" with Bats - Special Edition #3 - East Beef Stroganoff.  Bats and I go through this recipe, and also have a chat about how the buildup to the Heart 2 Heart Walk launch at Parliament House takes a lot of personal preparation and is quite an emotional event within itself for the walk participants for a whole bunch of reasons.  As Vince always says, we might all be on the same walk, but everyone has their own journey to do.

Send in your comments, suggestions and new recipes to either Facebook or instagram.  All links are available at...

EP7 - Senator Anne Urquhart - OUT NOW! #nevergiveup 

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This episode of the Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast was recorded in the Australian Parliament office of the Senate Chief Whip - Senator Anne Urquhart.  Now this title might make you think of an emotionless politician enforcing the rules of the senate, however nothing can be further than the truth.  First Responders will be hard pressed to find a more supportive, compassionate advocate for their cause, let alone having that person as the Chief Whip of the Senate.

We sit down in the...

Dr Dan Pronk - Resilience specialist, former Army Special Forces Doctor, author of multiple best sellers, and TV personality.
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Listener discretion is advised; this episode talks about some potentially distressing topics and listener discretion is advised.  If you need support check out our support page here.

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In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt talks to Doctor Dan Pronk about some directly relevant issues facing First Responders both on duty, transitioning our of service and post service. 

This is such an informative podcast for First Responders and front line workers, covering the co...

SIMONE HAIGH ASM - Ambulance Tasmania Paramedic.

Simone talks to Matt about life as a paramedic in Tasmania, and describes the operational pressures faced by staff, both volunteer and permanent positions, and that common theme - the importance of our K9 companions.

Simone describes the impact of a close friend and colleagues suicide, and the relentless drive to address the issue which ultimately took her to have a chat with Senator Anne Urquhart which, with a lot of hard work behind the scenes, initiated the senate inquiry that lead...

Grant Edwards APM - the "Strong Commander" PODCAST - 'HOT DEBRIEF' SPECIAL EPISODE 4.

Listener discretion is advised; this episode talks about some of the realities of the world we live in and the toll it takes on our Police dealing with it.  As always, if you need support check out our support page here.

In this Heart 2 Heart Walk Podcast, Matt and Milney chat with Grant Edwards, Former AFP Commander and Guinness Book of Records 'Strong Man' record holder.  Having served in many parts of the world, including war zones, chasing everything fr...

'Hot Debrief' Episode 3 - Superintendent (Ret) Tony Waller OAM - Fire Rescue NSW and Surf Lifesaving NSW.

Anthony (Tony) Waller OAM has been a Surf Lifesaver for 48 years starting in 1975, including 39 years as a rescue helicopter rescue swimmer and crewman and loves every day of it.  In addition, just a few months ago, Tony hung up his helmet after 41 years in Fire Rescue NSW, retiring as a Superintendent following an impressive career. In recognition of this outstanding service to the NSW Community, Tony was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021.

Named as a “Hero of...

"I'm Cooked" with Bats - Special Edition #2 - 'Open Cut Chicken' - baked with lemon and garlic, with a side of ramble and waffle from the team at H2H Walk Podcast!  

Send in your comments, suggestions and new recipes to either Facebook or instagram.  All links are available at: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

Please check out our website: www.heart2heartwalk.org which contains links to handy links.
If you need support: click on the Support Directory link on the main page.

Follow the podcast on Instagram:  @h2hwalk.podcast
...

'Hot Debrief' Episode 2 - Detective Sergeant Anthony Pymm - Western Australia Police Force.  Author of the Anth's Trauma Recovery social media pages, we talk to Anthony about life as a kid winning National Championships in BMX racing, life as a young Constable in WA travelling around various roles to a career specialising in criminal investigation roles in Western Australia.  Anthony talks about the tricky balance between work and home life, children and how damaging workplace bullying can be on top of the already huge pressures of Policing leading to Anthony's diagnosis of PTSD and Moral Injury.

We ha...

EP4 - Billy Brooks - Intensive Care Paramedic ACT Ambulance Service with over 20 years experience and now with ACT Rural Fire Service.  Billy was also a Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T) Ambulance Operator in UK doing all sorts of specialist medical support duties including Royal Visit security team work and has also had experience as an Army Reserve Combat Medic.  Billy is a massive advocate for workers health and safety, drawing him to be involved in the Heart 2 Heart Walk 2023 and as a mentor assisting the ACT division of Emerge & See.

We talk about in...

'Im Cooked' with Bats - Special Episode 1 - Beef Bourguignon in the camp oven. 

Recipe is on the Facebook page listed below - in the photos section.

Send in your comments, suggestions and new recipes to either Facebook or instagram.  All links are available at: https://linktr.ee/h2hwalk

Please check out our website: www.heart2heartwalk.org which contains links to handy links.
If you need support: click on the Support Directory link on the main page.

Follow the podcast on Instagram:  @h2hwalk.podcast
Follow the pod...