The Last Post Radio Show

It was 1997. Luke McCallum, Broken Hill-born, left home to join the navy. Luke was 17. He served in the Royal Australian Navy for nearly two decades as a Communications and Information Systems sailor. Throughout his service, Luke participated in operations spanning regions like the Middle East, the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and Border Protection duties near Australia. Following a suicide-attack in the Persian Gulf, and injury to his legs during a training drill, Luke was medically discharged in 2013. Here, Luke speaks with Dr Mary Anne Whiting about his injuries, his career after leaving the navy and how sport, speaking and...

The RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley sits down with the Radio Show to explain why discussion needs to be had on the federal government's plan to sell off defence estate.

Asked to appear on this special World Cup episode of The Selection Table, Michael Bridger, true to form, starts the conversation by using it as an opportunity to praise his beloved Roosters and later, again putting the boots into The Dragons ("The Dragons will sign anyone. They'd sign Mr Whippy if they thought it'd get them a win"). Michael also points to some front-page news on the playing future of Nathan Cleary. Eventually we get around to discussing the World Cup and these quotes from Michael followed -

"There must've been 100 cars in the street with horns" "...

Amidst growing public protest, RSL Australia is leading a national campaign against the federal government's planned sale of our military estate. Here, Peter Tinley sits down with the Radio Show to explain why this should not go ahead.

The Radio Show chats with author Rich Hardy about his new book, Trip Reports. In an exciting, interesting and complicated field Rich chats about ongoing research and the potential to find new ways to treat depression, PTSD, dementia and other conditions. This chat takes a deep dive into the experimental science, the history of psychedelic medicine, treatments available and what has happened and what is happening around the world.

Author Kate Clinch sits down to talk with the Radio Show about her new book, Every Inch A Saint, the story of Eileen O'Conner whose work with, and caring for the sick and poor in Sydney's slums has resulted in her becoming Australia's Saint-in-Waiting. Against the backdrop of her own poor health, WW1 and with the help of Father Edmund McGrath, Eileen dedicated her time to being a trailblazer in the help of Sydney's disadvantaged. Visiting Eileen's house, Kate tells us that she felt that she was in the presence of a Saint...and of her own near death...

Historian and author of 24 books, Ian Howie Willis sits down with the Radio Show to talk about his latest book. We look at the history of what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, a history that goes back to Shakespeare. This conversation includes a reading of Vietnam veteran Stephen "Butch" Daly's poem, "There's nothing wrong with me". At a time when up to 11% of the Australian population is believed to suffer from PTSD, a timely and important book.

A free online will-writing webinar is being conducted next Wednesday, Oct 21 by Australian Red Cross. An opportunity to write your will, completely free.

Legacy Australia is a historic charity founded in 1923 from a promise made in World War I - "I'll look after your family". Today Legacy Australia continues that promise by supporting the families of fallen or injured Veterans. Hear more of the story in Dr Mary Anne Whiting's interview with Judy Mack, Past President of Canberra Legacy as she explains the changing but still vital role of Legacy.

Author historian Lynette Ramsay Silver speaks with the Radio Show about her latest book, Operation Kingfisher. A story of cover-ups, bungled operations, failures of leadership, poor judgement and flawed assumptions...and of lives lost and of Douglas Stirling, who joined the ADF at the age of 14. And of Douglas' parents, who knew nothing of their sons whereabouts until they received a postcard from Borneo.

Silver has received numerous Australian + international honours for her contribution to military history and veterans. Through this book and interview, the truth is out. A painful story but a must read and listen. <...

In this ongoing series, Psychotherapist, Psychologist Dr Muriel Cooper talks about the unique challenges faced by defence force personnel and their families, in the area of mental health. Dr Muriel, who specialises in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as general psychology, also takes us through ways to manage stress. Sit down with Muriel now for your own free appointment and learn more about ways to improve your life.

This Sunday, October 11th, the Spring Cycle event takes place with over 7000 riders pedalling through Sydney to raise money for Lifeline Australia. This chat, with Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury CEO Elizabeth Lovell, takes you through the event and ways to help mental health in Australia.

From the Burdekin Valley, through the Bergin Inquiry, Covid and beyond, the Radio Show speaks with Ray James OAM, former State President of RSL NSW. In this delightful chat, Ray talks about the importance of accommodating veterans of all ages and from all parts of NSW. The first RAN veteran to be appointed as State President, Ray recalls falling in love with the navy when HMAS Melbourne came to town, of being a successful young boxer who was gifted 2 cans of beer for winning each fight, when he was too young to drink. Ray also speaks of his love...

Darryl Stuart, Editor of the book, The Anzac Legacy of CJ Dennis, speaks with the Radio Show about this new release. In a time when poetry was working class entertainment, CJ Dennis was our most popular and prolific poet. With characters Ginger Mick and Digger Smith, CJ took us into the lives of the working class and our Diggers. Using words used in everyday conversation CJ expressed the spirit of a young federation and his work, so popular that Australian soldiers read and recited them while fighting, in the trenches.

All proceeds from the sale of this...

On this final episode of The Selection Table for 2026, Michael Bridger is joined by Australian writer and essayist David Free. Michael puts the boots into Foxtel, describes Roosters Captain "Teddy" Tedesco as being like "a ball in a pinball machine", declares his undying love for Marky Mark, his admiration for Kalyn Ponga and his wish for a sombrero. Michael also wisely reminds us that "there are 19 teams in the competition" and reminds Sam Walker too, that he needs to keep playing well. In Part Two, David takes us through his recently published story, The Day Nathan Cleary Broke His...

Kerry Hersbach is a veteran, veteran specialist and Founder of Rally Point, Australia. Located in the Darling Downs in Queensland, Kerry and Rally Point service an area composing of the 3rd largest veteran settlement in Australia. Listen to this great chat and find out programs and services offered by Rally Point Australia to help veterans and their families access the best. Visit rallypoint.au

Annual Battle of Britain commemorations in Australia take place each September to honour the Australian pilots and ground crew who served with the Royal Air Force during the 1940 air campaign. The Hobart Air Force Association hosts the National Commemoration for the Battle of Britain.

This year, Wing Commander (Retd) Dr Mary Anne Whiting attended the National Commemoration in Hobart where she interviewed Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Alan Titheridge, AO, Group Captain (Retd) Macaulay Cottrell, DFC, US Silver Star, and Air Commodore Andrew McHugh, CSM, representing the Chief of Air Force. Dr Whiting concludes the podcast with a...

Your Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create. Australian Red Cross in partnership with HWLE Lawyers are running All About Wills: Your Questions Answered, a free online Will-writing webinar on Wednesday 21 October 2026 from 1–2 pm AEDT. Our panel of experts will introduce you to the basics of estate planning and writing your Will. All attendees will receive two special Will-writing offers to help you create or update your Will, including the opportunity to write your Will completely free. Safeguard your legacy and ensure your gifts go to the people and causes you cherish most. Register now...

Australia's internationally best-selling author of action thriller books sits down with us from his office in Los Angeles. Matthew talks about the return of detective Sam Speedman, of travelling to research, of turning images into words and how his latest book is bigger, faster and the action, bonkers.

Prof Shalin Naik, from WEHI, speaks with the Radio Show about the Seniors Festival Seminar, as part of Victorian Seniors Festival. Licence To Kill...Cancer will take place at WEHI, in Parkville, or register to attend online. With Prof Naik and Dr Sara Tomei. In this episode, Prof Naik speaks about the Dendritic cell, the frontline spy cell and its role in fighting cancer. To find out more, please visit www.wehi.edu.au/seniors and donate to help this exciting research. Come along too, and learn more, at WEHI on October 29th, 2.30pm-4.30pm.

On a cool, cold, rainy September Saturday, The Selection Table travels to the MCG for the 2026 Grand Final. Amongst the mix, there are people desperate for a ticket, Kylie Minogue, Greg Champion on the radio, discussions on Greg Williams and our AFL expert Ben Eames, picks a winner.

The Selection Table's NRL Expert, Michael Bridger gives his insight into the competitions Preliminary Finals Round. Michael talks about Daly Cherry - Evans and the veterans decision to head to England, his continuing bromance with Marky Mark, his impression of the Newcastle Knights and their coach and gives his tips for the two matches this round. And, regarding his team, the Roosters, Michael reminds us, "we play for Premierships, not to finish fourth!"

In his debut book, Paul Folino Gallo speaks about Remembering Elysha and navigating loss in the wake of losing his young wife, Elysha, to influenza while on holiday in New York. Paul discusses sharing the catastrophic news to his two young children, Giorgio and Valentino and sharing the common thread of loss, the lack of neat resolutions with grief, of fatherhood and of being the sole gatekeeper of the promises he made to Elysha.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with the NFSA's Assistant Curator, Jillian MacKenzie - To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1976 film, Caddie the NFSA has restored the Australian classic and made it available for free streaming until Oct 15th. Caddie, starring Helen Morse, Jack Thompson, Jacki Weaver, Takis Emmanuel, June Salter, John Ewart and more, was among the first to place a woman's story at it's centre. For the film, Helen Morse won the 1976 Australian Film institute Best Actress Award. Visit the NFSA website now to view this amazing film that still resonates with audiences today.

To celebrate his birthday, Michael Bridger gives his insight into this Semi-Final round of the NRL. Michael renames the Cronulla Sharks, 'The Gummies' and calls for a Royal Commission if his side, The Roosters, go down tonight. Michael also compares The Sharks to a Datsun 120Y with backfire, recites one of his fathers favourite sayings and talks about "those mad New Zealanders in the crowd, poking their tongues out for an hour and a half".

A week closer to the Grand Final, Ben Eames and Greg T Ross discuss the two matches that make up this weekends Preliminary Finals. Ben throws light on the Saturday 5.15pm start at the MCG and apologises to the Sydney Swans. Also discussed, the age defying antics of Jack Gunston and Dwayne Zorko and the brilliance of Cam Raynor and the onfield culture of the Sydney Swans.

With a career spanning 56 years, John Paul Young has turned his attention and talent to The Men's Shed as their new Ambassador and to their podcast series, The Shed Wireless. In this (almost) uncut version of the Radio Show there's a lot of fun and information on this chat about JPY's latest venture at The Men's Shed. From Johns guests that include his mate from Jesus Christ Superstar, Trevor White, to Alex Turner, who rode his motorbike across the Simpson Desert, for charity.

Kbora Ali was nine-years old, the youngest of seven children, when she arrived in Australia. Here, we discuss her book, First of Her Kind, co-written with her sister, Razia, Kbora talks about leaving her homeland, honouring her heritage and her new home, Australia. We hear how, after the ADF visited her school, Kbora became determined to join the Army. Now in the RAAF, Kbora recites a story of inspiring perseverance and resilience. An amazing chat with the first woman of Afghanistan descent to serve in the Australian Army.

On The Selection Table, Michael Bridger spreads a strong rumour, talks about the Tennessee Tigers, a very strong discussion, and the potential wearing of speedos in Hawaii. In the AFL discussion, Ben Eames predicts a couple of upsets and asks, "Are Fremantle finals pretenders?"

In this episode of The Last Post Radio Show, we speak with Prof. Tom Denson about his recent piece, Feeling Angry? Don't let off steam. Try these tips instead. Tom takes us through the negative effects that prolonged anger can have on our bodies and the benefits of low-arousal activities like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises and cognitive reappraisal. Find out ways to bring anger under control and learn why Sigmund Freud was wrong.

The Last Post Radio Show speaks with political historian, speechwriter and author, Joshua Black about his new book. Joshua examines the belief that our politicians have, over the last few decades, fashioned a style that relies more on character than policy, speaks about Paul Keating likening himself to Placido Domingo, the Dismissal, Bob Hawke's self-preening, the desire of voters to see "moral manliness" in their politicians, the challenge of recording political history in digital times and of Graham Richardson taking a phone-call from the PM, while on the loo.

On a visit to Stockholm, amongst the Swedish capitals over 70 museums, Mary Anne finds one dedicated to Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anni-Frid - The Abba Museum. Walk in and dance out, surrounding yourself in self-indulgence as you can be part of the groups journey, from beginning to end and even join them onstage and become the virtual fifth member of the famous group. A mind-blowing and emotional experience.

On the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, an exclusive celebration by Bradford Mint with commemorative coins. bradfordmint.com.au

From the farm of football clairvoyant, Dr Hamish McCaimish, we get the latest AFL finals picks and insights from Ben Eames and picks from Michael on the NRL Round 27 Plus as an addition, at episodes end, The Best of Michael Bridger.

Singer-songwriter Ami Williamson speaks with the Radio Show about her first album in 7 years, Sing You Out of Me. In this album are songs about private reflection, social commentary, family, love, motherhood, sexual liberation and of women who have paved the way for others. Ami also speaks about her knowing Doc Neeson, who she met while touring alongside the ADF in East Timor, Solomon Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ami is hitting the road soon, on tour to back up this album, that includes a thoughtful, tender, contemplative version of The Angels' Am I Ever Going To See Your Face...

Is being in a "family" the same as being a neighbour? Not according to author Joanne Wallis who has produced her (with Jack Corbett) must-read book on the subject. For diplomats, ADF members who have or are serving in the Pacific, and for anyone interested in Australia's history in the region, this chat with Joanne shines light on our dealings with our smaller-nation neighbours. We speak about our reaction to China's recent comments and moves on and within the area and our own colonial history in relation to our treatment of the Pacific. We speak about Australia's military capability...

Award-winning journalist and author Kate Legge speaks with the Radio Show about her new book, Delicious. In a place where recipes are like poetry and the enjoyment of meals with friends, intoxicating and universal. About how the smell of food and spices can evoke memories from childhood and of food being a balm, to soothe and nourish and to nurture. And about a three-tiered carrot cake arriving on her doorstep.

Artificial intelligence is one of the megatrends of this moment. Its time has come, and it is disrupting how we work, create, and learn at a fundamental level. But what do all these developments mean for you? What about artificial intelligence do you and your teams need to understand right now to be empowered to take action and benefit from the AI revolution? Meet Prof. Toby Walsh. With over 40 years of experience, Toby is an award-winning AI researcher, author of five books on the subject for the general public, sought-after speaker, and advocate for limits around AI to ensure...

Still seething from the Roosters upset loss last week, our NRL expert Michael Bridger goes through Round 26. In this episode, Michael finally admits he has "no idea", is glad he didn't put money on the Knights and still refuses to pick the Rabbitoh's. In the AFL, Ben Eames pays tribute to Dolly Parton, loses the Berrima Cup, talks about his admiration for Max Gawn and Jordan Russell, talks about getting a foot massage in Vietnam and picks the winners in the AFL's Wildcard Round.

In this comprehensive discussion on mental health, Dr Alex Lim, consultant psychiatrist and expert in psychotraumaology, speaks with The Last Post Radio Show about mental health for the veteran community and the factors involved in treatment. Dr Lim speaks about transition out of service, the components of care and emerging treatments that give hope to those in need. A must listen.