True Blue Conversations Podcast

Adam Blum

Inspired by the people and events that have shaped Australian history and character, with his authentically Australian down to earth approach, Adam Blum explores and shares their stories. Learn how in the past and more recently, service, sacrifice and grit have and continue to play a central role in Australia's True Blue History.

  1. 3d ago

    True Blue Conversations - Fred Campbell O.A.M - Royal Australian Navy Veteran

    Today on True Blue Conversations, I sit down with an extraordinary Royal Australian Navy veteran whose career spans more than 35 years of service, multiple operational deployments, and a lifetime of leadership—Fred Campbell OAM. Fred joined the Royal Australian Navy on 8 January 1982 through the Naval Apprentice Scheme as an Air Technical Aircraft fitter. From the flight lines at HMAS Albatross to serving aboard some of Australia's most iconic warships, Fred built an exceptional career supporting the Fleet Air Arm and mentoring generations of sailors. His operational service took him to some of the defining conflicts of the modern era, including Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait, Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, the Solomon Islands, and Iraq in 2004 aboard HMAS Stuart. During that deployment, Fred was involved in one of the most significant naval incidents of the Iraq War—the USS Firebolt incident—a dramatic and little-known event that tested leadership, courage, and decision-making under extreme pressure. In this conversation, Fred takes us behind the headlines to share what really happened, what he witnessed, and the lessons that have stayed with him ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, Fred served as Command Warrant Officer at HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Creswell, HMAS Melbourne, and HMAS Parramatta, becoming one of the Navy's most respected senior leaders.  His outstanding service was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours, along with numerous Australian and international operational medals and commendations. But service didn't end when Fred hung up the uniform in 2017. Today, he continues to fight for those who have served as the President of the Keith Payne VC AM Veterans Benefit Group, working alongside Australia's only living Victoria Cross recipient from the Vietnam War to support veterans and their families. His commitment to the veteran community, advocacy, and ensuring no veteran is left behind has become his new mission. Beyond service, Fred is a proud husband to a fellow Navy veteran, a father, grandfather, rugby tragic, Harley rider, knife maker, guitarist, barbecue enthusiast, and someone who believes in giving back to the mateship that shaped his life. This is a conversation about leadership, combat, resilience, transition, and continuing to serve long after the uniform comes off. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Fred Campbell OAM Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Fred Campbell O.A.M - Royal Australian Navy Veteran

  2. Jul 13

    True Blue Conversations - Lucas Atkins - Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer

    G'day, and welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's guest is Lucas Atkins, a former Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer whose 12-year career placed him at the very centre of some of Australia's most significant security operations. Lucas began his policing career protecting high-profile dignitaries, including the United States and Israeli Ambassadors, as well as international VIPs such as the Dalai Lama. His professionalism and dedication soon earned him a position within one of the AFP's most elite close protection teams, where he became responsible for the full-time security of Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. Lucas was on the ground during the dramatic events of Australia Day 2012, when protests marking the 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy escalated into a major security incident. As the threat rapidly intensified, Lucas played a key role in the emergency evacuation of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition from a Canberra venue surrounded by hostile protesters. After leaving the Australian Federal Police, Lucas continued working in close personal protection operations across the globe, protecting clients in some of the world's most demanding environments. Today, he has taken that wealth of experience and founded his own business. But this conversation goes far beyond protective operations and high-profile missions. It's a raw and honest discussion about identity, purpose, and the challenges that so many veterans and first responders face when the uniform comes off. We talk about transition, rebuilding life after service, and finding a new mission beyond the job. This is an episode filled with stories from behind the security cordon, lessons forged under pressure, and a powerful reminder that the toughest battles often begin after the career ends. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the True-Blue Conversations of former Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer, Lucas Atkins. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Lucas Atkins Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Lucas Atkins - Australian Federal Police Close Protection Officer

  3. Jul 6

    True Blue Conversations - Ryan Wilson - Former Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Veteran

    G'day, and welcome back to True Blue Conversations. Today's guest is a man who has lived a life of service, resilience, and excellence. Ryan Wilson began his military career in the Australian Army Reserve before taking on one of the toughest challenges in the world—Special Air Service Regiment selection. After successfully earning his place in the SASR, Ryan went on to serve on multiple operational deployments around the globe as a specialist dog handler, operating alongside some of Australia's most elite soldiers. But this conversation goes far beyond medals and missions. Ryan opens up about the reality of life inside Special Forces—the relentless standards, the pressure of operating at the highest level, the unbreakable bonds forged between teammates, and the devastating pain of losing mates along the way. It's a raw, honest, and deeply personal insight into a world very few Australians ever get to see.  Today, Ryan has taken that same commitment and discipline into business as the owner of Whipper Snap Distillery, proving that the values forged in military service can continue to shape success long after the uniform comes off. This is an episode about sacrifice, mateship, resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to serve. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ryan Wilson. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Ryan Wilson Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Ryan Wilson - Former Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Veteran

  4. Jun 29

    True Blue Conversations - Eva Clarke - Australian Army & Royal Australian Air Force Physical Training Instructor & Guinness World Record holder

    Today on True Blue Conversations, we sit down with an extraordinary woman whose story is built on resilience, service, family, and an unbreakable mindset. Eva Clarke is a former Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force Physical Training Instructor, a mother, a wife to a serving military member, and one of Australia's most accomplished fitness endurance athletes. A multiple Guinness World Record holder, Eva has built a reputation for achieving what many would consider impossible through grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout her military career, Eva dedicated herself to helping others achieve their best, but it was her own battles with injury, adversity, and personal hardship that forged the resilience that would define the next chapter of her life. From serving in uniform to breaking world records in push-ups, burpees, pull-ups, endurance events, and fitness challenges across the globe, Eva has continually redefined what is possible. Despite battling serious wrist injuries and significant medical setbacks, she refused to let limitations dictate her future, instead turning obstacles into fuel and proving that the human spirit is capable of far more than most people imagine. As a mother, military spouse, veteran, educator, coach, and elite athlete, Eva's story is not simply about physical strength. It is about discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and finding purpose through challenge. Her achievements have inspired countless people around the world and helped raise significant funds for charitable causes through her record-breaking efforts. This is a conversation about service, family, resilience, mental toughness, and what it truly means to keep moving forward when life throws everything it has at you. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the remarkable story of Eva Clarke. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Eva Clarke Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Eva Clarke - Australian Army & Royal Australian Air Force Physical Training Instructor & Guinness World Record holder

  5. Jun 20

    True Blue Conversations - Damien Silva - Distinguished Service Medal - Australian Army Combat Medic

    On this special episode of True Blue Conversations, we sit down with Australian Army Combat Medic veteran and Distinguished Service Medal recipient Damien Silva. This man has faced some of the most confronting moments of Australia's war in Afghanistan.From the chaos of the battlefield to the split-second decisions that mean life or death, Damien opens up about serving as a combat medic alongside some of Australia's elite soldiers. He reflects on the night in 2009 when he fought to save Mason Edwards from the 2nd Commando Regiment after he was critically wounded in an MRE pre-deployment in Cultana, South Australia — a moment that would stay with him forever. Damien also takes us inside one of the darkest chapters of the Afghanistan war: the 2010 Black Hawk helicopter crash that claimed the lives of three Australian soldiers and seriously injured many others. He speaks candidly about treating the fallen, the emotional toll carried by medics, and the burden of being the person trying to hold everything together when tragedy strikes. This is a raw and powerful conversation about service, sacrifice, trauma, mateship, and what happens after the battlefield goes quiet. It's the story of a man who stood shoulder to shoulder with Australia's finest in their darkest hours — and carried those memories home and found purpose long after the dust settles from the battlefields. This is raw; it's in your face and a must-listen for all veterans and first responders. This is True Blue Conversations, honouring those who serve and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, LEST WE FORGET. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Damien Silva Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Damien Silva - Distinguished Service Medal - Australian Army Combat Medic

  6. Jun 8

    True Blue Conversations - Damo Batty - Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Veteran

    G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we sit down with Australians who've dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and shaping the nation we're proud to call home. Today's guest is Major Damien Batty, a retired Australian Army Officer who served with distinction for more than 26 years in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps and broader Defence organisation. Appointed in 1996 and commissioned in 1997, he built a career defined by leadership, professionalism, operational service, and unwavering dedication to the soldiers and units under his command. Throughout his career, Major Batty served across a broad range of operational, instructional, logistical, and Special Operations appointments, including postings to 1st Field Hospital, 1st Health Support Battalion, Special Operations Headquarters, Army School of Health, Army School of Logistic Operations, and Headquarters 17th Sustainment Brigade. His service reflected a rare blend of operational experience, strategic capability, and commitment to mentoring and developing others. Major Batty deployed on multiple operations, including Operation BEL ISI, Operation ANODE, Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan, and Operation COVID ASSIST.  His honours and awards include the Afghanistan Medal, Australian Active Service Medal, Australian Service Medal, Army Combat Badge, NATO ISAF Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Citation for service with Special Operations Task Groups. Widely respected for his integrity, loyalty, and devotion to duty, Major Batty's career stands firmly in the finest traditions of the Australian Army. It's a raw and honest conversation about service, sacrifice, and the bonds that are forged when people rely on each other in life-and-death moments and finding purpose after service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Damo Batty Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Damo Batty - Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Veteran

  7. May 25

    True Blue Conversations - Special 150th Episode - Sam Mostyn AC - Governor-General of Australia

    G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we sit down with Australians who've dedicated their lives to service, leadership, and shaping the nation we're proud to call home.  Today's guest represents the very heart of Australian values — integrity, service, and a deep commitment to community. We're honoured to be joined in the special 150th episode by Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC, the 28th Governor-General of Australia.  With a career spanning business, sport, climate advocacy, and social justice, Sam Mostyn has long been a powerful voice for fairness, inclusion, and national progress. From boardrooms to grassroots initiatives, she's championed the idea that leadership is about lifting others and leaving things better than you found them.  Now, as the King's representative in Australia, she carries forward a proud tradition — supporting our communities, recognising extraordinary Australians, and reflecting the spirit of a modern nation.  In this conversation, we go beyond the title — into the person, the purpose, and the passion behind the role.  This is a yarn about service at the highest level… about what it means to represent a nation… and about staying grounded while carrying great responsibility.  So, settle in — for this special 150th episode.   This is True Blue Conversations with Her Excellency, Sam Mostyn AC.

    True Blue Conversations - Special 150th Episode - Sam Mostyn AC - Governor-General of Australia

  8. May 24

    True Blue Conversations - Sue Osborn - Australian Army Combat Medic / UAV Operator Veteran

    G'day and welcome back to True Blue Conversations — where we share the stories of those who've stood the line, served their country's communities, and carried the weight of responsibility most will never truly understand. In this episode, we sit down with Sue Osborn, whose career is anything but ordinary. Sue spent 27 and a half years in the Australian Army, operating in some of the most demanding environments you can imagine. She started as a Combat Medic, spending 15 years at the pointy end—where decisions are immediate, the stakes are life and death, and there's no room for hesitation. She then made a hard pivot into a completely different battlefield, spending the next 12 and a half years as an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Operator—a drone pilot—working in the evolving space of modern aviation warfare, where pressure doesn't disappear, it just changes form. Across her career, Sue deployed to the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and completed two tours of Afghanistan. She's seen conflict up close, and from a distance—but always with real consequences attached to every decision. What stands out about Sue isn't just the length of her service, it's the range. She's operated on the ground, under pressure, treating casualties… and later, from the air, where the responsibility shifts but never gets lighter. This is someone who understands what it means to perform when it matters—again and again, over nearly three decades. But wait until the end when you hear what she's doing now, this is a raw and honest chat about service and the toll that service has both physically and mentally. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Sue Osborn Editor: Kyle Watkins

    True Blue Conversations - Sue Osborn - Australian Army Combat Medic / UAV Operator Veteran
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About

Inspired by the people and events that have shaped Australian history and character, with his authentically Australian down to earth approach, Adam Blum explores and shares their stories. Learn how in the past and more recently, service, sacrifice and grit have and continue to play a central role in Australia's True Blue History.

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