Priority Zero Podcast Oresti Rakkas

In this gripping episode, we sit down with Chris Punch, an 8-year veteran of the Western Australia Fire & Rescue service. From childhood dreams inspired by his father's legacy in law enforcement to the stark realities of facing death and trauma on the job, Chris offers a candid glimpse into the life of a firefighter.

Embark on a riveting journey with Chris as he traces his path from childhood dreams to the harrowing realities of battling motor vehicle accidents and structure fires. Gain insight into the demanding recruit courses and the triumphant moments of graduation day that mark his journey in the Western Australia Fire & Rescue service.

But Chris's story doesn't end with firefighting; his passion for mental health and resilience drives him to equip his fellow firefighters with the tools to navigate the emotional toll of their work. Discover how he's spearheaded resilience initiatives within the WA Fire Service, empowering his colleagues to thrive amidst adversity.

And in a heartwarming twist, Chris reveals his leap out of his comfort zone, donning the firefighter's uniform for a cause close to his heart—the Perth Children's Hospital. Learn how he participated in a firefighter calendar project, raising vital funds and spirits for those in need.

Tune in as Chris Punch shares his inspiring journey of courage, compassion, and community in the face of fire.

This episode features Sam George, a former Corrections Officer from the Northern Territory, who offers a candid account of his six-year tenure within the correctional system. Throughout the episode, Sam delves into his progression through the ranks to attain a senior officer position, providing insightful narratives encompassing incidents such as riots, attempted escapes, and the somber experience of handling an unfortunate death in custody.

Moreover, Sam articulates the rigorous induction and training procedures integral to preparing individuals for the demanding role of a corrections officer. His narratives offer a profound understanding of the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities inherent in this profession, thereby enriching listeners' comprehension of the complexities within the correctional domain.

Overall, this episode promises to deliver a compelling and professional discourse, elucidating the nuanced realities faced by corrections officers and underscoring the importance of their contributions within the criminal justice framework.

Heston Russell embodies a legacy of military service spanning five generations, having distinguished himself as a Major within the Australian Special Forces 2nd Commando Regiment. Across a span of 16 years, his deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Timor reflect a steadfast commitment to duty and a profound understanding of the complexities of modern conflict.
In this compelling episode, Heston articulates his journey within the Australian Defence Force, offering profound insights from his experiences. Beyond his military tenure, he has emerged as an advocate for Australian veterans, leveraging platforms such as his podcast to amplify their voices and concerns.
Furthermore, Heston's transition into the realm of children's literature underscores his multifaceted creativity and compassionate spirit. Inspired by his beloved sausage dog, Copper, he channels his experiences into stories that captivate young minds.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Heston candidly addresses the poignant struggles inherent in military service, including the loss of comrades and his own battle with mental health. Through his resilience and transparency, he has become a beacon of hope for veterans across Australia, offering unwavering support and invaluable insights gleaned from a life dedicated to service both in and out of uniform.

***TRIGGER WARNING - SENSITIVE TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE***

In this podcast episode, Juan provides a comprehensive narrative of his multifaceted career trajectory, encompassing significant roles spanning from his tenure as an infantry soldier in the Royal Australian Army to his commission as an officer. His professional journey extends to his service in the NSW Police Force and his tenure with the Australian Federal Police and Interpol, where he undertook diverse responsibilities including assignments in Child Protection, Human Trafficking, and Prosecution, among others.

Juan's deployments to various global locations such as Timor and the Solomon Islands, underscoring the breadth of his experiences. With a candid demeanour, he articulates the profound impact of navigating high-stress environments and emphasises the paramount importance of cultivating and sustaining resilience amidst such challenges.

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with the remarkable Karney. Karney's distinguished career spans her tenure as a medic in the Royal Australian Navy, where she served with honour and distinction. Furthermore, Karney's resilience were showcased on the international stage as she proudly represented Australia in the prestigious Invictus Games, securing both Gold and Silver Medals.



During our conversation, Karney graciously shares insights into her upbringing as an "army brat," illuminating the profound influence of her family's legacy within the Australian Defence Force. Moreover, she offers reflections on her deep-rooted connection to the Australian Special Air Service Regiment.



Additionally, Karney introduces us to her invaluable companion, Ivy, a service dog whose significance extends beyond mere companionship. Ivy holds the esteemed distinction of being the first canine recipient of the Resilience Shield Mentor Qualification, embodying resilience and dedication in service to others.

In this episode, Benji chats about his extensive professional journey spanning various roles within the Australian Defence Force, Northern Territory and Tasmanian Police Forces, and Border Force. With a meticulous attention to detail, he delves into the intricacies of his distinguished career, recounting poignant moments of service, some of which carried the weight of potential life-altering outcomes.



Benji demonstrates a remarkable ability to reflect on his experiences, providing listeners with a profound insight into the challenges and triumphs that have defined his path. His candid discussion of his mental health journey adds a layer of vulnerability to the conversation, shedding light on the human aspect behind the uniform.



Through a lens of professionalism and introspection, Benji's narrative unveils the complexities of a multifaceted career in service, underscoring the significance of resilience, dedication, and the often-overlooked aspects of mental well-being in such demanding professions.