#119 Craig Ball

Alex Lloyd interviews former commando Craig Ball.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Craig Ball passed Commando selection in 2000 as a reservist and went full-time in 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan as a signaller in the 2nd Commando Regiment in 2010 and 2012. Today, he’s a men’s mental health speaker.

Episodes referenced at the end of the podcast include:

• #100 Gary Wilson

• The Partners - Renee Wilson

• Life After Service - Gary & Renee Wilson

#109 Keith Wolahan

Angus Hordern interviews former commando Keith Wolahan.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Keith Wolahan is a former commando, a veteran of 3 tours of Afghanistan. He’s also a lawyer and barrister, and now has been pre-selected for the Federal seat of Menzies for the Liberal Party.

Episodes referenced at the end of the podcast include:

• #44 Mick Bainbridge

• #54 'H' Vol II

• #68 Harry Moffitt Vol II

• #54 'H' Vol IV

• #92 Dean Parkinson Vol II

• #100 Gary  Wilson

• Life After Service: Glenn Kolomeitz

#107 Brett Wood

2nd Commando Regiment veterans, friends and family share their memories of the late Sergeant Brett Wood MG, DSM.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Brett Wood joined the Australian Army in 1996. He completed Selection and joined 4 RAR (Commando) in November 1998, which later became the 2nd Commando Regiment. Brett deployed to Malaysia in 1996, Bougainville in 2000, Timor in 2001, Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2006. During that deployment, for his leadership in action as a team commander, he was awarded the Medal for Gallantry. He received a Commendation for service with the Tactical Assault Group - East in 2007. He deployed again to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011.

Brett was tragically killed in action by an Improvised Explosive Device on 23 May 2011. As the 10-year anniversary of Brett’s passing approached, Life on the Line was asked by one of Brett's close friends and fellow commandos to commemorate the day. We have done so by creating this special podcast, a celebration of his life. Alex Lloyd spoke with family, friends and colleagues of Brett - from those who knew him personally to those who served alongside him and marvelled at his professionalism.

This podcast shares just a few of many great stories about Brett Wood. We would like to thank the following previous Life on the Line guests for coming back on the show to remember Brett:

• #31 Dr Dan Pronk

• #54 Wes ‘H’ Hennessey

• #77 Adrian Humphries

• #87 Jeremy Holder

• #97 Paul Cale

• #102 Heston Russell

• #105 Damien Thomlinson

Life on the Line would also like to thank for participating 2nd Commando Regiment veterans Jamie and Tom, Brett’s sister Sharlene, Brett’s friend Iain and Brett’s wife Elvi. These are their memories of the late Sergeant Brett Wood MG, DSM. At the end of the podcast, Alex closes out the episode by reading part of the citation for Brett’s Medal for Gallantry.

Brett Wood’s mother, Alison, has written a post-release contribution to our #107 Brett Wood tribute episode, about his Medal for Gallantry:

 “After returning from Afghanistan in 2006, Brett drove down to Victoria to see us. We lived in Shepparton and he also went to South Gippsland to debrief with his friend Iain McLaren. Later, I received a phone call from the army, wanting to talk to Brett. He wasn’t with me at the time. They apologised for the mix up and I rang Brett and told him about the call. After the army got a hold of him, he called me back and said, “They want to give me the Gallantry Medal – should I take it?”

My response was “Yes – why wouldn’t you?” To which he replied that he doesn’t work on his own. Despite his initial hesitation, he accepted the award. On the day of the ceremony we travelled to the base – my two daughters and their partners, and my mother as well. Two commandos were awarded that day. The other medal recipient had the first seat, then Brett, Elvi, myself and the rest of my family, and Iain.

Straight after the citations were read out and awards presented, both men were photographed from behind, to protect their identities. The photograph and article made the news on 27 November 2006. The next working day Brett was actually instructing cadets at Dookie and he commented that one day he was awarded this honour and the next he was instructing, and they had no idea.”

#102 Heston Russell

Alex Lloyd interviews 2nd Commando Regiment veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, Heston Russell.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. This is the first episode of Season 5. Since 2017, Life on the Line has brought you the stories of Australian military veterans. This is our 207th podcast, and our 102nd veteran conversation on our particular episode numbering system. In all that time we’ve brought you stories from World War II to the modern era. Today’s chat is with a Special Forces veteran of the 21st century conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, Heston Russell. 

We recorded this episode on the outdoor balcony of Heston’s Sydney apartment, so if you hear any background noise or ambience, that’s why. We recorded outdoors because we also videoed this interview, which is a first for us. If you’re listening, you can jump onto our YouTube channel (just search for “Life on the Line podcast”) and watch this chat with Heston. If you are watching this on YouTube, you can listen to this and all our other episodes on your favourite podcast app, Spotify and our website. We will be doing a select number of video podcasts like this as the year goes on. 

Heston Russell was an officer in the 2nd Commando Regiment. He already had a profile in the Australian community through his post-military career in the fitness world. He rose to further national prominence in 2020, when an unnamed US soldier accused Heston’s platoon of unlawfully killing a prisoner in Afghanistan. Heston counterattacked, speaking out on national media to strongly refute the claims. Since then, he’s remained in the public spotlight, becoming a spokesman for the veteran community in the lead-up to and wake of the Brereton report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. 

Alex Lloyd spoke to Heston in February 2021 to learn more about the man behind the headlines.

Follow Heston @hestonrussell on Instagram and Facebook. You can also find "Voice of a Veteran" on social media, YouTube, your favourite podcast app and www.voiceofaveteran.org​.

The Partners - Renee Wilson

Thomas Kaye speaks with Renee Wilson about being the partner of a military helicopter crash survivor.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. This is the third ‘partners’ episode of Life on the Line. Today’s conversation is with Renee Wilson. Renee was engaged to Gary Wilson, a signaller attached to the 2nd Commando Regiment, when Gary was injured in a Black Hawk helicopter crash on 21 June 2010, where four Coalition soldiers were killed. In this moving conversation with Thomas Kaye, Renee details her memories of the day of the crash, Gary’s long road to recovery and how she put her own feelings to the side to be a pillar of strength for others. She also shares not just the challenges, but the inspiring story of all they have achieved and overcome in the ten years since that fateful night in Afghanistan.

Renee returned to the podcast in Christmas on the Line Vol III. Gary and Renee were also featured in Life After Service - Gary & Renee Wilson.

For photos of Gary recovering after the crash, see #100 Gary Wilson.

#97 Paul Cale

Alex Lloyd interviews 2nd Commando Regiment veteran and renowned martial artist Paul Cale.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Paul Cale is a veteran of the 2nd Commando Regiment and a black belt in eight different styles of martial arts. He has been involved with the Australian Army for 30 years, either as a soldier or a preferred contractor, as he is today. As a commando, he was deployed five times on combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq, and at home served as a team leader in Tactical Assault Group East. Paul’s personal hand-to-hand combat experiences in theatres of war, and those of his fellow commandos, have guided his development of the Kinetic Fighting system. Today he is the CEO of Kinetic Fighting Pty Ltd. Paul is a world leader in close-combat and personal protection training. Alex Lloyd spoke with Paul over Zoom about his military service and martial arts career.

Paul returned to the podcast in Christmas on the Line Vol III.

#92 Dean Parkinson Vol II

Alex Lloyd continues his interview with 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Dean Parkinson.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Today's episode is the second instalment of the conversation with Dean Parkinson, picking up after Dean's first combat tour in Afghanistan in 2009. In this episode, Dean talks to Alex Lloyd about his 2010 combat deployment, losing mates in battle and the impact of his military service.

Make sure you listen to Volume I before listening to this episode.

#87 Jeremy Holder

Thomas Kaye interviews combat medic Jeremy Holder.

Jeremy Holder was a medic in the Australian Army for 7 years. He served within Special Operations Command for 4 years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan with the commandos as a platoon medic. Jez spoke to Thomas Kaye about his time in Afghanistan and the reality of being a combat medic for Special Forces.

The fifth image is from the documentary VOODOO MEDICS, photograph by Gary Ramage/Daily Telegraph, used with permission from Kristin Shorten.

#54 'H' Vol V

Alex Lloyd continues his interview with 2nd Commando Regiment veteran 'H' about his combat deployments to Afghanistan.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. This is the fifth part of Alex Lloyd's conversation with Wes 'H' Hennessey, a senior and highly decorated Special Forces veteran. They discuss H returning home after his combat-heavy 2008 deployment to Afghanistan and then move on to his experiences in 2010, where he was in more of a leadership role, and the contrast between the two deployments.

Also listen to, in Season 3, Volume I (the beginning & TAG East), Volume II (Afghanistan 2006) and Volume III (coming home), and in this season, Volume IV (Afghanistan 2008).

#54 'H' Vol IV

Alex Lloyd resumes his interview with Special Forces veteran 'H' about his combat deployments to Afghanistan in 2008.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is the fourth part of Alex Lloyd's conversation with 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Wes 'H' Hennessey, which began in a three-part interview in Season 3. This instalment focuses on H's intense combat experiences with Special Forces, in Afghanistan in 2008.

Also listen to, in Season 3, Volume I (the beginning & TAG East), Volume II (Afghanistan 2006) and Volume III (coming home), and in this season, Volume V (Afghanistan 2010).

#77 Adrian Humphries Vol II

Angus Hordern continues his interview with former commando and signaller Adrian Humphries.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Today's episode is the second instalment of the conversation with Adrian Humphries. Adrian is a veteran of the 2nd Commando Regiment. Adrian shares with Angus Hordern more stories from his four deployments to Afghanistan with the commandos, his medical discharge, his difficult journey afterwards and how he's found a sense of peace today.

Listen to Volume I before you listen to this episode. Adrian returned to the podcast in Christmas on the Line Vol III.

#77 Adrian Humphries Vol I

Angus Hordern interviews 2nd Commando Regiment veteran Adrian Humphries.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Adrian Humphries was a signaller in the regular army before transferring to the commandos. Adrian told Angus Hordern about his deployments to the Solomon Islands, Pakistan, training to join 4 RAR (Commando) and his first deployment to Afghanistan. This is the first instalment of a two-part episode.

Listen to Volume II after this episode. Adrian returned to the podcast in Christmas on the Line Vol III.

#65 Adrian Talbot

Angus Hordern interviews Australian veteran of the British Royal Marine Commandos, Adrian Talbot.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with an Afghanistan veteran, Adrian Talbot. Adrian is an Australian who, while living overseas, found himself signing up to serve in the British Royal Marine Commandos. Adrian shared with Angus Hordern his memories of his Afghanistan deployment, his difficult journey leaving the forces and the work he's doing back in Australia to support fellow veterans. Adrian was interviewed on the podcast last year, in a bonus episode about the Invictus Games.

#60 Nick Caldwell

Thomas Kaye interviews former Special Forces soldier Nick Caldwell.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Nick Caldwell reflected on his Special Forces career with Thomas Kaye, in this conversation about mindset, growth and what it takes to be a trooper at the tip of the spear.

#47 Bram Connolly

Alex Lloyd interviews Somalia, Timor and Afghanistan veteran, formerly of the 2nd Commando Regiment, Bram Connolly.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Bram Connolly joined the regular army in 1993, and was deployed to Somalia at the age of 19. Bram's career took him to Special Forces, further overseas deployments to Timor and Afghanistan, as well as transitioning from NCO to officer. Bram spoke to Alex Lloyd about his long career in the military, and the lessons he learned about himself and leadership along the way.

Bram came on the podcast last year, to talk about his post-military career.

#44 Mick Bainbridge

Angus Hordern interviews Afghanistan and Timor veteran, formerly of the 2nd Commando Regiment, Mick Bainbridge.

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Mick Bainbridge. Mick, a former commando, was the subject of an April 2018 AUSTRALIAN STORY episode about his difficult journey after multiple deployments to Afghanistan with the 2nd Commando Regiment. Mick shared his story with Angus Hordern - from elite training and combat deployments, to losing mates and the toll war can take. In this episode, Angus also speaks briefly with Glenn Kolomeitz, Mick's mate and mentor.

Voodoo Medics with Mark Donaldson VC, Dr Dan Pronk and Kristin Shorten

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. This bonus episode covers the upcoming 8-part documentary VOODOO MEDICS, a short series of webisodes published by The Daily Telegraph Online starting 22 October 2018. Alex Lloyd speaks with the documentary's creator and host, journalist Kristin Shorten, as well as two of its interviewees, Australian veterans Mark Donaldson VC and Dr Dan Pronk. VOODOO MEDICS looks at the lives post-army of medics who served with Special Forces, and interviews such former medics, the operators they fought alongside, and more, in an insightful expose on the cost of modern war.

To watch the documentary, click here!

If you enjoyed these conversations with Mark and Dan, you can catch their original interviews in Season 2:

• #31 Dr Dan Pronk Vol I

• #31 Dr Dan Pronk Vol II

• #36 Mark Donaldson VC

And for more conversations with Dr Dan Pronk:

• Lessons of a Combat Doctor with Dr Dan Pronk

• #107 Brett Wood

• SAS Resilience with Dr Dan Pronk, Ben Pronk and Tim Curtis

#29 Todd Vail

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Lieutenant Colonel Todd Vail, currently serving in the Australian Army. Todd is formerly of the 1st Commando Regiment and was ADC to the Governor of New South Wales. 

#10 Eddie Robertson

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, Eddie Robertson. A former member of the 2nd Commando regiment, Eddie saw multiple deployments to the Middle East as an elite soldier. Alex Lloyd spoke to Eddie about his combat operations, the life of a Commando and about his good friend, the late Cameron Baird VC, MG.

Australia's Special Forces with Dr Karl James

Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is with Dr Karl James, senior historian at the Australian War Memorial. Dr Karl has an exhibit coming up on the history of Australia’s Special Forces - SAS and Commandos - and spoke to us about the history of our nation’s elite soldiers.

Dr Karl James spoke again with Life on the Line about the ANZAC legend, Gallipoli and Kokoda.