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190 episodes

The Soldier: Purpose, Profession and the Reality of War with MAJGEN Chris Smith, DCA
28/06/2026 | 53 mins.
In this episode of The Cove Podcast, host John Hardgrave is joined by the Deputy Chief of Army to discuss The Soldier, Army’s new publication on the purpose and identity of the Australian soldier. The conversation examines why the publication was written now, what it says about Army’s core purpose, and why soldiers must be prepared honestly for the realities of war, violence, lawful killing, fear, fatigue, discipline and service. It also explores the distinction between being a soldier and a warrior, and the enduring importance of identity and belonging.
Peacekeeping, Protection and Perspective: Lessons from Operation ASLAN with Maj Mark Vele
14/06/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
In this episode of The Cove Podcast, John Hardgrave speaks with an Australian Army officer Mark Vele about his 12-month deployment on Operation ASLAN with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. The discussion explores the realities of preparing for a UN peacekeeping mission, working in a multinational headquarters, living and operating in Juba, and the personal and professional challenges of serving in a complex security environment far from home.
Training, Culture, and Cohesion: A Rifle Company in Malaysia with Maj San-Joe Tan and Private Tom Lefevre
31/05/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
In this episode of The Cove Podcast, we unpack a recent Reginal Combat Team (previously known as Rifle Company Butterworth) rotation through the perspectives of a soldier and an officer. They discuss how they were selected, the lead-up training and integration between reserve and full-time soldiers, and what it’s really like operating and living in Malaysia. It’s a practical look at the challenges, adaptations, and experiences that make RCT a unique and valuable Army deployment.
On Call to War, Inside the Mind of an Army Surgeon with Brigadier Andrew Higgs, Director General Health Reserves Army
17/05/2026 | 1h 15 mins.
This episode of The Cove Podcast explores the unique career of an Army Reserve surgeon, tracing his journey from medical school to operational deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He unpacks the realities of balancing a demanding civilian surgical career with military service, and the long pathway to becoming a specialist in both worlds.

The conversation dives into the role of Defence health professionals beyond the operating theatre, highlighting leadership, teamwork, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. Listeners gain insight into trauma care on deployment, the importance of values and character in selection, and how the Army attracts and retains highly skilled medical personnel.

It’s a candid look at service, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence that shows how medicine and soldiering intersect in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.
Taking Ownership: Lessons in Resilience with Shaun O'Gorman
03/05/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
In this episode of The Cove Podcast, host John Hardgrave speaks with Sean O’Gorman, founder of the Strong Life Project and a former police dog handler who spent more than a decade on the front line of policing. After leaving the force while battling PTSD and depression, Sean rebuilt his life through hard-earned lessons in resilience, ownership, and purpose.

Drawing on experiences from policing, the corporate world, and years working with military units and first responders, Sean discusses the dangers of victim identity, the importance of personal responsibility, and why purpose is critical for those operating or transitioning from high-performance environments. This conversation explores what it really takes to rebuild after adversity and discusses tools to build resilience and high performance.

About The Cove Podcast

The Cove Podcast brings you candid, unfiltered conversations with the leaders, soldiers, and scholars shaping the Australian Army today. Each week, our host CAPT Todd Lempa sits down with uniformed officers and soldiers leading the change in the Australian Army as well as academics and international partners to unpack what modern warfare demands. From redefining leadership and resilience in the modern Army to exploring lessons from combat operations, command culture, human performance, and the future of land power, The Cove Podcast reveals how the Australian Army thinks, learns, and fights. Whether it’s a Regimental Sergeant Major reflecting on combat, a general discussing Warrior Culture, or a psychologist unpacking mental readiness—each episode delivers a grounded look at the people and ideas driving the Australian Army forward. Insightful, grounded, and authentic — this is where the Australian Army thinks out loud.

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