5 With A Digger Podcast

Epizódy

• 5 With A Digger. Bradey. 01.07.2026 1h 38min

  This week, we’re joined by Bradey. His Army career wasn’t defined by medals or headlines, it was defined by service, sacrifice and resilience.After enlisting in the Australian Army in 2014, Bradey served with 6RAR as an infantry soldier before transitioning into the Intelligence Support pathway. Sadly, repeated Achilles injuries to both feet brought his military career to an early end, leading to a medical discharge in 2019.Like so many veterans, the transition out of service was one of the toughest battles he faced. The impact on his mental health became so significant that he deleted almost every photo from his time in uniform because the memories were simply too painful.But Bradey’s story doesn’t end there. Together with his wife a former Army Reserve MP they’ve created something truly special.Blank Cheque Trading Co. is more than a distillery and café. It’s become a safe place where veterans and emergency service workers can connect, support one another, and know they’re always welcome.Each month, 40–50 veterans from Vietnam veterans through to currently serving members, gather around a coffee or a whisky to share stories, check in on one another, and keep the spirit of mateship alive. Their vision is even bigger. They’re working towards transitioning the café into a not-for-profit so they can expand the support, programs and events they provide to the veteran and emergency services community.One of the most meaningful parts of the café is its military wall, where veterans leave a patch, coin, photo or personal item as a reminder that they’ll always belong—no matter where life takes them. It’s an incredible conversation about finding purpose after service, rebuilding identity, and creating a community where no one has to walk alone.Blank Cheque InstagramBlank Cheque FacebookBlank Cheque Trading Co.Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Ryan Mayne. 24.06.2026 1h 1min

  We wish to dedicate this episode to Jim. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace. Lest we forget.Episode 121 and I’m joined by Ryan Mayne. Ryan’s career has taken him from military service and elite sport to frontline emergency services, surf safety, and high-performance coaching.Ryan is a former Australian Army aircraft technician, professional triathlete, Senior Firefighter and Rescue Technician with the Queensland Fire Department, and now the founder and head coach of Surfskate Noosa. He is also the inventor of the Surfskate training system, a unique coaching tool designed to help surfers improve their technique, balance, confidence and understanding of wave riding away from the water.Over nearly three decades, Ryan has worked in high-pressure environments requiring leadership, resilience, quick decision-making and a commitment to helping others. Along the way he’s built a wealth of experience in emergency response, rescue operations, peer support, athlete development and surf education.In this episode we dive into Ryan’s journey through the Army, professional sport, firefighting, mental health, surf safety, entrepreneurship and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime spent performing under pressure.www.militaryresilience.com.au(2) Facebookwww.surfskatenoosa.comInstagramFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Chris Endres. The Culture Standard Podcast Collab. 17.06.2026 1h 4min

  Episode 120 and I’m joined by Chris Endres. This episode is a little bit different as we welcome a fellow podcaster for a special cross-podcast collaboration between 5 With A Digger and one half of The Culture Standard. Originally from Victoria, Chris built a strong reputation through country football before making the move north to Queensland, where he now serves his community on the frontline as a firefighter. Through sport, emergency services, and podcasting, Chris has developed a passion for leadership, culture, resilience, and helping people become the best version of themselves. In this conversation we dive into Chris’s football journey, life in the fire service, the importance of culture and leadership, lessons learned through adversity, the world of podcasting, and what it takes to build high-performing teams both on and off the field. A great chat packed with practical insights, powerful stories, and plenty of value for anyone interested in leadership, personal growth, and creating positive culture.https://www.instagram.com/military_resilience_co?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Facebookhttps://www.instagram.com/theculture.standard?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==https://open.spotify.com/user/31ka5vkbznwzwn7y5r5xoylzkpna?si=1fc0a903c2264197https://support.fightmnd.org.au/fundraisers/GympieCats/gympie-cats-afl-clubFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Zachary Trav. 10.06.2026 41min

  Episode 119 and I’m joined by Zac. At 19 years old, Zac joined the Australian Army and went on to serve in Afghanistan as a Cavalry Reconnaissance soldier. But this episode isn’t just about military service.It’s about what happened after.Zac opens up about life after Defence, a Veterans Motorcycle Club, addiction, debt, poor decisions, losing everything, and the long road back.His story is raw. Honest. Controversial. Some people will love him. Some won’t. But one thing is certain — Zac doesn’t hide from his past. This is a powerful conversation about service, resilience, redemption, and living life with no regrets.Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Simon Jones Part 2. 03.06.2026 1h 25min

  Episode 118 and I’m joined again by Simon from episode 51. Joining the Army at just 17 years old, Simon would go on to serve in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, and complete two deployments to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Task Group before discharging in 2014. In this episode, we talk about military service, the challenges of transition, mental health, rebuilding identity after Defence, and his journey into launching his own consultancy business. We also discuss some of the more controversial topics making headlines today, including the Ben Roberts-Smith saga, the Afghanistan years, and the ongoing debate surrounding ISIS brides returning to Australia. A raw, honest conversation from someone who lived it.Home | 343 ConsultantsMARCH OUT | VETERAN SERVICESFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available CREW Apparel & Print | Shop Custom Apparel NowLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Alex. 27.05.2026 1h 22min

  Episode 117 and I’m joined by Alex. Alex joined the ADF back in 2012, enlisting into the Australian Army Aviation Corps as a Ground Crewman Aircraft Support. Not long after, he found himself posted to Darwin with the 1st Aviation Regiment, working on the ARH Tigers from early 2013.Unfortunately over time a number of injuries that eventually culminated in a medical discharge not long after leaving Defence in late 2019.Not every military story is about combat deployments. This episode we’re gonna dive into Army life, aviation culture, the ARH Tiger years, injuries, transition, and everything in between.Massive thanks to @inature.running @lastlaugh.apparel @jcshaulage and @certified_mechanical for helping this Darwin trip come to fruitionInstagram Instagram(20+) FacebookCMS Mechanical Services | Mining, Civil, Agriculture and road transport MechanicsCharlie's of Darwin - Restaurant, Bar, Distillery in DarwinFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Jase Shore. 20.05.2026 1h 12min

  Episode 116 and I’m joined by Jase Shore. Jase enlisted into the Australian Army back in 2006 as Infantry Corps, posted straight to Darwin with 5/7 RAR. In 2007 he deployed to Iraq on Operation Gateway 3, detached from battalion to support SECDET 6 alongside boys from 1RAR and 7/6RAR.After discharging in 2010, life took a completely different turn. And then in 2019 during the Sydney knife attack, Jase found himself in the middle of absolute chaos.When most people were running away; Instinct kicked in. Training kicked in. And Jase stepped forward. From Army life. Deployment stories. Transitioning out. Massive thanks to @inature.running @lastlaugh.apparel @jcshaulage and @certified_mechanical for helping this Darwin trip come to fruition. Also shoutout to @charliesofdarwin for letting us record there!Instagram Instagram(20+) FacebookCMS Mechanical Services | Mining, Civil, Agriculture and road transport MechanicsCharlie's of Darwin - Restaurant, Bar, Distillery in DarwinFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Emergency Best Of May 2026! 13.05.2026 39min

  Episode 115 and unfortunately, due to circumstances completely out of our control and an absolute doozey of a crash on the highway today, our guest was unable to make it into the studio. So we’re bringing you a special “Best Of 5 With A Digger” episode.And with everything happening behind the scenes right now it’s probably the perfect time for it. Because the team here at 5 With A Digger is absolutely flat out packing and preparing for Darwin. We’ve got interviews lined up, stories to tell, old mates to catch up with and heaps of massive content coming your way over the next few weeks. And before we get into the episode, we also want to acknowledge the tragic loss of an Australian soldier this week. An SASR operator. A husband, mate, teammate and warrior known to many as Mudds, killed during a training incident.No matter the circumstances, losing one of our own hits hard across the entire veteran and defence community. To his family, mates, teammates and everyone doing it tough right now, we’re thinking of you. Lest We Forget. Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Tarsh. 06.05.2026 47min

  Episode 115 and I’m joined by Tarsh. Tarsh is an Army Reserve veteran who’ll tell you she “just did bits and pieces” during her service but what she’s done after taking the uniform off is something pretty special. After volunteering with the Sleepbus helping people doing it tough, Tarsh and seven others refused to let the mission die when the organisation folded. No experience running a charity. No roadmap. No huge backing. Just a whole lotta heart and a belief that people still needed help.Out of that chaos came The Z Bus. Today we hear the origin story behind a group of everyday people who stepped up when it mattered most — and continue showing up for their community every single day. Big episode. Big heart. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual guest alone and do not represent the views of Rotary or any sponsors of the Z Bus. https://rotarydownunder.org/from-sleepbus-to-zbus-hervey-bay-shows-up-for-the-homeless/Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Paul Seils Jnr. 29.04.2026 57min

  Episode 113 and I’m joined by Paul Seils Jnr. Paul Seils Jnr is an Aussie music artist, podcaster, speaker and former Army Reservist who served with the 2nd Transport Squadron out of Brisbane.From his time in service to building a platform in media and music, Paul’s all about standing up for what you believe in and not being afraid to question the narrative.He is the host of Between the Lines and the Creator of “World’s Gone Crazy” a track that hits right at the heart of what a lot of people are feeling in today’s world. This episode dives into Life after service, using your voice in today’s world, freedom of speech & personal choice and the message behind his music. This one’s raw, real, and exactly what 5 With A Digger is about, giving people a platform to speak their truth.5 With A Digger Podcast has used samples from songs written by Paul Seils Jnr who has authorised our use of the songs. “WORLDS GONE CRAZY” - Paul Seils JNR (Official Music Video)Between The Lines - Podcast & Media - YouTubeFood Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. BRS & Anzac Day Conversation Feat. Crowy. 22.04.2026 1h 4min

  Episode 112 and Crowy’s back in the chair and we’re diving straight into the controversy surrounding Ben Roberts-Smith.A Victoria Cross recipient now facing five war crime charges relating to alleged incidents in Afghanistan, allegations he denies.After years in the spotlight and a massive defamation case, this now moves into a criminal trial where the standard is beyond reasonable doubt.But this isn’t just about one man. It’s about how war is judged. How soldiers are seen back home. And where the line sits between loyalty and accountability.With Anzac Day around the corner, this one hits different.Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. 2PK Collab. 15.04.2026 2h 19min

  Episode 111 and we’re linking up with the legends from 2 Pissed Kent’s podcast. We rolled through and jumped on with the boys while we were over in Sydney on a podcast tour, and let’s just say things got loose real quick. Now we’ll be honest, things have been absolutely flat out lately. Between getting the It’ll Take A Tribe Food Bank up and running and gearing up for the Jimmy Judge Tour of Torture, spare time has been hard to come by, so we’ve dug deep into the archives and pulled this one out for you legends. Massive love to the boys from 2 Pissed Kents for having us on, unreal crew, unreal chat, and plenty of laughs. Food Hub OPEN!  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Tour Of Torture Ft. Special Guests. 12.04.2026 56min

  Episode 110 and we have a SPECIAL GUEST EPISODE — LIVE FROM THE POST HOUSE, EUDLO We set up base for the Tour of Torture to the Post House in Eudlo and this one is absolute chaos in the best way possible. This isn’t your average episode, this is a full house, big personalities, plenty of laughs, and some seriously good yarns from an unreal lineup of guests. Jimmy Judge, the man in the hot seat for the Tour of Torture. 24 hours, zero food, total suffering. Grant from Rippys Clothing Co. Noah, an online eating sensation stepping into the madness. Brodie from Gravel Empire. Brooke from Smarter Supply and Barbz the Brissy Horseman and the Reggie’s Podcast.This episode is everything the Tour of Torture is about — bringing people together, having a laugh, and shining a light on a bigger cause, the grand opening of our partnership with It’ll Take A Tribe to open a community food bank in the heart of Gympie to help out our community at a time when everyone needs to stand together to get through these tough times!Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Jerard. 08.04.2026 1h 24min

  Episode 109 and I’m joined by Jerard. Jerard enlisted back in 2012, but this isn’t your standard service story.Just 3 months in, a serious injury changed everything. What followed was years of setbacks—spinal surgery, re-injuries, being pushed beyond medical advice… and constantly fighting to be heard.And still—he showed up. Training others as an ADI, completing heavy vehicle quals, even supporting SASR in 2017.Behind the scenes though, it was a battle.Airlifts. Heart surgery. Time in the Soldier Recovery Centre. And the weight of it all mentally. All while raising a young family and navigating life falling apart outside the uniform.He medically discharged in 2019—after a career that tested him in every way possible. This is a story of resilience, grit, and pushing through when everything’s stacked against you.Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Bryze & The Torture Tour with Jimmy Judge. 01.04.2026 1h 22min

  Episode 108 and I’m joined by my old mate Bryze from the Deadass Podcast! Everytime I pass through Rockhampton I make sure to drop in and catch up over a cold beer or 10. We chat about how the podcast is going, our new community food bank opening at the 5 With A Digger Studio in Gympie. And the crazy challenge we have set for Jimmy Judge. Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Franckiie. 25.03.2026 1h 12min

  Episode 107 and I’m joined by Taula Daure, better known as Franckiie. Born in Papua New Guinea and raised through hardship after losing his mum at just 4, Franckiie grew up without his dad, before reconnecting with him later in life, a powerful full-circle moment.Moving to Australia in 2005, he faced setbacks and tough moments, but he didn’t let them define him. He reset, he refocused and he found purpose in the ADF. Enlisting in 2012 as a Recovery Mechanic, Franckiie became part of the backbone that keeps everything moving. After a medical discharge, he continued giving back through defence contracting and instruction, now settled on the Sunshine Coast.A powerful story of resilience, growth, and reconnecting. Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Brenden 'Chuck' Berry. 18.03.2026 1h 29min

  Episode 106 and I’m joined by Brenden ‘Chuck’ Berry. Brenden Berry is a former Australian soldier, instructor, and Australian Border Force firearms and defensive tactics trainer, with nearly 40 years of service behind him.A third-generation cavalryman, Brenden enlisted in 1989 and served across multiple units including 3/4 Cavalry Regiment, 2RAR, and 3RAR. His deployments include Rwanda during the UN mission following the genocide, East Timor, and Iraq with SECDET 9.Alongside his military career, Brenden represented both the Australian Army and state rugby, while also serving as an instructor shaping the next generation of soldiers. After discharging from full-time service, he continued giving back spending a decade training officers within the Australian Border Force.A career built on resilience, discipline, and hard-earned lessons — this is one you won’t want to miss.Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Tod. 11.03.2026 1h 36min

  Episode 105 and I’m joined by Tod. Tod is a former Australian Army Combat Engineer who served 12 years in the Corps from 2009–2021.Starting his career as a young Sapper, Tod spent his early years on the tools as a Combat Engineer before transitioning into the civil construction side of the trade, eventually rising through the ranks to Corporal.Across his time in service he was involved in a huge range of work — from AACAP projects in remote communities around Australia, to major exercises like Hamel and Cultana, and operational tasks including:• Refurbishment works at Navy Dive School – Shoalwater Bay• Infrastructure builds on Nauru• Flood relief operations in Port MacquarieTod also spent two years posted to the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy as an instructor, helping train and mentor the next generation of Combat Engineers coming through the Corps.But this episode goes deeper than just the jobs and deployments.We talk about life in the Army, the challenges that come with service, the personal battles along the way, and what life looks like on the other side.Another powerful conversation and another important story.Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Keegsy. 04.03.2026 1h 8min

  Episode 104 and I’m joined by Keegsy. Keegsy signed up to the Australian Army in 2009 at just 17 years old, joining the Infantry and posting to 8/9 RAR. In 2010, he deployed to Timor — a young digger getting his first taste of operational service early in his career.By 2012, Keegsy was heading to Malaysia alongside 6RAR, continuing to build experience, strengthen his skills, and forge the kind of mateship only infantry life can create. After four solid years in green, Keegsy discharged in 2013, stepping into a new mission — building a career as a mechanic and navigating the transition to life on civvy street.From joining the Army as a teenager, to deployment, to life after service we dive into the journey, the lessons learned, the brotherhood, and what it really looks like to transition young. Food Hub opening soon.  (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• 5 With A Digger. Michael Lappin. 25.02.2026 49min

  Episode 103 and I’m joined by Michael Lappin. Michael is a Newcastle-based speaker and advocate whose journey is raw, real, and powerful. Raised in a military household, Michael grew up witnessing the long-term effects of service firsthand. His father served 35 years in the Australian Army, also being as a Vietnam veteran. Like many defence families, the impact of untreated PTSD shaped life at home in ways that lasted for years.After decades battling addiction, Michael spent 13 years in prison. But that wasn’t the end of his story — it was the turning point.Since his release, he’s rebuilt his life from the ground up and now speaks openly about addiction, incarceration, trauma, accountability, and what true rehabilitation actually looks like.https://www.instagram.com/michaellappin1978?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Shoutout to Now That’s Dramas Podcast for letting us use their studio!Now Thats Dramas Podcast – Now That’s Dramas PodcastFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl @MinorityInfluencesClothingUse "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.