The Cove Podcast
The Cove
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 5, 2016 • 15min
Episode 6 - Exercise Hamel - Bombardier Lachlan Skaines
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews Bombardier Lachlan Skaines, an Australian Army Artillery Command Systems Operator. Bombardier Skaines is deployed on exercise Hamel and is providing simulation support within the Exercise Control headquarters. What if you are unsuccessful in the recruitment process? What does the modern, digital army look like, and what career paths are open to members of the Australian Army? Bombardier Skaines talks about his career so far, including dealing with rejection in the recruitment process, his current role and his future aspirations to become a helicopter pilot.
Jul 4, 2016 • 13min
Episode 5 - Exercise Hamel - Captain Karmen Sampson
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews an Australian Army Physiotherapist, Captain Karmen Sampson. Captain Sampson is deployed on exercise Hamel and provides physiotherapy support to the men and women of the 1st Brigade. What is it like to provide this type of support in the field environment and how do they train to ensure they are able to provide this support when needed? Captain Sampson explains her role on exercise Hamel.
Jul 3, 2016 • 12min
Episode 4 - Exercise Hamel - Lieutenant Colonel Tom Biedermann
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews the Commanding Officer of the reserve battle group, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Biedermann. This unit, Battle Group Jacka, is comprised of regular and reserve soldiers from the 4th and 9th Brigades. What are the challenges of training a reserve force to support a regular combat brigade? Lieutenant Colonel Biedermann explains the unique challenges facing Battle Group Jacka as it supports the 1st Brigade on Exercise Hamel.
Jul 2, 2016 • 15min
Episode 3 - Exercise Hamel - Major Kelly Dunne
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews the Officer Commanding the 8th Close Health Company, Major Kelly Dunne. How do you provide health support during a large-scale training activity such as Exercise Hamel? Major Dunne explains how she trains her team to provide the health support the soldiers need.
Jul 1, 2016 • 8min
Episode 2 - Exercise Hamel - Lance Bombardier Tim Muhamad
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews Lance Bombardier Tim Muhamad. What is it like to be an Indigenous Australian serving in the army? Lance Bombardier Muhamad talks about his journey from the Torres Strait Islands to the artillery gun line.
Jun 30, 2016 • 13min
Episode 1 - Exercise Hamel - Brigadier Mick Ryan
In this episode Captain Sharon Mascall-Dare interviews the Director General of Training & Doctrine, Brigadier Mick Ryan. They discuss Exercise Hamel, the Australian Army's major annual exercise. What does the exercise set out to achieve and why does it matter?
Jan 18, 2016 • 8min
Senior Soldier Talk -Episode 1: Regimental Sergeant Major - Army
RSM-A Answers questions form the CPL's of the Australian AArmy
