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
Oct 11, 2023 • 33min
Leaders and Legends | CPL Taylah Gentzen
In this 'Leaders and Legends' episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with CPL Taylah Gentzen about her military career and being an elite sportswoman. From starting as a rifleman to being a PTI at the School of Infantry, she has done things she never thought were possible. She has a passion for combat-sports and has competed at an elite level for 12 years. Taylah is the number one professional boxing lightweight in Australia. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science part-time, with a particular interest in the mental health and physical performance of female soldiers and athletes. Mark and Taylah explore the importance of having the courage to make mistakes, asking questions, and making time for conversations as a trainer.
Sep 27, 2023 • 22min
Leaders and Legends | CPL Amy Kowski
In this episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with CPL Amy Kowski. From joining the Army as a gap-year as a caterer, to a psych assistant, and now studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the moment. Hear how CPL Amy Kowski is managing full-time work and full-time study, with some tips on how to balance her time and the changes to her priorities. She also explains her experience with Army Sports playing AFL: representing the Service in carnivals and bonding with teammates. Learning a lot about Army and a lot about herself throughout her career.
Sep 21, 2023 • 24min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 7. Day in the Life of a Chaplain
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss what an Army Chaplain does. Who do they support? What is a Chaplains role in providing pastoral care? How is their role different out field or on operations?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Chaplain Kerri Frizzwell, COORD Chaplain at RMC-D.
Sep 13, 2023 • 29min
Leaders and Legends | LT John Limbert
In this 'Leaders and Legends' episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with LT John Limbert about his time as the 2018 Forces Command Soldier of the year and his commissioning.
Sep 7, 2023 • 9min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 6. Moral Injury
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss moral injury. What is moral injury? How do people recover from Moral Injury? Can it be prevented?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Colonel Mark Francis (Retd.) who is the Moral Injury Project Director for Joint Health Command.
Aug 30, 2023 • 25min
Leaders and Legends | WO2 James Debono
In this 'Leaders and Legends' episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with WO2 James Debono about his involvement with the Army Secondment Program and – in particular – his time with the AFL.
Aug 24, 2023 • 13min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 5c. ATSI Spirituality
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) spirituality. What is Indigenous spirituality? How are mobs (language groups) connected to the land? How does ATSI spirituality support Defence capability?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Captain Clint McGoldrick who is the RAACHD Indigenous Advisor.
Aug 16, 2023 • 33min
Leaders and Legends | WO1 Nathan Cole
In this 'Leaders and Legends' episode, WO1 Mark Grigg speaks with WO1 Nathan Cole about his time at the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy and hear some of his ideas on the professional development of our people.
Aug 10, 2023 • 27min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 5b. Women, Spirituality, and the ADF
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we explore if faith and spirituality is expressed differently by women. How does spirituality support women in the ADF? Are there barriers? How can a female perspective on faith and spirituality enable Defence capability?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Reverend Kaye Ronalds who is the Religious Advisor Committee for the Uniting Church.
Aug 3, 2023 • 36min
Leaders and Legends | WO1 Darren Murch
In this premier episode of 'Leaders and Legends', WO1 Grigg speaks with WO1 Darren Murch. Learning about the Command Sergeant Major of Forces Command 37-year career, his views on leadership and personnel development, and tips for being a successful Sergeant Major.
