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
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.
Jul 27, 2023 • 15min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 5a. No Religion
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss No Religion. A large portion of Australia's population identifies as 'no religion'. What are their belief systems and worldviews? How can commanders support adherents to secular beliefs, other spiritual beliefs, no religious affiliation, and more?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Chaplain Ivan Grant, Deputy Command Chaplain of Forces Command.
Jul 20, 2023 • 13min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 4c. Protestant
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss the Protestant tradition. What is the common ground in the Protestant faith? How does Christianity give believers a sense of purpose? In what way does the Protestant faith supports Defence capability?Series 3 – Soul is presented by reverend Ralph Estherby who is the Religious Advisor Committee for the Protestant faith.
Jul 13, 2023 • 17min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 4a. Catholicism
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss the Catholic faith? What distinguishes Catholicism distinct? How does the faith support a believer? How can commanders support an adherent to the Catholic faith?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Chaplain Thomas Zaranski. He was commissioned into the Army in January 2022 after completing the Special Service Officers Course at RMC followed by the Chaplaincy Couse at the Defence force Chaplaincy College.
