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
Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 1min
7th Brigade Combined Arms Seminar | 2. Combined Arms in the Ukraine Conflict
On 2 August 2022, 7 Brigade held a Combined Arms Seminar at Gallipoli Barracks. Hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Ross Thomas, Commanding Officer 7 CSSB. Major General Mick Ryan (retired) presents on the status of combined arms in the Russia-Ukraine War. Exploring the trends and lessons that can help build Australian Army's combined arms teams. If you would like to watch the full presentation – with slides – check it out on The Cove.The second of three episodes from the Seminar. This valuable mini-series of Professional Military Education provides an understanding of the contemporary operating environment and some of the challenges facing the Australian Army going forward.
Aug 19, 2022 • 1h 3min
7th Brigade Combined Arms Seminar | 1. Introduction & Keynote Address
On 2 August 2022, 7 Brigade held a Combined Arms Seminar at Gallipoli Barracks. Hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Ross Thomas, Commanding Officer 7 CSSB. Brigadier Michael Say opens the Seminar with a brief Introduction. Followed by Lieutenant General Gregory Bilton, AO, CSC, Chief of Joint Operations' Keynote Address with key insights into contemporary operations and how it will shape combined arms in the future.The first of three episodes from the Seminar. This valuable mini-series of Professional Military Education provides an understanding of the contemporary operating environment and some of the challenges facing the Australian Army going forward.
Jul 27, 2022 • 24min
CoveTalk | Balancing Demanding Reserve and Civilian Careers with Major Mark Beretta
The Cove’s Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Luciani interviewed Channel 7 presenter and reservist Major Mark Beretta on Thursday, 21 July 2022. Sharing his thoughts on balancing a high-profile civilian life with a role in the Army. Mark discussed his enthusiasm for using his specialist skills in the Army and what civilian employers get back.
Jul 25, 2022 • 31min
CoveTalk | Interview with Former RSM-A: Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane, AM
A bonus episode! Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane was interviewed by Major Mark Beretta – Channel 7 presenter and reservist – on Monday, 18 July 2022. With over 40 years of service, Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane served as Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army from 02 July 2018 until 01 July 2022. This CoveTalk discusses the career of Warrant Officer Grant McFarlane; in particular his time as the Eleventh Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army.
Jun 8, 2022 • 1h 5min
CoveTalk | Greyzone and Cyber Operations
This CoveTalk discussed the intelligence, strategic, and international law implications relating to the 'greyzone' and cyber operations. In partnership with the University of Queensland and Future of Law team, the discussion was livestreamed here on The Cove on 23 May 2022, it is now available as a bonus episode! Hear from an expert panel chaired by Doctor Lauren Sanders and featuring: Associate Professor Andrew Phillips, Colonel Penny Saultry, and Katherine Mansted.
Mar 9, 2022 • 60min
Preparing for the Future: Key Organisational Lessons from the Afghanistan Campaign
CAPT Samuel Cox from The Cove sat down with the report's author, MAJGEN Andrew Hocking, prior to the report's release and had a conversation about the report's contents. A must-listen.
Oct 15, 2021 • 1h 37min
3 Brigade Cove Conference - Dr Jo Lukins
Dr Jo Lukins is an expert in culture and mindsets of high performing teams and shares her experience and knowledge in 'Ethical Decision Making Techniques' to help you and your team reach your potential.
Oct 15, 2021 • 1h 44min
3 Brigade Cove Conference - LTCOL Steve Tilbrook MG (retd)
LTCOL Tilbrook MG is a retired Infantry Officer who was the recipient of the Medal of Gallantry for his action in Rwanda in 1995. Steve shares his lived experience of leading his platoon on deployment in Rwanda as part of the UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).
Oct 15, 2021 • 51min
3 Brigade Cove Conference - Brent Tate
Brent Tate is a retired NRL player who debuted with the Brisbane Broncos in 2001. He played 229 NRL games including 23 for Queensland and 26 for Australia.
Oct 15, 2021 • 1h 23min
3 Brigade Cove Conference - Claudia Brassard
Claudia Brassard is the coach of the Townsville Fire WNBL team. She played basketball for the Canadian women's team and represented her country at the Sydney Olympics.
