
Defence Connect Podcast Network
The Defence Connect Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence industry.
The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry.
We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber
- Key Enablers
- Air and Sea Lift
- Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Strike and Air Combat
- Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare
As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success.
The Defence Connect Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending.
We’ll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights.
Subscribe to the Defence Connect network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.
Latest episodes

Jul 22, 2022 • 27min
The future of ISR satellites, with Kleos co-founder Andy Bowyer
In this special crossover podcast between Defence Connect and Space Connect, host Adam Thorn discusses the future of ISR satellites with Kleos' co-founder, Andy Bowyer. Kleos is a "spy satellite" company that is based in Luxembourg, though listed on the ASX. The satellites are designed to identify illegal activity on Earth by detecting radio frequencies rather than images. Bowyer discusses how Kleos' continued growth signals a shift away from major advancements being the preserve of big governments and primes. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jul 14, 2022 • 28min
In conversation with the head of Defence Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts
In this special crossover edition of the Defence Connect and Space Connect podcasts, host Bella Richards sits down with the Commander of the Defence Space Command, Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts. The pair discuss the objectives of the new Defence Space Command and why the command is so significant as space becomes more congested and contested. AVM Roberts shares some standout experiences throughout the early years of her career. The pair then discuss AVM Roberts’ plans for the future, including building a new culture in Defence Space Command from the grassroots. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jul 11, 2022 • 39min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Delivering Australia’s cyber needs, with Rob Parker
In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Rob Parker, partner at Deloitte Australia, joins hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss how Deloitte Australia is helping service Australia’s cyber needs. The podcast begins with a discussion on the growing consideration for cyber security within the federal government, including through the recent appointment of Clare O’Neil as Minister for Cyber Security. Parker then outlines how Deloitte Australia is strengthening Australia’s cyber resilience including providing managed services, before outlining the gaps in Australia’s cyber market. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how SMEs can improve their cyber capabilities. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Jul 7, 2022 • 38min
News, public opinion and energy security – unpacking the latest in defence
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Charbel Kadib unpack the latest news and announcements in the defence industry. The podcast begins with an examination of the latest breaking news in defence, including the recent revelations surrounding Guardian Class defects and the submarine timeline. The pair continues with an analysis of newly released data surrounding public opinion towards geopolitics and support for ADF foreign intervention. The podcast wraps up with an investigation into energy security in Europe, and how energy security is becoming a national security priority. Enjoy the podcast, the Defence Connect team

Jun 27, 2022 • 44min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Understanding regulatory complexity in cyber security, with Cameron Whittfield
In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Cameron Whittfield, partner at Herbert Smith Freehills joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson to discuss: The nexus between law and cyber operations, and the increasingly complex regulatory landscape surrounding cyber security. Developing assessments of a company’s internal cyber risk profile, and steps toward building an effective crisis management team. The changing risk environment, including an analysis into ransomware threats and specific legal considerations that pose risks to companies transferring funds to ransomware actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Jun 23, 2022 • 49min
45 Days - The Fight For A Nation, with Emile Ghesson
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, former Royal Marine Commando and filmmaker Emile Ghesson joins host Liam Garman to discuss his recent film 45 Days – The Fight For A Nation documenting the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as his last three months monitoring the conflict in Ukraine. The podcast begins with a reflection of Ghesson’s 12-year career as a Royal Marine, spanning service across the world including Afghanistan and Iraq before working as a high-profile body guard. The pair then discuss Ghesson’s turn toward documentary making, joining colleagues in Syria to document the fight against ISIS in 2017, Ukraine in 2019 and Azerbaijan-Armenia in 2020-2021. 45 Days - The Fight For A Nation analyses the recent Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict from a humanitarian perspective, while examining the history of intergenerational trauma in Armenia dating back to the Armenian genocide. However, when promoting the film in Hollywood –Russia’s began their invasion of Ukraine, prompting Ghesson to travel to Ukraine to document the day-to-day of life in Ukraine. Ghesson details his last three months in Ukraine, providing insight into the recent conflict direct from the front lines – including failures within Russian military strategy, irregular warfare behind enemy lines, the recent siege of Mariupol, and a discussion around the hotly debated Azov Regiment. To learn more about Ghesson, you can visit his page here or view his recent film 45 Days: The Fight For A Nation here. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Jun 17, 2022 • 34min
News wrap — Chapter closed: Subs program turns new page
Editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, and News Editor, Charbel Kadib, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics. The pair begin by discussing the recent financial settlement between the Commonwealth government and French shipbuilder Naval Group following the scrapping of the former $90 billion contract to deliver 12 diesel-powered Attack Class submarines to the Royal Australian Navy. Garman and Kadib then unpack Liberal opposition leader and former defence minister Peter Dutton’s open support for the selection of the US-designed Virginia Class submarine under the AUKUS agreement. The pair go on to note senior leadership appointments in the Australian defence industry before touching on outcomes from Minister for Defence Richard Marles’ attendance of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Finally, the duo delve into the latest geopolitical developments, discussing recent acts of aggression from the Chinese military and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jun 15, 2022 • 27min
SPOTLIGHT: Revolutionising the space domain, with Lockheed Martin Australia and Inovor Technologies
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Noel Borgas, campaign lead at Lockheed Martin Space, and Dr Matt Tetlow, CEO and founder of Inovor Technologies, join host Liam Garman to discuss the future of the Australian space industry and how local SMEs haven risen to the challenge of providing innovative space solutions to the ADF. The trio begins the podcast unpacking how the space domain is an essential vector for future warfighting scenarios, and the steps that Australia must take to build a sovereign space capability that is able to overcome future threat environments. The podcast discusses how Lockheed Martin Australia has supported the development of Australia’s space industry, including through local industry engagement with partners such as Inovor Technologies. The trio wraps up by discussing how a layered approach is optimal for military constellations, providing Australia with an adaptable and resilient space strategy to overcome current and future threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jun 13, 2022 • 46min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Cyber security, a legal requirement? With Clyde & Co’s Reece Corbett-Wilkins and Avryl Lattin
In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Reece Corbett-Wilkins and Avryl Lattin, partners at global law firm Clyde & Co, join hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson to discuss how cyber security is becoming a legal obligation for firms. The podcast begins with an analysis into the proceedings of the Federal Court against RI Advice, in which ASIC argued that cyber security controls within businesses were fundamental to minimise the threat of data misuse. The guests continue with an analysis of the requirements of financial services reporting in the event of cyber security breaches. Finally, the podcast wraps up with an examination of how businesses can ensure that they are meeting their obligations for data protection. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Jun 9, 2022 • 31min
Supporting defence businesses, with DSTG’s Nigel McGinty and Robert Hunjet
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, DSTG’s Nigel McGinty, chief technology officer strategy and national security, and Robert Hunjet, acting research leader, protection and networked autonomy, join host Liam Garman to discuss the upcoming Australian Defence Science, Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit. The trio begins the podcast discussing how ADSTAR will support the growth and development of Australian defence businesses, focusing on the key themes of: Resilience in contested environments. The use of artificial intelligence. The use of human and defensive biotechnologies. The trio then discusses ADSTAR’s “start-up alley”, and how the summit will give SMEs the opportunity to showcase their innovations. The podcast wraps up discussing recent examples of when the DSTG has helped facilitate the growth of defence start-ups, with critical insight into how businesses can rise to the challenge of operating in the defence supply chain. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team