

Defence & Security Podcast Network
Momentum Media
The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security 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 & Security 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 & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative 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 & Security 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 & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2021 • 53min
INSIGHT: Proposing an alternative plan for Defence — Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant minister for defence
In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition’s plan for Defence and defence industry. Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio. The shadow assistant minister weighs in on the SEA 1000 program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation’s strategic agenda. Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition’s broader plan to enhance capability by boosting defence spending as a proportion of GDP and further developing sovereign industrial capability. The MP concludes by noting the importance of encouraging more Australians to forge careers in Defence and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation’s national security objectives. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Mar 8, 2021 • 35min
INSIGHT: Celebrating female participation in the Navy — Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, head of navy engineering
In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Rear Admiral Katherine Richards, head of navy engineering, joins host Phil Tarrant to recognise the contributions of women in Defence in celebration of International Women’s Day. RADM Richards discusses her career journey, noting the shift in attitudes towards female participation in the Royal Australian Navy. The 30-year veteran goes on to explain how female contributions to the warfighting effort have evolved, now playing a “central” role in achieving Australia’s defence and national security objectives. RADM Richards warns against complacency, noting the importance of ongoing work to entrench new norms in the culture of the Royal Australian Navy. The Rear Admiral concludes by discussing her role as head of Navy engineering, and her contribution to supporting Defence’s strategic objectives. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Mar 4, 2021 • 47min
INSIGHT: Journeying through Australia’s military history — Dr Will Davies, author and historian
In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, author and historian Dr Will Davies joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his passion for telling the stories of Australia’s wartime past. Dr Davies explains why he decided to pursue a new career as an author of Australian history after spending almost 40 years in the documentary filmmaking industry. The author details his writing process, explaining how he turns an idea and in-depth research into a best-selling history book. Davies goes on to discuss the evolution of the Australian Defence Force and the development of local defence industry capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Feb 25, 2021 • 34min
Identifying solutions for modern warfighters — Chris Dixon of Australian Defence Apparel, and Rob Orr of Bond University
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel, and Rob Orr, associate professor and director of the Tactical Research Unit at Bond University, join host Phil Tarrant to discuss how they’ve collaborated to develop new technology for modern warfighters. Dixon discusses the evolution of the ADA business, and the importance of onshoring Australian manufacturing capability in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Orr discusses his transition from full-time service in the Australian Army to a senior academic role at Bond University’s Tactical Research Unit. The pair then go on to explain how they’ve collaborated to identify solutions to address key pain points among defence and emergency services personnel. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Feb 18, 2021 • 40min
Harnessing local capability to realise growth potential— Mark Burgess, managing director and CEO of Quickstep
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mark Burgess, managing director and CEO of Quickstep, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his firm’s growing contribution to Australian Industry Capability. Burgess explains how Quickstep has transformed in recent years to become one of Australia’s most promising defence and aerospace companies, supporting key Defence projects, including the Joint Strike Fighter program. The CEO also discusses the importance of building Australia’s sovereign industrial capability, noting how Quickstep is working to foster greater local participation in the defence industry supply chain. Finally, Burgess unveils how the ASX-listed company plans to leverage its recent acquisition of a Boeing subsidiary to support Quickstep’s growth ambitions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Feb 11, 2021 • 28min
Supporting naval capability at home and abroad — Rear Admiral Clint Thomas CSC
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, retired Rear Admiral Clint Thomas CSC, managing director of award-winning business Serco Defence, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss how his business is meeting the needs of the maritime industry. RADM Thomas outlines how Serco’s current $1.5 billion suite of maritime projects are helping to support naval capability both domestically and internationally. The MD also explains how Serco has adapted to the changing operational environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and how he expects recent challenges to shape the future of the defence industry. RADM Thomas goes on to discuss recruitment challenges in the space, outlining how Serco has sought to gain an advantage over its competitors to attract new talent. Finally, the Navy veteran reveals Serco Defence’s next steps, explaining how the business aims to grow and evolve to ensure it continues to offer industry-leading services. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Feb 5, 2021 • 32min
Unpacking the impact of changing regional dynamics
With each passing day the regional balance of power is evolving, setting the stage for a big year for Defence and defence industry as Australia prepares for the challenges of the 2020s. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper recap all the very latest in Australian Defence, defence industry and national security policy news. Phil and Steve discuss the geo-strategic environment and challenges facing incoming US President Joe Biden, particularly in the aftermath of recent provocative actions against Taiwan by the People’s Republic of China. The pair also talk about an opinion piece by retired Major General, now senator, Jim Molan about the government’s plans to acquire the Apache and the flurry of feedback from Defence Connect’s readership. Finally, the pair also discuss some of the new year success stories for Australian defence industry leaders; Sydney-based advanced manufacturing powerhouse Quickstep and Canberra-based cyber security company archTIS. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jan 29, 2021 • 41min
INSIGHT: Forging a new path — Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC
Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC reveals his next steps after deciding to forge a new career following 34 years of full-time serve with the Royal Australian Navy. In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Rear Admiral Lee Goddard joins host Phil Tarrant, to discuss the Navy veteran’s future. The pair delve into Rear Admiral Goddard’s 34-year journey with the ADF, with the senior serviceman revealing the skills and lessons his learned along the way. Rear Admiral Goddard also explains why he’s chosen to transition into a new career, and discusses his new role at philanthropic organisation, the Minderoo Foundation. Finally, the Navy veteran provides his thoughts on the future of maritime security and Australia's broader defence strategy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jan 21, 2021 • 34min
Looking ahead for defence and defence industry in 2021
With a sigh of relief we have seen the end of 2020, but this new year is set to be a big year for Defence and defence industry as Australia prepares for the challenges of the 2020s. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper recap the year that was 2020 and some of the early announcements kicking off what is sure to be a huge 2021. The pair discuss the government’s decision to replace the ARH Tiger’s with the venerable Boeing AH-64E Apache and the arrival of NUSHIP Supply, the first of the Navy’s next generation AOR replenishment vessels. Phil and Steve then briefly discuss the geo-strategic environment and challenges facing incoming US President Joe Biden, and what we can expect over the next four years. Finally, the pair also discuss some of the new year success stories for Australian defence industry leaders; Sydney-based advanced manufacturing powerhouse Quickstep and Canberra-based cyber security company archTIS. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Jan 13, 2021 • 24min
Invaluable lessons from a career in Defence – Emily Frizell, CEO AeroPM
Following a career with the Air Force spanning more than a decade, the lessons learned supporting defence have proven invaluable for the high stakes world of defence industry. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Emily Frizell, founder and CEO of AeroPM and Female Defence Leader of the Year at Defence Connect’s 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards joins Steve Kuper (Defence Connect analyst and editor) to talk about the transformative year that was 2020. The pair discuss the skills and lessons learned as a woman in the traditionally male dominated world of the military and how they now support Frizell in her role as CEO of AeroPM. They also explore the challenges and opportunities faced by both AeroPM and defence industry as a whole throughout 2020 and how the company has positioned itself as a partner of choice for the ADF. Finally, Frizell and Kuper discuss the opportunities on the horizon as the company and defence industry seek to play an important role in the nation’s post-COVID economic recovery. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team