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 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.
Jul 6, 2023 • 23min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 4b. Anglican
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss the Anglican faith. What is the story of Christianity? How does the Anglican faith support Defence capability? How can commanders support an adherent to Christianity?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Reverend Grant Dibden, who is the Religious Advisor Committee for the Anglian faith.
Jun 29, 2023 • 10min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 3b. Judaism
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss the Jewish faith. What are the important values to Judaism? How can commanders support an adherent to the Jewish faith?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Rabbi Ralph Genende, OAM who is the Religious Advisor Committee for the Jewish faith.
Jun 22, 2023 • 47min
Body, Mind, & Soul | Soul Series – 3a. Islam
In this episode of Body, Mind & Soul, we discuss the Muslim faith. Why is peace the essence of Islam? How does Islam support their believers? How does the Islamic faith support Defence capability?Series 3 – Soul is presented by Imam Ahmed Abdo. Ahmed is currently the Religious Advisor Committee for the Islamic faith and the President of the Council of Imams NSW.
