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
Aug 26, 2025 • 28min
SPOTLIGHT: Defence industry testing and evaluation, with Harry Hickling
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty sits down with Harry Hickling, managing director at APV Corporation, to discuss the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation in the evolving landscape of defence and automotive industries. Hickling takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing how the company runs laboratory tests on military and civilian-focused vehicles, ensuring automotive equipment doesn't compromise safety systems. The podcast also focuses on APV Engineering and Testing Services' (APV-T) use of advanced simulation technology to run thousands of virtual test scenarios, reducing development costs and time to market. The pair also discuss the broader implications of simulation in defence, where it's helping to de-risk expensive and challenging testing scenarios. APV is growing its international presence and the company's expanding its staff to meet the increasing demand for simulation expertise. The episode wraps up with an invitation for engineers and technicians to join APV in its mission to enhance safety across industries, especially military and automotive sectors. With their cutting-edge work, APV is setting new standards for testing and safety. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Aug 25, 2025 • 41min
CYBER UNCUT: CommBank rolls out AI anti-scam measures, iiNet hacked, and AI-powered toys for your kids
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss CommBank's use of AI to stop scams, local hacks and international cyber news, creepy AI toys for kids, and the alarming fact that what we know about ransomware attacks is just the tip of the iceberg. Hollingworth and Croft begin the podcast with two Commonwealth Bank stories: CBA rolling back its job cuts after AI chatbots fail to keep up with customer demand, and the bank's novel use of AI to stymie scammers. The pair move on to a story with some incredible twists and turns after an Israeli cyber security specialist working for the government was arrested in Las Vegas for a shocking alleged crime, the iiNet hack that saw more Aussie data compromised by cyber criminals, and attacks on Australian institutions by pro-Palestine hackers. Hollingworth and Croft round things up with a creepy tale of two AI-powered toys designed to cut down on screen time for children, but which actually sound like a nightmare in their own right. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team
Aug 21, 2025 • 30min
Australian Defence Industry Awards' Rising Star of the Year, Gitarth Vaishnav
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Rising Star of the Year, Gitarth Vaishnav, to discuss the inspiring award and his efforts as a software engineer in the sensor fusion team at DroneShield headquarters in Sydney. The University of Technology Sydney graduate, who was recognised as the AI Rising Star of the Year at the Australian AI Awards in 2024, has completed a bachelor of computing science (honours) and holds a major in artificial intelligence and data analytics. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry and engineering, including: Vaishnav's experience winning the Rising Star of the Year award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. His thoughts regarding the evolution of drone and counter-drone technology internationally and domestically. His keen interest in programming and microcontrollers during high school and a chance meeting with DroneShield leadership while he was studying at UTS in Sydney. Vaishnav's mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way at DroneShield. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Aug 20, 2025 • 32min
THE PROGRESS REPORT: From curiosity to career – breaking into the space industry
What does it really take to find your place in one of Australia's most niche industries – and how do you turn curiosity into a meaningful career? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Tash Taylor sits down with Mary Pillay, a space and robotics engineer and ambassador of the Australian Space Diversity Alliance. Mary shares how her journey began with a chance industry night at university, her experience cold emailing companies to land her first internship, and the mentorship that helped her grow into a confident professional. From being thrown into the deep end during her first week to guiding students and young professionals into the space sector, Mary opens up about the importance of putting yourself out there, seizing opportunities, and surrounding yourself with supporters who believe in you. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
Aug 19, 2025 • 44min
SPOTLIGHT: The leading edge of defence and law enforcement study
In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Sibel Aktim, a Macquarie University graduate and intelligence officer, to explore postgraduate courses that are available to assist people with their careers in defence and law enforcement. Inspired by a lecturer, Aktim pursued a master of intelligence, finding a practical bridge between academic study and real-world intelligence work. The pair discuss major international experiences undertaken during the course of study at Macquarie University, including research in Fiji and the United States. They also discuss one of the biggest professional takeaways from postgraduate study, the principle of "BLUF" – bottom line up front – which focuses on concise, decision-ready intelligence without unnecessary "fluff". Closing out the podcast, Aktim credits Macquarie University's intelligence program with preparing her for the demands of front-line intelligence work, from managing biases and working collaboratively with international peers to providing clarity under pressure. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Aug 15, 2025 • 32min
CONTESTED GROUND: From housing to subs – the economics behind military power
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman dissect the forces shaping Australia's national security in an increasingly volatile world. From the shortage of tradespeople to the sustainability of the nuclear submarine program, the team explores how domestic economic realities – including the property market – intersect with defence capability. The conversation turns to the AUKUS arrangement, as Thompson questions whether Australia's defence budget can support the ambitions of the trilateral pact with the United States and the United Kingdom. The hosts unpack the risks of over-prioritising certain branches of the ADF and debate whether political change would have altered the trajectory of defence spending. The team then discusses the recognition of Palestinian statehood – with conditions excluding Hamas from governance. They assess the potential impact on relations with Israel – a nation that has long shared intelligence and counter-terrorism support with Australia – and on Canberra's role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The discussion also delves into public sentiment, with Tarrant highlighting the humanitarian toll of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and the difficulty of separating moral imperatives from strategic realities. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
Australian Defence Industry Awards' Executive of the Year, Tim Walmsley
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards' Executive of the Year, Tim Walmsley, to discuss the momentous award and his leadership of the BenchOn global resource and supply platform. The retired Australian Army Major has completed two master's degrees – in capability development and acquisition and project management – and has worked as an executive in both government and industry for more than 20 years. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Walmsley's experience winning the Executive of the Year award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. His thoughts regarding service with the Australian Defence Force and a comparison with working in the defence industry. Walmsley's mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way at BenchOn. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Aug 12, 2025 • 35min
SPOTLIGHT: The future of Defence training and simulation
In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Liam Garman sits down with Dr Gary Eves, principal technology officer at CAE, to explore how cutting-edge training and simulation are reshaping the way the ADF prepares for tomorrow's battles. The discussion dives into CAE's Integrated Learning Environment, a platform that unites instructors, simulators and analytics into a single, adaptable framework capable of accelerating skills development while reducing attrition. Eves also unpacks how modern recruits have become digital natives, with high expectations for flexible, engaging learning and are driving transformation in training delivery, and why embracing contemporary learning science is vital for resilience, scalability and team performance in a rapidly evolving defence landscape. Whether it's fast-tracking pilots, optimising submarine crews or honing high-performance teams, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of warfighter preparation and the technology making it possible. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
CYBER UNCUT: Productivity Commission goes pro-AI, ShinyHunters continues Salesforce hacking spree, and a new ransomware operator emerges
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the future of AI and copyright in Australia, ShinyHunters and their relationship to the Scattered Spider hacking collective, and a new ransomware operator targeting small businesses in the ANZ region. Hollingworth and Croft kick open things up with a discussion on the Australian Productivity Commission's suggestion that AI regulations in Australia should be eased, an idea that the pair are not impressed by. After a short chat on the latest developments with Elon Musk's Grok AI, Hollingworth and Croft discuss the latest wave of Salesforce-related hacks and the possible links between two hacking groups, ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider. The pair wrap things up with the emergence of a new ransomware operation that has already targeted businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Called PEAR, the group focuses purely on data theft over encryption, which seems to be an emerging trend in ransomware operations. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team
Aug 8, 2025 • 49min
CONTESTED GROUND: Inside the information battlespace – how the creative industry supports national security
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant are joined by Simon Bergman, CEO of M+C Saatchi World Services, to unpack the evolving landscape of grey zone warfare and the role of creative industries in modern conflict. Drawing on decades of operational and commercial experience, Bergman explores how advertising expertise is being harnessed to support government information operations: crafting narratives, influencing audiences, and shaping perceptions in the contested information environment. Thompson and Bergman discuss the cultural and operational divide between government and industry, and how M+C Saatchi World Services is bridging this gap through a hybrid team of former military personnel and creative professionals. Together, they examine how this model can enable faster, more effective responses in the grey zone. The conversation also turns to the impact of artificial intelligence on information warfare. While acknowledging AI's ability to enhance speed and reach, Bergman stresses the irreplaceable value of human insight in crafting authentic, effective messaging. Finally, the team reflects on Australia's information warfare capability, with Thompson calling for greater investment and deeper collaboration with industry to keep pace with adversaries operating below the threshold of open conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
