Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson joins host Kane Dury to explore the parallels between service life and strategic property investment – and why calculated risk-taking is second nature for Australian Defence Force personnel. Donaldson shares how his military mindset, forged in some of the most demanding operational environments, has shaped his approach to wealth building. While many ADF members may feel disconnected from the property market due to constant relocations or limited financial background, Donaldson's story demonstrates how tactical thinking, resilience, and seeking expert support can unlock powerful long-term gains. The discussion covers lessons learnt from missed opportunities and how military discipline can be transferred to investment planning. Donaldson opens up about how buyer's agents, defence housing benefits like Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme, and trust structures can play a critical role in accelerating portfolio growth. The episode also offers practical advice for young service members: start early, stay disciplined, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset, property investment becomes not just achievable, but a potent vehicle for securing financial independence after service. For lessons in property investment from one of Australia's most decorated veterans, listen to Mark Donaldson's story below. Want more tactical insights into building wealth while serving? Catch our previous episode on how relocations can become property opportunities here.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Douglas Abdiel, think tank author, Marine Corps officer and now global vice president - defence at Advanced Navigation, to explore how assured PNT is shaping the future of autonomous capability across land, sea, and air. The discussion begins by unpacking the meaning of assured position, navigation, and timing in a contested environment, and why it has emerged as a strategic priority for modern armed forces in an era of GPS-denied operations. Abdiel shares how his military background has uniquely positioned him to understand and respond to the evolving demands of the battlespace, and how that insight is helping Advanced Navigation redefine resilience at the tactical edge. The pair then deep dive into Advanced Navigation's proprietary AI-powered deterministic fusion models – capable of achieving up to 10x greater accuracy – and the operational advantages they offer for defence primes and front-line users alike. Abdiel provides insights into the company's successful integration efforts with leading defence primes and how their approach is tailored for mission-critical scenarios. Finally, they examine how a veteran-led team gives Advanced Navigation a critical edge in responding to the unique requirements of military customers, and what's next for the company's US expansion strategy. 🎙️ Join us for a conversation at the forefront of Australia's defence innovation – and catch Douglas Abdiel live at AUSA. 🔗 Join us at AUSA Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team Disclaimer: The views expressed are the speaker's own and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, the US Marine Corps, or the U.S. Government. The speaker's participation and appearance in any private or public events, sponsored or otherwise, or references, including external hyperlinks, to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, US Marine Corps, or U.S. Government endorsement of any company or organization.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss military AI, cyber warfare in the Middle East, the week in cyber security, and why the Pope is coming out swinging against AI. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with AI news, including AI tech bros earning a military commission in the efforts to build battlefield AI and creators in the UK being told their art can, in fact, be used to train AI models. The pair then discuss the uptick in cyber activity due to the current conflict between Israel and Iran, as hacktivists on both sides take up digital arms. The discussion then moves on to the takedown of a prominent darknet drug market, and some of the big Australian hacks of the week. Hollingworth and Croft wind up with some good news, including the Pope siding with workers and creatives against the rise of AI, and some good AI news as USNW researchers work to develop a chatbot for hospital emergency departments. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this renewable energy and environment-focused episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Felix Bowman-Derrick, Assistant Secretary of Environment and Engineering in the infrastructure division of the Department of Defence's security and estate group. Bowman-Derrick holds a bachelor of environmental science (environmental management, honours) from Deakin University and an executive master of public administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. He has previously worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The pair discuss: Bowman-Derrick's perspectives on how the Australian Defence Force and Defence are improving their renewable energy usage and environmental sustainability under the Net Zero Strategy and Future Energy Strategy. Australia's need to balance these crucial policies with military resilience and lethal capability. The importance of contributing to Australia's emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050, through the Defence estate. Initiatives being implemented and developed, such as energy resilience with large solar farms and the upgrade of lighting and heating systems, to recycling uniforms and tyres into new materials. Defence's priorities for environmental management and policy into the immediate future, examples being displayed at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and how industry partners can get involved in the journey along the way. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

What do you do when you walk into your first defence event in your early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit … and realise you're the only woman in the room? In the premiere of The Progress Report, Defence Connect's Natasha Taylor sits down with Olivia Agate – president of Women's Defence Connection and HR partner at Navantia – to unpack what it really takes to show up, speak up, and stand tall in a still male-dominated industry. From rainbow dresses at 6am breakfasts to the quiet power of allyship, Agate and Taylor trade stories of imposter syndrome, backing yourself (and each other), and how simply saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your career. Listen in as two women pull back the curtain on what's working, what's not, and what still needs to change across Australia's defence industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Duncan Milne, managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia, and Pierre Basquin, chief executive of aviation and CEO France at Babcock International Group, to discuss further expansion into the military aviation industry to meet customer requirements. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the company's efforts to support critical aviation missions in Australia such as medical evacuation and search and rescue. They explore partnerships with small-to-medium enterprises in Australia as part of the wider goals of Babcock's global strategy regarding aviation. Finally, the trio unpack the greatest challenges facing the military aviation industry in the short and long term. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about furry hacking collectives, a spree of ransomware attacks targeting Australian healthcare organisations, and good news for farmers. Hollingworth and Croft start their chat by catching up on a defacement campaign targeting a website administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. AI-generated images of furries suddenly appeared overnight on the site, with the identity of the hackers – and whether or not they're furries themselves – currently unknown. The pair then get more serious as they discuss the rapid rise of a new ransomware operation and its attacks on Australian healthcare providers. Global only started operating in June but already has three Aussie victims. Hollingworth and Croft discuss who the hackers might be and what their plans are for the future. Finally, the pair talk about some good news, with free new cyber security education resources being made available to Aussie farmers and the ACMA's push to make telcos more supportive of the victims of domestic violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this Australian Space Summit & Exhibition 2025 episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by ambassador of Ukraine to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The pair discuss: Myroshnychenko's perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and critical support being provided by Australia to assist against Russian forces. Recent military actions in Ukraine and a massive Russian attack using 300 drones and 17 missiles launched into Ukrainian territory. Speculation that Russia will only negotiate in peace talks when it is sufficiently weakened and brought to the table. Australia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia's growing presence in Australia's area of influence. A need for Australia to bolster its sovereign defence capabilities and possible Ukrainian assistance in achieving this endeavour through battle-hardened expertise, innovation and technology. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Tony Rogers, market leader - defence, and Louisa Bloomer, director of digital technology (Asia-Pacific) at Stantec, to discuss the complexities of managing dislocated design teams in classified defence settings. The conversation begins with a deep dive into data policy and artificial intelligence, including how robust data frameworks impact design workflows. They explore data management and permissions and how Stantec approaches these challenges through their federal enclave architecture. Finally, the trio unpacks the unique challenges of leading design teams in classified environments and looks to the future – including the role of robotics in asset maintenance. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by special guest Robert Dougherty of Defence Connect to talk about a Ukrainian hacking operation, ransomware attacks on Australian companies surge after a quiet spot, and a popular hacking forum returns. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with Dougherty as they discuss an offer from Ukraine to assist the Australian Defence Force with integrating AI into combat operations, the uses of AI on the battlefield, and a daring Ukrainian cyber operation that targeted one of Russia's most important builders of military aircraft. Cyber Daily's two journalists then catch up on a busy week for Australian companies trying – and failing – to protect themselves from ransomware attacks. As it turns out, the quiet period talked about in the last episode was just a blip. The hacks, sadly, are back, and they continue to be disruptive, as Fire Rescue Victoria is continuing to learn following a 2022 cyber attack. Finally, the pair wrap up the podcast with news of BreachForum's resurrection, and a welcome move from two IT security giants to clean up the realm of threat actor attribution. Names matter! Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team