New podcast series amplifies contemporary veteran voices
A powerful new podcast series is giving voice to the lived experiences of Australia’s contemporary veterans, offering listeners a rare and intimate insight into the challenges, triumphs, and transitions faced by those who have served in the ADF.
Saluting Their Service – Contemporary Voices of Bravery, produced by Soldier On, is a 10-part podcast that features compelling first-hand stories from veterans across Australia,
It explores themes such as leadership, identity, mental health, and life after Defence; topics chosen to reflect key areas of veteran experience. These themes aim to bring authenticity to the series by showcasing the struggles and successes veterans and their families face in their journey beyond service.
‘We believe that every veteran story matters,’ says Paul Singer, Soldier On CEO and co-host of the podcast. ‘Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a lived experience. We created Contemporary Voices of Bravery to give veterans and family members the space to share their journeys in their own words: raw, honest, and unfiltered.’
Jason Isaac, fellow host and veteran, says that veterans are often misunderstood or misrepresented. ‘It’s important the public sees the value, experience and passion veterans bring in serving others before self,' Jason says. ‘This podcast promotes appreciation for the sacrifice of service and helps remove the isolation many feel after leaving the ADF.’
‘Veterans today are as diverse as the communities they come from,’ Paul adds. ‘This podcast gives them a platform to share their stories in their own words, stories that may be overlooked in traditional commemorative spaces.
The podcast is already receiving praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, with listeners describing it as ‘moving’, ‘eye-opening’, and ‘essential listening’.
‘Podcasts are powerful because they are personal, accessible and deeply human,’ Paul explains. ‘They allow people to connect emotionally with stories in a way that reports or campaigns can’t always achieve. When the public understands the diversity of veteran experiences, they’re more likely to engage, support, employ, and value those who have served.’
Jason agrees: ‘Many veterans face an internal battle after service that can feel deeply isolating. I’ve been caught in that cycle myself, thinking “no one understands”, especially when I wasn’t connected to a veteran community. Hearing other veterans share their stories reminds you that you’re not alone, and that your story matters. That sense of connection can be life changing.'
With significant anniversaries in Australia’s military history marked in 2025, including the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, initiatives like Contemporary Voices of Bravery are helping to bridge the past and present, ensuring that all forms of service are recognised and remembered.
The podcast was made possible through funding from DVA’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, which aims to help make veteran stories more visible and accessible to the broader public. You can find the podcast on Spotify, YouTube and Soldier On’s website: www.soldieron.org.au.