Mar 31, 2026
Welcome back to part 2 of our chat with Michal Dawson, BM. A man
who has lived a
life defined by service—both in uniform and beyond. Michael is an
Australian Army
veteran serving as an EW operator and in the Military police as a
dog handler. He is
a recipient of the Bravery Medal—an honour awarded to those who
display
extraordinary courage in the face of real danger.
From his time in the Army to the moment that would ultimately see
him recognised
for bravery, Michael’s story is one of instinct, selflessness, and
stepping forward
when others might hesitate.
In this episode, we unpack that defining moment—what happened, what
drove him
to act, and the aftermath of carrying that experience. But more
than that, we explore
the man behind the medal: the lessons from military life, the
transition beyond
service, and what courage really looks like when no one’s
watching.
This is a raw and grounded conversation about service, sacrifice,
and the quiet
professionals who walk among us, as well as the true cost of
service and the
struggles that every veteran and first responder face in
transitioning back to civilian
life after service.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Michael “Smokey” Dawson BM
Editor: Kyle Watkins