This week I am having a high-energy chat with Tara after her recent Kokoda Track and Northern Beaches adventure. 

This week I am having a high-energy chat with Tara after her recent Kokoda Track and Northern Beaches adventure.

An insight into the lessons learnt from people that have trekked the Kokoda Track in PNG. We will interview trek leaders, local PNG villagers and trekkers who have undertaken the arduous 96km jungle trek.

Kokoda Track

Kokoda & Northern Beaches with Tara

The Terrain That Decided the War

On the Kokoda Track, the terrain wasn’t just the setting — it was an enemy in its own right. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores how the Owen Stanley Range and the dense Papua New Guinea jungle shaped every aspect of the Kokoda Campaign. Drawing on military history and modern on-Track experience, Glenn explains why movement itself became the battle, how the terrain crippled supply lines and decision-making, and why endurance mattered more than technology in this environment. This episode offers powerful context for anyone walking Kokoda today, helping listeners understand just how much the land itself demanded of those who fought there — and why that same terrain still commands respect from modern trekkers.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why the Owen Stanley Range shaped the entire Kokoda Campaign
How jungle terrain neutralised traditional military advantages
Why movement and resupply were decisive challenges
What modern trekkers can learn by walking the same ground
How terrain still influences outcomes on Kokoda today

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda’s military history, Papua New Guinea culture, and the realities of trekking the Track with respect and preparation.



This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

The Terrain That Decided the War On the Kokoda Track, the terrain wasn&rsquo;t just the setting &mdash; it was an enemy in its own right. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores how the Owen Stanley Range and the dense Papua New Guinea jungle shaped every aspect of the Kokoda Campaign. Drawing on military history and modern on-Track experience, Glenn explains why movement itself became the battle, how the terrain crippled supply lines and decision-making, and why endurance mattered more than technology in this environment. This episode offers powerful context for anyone walking Kokoda today, helping listeners understand just how much the land itself demanded of those who fought there &mdash; and why that same terrain still commands respect from modern trekkers.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="6974" data-start="6668">
<li>Why the Owen Stanley Range shaped the entire Kokoda Campaign</li>
<li>How jungle terrain neutralised traditional military advantages</li>
<li>Why movement and resupply were decisive challenges</li>
<li>What modern trekkers can learn by walking the same ground</li>
<li>How terrain still influences outcomes on Kokoda today</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for future episodes covering Kokoda&rsquo;s military history, Papua New Guinea culture, and the realities of trekking the Track with respect and preparation. 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

The terrain that decided the war.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/0328deee-cac1-4a7a-b6c3-b3bc0098d602/transcript

How Hard Is Kokoda… Really? (An Honest Answer)

“How hard is Kokoda?” is one of the most common questions asked by people considering the Track — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar gives an honest, experience-based answer drawn from more than 90 crossings of the Kokoda Track. Rather than focusing only on steep climbs and physical exertion, this episode explores the cumulative fatigue, mental strain, and decision-making challenges that truly define Kokoda’s difficulty. Glenn explains why comparison is one of the biggest traps trekkers fall into, why fitness alone isn’t enough, and what actually helps people finish strong. If you’re preparing for Kokoda — or wondering whether it’s something you can do — this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a grounded perspective on what the Track really demands.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why Kokoda is hard in layers, not moments
The difference between fitness and preparedness
How comparison makes Kokoda harder than it needs to be
Why mental fatigue plays such a big role
What really determines who thrives on the Track

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, Papua New Guinea culture, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.

 

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

How Hard Is Kokoda&hellip; Really? (An Honest Answer) &ldquo;How hard is Kokoda?&rdquo; is one of the most common questions asked by people considering the Track &mdash; and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar gives an honest, experience-based answer drawn from more than 90 crossings of the Kokoda Track. Rather than focusing only on steep climbs and physical exertion, this episode explores the cumulative fatigue, mental strain, and decision-making challenges that truly define Kokoda&rsquo;s difficulty. Glenn explains why comparison is one of the biggest traps trekkers fall into, why fitness alone isn&rsquo;t enough, and what actually helps people finish strong. If you&rsquo;re preparing for Kokoda &mdash; or wondering whether it&rsquo;s something you can do &mdash; this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a grounded perspective on what the Track really demands.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="7906" data-start="7653">
<li>Why Kokoda is hard in layers, not moments</li>
<li>The difference between fitness and preparedness</li>
<li>How comparison makes Kokoda harder than it needs to be</li>
<li>Why mental fatigue plays such a big role</li>
<li>What really determines who thrives on the Track</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, Papua New Guinea culture, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.
&nbsp;
This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

How hard is Kokoda ... Really? (An honest answer).

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7ec5522f-1e74-4e5c-9304-b3bc0098d081/transcript

One of the most common questions Glenn is asked is simple:

“Are you leading my trek?”

In this episode, Glenn explains why he doesn’t lead every Kokoda trek anymore — and why that should give you confidence, not concern.

Adventure Professionals is no longer built around one person. It’s built around exceptional leaders, high standards, and a deep respect for the land, culture, people, and history of Papua New Guinea.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at:


How Adventure Professionals selects and trains its trek leaders


Why leadership, humility, and decision-making matter more than ego


The two-year Adventure Leaders Mentorship and the standards expected


How safety, culture, military history, and trekker experience are prioritised


Why Kokoda doesn’t forgive ego — and neither do we

Glenn also introduces the incredible leaders who carry the Adventure Professionals name on the track — people he trusts completely with his reputation, his team, and your experience.

Meet the Leaders


Mick Lay – Former soldier of 30+ years, leadership expert, and current instructor at the Royal Military College Duntroon


Heidi Rumsby – A mum of three with a deep love for adventure, PNG, military history, and personal growth


Bryan Waller – A dad of two passionate about physical and mental health and adventure as a mindset-building tool


Caine – A dad of four focused on youth development, personal growth, and positive mental health through adventure


Sami Dunk – The OG. A respected, passionate leader who brings joy, resilience, and perspective to every trek


Mili Saul – PNG-born, raised in Milne Bay, and a vital cultural bridge ensuring respect for the land, people, and PNG team

Why This Matters

Whether you’re already booked or considering your first Kokoda trek, this episode is designed to reassure you that:


You are led by people who care deeply


Your safety and experience come first


The culture, communities, and history of PNG are respected


You are supported by a team — not just a name

Key Takeaway

You’re not booking a single leader.

You’re stepping into a team, built on trust, training, accountability, and shared values.

And that’s exactly how it should be.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

One of the most common questions Glenn is asked is simple:
&ldquo;Are you leading my trek?&rdquo;
In this episode, Glenn explains why he doesn&rsquo;t lead every Kokoda trek anymore &mdash; and why that should give you confidence, not concern.
Adventure Professionals is no longer built around one person. It&rsquo;s built around exceptional leaders, high standards, and a deep respect for the land, culture, people, and history of Papua New Guinea.
This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at:
<ul data-start="805" data-end="1153">
<li data-start="805" data-end="872">
How Adventure Professionals selects and trains its trek leaders
</li>
<li data-start="873" data-end="943">
Why leadership, humility, and decision-making matter more than ego
</li>
<li data-start="944" data-end="1016">
The two-year Adventure Leaders Mentorship and the standards expected
</li>
<li data-start="1017" data-end="1098">
How safety, culture, military history, and trekker experience are prioritised
</li>
<li data-start="1099" data-end="1153">
Why Kokoda doesn&rsquo;t forgive ego &mdash; and neither do we
</li>
</ul>
Glenn also introduces the incredible leaders who carry the Adventure Professionals name on the track &mdash; people he trusts completely with his reputation, his team, and your experience.
<hr data-start="1339" data-end="1342">
Meet the Leaders
<ul data-start="1368" data-end="2267">
<li data-start="1368" data-end="1525">
Mick Lay &ndash; Former soldier of 30+ years, leadership expert, and current instructor at the Royal Military College Duntroon
</li>
<li data-start="1526" data-end="1663">
Heidi Rumsby &ndash; A mum of three with a deep love for adventure, PNG, military history, and personal growth
</li>
<li data-start="1664" data-end="1809">
Bryan Waller &ndash; A dad of two passionate about physical and mental health and adventure as a mindset-building tool
</li>
<li data-start="1810" data-end="1963">
Caine &ndash; A dad of four focused on youth development, personal growth, and positive mental health through adventure
</li>
<li data-start="1964" data-end="2108">
Sami Dunk &ndash; The OG. A respected, passionate leader who brings joy, resilience, and perspective to every trek
</li>
<li data-start="2109" data-end="2267">
Mili Saul &ndash; PNG-born, raised in Milne Bay, and a vital cultural bridge ensuring respect for the land, people, and PNG team
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2269" data-end="2272">
Why This Matters
Whether you&rsquo;re already booked or considering your first Kokoda trek, this episode is designed to reassure you that:
<ul data-start="2414" data-end="2610">
<li data-start="2414" data-end="2455">
You are led by people who care deeply
</li>
<li data-start="2456" data-end="2497">
Your safety and experience come first
</li>
<li data-start="2498" data-end="2560">
The culture, communities, and history of PNG are respected
</li>
<li data-start="2561" data-end="2610">
You are supported by a team &mdash; not just a name
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2612" data-end="2615">
Key Takeaway
You&rsquo;re not booking a single leader.
You&rsquo;re stepping into a team, built on trust, training, accountability, and shared values.
And that&rsquo;s exactly how it should be.
This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

You're in great hands - My Trek Leaders

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/45c8085a-01d3-415e-8edc-b3c6000187ba/transcript

Kokoda & Northern Beaches with Tara

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