This week's episode we sat down and chatted with Matt Botcher who trekked the Kokoda Track with me ANZAC 2018. He's a great young man who is constantly supporting veteran's causes and used this trek to raise more funds for an Afghanistan Memorial to be built in Brisbane.


Matt is heavily involved with 42 for 42 who can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/42fallen/


Matt is currently organising a raffle where only 500 tickets are being sold. $50 each and the first prize is a Harley Davidson motorcycle. 
 


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode we sat down and chatted with Matt Botcher who trekked the Kokoda Track with me ANZAC 2018. He's a great young man who is constantly supporting veteran's causes and used this trek to raise more funds for an Afghanistan Memorial to be built in Brisbane.


Matt is heavily involved with 42 for 42 who can be found on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/42fallen/


Matt is currently organising a raffle where only 500 tickets are being sold. $50 each and the first prize is a Harley Davidson motorcycle. &#10;&nbsp; <hr>See <a style='color: grey; ' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for privacy and opt-out information.

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

Matt Botcher - Trekking Kokoda for a Cause

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

There comes a point where you stop trying to explain yourself in fragments —
and you decide to say it once, clearly.

This episode is that moment.

Whether you’re listening via The Kokoda Track Podcast or The Building Better Humans Project Podcast, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows.

Not a hype reel.
Not motivation for motivation’s sake.
But a clear line in the sand.

In this episode, Glenn Azar shares the personal standards, beliefs, and lived experiences that underpin his work in adventure, leadership, youth development, and mentoring. From the lessons learned under load on the Kokoda Track to the realities of ownership, pressure, identity, and respect — this is a grounding episode designed to help listeners slow down, reflect, and recalibrate.

You’ll hear why:


Ownership beats excuses every time


Pressure reveals character, not comfort


Leadership always starts with self


Adventure is a tool for growth, not a bucket-list item


Strong humans build strong families, communities, and futures

This episode is an invitation — not to follow blindly, but to take responsibility for your own growth and walk forward with intention.

If this resonates, you’re in the right place.
And if it challenges you — even better.

That’s where the real work begins.

Key Themes


Personal standards over motivation


Accountability and ownership


Leadership through lived experience


Respect for land, culture, and people


Building strong individuals and communities

Listen If You Are


Feeling stuck or disconnected from your direction


Craving clarity instead of noise


Interested in leadership, personal growth, or adventure with purpose


Ready to slow down and solve the problem in front of you

Final Thought

This isn’t a brand message.
It’s a way of life.

Welcome to the journey.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

There comes a point where you stop trying to explain yourself in fragments &mdash; and you decide to say it once, clearly.
This episode is that moment.
Whether you&rsquo;re listening via The Kokoda Track Podcast or The Building Better Humans Project Podcast, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows.
Not a hype reel. Not motivation for motivation&rsquo;s sake. But a clear line in the sand.
In this episode, Glenn Azar shares the personal standards, beliefs, and lived experiences that underpin his work in adventure, leadership, youth development, and mentoring. From the lessons learned under load on the Kokoda Track to the realities of ownership, pressure, identity, and respect &mdash; this is a grounding episode designed to help listeners slow down, reflect, and recalibrate.
You&rsquo;ll hear why:
<ul data-start="1056" data-end="1302">
<li data-start="1056" data-end="1094">
Ownership beats excuses every time
</li>
<li data-start="1095" data-end="1138">
Pressure reveals character, not comfort
</li>
<li data-start="1139" data-end="1177">
Leadership always starts with self
</li>
<li data-start="1178" data-end="1236">
Adventure is a tool for growth, not a bucket-list item
</li>
<li data-start="1237" data-end="1302">
Strong humans build strong families, communities, and futures
</li>
</ul>
This episode is an invitation &mdash; not to follow blindly, but to take responsibility for your own growth and walk forward with intention.
If this resonates, you&rsquo;re in the right place. And if it challenges you &mdash; even better.
That&rsquo;s where the real work begins.
<hr data-start="1565" data-end="1568">
Key Themes
<ul data-start="1588" data-end="1789">
<li data-start="1588" data-end="1626">
Personal standards over motivation
</li>
<li data-start="1627" data-end="1659">
Accountability and ownership
</li>
<li data-start="1660" data-end="1699">
Leadership through lived experience
</li>
<li data-start="1700" data-end="1741">
Respect for land, culture, and people
</li>
<li data-start="1742" data-end="1789">
Building strong individuals and communities
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1791" data-end="1794">
Listen If You Are
<ul data-start="1821" data-end="2045">
<li data-start="1821" data-end="1874">
Feeling stuck or disconnected from your direction
</li>
<li data-start="1875" data-end="1911">
Craving clarity instead of noise
</li>
<li data-start="1912" data-end="1984">
Interested in leadership, personal growth, or adventure with purpose
</li>
<li data-start="1985" data-end="2045">
Ready to slow down and solve the problem in front of you
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2047" data-end="2050">
Final Thought
This isn&rsquo;t a brand message. It&rsquo;s a way of life.
Welcome to the journey. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

What I stand for - Glenn Azar

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ae5097bd-d7fb-4caa-b5e2-b3c501839c77/transcript

Wantok: What It Really Means and Why It Matters on Kokoda

Wantok is more than a word — it’s a way of life. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores the cultural heart of Papua New Guinea and explains why understanding Wantok is essential for anyone walking the Kokoda Track. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, Glenn shares stories from village life along the Track, reflects on how Wantok shaped the Kokoda Campaign during World War II, and explains why respect, humility, and community matter just as much as fitness on this journey. This episode challenges common assumptions about independence and success, and offers a powerful reminder that Kokoda is not just a trek — it is someone else’s home.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What Wantok really means in Papua New Guinea culture
How village life along the Kokoda Track actually works
The role Wantok played during the Kokoda Campaign
Why respect and ethical trekking matter
What modern trekkers can learn from PNG community values

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.



This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

Wantok: What It Really Means and Why It Matters on Kokoda Wantok is more than a word &mdash; it&rsquo;s a way of life. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores the cultural heart of Papua New Guinea and explains why understanding Wantok is essential for anyone walking the Kokoda Track. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, Glenn shares stories from village life along the Track, reflects on how Wantok shaped the Kokoda Campaign during World War II, and explains why respect, humility, and community matter just as much as fitness on this journey. This episode challenges common assumptions about independence and success, and offers a powerful reminder that Kokoda is not just a trek &mdash; it is someone else&rsquo;s home.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="7684" data-start="7410">
<li>What Wantok really means in Papua New Guinea culture</li>
<li>How village life along the Kokoda Track actually works</li>
<li>The role Wantok played during the Kokoda Campaign</li>
<li>Why respect and ethical trekking matter</li>
<li>What modern trekkers can learn from PNG community values</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for future episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track. 
This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Wantok: What it means and why it matters on Kokoda.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/96fd9929-b28e-47b2-8a16-b3bc0098ca7f/transcript

Matt Botcher - Trekking Kokoda for a Cause

In 1 playlist(s)

Kokoda Track

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips