In 2017 Ross Lewis crossed the Kokoda Track but this wasn't any ordinary crossing of the Kokoda Track. Ross is a veteran himself and he was a member of a veterans group from the amazing charity mates4mates who provide services, experiences, therapies and support to wounded, injured and ill Australian Veterans.


As a veteran myself it's always an honour to be able to assist other veterans with their recovery and transitions into civilian life and I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Kokoda Track provides an amazing avenue to do that.


This is Ross's story and his Kokoda Track experience. 
 


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

In 2017 Ross Lewis crossed the Kokoda Track but this wasn't any ordinary crossing of the Kokoda Track. Ross is a veteran himself and he was a member of a veterans group from the amazing charity mates4mates who provide services, experiences, therapies and support to wounded, injured and ill Australian Veterans.


As a veteran myself it's always an honour to be able to assist other veterans with their recovery and transitions into civilian life and I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Kokoda Track provides an amazing avenue to do that.


This is Ross's story and his Kokoda Track experience. &#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

Ross Lewis - A Veterans Perspective

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

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

Ross Lewis - A Veterans Perspective

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