This week's PODCAST with Mario Corena & ''Vogliamoci Bene'', we welcome in Rememberance Day Week, we are privileged to have in Studio Sanremo special guest Professor Ben Wadham.

Professor Ben Wadham is a leading Australian academic specializing in military history, veteran wellbeing, and critical defense studies. As director of a national research organization at Flinders University, he advances understanding of the lived experiences and institutional challenges faced by Australian Defense Force personnel. His research blends historical analysis with advocacy, addressing both policy transformation and practical support for veterans and their families.

Widely engaged in public discourse, Ben’s work influences policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders. He is passionate about cultural competency and innovative solutions for veteran transitions, making his scholarship accessible through podcasts, media appearances, and conferences.

Outside his academic role, Professor Wadham is an enthusiastic outdoorsman drawn to camping, regional travel, and remote exploration. His grounded perspective, authentic storytelling, and commitment to connecting research with real-world impact have made him a respected voice and trusted collaborator in contemporary veteran studies.

In this interview we ask Ben the following : 

• Tell us a bit about yourself, where were you born, raised, educated etc
• Can you tell us about your journey into military history and research on veteran wellbeing?
• What motivated you to pursue a career in the Australian Defence Force and veteran affairs?
• How did your childhood or early life influence your interest in these topics?

• What are the key findings from your research on veteran wellbeing?
• How do you approach bridging academic research with practical advocacy and policy influence?
• Can you share an example where your research directly impacted veteran support or military policy?

• What are some of the biggest challenges facing veterans in Australia today?
• Are there emerging issues or trends in military or veteran studies that concern you?

• What drives your passion to make academic research accessible to a wider audience?

• What projects or questions excite you most for the future of veteran studies?
• How do you hope to see the field evolve in the next five to ten years?

Also Ben, as part of Flinders University’s Open Door Initiative, has a book, "Warrior Soldier Brigand - Institutional Abuse within the Australian Defence Force" which is co-authored with Associate Professor James Connor, UNSW.

So don't disappoint yourself, I urge you to listen to this fantastic PODCAST via the link -

 https://omny.fm/shows/vogliamoci-bene/vogliamoci-bene-ben-wadham?in_playlist=podcast

So let's start the conversation today!

Mario

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