PODCAST: Remembering the fall of Kabul, with Fred Smith

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
PODCAST: Remembering the fall of Kabul, with Fred Smith

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) diplomat and folk singer Fred Smith joins host Liam Garman to reflect on Australia’s 20-year commitment to Afghanistan and last year’s humanitarian mission at Kabul International Airport.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) diplomat and folk singer Fred Smith joins host Liam Garman to reflect on Australia’s 20-year commitment to Afghanistan and last year’s humanitarian mission at Kabul International Airport.

  

  • The pair begin the podcast discussing Smith’s background, and how he came to use music as a tool to bring communities together as a diplomat in DFAT.
  • The podcast continues by reflecting on Smith’s time as the first Australian civilian to be posted to Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, and his subsequent Dust of Uruzgan album which tells the story of Australian service in the region.
  • Smith also talks about his current cross-country tour “Sparrows of Kabul”, honouring the first anniversary of the fall of Kabul and Australia’s commitment to Afghanistan.
  • The pair then discuss his upcoming Townsville show along with the 1RAR band, commemorating the Battalion’s commitment to Afghanistan over the last 20 years.

To read more about Smith’s tour, click here.

 

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 10: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 8: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 7: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 5: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 3: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power