Kokoda Track

As the sun rises over the Kokoda Track, a sense of pride and respect fills the air. This week on the Kokoda Track Podcast, we're joined by Leah, an environmental scientist who's just completed the grueling 96-kilometer trek. With a group of diverse individuals, including doctors, farmers, and teenagers, Leah shares her inspiring story of perseverance and camaraderie. Leah's experience on the track was a mix of challenges and triumphs. She talks about the physical and mental demands of the trek, from the steep descents and wet conditions to the emotional moments of reflection and remembrance. With a background in environmental science, Leah was well-prepared for the physical aspects of the trek, but she still found herself questioning her abilities at times. Her training regimen included strength workouts and pack walking, but she admits that she could have done more to prepare herself. One of the highlights of Leah's experience was the sense of community and support among the group members. Despite being the only female in the group, she felt welcomed and included, and she praises the group's dynamic and the friendships that formed along the way. She also shares her thoughts on the importance of training and preparation, emphasizing the need to be realistic about one's abilities and to take the trek seriously. If you're considering tackling the Kokoda Track, or if you're already booked on, Leah's story is a must-listen. She offers valuable advice and insights for those who are still training, and her experiences will resonate with anyone who's ever pushed themselves to the limit. Join us as Leah shares her story and inspires us to take on new challenges with courage and determination.   This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Happens When Kokoda Doesn't Go To Plan? A Conversation with Angela In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, I sit down with Angela to discuss a Kokoda experience that didn't quite go the way she expected. Like many trekkers, Angela arrived on the Track excited, prepared and ready for what she thought would be one of the most rewarding adventures of her life. Instead, she found herself navigating a series of unexpected challenges that tested her physically, mentally and emotionally. Together, we unpack her experience, exploring the lessons she learned about preparation, communication, leadership and the importance of asking the right questions before committing to a trek. Angela speaks openly and honestly about what went wrong, from misunderstandings around food and trek logistics through to concerns about leadership, flexibility and support on the Track. She also shares how her own determination, expectations and preparation played a role in shaping the experience. This isn't an episode about criticising people or organisations. It's about learning. Kokoda is one of the most challenging personal development experiences on earth, and sometimes the greatest lessons come from the things that don't go according to plan. Whether you're considering your first Kokoda trek, preparing for an upcoming crossing, or simply interested in hearing a real and honest account from someone who has walked the Track, Angela's story offers valuable insights that could help you have a better experience yourself. If there's one thing this conversation highlights, it's that preparation goes beyond fitness. Understanding the operator you're travelling with, the leadership you'll be relying on and the expectations on both sides can make all the difference. Join us for a candid conversation about resilience, adaptability and the lessons that can only be learned when things don't go exactly as planned. This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Happens When Leadership Doesn't Meet the Environment? This is one of the most important episodes we've ever recorded on The Kokoda Track Podcast. After receiving numerous messages from listeners, trekkers and trek leaders regarding a recent review posted online, Glenn takes a deep dive into the lessons that can be learned when a Kokoda experience doesn't meet expectations. This episode is not about naming companies, assigning blame or creating controversy. Instead, it's about examining the role leadership plays in shaping every aspect of a Kokoda trek and why leadership is often the difference between a difficult experience and a rewarding one. Drawing on over 100 Kokoda crossings, 25+ years leading expeditions around the world and 17 years in the Australian Army, Glenn explores the critical importance of communication, decision-making, duty of care, risk management and emotional control in remote environments. Whether you're planning your first Kokoda trek, preparing to become a trek leader, or simply interested in leadership under pressure, this episode provides valuable insights into what trekkers should look for, what operators should strive for and how we can all contribute to a stronger and more sustainable future for Kokoda. In This Episode Why Glenn decided to tackle a controversial topic The review that sparked the discussion Leadership versus experience Why communication matters more than most people realise Duty of care in remote environments Managing uncertainty and expectations on the track The concept of being "the calm in the chaos" Why feedback should be welcomed, not feared Lessons every operator can learn from difficult experiences Questions every trekker should ask before booking Kokoda How leadership training impacts safety, culture and overall experience Raising standards across the Kokoda trekking industry Key Message Every challenge on Kokoda gets amplified by poor leadership and minimised by good leadership. Bullet Point Takeaways Kokoda is unpredictable. Strong leadership is what helps people navigate that unpredictability. Weather, injuries, delays and difficult conditions are inevitable on Kokoda. How leaders respond to them matters most. Communication is one of the most important leadership skills on the track. Trekkers don't need perfect conditions, but they do need clear, honest and consistent information. Good leaders don't avoid difficult conversations; they lean into them. Feedback should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve, not as a personal attack. Leadership is not about titles; it's about responsibility, decision-making and accountability. Experience alone does not create great leaders. Training, mentorship and development do. Kokoda exposes weaknesses. Any gaps in communication, planning or leadership will quickly become apparent in the jungle. Emotional control is a critical leadership skill. The ability to remain calm under pressure creates confidence in those around you. Duty of care should always be a priority when managing people in remote environments. Leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions when safety and wellbeing are at stake. Every operator should have systems, processes and contingency plans in place before things go wrong. Trekkers have every right to ask detailed questions before committing to a company. The quality of leadership can have a significant impact on the overall Kokoda experience. A sustainable future for Kokoda relies on operators continually learning, improving and raising standards. The focus should always remain on the history, the local people, the trekkers and the future of the track—not individual personalities or egos. Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Trek Who will be leading my trek? Will there be a second-in-command? What experience and training do they have? How are medical emergencies managed? What happens if someone requires evacuation? How are dietary requirements handled? What food is supplied during the trek? What support is provided to local PNG carriers? What happens if someone struggles physically on the track? Do you provide a structured training plan before departure? How do you handle feedback and complaints? Quote of the Episode "Kokoda doesn't expose your strengths. Kokoda exposes your weaknesses. And nowhere is that more evident than in leadership." Final Thought The goal is not perfection. The goal is continuous improvement. If we genuinely care about Kokoda, its history, its people and its future, then we must be willing to listen, learn and keep raising the standard for everyone who walks the track.   This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the host of the Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn shares a deeply personal and emotional episode, reflecting on his 100th crossing of the infamous Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. This journey has been a transformative experience that has shaped his life in ways he never could have imagined. In this episode, Glenn takes a moment to express his gratitude to the people, country, and experiences that have made a lasting impact on him. He acknowledges the incredible team at Adventure Professionals, his business, who have supported him on this journey, and the trekkers who have trusted him with their experiences. Glenn also shares his most memorable moments from the track, including taking his partner, Mili on the track, and his daughter on her first trek as well as guiding single and double leg amputees. Throughout the episode, Glenn reflects on the lessons he's learned from his experiences on the Kokoda Track. He emphasizes the importance of community, gratitude, and living life to the fullest. He shares his insights on how the track has taught him to appreciate the simple things in life and to never take people or experiences for granted. If you're looking for inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human spirit, this episode is a must-listen. Glenn's story is a powerful reminder that life is full of unexpected challenges and opportunities for growth. Join him on this emotional and thought-provoking journey as he shares his experiences and insights from his 100th crossing of the Kokoda Track.SPECIAL OFFER AT THE END OF THE EPISODE. This podcast is brought to you by Adventure Professionals. KOKODA FITNESS PROGRAM OTHER ADVENTURES See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Cameron, a young man who trekked the Kokoda Track with his mum. They dive into Cameron's experiences, sharing stories of his mum's determination and his own growth. From the physical challenges of the trek to the emotional connections made along the way, this conversation explores what it means to push through adversity and find strength in community. With a mix of humor and heart, Cameron opens up about his journey and the lessons he's learned from his mum's example.This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Kokoda Changes Some People (and Not Others)Two people can walk the same Kokoda Track — and come away with very different experiences. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores why Kokoda has a profound, lasting impact on some people, while leaving others largely unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, this episode examines the role of mindset, ego, curiosity, attention, and reflection — and explains why hardship alone does not guarantee growth. This is a deeply reflective episode for anyone considering Kokoda, or anyone interested in why some challenges change us, while others simply pass us by. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why hardship doesn’t automatically create transformation The role of mindset and openness on Kokoda How ego and expectation shape experience Why attention matters more than toughness What Kokoda reveals when distractions are stripped away Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, culture, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Your Trekking Company Should Be Doing (But Many Don’t)Choosing a Kokoda trekking company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — and one of the least understood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explains what professional, responsible Kokoda operators should actually be doing behind the scenes, and why those standards often only become visible when things go wrong. Drawing on more than 90 crossings of the Kokoda Track, this episode covers preparation, leadership, medical readiness, group management, cultural responsibility, and ethics — offering listeners a framework to make informed decisions before committing to a trek. This is essential listening for anyone considering Kokoda and wanting to walk it safely, respectfully, and properly. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why not all Kokoda trekking companies operate at the same standard What proper preparation should look like before you arrive The role of leadership when fatigue and pressure set in Why medical readiness and group ratios matter How ethics and culture separate good operators from the rest 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 PROFESSIONALSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.