Shane Cavagnino - Former Military & Mental Health Advocate

In this episode, we sit down with Shane Cavagnino, a former
military man to now a farmer in Tassie.
Topics and Key Mentions

Shane’s transition from an intense military career to life on
a farm in Tasmania.

Mental health challenges, particularly for veterans, and how
Shane is managing his own mental health journey.

Early life struggles, including bullying and career pivots,
that shaped Shane’s resilience.

Memorable moments and lessons from Shane’s Special Forces
training, deployments, and leadership.

Shane’s involvement in Panoptic Solutions and experiences in
executive protection and private security.

5 Key Quotes from Shane “There’s no cookie-cutter solution for
everyone in the military transitioning to civilian life.” “When I
joined the military, I found a sense of purpose—it became my
identity.” “I’ve got a problem, and I’m working through it. That’s
the accountability I owe myself and those around me.” “Moving to
Tasmania was like starting fresh, but I realized I needed a plan to
truly work on myself.” “For me, this journey is about being the
best version of myself for my family, that’s what really matters
now.” Theme

The theme of this episode is resilience, identity, and
transformation. Shane’s journey through military life, private
security, and personal development highlights how challenges can
be confronted head-on with self-reflection, a strong support
network, and dedication to mental health. He discusses how to
integrate intense life experiences into a balanced,
purpose-driven life.
What the Listener Will Get

Listeners will gain insights into the mental health struggles
faced by veterans and how critical it is to seek support and
build a life outside of high-pressure careers. Shane provides a
firsthand account of how resilience, self-awareness, and
vulnerability are essential not only for military success but for
personal well-being in civilian life. This episode encourages
others to look beyond identity shaped by careers and to focus on
the broader purpose.


 


Shane's Bio


 


Shane Cavagnino is a qualified Australian Special forces operator
with 18 years of experience in combat operations, counter
terrorism and protection of Australia’s high-ranking government
and military officials. Shane Cavagnino holds several academic
achievements including; Diploma of Security and Risk Management,
Diploma of Project Management and various other tertiary
certificates.


 


Shane Cavagnino served with distinction prior to discharging from
the Australian Defence Force with almost 18 years’ service. Shane
Cavagnino completed Special Forces Selection in 2011 has become
qualified and an instructor in a variety of special operations
skill-sets including close protection, advanced close quarters
combat, tactical driving, combat medicine as an EMT and urban
combat operations. Shane Cavagnino transferred to the Active
Reserves in 2020 where he still maintains a reserve commitment
instructing in various skill sets supporting the special forces
training school. 


 


Shane Cavagnino has conducted training and combat operations both
domestically and internationally in countries including Iraq,
Afghanistan, United Arabs Emirates, East Timor, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Jordan, United Stated and has
protected high profile clientele including, The Prime Minister of
Australia, Chief of Australian Army, Chief of Australian Defence
force, Australian Minister of Defence, private families and high
profile celebrities. 


 


Shane Cavagnino has received the following awards and
distinctions:


 




Infantry Combat Badge 




Australian Active Service Medal 




Australian Service Medal 




Australian Operational Service medal middle east 




Counter Terrorism/ Special Recovery Clasp




Australian Defence Medal




Returned from Active Service Badge




Meritorious Unit Citation Special Operations Task Group 




Afghanistan Medal 




 


In his spare time Shane enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
and spending time outdoors with his wife and three children.


 


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