SAS Operator (Australia & New Zealand) | Tier 1 | Podcast Host | Joe Hotai - Combat Story (Ep. 79)

[@little75Fox]

Well done that man. I served in the RAR, and some of the best blokes, and to this day even were the Kiwis. My best mate is a Kiwi. They always have your back no matter what and if I am ever in a fight I'd want a Kiwi at my side. Thanks for sharing your story Joe, it brought back many memories. Thanks, Digg

[@mrzed.1018]

Very true what you said And as a Kiwi I can say Australia is family and despite the jokes and sports rivalry between our Nations we consider Aussies as family. And we defend family. There is no stronger bond between two Nations than New Zealand and Australia. In every war we have both faced and been involved in we have fought side by side.

[@yyxy.oncesaid]

Orree, on ya son 🇳🇿

[@potterj09]

I had an Australian childhood history of club-level sport, sport shooting and alot of camping/outdoors. I also travelled to America in early 2001 and lived in Texas for 18 months, meeting some active special forces people at the time when I was 18 to 20 & furthered an aptitude in firearms the public does not have access to here. I often wonder what may have happened if I'd gone to selection and got into the RAR, which at the time was highly possible. Honestly it is a haunt for me but I use what team & leadership skills I have in my daily job as a salesperson & middle management. If we ever have a Red Dawn situation in Australia however, god help those russians :P

[@potterj09]

@@mrzed.1018 My uncle Bruce from NZ died recently at the age of 95. First funeral I had to goto online due to covid. Not even blood-related (his wife is my mother's sister) but it hit me hard a wonderful man's man and also an academic. Travelled the world lecturing in economics, even got detained in Russia for 3 months in the 80's under suspicion of espionage. His son and daughter were adopted (once again not bood-related) but I think they're the closest cousins I have. It's wonderful how no other countries but us see the differences, and we see them clearly but its a beautiful quirky brotherhood. Oh, & if anyone tried to attack NZ, forget about it. AU lost our nuclear submarine contract but the French sold us other toys under the counter :)

[@mrzed.1018]

@@potterj09 thank you for the message Peter. Sorry to hear of your Uncles passing.....hard to attend funerals at the best of times let alone having to do it via the Internet. At least you were there in one way or another.👍 And correct the bond between our two countries is so unique no other countries that I know of even come close. The UK has resentment and historical conflict.....as does most other places in the World. I love how at the drop of a hat we don’t hesitate to assist one another in times of trouble. We send our army and firefighters to help with the bushfires that erupt during hot Australian Summers...and these fires can spread so fast and rapidly and swallow up everything it it’s path.....also floods that hit other parts of Australia. And likewise when New Zealand had it’s Earthquake that Destroyed the beautiful City of Christchurch....the first to come and help were The Australians....They sent Troops Emergency Personal and Supplies. Brought tears to my eyes to see how much we care for one another....and without hesitation. Makes us proud to be called ANZAC’s How many times we have fought side by side and died for one another in all parts of the world. Like Russell Crowe said....God Bless New Zealand.....and Thank God For Australia.🇦🇺🇳🇿

[@mkultra501]

Thank you for your service in the Australian and NZ SAS Joe,much love from across the ditch,

[@punker844]

As an Aussie its great to see more Kiwis in here.

[@yyxy.oncesaid]

Good on ya cobba🇳🇿

[@YT-algorithm-is-strange]

Your a beast

[@steverosie4641]

Chur brother, we're everywhere!

[@AG-pm3tc]

Man, this dude’s story resonates with me an awful lot. I think many of us, young men these day’s go through these circumstances, we need to hear these stories. What a solid dude, a true hero.

[@michaelmccallum9993]

Great story and great to see a humbling Kiwi/Aussie operator. What a legend!

[@panismith1544]

👍

[@frankmorris2603]

You're an absolute legend Joe. I met a bunch of SAS guys at the Brewery Alehouse in the 90s as a relieving doorman. They came to me and were just like a bunch of mates and told me they'd back me up. Totally humbled by this gesture from outstanding humans. I'll always remember it. Good guys.

[@pierevojzola9737]

Hi Ryan, congratulations on an excellent interview of a man that can express so much truth of what it means to serve in the beat units. I appreciate the background of Joe as I know his unit in NZ and his tribal background. I served in 3 different armies and completed 20 years service in total serving 13 years with the Brits. And finishing with 6 years with the New Zealand infantry. I fortunately served for a couple of years in Africa before joining the British Army where I served in 3 Para under an American Major who was on secondment from the American Airborne and then another American from the Rangers and experienced some very mixed attitudes to the type of soldiering. However, once a Para, always a Para. You have to respect Joe’s achievements and purpose. #Respect and Mana to the man! Cheers mate. Harera

[@jjhry177]

well shit i hope i dont piss you off bud and tk u for your decades of service in your country and mine (im a brit) 😁

[@scottandchels6813]

Joe was in my section pre selection, Vcoy. Good to see you are still around.

[@Shapeshifter1210]

I lived the next street over in Pickering Street. The Leilua’s still live there…Da hood lol. My mum worked at Watties too..in the cannery. I remember your mum at the burger bar..she was a beautiful lady, hard working, no nonsense and full of smiles. I hung out at The Young Image playing spacies or up Kaiti hill exploring when not down at the wharf fishing. Gizzy is still a tight knit community bro. Your korero brought back so many memories of home. Chur brother.

[@mammothkiwi]

NEW ZEALAND! Hell yeh I've been waiting for this! Was born in Mahia, not far from Gisborne! Joe comes across as dude a humble chill dude. As always a great listen 👍

[@cassiusclay991]

Nice spot out there

[@aaronhall7740]

@@cassiusclay991 that it is!!

[@Shapeshifter1210]

I used to work in Nuhaka at Blucks Pit (on the huge drag line you can see from the main road)..just past the LDS church. Mahia is a beautiful place to raise your kids.

[@Reaper4367]

Oh brother, who else is smiling ear from ear as Joe is remembering and sharing. Cheers for sharing.

[@Lockdown335]

This is great to see as a NZr! The childhood stories are all to familiar aswell haha

[@entopticmedia]

Former 152nd SIG here ... attached to the Regiment. Selection once is nuts - twice is phenomenal! Great interview! Swift and Sure Who Dares Wins 07

[@rp4712]

Hang on. You’re a Bear? Fuck that must be cool to be attached as a SIG mate

[@maddogmorgan1]

Bears are 7 sig regt EW operators the rest of us are chooks@@rp4712

[@chocisgod]

Joe speaks so honestly about his upbringing and his personal demons and shows us how human he is, no direspect to some of the others operators that have been interviewed but alot of them seem like they want to portray themselves as the cliche super soldiers and so refreshing to see someone so open and humble. Great job interviewing him too.

[@MrNcgy]

Thank you for serving Joe, and for sharing your experience. I hope those guys who surrendered never came back on line! Totally agree with your feeling about that, of course.

[@dannyarcher1754]

Absolute brilliant interview. Joe is so laid back at times I think you need to check for a pulse he is so humble as well.

[@clarehagley2165]

Perth Western Australia 🇦🇺 is a wonderful place to live. Love hearing from all the SASR operators. Ryan, thanks for your wonderful channel.

[@marcosellors4249]

One of the best interviews you’ve done so far. What a wonderful example Joe is of a true warrior.

[@mikemurray1202]

Joe ,what a fantastic invite into your life as a young fella ,and as u grew up to be who u are today,your youth was very much like mine,but I grew with my grandmother,no father,but my cousins were close.i can relate to your youth. Doing the two feats of punishment, indurance, mental torture, suffering,shit bro,that is outstanding what u have achieved in your life,congrats Joe,as I watching u talk ,your sense humour ,your rapport,and honesty, they say when u speak the truth,,u have no fear,that is why u have achieved what u have done,also your beautiful Mum,amazing,to u Joe ,u deserve all the accolades my friend,your movie is in the making,Respect. Mick,kiwi living in Oz.

[@rodeo4786]

You could pass this guy in the street and not think anything everyone has a personal story and this down to earth gentleman's life has soo many familiarites I grew up 2 hours north of Gisborne and what I find very inspirational is the fact that he went for selection and passed 2 of the most revered SF units in the military that in itself says a lot about the mentality and character of Joe an inspiration to all young people going down the wrong path .top story

[@mikemurray1202]

Good interview Ryan,excellent man,keep doing them,u & Joe ,great stuff.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

Kapai, bro. Glad to see you got to fulfill your dreams in one of the world's most revered units, overcoming those early life struggles.

[@vitigaymer1053]

Big Fan of Joe's podcast. Great to see him on here getting additional exposure!! I believe Joe went through NZSAS Selection in 99. So its crazy that his Training Officer from back then - is still in the Unit.

[@ChuckLeCluck]

Great story and talk from Joe. Everyone has a story to tell, we are very fortunate to have him tell his. The guy is a legend.

[@andrewbaxter5540]

Great interview as usual, Joe was so easy to listen to and what a effort two selections, inspirational. My son is soon to inlist in the Australian army and has just started to listen to this interview. Thanks guys

[@pooheadispoppingout]

Soldier 5 is the true account of B20 written by the kiwi who also did nz selection and then uk with another kiwi mate.... good read if ya have not .

[@christopherwhippy3181]

He passed selection with the Kiwi & Aussie SASR I'm tipping it'd be a safe bet to say he probably would've passed British SAS selection.

[@anonymous3174]

Agreed. It's all basically the same. Try to make them quit. I don't think dude has any quit in him.

[@slickstrings]

Is there any difference in the selection courses? i know the british sas is famous for the extremely long and challenging 'tabs' and obviously other parts as well, but does for example the australian course also contain this kind of section? or do they focus more on other aspects during selection?

[@Rookies103]

He would've passed 10 times over, controller

[@idgaf2671]

@@slickstrings go try out for the course🤣🦾

[@ticktock479]

@@slickstrings There’s a KZbin video on SASR selection. A part of selection is call Happy Wanderer. Five days solo navigation exercise. Probably the closest to what I have seen portrayed of the UK selection.

[@andrewrobertson3894]

What an excellent interview of a pretty amazing character. You did a great job and I was especially impressed that you took the time to learn about Joe's childhood and what his life was like growing up in rural, coastal NZ. Gisborne is a beautiful place, you should visit one day.

[@richardjohnstone1374]

What an absolute beast. Joe speaks so well. Thanks for your service and efforts fella 👍🏻former 152 chook 🇦🇺🇳🇿

[@supermat0793]

Ive got to 14 mins in and love this story. I grew up in Gizzy aswell. In Kaiti in fact and now living in England this is bringing back loads of memories. Kia Ora Joe.

[@jaywaikato6465]

Thank you for sharing your journey Matua Joe! From a young 24yr old Maori on the east coast I relate to your younger days all to well... I don't know how I found this podcast but I'm glad I did. Grateful I saw your story I'm hoping to hear my brothers reasonings on when & why he joined the army. Being on the frontline is in our blood that's all we want is to protect our family either being in a gang or on the force in some way either Police, Firefighter, Army etc

[@Radjasteindag]

This guy has good human qualities

[@alistairmills7608]

That's Kiwis for ya' mate

[@cjtill]

I like him, he’s probably the only person on here so far that I like. I always enjoy the stories but a lot of the SF guys I’ve seen on here are clinically insane or deluded, this guy was real.

[@surefiresteak0292]

i haven’t heard any crazy things from anyone on here at least that i picked up. who do you have example of so i can check it out

[@Peshur]

I think it’s partly a kiwi thing. Also most SF operators on here are yanks….a good portion come across as extremely self involved, hyperbolic maniacs …the opposite of the “quiet professional”

[@micksmith-vt5yi]

@@Peshur Aussie too. have not seen many Aussie SASR interviews anywhere on any channel. Even Vietnam many American MACV SOG operators bragging to high heaven and no Aussies and they trained seals and MACV SOG and members of it, Seen one interview with SGT Paul Cale ex SASR and founder of AUS 2nd Commando unit and he is humble and still barely know how he got knickname killer commando and now teaches Devgru and other SF his CQB tactics as learned after the mission where he got the nicknmae that all CQB being taught was rubbish..

[@TheCaptain001]

I’m a kiwi living in Australia (because it made me rich, another story)! I agree with you gents. This brother is real. SAS means ‘Do Not F*** With’.

[@shogun_1-0]

It’s a kiwi thing. They pride themselves on being empathetic towards others and each other but ready to kill if challenged. Super humble nation

[@riccokerkhof4580]

Hey Ryzn, I want to say a massive thanks for having such a brilliant guest on and for making my favourite podcast by a long shot. As a kiwi who aspires to some day soon join the ranks of the NZSAS this podcast in particular was a massive inspiration to me and one of my favourite so far. I listen to your podcast whenever I get a chance and still can never catch up. So much respect for you and all your guests keep up the phenomenal work.

[@Mylesluvs80085]

You always hear stories of the SAS mess halls are full of people you’d least expect together. You think of big burly block heads but it’s full of people from all walks of life. He’s a great example of this

[@AndrewSteele-dg2ym]

Good one mate, loved the humble approach. Another great perspective especially Western Iraq Ops

[@Grunzaa]

Chur Joe, your a real ambassador for Aotearoa. Proud to be a Kiwi.

[@bencarroll7636]

Joe is such a great speaking and inspiring,great interview

[@PF9O]

NZSAS and SASR? Incredible.

[@davidrhodes7655]

Yeah man that's phenomena l must be addicted to pain alright

[@aggressivecalm]

Engaging story, well told, with some very human reflection on what it’s like having to decide not to kill an enemy. Thank you for your service Joe .

[@RobSimpson-BarbellsandBurpees]

Excellent interview and always good to hear Joe speak about his time in the SF. He is an incredible individual with a great story and knowledge and a capturing and positive attitude. Thankyou for sharing this. Salute

[@ttlfmag3507]

Congratulations uso. Thanks for this beautiful insight. Humility and humbleness all lock in. Thank you to the both of you for your services.

[@williampoppell5189]

Argh geez Joe. I could listen to your life story for hours and hours. It is so relatable.

[@George-jp4kq]

So awesome to see the Kiwis, Chur

[@zaynevanday142]

I served 11 years in the NZDF in various infantry roles in 2/1 RNZIR, 6 Hauraki & 3 Auck North both Reserve (Territorials) and Regular Force (Full Time)

[@bartwilk1397]

Thanks for having Joe on, his podcast is awesome and highly recommended.

[@RossJones-w5z]

Good on you Joe, great podcast, my patrol had a similar Mk19 issue our first big contact in Afghanistan 2002. Ross Jones 3 Sqn

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

Ryan the way he talks at the talks at the start will answer one of your questions at the end. I’m a Brit and enjoy all your interviews, keep it up and deep Respect mate

[@bartbug1]

Joe Hotai, just all round great bloke and an amazing Father, Mentor and a great human. Thank you for show casing his amazing life, and his Military History. Thank you Ryan, keep up the great work with your Pod Casts.

[@leoniepele7254]

Humble and thoughtful. Am very grateful to have this perspectcive on life

[@mouse8523]

As a kiwi and southerner and Charles Upham being my great uncle I'm so lucky and proud to of grown up surrounded by such amazing role models, we grew up hearing stories that you couldn't Imagen nor heard elsewhere .. (taught as children by our own family greats how to hunt and shoot 😂 we was just like the pros at 10 so we thought and how we played as children was a whole new level 😂 ) We grew up with knowing what Honor, Pride and Morals was... Discipline was Huge!! Our beds we made as children by us, we had starched and ironed creases in bests AND worst kinda discipline, and ALWAYS. Knew what respect was and when it was applied... But especially what was sacrificed, what they seen and fought for!! But also what having freedom really ment and cost that wasn't by financial ment !! Due to our elders, father's etc most of my family have served in some way for what we believed and were taught not as say abuse now the word democracy ! But for freedoms, God and Country.. Sadly we since also learned those ethics of old that we believed in now just words and corrupted by elites and decision makers you would never see in mess nor would you trust on fronts having your back!! . so many now gone would be turning in graves and slowly being forgotten or silenced 🤐 but also I'm truly glad they aren't here to see what they so fought for and watched, seen and the many sacrificed for being so abused by those that wouldn't ever of had the freedoms if wasn't for them. NZ has and had so many greats true bloody awesome legends! We have also lost Many sadly not recognised as deserved ! Most unheard of or unrecognised or sadly being made to be seen as something other than what they deserve. Our legends passed and present have been involved and main characters in many a top secret deployment that can't be discussed nor will you find written in history Ever!!! From the gone but never forgotten Maori battalions to who I'm so proud of Uncle Charles (RIP 2 X Vc receiver ) and the many many now gone and still serving ALL those passed and present that remain unheard of, many a deployment that shaped history and why we are here today. As Charles always said to us and many "it takes more than 1 to make the impossible possible and the actions of many" ... true heros that are Heros sadly now days aren't heard/seen enough of !!! Hearing Jo has been Awesome!!! This is what we and all generations esp now's generations need!! And should be more discussed within Schools !!! A voice with so much honesty and mana and wisdom. Such inspiration thank you Jo. Xxo

[@steverosie4641]

Amen. Dad would always point out the Upham family farm when we'd drive past.

[@Clark-iey]

Awesome interview. I enjoy all your content Ryan, it keeps getting better.

[@jmginthent651]

Pure joy listening to this chap speak. Great stuff.

[@seanpk78]

I served in the same platoon as Joe in the NZ Army & he is very cheeky aye Joe 😂😂😂

[@roblhomme]

I had the lightbulb moment when I joined the FFL. I basically said to myself, to be selected, you have to step and be noticed...Speak clearly, get the information across concisely and accurately...that you need to, admit your mistakes, don't let anyone be punished for your actions....always give your best (not the best you think you have to offer) BTW I'm from NZ.

[@tayday424]

Mom's really are heros. What a fantastically likable guy.

[@SElav8]

do Willie Apiata VC if you can get him ,a humble legend .

[@Still-ill-Trill]

Absolute unit of a man. Unfortunately for us, his immense humility would likely stop him from doing something like this. He never wanted any of the publicity from his Victoria Cross etc he just wanted to get back to work and hated speaking publicly about anything

[@davidrhodes7655]

Don't know whether he would do it he's very reserved and humble one of this planet s most honourable people should be knighted but probably would reject it

[@zephheine9681]

thank you for your service sir..💪🏼and all our other service people who protect NZ citizens

[@terencehoulihan6031]

Hey , I grew up in Gisbourne , and I also worked at Watties and I used to live in Kiati…and I’m. Pakeha , I’m still very much a Gisbournite

[@Plebanian]

such a genuine awesome dude! great video!!

[@jamiecole2096]

It’s so refreshing to hear a fellow Kiwi discuss military life and especially tier 1 operations. His story is down to earth and familiar.

[@peterbrown7433]

What an awesome bloke this guy is - great role model - given where he's from can have its challenges (gangs / poverty/ racism etc) a huge amount of credit has to go to his Mum, she did an amazing job

[@ticktock479]

Missed opportunity, SASR action in Western Iraq had exceptional outcomes. When he mentioned being involved in the capture of the airbase I was hoping that we were going to get the story about how that happened. It’s a great story and can be easily found on the internet. Would have been awesome to hear a little about it from someone who was involved.

[@AbirTarafdar]

Just started watching. What a friendly and humble man. Look forward to getting g to know his story.

[@ignatuisserfontein202]

Awesome interview. Banter in these units are usually fantastic. Love it. Thumbs up Joe!

[@kc-vf4lp]

Gizzy boy!!! I lived around the corner at 10 A Ida Road but went to the rival primary school Kaiti school, awesome!! Ka pai Joe.

[@graemecruwys4816]

Much respect to you and all you have achieved.

[@mouse8523]

Awesome Jo .. humble, honesty and pride ❤

[@barryhamilton7845]

And to think the three SAS Regiments 22 SAS Originals ,SASR and the NZSAS.What a force to reckon with if altogether.

[@davidrhodes7655]

And they do do exchange tours " Long look " for the UK 22 SAS big on CRW and working with SASR on fairly regular operations

[@gynn]

Would love to see an Coast Guard MSRT or FBI HRT guest next. All these interviews have been great

[@ethanblack6174]

This guy is incredible humble hardworker

[@jordanm8915]

So awesome to get more info from New Zealand SAS Legends! I've met Willy but had very little knowledge of anyone outside of him. Thanks Joe, kia ora from Jordan in Christchurch

[@JNLR74]

Fantastic interview, thank you for making it happen and what an amazing person Joe is.

[@johnpomare41]

Joe Hotai, I can relate to your korero about being brought up in a big family 💓 enjoy your journey brother 💕

[@robbiemackay1023]

What a great guy....pure and simple

[@razdaz02]

1 of the BEST, Cheers Ryan ;)😉

[@chrispaul4599]

The NZ SAS came out of the Long Range Desert Group, many farm boys who could fix trucks and drive through the Sea of Sand around the lines. David Sterling had basically failed, paratroop drops in those days were like what happened to the Germans on Crete. The LRDG basically stepped in and provided Logistics for the airfield Infiltration to put Plastic Explosives on the Wing Roots of the planes. That and hiding in the Wadi away from the Coast Road to allow the SAS guy to set up Observation Posts and count trucks for Intelligence on Rommels Supply position.

[@tarouyamada2686]

Just repeat PatMac a few more times and you gonna summon him... which would be really nice actually! Dude is funny as hell. Great interview, Joe has such a presence, you would never guess the line of work he did. Also, Ryan breaking into laughter always cheer me up. I still have him in my mind, searching for "Doug" and having jiggle during the Sean Rogers interview 🤣

[@978962]

Joe resonates so much good energy. Genuine & wise. Ka pai bro.

[@janeessex9004]

Nice work, I've sent it on to my 24 yr old nefeue , hopefully this positive guidance for him ,we live in South Australia . I have had the privileged to opportunity to do an apprenticeship at British Aerospace way back 1996 the local economy

[@genepanasenkostraightunfiltere]

Excellent episode! Truly a fascinating and inspirational story!

[@biggeeizzy]

Great interview! Cheers for the share 🙌🏽

[@matai2437]

I worked for Jim Godbold in Gisbourne and the Reedies Paddy Lewises Sam and my son Nick🙂

[@raykarena4595]

Great interview both Joe and Willie Apiata the recipient of the Victorian Cross are awesome ambassadors for Maori males and men in general...

[@davidrhodes7655]

Awesome people real Heroes

[@FISHGEEK305]

What a great story and a hell of an operator. You need to put him, Shrek and Greg Coker in a room!!!!

[@nigelphillips8269]

Thank you for allowing us to see such truth in this world, Kia Ora

[@Temukabro]

Can't ever recall seeing a man being so totally fearless in speaking his truth.

[@ADAM_COLLECTS]

not a single swear-word. represents himself, his family, his training to a level all can aspire to.

[@samuelupeleseuma277]

Great interview Ryan on Joe top session and lessons God bless all...Soldier on as it is.👍🤙😄

[@hunterbonny8734]

Joe is an absolute legend!

[@Gary-ys9be]

Great chat digger. Enjoyed it very much 🇦🇺👍

[@stitchup5637]

Hey bro. You should read "The Crossroad" by Mark Donaldson VC. It's a great book, depicting a really interesting (and often tragic) life story. He's also Australian SAS and would be a great guest.

[@rangergrinch7924]

SINE PARI. Great video of another great guy

[@alistairmills7608]

I remember Gisborne North Island New Zealand bsck in 1990. Beautiful place. Worked on a sheep farm rgere and worked in the sheds as avrouse about. Deank.3 lingnecks before devouring roast lamb bscked dunner witg the owners family because he was boss shearer in the sheds and a really good boss.

[@kevinmath007]

Excellent podcast Ryan !

[@silentdogfart4892]

Those kiwi lads are a good sort! Hard but chilled

[@zico1583]

Awesome guys served in East Timor early 2000 with NZ And AUS very professional dudes 🙌

[@andrewpirie7973]

Great interview

[@keithgoddard4192]

As always, Joe, you are such a classy guy.

[@jrh8393]

Could an interview with Pat Mac be done sometime? Love that guy.

[@Weetbix1969]

sounds like Joe lives by the unofficial Gisborne motto pf "Go Gizzy Hard" both my mother and late wife were Gizzy girls and i hope to some day soon take some of her ashes back home for her. good on you Joe great interview cheers from a lowly Hawkes Bay Boy and ex Tankie - Ake Ake Kia Kaha.

[@tpatchie]

Solidarity loyalty trustworthy respectful reliable humble commitment selflessness,quality’s all required to ensure you are in the zone to perform at highest level and honour for all you represent and are able to continue with your journey to ensure fulfilling meeting expectations as a Military person and loving family man