He Pulled A Knife and the Army Protected Him For 18 Months
Andrew Hovenden
Emeka Conversations: Season 2, Episode 4
1hr 16mins | Premiered May 17, 2026
⚠️ Content note: this episode discusses suicide, PTSD, military trauma, and medication. If you or someone you know is struggling, support links are at the bottom of this description.
Three veteran suicides every fortnight. Up to 3,000 dead in a decade, according to the Royal Commission. And the system meant to protect them is, in Andrew Hovenden's words, putting them on ice.
Andrew sits down with Emeka to talk about what really broke him in the Australian Army. It wasn't combat. It wasn't a war zone. It was a senior NCO pulling a push knife on him in the Malaysian jungle, then his own chain of command turning the investigation on him for the next 18 months. Federal police got involved. The case made it to Canberra. And by the time it was thrown out, Andrew was already on his way to a psych ward, a list of medications "as long as my arm," and the brink.
Andrew is the founder and CEO of The Battle Initiative, a not-for-profit running faith-based legacy programs for current and ex-serving military, first responders, and their families. He is also a husband, father of four, and ex-pastor. This conversation is heavy, honest, and ends in hope.
🆘 IF YOU NEED HELP NOW (Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Open Arms (Veterans & Families Counselling): 1800 011 046
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
13YARN (First Nations): 13 92 76
