UN Peacekeeper Caught Between Hezbollah and Israel | Matina Jewell – EP130

Matina Jewell is a decorated UN Peacekeeper and trailblazing Army Commander who went from searching for the perfect job to being caught unarmed in the middle of an active warzone.

At just 23, she was commanding troops on Australia’s largest navy ship. But her career took a harrowing turn when her final deployment as a peacekeeper with the United Nations placed her between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, facing 36 days of brutal warfare with no weapon, no protection, and unimaginable loss.

This episode explores leadership under fire, the power of resilience, and why adaptability isn’t optional - it’s everything. From battlefield to boardroom, Matina shares raw, powerful lessons that will make you rethink what you’re capable of. “That was then. This is now.” is more than a mindset, it’s a lifeline.

Get in touch with Matina - https://matinajewell.com

Matina’s Quick Fire Answers

What does success mean to you?

Positive impact.

What does happiness mean to you?

Freedom.

What’s your normal morning routine these days?

A few mindful breaths in the morning, get the kids to school, and time for physical activity, often walking on the beach.

What piece of advice would you put on a billboard for the world to see?

“Choose the lens that you see the world through.”

Who would you suggest as a future guest on the show?

Nick Dempsey - podcast host with an inspiring story of overcoming injury at a young age.

Listen To The Podcast

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1CCrfi7eB3zlANJ81D1C72?si=4221bec96c244a0c

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/success-x-happiness/id1683066164

Find Us On Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/sxhpod

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Introduction

(00:00:49) – Chapter 1 | From Keynote to Chaos

Matina shares how resilience is forged in the fire of real adversity, not theory, introducing her military training, leadership mindset, and her mantra: “That was then. This is now.”

(00:10:16) – Chapter 2 | From Byron Bay to Battlefield

A 17-year-old country girl reverse-engineers her dream job and enters the Army. By 23, she’s commanding troops on Australia’s largest warship, rewriting what leadership looks like.

(00:21:09) – Chapter 3 | Facing Fear at 60 Feet

Martina recounts being ordered to fast-rope from helicopters, terrified of heights, untrained, and leading from the front. A gripping example of courage over comfort.

(00:27:56) – Chapter 4 | UN Peacekeeper Caught in a Warzone

Meant to be a peaceful reward for years of service, Matina’s UN mission turns into a nightmare. Unarmed and under fire, she leads through 36 days of brutal war between Hezbollah and Israel.

(01:00:24) – Chapter 5 | Life After War: Recovery, Recognition & Purpose

From spinal injury and survivor’s guilt to advocacy and keynote stages, Matina opens up about the long road back and the fight for recognition, healing, and impact beyond uniform.