Peter Waring's path into podcasting was never part of his grand plan. However, his desire to reveal rare experiences and a deep need to share a story pulled him in that direction.
In 2015, while serving in the Australian Navy, Peter Waring was seconded to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, where he played a pivotal role in managing the search for the missing Malaysian jetliner, MH370.
The search, which ended in 2018, left Peter disillusioned with how the global media had portrayed—or failed to portray—the event. Given his direct involvement, he felt a personal responsibility to tell the story better.
Living in London at the time, Peter decided to take matters into his own hands - he drafted a pitch and sent it to the first podcast production company he found through a Google search. The next morning, he received a response from Whistledown Studios and soon after, the eight-part series "Deepest Dive: The Search for MH370" was released by Audible in 2022.
The podcast delves into the compelling and complex mystery of MH370, a story that has captivated journalists, researchers, and hobbyists alike. Peter's approach was unique in that he ensured the voices of the victims and their families were not lost amid the technical details - he recognised the human tragedy at the heart of the mystery and made it central to his narrative.
Peter's journey to podcasting can be traced back to his time at UNSW Canberra, where he studied online at the same time as serving as a naval officer. The flexibility of the courses allowed him to balance his academic pursuits with his naval duties, staying up late while at sea writing essays between watches.
Despite the challenges of distance education, Peter fondly recalls his online study and says the support from UNSW Canberra kept him connected to his studies - even in the middle of the ocean.
Peter's stint in podcasting was brief, but he gained valuable insight into what makes a good podcast and a good podcaster. Peter says it’s part writing, part interviewing, part investigating, and part storytelling.
Making such a thorough and detailed podcast requires patience, and for Peter, what makes a good podcast a great one is when the creators embrace uncertainty, allowing it to propel the story forward and make the audience feel like part of the journey.
Peter's proudest moment came on the same day as his graduation ceremony. He wasn’t able to attend as he had sailed to Antarctica as part of a Navy mission to chart the coastline near Casey Research Station. This mission was the culmination of two years of meticulous planning and preparation by a small team of Navy surveyors and technicians. The successful execution of the mission, overcoming challenges and extreme conditions, stands out due to the teamwork and dedication that Peter cherishes.
When asked about the three things he couldn't live without, Peter's list is telling: episodes of "Seinfeld," for the distraction and reminder of the world's absurdity; well-written fiction, particularly those with great characters; and, of course, coffee, and lots of it.
Peter's journey from the Navy to UNSW Canberra, and then to podcasting is a story of adaptability, curiosity, and a deep commitment to storytelling. His experiences have shaped him into a person who values both the pursuit of truth and the human stories that lie at the heart of every mystery.