A ship without a captain can drift — but what happens when someone new quietly takes the helm?

In this episode, Sarah investigates how IntSAR evolved through three distinct lifespans: its founding as a small charitable company, its transformation under Peter Cowell’s leadership, and its sleek modern relaunch years later. Each version carries the same crest, motto, and mission — but behind the surface lies a changing cast of characters and unanswered questions.

From archived websites and corporate filings to interviews with those once involved, The BADmiral explores how legitimacy can be borrowed, how old structures can hide new intentions, and how the line between purpose and pretense can blur at sea.

Peter Cowell was contacted for comment during the production of this series. At the time of publication, no response has been received.

All accounts and opinions in this series are those of the participants, based on their own experiences. Allegations are always attributed to their sources. The story is told in the public interest to examine how trust, belief, and ambition can intertwine.

🔎 Themes: investigative journalism · organisational history · veterans · leadership · identity · legitimacy · humanitarian aid

All episodes of The BADmiral are available now — stream them ad-free and with bonus content:🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Join on Patreon

Follow @conmunitypodcast on Instagram for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes insight, and ongoing developments.

Subscribers also get access to exclusive seasons & bonus content including:

🎙️ The Tonka Trilogy – bonus season to Conning the Con
💰 Klooghless – The Long Con – full series ad-free + video extras (where available)

📺 Subscribe on YouTube for videos from all Sarah Ferris Media podcasts → YouTube.com/@SarahFerrisMedia

The BADmiral is Season 2 of CONmunity Podcast (from Sarah Ferris Media) — an independent investigative true-story series exploring trust, belief, and the fine line between ambition and illusion.

🌐 SarahFerrisMedia.com

🎙️ Explore our other shows:

Stop the Killing — with former FBI agent Katherine Schweit
Watching Two Detectives — true crime told by those who solved it
Guilty Greenie — sustainability without the guilt trip
Klooghless – The Long Con — an award-winning investigation into New Zealand’s largest financial deception
The Bravery Academy — stories of courage and resilience

✳️ Now part of CONmunity Podcast (formerly Conning the Con) — from Sarah Ferris Media, telling true stories that explore how belief and ambition intertwine.

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