Episodes
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The conversation around Australia's Special Forces has never been more relevant.
After watching the powerful documentary Bravery and Betrayal, Schultzy and Damo take an honest look at the extraordinary courage of the men who served in Afghanistan, the sacrifices made by their families, and the toll that service takes long after the fighting ends.
From daily combat operations and impossible decisions to the loyalty between mates, military working dogs, and the support of families back home, this episode explores what it truly means to serve at the highest level.
The boys also discuss the importance of fair investigations, leadership under pressure, and why those who put themselves in harm's way deserve both accountability and unwavering support when the facts are established.
This isn't about politics. It isn't about personalities. It's about recognising those who answered Australia's call, understanding the realities of modern warfare, and asking difficult questions about loyalty, leadership, sacrifice and justice.
Whether you've worn the uniform, know someone who has, or simply want to understand the human stories behind the headlines, this is an episode that will challenge your thinkingâand one you won't forget.
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In this powerful episode, the boys sit down with Queensland policing legend Keith Banks. From working deep undercover and helping build Queenslandâs early tactical policing capability, to facing some of the most confronting moments of his career, Keith shares the lessons that shaped his life both in and out of uniform.
Drawing on experiences from his books and years on the frontline, Keith reflects on the loss of fellow officer Peter Kidd, the impact of PTSD, alcohol abuse, organisational trauma, and the remarkable MLC siege negotiation that remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
The conversation also explores the changing face of police leadership, the importance of looking after your people, and the lasting impact that both good and bad leadership can have on those serving on the frontline.
More than just policing stories, this is an honest conversation about courage, leadership, resilience, and the hidden toll that policing can take on those who serve.
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Missing episodes?
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In this special episode, Schultzy's partner, Miriam Leask, joins the podcast to share her firsthand account of living through the devastating Christchurch earthquakes. From the terrifying moments when the earth shook beneath her feet to the long road of recovery that followed, Miriam provides a powerful and emotional insight into one of New Zealand's darkest chapters.
Miriam reflects on the incredible support provided by police, emergency services, military personnel, and disaster response teams from across Australia and New Zealand, offering a heartfelt thank you to those who helped Christchurch when it needed it most.
The conversation then shifts to a different perspective on policingâthe view from the partner of a former police officer. Miriam shares what she's observed over the past nine years with Schultzy, including the lasting effects of the job, hypervigilance, life after policing, and a few stories that prove you can take the cop out of the police force, but you can't always take the police force out of the cop.
A thoughtful, emotional, and at times hilarious episode about resilience, recovery, service, and the people who stand beside those who wear the badge.
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This week, Schultzy and Damo reflect on their experience at the Queensland Police Union Council Conference and the incredible people they met along the way. From frontline coppers and union representatives to those who continue to serve despite significant personal challenges, this episode is a reminder of the strength, resilience and camaraderie that exists within the policing family.
The boys share stories from behind the scenes of the conference, discuss why police from every corner of Australia instantly connect through shared experience, and give a well-deserved shout-out to the outstanding men and women who dedicate themselves to looking after others. They also highlight the importance of police welfare, mental health support, and the positive impact initiatives like Cop Care are having on serving and retired members.
Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, a tribute to those we've lost, recognition of officers doing it tough with remarkable outlooks on life, and one of the best Cartonable Offences we've heard in a long time involving OC spray and a very unfortunate place to carry it.
A heartfelt episode about mateship, resilience, and why the blue family remains one of the strongest communities you'll ever be part of.
đïž Listen now: https://benschultz.podbean.com
#TwoOrdinaryCops #QueenslandPoliceUnion #BlueFamily #PoliceLife #FirstResponders #MentalHealthMatters #CopCare #PoliceCommunity #PolicingAustralia #QueenslandPolice #AnswerTheCall #TwoOrdinaryCopsPodcast
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In this special live episode, Schultzy and Damo take the stage at the Queensland Police Union Council Conference to share their experiences from policing in some of the toughest and most remote parts of Australia.
The boys discuss the lasting impact of the Zach Rolfe case on Northern Territory policing, the importance of strong leadership, mateship, and looking after your people, and the challenges many officers face both during and after their careers. They also explore life after the badge, the realities of PTSD, and why finding your tribe is so important once you leave the job.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Two Ordinary Cops episode without a few laughs along the way, with plenty of wild Northern Territory stories, policing mishaps, and the sort of humour only cops can truly appreciate.
This is an honest, raw, and often funny conversation about policing, resilience, camaraderie, and why first responders need to keep talking about the things that matter.
đ§ Listen now: https://benschultz.podbean.com
#TwoOrdinaryCops #QueenslandPoliceUnion #QPUC #PolicePodcast #FirstResponders #PTSDAwareness #PoliceLife #Leadership #Mateship #LifeAfterPolicing #BeTheGreaseNotTheSand #AustralianPolicing
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In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo sit down with exercise physiologist Jack Woods from to discuss the powerful connection between exercise, routine and mental health recovery for first responders.
Jack shares his experience working with police, ambos and other emergency services members suffering from PTSD, depression and burnout, explaining how small achievable goals, accountability and physical activity can genuinely help rewire the brain and rebuild lives.
The boys also talk openly about the struggles many first responders face when asking for help, the importance of camaraderie after the job, and why organisations like Bellator are filling a critical gap in mental health support across Australia.
Thereâs still plenty of laughs along the way, including Damoâs inability to remember Jackâs name and discussions about sinking instead of swimming, while also touching on the realities of life after the job and why staying connected matters.
The episode also includes an exciting announcement about Two Ordinary Cops being invited to speak at the Queensland Police Union Conference next week.
A genuine, honest and important conversation about PTSD, resilience, fitness, mateship and looking after your own.
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For 23 years, Lyn Kowalski worked behind the scenes in the Queensland Police Service â but as youâll hear in this episode, the job was anything but âjust admin.â
From homicide investigations and child protection cases to supporting detectives through some of the darkest moments of their careers, Lyn shares the side of policing the public rarely sees. The long hours, the emotional toll, the black humour that keeps people going, and the incredible bond formed behind closed station doors.
This episode is raw, funny, emotional and brutally honest at times. Lyn opens up about transcribing murder investigations, working alongside CIB and CPIU detectives, supporting officers after tragedy, and the unseen role admin staff play in keeping policing running every single day.
Youâll laugh at stories of taser demonstrations gone wrong, detectives getting barricaded into offices until briefs were finished, and the chaos of life inside a busy police station â but youâll also gain a whole new appreciation for the people who quietly carry the weight behind the badge.
A powerful reminder that policing is never done alone.
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In this episode, we come to you live from the National Suicide Prevention Conference, where we sit down with Nick White and Krista Hawke to talk about whatâs really missing in the mental health space for first responders.
Nick shares how Bellator Fortitudinum has grown from a small support network into a nationwide charity helping current and former first responders find connection, purpose, and support after the job. From lived experience to life-saving impact, this is raw, honest insight into what actually works.
Krista brings nearly three decades of experience as a psychologist working with first responders, breaking down the reality of PTSD, moral injury, and why so many traditional support systems miss the mark. Together, we unpack the importance of peer support, early intervention, and why understanding the job is critical to helping those whoâve lived it.
This is a powerful conversation about identity, transition, and the importance of looking after those whoâve spent their careers looking after everyone else.
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In this episode, we reflect on the tragic events out of Alice Springs and the loss of Kumunjayi Little Baby.
We break down what actually happens during a major police investigationâfrom the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution.
Itâs a confronting conversation, but an important one. We talk about the balance between emotion and evidence, why process matters, and the reality of policing during incidents like this.
We also touch on our time at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, focusing on practical solutions and the importance of supporting those on the front line.
Our thoughts are with the family, the Alice Springs community, and all those involved.
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In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territoryâs liquor lawsâwhy they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what itâs actually like policing them on the ground.
From permit systems and dry communities to the chaos that can unfold when alcohol floods back in, we share firsthand experiences from the job that most people would never see or fully understand. We also tackle the bigger questionâwhere does responsibility really sit when it comes to alcohol-related crime?
We also touch on some exciting news as we head to the Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney, working alongside Nick White and Bellator Fortitudinumâan important step in continuing the conversation around mental health and supporting first responders.
Itâs an honest, no-filter look at a complex issue thatâs often misunderstood, with insights only frontline cops can give.
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In this episode, the boys take a closer look at the high-profile arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith â and ask the question many in policing are thinking: why was it done that way?
Schultzy and Damo break down the different types of arrests, including âarrest by appointmentâ, and explain why itâs often the safest and most practical option for cooperative individuals.
They also dive into the realities of policing that the public rarely sees â from discretion and use of force to the difference between legislation and general orders, and why police donât get to pick and choose which laws they enforce.
With real on-the-job examples and honest insight, the boys unpack how decisions are actually made on the ground â and just how complex even simple jobs can be.
If youâve ever wondered how arrests really work, this oneâs worth a listen.
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This week, the Two Ordinary Cops step into one of the most talked-about and complex stories in Australia â the arrest of Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.
Drawing on their policing experience, Schultzy and Damo unpack the realities of high-risk environments, the pressures placed on those who serve, and the difficulty of judging decisions made in situations most of us will never truly understand. They discuss due process, justice, and the importance of keeping perspective while emotions run high across the country.
This is not about jumping to conclusions â itâs about asking questions, looking at all sides, and recognising the sacrifices made by those sent into conflict on behalf of Australia.
Itâs a respectful, honest and thought-provoking discussion that tackles a difficult topic, while also reminding us of the importance of standing behind those who serve.
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Leadership in policing â everyone talks about it, but what actually makes a good leader?
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops welcome back fan favourite Andy Bedwell for one of the most thought-provoking conversations yet. While the episode starts with some reflections and real-world examples, it quickly builds into a powerful discussion about leadership, decision-making, and whatâs really going wrong â and right â in policing today.
From remote communities to major incidents, Andy shares lessons learned from decades on the frontline, breaking down why good leadership matters, how poor leadership impacts policing, and what can actually be done to fix it.
This is more than just a conversation about rank â itâs about influence, trust, communication, and empowering good cops to do what they do best.
If youâve ever worked in policing, leadership, or any high-pressure environment, this episode will resonate.
And trust us⊠by the end, this one hits hard.
đ§ Donât miss Episode 117 â one of the most insightful conversations weâve had yet.
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This week, the boys sit down with one of their closest mates and one of the best leaders they ever worked under â former Detective Sergeant Andy Bedwell.
From the wild days of Catherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, Andy joins Schultzy and Damo to relive the jobs that shaped them â from homicide investigations and remote policing to the camaraderie that helped them survive some of the toughest moments of their careers.
They talk about the reality of policing in the Northern Territory, dealing with tragedy, the importance of humour in dark times, and the unbreakable bonds formed between those who worked shoulder-to-shoulder in some of the most demanding environments in Australia.
There are plenty of laughs, a few emotional moments, and classic old-school policing stories â including golf course chaos, remote deployments, leadership lessons, and the kind of mateship you only find in the job.
This is one of those episodes that captures exactly what policing was â tough, confronting, and unforgettable â but also full of loyalty, laughter, and lifelong friendships.
One of the best yarns yet.
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What really happens when substances like kava, cannabis, and alcohol take hold in remote communities?
In this episode, the boys cut through the noise and misinformation to share what they actually saw on the ground. From massive kava seizures and organised crime networks making huge profits, to the devastating impact on families and communities, this is the reality most people never hear about.
They also tackle the backlash from social media critics, the mindset needed to handle it, and why âthe standard you walk past is the standard you acceptâ still rings true in policing.
Itâs raw, honest, and at times confrontingâmixed in with a bit of the usual banter, a yarn about the old PCYC days, and a well-earned âcarton of the week.â
If you want the truth behind the headlines and a real look at life policing the Top Endâthis oneâs for you.
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In Episode 114, Schultzy and Damo sit down with retired Queensland police officer and long-time dog handler David Raymond, who spent 26 years in the dog squad after joining the QPS in 1989. From tracking offenders through the streets and scrub of North Queensland to locating missing people and saving lives, David shares what police dogs are really capable of and why they are one of the most effective tools in policing.
This episode dives into the training, selection, and real-world use of police dogs, along with plenty of stories from Davidâs career in Cairns and beyond. It is a fascinating look at the bond between handler and dog, the pressure of the job, and the role police dogs play not just in catching crooks, but in protecting officers and the public as well.
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In Episode 113, Schultzy and Damo kick things off with shout outs to members of the policing community who have reached out to the podcast, including former coppers who have sent in books, patches, and messages from across Australia and New Zealand.
The boys then unpack a busy week in law enforcement across the country, discussing several recent police shootings and explaining why police are often referred to as societyâs hard stop. They also break down the reality behind welfare checks, what they actually mean in policing, and why the vast majority of these jobs end without any force being used.
Along the way thereâs the usual Two Ordinary Cops banter, including stories about police dogs and life on the job.
Coming up next, the podcast will feature some of the former police officers who have sent in their books, sharing their own experiences from bush policing, dog squads, and frontline service.
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What does a detective actually do?
In this episode, we break down the reality behind plainclothes policing â where detectives came from, why they exist, and what it really takes to earn that gold badge. From intense training courses and major crime exercises to extradition warrants, long hours, and cases that donât stop just because youâre exhausted â this is the work behind the badge.
But it doesnât stop there.
We also reflect on the extraordinary coppers we served alongside â the ones who ran in sixth gear when everyone else was red-lining in fifth. The hunters. The relentless operators. The ones whose phones never stopped ringing because everyone trusted them.
This isnât about Hollywood undercover myths.Itâs about commitment, pressure, pride, and the people who went above and beyond.
Two Ordinary Cops talking about extraordinary policing.
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In Episode 111, the boys sit down with serving Queensland Police Sergeant Jake Lacy for a genuine yarn about growing up on the Gold Coast, joining the police, and choosing the adventure of heading north before being thrown straight into the realities of bush policing in Mount Isa. From relentless jobs and limited backup to tight-knit teams and lifelong friendships, Jake explains how the bush fast-tracks both your policing experience and personal growth.
The episode blends humour, frontline stories, and honest reflections on camaraderie, police wellbeing, and organisational pressures - highlighting why looking after your mates, switching off from the job, and embracing the adventure out bush can shape not just better cops, but stronger humans.
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Every week we get asked the same question: âHow do I join the police?â
But the real question isnât how â itâs why.
In this episode, we break down what becoming a police officer actually demands. Not the recruitment brochure version. Not the TV drama version. The real version.
We talk about:
Why your motivation matters more than your fitness score
The responsibility behind the badge (not the power)
The lifestyle change no one fully prepares you for
What the recruitment process is really looking for
The personality traits that will make or break you in the job
How the job will change you â whether youâre ready or not
We share our own recruitment journeys, the mistakes we made, the lessons we learned, and what weâd tell our younger selves before stepping through those academy gates.
If youâre thinking about joining the police â or youâve already applied â this episode is your reality check.
Because this isnât just a job.
Itâs a commitment.
And you need to learn what it really takes.
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