Two Ordinary Cops

Episode 128 – Courage, Trauma, and the Birth of Queensland's Tactical Policing with Keith Banks.mp3

In this powerful episode, the boys sit down with Queensland policing legend Keith Banks. From working deep undercover and helping build Queensland’s 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.

Episode 127 – Christchurch Earthquakes, Life After Policing – Miriam Leask

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 policing—the 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.
 

Episode 126 – A Salute to Queensland’s Finest

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.
🎙️ Listen now: https://benschultz.podbean.com
#TwoOrdinaryCops #QueenslandPoliceUnion #BlueFamily #PoliceLife #FirstResponders #MentalHealthMatters #CopCare #PoliceCommunity #PolicingAustralia #QueenslandPolice #AnswerTheCall #TwoOrdinaryCopsPodcast

Episode 125 – Live at the Queensland Police Union Council

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.
🎧 Listen now: https://benschultz.podbean.com
#TwoOrdinaryCops #QueenslandPoliceUnion #QPUC #PolicePodcast #FirstResponders #PTSDAwareness #PoliceLife #Leadership #Mateship #LifeAfterPolicing #BeTheGreaseNotTheSand #AustralianPolicing

Episode 124 – Bellator, Brotherhood and Fighting PTSD with Jack Woods

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.
There’s still plenty of laughs along the way, including Damo’s inability to remember Jack’s 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.

Episode 123 - The Backbone Behind the Badge with Lyn Kowalski

For 23 years, Lyn Kowalski worked behind the scenes in the Queensland Police Service — but as you’ll hear in this episode, the job was anything but “just admin.”
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.
You’ll 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 — but you’ll 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.

Episode 122 – The Missing Piece in First Responder Mental Health – Bellator Fortitudinum with Nick White and Krista Hawke

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 what’s 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 who’ve lived it.
This is a powerful conversation about identity, transition, and the importance of looking after those who’ve spent their careers looking after everyone else.

Episode 121 – Kumunjayi Little Baby

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 investigation—from the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution.
It’s 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.

Episode 120 – The NT Liquor Act - What People Don’t Understand

In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territory’s liquor laws—why they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what it’s 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 question—where 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 Fortitudinum—an important step in continuing the conversation around mental health and supporting first responders.
It’s an honest, no-filter look at a complex issue that’s often misunderstood, with insights only frontline cops can give.

Episode 119 – Arrest by Appointment vs Reality: Why That AFP Decision Raises Questions

In this episode, the boys take a closer look at the high-profile arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith — 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 “arrest by appointment”, and explain why it’s often the safest and most practical option for cooperative individuals.
They also dive into the realities of policing that the public rarely sees — from discretion and use of force to the difference between legislation and general orders, and why police don’t 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 — and just how complex even simple jobs can be.
If you’ve ever wondered how arrests really work, this one’s worth a listen.