Claim OwnershipTwo Ordinary Cops
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The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.
95 Episodes
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In Part 2, Zac Rolfe takes us inside the events of 9 November 2019 in Yuendumu — the night that changed his life and shook policing across Australia. From the lead-up and mounting risks, to the split-second moment when a routine arrest turned into a fight for survival, Zac recounts the stabbing, the shooting, and the desperate efforts to save Kumanjayi Walker’s life. He lays bare the reality behind the headlines: respect shown, decisions made under extreme pressure, and the fallout that saw him charged with murder. This is not the media’s version — it’s the raw, unfiltered story from the man at the centre of it all.
In this first part of our three-part conversation with former NT Police Constable Zac Rolfe, we go behind the headlines to hear his story in his own words. From a privileged yet restless upbringing in Canberra, through boxing rings and the battlefields of Afghanistan, Zac explains how chasing discomfort and growth shaped him long before Alice Springs. He opens up about the culture shock of policing in the Centre, the camaraderie (and gaps) in training, and the river rescue that almost killed him but earned him a Bravery Medal in just his first week on the job. This isn’t the story you think you know—it’s the raw beginnings of a man who would find himself at the centre of one of Australia’s most controversial policing cases.
From listener shout-outs to cartonable offences that’ll make you shake your head, Schultzy and Damo dive into the good, the bad, and the downright funny side of policing life. This one’s packed with stories from the bush, hard truths about break-ins, and a few unforgettable Q&A moments. But stick around—because right at the end, the boys drop a bombshell about a guest every cop in Australia knows. Trust us, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
When a call comes in for a body recovery and you’re dropped into shark-infested waters, most would tap out. Luke McCulloch dove straight in — literally. In this gripping episode, Schultzy and Damo sit down with former WA cop and police diver Luke, whose 15-year career took him from the red dirt of remote mining towns to the pitch-black depths of underwater crime scenes. From recovering a suitcase with human remains, to getting buzzed by sharks mid-dive, to navigating trauma, burnout, and the quiet toll of confronting death — Luke shares it all with raw honesty and a dry sense of humour. He opens up about the dive unit’s unofficial motto “Profundus Obscurus Sordidus” (“Deep, Dark and Dirty”), how he learned to detach from horror without losing his humanity, and why writing his book became part of his healing. If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on beneath the surface — this one goes deep.
Episode 85 – Hypervigilance, Heartbreak, and Healing, Interview with Karlie Fleming dives deep into the hidden toll of frontline policing and intelligence work. Karlie shares her powerful journey from chasing her dream of joining the police, to years spent in high-risk intel roles, through the trauma that nearly broke her, and finally the breakthrough that gave her life back. From the confronting reality of child protection and counter-terrorism to the science of nervous system dysregulation and the simple tools that can save first responders from burnout, this episode is raw, real, and packed with lessons every cop, firie, ambos — and anyone who cares about them — needs to hear.
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the lifeline of every first responder – the radio. From the gut-wrenching moments of being outnumbered on a hostile job to the sheer relief of hearing sirens racing in for backup, they unpack the power of comms and the mateship it represents. You’ll hear raw frontline stories, a shout-out to the unsung heroes in comms, and of course a cartonable moment that’ll have you laughing out loud.
In Episode 83 of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo take a step back from the front line and reflect on life after policing. From navigating the lingering effects of hypervigilance to the unexpected challenges of judging people by appearances, this episode dives deep into what it really means to switch off—or try to—when the uniform comes off.
Along the way, they share hilarious and relatable “cartonable offences” – those moments where even off duty, trouble finds you. From a Woolies encounter to surprising lessons learned in the UK, Schultzy and Damo mix sharp humour with raw honesty, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the ongoing highs, lows, and absurdities of life after policing.
It’s reflective, it’s funny, and it’s a reminder that some instincts never switch off.
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the often-misunderstood world of the courtroom, exploring the complicated relationship between frontline policing, public perception, and the justice system. They unpack the feedback cops cop — from both sides — and take a measured look at the way magistrates are sometimes unfairly judged by those who don’t see the full picture.
From frustrating legislative constraints to courtroom outcomes that don’t always reflect the hard work done on the street, this episode offers an honest, balanced, and at times fiery conversation about where things go right, where they go wrong, and what it’s like to be stuck in the middle.
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive into the legalisation of OC spray in the NT, drawing on the real-life experiences of cops in Western Australia, where it’s already been legal for a couple of years. Schultzy then shares a story about two blokes who tried to pick a fight with him while he was off duty, leading to a chat about the importance of a cop’s presence and authority when managing a situation, and how the RISC principle comes into play. They ask the question many police wonder – do you mentally call a use of force before stepping into an incident? Most cops say yes, and the Two Ordinary Cops break down real-life moments where de-escalation made all the difference. To wrap up, Damo explains how agendas can shape the coronial findings in the Zach Rolfe shooting. If you want a genuine behind-the-scenes look at the process, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops shine a light on the unsung legends of policing — the police auxiliaries. From the calm voices behind the radio to the rock-solid support in the watch house, Damo and Schultzy reflect on the vital roles these members play behind the scenes. The boys also dive into what it’s really like when ex-military personnel swap camo for blue, breaking down both the challenges and the advantages of bringing battlefield experience into frontline law enforcement. And of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a few laugh-out-loud stuff-ups, the revival of the beloved carton tradition, and a look ahead to the big October catch-up event. Whether you're behind the badge or just curious about the chaos, this one’s packed with respect, reality, and a few well-earned beers.
From growing up idolising his VicPol father to being arrested and acquitted twice, Jarrod Michael's story is one of grit, loss, redemption—and altitude. In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops dive deep into Jarrod’s short but impactful policing stint, the toll of false accusations, and the crushing feeling of being abandoned by the job he once dreamed of. But it doesn’t end there—Jarrod rebuilds, retrains, and takes to the skies as a rescue helicopter pilot, flying critical missions across Australia and overseas. It's raw, real, and brutally honest. If you’ve ever wondered what life after the job looks like—or what it takes to survive being broken by the system—this one’s for you.
The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has made headlines around the world — but was it really about the death, or about bringing down Zach Rolfe?
In this explosive episode, Schultzy and Damo discuss the fallout, questioning how a Supreme Court acquittal gave way to a coronial inquest that felt more like a public takedown than a fact-finding mission. They break down the legal process behind inquests, explain how the system should work, and ask the hard question: when did public opinion start dictating outcomes?
With raw honesty, decades of experience, and a few well-earned rants, the boys cover race, risk, responsibility — and introduce their brand new segment, “That’s a Carton,” for the stuff-ups that only coppers can laugh about.
This isn’t about taking sides — it’s about setting the record straight.
In this episode, the Two Ordinary Cops sit down with a very special guest—Schultzy’s mum, Liz. From guarding evidence in the red dirt of the Northern Territory to cooking meals for specialist squads, Liz shares what it’s really like watching your son step into a uniform and face the realities of policing.
She opens up about the pride, the sleepless nights, and the unforgettable moments that come with being part of the extended police family. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes—or how it feels for the people who love those on the front line—this one’s for you.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with former paratrooper and NSW police officer Nick White. From high-risk military service to frontline policing in some of the toughest parts of Sydney, Nick opens up about the trauma that nearly broke him — including the heartbreaking moment he tried to save a one-week-old baby.
Diagnosed with PTSD after years of cumulative trauma, Nick speaks candidly about his decline, the turning point, and how EMDR therapy helped him begin to rebuild. But he didn’t stop there.
Now the founder of Bellator Fortitudinem, a nationwide peer support network for first responders, Nick is on a mission to change the way we support those who run towards danger while everyone else runs away. This episode covers everything from frontline mental health, the cracks in the system, funding challenges, and the app he’s building to save lives before it's too late.
If you're in the job, been in the job, or care about someone who is — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
The Two Ordinary Cops sit down with Ben Hosking — a former frontline cop turned tactical operator — for one of our rawest chats yet. Thrown into chaos straight out of the academy, Hosko faced riots, a taser mishap, and the harsh reality of policing in Tennant Creek. Years later, he was forced to shoot an armed offender. From high-risk incidents to elite policing and the lasting mental toll, this is a story that hits hard and stays with you.
In Episode 74, the Two Ordinary Cops cover everything from snow in Hernani to sex dungeons in Kununurra. Damo and Schultzy reflect on the Northern Territory's move to legalise capsicum spray for civilians—and debate whether it’s empowering the public or arming the crooks. They also tackle the hot-button issue of deaths in custody, offering a frontline insight into investigative transparency that rarely makes the headlines. And if that wasn’t enough, they share their wildest search warrant story yet—complete with drug busts, gay porn on the telly, and a house full of adult toys. It's raw, unfiltered, and exactly what you'd expect when the boys start digging through the evidence drawer of humanity.
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive into the complex topic of public respect for police — where it comes from, how it can be lost in a heartbeat, and what it really takes to earn it back. From crowd control at footy games to walking the beat in remote communities, they explore the idea of "The Bobby Principle” — that being visible, present and genuinely engaged with your community is what earns lasting respect. They also chat about frontline fatigue, shout out a few old mates still on the tools, and reflect on how over-policing at events can help... or hurt. It's a candid, thoughtful look at policing through the eyes of those who’ve lived it.
In Episode 72 – Overseas Recruits, Overtime & the Price of a Carton, the Two Ordinary Cops dive into the real cost of life in the blue. From breaking down how junior cops can crack six figures (if they're willing to sacrifice sleep), to the unofficial rules of “cartonable offences” and kangaroo courts, Damo and Schultzy mix laughs with hard truths. They also answer questions from a would-be recruit and give a shoutout to UK coppers considering the move Down Under—reminding us that when the lights go on and the job kicks off, it doesn’t matter where you’re from. You’re part of the team.
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy dive deep into the tough conversations — from viral post turtle banter to the devastating reality behind police suicide and youth crime in the Territory.
Damo reflects on the tragic loss of his mate, Mickey D — a true legend of the Northern Territory Police — and what made him so special. They unpack what worked in the past for youth justice, the decline of community authority, and whether boot camps could actually help, or if some kids are just too far gone.
It’s raw, honest, and full of insight from two coppers who’ve seen it all — from ironed uniforms to iron wills tested.
If you care about policing, community, and doing better — this one’s worth a listen.
In Episode 70 of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy break down the police rank structure from the ground up – starting with the everyday duties of a constable all the way to the strategic decisions made at commissioner level. They reflect on their own journeys, share experiences of leading in remote stations, and dive into what it really takes to earn (or sometimes fail at) promotion. With honest banter, practical insight, and a few laughs, they explore the challenges of leadership, the difference between acting and substantive ranks, and why some officers are better suited to certain roles than others. Whether you're in the job or just curious about how police command works, this episode offers a raw and relatable look inside the structure that holds it all together.
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