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Two Ordinary Cops
benschultz
100 episodes
Few seconds ago
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.
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True Crime
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All content for Two Ordinary Cops is the property of benschultz and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.
Show more...
True Crime
Episodes (20/100)
Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 95 – From Rolfe to Roadshows: Live Shows, Guests & What’s Next
After seven huge weeks with Zach Rolfe, we’re back to basics—Two Ordinary Cops, eight jobs between us, and a candid debrief on where we’ve been and what’s coming. We unpack the big takeaways on resilience from the Rolfe series, preview an unmissable new multi-part interview with Cath Nielsen and Susie Forte (Brett Forte’s partner and widow), and recap our first live show—complete with real-world Q&A for aspiring recruits (VicPol vs the NT, the truth about learning curves, and why throwing yourself in the deep end can fast-track your career). We also tee up 2026 roadshows (Dorrigo and beyond), hint at US law-enforcement guests, and share a powerful story from a 1950s QPS veteran. Big lessons, big plans—zero fluff. Tune in.
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Few seconds ago
29 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 94 – Part 7 Interview with Zach Rolfe – Your Questions Answered. Honest, Authentic and Unfiltered
In the powerful conclusion to the Zach Rolfe series, the questions come from you — the listeners — and the answers come straight from Zach himself. No scripts, no rehearsals, just genuine, unfiltered truth. Schultzy and Damo sit down for one final deep dive where nothing’s off-limits. From leadership accountability and training shortfalls to moral courage, media bias, and what policing needs to look like going forward — Zach responds with honesty, reflection and conviction. The Two Ordinary Cops add their own frontline insight, challenging and unpacking each topic with the same openness and balance that’s driven the whole series. It’s raw, intelligent and deeply human — a conversation that peels back the layers of policing culture, examines the toll on those behind the badge, and asks the hard questions most avoid. If you’ve followed this story from the start, this is the episode that ties it all together — real questions, real answers, and the kind of authenticity rarely heard in Australian policing today.
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6 days ago
2 hours 1 minute

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 93 – Part 6 Interview with Zach Rolfe – Evidence on the Table, Everything Called Racist, Victims Forgotten
In the final part of the coronial series, Zach Rolfe lays it all bare — the evidence, the bias, and the fallout that followed. He recounts being torn apart on the stand, the silence when hard evidence challenged the narrative, and the irony of an $11 million inquest that left victims and frontline cops worse off. Schultzy and Damo join Zach in unpacking what was really achieved, how the system failed to learn, and why calling everything “racist” helps no one. Raw, honest, and unfiltered — this is the coronial aftermath, through the eyes of those who lived it.
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1 week ago
1 hour 16 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 92 – Part 5 Interview with Zach Rolfe – Coronial Choices: Narrative, Bias, and the Evidence Left Behind
In this fifth instalment of the Zach Rolfe series, Schultzy and Damo sit down with Zach as he unpacks what unfolded after his Supreme Court acquittal — the return to work, the internal reviews, and the long shadow of the coronial inquest. Zach details how his private phone was accessed, the handling of his text messages, and how selective evidence shaped public perception. Through the lens of former cops who’ve lived the system, the discussion dives deep into what the coronial chose to hear — and what it didn’t. From questions of lawful process to professional reputation and media framing, this episode explores whether the search for truth was ever truly balanced.
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2 weeks ago
1 hour 17 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 91 – Part 4 Interview with Zach Rolfe - Trial First, Truths Revealed: Evidence or Agenda?
The Two Ordinary Cops return for Part 4 of the Zac Rolfe series, diving into the tense lead-up to the Supreme Court trial and the five gruelling weeks that followed. From delayed hearings, hidden evidence, and internal charges laid just days before proceedings, to Rolfe’s decision to take the stand and the jury’s final verdict—this episode exposes the fine line between justice and agenda. It’s a raw, inside look at what really unfolded in the courtroom, how evidence was tested, and how one of the most controversial trials in Australian policing history came to a close.
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3 weeks ago
1 hour 17 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 90 – Part 3 Interview with Zach Rolfe - Arrest First, Answers Later: Impartial or Predetermined?
In Part 3 of the Zac Rolfe series, we step into the moment everything changed—Rolfe’s arrest for murder. What followed raised difficult questions: was this an impartial investigation, or had the outcome already been decided? Rolfe recounts being directed to Darwin under the guise of “welfare,” only to face a murder charge days later, while the process itself left many wondering if justice was served fairly. From the watch house in Darwin to enforced exile in Canberra, this episode looks at the pressures, procedures, and perspectives that shaped those crucial first months. The Two Ordinary Cops believe in being impartial, so we explore these events as part of a search for the truth—one that matters not just to Zac, but to the police force and the community as a whole.
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1 month ago
1 hour 15 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 89 – Part 2 Interview with Zach Rolfe - The Shooting That Split a Nation.
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.
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1 month ago
59 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 88 – Part 1 Interview with Zach Rolfe - Voluntary Discomfort, Real-World Pressure.
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.
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1 month ago
1 hour 24 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 87 – Mailbag Mayhem and a Bombshell
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.
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1 month ago
57 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 86 - Deep, Dark and Dirty – Tales of a Diver with Luke McCulloch
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.
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2 months ago
1 hour 37 minutes

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 85 – Hypervigilance, Heartbreak, and Healing, Interview with Karlie Fleming
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.
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2 months ago
1 hour 28 minutes 9 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 84 – Lifeline on the Airwaves
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.
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2 months ago
56 minutes 46 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 83 – Off Duty, On Edge, and a Cartonable Offence
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.
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2 months ago
50 minutes 4 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 82 – Courts, Critics, and the Cops in Between
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.
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3 months ago
55 minutes 34 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 81 - OC Spray, Red Tape & the Politics of Common Sense.
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.
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3 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 48 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 80 – Auxiliaries, Ex-Mil, and Beers on the Bar
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.
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3 months ago
51 minutes 35 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 79 – From Cop to Accused to Airborne: Jarrod Michael’s Journey
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.
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3 months ago
59 minutes 13 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 78 – From Courtroom to Coroner: That’s Not a Finding, That’s a Stitch-Up of Zach Rolfe
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.
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3 months ago
50 minutes 2 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 77 – When Your Son Wears the Uniform: A Mother’s Perspective
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.
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4 months ago
1 hour 6 minutes 3 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
Episode 76 – From PTSD to Purpose: Nick White’s Mission to Save First Responders
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.
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4 months ago
1 hour 40 minutes 22 seconds

Two Ordinary Cops
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.