- 12
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Izzy Right Thou
🎙️ IZZY RIGHT THO? Real people. Real stories. No bullshit. Izzy Right Tho? is a podcast about the people behind the uniform, the job title and the everyday life. We sit down with everyday people from all walks of life and dive into their personal stories — the highs, the lows, the challenges, the turning points and the moments that changed them. From emergency services and high-impact occupations to everyday people facing their own battles, we explore what life is really like behind the scenes. 🚨 Emergency services 🔥 High-impact occupations 💬 Personal stories 🧠 Life’s challenges 💪 Resilience, failure & success 😂 The laughs, the chaos and everything in between No scripts. No bullshit. Just honest conversations with people who have lived it. Everyone has a story. Let’s hear yours. 🎧 Izzy Right Tho? — What’s your story?
- Publisher
- Aaron
- Category
- government · health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- Yes
- First episode
- 10 Aug 2026
- Latest episode
- 22 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
12 episodes in the feed.
22 Oct 2026
The rural approval with Rob Majewski
summary In this episode, Rob Majewski shares his journey from a young boy in Brisbane to a 20-year career in policing, including his experiences in the police force, community engagement, and the challenges faced along the way. Discover valuable insights into law enforcement, community building, and personal resilience. Rob shares his extensive policing career, including rural policing, country incidents, and lessons learned from challenging situations. This episode offers insights into rural law enforcement, mental health, and the importance of adaptability and resilience. keywords policing, community engagement, law enforcement, career journey, Queensland police, public order, police training, leadership, resilience, community policing policing, rural policing, country incidents, mental health, law enforcement, leadership, resilience, police stories key topics Rob Majewski's early life and move from Brisbane to Melbourne His involvement in AFL and transition to rugby league Career in metal roofing and transition to police service Experiences in the Fortitude Valley police station Community engagement and building relationships in Cunamulla Challenges faced in law enforcement and internal politics Training and tactics in public order management Personal resilience and balancing work-life challenges Rural policing challenges and experiences Handling high-stakes incidents in remote areas Mental health and resilience in law enforcement Leadership and adaptability in policing Community engagement and problem-solving in rural areas takeaways Community engagement is key to effective policing. Training and teamwork are crucial for officer safety. Resilience and adaptability are vital in law enforcement. Building trust with the community improves outcomes. Personal sacrifices are part of a policing career. Country policing requires unique skills and outside-the-box thinking. Mental health issues among officers need more open discussion and support. Effective leadership involves guiding and supporting experienced teams. Resource limitations in rural areas demand creativity and resilience. Sharing real stories helps understand the realities of law enforcement. sound bites "Rural policing demands thinking outside the box." "Training and teamwork are crucial for officer safety." "Building trust with the community improves outcomes." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:07 Introduction to Rob's Policing Career 01:53 Early life and move from Brisbane to Melbourne 03:10 Early Rural Policing and Rural Challenges 04:09 Transition from AFL to rugby league 06:02 Career in metal roofing and decision to join police 07:00 Handling High-Stakes Incidents in Remote Areas 09:56 Joining the Queensland Police Service in 2001 14:08 First station at Fortitude Valley and initial experiences 14:59 Dealing with Complex Situations and Community Engagement 19:48 Community engagement in Cunamulla 22:08 Lessons Learned from Rural and Urban Policing 30:11 Challenges and internal politics in Cunamulla 30:41 Mental Health and Psychological Impact of Policing 40:06 Training, tactics, and officer safety 40:31 Leadership and Supporting Teams in Challenging Environments 50:03 Dealing with internal conflicts and vindication 50:33 Retirement Reflections and Life After Policing 01:00:02 Reflections on a policing career and personal growth 01:00:31 Advice for Young Officers and Future Generations
16 Oct 2026
Guess who's back,back again.. Donny's Back Todd Maguire's story
summary In this episode, Todd Maguire shares his journey from a young sports enthusiast in Brisbane to a seasoned police officer and undercover agent. He discusses the challenges of police work, personal trauma, and the lessons learned along the way. Todd Maguire shares his intense journey through undercover police work, the challenges of PTSD, and his inspiring path to healing and writing his memoir. Discover the raw realities of a life in law enforcement and the importance of mental health awareness. keywords police, undercover, trauma, Brisbane, sports, law enforcement, mental health, personal story undercover police, PTSD, law enforcement, mental health, memoir, crime stories, recovery, trauma, Australian police key topics Todd Maguire's early life and sports background Transition from sports to law enforcement Experiences in police work and undercover operations Personal trauma and mental health challenges Lessons learned from a career in policing Undercover police operations and experiences The impact of PTSD on law enforcement officers The process of healing and writing a memoir The importance of mental health awareness in policing Real-life crime stories and their emotional toll takeaways Personal trauma can deeply impact mental health and recovery. The importance of mental health support for law enforcement. Resilience and adaptability are crucial in police work. Personal stories reveal the human side of law enforcement. Understanding the effects of trauma helps in supporting others. timesteps 00:00 - Introduction to Todd Maguire's story 02:30 - Todd's early career and undercover work in Brisbane 05:45 - The intense experiences and encounters in the field 10:15 - The emotional and psychological toll of police work 15:00 - Recognizing and addressing PTSD after service 20:30 - The process of writing his memoir and its purpose 25:00 - The role of social media and public speaking in healing 30:00 - Advice for current officers and mental health awareness 35:00 - The connection between trauma and personal relationships 40:00 - The future of mental health support in law enforcement sound bites "My old man was a star in Brisbane for Brothers." "I was always trying to catch him in backyard footy." "Trauma is something you carry with you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Todd's background in Brisbane 03:54 Growing up in Brisbane and sports influences 09:54 Transition from sports to law enforcement 20:12 Joining the police force and early experiences 29:51 Undercover work and challenges faced 45:01 Trauma, mental health, and personal struggles 01:00:09 Reflections on a police career and lessons learned 01:14:50 Life after policing and ongoing recovery
15 Oct 2026
The mask must come off
summary In this episode, Blake shares his journey from a tough childhood in Logan, through various careers including firefighting and policing, to the profound experiences and challenges faced in law enforcement. He discusses the realities of police work, mental health, and the importance of support systems. In this episode, we delve into the profound experiences of police officers dealing with trauma, mental health challenges, and the importance of community support. Our guest shares personal stories, insights on organizational shortcomings, and innovative ideas to foster mental well-being among first responders. keywords policing, law enforcement, mental health, first responder, police stories, trauma, community policing, police training, emergency response, police career police mental health, trauma, support systems, community, policing challenges, mental health awareness, first responders, organizational support, self-care, stigma reduction key topics Blake's childhood in Logan and early sports interests Pathway into firefighting and police careers First experiences and challenges in police academy Memorable and traumatic police jobs Impact of police work on mental health and well-being Importance of support systems and peer support in policing Police trauma and mental health challenges Organizational shortcomings and lack of support Innovative community support initiatives The impact of trauma on personal and professional life The importance of vulnerability and open conversations The role of social media in mental health awareness Strategies for early intervention and prevention The need for systemic change in police support services takeaways Police work exposes officers to traumatic events that impact mental health. Support systems and peer networks are crucial for police resilience. Real-world policing involves a wide range of unpredictable and intense situations. Training and experience are vital, but emotional preparedness is equally important. Policing has evolved, with increased focus on mental health and community engagement. Police officers often hide their struggles due to stigma and organizational culture. Support systems are frequently inadequate, leading to isolation and worsening mental health. Community-driven initiatives and open conversations can foster healing and resilience. Early intervention and tailored mental health treatments are crucial for first responders. Organizational change is needed to prioritize mental health and reduce stigma. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Blake's background 00:02 Introduction to police mental health challenges 01:56 Growing up in Logan and early sports interests 02:25 Personal stories of trauma and emotional impact 05:08 Path to firefighting and transition to police 10:12 First experiences in police academy and initial jobs 10:42 Organizational shortcomings and lack of support 15:54 Innovative ideas for community support and awareness 19:54 Memorable police jobs and traumatic incidents 20:23 The importance of vulnerability and open dialogue 25:07 Strategies for early intervention and systemic change 30:04 Conclusion and call to action 39:58 Impact of police work on mental health 01:00:01 Support systems and the need for mental health resources 01:19:59 Reflections on policing and societal changes
9 Oct 2026
One rule for some, another rule for others
In this episode, Lauren shares her experiences and insights on police recruitment, retention, and systemic issues within the Queensland Police Service, highlighting the need for reform and proactive strategies. sound bites "Where is my tax money going?" "Policing is one of the most honorable careers." "The language used here is not acceptable." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 00:26 Lauren's resignation and reasons behind it 02:23 Understanding police funding and international recruitment 04:17 Diversity in police intake and international officers' experiences 06:46 Incentives for international officers to join Queensland Police 08:41 The role of frontline and detective work in policing 09:08 Recognition and acknowledgment of international officers' skills 11:31 Recruitment issues and declining numbers in Queensland Police 12:28 The pattern of leaving and systemic barriers 15:38 Lauren's resignation story and decision process 17:42 Addressing sexual offences and hostel safety 23:00 Patterns in sexual offences and hostel safety concerns 28:38 Operation Light Compass and proactive initiatives 32:56 Barriers to career progression and tenure issues 40:07 The importance of organizational change and retention 45:45 Policing culture, language, and systemic issues 01:01:16 International policing practices and domestic violence approaches 01:11:00 Support systems, mental health, and post-retirement challenges 01:22:32 The need for systemic reform and community trust 01:29:14 Closing remarks and call for change
21 Sept 2026
Critical issues with training, risk management and integrity in policing
In this episode, we delve into the critical issues facing police training, risk management, and the integrity of law enforcement. Our guests share insights on firearm training deficiencies, the impact of legislation on domestic violence cases, and the importance of integrity and transparency in policing. In this episode, Izzy hosts a candid conversation with Brad and others about police work, mental health, legislation, and societal issues. They explore real stories, challenges faced by officers, and the need for systemic change to improve community safety and officer wellbeing. 00:00Introduction to the episode and guest overview 00:05Introduction and episode overview 01:58Firearm training gaps and real-world application 02:26Real stories of domestic violence and coercive control 03:25Combat stress and pressure training in police 04:45Improving firearm skills through dry drills and stimulus training 09:05Frequency of shooting practice for police competency 10:11Challenges with domestic violence legislation and false reports 13:34Long gun qualification and qualification challenges 16:03Risk management in police work and organizational focus 20:08Juvenile crime, detention, and recidivism 23:33Fitness standards and physical readiness in policing 30:35Systemic issues in police promotion and career progression 33:23Corruption, integrity, and accountability in police ranks 40:20Mental health, burnout, and injury management in policing 45:20Statistics manipulation and domestic violence reporting 50:13Community safety, active response, and training gaps 59:21Legislation and its impact on domestic violence cases 01:00:16Legislative flaws, judicial decisions, and accountability 01:07:23Personal experiences with domestic violence and police response 01:10:12The importance of physical fitness and officer readiness 01:15:09Conclusion and key takeaways from the discussion 01:20:05Reflections on police work, public perception, and future challenges
16 Sept 2026
From Cop to Psychologist- The common First responder traits and how to overcome them
In this episode, Chris McIntyre shares his journey from a young kid in Melbourne to a police officer and psychologist, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by first responders and the importance of understanding trauma, PTSD, and self-care. In this episode, we explore mental health, physical well-being, and the importance of holistic care for emergency responders and the general public. The discussion covers topics like sleep, diet, social media impact, and effective treatment options. 00:00Introduction and Chris McIntyre's background 01:57Chris's childhood, upbringing, and early interests 04:08Path to police career and first experiences in policing 08:00Transition from police to psychology and further education 12:06First responder trauma and the impact of critical incidents 19:56Dealing with death, family support, and emotional challenges 30:12Signs of trauma, burnout, and the importance of self-care 40:03Understanding the freeze response and its effects 50:00Support systems, debriefs, and mental health resources 01:00:04Working with veterans and managing PTSD and substance misuse 01:10:00The importance of cultural competence in psychological support 01:19:55Advice for young police officers and first responders 01:30:11Closing thoughts and key takeaways for mental health awareness
15 Sept 2026
Brotherhood, Rescues, stunts and overall high pressure situations w Aussie Stunt Coordinator Jimmy C
In this episode, Jimmy Christiansen shares his remarkable journey from army veteran to stunt coordinator and cruise ship trainer. He discusses the lessons learned from military service, the importance of brotherhood, and how these experiences shape his approach to leadership and life. In this episode, Jimmy shares his extensive experience in stunt work, military background, and lessons learned from high-pressure situations. He discusses the importance of mindset, trust, and preparation in both his military and stunt careers, offering valuable insights for professionals and enthusiasts alike. 00:00Introduction and guest background 01:51Jimmy’s childhood in New Zealand and move to Australia 02:21Transition from military to stunt industry 04:09Growing up surfing and playing rugby 05:05The importance of mindset and preparation 06:01School life, grades, and early lessons in finance 08:01Joining the army and initial training experiences 10:10Safety, trust, and team dynamics 11:59The bonds forged in military training and brotherhood 15:00Military roles: artillery, recon, and leadership lessons 15:35High-pressure decision making and injuries 20:04Transition from army to cruise ship industry 20:41Epic film stunt stories with Hollywood actors 25:08Experiences on cruise ships and the culture of travel 25:35Qualifications versus competence in stunt work 30:06Becoming a fitness instructor and setting up training programs 30:32Mental toughness and resilience 34:50The move into stunt work and training in the film industry 35:20Advice for ex-military transitioning to civilian careers 40:09The impact of stress, burnout, and mental health awareness 40:39Closing thoughts and key lessons 45:03The role of discipline and focus in high-stakes environments 49:57Reflections on life, regrets, and purpose 01:00:02Jimmy’s current projects and future plans
2 Sept 2026
Large drug discoveries to black dog and the old Kangaroo court
Terry Orchard: From police veteran to marriage celebrant Izzy speaks with Terry Orchard, a retired Queensland police officer with 36 and a half years of service, about the winding path from a childhood in London to a long career across general duties, CIB, drug squad work, covert operations, and witness protection. Terry also shares how a career that was intense, high-pressure, and often chaotic eventually led him into a very different life as a wedding celebrant.This episode covers policing history, undercover work, major drug investigations, burnout, marriage breakdowns, recovery, and the surprisingly fitting second career Terry built after retirement. Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Terry Orchard and his 36.5-year policing career 03:56 - Childhood in London, Hampstead, and family background 04:56 - School struggles, reading difficulties, and bad influences 06:10 - Sport at school and finding basketball 08:20 - First jobs and unknowingly growing cannabis in a greenhouse 11:53 - Father’s sudden death and the move to Australia 14:51 - Emigrating to Australia and settling in Sydney, then Brisbane 19:32 - Job hunting with no qualifications and landing at David Jones 23:07 - Deciding policing was the next career move 24:05 - TAFE courses, reapplying, and finally getting into the police 30:17 - Academy life at Oxley and the discipline of the 1980s 36:56 - First major pursuits, including the Channel Seven helicopter job 41:07 - Early trainee duties and the courthouse/morgue work 44:55 - The Story Bridge suicide callout and its impact 49:42 - City CIB, Fortitude Valley, and street prostitution enforcement 56:31 - Reforming Valley CIB after Fitzgerald 58:58 - Australia’s Most Wanted and Terry on television 61:21 - Moving into the drug squad and choosing specialization 64:14 - ILIT, clandestine labs, and the awkward acronym problem 68:30 - Doggett Street and Operation Chinook 72:18 - Emerald raid day and the RSL drumming disaster 81:59 - Burnout, drinking, and marriage collapse 88:24 - Joining the National Crime Authority 93:35 - Becoming the undercover operator in Yapoon 95:05 - Holding the line when a rifle is pointed at him 99:30 - Cover, trust, and the reality of undercover drug work 101:28 - Pollen testing cannabis to confirm its origin 102:56 - Getting $100,000 for a sting and the reserve bank run 104:48 - The takedown and the radio failure at the critical moment 107:13 - Returning to uniform
31 Aug 2026
From critical incidents to promotional blockers
n this episode, Brad Grieve shares his journey from a childhood in Sydney to a career in police service, highlighting key lessons learned along the way. He discusses the realities of police work, leadership, and the importance of procedural accuracy in high-stakes situations. In this episode, Brad shares his profound experiences dealing with trauma, police procedures, and the mental health challenges faced by officers after critical incidents. His insights shed light on the emotional toll of police work and the need for better support systems. Brad Grieve's early life and career path The importance of procedural accuracy in policing Leadership and team building in police work Experiences with trauma and high-stakes situations Training and skill development in firearms and tactics Community engagement and police culture Lessons learned from major events like G20 Police trauma and mental health Critical incident response and procedures Support systems for officers after traumatic events Impact of investigations and coronial processes on officers The importance of peer support and debriefing in policing takeaways Procedural accuracy can be the difference between success and failure in police operations Strong leadership and team morale are crucial in high-pressure situations Training should be continuous and realistic to prepare officers for real-world challenges Understanding community dynamics enhances police effectiveness Personal growth often comes from challenging and traumatic experiences Traumatic police incidents have lasting emotional effects that are often unspoken. Support systems like peer presence and buddy systems can make a difference. The process of investigation and coronial hearings can be retraumatizing for officers. Policing culture often discourages discussing mental health struggles. Proactive career planning and support are vital for officer well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Brad Gree's background 02:09 Early life and career choices 04:56 Joining the police force and initial experiences 09:58 Training, skills, and leadership development 20:11 Major events and operational challenges 29:48 Trauma, decision-making, and procedural lessons 40:06 Reflections on police culture and community 50:09 Key takeaways and advice for officers 54:29 - Support from senior officers and ambulance response 57:31 - Separation, debrief process, and waiting for interviews 62:25 - Going home after the incident and the physical exhaustion 66:10 - No immediate trauma, but lingering questions and a coronial process 74:41 - Coroner’s hearing two years later and giving evidence in court 78:09 - Reading the 26 page coronial findings report 81:04 - Why Brad questioned the need to attend the job in the first place 84:32 - How he thinks police should support officers after critical incidents 87:03 - Staying in general duties for his whole career 92:29 - Why progression was so hard for competent general duties officers 97:46 - Another confronting job near the end of service 100:05 - No pension or gold card style support after leaving QPS 100:32 - Security, close protection, Uber, and landing in grounds work 102:18 - From employment to property maintenance
15 Aug 2026
False Stats and dodgy Covid Rulings
Mal Logue on Army, Policing, Burnout, and Why the System Breaks Good People Mal Logue brings 40 years of military experience, 15 years in policing, and a blunt firsthand view of what happens when frontline service meets bureaucracy, bad policy, and constant scrutiny. This episode covers his path from Adelaide to the army, deployments in Somalia and beyond, his move into Queensland Police, and the burnout that came from trauma, understaffing, and boxed-in decision-making.We also discuss his COVID vaccine mandate fight, the human rights court case that followed, and why he believes support systems inside policing often fail the very people they claim to protect. Timestamps (00:05) - The introduction and why Mal Logue was brought in(01:20) - Growing up in Adelaide and choosing the army at 17 (02:09) - Leaving the military, moving to Brisbane, and joining QPS (03:50) - What Mal was like at school and why he hated it (04:33) - Why he loved infantry life, fitness, and military work (05:17) - Training at Kapooka and watching his son follow the same path (06:58) - Deployments to Somalia, East Timor, and other exchanges (08:06) - Somalia: first contact, command stress, and live rounds(10:10) - Military trauma versus policing trauma (12:22) - Getting help, drinking, rage, and why support mattered (14:21) - How army rank progression and promotion actually work (17:00) - Reserve service, police academy life, and juggling family (21:07) - Why he joined QPS and hated the academy (23:02) - OST, fighting, taser training, and what academy skills missed (25:24) - Why he thinks police training standards are too low (27:57) - Spike strip training, union complaints, and being kicked out (31:25) - Caboolture policing, team culture, and proactive patrol work (34:48) - A typical shift, briefings, and how crews were deployed (36:15) - DV, mental health, and the strain of modern policing (37:33) - Resources, budgets, and why police are asked to do more with less (39:04) - Burnout, rosters, and RBTs as stats-driven policing (43:25) - How DV jobs evolved into paperwork-heavy cover your ass policing (48:44) - Why he says decision-making has been replaced by fear (51:01) - False DV allegations, family court, and the damage to officers (55:38) - Why he believes DV policy is unbalanced and politically driven (57:23) - Male suicides, false allegations, and what he sees in the data (59:57) - How DV work consumes policing resources and shift time (61:58) - A Christmas DV breach that left him sickened (66:16) - A funny Redcliffe patrol story and classic dark humour (68:26) - Dealing with tragic scenes without letting them destroy you (69:24) - The lack of mental health support in QPS (72:29) - Being stood down after injury and getting help only by pushing for it (78:32) - COVID, masks, and why the vaccine mandate triggered everything (83:24) - The human rights court case and why the mandate was unlawful (88:35) - Being stood down again after the mandate lifted (91:29) - A senior officer’s toxic attitude during a major training event (95:07) - The 50/50 recruiting process and why he says merit was undermined (101:09) - Selective crime stats and clearance-rate games (103:19) - Pauline Hanson, immigration, and political frustration (105:07) - Why DV systems often treat women as the default aggrieved party (107:26) - His pet peeves, including immigration policy and crunching sounds (109:09) - Closing reflections on policing, mental health, and a possible return visit
14 Aug 2026
From small town to big impact problems
summary In this episode, Keith McDonald shares insights from his 37-year policing career, discussing the evolution of law enforcement, legislation, and community issues. Discover how policing has changed over decades and the lessons learned along the way. keywordspolicing, law enforcement, police career, legislation, community safety, police evolution, domestic violence, social media impact, police training, law reform key topics Career progression from recruit to inspector Impact of legislation on policing practices Evolution of police equipment and tactics Role of social media and public perception Handling domestic violence and community issues Major incidents and lessons learned Police training and leadership development Community engagement and trust building Chapters 00:00Introduction and Keith's background 02:11Early life and career beginnings 05:08Policing in Cumbia and Gold Coast 09:56Police roles and responsibilities over the years 14:59Training at the Police Academy 20:12Evolution of police equipment and weapons 24:59Major incidents and their impact 30:01Legislation changes and community issues 34:55Leadership and mentorship in policing 39:58The role of social media and public perception 45:03Reflections on career and lessons learned 49:54Future of policing and law reform 55:09Closing thoughts and gratitude
10 Aug 2026
From Met to QLD
Summary In this episode, Loz shares her journey from Australia to the UK police force, her experiences in policing, and insights into the differences between UK and Queensland policing. She discusses her passion for sexual offenses, the challenges faced by officers, and the importance of mental health and accountability in law enforcement. Keywordspolicing, UK police, Queensland police, sexual offenses, mental health, law enforcement challenges, police training, police culture, police career, police experiences Key Topics Loz's background and move from Australia to the UK Differences between UK and Queensland policing Specialist roles in sexual offenses and mental health Challenges faced by police officers including burnout and culture The importance of communication, rapport, and de-escalation Training, career progression, and systemic issues in policing Impact of personal trauma and mental health in law enforcement The role of accountability and police culture change Sound Bites "Support in Tottenham was my team, I think I went on my eighteenth birthday." "The job that I had, I was a sexual offenses investigator, and I am very proud of that." "All people want is to be heard and understood." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Loz's policing journey 02:00Loz's move from Australia to London 04:03School life and early career choices 07:11Joining the police and initial training 10:11Support for Tottenham and football memories 12:50Deciding to pursue policing as a career 15:01Application process and interview experience 19:57First day at Hendon Police Academy 21:55Life in the police station and station environment 25:00Loz's first station in East London 29:56Police equipment and weapons in the UK 32:55Handling trauma and mental health in policing 40:02Specialist roles in sexual offenses and achievements 50:04Moving to Australia and reasons for returning 54:53Differences in police culture and operational approach 59:49Challenges faced by UK police officers in Queensland 01:05:10Mental health, burnout, and coping strategies 01:09:53Loz's advice for new officers and police culture 01:14:50The importance of communication and rapport 01:20:10Loz's pet peeves and closing thoughts
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