Tall Tails and True

About Tall Tails and True

Tall Tails and True Podcast | Real Aussie Policing Stories | Based off the book Tall Tails and True written by Roger Mayer APM Roger is a former Northern Territory police officer, NSW Police Dog Squad handler and lifelong martial artist. From martial arts mats to remote Australia, police investigations to unexplained encounters, this is a journey through a life less ordinary. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stories—some funny, some fascinating, and some that still defy explanation.

Publisher

Tall Tails and True author Roger Mayer APM and podcast host Debra Hay

Category

true crime

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

8 Jun 2026

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   #18 False Alarm

   Why doesn’t Roger like guard dogs? Deb asks him about a comment from an earlier episode, and Roger explains his concerns for the dogs themselves, as well as what happens when constant barking or repeated alarms become easy to ignore. That leads to a new story from the revised edition of Roger’s book. In Sydney, a “Mr Big” and his crew used repeated alarms to draw security out, hide and wait until the alarms were dismissed as false. Roger’s arrest of Mr Big for trespass then took unexpected turns involving the National Crime Authority and an Internal Affairs investigation. The story also raises a serious question: what do you do when someone senior directs you to do something you believe isn’t lawful?

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   #17 Gold Medals, Police Dogs and Rooftop Mishaps

   Roger is back from Japan with a world title (gold medal), a silver medal and plenty of stories from the trip. He shares what it was like competing at the SJJIF World Championships before we turn to a question from one of our listeners, Jeannette: what is the funniest hiding place or chase you have ever had with a dog? That question takes us back to the Dog Squad. Kancho tracks down crooks after a break-in, Roger recalls falling through one roof and getting stuck on another, and Dax the Rottweiler joins him for a bushcraft course with a lesson in camouflage. Have a question for Roger about policing or dog training? Send it in for a future episode of Tall Tails & True.

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   #16 When The Dogs Can't Go In

   An inmate escapes from custody, a knife-wielding offender, riots in Sydney — and a police dog who paid the ultimate price. In Episode 16 of Tall Tails and True, Roger takes us through some of the more confronting incidents from his years in the NSW Police. We hear about a juvenile offender who escaped while being transported from a police station, and Roger’s pursuit and arrest with Jane by his side. Roger then recounts the arrest of a Frenchman who had stabbed multiple people in Sydney, including a police officer, before barricading himself inside a house. It raises an important question: why wasn’t Kancho sent in? Roger explains the protocols around deploying police dogs when knives are involved, why protecting the dogs is such an important consideration, and the tragic reality that some police dogs have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. We also revisit Roger’s involvement in the Redfern and Cronulla riots. At Redfern, Roger’s dog Anja was right there alongside him, bravely working as rocks were being thrown at police. Even after being struck in the leg by a rock and bleeding, Anja continued trying to catch the rocks being thrown. And to finish, we bring Roger’s story right up to the present. At the time of recording, he’s preparing to head to Japan to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From chasing offenders to chasing submissions — Roger clearly isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Listen to Episode 16 of Tall Tails and True.

4. 

   14 Sept 2026

   #15 Kancho Takes The Plunge

   A stolen car. A smash-and-grab. A police dog named Kancho. And a pursuit that ends with Roger and Kancho taking an unexpected plunge into Blackwattle Bay. In Episode 15, Roger recounts another memorable story from his years in the NSW Police Dog Unit, tracking offenders believed to be responsible for a daring robbery at a high-end Oxford Street boutique. Before the chase, Roger answers Matt’s question about the hardest types of people he encountered during his policing career. And, naturally, an episode about Kancho wouldn’t be complete without hearing about his reputation for biting offenders — along with some allegations from Roger’s fellow officers! Another story from Roger’s book, another chapter from a remarkable career… and one very memorable swim.

5. 

   7 Sept 2026

   #14 Lost Dogs & Riot Duty: The Bathurst Riots of 1985

   What happens when a police dog goes missing in the middle of a job? As it turns out, it’s happened to Roger—and he’s got some stories to tell! In this episode, Roger recalls a couple of occasions when he lost track of his own dog while out on the job, along with some stories of other handlers who found themselves in the same predicament. Because even highly trained police dogs don’t always do exactly what they’re supposed to! But the episode takes a much more serious turn as Roger recounts his involvement in the Bathurst riots of 1985. He shares what it was like to be there, the danger faced by police on the ground, and an experience that remains one of the more confronting moments of his career. From lost dogs and frantic searches to a night of real danger and uncertainty, this episode is another glimpse into the unpredictable reality of life in the police and the Dog Squad. Tall Tails & True — real stories from a life with police dogs.

6. 

   31 Aug 2026

   #13 You Left the Dog at Home?!

   Even experienced dog handlers get it wrong sometimes. In this episode, Roger looks back at some of the less-than-brilliant things he’s done over the years—including the time he was called out on a job… and left his dog at home! But there’s plenty of serious dog work too. Roger shares some incredible tracking stories and explains what actually happens when a police dog is called to a crime scene. How do they find a scent? What are they looking for? And how can a dog follow the trail of a person who has left the scene? Drawing on decades of experience working with police dogs, Roger takes us behind the scenes of one of the most remarkable skills in the Dog Squad—the ability to turn a seemingly ordinary crime scene into a trail that only a highly trained dog can follow. There are plenty of laughs, a few “what was I thinking?” moments, and some truly incredible stories from a career spent working alongside some extraordinary dogs. Tall Tails & True — real stories from a life with police dogs.

7. 

   24 Aug 2026

   #12 Kancho - The Dog Who Started It All

   Roger reflects on an unexpected chapter outside policing—his introduction to traditional samurai sword training and the discipline it demanded, a pursuit he would take up years into his police career. The focus then turns to the beginning of his long-awaited journey into the NSW Police Dog Unit. Roger shares the demanding selection process, the disappointment of several dogs that weren’t the right fit, and the moment he was paired with a dog named Devil—whom he renamed Kancho. Together, Roger and Kancho completed their training and formed a partnership that would launch a 25-year career in the Dog Unit. In this episode, Roger also recounts some of Kancho’s first operational jobs, offering a glimpse into the trust, teamwork, and split-second decisions that define police dog handling. It’s the beginning of a partnership that would produce many remarkable stories still to come.

8. 

   17 Aug 2026

   #11 The Road to the Dog Unit

   After returning from the Northern Territory, Roger was posted to Campbelltown, where policing took on a very different pace. He reflects on a brief stint in the detectives—a role that ultimately wasn’t the right fit. While working there, he applied for the NSW Police Dog Unit, setting in motion the next chapter of his career. Away from the job, life was changing just as quickly. His first daughter was born, his first marriage came to an end, and, a few years later, he met fellow police officer Jane. Assigned as her training buddy at Campbelltown, a professional partnership gradually became something more. Shortly after marrying Jane, Roger received his long-awaited transfer to the Dog Unit—beginning a career that would span the next 25 years and define much of his policing life. This episode explores the personal and professional crossroads that shaped the path ahead.

9. 

   10 Aug 2026

   #10 Southbound: The NSW Journey

   This episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to Roger’s friend and colleague, Mark “Ocko” Martin, whose passing during a family holiday in Bali has been deeply felt. Roger, Ocko and fellow Dog Squad officer Tony Irons served together for 25 years, and at the time were the longest-serving members of the NSW Police Dog Squad—a remarkable legacy of friendship, loyalty and service. Roger also shares the joy of reconnecting with one of the Gove Kids more than 40 years after they first met. From there, Roger reflects on memorable trips with the Gove Surf Life Saving Club, including a visit to Sydney where he attended a NSW Police pre-recruitment session as he considered transferring from the Northern Territory. Another trip to Bali led to a chance meeting with the legendary John Will, whose influence helped establish Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Australia. The conversation then follows Roger through the process of joining the NSW Police Force, the demands of academy training, the challenges of Tactical Response Group (TRG) selection, and the beginning of a new chapter with his first posting to Campbelltown. An episode that weaves together remembrance, reunion, martial arts history and the pursuit of a new direction in policing.

10. 

    3 Aug 2026

    #9 Jacky Willy

    Some stories are requested by listeners. Others are too good not to tell. In Episode 9 of Tall Tails & True, Roger answers audience questions about the notorious tow truck scams of the late 1970s and 1980s and shares his knowledge of dog training, drawing on decades of hands-on experience. The conversation then turns to one of the Territory's most intriguing characters—Jacky Willy. Who was he, and why has his story endured for decades? Roger also recalls another tale of cash disappearing after a Crown & Anchor card game, before reflecting on the mysterious disappearance of a Naval Cadet who vanished while swimming in Gove Harbour, never to be seen again. History, mystery, policing, dog training and unforgettable Territory stories—this is another episode you won't want to miss.

11. 

    27 Jul 2026

    #8 Mutiny on the Tanker

    Roger reflects on a range of seafaring deployments across the Northern Territory, where policing extended far beyond land. From responding to a tense situation aboard a tanker to carrying out prawn trawler inspections and other maritime duties, each call brought its own challenges in isolation, authority and control at sea. The episode also follows Roger’s move to Alice Springs, where he was immediately confronted with the realities of outback policing—from responding to a major brawl to searching the desert for a missing woman in extreme conditions. Along the way, there are unforgettable encounters with buffalo, insights into policing across some of Australia’s most remote landscapes, and the unpredictable moments that made every day on the job different from the last. It’s another episode filled with true stories, remarkable characters and life on the frontline in the Northern Territory.

12. 

    20 Jul 2026

    #7 Escape, Hunt & Arrest of Archie J

    Roger recalls the pursuit of Archie J—a case that moved across islands, townships, and remote communities in the Northern Territory. What began as a straightforward capture quickly escalated into a repeated cycle of escape and response, stretching police resources across vast and difficult terrain. In this episode, Roger reflects on the persistence required in remote policing, where containment is never guaranteed and every breakthrough can be short-lived.

13. 

    13 Jul 2026

    #6 The Mysterious Gulka Man

    Roger recalls a series of encounters tied to the phenomenon known locally as Gulka Man—unsettling moments that sit outside the usual framework of policing. Not an investigation in the traditional sense, but repeated experiences shared across time and place, where explanation was never straightforward. In the isolation of the Northern Territory, these encounters leave more questions than answers, shaped as much by environment, belief, and perception as by anything concrete.

14. 

    6 Jul 2026

    #5 Offshore and Off Guard

    Two callouts, two very different fronts of policing in the Northern Territory. Roger recalls being called to a Taiwanese fishing vessel where a violent onboard incident left a man with a severed hand, and authorities scrambling to control a chaotic, high-risk situation at sea. Back on land, another incident carries its own warning—this time involving a man who had been feeding a crocodile, only to find the danger escalate when it nearly took his dogs. From offshore emergencies to everyday recklessness in croc country, this episode explores how quickly situations spiral—and how unpredictable the Territory can be.

15. 

    29 Jun 2026

    #4 Nhulunbuy: Crocs & First Posting

    Training is one thing - real policing is another. In Episode 4, Roger takes us into his first posting in the remote Northern Territory town of Nhulunbuy, a place that quickly tested everything he though he knew about work, isolation and life in the Top End. Fresh out of the academy, he describes the reality of arriving in a community cut off by distance and defined by its environment - where routines are shaped as much by heat, dust and geography as they are by the job itself. But it's one moment in particular that stays with him: an unexpected encounter with a large crocodile that brings the remoteness of the NT into sharp focus in a way nothing else could. It's a story about stepping into the unknown, adapting under pressure and the kind of early posting that leaves a permanent mark on how you see the world.

16. 

    22 Jun 2026

    #2 Forged on the Mats

    Long before policing, discipline was built on the mats. Roger dives into his martial arts training - and how those lessons shaped his mindset, resilience and approach to conflict long before he joined the force. Episode 2 of Tall Tails & True dives into Roger’s martial arts journey — from karate and judo through to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, earning a Judo black belt and a BJJ brown belt along the way. From local dojos to travelling to the legendary Kodokan Judo Institute, this episode explores discipline, toughness, old-school training, and the lessons martial arts carried into the rest of his life. Real stories. Real experience. No Hollywood version.

17. 

    22 Jun 2026

    #1 Before the Badge

    In this opening episode, Roger Mayer shares a glimpse into his early life, setting the scene for a policing career that would span nearly 35 years across the Northern Territory and New South Wales. This is where it all begins. Episode 1 of Tall Tails & True takes it right back to the beginning — Roger’s childhood, family life, growing up in Australia, and the moments that helped shape the man behind the stories. The first chapter of a life that would become anything but ordinary.

18. 

    22 Jun 2026

    #3 From Canberra to the Top End

    A big move and even bigger leap. Roger leaves Canberra behind and heads to Darwin to join the Northern Territory Police. He shares what it was like stepping into a completely different world - and the reality of training in the Top End. Episode 3 of Tall Tails & True follows Roger Mayer through the NT Police recruitment process and his acceptance into the Northern Territory Police and begins the intense training academy journey that would change his life forever. New environment. New challenges. New Territory. From the classrooms and drill grounds of the academy to preparing for life policing some of Australia’s toughest and most remote areas — this is where the real adventure begins.

19. 

    8 Jun 2026

    Tall Tails and True Teaser

    🎙️ Coming Soon… From martial arts mats to remote Australia, police investigations to unexplained encounters, this is a journey through a life less ordinary. We’re excited to share the official teaser for Tall Tails & True. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the stories—some funny, some fascinating, and some that still defy explanation. Follow now so you don’t miss Episode 1. #TallTailsAndTrue #ComingSoon #AustralianPodcastLaunch #NTPolice #NSWPolice

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.