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.
Episode 145 – Zero to a Thousand: The Reality of Frontline Policing
One minute it's a routine job, the next you're fighting for your life.
In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Damo and Schultzy discuss the recent stabbing of a Queensland police officer and reflect on their own experiences where seemingly ordinary jobs turned into life-threatening situations in seconds.
From knife attacks and violent confrontations to the challenges of policing remote Northern Territory communities, the boys explore the importance of staying vigilant, making split-second decisions and managing the adrenaline that comes with frontline policing.
They also discuss something that doesn't always get the attention it deserves – learning to switch off when the shift is over, particularly for remote police officers who are effectively on call around the clock.
It's an honest look at the unpredictable nature of policing, the pressures officers face and why sometimes the hardest part of the job is leaving it behind.
And, of course, there's another Cartonable Offence of the Week, with Schultzy finding himself in the firing line!
9 Oct 2026
Police Cars: Built Tough, Driven Hard and Sometimes Destroyed!
Welcome back to another episode of Two Ordinary Cops!
This week, Damo and Schultzy kick things off with some fantastic listener feedback, shout-outs and a reminder of why talking about mental health and supporting one another is so important.
Then, thanks to a listener's question about buying an ex-police vehicle, the boys take a trip down memory lane and talk about the police cars they drove throughout their careers in the Northern Territory Police.
From the trusty Toyota Hilux and the mighty V8 Land Cruiser to Commodores, Falcons and high-performance Camrys, the boys discuss which vehicles were built for the job and which ones simply weren't up to the task.
But it's the stories behind the wheel that make this episode! From high-speed responses and brutal bush roads to cracked chassis, rolled police cars, close calls with wild horses and a few hilarious mishaps, there's no shortage of laughs.
It's another entertaining episode full of police banter, real-life experiences and a fascinating look at what police vehicles are put through on the front line.
And after hearing these stories, you might think twice before buying an ex-police car!
Sit back, have a laugh and enjoy another episode of Two Ordinary Cops!
2 Oct 2026
Episode 143 – From Trauma to Territory Day - You Asked, We Answered
This week we hand the episode over to you, answering questions and sharing a few stories along the way.
We start on the serious side after a listener reaches out following a horrific fatal crash he came across on his way to work. We talk about critical incidents, the things you can’t unsee, the importance of debriefing and why asking for help isn’t weakness.
From there, things get a little more “Territory”. We answer questions about Territory Day, fireworks, explosives, the Finke Desert Race and some of the wild experiences that came with policing in the NT.
We also talk about preparing physically to join the police, look back at how Damo and Schultzy first met nearly 20 years ago, give some well-earned shout-outs — and, of course, finish with a Cartonable Offence.
A bit serious, a bit ridiculous and plenty of stories. Just another week with the Two Ordinary Cops.
Who has been a guest on Two Ordinary Cops
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Liz
Nick White
Ben Hosking
Nathan Finn
Ben Hoffmann
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
4.9 / 5
137 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact Two Ordinary Cops
Guest appearances
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