Episode 123 - The Backbone Behind the Badge with Lyn Kowalski

Episode 124 – Bellator, Brotherhood and Fighting PTSD with Jack Woods

In this episode of Two Ordinary Cops, Schultzy and Damo sit down with exercise physiologist Jack Woods from to discuss the powerful connection between exercise, routine and mental health recovery for first responders. Jack shares his experience working with police, ambos and other emergency services members suffering from PTSD, depression and burnout, explaining how small achievable goals, accountability and physical activity can genuinely help rewire the brain and rebuild lives. The boys also talk openly about the struggles many first responders face when asking for help, the importance of camaraderie after the job, and why organisations like Bellator are filling a critical gap in mental health support across Australia. There’s still plenty of laughs along the way, including Damo’s inability to remember Jack’s name and discussions about sinking instead of swimming, while also touching on the realities of life after the job and why staying connected matters. The episode also includes an exciting announcement about Two Ordinary Cops being invited to speak at the Queensland Police Union Conference next week. A genuine, honest and important conversation about PTSD, resilience, fitness, mateship and looking after your own.

Episode 123 - The Backbone Behind the Badge with Lyn Kowalski

For 23 years, Lyn Kowalski worked behind the scenes in the Queensland Police Service — but as you’ll hear in this episode, the job was anything but “just admin.” From homicide investigations and child protection cases to supporting detectives through some of the darkest moments of their careers, Lyn shares the side of policing the public rarely sees. The long hours, the emotional toll, the black humour that keeps people going, and the incredible bond formed behind closed station doors. This episode is raw, funny, emotional and brutally honest at times. Lyn opens up about transcribing murder investigations, working alongside CIB and CPIU detectives, supporting officers after tragedy, and the unseen role admin staff play in keeping policing running every single day. You’ll laugh at stories of taser demonstrations gone wrong, detectives getting barricaded into offices until briefs were finished, and the chaos of life inside a busy police station — but you’ll also gain a whole new appreciation for the people who quietly carry the weight behind the badge. A powerful reminder that policing is never done alone.

Episode 122 – The Missing Piece in First Responder Mental Health – Bellator Fortitudinum with Nick White and Krista Hawke

In this episode, we come to you live from the National Suicide Prevention Conference, where we sit down with Nick White and Krista Hawke to talk about what’s really missing in the mental health space for first responders. Nick shares how Bellator Fortitudinum has grown from a small support network into a nationwide charity helping current and former first responders find connection, purpose, and support after the job. From lived experience to life-saving impact, this is raw, honest insight into what actually works. Krista brings nearly three decades of experience as a psychologist working with first responders, breaking down the reality of PTSD, moral injury, and why so many traditional support systems miss the mark. Together, we unpack the importance of peer support, early intervention, and why understanding the job is critical to helping those who’ve lived it. This is a powerful conversation about identity, transition, and the importance of looking after those who’ve spent their careers looking after everyone else.

Episode 121 – Kumunjayi Little Baby

In this episode, we reflect on the tragic events out of Alice Springs and the loss of Kumunjayi Little Baby. We break down what actually happens during a major police investigation—from the initial response, search efforts, and escalation, through to arrest and the long road to prosecution. It’s a confronting conversation, but an important one. We talk about the balance between emotion and evidence, why process matters, and the reality of policing during incidents like this. We also touch on our time at the National Suicide Prevention Conference, focusing on practical solutions and the importance of supporting those on the front line. Our thoughts are with the family, the Alice Springs community, and all those involved.

Episode 120 – The NT Liquor Act - What People Don’t Understand

In this episode, we break down the reality behind the Northern Territory’s liquor laws—why they exist, how they differ from place to place, and what it’s actually like policing them on the ground. From permit systems and dry communities to the chaos that can unfold when alcohol floods back in, we share firsthand experiences from the job that most people would never see or fully understand. We also tackle the bigger question—where does responsibility really sit when it comes to alcohol-related crime? We also touch on some exciting news as we head to the Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney, working alongside Nick White and Bellator Fortitudinum—an important step in continuing the conversation around mental health and supporting first responders. It’s an honest, no-filter look at a complex issue that’s often misunderstood, with insights only frontline cops can give.