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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

🎙️ 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.

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