Gary Jubelin: Former top cop and I Catch Killers crime podcaster reveals his softer side

As a policeman, Gary Jubelin had to deal with the most distressing of circumstances. But through all the tough times, he managed to find peace.

Gary Jubelin may have been a polarising figure in the NSW Police Force, but the former homicide Detective has walked away with his integrity intact – and a new career in the media. Perhaps taking the sting out of his bruising encounter with the courts over illegal recordings, Gary can celebrate the overwhelming success of his podcast, I Catch Killers, and is in the midst of writing his second book, due for 2022 release.

“People have only seen angry Gary, but as I like to point out, you can’t smile when you’re talking about people getting murdered,” he says.

“There’s another side to me that people don’t see. I thought I would retire a homicide Detective but I am really enjoying working in media now, and some of the stories on the podcast are deeply meaningful to me.

At Home with Gary Jubelin. Picture: John Appleyard

“You could probably put some of that optimism down to his dedication to Qigong and yoga, which has sustained him during turbulent times.

“I do soft training, like meditation, and then hard physical training. I like to get up at 5am and train – you can own the world at that time.”

His search for personal equilibrium has also taken him to international wellness retreats.

“When the drama happened with the police, I was probably not the most Zen person. ‘Who’s that cranky man at the back chanting?’ But it rebalances me. That’s how I cope with distress.”

AT HOME WITH GARY JUBELIN

Who: Gary Jubelin.

Where: Courtyard apartment in Sydney’s inner-west.

Favourite Thing: This punching bag helped me get through COVID because all the gyms were shut, and basically, I like to hit things. I incorporate it into my training daily.

Gary Jubelin with his COVID circuit breaker. Picture: John Appleyard

Inspiration: I like to come home to a space that is peaceful, where I can switch off and relax. I don’t like chaos at home, I need order. Home Is Somewhere I can retreat to, it’s definitely my safe place.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS

Gary Jubelin’s personal sauna. Picture: John Appleyard

Electric Sauna

I went to a Home Show and found this electric sauna and it was like it was meant for me. It fitted in the laundry within millimetres. I have a sauna every day followed by a cold shower.

The plant of resilience

When I was going through my troubles with the police, this plant looked dead. I put it in a plastic bag to throw it out, but it just kept growing. I took that as a sign – I needed to be resilient, too.

The plant that wouldn't give up. Picture: John Appleyard

Thangka Painting from Meditation Retreat in Nepal

This took about two days to paint with a very tiny paintbrush. It had to be done very slowly and meticulously. It was very hard to sit still and concentrate, but you eventually relax.

Thangka Painting from Meditation Retreat in Nepal. Picture: John Appleyard

Good surfing times

My surfing now is limited, but I used to go overseas once a year with old surfing mates. I just have this now to remind me of the good times and what life should be about.

A reminder of good times. Picture: John Appleyard

Statue of The Buddha

I bought that about 20 years ago very cheaply as it was damaged. In a strange way it represents me, I’m trying to find peace but I have so many battle scars.

This Buddha Statue has been with Gary for over 20 years and many moves. Picture: John Appleyard

Jarin Street Yoga Ma

Jarin Baigent is also a former police officer and she spoke to me in the podcast about her own experiences. She now promotes her culture to white people through her brand.

Jarin Street Yoga Mat made by ex-policewoman Jarin Baigent. At Home with Ex-Detective and Crime Podcaster Gary Jubelin and 10 of his favourite items. Picture: John Appleyard

Bachelor pad essentials

I discovered these washer/dryers about 15 years ago. It used to be a daily battle of washing training gear to be dry for the next day.

Washer/ dryer: essential for any single guy. Picture: John Appleyard

Chin up time

It’s a hard arse exercise and it breaks you down. If I am feeling angry about something or unsettled, I knock out as many chin ups as I can – I’m broken and settled in no time.

Chin up bar. At Home with Ex-Detective and Crime Podcaster Gary Jubelin and 10 of his favourite items. Picture: John Appleyard

WANT MORE GARY JUBELIN?

Go deep inside extraordinary criminal cases with Gary Jubelin and listen to exclusive episodes of his hit podcast I Catch Killers, only at icatchkillers.com.au

Listen to Season 3 of his I Catch Killers podcast, and join our I Catch Killers group on Facebook.

Originally published as Gary Jubelin: Former top cop and I Catch Killers crime podcaster reveals his softer side