Secrets We Keep

Darko’s killing it. He uses the proceeds of a successful marijuana crop to buy a new bike, gold, opals and blue-chip shares. A single, fateful mistake gets him discovered by the police, but Darko manages a near escape. Now a fugitive, Darko picks up work on a banana plantation in Coffs Harbour, where his workmates realise there’s more to Darko than meets the eye. After a few months undetected, Darko’s luck runs out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After visiting Australia in the 1980s, Darko returns home to Yugoslavia but senses trouble coming. He sees the rise of nationalism and early signs of conflict looming. Darko heads back to the safety of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Enamoured by the laid-back lifestyle, Darko learns to grow and sell weed. He plans to buy his dream house in Palm Beach but gets greedy. This fit, young, former communist commissar, with a taste for Russian literature decides to stay in Australia any way he can.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon in 2021, when Darko Desic arrives, unannounced, at a police station, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. He claims to have escaped from prison 30 years before and now wants to hand himself in. The police are confused. There’s no record of him on their files. The officers eventually arrest him. When news emerges of Darko’s 30 years on the run, the world is amazed, and baffled. How did he escape? How did he evade capture for so long, living under the noses of the police? And who the hell is Darko Desic? Journalist Tim Elliott tracks Darko down and sits down with him for a tell-all interview.   Credits: Writer and Host - Tim Elliott Senior Producer - Claudianna Blanco Executive Producer - Greg Muller  Sound Design - Kyle Hopkins Fact Checking - Holly Mitchell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At just 13 years old, Thomas Carrick was placed under covert surveillance by the Australian Federal Police. Believing he was speaking to ISIS operatives online, Thomas was in fact engaging with undercover officers, conversations that would eventually see him charged with terrorism offences. The AFP knew Thomas lived with autism and an intellectual disability. Still, they pursued him in a way a judge later described as ‘grooming’ him for terrorism. So, was Thomas ever a real threat? Or just a vulnerable boy pulled into a fantasy world by those meant to protect him? In this episode, counter-terrorism expert Peta Lowe - who also features in Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor - unpacks the Carrick case and what it reveals about the growing risk of youth radicalisation in Australia. To hear more content like this, listen to Crime Insiders wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Jailbreak, we hear the extraordinary story of a fugitive who lived for 30 years on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. The reclusive Darko Desic (prolific weed grower, prison escapee and martial arts expert) tells his story for the first time; a story of resilience and discipline.   In following Darko’s remarkable journey, Jailbreak explores eternal truths about free will and fate, crime and punishment, and the search for meaning.  Jailbreak is an original podcast from LiSTNR.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why did Joey decide to use the terrorist's name? Where are far-right extremist communities gathering now?  In this bonus Q&A episode, Joey answers your questions about making the Lone Actor podcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist and host of the Weekend Briefing Antointette Lattouf sits down with Joey Watson to go beyond the investigation. Find out how Joey came to the story, and how his family history influences his work.  Have a question for Joey? Email [email protected]. You can hear more from Antointette every Saturday on the Weekend Briefing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having spent years tracing the terrorist, Joey is still left with unanswered questions.  Parts of the manifesto don’t match the online worlds Joey has investigated — references to revolution, societal collapse, and a call for chaos.  Joey’s search leads to a shadowy neo-Nazi terror network that emerged in the years before the attack. Could this be the missing link in the terrorist’s radicalisation to violence?  If you have a question for Joey, email [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the attack, authorities in Austria learnt that the terrorist had been linked to a high-profile extremist in their country – Martin Sellner.   The terrorist had given Sellner a sizeable donation, and had visited Austria four months before the attack. So, the question was asked – did Sellner and the terrorist have contact?  However, the Austrian investigation into the links between the pair was compromised. Joey travels to Vienna to find out what happened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two trips to the Balkans, in South-Eastern Europe might hold the key to the terrorist's mindset in the years before the attack. This is a region steeped in nationalist history and revered by the far-right, and the details of his time here are murky.  Joey follows the terrorist to the other side of the world, searching for more clues about his radicalisation, trying to find out if anyone in Europe knew what was coming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the afternoon of the attack, a member of a private Facebook group for Australian extremists comments that the terrorist had been “in the scene for a while”.  Digging through an archive of Facebook posts, Joey Watson uncovers just how deep those connections ran.  Joey finds the terrorist had been in contact with Australian extremists for years – including signalling the violence that he would go on to commit.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The terrorist posted a manifesto and a live stream link on an obscure image board just minutes before the attack, urging users to “do their part by spreading my message.”  Journalist Joey Watson investigates the online community of 4chan, and finds how a once-creative part of the internet was taken over by far-right extremists, desensitizing each other towards violence.    Joey sifts through newly unearthed posts made anonymously by the terrorist, finding a crucial shift in his radicalisation journey.  Every episode of Lone Actor is available exclusively for free on the LiSTNR app. You can download the app and listen to Episode 3 now. Further reading: The Role of Ideology in Motivating Lone Actor Terrorism: An Analysis of the Online Record of the Christchurch Terrorist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, a 28-year-old Australian terrorist live-streamed himself murdering 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch New Zealand, sending shockwaves around the world. It was the deadliest act of right-wing extremist violence committed by an Australian.   As journalist Joey Watson speaks with survivors and researchers, he begins to uncover a more complex story. What, or who, led the terrorist to violence?  In Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor, Joey sets out to retrace the terrorist's trajectory in the years leading up to the attack.  Every episode of Lone Actor is available exclusively to binge now on the LiSTNR app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On March 15 2019 a gunman opened fire on two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people. Officially, he acted alone. But what if that wasn’t the full story? In Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor, journalist Joey Watson digs into the digital underworld that shaped Brenton Tarrant — a 28-year-old Australian radicalised online and armed with a global ideology. Joey retraces the steps of the terrorist and asks: Was he really acting alone? The series journeys from the darkest corners of the internet to the other side of the world, exposing the murky forces behind the deadliest terror attack ever committed by an Australian. Binge the full series of Lone Actor exclusively on the LiSTNR app, download the app for free. New episodes released weekly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is international commercial surrogacy being sold to foreign intended parents?  Amelia sends Senior Producer Claudianna Blanco to Colombia to find out. Claudianna talks to experts, industry insiders and surrogates to uncover the international daisy chain of brokers and middlemen.   All episodes of By Any Means are available exclusively on the LiSTNR app. If you want to get in touch, email [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surrogacy is the pointy end of the fertility industry – the last resort for conceiving babies that are genetically linked to their parents. In Australia, the only legal option for surrogacy is via someone offering to carry a baby altruistically.   Who are these women who are happy to carry a baby for a stranger? Amelia sends Senior Producer Claudianna Blanco to Tasmania for the Surrogacy Sisterhood retreat – a first for any Australian journalist.   Then, we meet a couple risking it all to undertake commercial international surrogacy in Latin America. And ask the question – how can you trust a clinic is doing the right thing abroad?   If you would like to get in touch email [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve heard the mistakes the fertility industry has made – so it’s no surprise some people are offering another option.  In this episode, Amelia Oberhardt dives into the ‘known donor’ movement, of men offering their sperm on Facebook.   Is it better than using sperm sourced through a fertility clinic? And is an unregulated environment of sperm donation really the best solution?   If you can't wait to listen to the next episode, you can find all episodes of By Any Means for free on the LiSTNR app. Listen to Episode 5 now. If you want to get in touch, email [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Systemic secrecy and loose record-keeping in the early days of IVF is coming to light, and it's clear that some sperm donors were abusing the system.  In this episode, Amelia hears from adult donor-conceived people whose lives have been altered because of secrecy and negligence. From people finding out they have an unknown large number of siblings, to inherited health conditions, and the anguish of not knowing your medical history. If you don't want to wait for the next episode, all episodes of By Any Means are available for free on the LiSTNR app. Listen to Episode 4 now.  If you know more, or want to share your story, email [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early 2000s, the advent of DNA test kits opens the Pandora’s Box of conception secrets. As the identities of many previously anonymous sperm donors are suddenly revealed, their biological children’s lives are upended upon learning the truth about how they’d been conceived.  Amelia speaks to Darren, a medical student who’d donated his sperm anonymously in the 1980s, and Guy, a man who found out in adulthood he had been conceived with anonymous donor sperm, following Victoria’s decision to become the first state in Australia to establish a registry for donor-conceived children.  Every episode of By Any Means is available exclusively on the LiSTNR app. You can listen to Episode 3 now.  If you want to get in touch email [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An intriguing email propels journalist Amelia Oberhardt to investigate the fertility industry in Australia, its history and methods, and the outcomes for the children born during the early days of IVF – when secrecy around conception and anonymous sperm donation was the norm.   Amelia’s starting point is her best friend’s mother – one of the first women to go through infertility treatment in Queensland and successfully give birth to one of the state’s first ‘test tube babies’.    Amelia speaks to the doctors who pioneered IVF in Australia, to understand the thinking behind the fertility industry’s early choice of persuading their patients to keep the truth of conception secret from the children born from anonymous sperm donations.   You can listen to all episodes of By Any Means now on the LiSTNR app.  If you want to get in touch, email [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy – assisted reproduction technologies have made it easier than ever to have a baby but created an ethical and identity minefield. From finding sperm on Facebook, to finding out you might have 700 siblings, Secrets We Keep: By Any Means examines the multibillion-dollar fertility industry that fills wombs. Journalist Amelia Oberhardt speaks with parents, adult children and clinicians about the ‘wild west’ of the modern fertility landscape, confronting complex questions about consent, identity and human rights.  Only available on LiSTNR. Download the app and listen for free: https://play.listnr.com/podcast/secrets-we-keepSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire discovers how the Australian Federal Police are embracing FIGG, but with no regulation to safeguard against the privacy concerns which come with increased genetic surveillance. And in the final episode of Should I Spit?, the true market value of DNA databases is revealed and we find out how the personal information amassed by companies like Ancestry is being facilitated by Australia’s National Archives. The Angie Dodge murder is finally solved but a final tragic twist shocks everyone involved. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire meets the scientist responsible for the original DNA family history project Michael’s father donated to. He’s a well-known archaeo-geneticist who was attempting to build a DNA family tree of the whole world, with the hope it would bring world peace. This ambitious plan was funded by a Mormon billionaire. A celebrity genetic detective takes on the Angie Dodge case and finds that a distant relative of Michael’s was responsible for the murder. Claire discovers in this episode of ShouldI Spit? exactly how science and intelligence combine in the powerful new investigative technique of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire learns the details about the original study which took the DNA samples from Michael’s father; from its religious origins to how the data eventually became part of Ancestry’s database. The police have another investigative lead to Angie’s killer, an image created purely from the DNA taken from the crime scene. Detectives show it to Michael’s family, convinced the killer lurks somewhere in his family tree. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Michael is no longer a murder suspect, his male cousins are scrutinised. The Idaho Falls police are trialing a new technology which predicts someone’s physical appearance based on DNA samples. Michael’s sceptical about the science and fears the police are searching deeper in his family to find Angie’s killer. Episode 6 of Should I Spit? reveals forensic genetic genealogy is enthusiastically embraced by the Australian police with no new privacy legislation and little public scrutiny.  Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man called Chris Tapp has been in prison for 20 years for the death of Angie, but his DNA was never found at the crime scene. For Angie’s mother, Carol it doesn’t make sense, and she goes from initially calling for this man’s execution to being his greatest advocate. Carol then pushes the police to use a new technique of forensic genealogy. However, fears this new technique threaten both people’s right to privacy and their presumption of innocence begin to surface. Meanwhile, Claire discovers that Australia started its own criminal DNA database following a mass DNA screening operation in rural New South Wales. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire attends RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference to learn why genealogy is such a popular hobby. There, Claire learns how the LDS Church and Ancestry have amassed billions of records worldwide and turned the mapping of family trees into a multi-billion dollar industry.  Meanwhile, Michael continues to investigate how he’s been caught up in the Angie Dodge investigation, so he travels to Idaho Falls to meet Angie’s mother, Carol.  Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DNA is the blueprint for life. While police call it the ‘gold standard’ for forensic identification, transnational corporations see dollar signs. Investigative journalist Claire Aird brings the untold story of how your DNA data can land you in a murder investigation, and how this same data is amassed for power and profit. Should I Spit? is the origin story of the multibillion dollar consumer DNA industry. From police hoping to solve cold murder cases, to one of the most powerful churches in the world, everyone seems to want a piece of what makes you, you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Should I spit?, Claire discovers how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inextricably linked with the history of genetics and genealogy, through the church’s doctrines and rituals. Michael is shocked to learn that he was identified through a blood sample his father donated at his local church.  Michael’s DNA doesn’t match and is cleared by police, however, he is shaken and wants answers. He can’t understand how the police linked him and his family to Angie’s murder. Michael is approached by a journalist who discovers the Idaho Falls Police had quietly been using a new forensic identification technique called Familial Searching. Using this method, police found Michael based on DNA information stored in a publicly-available genealogy database owned by Ancestry.com. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire travels to Salt Lake City to meet Michael Usry, a Mississippi man who was implicated in the brutal murder of Idaho Falls teen Angie Dodge years earlier. The police suspect Michael because his name, appearance and age match the confession of a man in jail, believed to be his accomplice. Michael is also a horror filmmaker whose dark film features similarities to Angie’s murder. In episode two of Should I Spit?, The police interrogate Michael and force him to give his DNA under a court order. The police tell Michael they also have DNA evidence which links him to the crime.  Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While working on a cybersecurity podcast, journalist Claire Aird reads a startling statistic: Ninety per cent of people with European ancestry in the US are identifiable because of DNA data their relatives have uploaded to a family history database. Claire’s curiosity soon becomes an investigation into how our DNA is being used for power and profit. In this episode of Should I Spit?, Claire finds out that the DNA data on genealogy sites is never fully anonymous, so she starts to interrogate how police really use these sites to hunt for criminals, overseas and in Australia. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Credits: Creator, writer, researcher - Claire Aird Senior Producer - Claudianna Blanco Producers - Holly Mithcell, Romy Sher Executive Producer - Greg Muller, Emma Lancaster, Belinda Lopez and Jen Goggin.  Sound Design - Nial Fernandes  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard gives an update on Todd Hubers plea hearing and shares two more important stories from women who grew up in the Revival Church movement.   Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]  Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800 Respect 1800 737 732  Looking for what to listen to next? Try Crime In Focus: Killer Charm, the story of how a grandmother from suburban Queensland orchestrated the murder of her ex-partner.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Someone Richard wasn’t sure would ever talk to him is ready to speak. The church is rocked by the news of Pastor Noel’s death, and questions remain about whether new leadership will create change, or continue with the status quo. Richard returns to ex-members of the GRC, who have found support in each other and their families after the isolation of leaving the church. They’ve discovered the antidote to the GRC’s abuse of power and violence. It’s love. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800 Respect 1800 737 732See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumours abound of how Pastor Noel Hollins has used his finances to erase controversies in his church. Richard Baker’s investigation into how the Geelong Revival Centre maintains a tax-free charity status and where it uses its funds takes him to war-torn Sierra Leone. And former GRC Pastor Steve Mills finally goes head to head with Noel Hollins when he tries to protect members of the church. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Geelong Revival Centre, men are responsible for the entire family’s salvation. If the father does something wrong, his wife and children are at risk of going to hell. We hear from men who have defied the church’s expectations, despite the threat of physical punishment in this life,and eternal punishment in the next. But those who comply also pay a terrible price for their obedience. And Richard is one step closer to understanding Pastor Noel Hollins, when he sees a missed call on his phone. Richard calls the Pastor back, and this time he answers. Please note this episode contains adult themes including descriptions of violence and homophobia, as well as discussions regarding suicide, and harmful drug and alcohol use. Listener discretion is advised. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a pastor in the church, Steve Mills watched on horrified as church members shunned or delayed medical care because of Pastor Noel Hollins relentless attacks on science and medicine. When someone is diagnosed with an illness, they are told it is only through prayer—not conventional medicine—that they will be saved. And when people die of treatable illnesses, those left grieving are told they should've “prayed harder”. From the pulpit Pastor Noel’s teachings empower men in the church to interfere in the private health affairs of others— with sometimes tragic results. Steve Mills realises he must challenge Pastor Noel directly. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Geelong Revival Centre wants the women in its church to be straight out of Proverbs 31 in the Bible: virtuous, god-fearing, and dedicating her life to her husband and family— and to expect very little in return. Unmarried women can’t approach men to date, and they can’t marry without the Pastor’s permission. Those who are seen to fail as virtuous women find themselves interrogated and watched by members of the church. Men are also punished for their transgressions. But women carry the stain. Meanwhile, former GRC Pastor Steve Mills suggests one way Richard can secure Noel’s attention. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Geelong Revival Centre teenagers live a double life. They’re given zero freedoms, like small children, but they’re expected to live an adult life of religious devotion while still growing up. Pastor Noel Hollins is at war with the internet, pop music, and socialising outside of the church. He labels them as dangerous, but ex-church members say real dangers lie inside the GRC. Richard Baker uncovers the fallout from growing up inside the GRC, including stories of social ostracism, deep psychological trauma and distressing allegations by abuse victims, who say the church tried to silence them. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Noel Hollins become the leader of the Geelong Revival Centre? A surprising rebellion is hidden in the history of his long and authoritarian rule. Richard Baker unearths Noel’s beginnings and explores some of the stranger beliefs the church preaches, including about Pyramids and the British Royal Family’s connection to Geelong. Even some of the most loyal members of the GRC find themselves questioning the church— with repercussions. Richard realises that if he really wants to understand Pastor Noel, he needs to find a way to speak to him personally. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the beachside town of Geelong, most kids look forward to endless summer days, while children in the Geelong Revival Centre wait for the end of days. GRC kids are told they’re always being watched. By their parents, their Pastor, and their God. They expect this constant surveillance, and the threat of violence if they step out of line. Insider recordings of GRC leader Pastor Noel Hollins reveal how he promoted corporal punishment for children, and we learn how church parents were pressured to enforce these rules on their own kids. Outspoken defectors of the GRC confide in journalist Richard Baker, he hears how from Pastor Noel’s pulpit, children learn to receive the Holy Spirit to keep the devil at bay. And what happens in the church, stays in the church. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected] Lifeline 13 11 14See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A story too big to ignore is drawing journalist Richard Baker back to his home town of Geelong.  The chosen people of a strict Pentecostal church claim to have seen miracles happen, and expect to be among the few saved when Armageddon comes. But for some, the Geelong Revival Centre has brought the opposite of salvation.  Ex-members are speaking out about the pain, control, and heartbreak they’ve endured under the rule of Pastor Noel Hollins, the leader of the church for the past 50 years. Richard meets some of these brave ex-members, many who are speaking out for the first time, as they share what it’s like to grow up in the GRC.  The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC  Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]  Lifeline 13 11 14  Credits: Producer and reporter - Richard Baker Series Producer - Romy Sher Assisting producer - Ed Gooden Executive Producers - Emma Lancaster and Belinda Lopez Sound design - Darcy Thomson Fact check - Bension Seibert Additional production assistance and theme vocals - Mathew Dwyer. Head of Factual and Drama for LiSTNR Original Podcasts - Jennifer Goggin. Special thanks to Story consultant Kate Cole Adams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of the world is coming for members of a Geelong Church. It’s been looming for over 50 years. And only the chosen few will be saved. Follow investigative journalist Richard Baker as he returns to his home town to investigate one of Australia’s most hardline Pentecostal churches and the man who led it. This series goes deep inside the secretive group and the disturbing doctrine of Pastor Noel Hollins. Richard Baker has received hundreds of hours of audio recordings that reveal the inner teachings of the doomsday group. He speaks to ex-members who have managed to escape, many who are sharing their stories for the first time. They speak of a brutal place where men must be obeyed, children must be punished and the solution to every problem is to pray harder. This special LiSTNR nine part investigation uncovers how an Australian church, with charity status, has impacted the lives of vulnerable people for generations - without repercussions. Until now. Listen to the full series now on LiSTNR https://play.listnr.com/podcast/secrets-we-keep Episode 1 available everywhere December 1. The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2005, Richard Baker published a story about an obscure oil company called Tigris Petroleum, and its ties to Iraq. A few weeks later, Tigris would be linked to the AWB at the Cole inquiry. In this bonus episode, Richard revisits the story, and finally gets some key documents about Tigris released. Featured: Michael Long Alexander Downer Ross Fusca Contact: [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Baker interviews former Prime Minister John Howard, to find out why Australia went into the Iraq War, and ask how much his government knew about the AWB’s dealings. Featured: John Howard Caroline Overington Alexander Downer Trevor Flugge Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cole inquiry recommends the AWB be investigated, and the Australian Federal Police set up a taskforce. Richard Baker speaks to former AFP officer Ross Fusca and finds out the taskforce mysteriously disappeared. The corporate regulator, ASIC, also attempts to hold the wheat men to account. Featured: Darryl Hockey Ross Fusca Michael Long Trevor Flugge Rod McLeod (voicing Mark Emons) Dan Mullins (voicing lawyer) Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Trevor Flugge and Michael Long’s turn in the witness box, though it couldn’t have come at a worse time. The media is fixated on photos of the pair in Baghdad holding guns, looking like cavalier cowboys. But they won’t be the only powerful men called to give evidence. Featured: Trevor Flugge Michael Long Nonee Walsh Kelvin Thomson Alexander Downer Darryl Hockey Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian government announces an inquiry into the AWB, with the lawyers hoping to prove the AWB knew it was breaching sanctions. A whistleblower fronts the inquiry to give evidence... in secret. Featured: Trevor Flugge Darryl Hockey Michael Long Anwar Al-Rawi Rod McLeod (voicing Mark Emons) Dan Mullins (voicing lawyer) Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saddam Hussein has been found, weapons of mass destruction have not. The reason for the Iraq invasion crumbles, and the world’s attention is turned to corruption in the United Nations Oil For Food Program. The AWB’s dealings in Iraq are about to come under scrutiny from an international investigation. Featured: Darryl Hockey Alexander Downer Caroline Overington Mark Pieth Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US invades Iraq, and good old Australia has joined. The Australian wheat men are on the ground a month later, and the secret mission begins – protect Australia’s lucrative wheat market. Featured: Robin Raphel Trevor Flugge Michael Long Lieutenant Colonel Paul Wright Alexander Downer Alan Tracy Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The drums of war are beating, and the Australian Wheat Board’s multimillion-dollar trade with Iraq is at risk. Lucky for them, powerful sources promise to keep the AWB informed of any signs of war, while the public hears something different. Featured: Trevor Flugge Darryl Hockey Alexander Downer Anwar Al-Rawi Michael Long Contact: [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.