Secrets We Keep

LiSTNR

Each season, Secrets We Keep investigates a different Australian secret.

CLAREMONT: The Trial (Season 13):
The shocking disappearance and murders of three young women in the affluent Perth suburb of Claremont 30 years ago became one of the biggest mysteries in WA history. Any hope of justice in the deaths of Ciara Glennon, Sarah Spiers and Jane Rimmer seemed bleak for two decades, with no sign of a breakthrough. That was until the arrest of Bradley Robert Edwards in 2016, who was subsequently charged with the trio's murders. In this series from our colleagues at The West Australian, you’ll hear the full story, go inside the courtroom for what was dubbed the trial of the century, be taken through all the revelations, allegations and talking points as the court case unfolded. First published to much acclaim in 2019 and 2020, this is Claremont: The Trial

Behind the White Line (Season 12): An investigation into Australia’s cocaine binge, Behind the White Line, traces the trail of white powder, from narco to nostrils. The series goes inside a $1 billion shipment, exposing a police turf war between the US DEA, the AFP and WA cops over an audacious sting to outwit a Mexican cartel. With exclusive interviews of high-ranking detectives, undercover operatives, DEA agents and coke users, Behind the White Line, examines the human cost of the world’s glamour drug hosted by investigative journalist Richard Baker.

Dezi Freeman: The Hunt (Season 11): Sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, disappears into the Australian bush after shooting and killing two police officers, triggering a massive nationwide manhunt. This compelling six‑part investigation explores his radicalisation, the extraordinary pursuit culminating in him being discovered in a shipping container, and the lasting impact on the officers and families involved. Hosted by Michael Usher and Cassie Zervos.

The Children in the Pictures (Season 10): is an 8 part series hosted by Australian documentary-maker and father of two Akhim Dev, that powerfully examines how child abuse has become endemic online, and what we can all do to fight it.

Secrets We Keep: Uncovered (Season 9): takes you inside some of the most important investigations of our time, with our expanding network of journalists and sources from around Australia and beyond. Every week, Uncovered pulls back the curtain on the stories powerful people hoped would stay buried, by speaking directly to those who lived and breathed them.

Jailbreak (Season 8): Journalist Tim Elliott details the extraordinary story of Darko Desic, a fugitive who lived for 30 years on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Lone Actor (Season 7): Joey Watson traces the radicalisation trajectory of the Christchurch terrorist, asking the question - did he really act alone?

By Any Means (Season 6): An investigation into the modern fertility landscape, confronting complex questions about consent, identity and human rights.

Should I Spit? (Season 5): 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.

Pray Harder (Season 4): investigative journalist Richard Baker uncovers the unbelievable and compelling true story of Australia’s oldest and most hard line Pentecostal Church, the Geelong Revival Centre.

Baghdad Nights (Season 3): Richard Baker takes you inside Australia's biggest corruption scandal, finding out how Australia funded a dictator in the lead up to the Iraq War.

Nest of Traitors (Season 2): Joey Watson is pulled into the world of espionage, attempting to track down an Australian spy who turned to work for the enemy during the Cold War.

Shame Lies & Family (Season 1): A mystery photo of Amelia Oberhardt’s mum exposes the practice of shotgun marriages, forced adoption, and quiet abortions carried out in Australia until the 1980s.

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145 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes145

Newest first

Feb 3, 2025 · 36 min
Should I Spit? - Episode 1 - The Beacon
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.
Dec 19, 2024 · 34 min
Pray Harder - Bonus - An update
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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.
Dec 14, 2024 · 46 min
Pray Harder – Episode 9 - Love and Reckoning
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800 Respect 1800 737 732 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2024 · 39 min
Pray Harder – Episode 8 - Rebellion
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2024 · 41 min
Pray Harder – Episode 7 - Good Soldiers
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 7, 2024 · 40 min
Pray Harder – Episode 6 - A Spiritual Problem
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 7, 2024 · 41 min
Pray Harder – Episode 5 - A Proverbs 31 Woman
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 7, 2024 · 51 min
Pray Harder – Episode 4 - You Were Never a Teenager Were You Pastor Hollins?
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 30, 2024 · 42 min
Pray Harder – Episode 3 - The Lost Tribe
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 30, 2024 · 34 min
Pray Harder – Episode 2 - I’ll Give You Something to Cry About
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au Lifeline 13 11 14 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 30, 2024 · 37 min
Pray Harder – Episode 1 – Noel's War
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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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.
Nov 21, 2024 · 3 min
Introducing Pray Harder
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 GRC See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 30, 2024 · 20 min
Baghdad Nights - Bonus - The Tigris matter
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 23, 2024 · 29 min
Baghdad Nights – Episode 9 – G’day Mr Howard
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 16, 2024 · 31 min
Baghdad Nights – Episode 8 – Shut it down and shred
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 9, 2024 · 29 min
Baghdad Nights - Episode 7 - Absolute nong
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 2, 2024 · 24 min
Baghdad Nights - Episode 6 - Every man for himself
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 26, 2024 · 30 min
Baghdad Nights - Episode 5 - Life, death and deals
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 19, 2024 · 26 min
Baghdad Nights – Episode 4 – Wars within wars
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 12, 2024 · 33 min
Baghdad Nights - Episode 3 - A hidden agenda
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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.