Secrets We Keep

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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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?   Don't want to wait until next week? Episode 6 is available now on the LiSTNR app.  If you would like to get in touch email secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 4636See 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 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.

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 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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 secretswekeep@sca.com.au  Lifeline 13 11 14 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.au 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee 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: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) fund Saddam Hussein’s regime? Richard Baker speaks with Michael Long and Trevor Flugge from the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) to find out how Australia built a strong trade relationship with Iraq. Featured: Anwar Al-Rawi Maitham Al-alyawy Michael Long Trevor Flugge Get in contact: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead up to the Iraq War, the Australian Wheat Board (AWB), gave $300 million in illicit funds to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Journalist Richard Baker meets Trevor Flugge, the AWB’s chairman who went on to be the poster boy for the corruption scandal, thanks to a leaked photo.   Featured: Trevor Flugge Get in contact: secretswekeep@sca.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Australia’s biggest corruption scandal: $300 million funnelled to a notorious dictator via dodgy wheat contracts in the lead up to the Iraq War.    Award-winning journalist Richard Baker takes you inside the scandal, with the help of three wheat salesmen caught in the middle of extraordinary world events. Were they cowboys who pocketed millions for their company? Scapegoats for a government stuff up? Or something in between...   Secrets We Keep: Baghdad Nights launches August 6.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey travels to Melbourne to try and meet a living mole suspect to finally get some answers. If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A KGB defector directs Joey towards a former British politician. Joey investigates and finds the names of four potential moles who operated inside ASIO during the Cold War. He begins searching for the four suspects.  If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rendezvous leads Joey to an apartment where a source tells him that more information about the suspected moles might lie in a top secret government report. When he realises only the Prime Minister’s office can authorise the report to be released, Joey takes his questions all the way to the top. If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey meets a man who investigated ASIO in the 1970s, to find out what made the spy agency vulnerable to being infiltrated by the KGB. ASIO was directed to search for traitors, but the internal investigations were inconclusive. If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joey drives into the middle of the desert to find out why Australia became a target for the KGB. He learns that Australia was a bigger player in the Cold War than he’d ever imagined, and how the mole could’ve had access to secrets from its powerful Western allies. If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who were the KGB? What was ASIO up against? To help his mole hunt, a former spy takes Joey inside ASIO during the Cold War.  He points Joey to a KGB spy called Gerontiy Lazovik who may have recruited a mole in Australia. As Joey dives deeper into this story, he begins to suspect there was more than one mole. If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago, journalist Joey Watson learnt about the ultimate spy story. During the Cold War, the Australian spy agency ASIO was infiltrated by the enemy - one of their spies turned and began working for the KGB, the Soviet Union’s feared spy agency. They became a mole.  For decades, the mole's identity remained a mystery and the damage they caused unknown. To uncover the truth, Joey sets out to find them.   Joey starts by meeting the main suspect who was arrested in the early 1990s and uncovers a much bigger story about secrets and power. Nest of Traitors: Declassified is a behind-the-scenes peak at what goes into making the podcast series with Joey Watson and Clair Weaver.  If you have any feedback or information about this story you can email  secretswekeep@sca.com.au or you could send Joey a letter GPO Box 22, Sydney NSW 2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amelia Oberhardt introduces Season 2 of Secrets We Keep - Nest of Traitors. Hosted by Joey Watson, the season investigates another big Australian secret. Launching January 23.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago, journalist Joey Watson was pulled into the ultimate spy mystery. During the Cold War, the Australian spy agency ASIO was infiltrated by a Soviet mole. For decades the mole's identity was buried and the damage they caused unknown. To uncover the truth, Joey sets out to find the mole. It’s a story about power, national secrets and how countries behave when they think no-one is watching. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Closed adoptions have affected many Australian families, and no one experience is the same.  In this episode, you'll hear how forced adoptions have affected people from a new perspective - two adoptees, and one father.  Lifeline: 13 11 14 Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13 List of organisations that can helpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you or your family have been affected by forced adoption, it can be daunting to start your journey to find information about your history.  However support is available, and host Amelia Oberhardt speaks to two post adoption support services about how someone can navigate this journey.  Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13 List of organisations that can help Adopt Perspective Podcast  Featured:  Charlotte Smith - CEO of Vanish  Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland  Rachel Bell - Social Worker, Forced Adoption Support Service  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of the season, Amelia Oberhardt reflects on what she's learnt in the series, and confronts one last stigma - her mother's alcohol dependency.  Support services: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015  Lifeline: 13 11 14 Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13 Featured: Jennifer McRae  Danae Witherow  Professor Dan Lubman - Turning Point  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In researching the series, Amelia Oberhardt heard a shocking story about a Queensland abortion raid that showed another side of how women were treated in Australia’s not too distant past.   Amelia finds out more about the options women had when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, the road to legalising abortion, and what happened one Monday morning in May 1985.  Featured:   Caroline de Costa – Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the College of Medicine at James Cook University Lorraine Smit – former counsellor and assistant, Children by Choice  Judy Petroeschevsky – former counsellor, educator and co-ordinator, Children by Choice David Grunmann – Queensland surgeon  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leonie Pope was taken from her mother as a baby in 1972, after her mother was coerced into signing forms that gave away her rights. Leonie and her siblings were all taken from their family, and are part of the Stolen Generations.   Leonie was fostered and adopted to a Welsh family, and spent her childhood on the other side of the world, growing up in Wales. This is Leonie’s story of coming home.   You’ll also hear from Dr Mary Graham, about her work to change the approach of child welfare agencies in Queensland.   Gayaa Dhuwi: https://www.gayaadhuwi.org.au/if-you-need-help/  A spokesperson for the Mater Hospital said: 'Forced adoptions occurred in Queensland into the 1970s and were usually procured by social workers or departmental officers acting for the State Government, which issued a formal apology for the policy in 2012. Mater fully endorses the apology given by Catholic Health Australia in 2012 for the role that some Catholic hospitals and health services played in this widespread practice.’ The Mater didn't address questions about the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children during the 1940s-1980s.'  Responding to questions about a redress scheme in Queensland for Stolen Generations survivors, a spokesperson for the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts said: 'The Queensland Government recognises Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to experience the ongoing impacts of previous State and Commonwealth laws, policies and programs, including in relation to children. The Queensland Government is committed to improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples who experience disparity. We are doing this by restoring local decision-making authority and establishing place-based partnerships to ensure communities are leading the way as we work to Close the Gap.'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve been inundated with responses and questions from you, with your stories from the forced adoption era.   Dr Susan Green is a psychologist and adopted person and speaks to Amelia Oberhardt to answer questions about the psychological impacts of forced adoption.   We’ll be back to our normal format next week.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a decade this year since Julia Gillard’s apology to those affected by forced adoption, but there’s still unfinished business. Now, it’s the adoptees picking up the baton and carrying on the fight for recognition, redress, and justice.   Amelia speaks to two adoptees – Jennifer McRae and Danae Witherow – about how being taken from their mothers has affected their lives, and their push for an inquiry in Western Australia. Shakira Ramsdell explains what's happening in Victoria, the one state in the process of setting up a redress scheme.  Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13 UPDATE: A spokesperson from the WA Department of Communities responded after deadline, writing 'formal integrated birth certificates [are] currently not available' but are being considered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At its peak in the early 1970s, almost 200 babies per week were adopted in Australia. It’s impossible to know how many of these adoptions involved coercion, but we do know that it was a time many believed single women were incapable of looking after their children. In this episode, Amelia Oberhardt looks at how this system was allowed to operate, and what lead to forced adoption ending.  If you would like to share your story, email secretswekeep@sca.com.au Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13 Featured: Patricia Farrar - Mother, PhD Shurlee Swain - Emeritus Professor, Australian Catholic University  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young, pregnant, unwed. What happened next is one of the most shameful periods in Australian history. Amelia Oberhardt speaks to two women who experienced a forced adoption – a broad term used to describe the various ways women were coerced into giving up their baby.   Di Sheehan and Lily Arthur explain how stigma and a flawed system altered the course of their lives.  If you would like to share your story, email secretswekeep@sca.com.au Forced Adoption Support Service: 1800 21 03 13See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amelia Oberhardt flies to Cairns to meet the man in the photo, hoping to finally get the answer to a question that has haunted her for over a decade. Who is the baby in the photo?   Knowing what happened to her mum, Amelia feels more resolve than ever to tell the stories of other women from her mother’s generation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standing at her mother’s wake, journalist Amelia Oberhardt is confronted with a photo she’s never seen before - her mum Cecelia as a teenager wearing a wedding ring, accompanied by an unknown husband and cradling an unfamiliar baby.   Immediately, Amelia begins to ask questions. Who is this man? Who is this baby? And does this photo explain Ceceila’s untimely death?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of seeing the photo at the wake, Amelia Oberhardt is on a search to find the man in the photo. Her pursuit leads her down a rabbit hole, into the world of 1960s and 1970s Australia, and the realities of how women were treated in this era.   And then, a new avenue provides new clues in the search for Michael.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journalist Amelia Oberhardt thought she knew her mum, until she was confronted by a photo she’d never seen before at her mother’s wake. Seeing this photo sparks a journey into 1950s-1970s Australia, a time when women were forced to keep secrets. Shotgun marriages, hushed abortions and forced adoptions. It’s the story of a generation of women, who now with their children, are fighting for justice today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.