Secrets of the Underworld

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, I sit down with Said Shavershian — better known online as Chestbrah — to explore the roots of his journey. We talk about his early life in Russia, migrating to Australia as a child, and the challenges he faced growing up, from language barriers to bullying. Said shares how those early struggles shaped his mindset, and how his discovery of training and bodybuilding gave him purpose and identity. We also get into the early internet fitness scene, building an online persona, and what it was like to rise to fame during the peak of online forums and viral culture. Said Sergeyevich ShavershianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, high-class escort Carly Electric opens up about the emotional side of sex work — from falling for a client to navigating public shaming on online forums. With raw honesty and sharp wit, she unpacks the complexities of desire, connection, boundaries and burnout.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Amit Ghose shares his incredible journey of living with neurofibromatosis—a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on nerves. From childhood bullying and painful surgeries to finding love and purpose, Amit opens up about the physical and emotional challenges he's faced and how he turned adversity into advocacy. His story is one of resilience, heartbreak, transformation and hope.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey In this snippet, Pete Evans opens up about the coordinated attack that cost him his career — from controversial views on health to being publicly “cancelled” and labeled a neo-Nazi. No regrets, no backing down.

In this episode, Neil sits down with Sydney nightlife legend Penny Clifford. From her early days discovering her identity in the 1970s to running one of Oxford Street’s most iconic clubs, Penny shares raw, funny, and moving stories of her life as a trailblazing trans woman, showgirl, and nightclub manager. It's a deep dive into identity, community, and the rise and fall of DCM – the club that changed the game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TRIGGER WARNING Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Rachel Williams is founder of SUTDA, (Stand Up to Domestic Abuse and author of the book The Devil at Home. After 18 years in an abusive relationship, Rachel was shot and severely injured by her violent partner in 2011. He then committed suicide, as did her 16 year old son Jack, shortly after the attack.Rachel spent several weeks in hospital and now lives with life altering injuries. Rewind back to Season 8 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Neil sits down with Ali and Abe from Death Penalty Action — two frontline advocates working to end executions in the U.S. We talk about wrongful convictions, billion-dollar death rows, execution methods you won’t believe, and why the system may be more broken than you think. Death Penalty ActionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey In this rewind episode, we sit down with Desley Robinson, a trailblazer in Australian women's boxing and former IBF International Champion. She opens up about the chaos of her first pro fight, the struggle of balancing motherhood and training, and the harsh reality of corruption and influencer culture in combat sports. Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jeff Morgan opens up about his turbulent upbringing in Redfern, his rise through the ranks of Sydney’s criminal underworld and the choices that led him into a life of bank robberies and fast money. From the chaos of "The Block" to high-stakes heists across state lines, Jeff shares the gritty reality behind the headlines. Alongside the deeply personal costs, including fractured family ties and years behind bars. But this is also a story of redemption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Darcy Cogdale made headlines when he was jailed for assault and drugs charges but his story began as a bullied high schooler who went from drug addict to successful fitness entrepreneur all thanks to a coffee in the shower? Follow Darcy and his journey at @drc.fit.pt on Instagram Rewind back to Season 7 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Lowe returns for a raw and deeply moving chat about his wild years in Sydney’s Kings Cross nightclub scene and the final chapter of his life. From velvet ropes and outlaw bikies to his ‘last dance’ party and terminal diagnosis, Steve reflects on it all with heart, humour, and zero regrets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Catherine De Noire, who is a PhD student, runs a legal brothel in Europe with women who work as independent contractors. All she supplies is a space and security. Noire, who has 67,000 followers on TikTok, said safety is a “key feature” of the club and shared that all of the rooms were equipped with panic buttons. Rewind back to Season 11 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glen Fisher is a survivor, advocate, and founder of The Legup Project. Glenn endured horrific abuse as a child in institutional care, battled years of addiction and homelessness, and has since transformed his pain into a mission to help others. Through courage, honesty, and tireless work on the streets of Sydney, he’s become a voice for the voiceless and a powerful force for change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey In this episode, Neil sits down with Steve Keogh, a former Scotland Yard detective with over 30 years in the Metropolitan Police. Steve shares gripping stories from his career, including interrogating terrorists, exposing corrupt officers, and confronting child abusers. With a deep understanding of the complexities of these cases, Steve offers a rare glimpse into the intense world of criminal investigations and the pursuit of justice. Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayley Summers joins Neil for a raw dive into the sex industry — from strip clubs to private work, heartbreak to healing. Hayley opens up about her journey through stripping and escorting, from the Gold Coast to Hong Kong and Melbourne’s nightlife. She shares raw insights into love, loss, self-worth, and the emotional realities behind sex work, private clients, and personal growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Calen Morris is a 501 deportee and patched member of one of New Zealand’s most notorious motorcycle clubs - The Head Hunters. Calen shares his troubled past with crime and drug abuse, what it was like being deported to New Zealand and how even after leaving a life of crime, he still manages to draw police attention Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Floyd was raised in foster care and entangled in a life of crime, Floyd found redemption through boxing. Now, as a former paedophile hunter turned professional boxer, he's setting his sights on a high-profile boxing and bare-knuckle fights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Tom Canavan was a securities specialist working in the North Tower on 9/11 who survived the collapse of the Twin Towers. He recounts the moments leading up to the first impact, the confusion and shock that followed, and the calm yet determined evacuation down dozens of smoke-free stairwells. Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Dave Austin talks on his journey through the highs and lows of the nightlife scene, to becoming a key figure in Sydney’s DJ and event circuit. He shares insights on the evolution of DJing, club culture, iconic venues like DCM, and the impact of social media and COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Bonnie and Leilani are OnlyFans models who hit the headlines after they hit schoolies on the Gold Coast in 2023. In this episode they share their continued success, wild stories from Spring Break and what they have their eyes on next Rewind back to Season 8 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Zeke Campbell shares his journey from growing up in Wollongong to pursuing a professional boxing career. He reflects on the challenges he’s faced, the impact of family, and how partying once distracted him from his goals. Now focused and driven, Zeke discusses the discipline required to succeed and his ambitions for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Ron Isherwood, a former addict and ex-convict reflects on a lifetime shaped by trauma, crime, and redemption. From confronting a violent and abusive father to surviving prison and the chaos of addiction, he shares a powerful story of pain, resilience, and transformation. Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Elle Cooper shares her journey from energetic childhood, to the worlds of bodybuilding and DJing. She opens up about balancing her passions, overcoming challenges, and dreaming big on stage, behind the decks, and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Ron Isherwood has lived wild life of gangs, prison and drug addiction. He has sinced turned his back on crime and drugs, using his freedom to help others escape drug addiction and avoid the life that he once lived. Rewind back to Season 10 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Consciously Ash talks about his journey from a turbulent childhood in Australia to a life of transformation. Ash shares insights from his time in the military, adult entertainment, Britain’s Got Talent, as well as his path to healing through spirituality and personal growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Vas Blackwood played Lenny Henry's sidekick Winston Churchill in The Lenny Henry Show and Rory Breaker in the hit film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Rewind back to Season 6 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation explores the life and legacy of Jay Archer, a motocross and freestyle rider, through the eyes of his brother Ryan and wife Beth. It delves into their childhood, Jay's passion for bikes, the challenges he faced in pursuing his dreams, and the impact of his untimely passing on those who knew him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Here's a rewind from Season 9 when Neil spoke to Aliia Roza who was trained in the Russian military as a Spy and at age 18 witnessed the horrors of war in Chechnya. Rewind back to Season 9 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Mickey D shares his journey from a young DJ starting at 14 to becoming a prominent figure in the nightlife scene, particularly at the iconic DCM nightclub. Mickey discusses the importance of adapting to changing music trends and the emotional impact of significant moments in his career, including the last days of DCM.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Here's a rewind from Season 9 when Neil spoke Contessa Williams about the sex work industry. Rewind back to Season 9 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil sits down with Andrew, a former uni student turned mushroom dealer turned stand-up comic. They chat about growing up, selling drugs, getting arrested, and doing time — plus how Andrew turned prison life into punchlines. From public vs private prisons to performing behind bars, this raw and revealing convo is full of laughs, lessons, and second chances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isami grew up in a strict missionary household in Japan, where emotional and physical abuse were masked as religious discipline. Isolated and controlled, she’s now finding strength in healing, therapy, and music—and breaking the cycle her parents tried to enforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Here's a rewind from Season 9 when Neil spoke Mizzy Bender about the secret world of swingers. Rewind back to Season 7 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Spencer Connelly was five when he was set on fire by his dad in an unforgivable act of revenge. Still bearing the scars, he never wanted to let his trauma get in the way of achieving his goals, which has led him to star in a blockbuster Hollywood movie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Here's a rewind from Season 9 when Neil spoke to Natascha Consigli, a seasoned partier to stripper/model through to air hostess and eventually a convicted drug dealer. Rewind back to Season 9 to hear the full story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short surveyI Imagine jumping from a burning plane, knowing it’s your only chance to survive. At 32, while serving in the armed forces, Jamie faced this exact nightmare. He suffered life-threatening burns over 63% of his body and spent two years in the hospital recovering. In this episode, we dive into his incredible story of survival, resilience, and what it takes to rebuild after the unthinkable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short surveyI n this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, Neil sits down with Michael Chandler, former bodyguard to some of the biggest names in Hollywood, music, and the underworld. Michael shares what it’s really like protecting high-profile clients, from A-list celebrities to powerful figures with dangerous enemies. He reveals wild stories from behind the velvet ropes—VIP parties, close calls, and the ever-present threat of violence. They dive into the skills it takes to survive in the world of personal protection and the moments that tested him the most. This is an inside look at a life lived in the shadows, keeping others safe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey Ashton, A former stripper on Kings Cross, shares what mischief happens where the cameras can't see in the notorious strip clubs of Sydney. Rewind back to season 2 to hear the full story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey In this gripping episode of Secrets of the Underworld, Neil sits down with Jay Malkoun—a man who lived and breathed the criminal life before turning it all around. Once entrenched in the world of organised crime, Jay shares raw and honest stories about his time inside the underworld, the power struggles, and the life-threatening moments that shaped him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanna win a $100 Visa Gift card? Fill out this short survey and go in the draw Take the short survey This is rewind to Neil's chat with former Australian professional boxer, Michael Alan Katsidis who competed from 2001 to 2017. Hear more back in season 9 of Secrets of the UnderworldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Secrets of the Underworld, the tables are turned as producer Shad Wicka puts Neil in the hot seat. Armed with listener questions and a few curveballs of his own, Shad pulls no punches, diving into Neil’s wildest experiences—from the time he got shot at to the chaos of VIP rooms and unforgettable club stories. They also get into what Neil really thinks about the latest Underbelly, the state of the Cross today, and much more. No script, no filter—just raw stories from a life lived deep in the underworld.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.