Secrets of the Underworld

From long nights in the kitchen to wild days in Sydney’s underground scene, chef Nic Bourke has lived a life few could imagine. In this raw conversation, Nic opens up about her rise through Australia’s restaurant industry — from gruelling 100-hour apprenticeship weeks to cooking for rockstars, ambassadors and presidents. She shares unfiltered stories of survival in a male-dominated world, encounters with fame, and the chaotic mix of hard work, excess and resilience that defined the culinary underworld of the 80s and 90s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Fahood's story. In this “Best of” episode, Ollie takes us deep inside life behind bars — from his first night fights to witnessing riots and survival in lockdown. It’s raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest as he shares what really happens inside and how close he came to never getting out.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, Neil sits down with former soldier, world champion fighter, and legendary Sydney doorman Nathan Tai Hurihanganui. From his early days in the New Zealand Army to the brutal realities of nightclub security, Nathan shares raw stories of violence, loyalty, and survival on the frontlines of Sydney’s nightlife. With honesty and heart, he reveals what it takes to navigate chaos, command respect, and find discipline and purpose through martial arts. A gripping look inside the world of those who keep the peace in places where it’s anything but peaceful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Ollie's story. In this “Best of” episode, Ollie takes us deep inside life behind bars — from his first night fights to witnessing riots and survival in lockdown. It’s raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest as he shares what really happens inside and how close he came to never getting out.

From European judo champion to international Power Slap sensation, Franciska Szabo has lived more lives than most could imagine. In this raw and revealing conversation, Franciska opens up about her journey from Hungary’s judo mats to the bright lights of Las Vegas — where strength, pain, and fame collide. She shares the sacrifices behind her Olympic dreams, the injuries that shaped her resilience, and the double life she led as “Sheena Bathory,” a name that became infamous across the combat and domination worlds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Salvatore's story. Salvatore Coco is an acclaimed actor best known for roles in Home & Away, Heartbreak High and a string of powerful performances in Australian TV and film. Salvatore shares insights from playing gritty characters like Harry Hammoud in Underbelly: The Golden Mile. From standover men to complex antiheroes, he reveals what it takes to bring the underworld to life on screen.

From rising football star to drug trafficker, and finally to father, coach and man of faith — Trai Wallis has lived through every extreme. In this raw and revealing episode, Trai sits down with Neil to open up about how one decision at 18 sent him spiralling from the sporting field to the criminal underworld, addiction, and eventually prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Sullivan's story. In this highlight from Secrets of the Underworld, actor Sullivan Stapleton reflects on his film career and the fading heartbeat of Kings Cross — a place once alive with danger, stories, and unforgettable nights.

From the boxing ring to the outlaw world of bikie clubs — Johnny Walker’s story is one of discipline, downfall and redemption. Once a rising star in Australian boxing, Walker’s career was marked by talent and raw toughness, but also by the lure of power and brotherhood that led him deep into the criminal underworld. In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Johnny opens up about his early life in Melbourne’s western suburbs, his rise through the boxing ranks, and the choices that landed him behind bars for nearly a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Justin's story. In this gripping 10-minute highlight, Justin “Mooch” DeLoretto recalls his chaotic rise to leadership in the Mongols Motorcycle Club. From turf wars and FBI surveillance to a million-dollar bail and a growing sense of doubt, Mooch takes us inside the violent, high-pressure world that pushed him to question everything he’d built.

From the rough streets of Dandenong to the neon lights of Melbourne’s club scene, Zoltan’s story is one of survival, transformation, and redemption. Born to Hungarian immigrants, he grew up fighting against bullies, a violent home life, and the need to prove himself. In this raw and gripping conversation, Zoltan opens up about his rise in the bodybuilding world, his years working security in Melbourne’s most notorious venues, the lure of power and the party life, and the crash that followed. He talks candidly about losing family, going to prison, rebuilding his life, and finding peace through faith and purpose by helping those battling addiction, homelessness, and mental health struggles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Roberta's story. In this Best Of, Roberta Williams takes us deep into one of the most defining chapters of her life. She opens up about the years of abuse she endured at the hands of her first husband — the violence, the fear and the scars that never fully heal. In raw and unflinching detail, Roberta shares how she found the strength to leave, the terrifying moments when her life was on the line and the lasting impact it had on her children.

In this conversation, Neil sits down with Becky, a Melbourne-born mother of three who shares her journey from a turbulent childhood, through an abusive marriage and into life as a sex worker. Becky opens up about survival, resilience, and how she found independence in an industry that carries stigma but gave her freedom and control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Ray's story. In this Best Of episode, we revisit some of the wildest and most unforgettable stories from Ray — the legendary doorman from Hugo’s. From his chaotic fifteen-minute shift at Cargo Bar, to the night at Hugo’s when a gun was nearly pulled, to the first time his path crossed with Neil’s, these moments capture the raw energy and danger of Sydney’s nightclub scene in its prime.

In part two of this conversation, Brad Bradley reflects on the disappearance of his sister, Amy Bradley. Brad Bradley continues his story, delving into the critical hours after Amy was discovered missing. He shares the family’s struggles with cruise ship authorities, the investigation that followed, and the frustrating search for the truth. Brad also reflects on the lasting impact of Amy’s disappearance and the resilience his family has shown in their fight for answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Zee's story. Ahmed Zeidan was living the life DJing in Dubai but it all took a turn when he was arrested on drug charges and sent to prison for 9 years where he was beaten and tortured.

In part one of this two-part conversation, Brad Bradley reflects on the disappearance of his sister, Amy Bradley. Brad shares heartfelt stories of their childhood, the close bond they shared, and the events leading up to Amy’s last known moments aboard a Caribbean cruise in 1998. Through his perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of Amy as a person, and the unanswered questions that have haunted his family for more than two decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Zee's story. Ahmed Zeidan was living the life DJing in Dubai but it all took a turn when he was arrested on drug charges and sent to prison for 9 years where he was beaten and tortured.

Jack Irish is a self confessed Sex Slave, in this episode he tells Neil about the dark underworld of BDSM and Sex Slave "Relationships"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Belinda Gavin's story. Belinda Gavin pulls back the curtain on the adult film industry. From her first softcore shoots and surprising Playboy encounters to the unspoken rules of sets and a shocking violation that changed how she worked, Belinda shares raw, unfiltered stories of what really goes on behind the camera.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, Neil Cummins sits down with West Sydney rapper Forte to unpack his raw and unfiltered journey through music, street life and now comedy. Forte shares the struggles, the hustles and the breakthroughs that shaped his career. He opens up about performing with hip hop heavyweights, the sacrifices behind staying independent and his pivot into stand-up comedy—controversies and all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Alex Simon's story. Alex Simon, Australia’s Strongest Man, takes us inside his wild journey to breaking records. From eating 10,000 calories a day and powering through brutal training sessions, to the adrenaline-charged day he became the nation’s strongest, Alex shares what it really takes to push the human body to its limits.

In this conversation, Neil reconnects with longtime friend Taylor Guns, a former dancer and escort whose life journey has been anything but ordinary. Taylor opens up about her early days in the adult industry, her rise to fame on stage, the dark pull of addiction, run-ins with gangs, brushes with violence and the heavy price of living fast. She also shares the turning points that pushed her toward change, including time behind bars, and how she’s now rebuilding her life with honesty, strength and purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Bianca Dye's story. Bianca Dye is an Australian radio presenter. Throughout her career, Dye has presented programs in the competitive Sydney and Brisbane metropolitan radio markets as well as featuring on TV Shows like Thank God You're Here.

Former NSW Police Detective Superintendent Deborah Wallace takes us inside the world of organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and Middle Eastern crime families. From her early days on the beat to leading major strike forces, Wallace shares gripping stories of danger, resilience, and what it takes to stand up to some of the state’s most notorious criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Kurt Rigger's story. Kurt is a Plumber who runs his own business. But after chasing payments from a client for months, he made a poor decision that sent him to prison. The only thing is, his family had no idea where he went.

In Part 2, Said "Chestbrah" opens up about the impact of losing his brother — the late Zyzz — and how that moment shaped the course of his life. We dive into legacy, mental health, and the mindset shift that led him deeper into bodybuilding and personal growth. Said shares what it's really like behind the scenes of comp prep, how he’s managed long-term consistency, and what he's learned about masculinity, discipline, and resilience. Said Sergeyevich ShavershianSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Secrets of the Underworld, we revisit Arabella Del Busso's story. From battling shock in the courtroom to running the prison like a pro, Arabella opens up about her transformation behind bars. She shares how she earned respect, avoided conflict and found her inner strength in one of the toughest environments imaginable.

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.