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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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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.  

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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

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Rumours abound of how Pastor Noel Hollins has used his finances to erase controversies in his church.

Richard Baker’s investigation into how the Geelong Revival Centre maintains a tax-free charity status and where it uses its funds takes him to war-torn Sierra Leone. And former GRC Pastor Steve Mills finally goes head to head with Noel Hollins when he tries to protect members of the church.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC

Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]

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In the Geelong Revival Centre, men are responsible for the entire family’s salvation. If the father does something wrong, his wife and children are at risk of going to hell.

We hear from men who have defied the church’s expectations, despite the threat of physical punishment in this life,and eternal punishment in the next. But those who comply also pay a terrible price for their obedience.

And Richard is one step closer to understanding Pastor Noel Hollins, when he sees a missed call on his phone. Richard calls the Pastor back, and this time he answers.

Please note this episode contains adult themes including descriptions of violence and homophobia, as well as discussions regarding suicide, and harmful drug and alcohol use. Listener discretion is advised.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC

Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]

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As a pastor in the church, Steve Mills watched on horrified as church members shunned or delayed medical care because of Pastor Noel Hollins relentless attacks on science and medicine.

When someone is diagnosed with an illness, they are told it is only through prayer—not conventional medicine—that they will be saved. And when people die of treatable illnesses, those left grieving are told they should've “prayed harder”.

From the pulpit Pastor Noel’s teachings empower men in the church to interfere in the private health affairs of others— with sometimes tragic results.

Steve Mills realises he must challenge Pastor Noel directly.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC

Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]

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The Geelong Revival Centre wants the women in its church to be straight out of Proverbs 31 in the Bible: virtuous, god-fearing, and dedicating her life to her husband and family— and to expect very little in return.

Unmarried women can’t approach men to date, and they can’t marry without the Pastor’s permission. Those who are seen to fail as virtuous women find themselves interrogated and watched by members of the church. Men are also punished for their transgressions. But women carry the stain.

Meanwhile, former GRC Pastor Steve Mills suggests one way Richard can secure Noel’s attention.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC

Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]

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Inside the Geelong Revival Centre teenagers live a double life. They’re given zero freedoms, like small children, but they’re expected to live an adult life of religious devotion while still growing up.

Pastor Noel Hollins is at war with the internet, pop music, and socialising outside of the church. He labels them as dangerous, but ex-church members say real dangers lie inside the GRC.

Richard Baker uncovers the fallout from growing up inside the GRC, including stories of social ostracism, deep psychological trauma and distressing allegations by abuse victims, who say the church tried to silence them.

The interviews in this series were recorded during Pastor Noel Hollins leadership of the Geelong Revival Centre. During production, Pastor Noel died. The experiences and allegations raised do not relate to the current leadership of the GRC

Do you know more? Get in touch [email protected]

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