Real Crime with Adam Shand

From The Desk -Based On BullSh*t

Real Crime with Adam Shand

Summary

Amy Acton emphasizes the urgent need for Ohioans to address rising costs of living, particularly in groceries, gas, and healthcare. She expresses her commitment to working with anyone to make these essentials more affordable, prioritizing the needs of Ohio residents.

The discussion shifts to the controversial figure of Chopper Reed, an infamous Australian criminal whose life and exploits have captivated the public. The narrative questions the authenticity of Reed's self-portrayal as a ruthless enforcer, suggesting that much of his criminal mythology may have been exaggerated. The fascination with Reed reflects a broader cultural tendency in Australia to romanticize outlaws, akin to historical figures like Ned Kelly, despite the discrepancies in their stories.

The podcast host, Adam Shand, plans to investigate the truth behind Reed's reputation in a new series titled "The Real Chopper." He invites listeners to share their opinions and experiences related to Reed, aiming to uncover the reasons behind the public's willingness to embrace his embellished tales. This exploration seeks to differentiate the man from the myth and understand the collective role in perpetuating his legend.

Show Notes

Adam is creating a new podcast series called The Real Chopper, and he wants your stories. Today, From the Desk, Adam asks how the late Mark Brandon Read created such enduring myths about his life and why people were so willing to believe them, or to suspend their disbelief.Thirteen years after his death, his books continue to sell, and his legend grows ever larger. He’s created a place for himself in crime history alongside Ned Kelly that his true story does not justify. What in the Australian psyche did Read understand when weaving his tales, and did he have an unspoken agreement with his audience? If you have a story about Chopper email me here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from Real Crime with Adam Shand

Oct 27, 2026

She lived a life of drugs, crime and prison, married to a major heroin dealer and surrounded by the trappings of wealth. But behind the money and glamour, Elizabeth — not her real name — knew little of love, safety or happiness. When her husband suddenly vanished, presumed murdered, her world collapsed. The money disappeared, addiction tightened its grip, and Elizabeth spiralled towards rock bottom. Yet somehow, after decades trapped in a destructive cycle of addiction and crime, she found the strength to turn her life around. It's a remarkable journey through addiction, loss and despair to redemption, faith and the power of hope — and a reminder that even the most damaged lives can be rebuilt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 25, 2026

For two years, Queensland police officer Jason Somerville lived a dangerous double life. Under the assumed identity of Michael Bates, he posed as a heroin dealer, infiltrated Brisbane's drug trade, befriended hardened criminals and earned their trust to gather evidence against them. He even went undercover in a police cell to obtain a confession from an accused double murderer. But living a lie comes at a price. When the operations ended, Somerville discovered that leaving his undercover identity behind was far harder than adopting it. The constant danger, deception and paranoia had taken a psychological toll. His marriage eventually collapsed, and the effects of his undercover years followed him long after the operations were over. Jason discusses his new book, Undercurrent: The Hidden Cost of Going Undercover, revealing the close calls, moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices involved in infiltrating Australia's criminal underworld. https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000k7A78

Oct 22, 2026

The alleged attack on Helen Haines has shocked Australia and raised urgent questions about the safety of our elected representatives. How do we protect politicians while keeping them accessible to the communities they serve? Adam Shand examines the threatening language poisoning public debate and reflects on his own approach to handling vile comments on social media. With the accused’s motive still to be established, this is a call to consider the conversations we create—and our responsibility when anger becomes an invitation to violence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 20, 2026

Former police officer Amanda Schultz has spent years questioning the official finding that her father, Detective Inspector Geoffrey “Whit” Whitford, took his own life. The highly respected Whitford was found dead from a gunshot wound at a remote South Australian beach in October 1981. His death was officially ruled a suicide by police without a formal coronial inquest, backed by a sealed 30-year coronial report. Whitford led a covert organised crime and drug taskforce targeting the marijuana and heroin trade. Amanda discusses the evidence she believes doesn’t fit the accepted account, what her father may have known through his police work—and why she continues to fight for a fresh investigation into his death. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 18, 2026

Ivan Milat murdered seven young backpackers in the Belanglo State Forest. But were those his only victims? Investigative journalist Camille Bianchi joins Adam Shand to discuss her gripping new podcast, Back to the Wall, which explores disturbing allegations linking Australia's most notorious serial killer to the dark underworld of Sydney's Kings Cross. In the 1980s and 1990s, vulnerable streetkids gathered at a place known simply as the Wall. Some disappeared. Others survived with stories of predators, powerful men and secrets that have remained buried for decades. As a New South Wales inquiry examines allegations about Milat's activities before his arrest, Bianchi tracks down witnesses whose accounts challenge the accepted history. Were opportunities to investigate serious crimes missed? Who knew what was happening? And how much of the truth can still be uncovered? A confronting conversation about missing children, institutional failures and the survivors who are finally finding their voices. Follow and listen to Back to the Wall here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See all episodes →