This podcast series focussed on violent extremism has been developed as a means of providing listeners with some thought-provoking topics within this context, personal insights and journeys, as well as helpful information that could assist someone who is vulnerable to being involved in violent extremism. Hosted by the NSW CVE Engagement and Support Unit, the series aims to support and educate local community, stakeholders and practitioners and raise awareness of the complex factors and vulnerabilities that contribute to these ideologies. We promote public education, awareness and community resilience and help combat stigma, stereotyping, messaging and mis and disinformation.
Learn more – www.steptogether.nsw.gov.au (http://www.steptogether.nsw.gov.au/)
Before an Attack: Spotting the Signs with Ian Cherrington
Acts of mass violence are often described as sudden, random and unstoppable. Evidence from behavioural science and policing tells a different story.
Join us for a timely and important podcast episode with Ian Cherrington, a former senior UK detective and behavioural analyst, now based in Australia, who has spent decades studying what people do before they carry out an act of violence — and how those warning signs are often visible to others. This episode will focus on recognition, responsibility and early action.
Ian Cherrington brings international experience across forensic psychology and behavioural analysis, counter‑terrorism and lone‑actor threat assessment and working with vulnerable individuals drawn toward violence or extremism.
He has examined cases from around the world to understand the journey toward violence, with a strong belief that early intervention can save lives.
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7 Aug 2025TRANSCRIPT
Toxic masculinity and the “manosphere” with Dr Shannon Zimmerman
Netflix's new show Adolescence has sparked a lot of recent conversation and online discussions because it explores teenage masculinity in raw, sometimes unsettling ways, touching on themes like male insecurity, toxic masculinity, peer pressure, and toxic online influences that mirror real-life dynamics within the Manosphere. From a countering violent extremism lens, it raises the question of definitions and the delicate tipping point between violent misogyny and incel ideology and the evolution from online grievance spaces into real life threats. In this episode we chat with Dar Shannon Zimmerman, to help navigate the complexities. Shannon is a lecturer in strategic studies at Deakin University in the Center for Future Defense and National Security. Her research investigates misogyny-motivated terrorism, looking at online radicalisation and the groups in the Manosphere. She's currently working on a book exploring the involuntary celibates, or incels, as a new political movement.
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9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
School Shootings in the US and intervention barriers with Dr John Horgan
Dr John Horgan, a leading expert on terrorist psychology, examines the critical disconnect that occurs when US school shooters leak their intent but are ignored, highlighting the need for effective intervention strategies.
9 Dec 2024
UK Journalist Benjamin Zand - The Secret World of Incels
UK Journalist Benjamin Zand explores the ideology and rise of the Incel community, a growing form of gender-based violent extremism with far-reaching implications.
9 Dec 2024
eSafety’s Toby Dagg – What are our greatest online threats and what can we do
eSafety's Toby Dagg shares emerging online threats and trends, and offers practical advice for parents, carers, and teachers to protect children from harm online.
9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Youth off the Streets – connecting with young people
Youth Off the Streets' Fatina Elabd and Jafar Sartawy share their insights on connecting with young people, empowering them to navigate challenging circumstances and overcome homelessness in Australia.
9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Communicating in their world with former police negotiator Detective Blaise Cooper
Former police negotiator Detective Blaise Cooper shares his expertise on breaking down communication barriers with teenagers using the MYPATH Communication Model to gain trust and understanding.
9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Young client Ollie on how ESP helped him find a better pathway
Young client Ollie shares his harrowing journey of radicalization and redemption, highlighting the critical role of support services in preventing online extremism and promoting healthy online pathways.
9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Continuum – Stories of Lives Transformed by Terror
Survivor Louisa Hope shares her powerful story of overcoming the Lindt siege terror attack, inspiring listeners to make an ethical decision in their own lives and stand united against hate.
9 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Combatting mis and disinformation with Ben James from AAP Factcheck
AAP FactCheck's Ben James exposes the pervasive threat of misinformation and disinformation, and empowers listeners to identify and respond to hateful conspiracy theories and fake news.
3 Dec 2024TRANSCRIPT
Young Australians and Extremism with Dr Kristy Campion
Dr Kristy Campion from Charles Sturt University explores the alarming trend of young Australians engaging in violent extremism, identifying key factors in their susceptibility to radicalization.
22 Jul 2024
ABC Interview - Later Afternoons
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22 Jul 2024
Step Together - Heather Jackson interview - ABC Radio - 8 July 2024
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12 Jun 2024
Justice NSW Youth off the streets
Audition Template: 1 Mono Host track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Mono Interview track (with Speech Volume Leveler), 1 Stereo Sound FX with effects, 1 Stereo Music Bed track. 44.1k, 16 bit, Stereo Master.
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12 Jun 2024
Justice NSW Ben Zand
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12 Jun 2024
Justice NSW Continuum
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12 Jun 2024
Justice NSW Blaise
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31 May 2024
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A Podcast to support the community in overcoming the challenge of violent extremism. Our services focus on early intervention and awareness.
See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
Inside a recent episode
Before an Attack: Spotting the Signs with Ian Cherrington
Published 9 Feb 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And they may never do anything. And the vast majority, that's the case. So a grievance alone is not really the indication that you're looking for. But it is almost, look at it like a set of ingredients, I guess, in a recipe. Yeah. It is present in most cases because it drives the decision to do this. […]
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