Launching on LiSTNER today, Jailbreak is a rollercoaster six-part investigative documentary series that tells the incredibly story of Darko (aka ‘Dougie’) Desic, a widely successful weed grower who staged a bold prison escape and remained on the run for decades.

When a neatly dressed man in his 60s walked into Dee Why Police Station in NSW to hand himself in, police were dumbfounded.

Darko Desic: a prison escapee who was featured on Australia’s Most Wanted, and had been on the run from police since busting out from Grafton Prison, using a hacksaw and bolt cutters three decades earlier. Surviving on little more than his wits, charm and guile, Darko dodged numerous hair-raising close calls over the years.

In a six-part podcast documentary series, award winning journalist and author Tim Eliiott takes listeners inside the extraordinary true story of Darko Desic, told in the fugutive’s own words. Darko takes listeners back to his arrival to Australia from Yugoslavia, his arrest for growing marijuana, his daring escape from prion, and how he evaded capture.

Darko worked for some of the wealthiest and most powerful executives in the Harbour City. HE was a beloved local in Avalon, yet police couldn’t find him. Once detained, the Northern Beaches community rallied for his release.

Fascinated by Darko’s story of survival and secrecy (including how he turned to DIY dentistry with pliers) Elliot tracks Darko down for an in-depth interview to find out the truth about the man behind the myth.

Tim Elliot said: “I love escape stories, and when I heard about this fugitive who’d led a double-life, near where I live, I had to know more. And I soon realized the backstory to this mysterious intellectual recluse went so much further than had been reported.”

LiSTNR Head of Factual, Clair Weaver, adds: “Secrets We Keep: Jailbreak is a wild, rollicking story about an eccentric but lovable anti-hero whose early attempts to fast-track his big Australian dreams land him in jail, until dire circumstances in his homeland drive him to escape. Tim Elliott and the LiSTNR Factual team have done an excellent job bringing Darko’s story to life in audio for the first time. This is a podcast you’re going to want to tell your friends about.”

Darko’s now vanished again, leaving Jailbreak as the only, and perhaps final, firsthand account of his extraordinary tale.

SCA has announced a new leadership structure and several promotion for LiSTNR, marking a pivotal step in the platform’s evolution as Australia’s leading locally owned digital audio destination that has become a market favorite for advertisers — underpinned by powerful first-party data capabilities.

SCA has ambitiously invested in LiSTNR since its launch in 2021. Today, the LiSTNER app has 2.25 million signed-up users, with the LiSTNER Audience Network — which includes radio in-stream and podcasting — attracting more than 10 million monthly listeners. The latest Australian Podcast Ranker also features more LiSTNER podcasts than any other platform. With strong year-on-year revenue growth, LiSTNER is uniquely positioned for commercial success.

Recognizing LiSTNER’s critical role within SCA’s All About Audio ecosystem and its expanding commercial potential, SCA has appointed Chief Operating Officer Stephen Haddad to lead the platform into its next phase of growth, alongside promotions for Grant Tothill, Sam Cavanagh, and Mike Williams.

This new leadership structure aligns deep audio and content expertise with core operational priorities. By placing proven talent in these strategically significant roles, SCA is sharpening its focus, accelerating audience growth, and unlocking the full commercial and creative potential of the LiSTNER platform.

Haddad said: “LiSTNER’s success comes from years of strategic investment in building Australia’s strongest digital audio network, powered by robust first-party data, world-class content, and a clear vision for the future. I’m excited to lead this new chapter with a strengthened leadership team.

Grant, Sam, and Mike each bring a wealth of expertise and drive, and will play a key role as we sharpen our focus on audience growth, content excellence, and commercial impact. With this team in place, backed by talented content and commercial teams, and ongoing innovation in adtech, we’re well positioned to extend LiSTNER’s leadership in the digital audio space and deliver even greater value to audiences and advertisers.”

Tothill has been promoted to the newly created role of Executive Head, LiSTNER Operations and Audience. Tothill will oversee end-to-end operations, drive audience growth through innovative content and data-led strategies and lead the development of a distribution strategy to maximize reach and commercial opportunities.

With over 30 years of experience across radio promotions and content, marketing and artist development in both radio, music, and partnerships, Tothill brings unmatched industry insight. Since rejoining SCA in 2010, he has held senior roles shaping podcasting and audio innovation, including Director of Entertainment and Content Solutions, Executive Head of Podcasting and his current role as Executive Head of LiSTNER Audience and Growth, with a focus on developing content-led strategies to grow audiences and commercialize brands across multimedia executions.

Cavenagh has been promoted to Head of Content — LiSTNER Original Podcasts. Cavanagh will oversee the creation, commissioning, and optimization of SCA’s original podcast, ensuring they align with LiSTNER’s strategic goals and perform strongly. LiSTNER’s vertical Heads across Entertainment & Culture, Factual and Sport will report to Cavanagh.

Cavanagh is a leading figure in Australia’s audio and media landscape, with over two decades of experience across radio, podcasting and creative content. Best known as the long-time Executive Producer of Australia’s most successful radio shows and podcast, Hamish & Andy, he has shaped some of the country’s most iconic radio and podcast shows. Cavanagh has also applied his creative leadership in agency with senior content role at Thinkerbill and Tribe.

Williams has been promoted to LiSTNER Head of Entertainment & Culture, leading the Entertainment vertical. Willians will manage the entertainment podcast producers and oversee the development of high-quality, engaging content that resonates with LiSTNER’s audience.

With more than 16 years of experience in audio and production, Williams is an experienced leader in digital transformation, audience growth, and audio content strategy, specializing in high-impact audio experiences across a range of genres. He spent over a decade at the ABC, where he played key roles at ABC Radio National, triple j and Double J, launching groundbreaking audio projects across documentary, news, music and digital-first storytelling. He joined SCA in 2022 as Executive Producer for LiSTNER’s Original Podcasts.