80 episodes

Russell Manser used to be a bank robber and prison escapee in the 80s and 90s and did 23 years in prison across 3 different states. Now having turned his life around, he talks openly to interesting people about trauma, survival, transformation and hope.

The Stick Up with Russell Manser Russell Manser

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 113 Ratings

Russell Manser used to be a bank robber and prison escapee in the 80s and 90s and did 23 years in prison across 3 different states. Now having turned his life around, he talks openly to interesting people about trauma, survival, transformation and hope.

    Part 2 - Lurata Lyon

    Part 2 - Lurata Lyon

    On this week's episode of The Stick Up, Russell continues his talk with Lurata Lyon. In Part 2 we hear Lurata Lyon’s journey as a political asylum seeker and how she came to be a motivational speaker and presentation coach in the UK, after escaping a human trafficking and organ harvesting gang at the age of 17.

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    • 47 min
    Part 1 - Lurata Lyon

    Part 1 - Lurata Lyon

    On this week's episode of The Stick Up, Russell talks with Lurata Lyon, a motivational speaker and presentation coach. Lurata shares her remarkable story of survival, recounting her abduction by a human trafficking and organ harvesting gang at the age of 17 during the tumultuous split of former Yugoslavia.
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    • 43 min
    Trailblazer in Sexual Wellness - Andrew Papadatos

    Trailblazer in Sexual Wellness - Andrew Papadatos

    This week on the podcast, Russell is joined by Andrew Papadatos, a trailblazer in sexual wellness and relationship advice. From breaking barriers to enhancing intimacy, Andrew shares his own insights and knowledge on his social platforms to educate others on the topic some might find ‘taboo’.
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    • 55 min
    Sydney-based Comedian - Andrew Hamilton

    Sydney-based Comedian - Andrew Hamilton

    Introducing Sydney-based Comedian, Andrew Hamilton.
    After being incarcerated for selling drugs, Andrew discovered the healing power of laughter during his time behind bars. Harnessing this revelation, he has since channeled his innate sense of humor onto comedy stages with his acclaimed show, "Jokes About the Time I Went to Prison."

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    • 47 min
    Founder of BackTrack Youth Works - Bernie Shakeshaft

    Founder of BackTrack Youth Works - Bernie Shakeshaft

    This week on the podcast, we introduce Bernie Shakeshaft, Founder of BackTrack Youth Works, a program aimed at guiding young people towards a brighter future through vocational, on-the-job training, that’s deliberately aligned with the regional job market.

    In this episode, Russell and Bernie discuss the benefits of using animals in education and the incredible effect it’s had on the youth at Back Track. It’s because of this approach that the crime rates in Armidale have drastically reduced.
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    • 53 min
    Ex-Prison Officer - Mel Watson

    Ex-Prison Officer - Mel Watson

    This week, Ex-Prison Officer and Sexual Abuse Survivor Advocate, Mel Watson is joining us on the podcast to open up about her journey.

    Born into domestic violence and raised in a toxic household, Mel endured neglect and alienation, leaving her without guidance to process her traumatic childhood. She candidly shares her struggle with turning to drugs and partying as a young teenager as a means of escape. Mel also shares her experience after working as a Prison Officer in the same environment as child predators and reveals the privileged treatment they often receive behind bars.

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    • 52 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
113 Ratings

113 Ratings

cxgdg ,

Stick up podcast

I Have been listening lately to your podcast, I would just like to say that your doing a great job. I have got my son to start listening also. If any good knowledgeable message is heard enough times it eventually sinks in!

I am a firm believer in lived experience to push good msgs. Your doing an amazing job. Keep up the great work and I’ll continue to speak of your pod cast to everyone.

Bodhi tree ,

A truly phenomenal podcast!

The Stick Up Podcast is phenomenal, & is doing such amazing & vital work 🙏🏻💙 shining a light on the need for prison reform.

I only recently discovered Russell, & his podcast, after hearing him speak at a session at the BAD Crime writers festival in Sydney.

Russell is an inspiration, a true example of how a fighting spirit when combined with compassion & empathy can totally change your life & lead you down a path where you become a true asset to society.

I respect that he owns & fully acknowledges the impacts of his actions on others in the past.

And I admire that he shares the story of his own deep trauma, in the hope of helping give a voice to other survivors, & evoke change.

The Stick Up podcast is a platform that gives a voice to so many remarkable people, who have totally turned their lives around & now inspire a whole new generation of kids.

My research, as an aspiring crime writer of a novel partly set in prisons, has provided me with an insight into a system I knew very little about. And what I have discovered has truly horrified me.

Our system isn’t about rehabilitation, it’s about punishment. Norway has it SO right, which is reflected in their 20% recidivism rate, compared to 60% of offenders being back in prison within 2 years in NSW. Norway doesn’t dehumanise, it educates & rehabilitates. And it works.

Of course there are some people who are beyond redemption & who should NEVER be released.

But most inmates deserve the opportunity to rejoin society, they WILL one day be released. And in order to make that transition work, for everyone, they need to receive help to find a new path, via educational & rehab programs, not purely punitive treatment.

I know how privileged I am to have been born into a family that was always there for me, where I was raised in a home full of love & support, where I never went hungry & had the benefit of a good education.

I never found myself roaming the streets at night because the streets felt safer than being at home. I never felt the need to turn to drugs to block out deep trauma. But sadly not everyone is that lucky. And that totally breaks my heart 💔

Everyone should listen to this Podcast. I honestly believe it will change your perspective about a side of life most of us know nothing about.

Shelley. Xx

Daily fourtune ,

The best podcast ever

Super authentic and very practical, Russell and his guests are always interesting and give super helpful hints and tips for living a better life👌

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