Gen United

Total Sh*ft Show 🎙️

A Podcast by Gen United

Welcome to the Total Sh*ft Show Podcast by Gen United!

Join hosts Cydnie and Zarah for a wild ride of jaw-dropping confessions, unfiltered commentary, and lively discussions on workplace rights. From nightmare bosses to shady workplace practices, we’re here to expose it all. With new episodes released every second Friday, you won’t want to miss a single story from the trenches of the modern workplace. Subscribe now and join the conversation! 

Check out our latest episode!

When Work Turns Toxic: Real Talk on Bullying and Harassment at Work | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #4  

In this episode, Cydnie and Zarah pull back the curtain on some truly alarming workplace stories. Hear about a receptionist enduring relentless harassment, a boss at a gift shop exploiting employees while flaunting his wealth, a cafe facing financial ruin, and a not-for-profit where bullying goes unchecked. We’ll also explore the systemic problems facing young workers today and provide practical advice on tackling bullying and harassment. 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [0:00] Introduction and Overview 
  • Zarah and Cydnie introduce this week’s episode, focusing on harassment, wage theft, financial misconduct, and the mental health toll on young workers. They provide a content warning for sensitive topics discussed. 
  • [00:42] Story #1: Sexual Harassment at a Luxury Car Dealership 
  • A 20-year-old receptionist experiences sexual harassment from a co-worker and is fired after reporting it. Zarah and Cydnie discuss the fear of retaliation and systemic failures in addressing workplace harassment. 
  • [03:40] Story #2: Wage Theft at a Gift Shop  
  • Chrissy’s story reveals wage theft at a gift shop, with employees going unpaid while the owner flaunts wealth. Zarah and Cydnie highlight the impact of irresponsible financial management on employees’ livelihoods. 
  • [05:17] Story #3: Financial Misconduct at a Popular Chain Cafe 
  • Jude shares their experience of unpaid wages and financial mismanagement at a chain cafe, leading to its eviction and sudden closure. The hosts stress the importance of financial transparency and accountability in businesses. 
  • [07:01] Story #4: Workplace Bullying at a Not-for-Profit 
  • Rosie recounts workplace bullying and excessive workload at a not-for-profit, receiving no support after reporting it to the CEO. Zarah and Cydnie discuss the emotional toll of bullying and the failure of leadership to address toxic environments. 
  • [10:11] Analysis of Workplace Issues 
  • The hosts analyze the stories, focusing on the broader implications of harassment, bullying, and financial misconduct. They emphasize the need for solid policies and supportive environments to address these issues 
  • [12:38] Practical Advice for Dealing with Workplace Issues 
  • Zarah and Cydnie offer practical advice for anyone facing bullying or harassment at work. They stress documenting incidents, seeking support, making formal complaints, and the role of unions in ensuring fair treatment. 


Links from this Episode: 


Got Questions or Comments? 

All episodes

Episode One

Surviving Wage Theft: Stories from the Trenches | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #1 

In this Total Sh*ft Show epsiode join Cydnie and Zarah as they uncover jaw-dropping tales of wage theft in the workplace. Hear real stories of young workers battling unfair pay, dodgy bosses, and cash-in-hand schemes. Discover the shocking realities of underpayment and exploitation, and learn how to protect yourself with Gen United’s essential Wage Theft Guide.  

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

Introduction and Podcast Overview [0:00] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah kick off the episode, introducing the theme of wage theft and setting the stage for the stories ahead. 


Story #1: Strong Long Black’s Wage Theft Experience [0:26] 

  • Strong Long Black shares their experience of not receiving their new wage or superannuation after turning 18, dealing with a dismissive employer, and eventually reclaiming $850 in back pay. 


Detailed Breakdown of Wage Theft Issues [1:20] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah discuss the specifics of Strong Long Black’s case, including the implications of wage discrepancies and the legalities around superannuation. 


Story #2: Katie’s Challenges in Hospitality [4:31] 

  • Katie’s story highlights the challenges of working in a small cafe, including being paid in cash without proper breaks, not receiving Sunday or public holiday rates, and dealing with an exploitative boss. 


Impact of Wage Theft on Young Workers [9:01] 

  • The hosts delve into the broader impact of wage theft on young workers, especially in hospitality and retail sectors, discussing systematic issues and exploitation. 


Call to Action and Closing Remarks [9:55] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah encourage listeners to check out Gen United’s free workplace resources, share their own stories, and stay connected for future episodes. 


Links from this Episode: 


Got Questions or Comments? 

Episode Two

Unfiltered: Real Stories of Workplace Injustice | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #2 

This week, Cydnie and Zarah uncover jaw-dropping workplace tales that hit close to home. From managing amidst bullying and trauma to the struggles of a Christmas casual facing unfair treatment, these stories expose the harsh realities many of us can relate to. Listen now and join the conversation.  

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [0:00] Introduction and Podcast Overview 
  • [00:29] Story #1: Imogen’s Struggle with Workplace Violence 
  • Imogen recounts her experience as a store manager facing staff alienation, bullying, and a dangerous incident involving a thief, revealing the toxic environment perpetuated by her employer. 
  • [06:46] Story #2: Bee’s Battle as a Casual Worker  
  • Bee shares her challenges working as a Christmas casual, facing unfair treatment and retaliation after a scheduling mistake, highlighting the vulnerability of casual workers in demanding retail environments. 
  • [09:05] Addressing Retaliation and Unfair Treatment 
  • Cydnie and Zarah discuss the power dynamics and legal rights of casual workers, advocating for fair treatment and better protections in the workplace. 
  • [10:56] Call to Action and Closing Remarks   
  • The hosts encourage listeners to know their rights, seek support if facing workplace challenges, and stay informed about workplace entitlements and resources. 


Links from this Episode: 


Got Questions or Comments? 

Episode Three

When Loyalty Backfires: Wage Theft and Surveillance Hell | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #3 

Welcome back to Total Sh*ft Show! Join hosts Cydnie and Zarah as they dive into jaw-dropping workplace confessions. This episode uncovers a devastating health crisis at a fashion brand, a nightmare with wage theft at an Italian restaurant, unpaid trial shifts at a Brisbane Cafe, and an anonymous tale of micromanagement through remote surveillance at a bar. Delve deep into the systemic issues of workplace mistreatment and learn how to fight back 

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured! Subscribe now and join the conversation every second Friday! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [00:00] Introduction and Podcast Overview
    • Zarah and Cydnie introduce the Total Sh*ft Show and outline the workplace confessions discussed in this episode, highlighting the issues faced by young workers.
  • [00:31] Story #1: A Devastating Health Crisis at a Well-Known Fashion Brand
    • Alex shares their story of working for a popular fashion brand and facing a devastating health crisis that led to being forced to quit and reapply due to the company’s unfair policies during a critical time.
  • [03:12] Story #2: Wage Theft at an Italian Restaurant
    • Layla recounts her experience of working at an Italian restaurant at age 14, facing wage theft, verbal abuse, and being paid $9 an hour with no penalty rates. Despite asking for a pay rise, she was met with hostility and eventually left the job.
  • [06:20] Story #3: Unpaid Trial Shifts in Brisbane CBD
    • Freya discusses her time working in a Brisbane CBD cafe, where she was subjected to a one-week unpaid trial and faced issues with not receiving pay slips, leading to a lack of transparency and proper payment for her work.
  • [09:24] Discussion of the First 3 Stories and Common Issues Young Workers Face
    • Zarah and Cydnie delve into the common themes of exploitation, lack of workplace protections, and the importance of union representation highlighted by the stories of Alex, Layla, and Freya. They emphasize the need for young workers to be aware of their rights and to seek support when faced with unfair treatment.
  • [10:33] Story #4: Remote Surveillance and Micromanagement
    • An anonymous account details the intrusive micromanagement practices through remote surveillance in a bar, raising serious privacy concerns and highlighting the impact on employees’ mental health and work-life balance.
  • [12:36] Tips on Fighting Wage Theft and Protecting Yourself in the Workplace
    • Zarah and Cydnie provide practical advice on how to fight wage theft and protect oneself in the workplace, including the importance of documenting hours worked, understanding employment rights, and seeking union support for backup.
  • [14:36] Episode Close and Call to Action
    • Zarah and Cydnie wrap up the episode, encouraging listeners to share their own workplace stories, stay informed about their rights, and take action to protect themselves and their colleagues from unfair treatment.

Links from this Episode: 

Got Questions or Comments? 

Episode Four

When Work Turns Toxic: Real Talk on Bullying and Harassment at Work | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #4 

  • In this episode, Cydnie and Zarah pull back the curtain on some truly alarming workplace stories. Hear about a receptionist enduring relentless harassment, a boss at a gift shop exploiting employees while flaunting his wealth, a cafe facing financial ruin, and a not-for-profit where bullying goes unchecked. We’ll also explore the systemic problems facing young workers today and provide practical advice on tackling bullying and harassment.


Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [0:00] Introduction and Overview 
  • Zarah and Cydnie introduce this week’s episode, focusing on harassment, wage theft, financial misconduct, and the mental health toll on young workers. They provide a content warning for sensitive topics discussed. 
  • [00:42] Story #1: Sexual Harassment at a Luxury Car Dealership 
  • A 20-year-old receptionist experiences sexual harassment from a co-worker and is fired after reporting it. Zarah and Cydnie discuss the fear of retaliation and systemic failures in addressing workplace harassment. 
  • [03:40] Story #2: Wage Theft at a Gift Shop  
  • Chrissy’s story reveals wage theft at a gift shop, with employees going unpaid while the owner flaunts wealth. Zarah and Cydnie highlight the impact of irresponsible financial management on employees’ livelihoods. 
  • [05:17] Story #3: Financial Misconduct at a Popular Chain Cafe 
  • Jude shares their experience of unpaid wages and financial mismanagement at a chain cafe, leading to its eviction and sudden closure. The hosts stress the importance of financial transparency and accountability in businesses. 
  • [07:01] Story #4: Workplace Bullying at a Not-for-Profit 
  • Rosie recounts workplace bullying and excessive workload at a not-for-profit, receiving no support after reporting it to the CEO. Zarah and Cydnie discuss the emotional toll of bullying and the failure of leadership to address toxic environments. 
  • [10:11] Analysis of Workplace Issues 
  • The hosts analyze the stories, focusing on the broader implications of harassment, bullying, and financial misconduct. They emphasize the need for solid policies and supportive environments to address these issues 
  • [12:38] Practical Advice for Dealing with Workplace Issues 
  • Zarah and Cydnie offer practical advice for anyone facing bullying or harassment at work. They stress documenting incidents, seeking support, making formal complaints, and the role of unions in ensuring fair treatment. 
    •  

Links from this Episode: 

Got Questions or Comments? 

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gen united acknowledges that we meet and work on the unceded lands of First Nations peoples. We wish to pay respect to their Elders — past and present — and acknowledge the important role all First Nations peoples continue to play within Australia.

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Authorised by Mel Gatfield, United Workers Union, Docklands