PODCASTS SEASON 5
To begin, Chris Baskerville hangs out with James and guest Patrick Schweizer the Director of ALARES talking about all things Risk Alert! And then we ask the question, what does it mean to be match fit? Ponzi schemes, hidden worlds and Gamers – Season 5 is one for wide eyes!
86 Prologue - The Patrick Sessions 1
In this episode of the “Sounds of the Baskerville” podcast, Patrick Schweizer from ALARES returns to chat with Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty. They discuss the importance of the sorts of alerts you can get from ALARES, which stands for Adverse Legal Action Risk Alert System.
Patrick explains what his business does and its role in providing valuable extra insights and reports for credit providers and professional services.
87 Prologue 2 - The Patrick Sessions 2
In the second episode of the season 5 prologue of the TSOTB podcast, Patrick Schweizer from ALARES joins Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty to discuss the changes and challenges faced by small businesses.
The guys reflect on the past year and share insights on what lies ahead. Despite being recorded a few months ago, the discussion remains highly relevant.
88 What does it mean to be match fit?
“What does it mean to be match fit?” In the first full episode of Season 5 of “Sounds of the Baskerville,” hosts Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty, along with special guest Ginette Muller, delve into what need to occur before small business restructuring.
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the critical timing for businesses to seek restructuring help, emphasising the dangers of waiting until the last minute, such as when a Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is about to expire.
Ginette highlights the essential role of trusted advisors in navigating the complex landscape of pre-restructuring and restructuring, noting that while accountants are crucial to the process, they often lack the necessary insolvency knowledge or time to research it.
The conversation underscores the importance of businesses being “match fit” by having all financial statements and tax returns in order before starting the restructuring process.
James, Chris and Ginette explore the challenges directors face, including denial and pride, which often delay seeking help. They provide an overview of the Small Business Restructuring (SBR) process, discussing eligibility criteria and the role of restructuring practitioners.
As always, director need to seek help early to improve their chances of success. This insightful discussion is a must-listen for any small business owner facing financial difficulties.
89 Its about time
Science fiction, a water treatment plant, and a guy owing money getting nabbed while belted up in his allocated seat, just before he escapes on a plane.
Another eclectic combination of topics packed into just one episode – this time, the latest, number 89, of The Sounds of The Baskerville Podcast. Now in its fifth season, Chris Baskerville continues to delve into insolvency and restructuring, and he unpicks compelling issues for business owners, their advisors, and anyone interested in a good, informative yarn.
In this episode, we think about time. How long does it take for the wheel of justice to spin? How long a bad business can keep dragging on and on… how denial can prolong financial struggles and the severe consequences that come with it. As always, this episode offers valuable insights on avoiding financial business pitfalls and getting on with seeking sustainable success.
Worth your time!
90 Equity doesn't favour the tardy
A landowner is holding $1.5 million of a company’s money, a company that subsequently goes into liquidation. The money is meant to cover damages from a failed contract and the landowner has two years to make a case for keeping some, or all, of the money.
So who do you think is going to win this when it goes to the Victorian Supreme Court? Listen in to find out.
91 Equity Doesn’t Favour the Tardy – Part 2: The Fight for Recovery
The courtroom battle may be won, but the war isn’t over. In this powerful sequel episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty reunites with insolvency specialist Chris Baskerville to explore what comes after securing a $1.5 million court judgment.
With the land still unsold and an appeal looming, Chris walks us through the gritty realities of recovering funds on behalf of mum-and-dad investors. From navigating statutory demands to preparing for a potential trip to the Court of Appeal—or even the High Court—this episode captures the high-stakes world of post-judgment enforcement.
It’s a masterclass in commercial litigation strategy, trust-based legal relationships, and the relentless pursuit of fairness. If Episode 90 was about the win, this one’s about the work it takes to make that win real. Essential listening for anyone interested in justice, insolvency, or the human cost of corporate collapse
92 Small Business Restructuring: Is it Actually Working?
ASIC, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, issued a report on the small business restructuring regime in June 2025. The big question being, is it working as intended? Is it helping creditors recover their assets from debtors in liquidation?
In 2.5 years $100 million has been returned to creditors. So now the question is, what would the situation have been without SBR? Listen in to find out.
93 Don't throw them under the bus
In Episode 93 of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville take you inside the often-misunderstood world of insolvency—where fairness, strategy, and timing can make or break a recovery. If you’ve ever wondered how small business liquidations work behind the scenes, this is the episode for you.
Chris breaks down the tools available to liquidators to claw back value, protect mum-and-dad creditors, and hold bad actors accountable. From chasing unfair preferences to working within statutory frameworks, you’ll hear real-world examples of how liquidators are using the law to fight for equity and justice.
With sharp insights, engaging storytelling, and just the right dose of humour, this episode lifts the veil on the processes designed to bring order to financial chaos.
Whether you’re a business owner, advisor, or curious listener, this is a masterclass in how insolvency really works—and why it matters more than ever.
94 Five Lessons Four Ponzis - Live
They call him in when there is a dodgy scheme to be unpicked. Can he get back the money stolen from Mum and Dad investors by fraudsters who game the system? And how does he even know where to look for the assets hidden in odd legal structures, or just missing?
Listen in to Chris Baskerville live in the first of 2 podcasts recorded live at the HA Assist/GM Advisory Collaboration Year Conference in Bali, July-August 2025. As colourful and engaging as always, Chris shares with James and the conference delegates lessons for investors to avoid these scams, and a few tips for fellow practitioners on what to look out for when trying to sort out the mess!
95 Inside the Mind of the Fraudster
Recorded live in Bali at the HAA Assist Collaboration Conference, this high-energy episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville pulls back the curtain on some of Australia’s most audacious financial schemes.
James Flaherty and insolvency expert Chris Baskerville share gripping real-world stories—from chasing down millions through last-minute freezing orders to uncovering forged investment documents and elaborate Ponzi structures.
Chris reveals the red flags every investor should recognise, including the “magic 20% return” trap, bait-and-switch tactics, and the use of fake information memorandums to dodge corporate regulations. You’ll hear how greed, charm, and complex structures are used to disarm victims—and how sharp investigation work can still bring fraudsters undone.
Whether you’re a finance professional, business owner, or simply fascinated by high-stakes financial drama, this episode is a masterclass in spotting scams before it’s too late. It’s part education, part true-crime—and 100% eye-opening.
96 Company 57
In this action-packed episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and insolvency expert Chris Baskerville channel a little Wesley Snipes flair to unpack a high-stakes corporate collapse. The case? One trustee company controlling five separate trusts, saving a few hundred dollars a year in compliance costs, but setting the stage for a catastrophic unravelling.
When litigation, unpaid debts, and a court-ordered liquidation collide, Chris steps in as liquidator and receiver, armed with a “guillotine order” and, ultimately, a sheriff-backed warrant of seizure. You’ll hear how stubborn silence, missed deadlines, and poor structuring led to police and the sheriff physically taking possession of multiple properties—while businesses and, sadly, families were still inside.
Packed with lessons on risk management, trust structuring, and acting early to negotiate, this episode is a gripping blend of legal drama and practical advice. If you own assets through trusts, this is one you can’t afford to miss.
97 The Legal Edge: Why the Right Lawyer Can Save Your Business
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and insolvency expert Chris Baskerville reveal the high-stakes reality of choosing the right legal support when your business is on the line. Forget the theory—this is a straight-talking, fast-moving look at real disputes, tough settlements, and the dangers of relying on a generalist when you need a specialist.
With colourful stories (yes, unicorns and dental mishaps included), Chris shows how experienced litigators outsmart the unprepared, why chasing “certainty now” often beats gambling on “maybe later,” and what really happens when creditors, directors, and lawyers clash in the final act of a company’s life. Packed with sharp insights, practical takeaways, and a dose of humour, this episode is your guide to making commercially smart choices under pressure. If you want to understand how to survive, and even win, when the legal battles heat up, this one’s unmissable.
98 The Hidden World of Insolvency
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty sits down with trustee Chris Baskerville to unpack the often-overlooked realities of personal insolvency. Together, they explore the lasting effects of the Hayne Royal Commission, which saw bankruptcies fall dramatically from 30,000 a year to just 10,000, and reveal why banks are now leaning toward alternatives over formal bankruptcy.
Chris breaks down the complex idea of vesting property—how a bankrupt’s estate effectively “clones” itself, continues beyond the individual, and captures inheritances, delayed settlements, or even family homes.
With gripping real-world examples—from Mickey 17-style cloning analogies to cross-collateralised loans and multi-million-dollar plumbing disasters—listeners get a rare look at how personal guarantees and poor structuring can spiral into financial ruin.
Packed with sharp insights, memorable stories, and practical strategies, this episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to protect their assets and future from unexpected risks.
99 Get Smart about Cashflow
Episode 99 of The Sounds of the Baskerville equips directors, creditors, and entrepreneurs with the tools to “Get Smart” about cash flow and insolvency risks. Host James Flaherty teams up with insolvency expert Chris Baskerville to reveal why cash is king—and how overlooking a 12-week forecast can leave your business exposed.
From the red flags of rounded-sum invoice payments to the dangers of triple-mortgaged homes, Chris shares real-world stories that bring the lessons home. You’ll learn how to:
- Quarantine tax liabilities before they spiral,
- Lock in supplier agreements to strengthen your position,
- Avoid personal guarantees that could put your family home at risk,
- Trace margins and assets with precision,
- Leverage commercial loans strategically.
Whether you’re considering a Small Business Restructuring (SBR) plan or simply want to bulletproof your balance sheet, this episode is packed with clear, actionable tactics to protect profits and safeguard assets. With Episode 100 just around the corner, there’s no better time to sharpen your financial game. Tune in now and take control of your cash—before it takes control of you.
100 Don't throw them under the bus
In this milestone episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville pull back the curtain on two decades of insolvency tales, hard-earned lessons, and the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps small businesses alive.
From COVID-era chaos to digital-age dilemmas, they reflect on the top themes that shaped their journey—and yours. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a curious startup founder, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with real-world insights, surprising twists, and the kind of advice you won’t find in textbooks. Hear how failure can be your MBA, why some people are destined to succeed after falling three times, and what creditors need to know to protect themselves. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a tribute to those brave enough to have a go. Tune in and celebrate the grit behind the glory.
101 How do you protect yourself?
In this milestone episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and insolvency specialist Chris Baskerville reflect on over 100 episodes of insights, lessons, and hard truths for business owners and creditors.
From risk alerts and creditor tools to the evolution of Small Business Restructuring (SBR), they unpack the strategies that protect businesses when cash gets tight and the traps that catch directors who leave things too late.
Chris explains how creditors can use publicly available data, the PPSR, and updated terms of trade to safeguard their position, while also revealing why the ATO is tightening its grip as Australia’s largest (and often last-paid) creditor.
The conversation culminates in a deep dive on Director’s Penalty Notices, what they are, why they’re skyrocketing, and why ignoring one is a ticking time bomb for directors. Packed with practical wisdom and sharp takeaways, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating today’s financial landscape.
102 The Gamers
In this hard-hitting episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and insolvency specialist Chris Baskerville shine a light on the shadowy tactics some directors and advisors use to “game the system.” From exploiting loopholes in Small Business Restructuring rules to creating the illusion of being a secured creditor, Chris explains how these strategies often unravel and why they rarely end well.
Listeners will hear about the rise of dodgy pre-insolvency advisors, illegal phoenix activity, and the risks directors face when they chase the advice they want to hear instead of the advice they need. With stories of raids, seized assets, and directors left holding the bag, this episode is a stark reminder that shortcuts in insolvency come at a high cost.
Packed with candid insights, sharp anecdotes, and practical lessons, The Gamers is essential listening for business owners, creditors, and anyone curious about how the rules of insolvency really play out.
103 How to keep or chase your money
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, James Flaherty and insolvency specialist Chris Baskerville shine a spotlight on what happens when dodgy directors and their advisors get caught out.
From illegal phoenix activity to sham asset transfers, Chris explains how regulators, including ASIC, the ATO, and the Illegal Phoenix Taskforce, step in to dismantle fraudulent schemes and why the fallout is often severe. With sharp analogies (poker tables, DeLoreans, and even omelettes you can’t unscramble), Chris walks through how investigators uncover hidden trails, the power of public examinations, and the mistakes directors inevitably make under pressure.
The message is clear: shortcuts and “advice you want to hear” may buy time, but they come at a high cost when the truth emerges. Packed with gripping stories, practical warnings, and essential insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating business risk. Tune in and learn how to exit with grace, not disgrace.
104 A Numbers Game?
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, hosts James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville dive deep into the world of insolvency to answer one big question: what truly makes a good liquidator? Forget the stereotypes, this candid conversation explores the balance between empathy, integrity, and commercial acumen that defines the best in the business.
Chris shares insights from 20 years in the industry, revealing the human side of liquidation, the moral challenges practitioners face, and the importance of teamwork under intense pressure. From saving businesses on the brink to managing complex bankruptcies, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, judgment, and ethical backbone required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
105 The Business of Going Bust
Strap in for one of The Sounds of the Baskerville’s wildest episodes yet! Host James Flaherty and resident “hound” Chris Baskerville are joined by special guest Hansel Hizola from Jirsch Sutherland to share unbelievable stories from the front lines of insolvency.
From toothless cows and crocodile trainers to million-dollar tax debts and small business rescues, this episode is equal parts jaw-dropping and insightful. The trio dive into the real challenges facing small businesses in 2025, from ATO pressure and cash flow traps to the emotional rollercoaster of directors facing bankruptcy.
106 Buying Time: How Businesses Can Hit Pause Before It’s Too Late
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, hosts James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville dive deep into the world of insolvency to answer one big question: what truly makes a good liquidator? Forget the stereotypes, this candid conversation explores the balance between empathy, integrity, and commercial acumen that defines the best in the business.
Chris shares insights from 20 years in the industry, revealing the human side of liquidation, the moral challenges practitioners face, and the importance of teamwork under intense pressure. From saving businesses on the brink to managing complex bankruptcies, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, judgment, and ethical backbone required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
107 Inside the Mind of a Creditor
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, hosts James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville dive deep into the world of insolvency to answer one big question: what truly makes a good liquidator? Forget the stereotypes, this candid conversation explores the balance between empathy, integrity, and commercial acumen that defines the best in the business.
Chris shares insights from 20 years in the industry, revealing the human side of liquidation, the moral challenges practitioners face, and the importance of teamwork under intense pressure. From saving businesses on the brink to managing complex bankruptcies, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, judgment, and ethical backbone required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
108 2025: The Year in Insolvency
In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, hosts James Flaherty and Chris Baskerville dive deep into the world of insolvency to answer one big question: what truly makes a good liquidator? Forget the stereotypes, this candid conversation explores the balance between empathy, integrity, and commercial acumen that defines the best in the business.
Chris shares insights from 20 years in the industry, revealing the human side of liquidation, the moral challenges practitioners face, and the importance of teamwork under intense pressure. From saving businesses on the brink to managing complex bankruptcies, this episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the grit, judgment, and ethical backbone required to succeed in such a demanding profession.
