Writer and broadcaster Titus O’Reily was born in Melbourne and abandoned within hours of his birth. As a result, he was raised by the Sisters of Collective Misery, a kindly but sombre order who placed an emphasis on sport above all other things, including religion. When asked about his early childhood he said 'it was fine'.

Titus began selling newspapers in the local area at the age of two. By forgoing education, basic hygiene and social interaction with other people, he soon amassed a small fortune in unmarked bills and precious stones.