Motive & Method

Is this another case of wrongful conviction like Kathleen Folbigg?
In this episode, we revisit the case of Lucy Letby, as fresh legal developments continue to reshape how the evidence is being examined. With new inquests announced and ongoing legal processes underway, questions are being raised about expert testimony, systemic failures and whether earlier conclusions still stand. Tim & Xanthe unpack what’s changed, what’s still contested and why this case remains far from settled.

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The disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont has become one of the most troubling and fast-moving investigations in the country. The case that began as a desperate search in remote South Australia has since shifted into a major crime investigation. This episode, Tim & Xanthe discuss the key developments and turning points, and what detectives are saying now about their direction and their suspect. It's a case still unfolding with updates released literally as we record this episode, so by the time you're listening, the story may have already changed. 

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At the time this episode is released, Julian Ingram is one of the most wanted men in Australia. 
A major manhunt was launched in regional NSW after Ingram allegedly shot and killed his pregnant ex-girlfriend, her new partner and her aunt before fleeing the scene. 
As revelations emerge of his criminal history and recent release on bail, serious questions are being asked about risk assessment, firearm access and systemic failures. We break down what is known so far - and why this case is resonating far beyond one small community.

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When the remains of an infant were uncovered in a Sydney backyard, it was just the start of a dark and twisted scandal that shocked colonial Australia. As police uncovered over a dozen more infant remains, the secret world of Sarah and John Makin’s baby-farming operation came into view.
In this episode we’re joined by author of ‘The Baby Farmers’, Dr Annie Cossens, to dissect what really happened and how baby farming thrived in an era when young women and unmarried mothers had nowhere to turn - and society looked the other way.

Find more information on Dr Annie Cossins' books at the links below:
The Baby Farmers
Female Criminality: Infanticide, Moral Panics and the Female Body

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Robert Maudsley has spent more than 40 years in near solitary confinement, caged in a bespoke glass cell. Also branded ‘Britain’s Most Dangerous Criminal’ and labelled ‘Hannibal The Cannibal’, his story has been shaped as much by myth as by fact. In this episode, we unpack Maudsley’s troubled upbringing, his violent criminal history and the extraordinary lengths taken to isolate and contain him. It’s a case that raises countless legal and ethical questions around  how far a society can go in the name of safety… and what that means for human dignity.

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Fifty years after eight-year-old Eloise Worledge vanished from her bedroom, the case is back in the spotlight with a $1 million reward announced for answers. In this episode, we speak with Eloise’s aunt, Margie Thomas, who has spent decades refusing to let her niece be forgotten. She takes us inside the night Eloise disappeared, the investigation that stalled and the toll of living with unanswered questions. If someone knows the truth, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to come forward.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Eloise Worledge is urged to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.

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In 1951, Jean Lee was the last woman executed in Australia. 75 years after her execution, the case has been thrust back into the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen court documents. Lee was convicted of murder alongside two men - despite ongoing debate about her true role in the crime. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe unpack the crime, the controversial police investigation and the legal twists that sealed her fate. It’s a case that forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about justice, gender and whether the right person paid the ultimate price.

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As we step into the new year, this episode turns the spotlight to some of the meaningful progress made in major Australian cold cases in 2025. After decades of unanswered questions, several long-standing cases saw significant breakthroughs, new evidence and even arrests. Tim & Xanthe revisit just some of the many cases that were cracked back open last year, offering long-awaited progress for families who have been waiting years for answers.

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In this special end-of-year episode,  Xanthe and Tim look back on Australia’s biggest and most unsettling cases of 2025. From the trial that gripped the nation, to some of the lesser publicised but equally disturbing cases, they unpack the investigations that shaped public conversation and debate. Plus, the cases we should keep watching as we head into 2026.

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Catch up on one of our most-listened episodes in 2025. Forensic investigator Gordon Drage lifted the lid on Australia’s most horrific serial killings - the infamous Snowtown ‘bodies in the barrels' case. 26 years on, he still remembers every detail of the day they made the gruesome discovery in that bank vault. Now retired, Drage is a passionate advocate for mental health support within emergency services, sharing his powerful insights on the profound impact such cases have on those who serve.

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In this special holiday episode, Tim & Xanthe step away from the dark and disturbing and turn to some of the more unusual crime stories of the year - the bizarre, brazen and baffling! They’re putting each other to the test, in a series of games, to examine the stranger side of human behaviour.

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If you're a new listener or haven't heard this episode, this is Xanthe's 2025 "must listen" episode from February. 
While many think human trafficking it’s a distant issue, it’s happening closer than we realise - in neighborhoods, cities, and countries around the world, including Australia. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak to Matt Friedman - a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. From forced labor to exploitation and coercion, Matt uncovers the dark reality of modern slavery and what we can do to fight it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the deadly Bondi terror attack, Tim and Xanthe are joined by Forensic Psychologist Dr Nathan Brooks - a leading expert in ‘lone actor’ violence and mass casualty attacks. Together, they explore what we know so far and why grounding public understanding in verified facts matter. Dr Brooks cuts through speculation and shares his expertise around offenders, methods and warning signs that can be missed.

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A young woman murdered, a suspect who vanished overseas and a seven-year pursuit of justice that spanned continents. This episode revisits the killing of 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley - murdered on a quiet Queensland beach in 2018 - and the extraordinary international effort to track down her killer. Tim & Xanthe are joined by Nine News reporter Lily Greer,  who followed the case from Cairns to India. Together, they unpack the international manhunt that culminated in Rajwinder Singh’s recent conviction and life sentence, and exactly what it took to finally bring this case to an end.

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In 1920 Alexander Newland Lee murdered his wife and three of his children. His method? Poison. It would later be uncovered he was the nephew of infamous serial killer Martha Needle - AKA ‘The Richmond Poisoner’.
Author Dr Samantha Battams - who has written on both cases - sits down with Tim & Xanthe to share her insight into the disturbing threads linking these two generations of killers and the chilling parallels of their crimes.

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Around the world disturbing cases have emerged from behind the walls of hospitals and aged care homes of nurses and healthcare workers using their caregiving role as a cover for murder. This episode explores how these killers manipulate trust, vulnerability and medical authority to hide their crimes in plain sight. Tim and Xanthe delve into the darkest side of professions built on compassion, and analyses the disturbing psychology that turns caregivers into killers.

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Have innocent mums and dads been jailed for a crime they never committed? That’s the question at the crux of a major new investigation into Shaken Baby Syndrome. In this episode, investigative journalist and host of the podcast‘Diagnosing Murder’, Michael Bachelard joins us to dissect the science, flaws and potential miscarriages of justice he’s uncovered.

Listen to Diagnosing Murder here

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It was a crime so merciless it shook even the most seasoned detectives and it all started with one photo. In January 2016, Cory Breton and Iuliana Triscaru were lured to a unit in south-east Queensland where they were tortured, locked inside a metal toolbox and dumped into a lagoon. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the motivations behind the so-called 'Toolbox Murders' and how justice finally caught up nearly a decade later.

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It took one determined journalist to uncover the shocking truth behind this Australian serial killer. In the 1960s, Perth was gripped by fear as a string of random murders and attacks left police and the public baffled - until the arrest of Eric Edgar Cooke, a seemingly ordinary family man hiding a violent double life. But even after Cooke’s capture, two innocent men remained behind bars for his crimes.
 In this episode, we’re joined by Walkley Award-winning journalist and author Estelle Blackburn, whose relentless investigation exposed the injustice and changed Australian criminal history forever. 

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The world's attention has been gripped by the story of Ed Gein thanks to a confronting and disturbing new Netflix series.  When police entered his Wisconsin farmhouse in 1957, they uncovered a scene so grotesque it redefined horror itself. Gein's crimes inspired cinema's darkest characters, from Psycho's Norman Bates to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre's'Leatherface'. This episode delves into the mind behind the madness and the real monster who changed horror forever. 

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Nanny Doss looked like a sweet and kind grandmother - but behind her smile hid a serial killer. For nearly three decades, Nannie Doss left a trail of death through small-town America. Among her 11 victims - four husbands and her own children and grandchildren. This episode, Tim and Xanthe take us back in time to unravel the twisted life and crimes of Nannie Doss, whose disturbing confessions earned herself the chilling nickname ‘The Giggling Granny’.

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From child thief to infamous bank robber to master conman, Carl Synnerdahl’s life became a Hollywood script. Carl's story is one of deception, charm and sheer audacity -  pulling one of the most brazen ruses Australia has seen, fooling doctors, guards and the courts into thinking he was blind. Tim got to know Carl while working as a psychologist inside Parramatta jail. This episode he shares his unique insight into the mind of a man who build his life on lies.

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It looked like a tragic accident until detectives unravelled the truth of a gruesome plot - a murder by woodchipper. Three arrests were made, but the mastermind behind Bruce Saunders' death wasn’t even there. Sharon Graham had charmed and manipulated the men around her to kill for her. 
In this episode journalist Tara Cassidy -  host of the award-winning podcast ‘Crime in Focus: Killer Charm’ -  takes us inside this twisted case and the love quadrangle that turned deadly.
And we ask the question; how does someone manipulate others to murder?

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In 1987, Tim Watson-Munro was called in to assess one of Australia’s most notorious mass murderers - Julian Knight. He’d just opened fire in the middle of Melbourne's Hoddle Street, killing seven people and injuring 19 more. In this episode, Tim shares his rare and intimate insight into this case. Plus, the surprising message Knight gave Tim during a prison visit years later.

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This episode, Tim and Xanthe dive into the world of 'catfishing' and explore a truly shocking catfish saga in the United States that’s been unravelled in a new Netflix documentary. When a teenage couple were viciously and relentlessly cyberbullied and tormented, suspicion spread through their school and chaos engulfed the small town. The FBI joined the hunt for the catfish, eventually uncovering the disturbing truth. 

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A stunning conclusion of one of Australia’s most notorious trials -  Erin Patterson has been sentenced to 33 years non-parole. The sentencing itself was brief but packed with impact, leaving many shocked. Joining us are Penelope and Erin, hosts of the 'The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace' podcast, to unpack Justice Beale’s words, the courtroom reactions and what this sentence means for Patterson’s future. 

Follow ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast here 

Watch Revealed: 'Death Cap Murders' on Stan here 

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What drives lone actors to carry out mass casualty attacks? And could understanding them be the key to preventing the next tragedy? This week, Forensic Psychologist Dr Nathan Brooks joins Tim & Xanthe to unpack the research in his new book -  ‘Mass Casualty: The Rise of Lone Actors’ - exposing surprising truths behind their motives and methods. From hidden warning signs to chilling case studies, he dissects what really sets these individuals apart.

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On the day this episode is released, the hunt is continuing for self-described sovereign citizen, Dezi Freeman, wanted over the shooting deaths of two police officers in Porepunkah. Tim and Xanthe are joined by one of the country's leading experts on radicalism and extremism - Dr Josh Roose - to unpack the rise of the sovereign citizen movement and the threat it poses in Australia.

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Just months after a world-first AI clone gave a victim impact statement in court, another victim of crime has been re-created to answer questions from beyond the grave. With the use of artificial intelligence on the rise in our justice system, our courtrooms are entering unchartered territory. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how criminal and legal experts around the world are adapting to these changes. They ask; what is real, what is reliable and what is just?

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When four young university students were found brutally stabbed to death in Idaho, with no clear motive and scarce leads, the case became one of the most talked about crimes in America and online. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the shocking University of Idaho murders, the history and motivations of the killer and the dangerous role social media played as the investigation unfolded.
Nearly three years on, the killer has been sentenced and family and friends are speaking for the first time in a new documentary series ‘One Night In Idaho’.

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“Lies, deception and an extreme lack of remorse”. In this special bonus episode, Xanthe and Tim dissect Erin Patterson’s newly released police interview for the ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast. They share their expert insights with Nine Reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime & Justice Reporter Erin Pearson.

Follow ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast here 
Watch the full police interview on 9 News here

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The 2001 murder case of Rachelle Childs has been cracked back open in the new investigative podcast ‘ Dear Rachelle’. Host and journalist Ashlea Hansen joins Tim and Xanthe on this week’s episode to take us inside her 18-month long investigation. Ashlea reveals the unexpected twists and turns of the podcast, including new leads and heartbreaking revelations. 

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From forging cheques to finding purpose, this week’s guest shares her incredible story of redemption. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Kerry Tucker, a woman once jailed for a serious fraud of millions of dollars.  Kerry opens up about her time in prison, revealing how her sentence became the turning point of her life. She is now an author and playwright, a leading advocate for prison reform and a powerful voice for second chances.

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He’s the cop who lifted the lid on Australia’s most horrific serial killings. In this episode, retired forensic investigator, Gordon Drage, takes us behind the scenes of the infamous Snowtown ‘bodies in the barrels' case. 26 years on, he still remembers every detail of the day they made the gruesome discovery in that bank vault. Now retired, Drage is a passionate advocate for mental health support within emergency services, sharing his powerful insights on the profound impact such cases have on those who serve.

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They say you can't help who you fall for... So is it truly possible to fall head over heels in love with a criminal?

From the infamous courtroom "groupies" of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez, to women who become pen pals with inmates and eventually marry them, this episode of Motive & Method delves into the perplexing phenomenon of "hybristophilia" – or, more simply, loving a criminal.

What compels someone to fall for a person serving time for heinous crimes? Is it a search for control, a desire to "fix" a broken soul, or something far more complex?

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe chat with Clinical & Forensic Psychologist Kim Dilati to unpack why some people, particularly women, choose to build lives, and even families, with those confined by prison walls.

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What if the most dangerous criminal you ever hunted was… you?

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe pull back the curtain on the astonishing double life of Keith Banks, an undercover operative who didn't just infiltrate criminal organizations – he became them.

From high-stakes drug deals to the shadowy underworlds few ever glimpse, Banks navigated a labyrinth of deception where a single wrong move meant certain death.

Today's episode explores the psychological toll of living a lie, the chilling reality of befriending the very people you're sworn to betray, and the moment Keith's cover was almost blown... 

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In this bonus episode, the host of I Catch Killers, Gary Jubelin and Dr. Xanthe Mallett unpack the trial which has kept everyone talking. 

From the mismatched plates and crocodile tears to the myriad of lies and months of planning, these experts break down every detail of the Erin Patterson case.  

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She's been dubbed the 'Mushroom Cook' by many, but now, Erin Patterson is a convicted triple murderer.

The 50-year-old has been found guilty by the jury of murdering three relatives, and attempting to murder another, at a family lunch in 2023 where she served beef Wellington which contained death-cap mushrooms. 

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the verdict of this case with co-hosts of ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast, Nine reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime & Justice Reporter Erin Pearson.

What was it like being in the courtroom when the guilty verdict came through? What can we expect from sentencing? What weren’t the jury aware of during this case that can now be revealed post-verdict?

Hit play to find out...

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Australia’s youngest convicted murderer was just 13 years old. In this chilling episode, Xanthe and Tim delve into the disturbing reality of children who kill, exploring cases of offenders as young as eight years old. The discussion grapples with the complex legal and ethical question of what age a child should be held criminally responsible. And, should young murderers be given a new identity and a second chance at life as adults?  

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Xanthe and Tim unpack the twisted tale of Cassie Sainsbury aka “Cocaine Cassie” and her claims of coercion and grooming by organised crime. Was she a naive pawn, or a willing player in an international drug smuggling ring? This episode challenges our perceptions of guilt, redemption and who deserves a second chance.

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Tim and Xanthe are joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Nathan Brooks to delve into the psychology of stalking - a crime fueled by obsession, control, and dangerous delusion. Together, they break down the distinct types of stalkers and the terrifying tactics they use. From fixation to predation, this episode uncovers how far some will go to possess what they can't have.

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They’re rare, often overlooked, and shrouded in myth - but female serial killers are as deadly as they are complex. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim unravel the motives and methods of these women who kill, exploring what sets them apart from their male counterparts. From poisoners to predators, their motivations defy the stereotypes.

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In a world first, Stacey Wales used AI to bring her brother back to life so he could face his killer and deliver his own victim impact statement from beyond the grave. In this powerful episode, Stacey shares the emotional journey behind that decision and what it meant to give her brother a voice one last time. Xanthe and Tim also speak with Duke Law Professor Paul Grimm, who unpacks the ethical and legal implications. Together, they explore how grief, justice and technology are colliding in ways we've never seen before.

Watch the AI victim impact statement HERE.

Watch the judge's reaction HERE.

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In this gripping and emotional episode, we sit down with Daryl Floyd, whose brother Terry went missing 50 years ago. His relentless search for the truth has uncovered new evidence and promising leads. As the case is thrust back into the spotlight through a new podcast ‘The Boy in the Goldmine’, Daryl reveals why he believes the truth is finally within reach.

Listen to The Boy in The Goldmine
Contribute to Daryl's search via "Searching For Terry Floyd" on GoFundMe

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This week on Motive and Method, we dissect the mind of David Prince-Popovich, aka ‘The Playboy Swindler’. From bogus bank transfers to private jets, even duping a former Premier, his scams were as elaborate as they were audacious. 
Sydney Morning Herald crime reporter Clare Sibthorpe joins Xanthe and Tim to explore how one man built a life of lies - and why so many believed him.

Read the Sydney Morning Herald Article

Watch the A Current Affair story

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Why would someone admit to a crime they didn’t commit? In this gripping episode, Xanthe and Tim are joined, from the US, by renowned false confessions expert Professor Alan Hirsch to dissect the psychological tactics and high-pressure interrogations that lead innocent people to falsely confess.

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Tim and Xanthe are join by Professor Neena Modi, who was part of the international panel who looked at the case of Lucy Letby, to discuss the trial, the review and where it goes from here.

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Does naming and shaming really make our kids safer, or does it just open the door to misinformation and vigilante justice?
This federal election could lead to Australia's first public child sex offender register. Tim & Xanthe are joined by Dr Maggie Hall, from Western Sydney University, to ask the question 'Would it do more harm than good?'.

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Distinguished academic, Professor Greg Barton, joins the podcast to reflect on the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing rampage one year on.

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Xanthe and Tim discuss the rise of citizen sleuths and their impact on investigations, and look at specific case studies such as Gabby Petito, Ivan Milat and The Teacher's Pet. 

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Xanthe and Tim discuss Netflix drama Adolescence and how it's turned the world's attention to the growing influence of the manosphere and the influence it's having on teenage boys.

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Tim and Xanthe are joined by criminal barrister Ruth Parker to discuss the fallout and ramifications after underworld figure Tony Mokbel was set free on bail.

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Xanthe and Tim unpack the shocking death of an eight-year-old girl in rural Queensland, after she was denied life-saving medication by her parents and their religious group, who call themselves 'The Saints'. 

They're joined by A Current Affair reporter Pippa Bradshaw who has followed the case closely since the beginning. 

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Xanthe and Tim examine the jury secrecy principle with barrister and academic Jason Donnelly. 

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Xanthe and Tim discuss bail and its role in the criminal justice system, and if Victoria's sweeping reforms will help to reduce crime rates, and the risk of letting the status quo continue.

They also look at the age of criminal responsibility, and the rise of vigilantism as some communities take matters into their own hands.

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Simon Feldman was a successful company co-founder at the height of his career… But the higher you fly, the further you can fall. 

Simon hit rock bottom after being found guilty of embezzling more than $16 million from his family business and  was sentenced to four years in Silverwater jail.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Simon as he candidly confesses to the mistakes which cost him so dearly and how he’s turned his life around.  

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What happens when we sleep? 

Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that causes people to do strange or even dangerous things while they're asleep. In some shocking criminal cases, people have committed murders or sexually motivated crimes whilst asleep, arguing they acted involuntarily and without awareness.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe are joined by USYD sociolegal scholar and lecturer Christopher Rudge to discuss the parasomnia defense. Does it hold weight? Can people who kill in their sleep be considered murderers? 

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She built an empire on hope—a wellness guru with a miraculous story of healing. Belle Gibson claimed she had cured her terminal brain cancer through natural remedies, clean eating, and holistic living.

Her journey inspired millions, and her app and cookbook became global bestsellers. But there was just one problem… It was all a lie. For years, Belle Gibson convinced the world she was a cancer survivor.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the story of Belle Gibson... How she got away with lying for so long, and how it eventually all caught up with her.

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On February 18 2024, Sydney was shaken by the disappearance and tragic deaths of television presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his partner, Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, 29.

Their bodies were found in surfboard bags near Goulburn, and ex-NSW police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, 29, was charged with their premeditated killings. Authorities allege he used his police-issued gun after stalking Baird, his ex, for months, with Davies an alleged collateral victim. 

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe reflect on the case, from the early days of the investigation to the current case being examined by police. 

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Human trafficking is a hidden crime that strips millions of their freedom every year.

While many think it’s a distant issue, it’s happening closer than we realise - in neighborhoods, cities, and countries around the world, including Australia.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak to Matt Friedman - a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. From forced labor to exploitation and coercion, Matt uncovers the dark reality of modern slavery and what we can do to fight it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been one year since the disappearance of 51-year-old Australian woman, Samantha Murphy. Samantha left her home in Ballarat, Victoria, for a morning run… and was never seen again.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe look at the investigation ahead of the impending court date and attempt to answer the public's burning questions about the case...

Is her mobile phone the missing piece?

Are Victorian Police doing all they possibly can?

Where is Samantha's body?  

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Netflix's latest short series, 'The Breakthrough', has captured the attention of true crime fans across the globe for it's fictional account of the infamous 2004 double homicide in Linköping, Sweden.

This double homicide went unsolved for 16 years... Until police on the case enlisted the help of a genealogist, who found the killer by identifying genetic relatives and building family trees.

In today's episode, Xanthe sits down with CeCe Moore, aka. The DNA Detective, to discuss how Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is changing the way criminals are being caught out... and why they need to start watching their backs.  

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Australia has experienced a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents, with reported cases quadrupling since October 7, 2023. 

Known more broadly as Hate Crimes, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Matteo Vergani, an Associate Professor at Deakin University who’s spent an enormous part of his career covering these issues. 

What constitutes a hate crime? Is there a difference between hate crimes, extremism and terrorism? Can people be de-radicalised? 

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Later this month, infamous brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez will have a sentencing hearing, where a judge will determine their fate and freedom. 

The brothers were found guilty of murdering Jose and Kitty Menendez with shotguns in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

With new evidence on the table and a brighter spotlight on the case following the popular Netflix series, Monsters, criminal expert Laura Richards joins Tim and Xanthe to unpack the many truths and myths.

Laura Richards is the host of the popular podcast Crime Analyst. 

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What's the most bizarre case you've ever worked on? 

Do lie detectors REALLY work? 

Do you ever suffer from Imposter Syndrome? 

In this episode of Motive & Method, Tim and Xanthe answer your burning questions before giving a lookahead at what we can expect to see in the world of crime for 2025. 

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It's the most wonderful time of the year... But also rife for crime. 

In this episode of Motive & Method, Tim and Xanthe detail the crimes which escalate during the holiday period, the red flags to be wary of and their top tips for how to stay safe during the festive season.  

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In April 2024, the Netflix miniseries 'Baby Reindeer' captured the attention of millions across the world, following the story of a relentless stalker.

For Di McDonald, the series hit too close to home...

In this episode of Motive & Method, Tim and Xanthe discuss the recent statistics around stalking in Australia, before hearing from Di about a customer turned boyfriend turned stalker. 

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Tracy Hall thought she’d fallen head over heels with the love of her life… But instead, she’d fallen for an elaborate scam which would cost her entire life savings.

In this episode of Motive & Method, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Tracy as she unpacks her harrowing story, including the exact moment she discovered 'Max Tavita', aka. Hamish McLaren was an international con artist.

Tracy's book, The Last Victim, is available to purchase now.

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What happens when a cop crosses the line and partners with a kingpin?

Renowned investigative journalist Neil Mercer joins Tim and Xanthe to unpack the criminal empire led by drug lord Terry Clark and the complicity of Detective Sergeant Roger Rogerson.

In his latest book, The Kingpin and the Crooked Cop,Mercer reveals an intricate web of corruption and betrayal and how this deadly alliance unraveled into one of Australia’s most notorious criminal scandals...

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"At 5pm I was Deputy Police Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force, at 5:30pm, I was unemployed"

Mick Willing is one of our most decorated and experienced cops. In a career spanning decades he has seen it all, from drug busts, the Lindt Cafe and ultimately an timely end to a glittering career. In this episode of the podcast Mick opens up about it all, and more. 

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The worst serial killer in Australia’s history may be on the loose in the region from Newcastle to Byron Bay, where 67 murders and disappearances of women remain unsolved. Also in this episode we talk to Laura Clare, a former Byron Bay local who has begun a social media campaign from her troubling experiences in the region. 

If you have any information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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In this episode of the podcast Xanthe and Tim give us their thoughts on the Netflix show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which has recently hit the headlines. Also Halloween is here, but what are there issues dressing up as Jeffrey Dahmer? Or walking around your neighbourhood as Leather Face?

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The podcast series 'Rotten Apple' is available now wherever you listen to your podcasts. In this episode of Motive & Method we talk to the award winning journalist behind Rotten Apple, Camille Bianchi, and also one of the whistleblowers taking part in the podcast. This episode discusses child abuse, grooming and exploitation, please listen with care  

Bravehearts provides child sexual abuse counselling, they can contacted on - 1800 272 831

Laurel House for sexual assault support in Tasmania - 1800 697 877

Help is available through LifeLine on 13 11 14

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Recently there have been some very high-profile cases of alleged poisoning, some of which we have already dissected on this podcast. This week we are going to look at the breadth of motives and methods of the people who select this type of weapon to harm someone, and what kind of personality types are more likely to engage in this type of abuse.

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This week the country was shocked by allegations that Nirmeen Noufl (53) killed and dismembered her husband, Mamdouh Noufl (62), who has not been since since May 2023. The police allege this is a case of domestic homicide. The addition of dismemberment, whilst unusual, is not unique, and this week we will compare and contrast a number of cases where women have killed and disarticulated their partner. We will also discuss the differences between male and female murderers who desecrate remains in this manner. A difficult conversation, so listen with caution.

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In this episode we have a very special guest, Jae Gerhard, who we will be talking to about all things forensic DNA. Jae is an expert with over 20 years’ experience, working across all areas of casework – from multiple fatality incidents in the AFP, to crime scene analysis for New South Wales Police. She now works independently, and will be sharing her vast knowledge of new techniques to help us understand advances in forensics and investigation. We will be discussing this in relation to the Easey Street murders and other high-profile cases.

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Childcare predator, Ashley Griffiths, plead guilty to 307 charges recently.  He was active across multiple childcare facilities, with charges against him dating back as far back as 2003.  He will be sentenced in November. This week we look at the motives and methods of those who prey on the most vulnerable, and how they can get away with it for so long.

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We’ve talked a lot about violence against women, in various forms, much of it domestic.  Largely this has focussed on Australian cases, highlighting the epidemic of family and domestic violence in this country. We’ve seen that FDV permeates all strata of society, all cultures.  And nowhere is this more starkly highlighted that in the sleepy, picturesque village of Mazan: The case of Dominique Pélicot.  Behind closed doors, Pélicot enlisted strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife over the course of a decade. 

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This week we will talk about the psychological impacts on families in unsolved child abduction and murder cases.  This discussion is timely, as September 12th of this year is the tenth anniversary since William Tyrrell went missing from his foster family’s home in 2014. Ten years is a long time for his families to wait for answers.  Other cases we will talk about are Madeleine (missing since May 2007), and the Wanda Beach murders – unsolved since 1965.

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On the 26 August 2024, Justin Stein was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the brutal and callous murder of 9-year-old Charlise Mutten in January 2022.  Stein claimed that the child’s mother, Kallista Mutten, to whom he was engaged, was the one who shot and killed her. But evidence proved otherwise. GPS tracking on Stein’s phone helped locate Charlise’s body, which Stein had cruelly put in a barrel and dumped off the side of the road. 

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This week we will be talking about female sexual predators, in the wake of two women school teachers being accused of sexual assaulting boys in their care.  There appear to have been a spate of these types of alleged cases this year, but are cases of alleged abuse by teachers on the rise, or are more alleged cases being reported?  We will addressing these questions, as well as discussing why some women target school age boys for inappropriate sexual relationships, what the offender demographics are, and can these women be treated and rehabilitated?

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In 1994 Henry Keogh was found guilty of the murder of his fiancée, Anna-Jane Cheney, and was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Henry’s conviction was overturned in 2014, when it was determined that Anna-Jane had died as the result of a tragic accident – she drowned in the bath whilst home alone. This is the sad case of a death that was misclassified, and a man who subsequently lost two decades of his life – partly due to the manifestly misleading and inaccurate evidence of South Australian ‘forensic pathologist’, Dr Colin Manock. Henry has now embarked on a new, positive life post-release, but he is no doubt scarred by his experience. However, his incredible resilience is a lesson to us all in how to deal with adversity and trauma.”

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Ashlea Hansen is a familiar face to everyone interested in true crime, as she has spent over 15 years reporting on some of Australia’s biggest cases; including Malcolm Naden’s capture in 2012 and William Tyrell’s disappearance in 2014.  Her career has resulted in Ashlea finding herself in some unusual, sad, frightening, uplifting, and sometimes funny scenarios over the years.  We’ll hear some of the moments that she’ll never forget, the cases that have stayed with her, and a little tease about her next big project – a long-format podcast that’s currently in development.

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When Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train shot and killed two police officers and their neighbour at their remote property at Wieambilla in December 2022, the country was shocked. What could motivate these three people to plan and carry out such premeditated violence? As the days unfolded, and we heard about the lives of the killers, their motives gradually became clear – this was Australia’s first case of Christian terrorism. In this episode, we speak to media identity Melissa Downes and senior news producer Jess Lodge, to learn more about this dark episode, and some of the details they have learnt whilst making their podcast on the case, ‘The Ultimate Sacrifice’.

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It’s April 1994, and Anthea Bradshaw has just married her high school sweetheart, Jeff Hall, before embarking on what she believed was her new adventure, a life with Jeff in Brunei, South East Asia. But just 96 days later, Anthea would be found brutally murdered half a world away – and who killed her remains a mystery. On this episode, we delve into the what, why, and how’s of this cold case with journalist Ben Avery, who has devoted years trying to get answers for Anthea’s family.

Search 'Just Married' in your podcast app to hear Ben's investigation. Or tap the link here. 

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We’ve all seen some very scary footage recently of youth gangs targeting stores, stealing goods at knife point.  The impression is that armed retail theft is on the rise, and data backs up that that is true.  We’re also seeing more organised retail theft – much of it is technology enabled scams.  What are the drivers for retail crime?  Who are the offenders, and who are the victims.  And what affect do these types of crime have on them, and society more broadly?  This week we ask, what is retail crime costing you?

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Sunday 7th July saw a father accused of the murder of three young children, and the attempted murder of four others plus their mother, in Sydney’s west.  The case shocked the nation, but fire is a weapon that has become more common for murderers.  This week we talk through the psychology of someone who would use fire as a weapon of murder, in an attempt to understand this inexplicable crime.

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Tim and I have seen many miscarriages of justice in our collective time, but none shock us more than the case of Derek Bromley, who along with John Karpany, were jailed in 1985 for the murder of Stephen Docoza, whose body was found in Adelaide’s River Torrens in 1984. However, the evidence used to convict them is wholly unsound, as you will here. Bother men maintain their innocence. Derek was released last week on parole, after serving over 38 years for a crime he did not commit. Here from legal expert Dr Bob Moles, who knows more about miscarriages of justice in Australia than anyone else. We ask: Is this the most egregious miscarriage of justice in Australian history? You decide.

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The last few days has been full of news and imagery of Julian Assange returning to Australia after 5 years in a British prison for breaching the US Espionage Act.  Assange had faced decades of incarceration in a US prison, until a plea deal was agreed with US prosecutors. This week we talk about Assange, but broaden that out to look at other whistleblower cases, and the psychological and physical implications of long-term confinement.

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Matricide – or the murder of a mother by their child – is an uncommon form of murder. However, unlike many homicides, history tells us a lot about the types of people who commit this crime. Data suggests men the most likely offenders, and that untreated schizophrenia together with an unhealthy parent/child relationship can be contributing factors.

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We have all seen the horrendous accounts of harm against women, often caused by men they know. But where does this come from? In this episode, we talk about where misogyny stems from, the harm it is causing our kids, how AI is being used to cause further trauma, and how we can try to change the narrative.

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We have recently seen a spate of knife crimes perpetrated by young people. This has included the Sydney stabbing at the church, knife violence between young people, and a 10-year-old girl stabbed to death, allegedly by her 17-year-old sister. In this episode, we discuss the link between young people, crime, and social media.

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On this special episode of Motive& Method, Tim & Xanthe go into the weekend tragic events that unfolded in the Sydney suburb of Bondi Junction where Queensland man Joel Cauchi has been named as the man who killed five women and one man at the Bondi Junction shopping centre during a horrific mass stabbing on Saturday.

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In part 2 of the Keli Lane special we speak to Dr Michele Ruiters from the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative at RMIT. We did record this before Keli's parole verdict was handed down, but she offers key insights into Keli's case, the thousands of hours she has applied to the case, her involvement in trying to prove Keli's innocence and Michele's work with the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative.

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On this weeks episode of Motive and Method Tim and Xanthe discuss the events around a whistleblowing doctor revealing allegations of secret illicit drug tests conducted to enable AFL players to avoid detection on game days, the federal MP Andrew Wilkie has told parliament.

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On this special episode of Motive & Method Tim and Xanthe revisit an interview they did with Allison Langdon and talk through the Keli Lane case. Keli Lane has today, been denied parole under 'no body, no parole' law

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Welcome back to another episode of Motive and Method. On this weeks episode Tim and Xanthe explore the case of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. We look at the details surrounding the case, look into the profile of the accused, and what can be done to prevent such acts happening in the future.

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Welcome to another gripping instalment of Motive and Method. In this week's episode, we delve into the headline-grabbing case of Samantha Murthy, a Victorian woman who vanished after embarking on a routine jog in her hometown of Ballarat.

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In the final episode of Motive & Method for 2023, Tim and Xanthe wrap up the biggest cases from the year and discuss what's on the horizon in 2024.

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