Motive and Method

“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 hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 GoldmineContribute to Daryl's search via "Searching For Terry Floyd" on GoFundMeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 storySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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?'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distinguished academic, Professor Greg Barton, joins the podcast to reflect on the Westfield Bonid Junction stabbing rampage one year on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 after 18 years in prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xanthe and Tim unpack the shocking death of an eight-year-old girl in rural Queensland, after she was denied life-saving medication by those who looked after her. They're joined by A Current Affair reporter Pippa Bradshaw who has followed the case closely since the beginning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xanthe and Tim examine the jury secrecy principle with barrister and academic Jason Donnelly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.   Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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... Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"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.  Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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? Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Want to get involved in the community? Follow Motive & Method @motiveandmethod on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Want to get involved in the community? Follow Motive & Method @motiveandmethod on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  This week we consider what could cause a man to do something so abhorrent to the woman he proclaims to love?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Missing Campers Trial, Penny and Erin are joined once again by leading criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett, and forensic psychologist Tim Watson-Munro, as they discuss the differences between killers who attack strangers and those who murder people they know. You can find Tim and Xanthe's podcast in your podcast app, it's called Motive and Method.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Missing Campers Trial, Penny and Erin are joined by leading criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett, and forensic psychologist Tim Watson-Munro, as they take a deep dive into the mind of Gregory Lynn.  You can find Tim and Xanthe's podcast in your podcast app, it's called Motive and Method.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.