The Teacher's Pet

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Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother. They share a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story…

The Australian


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Teacher's Pet podcast is an engrossing and captivating true crime series that delves into the disappearance of Lyn Dawson and the subsequent investigations into her husband, Chris. The podcast is a masterclass in investigative journalism, uncovering new evidence and developments in real time. It is incredibly satisfying to see justice being served for Lyn's family after decades of unanswered questions.

    The best aspect of this podcast is the thoroughness of the investigation. Hedley Thomas leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of the truth, presenting listeners with a wealth of information and multiple perspectives on the case. The storytelling is immersive and engaging, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats as new twists and turns are revealed.

    However, one potential drawback is that the podcast can become repetitive at times. As new information emerges, there is a need to reiterate certain facts or revisit previous episodes to provide context. While understandable from an investigative standpoint, it can lead to some redundancy for listeners who have been following along closely.

    In conclusion, The Teacher's Pet is a compelling true crime podcast that highlights the power of investigative journalism in seeking justice for victims. Despite its occasional repetitiveness, it remains a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime stories and the pursuit of truth. Hedley Thomas' dedication to uncovering the truth is commendable, making this podcast a standout in its genre.



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    Latest episodes from The Teacher's Pet

    Listen to Episode 1 of The Gangster's Ghost: Dead Man Talking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 43:47 Transcription Available


    The family of slain gangster Stewart John Regan has been frustrated by an unwillingness on the part of the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Unit to share information about its investigation into his death. Police say they're reluctant to share important files because they're concerned publicity from podcasts like The Teacher's Pet will compromise their investigation. Catch up on Episode 1 of The Gangster's Ghost now, and subscribe to hear new episodes first at gangstersghost.com.au The podcast investigates the five-decade mystery of who killed psychopathic pimp and murderer Stewart John ‘The Magician’ Regan at the age of 29. One of Australia’s most notorious gangsters, Regan was gunned down by three assassins in a Marrickville laneway in 1974.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From The Front: Roger Rogerson's first kill? The mystery of ‘Shotgun Johnny' Regan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 13:42 Transcription Available


    The 1974 murder of ‘Shotgun Johnny’ Regan has never been solved. Now, his family wants answers. That’s where The Australian’s new cold case investigation The Gangster’s Ghost comes in. Subscribers can listen to Episodes 1 and 2 now at gangstersghost.com.au. This episode of The Australian's daily news podcast The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing Dear Rachelle

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 3:40 Transcription Available


    For two decades, the family of murdered 23-year-old woman Rachelle Childs have fought for answers. Though her killer is still at large, they believe her case case can be solved. Dear Rachelle is hosted and investigated by journalist Ashlea Hansen, together with retired detective and cold case specialist Damian Loone, who appeared in The Australian’s award-winning podcast series The Teacher’s Pet and The Teacher’s Trial. Search 'Dear Rachelle' to listen now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From The Front: Chris Dawson is staying in jail

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 17:44


    This is an episode of The Australian's daily news podcast, The Front.  Chris Dawson has suffered another humiliation, losing an appeal against his conviction for the 1982 murder of his wife Lynette in 1982. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian's app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Listen to episode 1 of BRONWYN

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2024 72:25


    The Teacher's Pet creator Hedley Thomas returns with a new podcast investigation for The Australian.  Subscribers to The Australian and registered users hear episodes of ‘Bronwyn' first. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more at bronwynpodcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From The Front: Hedley Thomas' new cold case podcast, 'Bronwyn'

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 20:31


    Where is Bronwyn Winfield? The devoted mum has been missing since 1993 – and the man behind The Teacher's Pet is on the case.   Go to theaustralian.com.au/bronwyn to listen. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Josh Burton. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From The Front: The Teacher's Appeal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 18:59


    Christopher Michael Dawson has launched an appeal, arguing Justice Ian Harrison got it wrong — and claiming he's not guilty of Lyn's murder.  The Front is covering the NSW Supreme Court proceedings every day. Find out more about it here, or keep up to date on The Australian's website and app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bonus episode: Hedley Thomas talks The Teacher's Pet with Raymond Bonner

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 61:53


    Hedley Thomas sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winner and former NYT foreign correspondent Raymond Bonner to discuss his new book, The Teacher's Pet, at Bookoccino book shop on Sydney's Northern Beaches.  The book is published by Pan Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, and wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Remembering Lynette with Hedley Thomas (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 50:37


    Lynette Dawson, now remembered as Lynette Simms, went missing from her Bayview home in 1982. But it would take another 40 years for her husband Chris Dawson to be convicted of her murder. In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, Hedley Thomas shares his  personal connection to Lyn's story with host Gary Jubelin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Catching A Killer with Hedley Thomas (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 47:57


    A school teacher, a missing wife, and the student caught in the middle. The Teacher's Pet was the podcast that captivated the world. In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas joins host Gary Jubelin to discuss the ins and outs of the investigation into Lynette Dawson's disappearance — ultimately landing murderer Chris Dawson behind bars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Bonus episode: Hedley reads Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 25:30


    Listen to Hedley Thomas reading Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet. The book is published by Pan Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, and wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From The Front: Three more years for Chris Dawson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 18:28


    Grey, shrunken and hiding his face, Chris Dawson is sentenced for unlawful carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl. Hedley Thomas joins us. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Front: Inside podcasting with Hedley Thomas and David Murray

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 43:52


    Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey and David Murray reveal how our smash-hit podcasts get made. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Front - Daily updates as Hedley Thomas appears at the trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 14:37


    This week Hedley Thomas appeared in the witness box in the trial of Chris Dawson. The Australian's daily news podcast The Front will be publishing daily updates. Search for The Front in your podcast app, and hit the follow or subscribe button to get daily updates on the trial of Chris Dawson and Hedley's appearance as a witness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing - The Teacher's Trial

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2022 62:40


    From Hedley Thomas and the journalists at The Australian comes The Teacher's Trial. A new episode will be published every Friday for the duration of the trial of Chris Dawson, who is accused of the murder of his wife Lynette Dawson. Search for The Teacher's Trial wherever you listen to podcasts, or read The Australian's ongoing coverage of the trial here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing - The Front

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2022 15:21


    The Australian's news podcast The Front will be covering the trial of Chris Dawson with daily updates. Follow or subscribe to The Front in your podcast app.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: The Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2021 39:49


    Australian rugby once had $40 million in the bank. Crowds over 100,000. TV audiences of 3 million. Today the Wallabies have sunk to their lowest world ranking ever. Off the field rugby is a "war zone" with a $20 million deficit last year alone. The Breakdown is a gripping podcast investigation from The Australian, exploring just how far "the game they play in heaven" has fallen - and why. Jessica Halloran and Claire Harvey have interviewed everyone from ex-PMs and billionaires to Wallabies legends, boardroom insiders and the volunteers battling to keep the game alive. Raw and emotional, The Breakdown is the new binge-listen everyone will be talking about. You can listen to The Breakdown through The Australian app, or search for The Breakdown wherever you listen to podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Night Driver - Episode 1 - Sisters

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 65:36


    Janine Vaughan was a young woman with many friends, a loving family and a good job. She lived in a country town famous for one of the world's great annual car races. She stepped into a red car in front of friends 19 years ago - and disappeared without a trace. Her sister Kylie has been on a relentless quest for the truth about Janine's murder in a community that has been keeping a wicked secret.To hear more episodes of this podcast series, subscribe to The Night Driver in your podcast app. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Introducing: The Night Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 3:27


    A young woman disappears into a rain-soaked night. A country town divides on rumour and speculation. And the relentless quest of a family to uncover the truth.  The Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist behind The Teacher’s Pet, Hedley Thomas, is back with a brand new podcast, The Night Driver.  New episodes of The Night Driver will be available exclusively to subscribers of The Australian for two weeks via the podcast player in The Australian's app, before becoming available on all other podcast platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: The Night Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2020 3:26


    A young woman disappears into a rain-soaked night. A country town divides on rumour and speculation. And the relentless quest of a family to uncover the truth.The Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist behind The Teacher’s Pet, Hedley Thomas, is back with a brand new podcast, The Night Driver.New episodes of The Night Driver will be available exclusively to subscribers of The Australian for two weeks via the podcast player in The Australian's app, before becoming available on all other podcast platforms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Special Update Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2019 17:09


    As Chris Dawson's defence team, police and prosecutors work hard to prepare for a murder trial which may be heard some time next year, 2020, the team behind The Teacher's Pet podcast series discloses a new development - taking down the first 16 episodes in Australia, to help ensure Chris gets a fair trial. And Greg Walsh, Chris's experienced lawyer, flags some of the issues and claims which are important to him and the accused. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Introducing: Who the Hell is Hamish?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2019 21:31


    A new podcast from The Australian.Tracy fell in love with Max Tavita, a man who won her over with tales of a life in the investment world and how he was working in the World Trade Center in New York when the first plane hit in 2001. Then Hamish crashed into their lives.Music credits for this episode:Meydan - L'Etoile danse pt 2Lee Rosevere - DecompressionDerjuli - Driving in a carUurite - Years and years, future peaceStephen Ludwig - 214S See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Arrest

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2018 45:16


    Nearly 37 years after Lyn Dawson disappeared, police have arrested Chris Dawson over the alleged murder of his wife, taking him into custody and preparing his extradition to Sydney where he will face court. When the knock on the door came, the 70-year-old was calm. The timing may have been a surprise, but he’d known for a long time that this day may come. Calling the matter "a cold case murder", the magistrate denied Dawson's application for bail citing a high flight risk, and said the crown alleged domestic violence allegations against Chris Dawson would be raised in evidence, as well as testimony from Joanne Curtis. But Dawson's family believe he will be cleared, releasing a statement saying that he is innocent and that there is clear and uncontested evidence that Lyn Dawson was alive long after she left her husband and daughters. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Digging

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2018 89:30


    Following an incredible groundswell of community interest ignited by this podcast, September saw a stunning development in the case with police returning to the Bayview house to conduct a new and more thorough search for the remains of Lyn Dawson. This dig was a necessity - not just to try to uncover new evidence, but also to restore public confidence and to prove to Lyn’s family that the police, this time, would do their jobs properly. Meanwhile, new witnesses come forth with compelling stories of encounters with Chris Dawson and his explosive temper. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Decision Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2018 122:14


    After 36 long years, failed police investigations, two coronial inquests, and countless appeals from Lyn's family, the case is stronger now - and once again it's in the hands of the office of the DPP. Regardless of their decision, the NSW police commissioner pledges to keep investigations going, and he plans to order a much more significant dig at the Bayview property. In this episode, former coroner Carl Milovanovich explains why he believes a jury would convict Chris over the probable murder of Lyn - and why the case still troubles him today, 15 years after his inquest in a Sydney courtroom. And Lyn's daughter Shanelle has final words in honour of her mother. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The System

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2018 90:42


    Before the first coronial inquest, police tap phones in the lead-up to digging in a relatively small area around the swimming pool at Bayview, where they find a woman's cardigan. The crime scene officer on that dig describes what he believed were stab marks in the garment. He suspects Lyn's remains are still on the block - and may have been narrowly missed because the dig was restricted for budgetary reasons. As the coronial inquests get under way, a student becomes concerned that Chris is trying to groom many of her friends at an all-girls school. The inquests are bad for Chris - but the system fails Lyn and her family again. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Momentum

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2018 72:55


    Some of them hadn't seen each other since Cromer High days more than 30 years ago but they came together in a show of force, determined to hold to account teachers who had preyed on students for sex. Meanwhile, the detective Damian Loone escalates his murder investigations, interviewing many witnesses in a quest for the truth. And the area of "soft soil" comes back into focus. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Loyalty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2018 75:23


    Chris Dawson was interviewed by police in 1991, and then never again. But Sue Strath, Lyn's loyal friend, kept agitating for a further investigation, and in 1998 Detective Damian Loone was assigned to the case. Curiously, the earlier investigation notes had vanished. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Damaged

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2018 84:11


    After six difficult years, the volatile marriage was over. Joanne felt she had become ‘disposable’, as Lyn had been years before, and feared for her life. She fled back to Sydney, telling friends she was convinced Chris had murdered his first wife. In this episode, you'll hear what Chris Dawson told detectives when he was interviewed in 1991. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Dreamworld

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2018 64:04


    Leaving the dark shadow of Lyn’s disappearance behind, Chris moved his young new wife and children north to Queensland, into a home on acreage near the newly-opened theme park, Dreamworld. Isolated behind high fences, Joanne lived the life of a 'Stepford wife', and was expected to meet all of her husband's demands ... including continuing to look like a school girl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Hopeless

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2018 66:00


    Lyn Dawson had been missing for three years when her worried friend Sue wrote to the Office of the Ombudsman - an independent government watchdog - about the lack of police action in the case. We go looking and recover a long-forgotten file after decades in storage, and the contents highlight the hopeless responses of police to a probable murder - and raise more questions, as public anger grows. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Rings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2018 67:10


    On January 15, 1984, Chris and Joanne wed at Bayview. With no veil, and in a non-traditional dress, the young bride looked like a flower girl. On her hand, she wore Lyn's rings. Chris's brother Paul and his wife Marilyn were witnesses, but there was something Marilyn didn't know. A secret existed between the brothers and Joanne. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Gone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2018 57:37


    In the days and months following Lyn's disappearance, Chris Dawson put forth a range of suggestions as to her possible whereabouts. Perhaps she had gone north to think about their marriage. Maybe she'd joined a cult, or a religious group. But whatever he said, he clearly believed she was never going to return, as he promptly moved Joanne back into the family home where she became the new mother to his two children. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    A Lovely Drink

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2018 64:36


    In January 1982, as most Australians enjoyed a carefree holiday season, Lyn Dawson was trying to pick up the tattered threads of her marriage. Joanne Curtis was taking tentative steps to extricate herself from her affair with Lyn's husband. And Chris Dawson was desperately seeking solutions. In this episode, a damning piece of evidence - once thought lost - is recovered, and it is something that should be vitally important to the Director of Public Prosecutions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Soft Soil

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2018 62:16


    Humiliated and broken by her husband's affair, Lyn finally asked Joanne to leave the Bayview home. The teenager walked out, and into the home of Chris's twin brother, Paul, a few hundred metres down the same street. Tensions continued to rise. And then suddenly, Lyn vanished. Years later, Joanne suggested Lyn's remains were buried at Bayview, in the 'soft soil' - outside what were her daughters' bedroom windows. In this episode, a surprise new witness speaks publicly for the first time about something he was told in 1987, indicating the possible whereabouts of a body. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bruised

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2018 49:39


    As Chris brazenly moved his teenage lover into the family home, Lyn saw the cracks in her marriage widen. It was crumbling all around her. Unable to believe the worst of her husband, she responded with denial, but to her family and friends Lyn's suffering was clear. And the toll was not just emotional. In this episode, a former babysitter for the Dawsons speaks for the first time about the violence she witnessed in the home. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Cromer High

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2018 55:31


    Cromer High School's pin-up sports teacher Chris Dawson pursued year 11 student Joanne Curtis with the sort of relentless determination he showed as a star of rugby league. Chris had model good looks, an easy charm, and students looked up to him. Other teachers followed his lead, seducing vulnerable school girls as those in charge looked away. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    chris dawson cromer joanne curtis
    Bayview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2018 41:12


    Lyn was a devoted wife and mother. She adored her husband, but he betrayed and humiliated her in the most callous way. Now she's gone - missing, a likely victim of murder. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2018 1:39


    A star footballer. His school girl lover. A wife who vanishes. The Australian’s Hedley Thomas digs deep into a cold case which has been unsolved for 36 years, uncovering startling new evidence. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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