Who the Hell is Hamish?

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He was born Hamish Watson, a surfie dude from Sydney - but he could morph into whatever you needed him to be. Hamish is due to be sentenced to jail in early 2019 for swindling a handful of victims out of more than $7m. But these crimes are just the final pages in a resume too thick to staple; for de…

The Australian


    • May 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Who the Hell is Hamish? podcast is a gripping and well-told story that captures the true extent of Hamish McLaren's deception and manipulation. The podcast does an excellent job of keeping the narrative engaging and ensuring that no episode feels unnecessary, even for those with limited knowledge of the financial world in which Hamish operated. The impact of his duplicity is clearly conveyed, and it is satisfying to see him referred to as a predator in the final episode. The victims finding some relief through his sentencing adds a sense of justice to the story.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to capture the fascination surrounding white collar crime. As a CPA in America, I found it particularly intriguing to delve into the lives of Hamish's victims and how he was able to deceive them for so long. The podcast offers excellent non-biased reporting, allowing listeners to understand the magnitude of Hamish's actions without feeling overwhelmed or confused.

    However, a potential drawback is that some listeners may find certain episodes, especially the interview with Jane, uncomfortable or emotionally distressing. While it is important for her story to be told, there are moments where it may feel like blame is being placed on her or that she should have known better as an underage victim. This could have been handled more delicately to avoid exacerbating any pain she may have experienced.

    In conclusion, The Who the Hell is Hamish? podcast is an incredibly compelling series that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of crime. It effectively tells the story of Hamish McLaren's cunning and manipulative nature while providing insight into the lives of his victims. While there may be some flaws in how certain aspects were addressed, overall, it remains an excellent piece of journalism that raises awareness about these kinds of crimes and their devastating effects on individuals and their families.



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    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2019 3:19


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    The Reckoning

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2019 36:41


    For years Hamish McLaren had evaded the law. But not any more. The brutal truth, like a runaway out-of-control limited edition Mercedes McLaren, is bearing down on him. There's no escape. Judgement Day for Hamish McLaren, has finally arrived. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bonus Episode - Jane

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2019 93:26


    As a bonus for all listeners, we are publishing the full interview with Jane, recorded in her house north of Sydney. She speaks at length about her experiences of Hamish, the impact it had on her life, and how she hopes to begin moving on. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Definition of Evil

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2019 66:20


    It may appear that Hamish got away with his schemes for decades. But he didn't. He kept getting caught out, time and again. It's self evident that many systems failed to apprehend this serial offender. How could this be so? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    On the Couch with Hamish

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2019 40:01


    He killed off his parents, by air and by sea. He ran over his twin brother Phil, and killed him too. What are we to make of these fanciful stories Hamish made up about his life? We've called in experts. And, we've gathered bevy of ex-girlfriends to give us their take on their time with Hamish. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Kevin from Queensland Goes to Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2019 50:50


    Skiing was Hamish Watson's great love. Before he was a puffed-up futures trader in Sydney, he was a pumped-up muscle-bound ski instructor, in Australia and Canada. The ski fields of Canada were his home away from home, a place where he could show off the millions he'd stolen. He flew in on private jets, he bought properties, he handed out Rolex watches and he regaled the locals with tales of life as a billionaire who was mates with Tom and Nicole.But it wasn't all play and no work for Hamish in Canada. He stole millions, roping in a high end car dealership, and drawing the attention of a spy and a former Australian Prime Minister. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Who the Hell is Phil?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2019 41:59


    Hamish arrived on the floor of the Sydney Futures Exchange in the late 90s - he talked big, but they all knew he traded small. They called him a One Lot Wonder. And they all wondered where he got his cash. There were cars and boats and trips in private jets and a girlfriend called The Pleasure Machine. But it was all other people's money. One of his victims reported $20m dollars worth of fraud to police, but Hamish slithered away to strike again. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Intern

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2019 41:03


    Jane was destined for big things. She was the great hope of her local school. She was in love with Jack, her teenage sweetheart. Life was sweet. Then along came Hamish, promising an internship and a placement at Princeton. Two families would be devastated by the results.Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2,Smallertide - One March Dayelectric-tric - Sketch 3, Sketch 14Komiku - Action Time Attack ResearchChris Zabriskie- Last Night I Dreamt I Saw True Love In Your Eyes See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Gatsby of the Great Lakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2019 36:06


    Hamish arrived in sleepy Blueys Beach with a beautiful woman on his arm, and on the run from his past. Rumours of dark deeds wafted through in his wake. Then he met Bec Rosen. He'd shower her with love.They'd be married on the balcony of a beach shack. He'd become a father figure to her boys. And then he'd cruelly betray them all.Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2, RainRafael_Archangel - Melancholy TuneUuriter - Years And Years See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Fashion Crimes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2019 35:38


    Hamish McLaren was always attracted to the high-life. It was inevitable he'd gravitate to fashion. And so, nestled among the retirees and energy healers Hamish stole from was another name: Lisa Ho. But had Hamish met his match in this high profile Sydney designer?Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2, Blind, RainChris Zabriskie - Cylinder FiveSmallertide - One March Day See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    The Day Max Died

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2019 19:25


    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 carUuriter - Years and years, future peaceStephen Ludwig - 214S See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    music new york died world trade center max tavita meydan l'etoile
    Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2019 1:53


    On the trail of a serial conman. A new podcast from the team that brought you The Teacher's Pet, coming soon.Music credits for this episode:Meydan - L'Etoile danse pt 2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    music teacher's pet meydan l'etoile

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