Australian True Crime

When Meshel Met Emily.

You know how you can watch Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie fall in love on Mr and Mrs Smith? Well you can hear Meshel and Emily try desperately to become friends with each other during this conversation on Meshel's other podcast The Nitty Gritty Committee from 2016. Emily was a guest, and after the interview Meshel asked if she'd consider doing a True Crime Podcast with her. In just the same way that Brad Pitt ended up with six children, Emily is now the co pilot of Australian True Crime which has had 10 million downloads* although unlike Brad, Emily is still part of a happy partnership. Yes, these descriptions are written by Meshel. Here's the link to the Nitty Gritty Committee in case you're desperate for a podcast to try while everyone is on a break, because you still have to deal with traffic or the train, or maybe you're one of those weirdos who listens to True Crime as you're going to sleep, which I've never understood, but you know, no judgement. https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/meshel-lauries-nitty-gritty-committee/id980139628?mt=2Of course there's a new episode on patreon.com/austtruecrimepod for $5 US a month. That's 2 Australian coffees a month but it's really working it's titts off over Christmas, because I'm uploading a proper full episode a week over there. Christmas spirit.

Trace Rachael Brown - #81

It's been a massive week for Australian True Crime podcasts and cold cases. A second inquest has been announced into the death of Maria James, the subject of the ABC podcast Trace, presented by Rachael Brown, and Chris Dawson has been arrested for the murder of his wife Lyn, the subject of The Teacher's Pet podcast presented by Hedley Thomas. In our last episode for 2018, Rachael joined us to talk about the emotional development. Over the Christmas break, we'll continue to provide updates on the scandal rocking the Purana taskforce that brought down some of Melbourne's biggest gangland figures through Patreon.com/austtruecrimepod including an exclusive interview next week with Ron Iddles.

Stalker with Narelle Fraser - #79

One of Narelle's most memorable cases. Have you noticed anything strange around your house?

Elaine and the African Gangs - #78

Meshel is a long time supporter of Melbourne's African community, but in response to calls for her to sit down with a victim of the so called "African Gangs", she visits with 76 year-old Elaine for a conversation of many surprising twists.

The Unsatisfactory Case Of Matthew Leveson

In November of 2016, a decade after his death, Michael Atkins finally agreed to tell police where he'd buried the remains of his young lover Matthew Leveson. Matt's tormented parents tell us the twisted tale as to why Atkins will never be convicted in connection with their son's death.

Pentridge Confidential

Vaughn Ruddick arrived home from the Vietnam war in need of a job. When he spotted an ad for prison guards he figured he already knew how to wear a uniform and avoid people who might try to kill him, so he applied. He went on to become a guard in H Division during one of it's most "colourful" chapters, thanks to the inimitable Chopper Read.

Great Escapes - #74

Susanna Lobez and James Morton have written another fantastic book about Australian crime. This time they turn their attention to prison escapes. The book is called "Gangland, The Great Escapes, and it's available now. Susanna joins us to talk about Australia's rich history of prison breaks.

Greg on the Outside - #73

Meshel met Greg several months ago when she visited Loddon Minimum Security Prison. He was an inmate then, and they made a deal to podcast together when he was released. This episode is the result of that deal, and while Greg has much to learn about living the straight life, he has some interesting things to teach Meshel as well.

The Disappearance of Katie O'Shea - #72

Free Spirited mother of five Katie O'Shea disappeared from Far North Queensland in 2005 leaving her friends and family to deal with grief, accusations and the terrible possibility they could have had a serial killer in their midst. Support us at patreon.com/austtruecrimepod for extra episodes and upcoming free events.

Mr Ordinary Goes To Jail - Part 2

A year ago, we spoke to Will, an ordinary guy who went to jail after he bit off more than he could chew when the temptation of stealing money from his workplace got the better of his moral compass. We speak again to him this week to ask how the last year has treated him, and what life lessons he has learned from his time inside.

"The Problem with Ivan"

Amanda Howard, the Serial Killer Whisperer joins us again to talk about the holes she believes are in the case against Ivan Milat. Amanda corresponds with Milat in Jail. Amanda's own podcast is called Monsters who Murder https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/monsters-who-murder-serial-killer-confessions/id1378794911?mt=2

"The Problem with Ivan" - #70

Amanda Howard, the Serial Killer Whisperer joins us again to talk about the holes she believes are in the case against Ivan Milat. Amanda corresponds with Milat in Jail. Amanda's own podcast is called Monsters who Murder https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/monsters-who-murder-serial-killer-confessions/id1378794911?mt=2

Brian "The Skull" Murphy - #69

Brian joined the police force in 1954, a time now known as either the good old days or the bad old days of policing, depending on whom you ask. He's crossed paths with some of Australia's most notorious criminals and been investigated for corruption himself, but Vicki Petraitis' excellent book, "Once a Copper" reveals some unexpected vulnerability behind the tough exterior. They both joined us in studio.

Operation Collier: Narelle Fraser - #68

Narelle Fraser's first case with the Victorian Rape Squad was to be one of the most challenging of her career. Operation Collier remains an open investigation. Plus, our first exclusive extra episode is available for tier 2 patrons. Go to https://www.patreon.com/AustTrueCrimePod to access the extra episode.

Hard Cuddles with James Harding - #67

James Harding is putting as much energy and passion into helping people as her once did into hurting them. You can support him by liking his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HardCuddles/ and following him on instagram. You can support us at patreon.com/austtruecrimepod

My Dad the Loose Unit - Extra Episode

An extra episode this week featuring stand up comedian Paul Verhoeven who's written a book about his father John, a former NSW copper and forensics investigator, not to mention a very intriguing fellow. The fact that he managed to remain straight during one of the most notoriously bent periods in Australian policing turns out to be one of the least surprising aspects of this extraordinary character. For more extra Australian True Crime, follow us on Facebook and join us as we launch on Patreon in September.

Fillicide: Tragedy and Psychology - #66

The death of a child is a tragedy, but even more horrific is when a child is killed by the hands of their own parent. Author Cheryl Critchly and Dr Helen McGrath are back this week to talk to us about Filicide, and the disturbing aspects of psychology that have led parents to kill their own children.

The Crime Scene Isn't Always What It Seems : A Charlie Bezzina Story - #65

Charlie is back this week to tell us more about his time in the Victorian Police Homicide Squad, as well as to discuss how policing has changed over the last four decades, both during his time in the force and now as a retired detective.

I Was Sexually Assaulted By A Stranger When I Was 7 - #64

After her rape went unsolved for more than 25 years, Elesha contacted police to have her case reopened. She courageously tells us about what life has been like since her attack when she was 7 years old, what happened when her case was reopened and why she contacted us to tell her story. PLEASE NOTE: Listener discretion is advised as this episode details child sexual assault and trauma. For help: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14, Blue Knot Helpline on 1300 657 380. For more services see our Facebook page or website for details. Find more about our friends at Canadian True Crime here: https://canadiantruecrime.ca

The murder of Stuart Fairlie: A Charlie Bezzina Case - #63

The 1989 murder of RSPCA officer Stuart Fairlie highlighted the dangers posed for workers in the enforcement field who worked solo or "one-up" in rural areas of Australia. Retired former Victoria Police Homicide Squad boss Charlie Bezzina takes us through this case.

When A Parent Goes To Jail - #62

Listener Amelia talks to us about the experience of having a parent in prison and what support kids need to cope.

The Art Of The Interview with Chris O’Connor

Chris O’Connor is a highly regarded retired detective He worked some extremely high profile cases in the Victoria Police on the child exploitation unit including the hunt for Mr Cruel Operation Spectrum. Chris now uses his decades of specialised experience and knowledge training other agencies, including police, on effective interview questioning.

Martha Needle: Mother, Murderer, Victim

The story of Martha Needle is compelling and tragic. We speak to author Dr Brian Williams about his in-depth book on the life and crimes of this woman, who is one of Australia’s most prolific killers.

The Frankston Murders: 25 Years On with Vikki Petraitis

True Crime author Vikki Petraitis joins us to talk about The Frankston Murders in the wake of their 25th anniversary, as well as provides an insight into the now jailed perpetrator, Paula Denya.

Mind Behind The Crime - Deadly Personality Disorders

Journalist Cheryl Critchley and Psychologist Helen McGrath have studied some of Australia's most shocking and seemingly unexplainable crimes, to discover the ways in which the disordered personalities of the perpetrators set them on a deadly path.  They teach us about common personality disorders and how to spot them, as well as the difference between these disorders and mental illness.   Cheryl and Helen's book, Mind Behind the Crime is available now.