Motive & Method
TAPT Podcasts
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Motive & Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.
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12. The Case of Janine Vaughan: A Red Car, CCTV Clues & The Lost Evidence 16.09.2026 30minAfter 25 years, could forensic experts uncover new leads from the final clue in this case?In December 2001, Janine Vaughan was seen on CCTV getting into a red car outside a Bathurst nightclub - then she vanished. In this episode, her brother Adam and sister Kylie reveal how missed witnesses, unexamined evidence and the destruction of a blood-and-hair-covered knife may have cost investigators crucial answers. After speaking at the Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved cases in NSW, they sat down with Tim & Xanthe to share what it’s been like to investigate their own sister’s disappearance for almost 25 years. Plus, what it means to have the police finally agree to hand over crucial CCTV evidence for advanced analysis. With a million-dollar reward still on the table, Janine’s family is asking the police to give anyone who comes forward with answers immunity from prosecution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
11. Ivan Milat's Accomplice & Questions Of Lost Files 11.09.2026 29minDid Ivan Milat really act alone? And could lost documents link him to unsolved murders?The Crown prosecutor who put Ivan Milat behind bars believes the notorious serial killer may have had help with some of the murders. This episode, Tim and Xanthe take you inside the latest NSW parliamentary hearing into unsolved murders and missing persons where crucial questions were asked, and answered. The hearing revisited two unsolved cases - Peter Letcher and Dianne Pennacchio - with questions raised over whether a missing brief of evidence could contain a link to Milat. And the head of the state’s Homicide Squad concedes, with 400 boxes of archived evidence, there could be more answers buried in the files.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Lindsay Clancy: A Hung Jury In The Case That Gripped The World 09.09.2026 34minShe killed her three children. But was she in control of what she was doing?The Lindsay Clancy case has gripped the world - a mother accused of killing her three young children, and a trial that ended in a dramatic hung jury after weeks of conflicting evidence about postpartum psychosis, medication and criminal responsibility. In this episode, emergency physician and trauma expert Dr Josh McConkey takes us inside the medical evidence, examining what we know about Clancy’s mental state, the medications she was prescribed, the injuries to the children and the question of whether psychosis can coexist with planning and intent. We explore the warning signs families and clinicians may miss, how quickly postpartum psychosis can develop and where the line lies between documented medical evidence and speculation. With the charges still standing and a crucial court hearing ahead, what happens next could reignite one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the world. Watch the full video episode on YouTube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
The Murders Of Karlie & Khandalyce 01.09.2026 32minTwo unidentified bodies were found years apart and thousands of kilometres away from eachother- Then came the chilling discovery that they were a mother and her young daughter.When the remains of a young woman were discovered in the notorious Belanglo State Forest, no one knew who she was. Her identity remained a mystery for five years, until the horrific discovery of a toddler's body on the side of a highway, and the heartbreaking truth they were mother and daughter. This episode, Xanthe takes us through why Karlie Pearce-Stevenson and her daughter Khandalyce were never reported missing - and how they were finally identified. Plus the depraved actions of the man who killed them - and his calculated deception designed to convince family and police they were still alive. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Forgery & Foul Play: Who Killed Les Ball? 25.08.2026 37minLeslie Ball didn't just disappear, someone went to extraordinary lengths to erase him.But a trail of forged signatures, fraud and burnt evidence couldn't keep this 33-year-old cold case buried forever.In this episode Xanthe and Tim are joined by News.com.au investigative reporter Jo Townsend to untangle the mysterious 1993 disappearance of 71-year-old Leslie Ball. Townsend details her deep dive into her podcast Witness: Perfect Alibi, exposing how an ex-cop's web of fake documents and fabricated timelines obscured the reality of Ball's murder. Together, they explore the dark financial motives, the devastating emotional impact on Ball's daughter Le-Chelle and the haunting theory of where his remains may be hidden. Learn more about the investigation here at news.com.auOr Listen to 'Witness: Perfect Alibi' on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Watch our full video episodes on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Mr Rent-A-Kill: The Underworld Hitman Who Disappeared 18.08.2026 38minFor years, Christopher Flannery AKA 'Mr Rent-a-Kill' was the man Australian mobsters hired to make people disappear - until he became a target and vanished into thin air himself.In 1985, after becoming a volatile liability who simply knew too much about corrupt police and syndicate bosses, the feared assassin vanished without a trace. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with former detective and author Duncan McNab to unravel Flannery's violent trajectory from a troubled youth in Melbourne to the high-stakes underworld of Sydney. Together, they examine the infamous hit on police officer Mick Drury, his shady links to notorious corrupt cop Roger Rogerson and the lingering theories behind Australia's most enduring underworld disappearance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
‘Falsely Convicted’ with Neil Mercer: True Stories of Injustice in Australia 11.08.2026 48minFrom unvetted science to coerced confessions, catastrophic failures in Australia's justice system have stolen decades from innocent people for crimes they didn't commit. In this episode Xanthe and Tim sit down with Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist Neil Mercer to discuss his new book, Falsely Convicted. Mercer details how the Australian criminal justice system has catastrophically failed innocent people through police misconduct, prosecutorial oversights and unvetted expert testimony.Their conversation highlights heartbreaking real-world cases, including a former teacher jailed on biologically impossible abuse claims and a man who served 20 years for murder based on the testimony of an unqualified pathologist. They also examine the tragic case of Gene Gibson - a cognitively impaired Indigenous man coerced into a confession without an interpreter - underscoring the immense barriers vulnerable suspects face. Neil Mercer gives a sobering insight into the devastating personal toll of wrongful convictions and the extraordinary effort required to overturn them. For more information on ‘Falsely Convicted’ visit allenandunwin.com Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Port Arthur: The Massacre That Changed Australia 04.08.2026 37minThe Port Arthur massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history - a tragedy that shattered lives and transformed the country’s gun laws.On a quiet Sunday afternoon in April 1996, 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire at the tourist site and continued on an hours-long deadly rampage. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how the events of that tragic day played out and the lasting legacy and impact of the massacre. They also delve into the life of the shooter, exploring his troubled upbringing, his bizarre relationship with a wealthy heiress, and the complex psychological questions that continue to surround one of Australia’s most infamous killers. For more information on ‘The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’ mentioned in this episode - click here. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Terror In The Outback: Can Peter Falconio’s Body Be Found? 29.07.2026 36minOn a remote highway Peter Falconio vanished forever - His murder became every outback travellers worst nightmare.25 years after one of Australia’s most infamous murders, the case is back in the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen police footage and investigation photos. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim retrace the events of that terrifying night and discuss the forensic evidence that secured Bradley John Murdoch’s conviction without a body. Plus, the psychology behind Joanne Lees’ remarkable survival and discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to Peter Falconio’s remains. Over the decades there has been widespread speculation, and many theories, surrounding what happened to Peter Falconio’s body. Did the truth die with the only man who has the answer? If you have information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously across Australia by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online via Crime Stoppers Australia. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
10. Painful Patterns: Inside The Grafton Hearing with Tim & Xanthe 27.07.2026 29minAt the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers. They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia’s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources.Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers. You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings HERE If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help:Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14Mental Health Line: 1800 011 5111800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
9. Andrew Inglis: The First Love Who Never Came Home 21.07.2026 25minA teenager climbed into his red Datsun and drove off into the rain on Boxing Day 1985. He was never seen again.Nearly 40 years later, what happened to 18-year-old Andrew Inglis remains a mystery. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe are joined by Andrew’s then-girlfriend, Joanne Greensill, who shares the heartbreak of losing her first love. Although she doesn't believe he met with foul play, his disappearance has haunted her for decades and she believes critical opportunities to find answers were missed. After giving evidence to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved murders and missing persons, Joanne is hoping her story will help change how other missing persons cases are handled. Anyone with information about Andrew's disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
The Thailand Suitcase Murder: An Australian Charged 17.07.2026 25minA 17-year-old disappeared in Thailand after meeting an Australian man. Less than a day later her body was found inside a suitcase abandoned near railway tracks. In this episode Tim and Xanthe examine the evidence authorities allege they have against Australian man Simon Peter Carman, and how they say they tracked him through an extensive network of CCTV. Carman denies intentionally killing the teenager - Thanchanok Donhomla - claiming he acted in self-defence, and could face the death penalty if convicted under Thai law. You can read the Sydney Morning Herald article about Thanchanok Donhomla and her family, mentioned in this episode HERE Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
8. Narelle Cox: If Not Milat, Then Who? 14.07.2026 27minCould an anonymous truck driver hold the key to solving this 50-year-old cold case?In this episode Tim & Xanthe sit down with Karen Cox, the sister of Narelle Cox, who vanished in 1977 while hitchhiking from Grafton to Noosa. She was just 21 years old and left a note saying she was visiting a friend for the weekend, but she never arrived and she never came home. Karen shares the devastating impact of Narelle’s disappearance, the police decisions they believe cost valuable time and the lost leads that have haunted them for nearly 50 years. Plus, why possible links to Ivan Milat, or another convicted killer, continue to raise troubling questions. Anyone with information about Narelle’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
7. Marion Barter Pt. 2 - The Citizen Sleuth Who Found What Police Missed 12.07.2026 34minNo badge, no warrant and no official powers - yet she uncovered vital evidence in the search for missing schoolteacher Marion Barter.In this episode, we speak with citizen sleuth and social worker Joni Condos, whose relentless research from her own living room uncovered crucial evidence in the mysterious disappearance of Marion Barter. Joni reveals how she traced hidden identities, unearthed forgotten records and pieced together key movements that helped reshape the coronial inquest into one of Australia’s most baffling missing persons cases.She also shares why she believes collaboration between police and skilled civilian researchers could be the key to solving more cold cases. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below:The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat Project See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
6. The Mysterious Disappearance of Marion Barter 09.07.2026 30minShe secretly changed her name. Hundreds of thousands of dollars disappeared from her bank account. A convicted conman was questioned for days at a coronial inquest, yet nearly three decades later, no one knows what happened to Marion Barter.In this episode, Tim & Xanthe are joined by Marion’s daughter Sally Leydon. She reveals the extraordinary twists in her mother’s disappearance, the police failures that left the case largely uninvestigated for years and the new leads that continue to emerge. Sally also reflects on her appearance before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved cases, where she’s fighting for reforms to ensure other families don’t endure the same devastating search for answers. Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE. Anyone with information about Marion’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au For more information, follow the links below.The Lady Vanishes podcastThe Missing Matter podcastThe Green Seat ProjectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Chopper Read: Australia’s ‘Celebrity’ Criminal 07.07.2026 29minHow a notorious criminal became a pop culture legend.Tim & Xanthe unpack the violent life and complicated mythology of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read - the underworld figure immortalised in film, television, and true crime folklore. From prison violence and gangland crime to media fame and the cult success of 'Chopper', we examine how a brutal criminal transformed himself into an Australian icon. But beneath the stories, one-liners and legend lies a darker question: why are societies so fascinated by violent men like Chopper Read? Watch the full video episode on Youtube at Crime Central Australia HERE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
A Family Vanished: The 'Nannup Cult' Mystery 30.06.2026 41minIn 2007, four people vanished from a remote town in Western Australia - leaving behind an abandoned home, a cryptic note and a trail of unanswered questions. At the centre of the mystery was a self-styled spiritual leader, who had built an online doomsday cult. Over the past 20 years, as desperate family, police and coroners examined theories ranging from suicide pacts to staged disappearances, the truth behind the so-called “Nannup Four” only became more disturbing.In this episode, ABC journalist Dominique Bayens - behind the investigative podcast ‘Expanse: The Nannup Four’ - joins Tim and Xanthe to examine this mystery, and discuss the disturbing psychology behind what has become one of Australia’s strangest and most unsettling cult cold cases. You can listen to the whole series by Dominique Bayens here: “Expanse: The Nannup Four” Watch our full video episodes on Youtube on the Crime Central Australia channel. Follow us on Instagram @Motive&Method See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
Bonus: Behind The Scenes With MP Jeremy Buckingham 26.06.2026 30minIn this bonus episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with MP Jeremy Buckingham, the driving force behind the parliamentary inquiry examining some of Australia’s most notorious unsolved murders and missing persons cases. Buckingham reveals what sparked his decade-long push for answers, the systemic failures families say have left them abandoned and why he believes these cases deserve fresh scrutiny. He also explains what changes could come from the inquiry - and why families believe this may be their best chance yet at answers and accountability. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
5. Cheryl Grimmer: A Confession Ignored- A Child Killer Never Caught 23.06.2026 29minA three-year-old disappears. A teenager confesses. Yet more than five decades later, Cheryl Grimmer’s family is still fighting for justice.Cheryl Grimmer vanished from a beach change room in 1970, and despite a detailed confession decades later, no one has ever been held accountable for her murder. In this powerful interview, Cheryl’s brothers, Paul Grimmer and Ricki Nash, share the devastating impact her disappearance has had on their family and their decades-long fight for justice. They raise troubling questions about missed investigative opportunities, a confession that was ultimately ruled inadmissible, and why they believe authorities failed to properly pursue Cheryl’s case. More than 50 years on, they continue to demand answers and the chance for their little sister to finally have her day in court. More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. -
4. Keren Rowland: Was She Ivan Milat's First Victim? 16.06.2026 32minWhat if Ivan Milat’s first victim was killed more than two decades before the backpacker murders?Keren Rowland was 5 months pregnant when she was brutally murdered and hidden in a pine forest in 1971. In this episode, Tim & Xanthe sit down with Keren's brother Steve Rowland and former UK detective Hugh Hughes.They detail years of fighting for answers, alleging police ignored crucial leads, withheld information and failed to properly investigate Milat despite mounting evidence linking him to Keren’s murder. More than 55 years on, the family is still asking the question that haunts this case: if police had done more back then, could Ivan Milat have been stopped before his backpacker killing spree began? More episodes of Australia's Killer Secrets coming soon... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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