Motive & Method

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 informa...

Distinguished academic, Professor Greg Barton, joins the podcast to reflect on the Westfield Bondi 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. 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 her parents and their religious group, who call themselves 'The Saints'.  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...

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 Christoph...

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...

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...

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 trafficki...

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 Vic...

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 tre...

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...

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, Monste...

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 fo...

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 t...

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, T...

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 unrav...

"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 t...

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.     S...