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PODCAST

Motive & Method

Xanthe Mallett and Tim Watson-Munro

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.

true crime

All Episodes

25:08

NZ Fugitive Father: The Hunt For Tom Phillips & His Kids

Motive & Method ·

2025/09/23

The case of Tom Phillips gripped New Zealand and made headlines worldwide - after nearly four years hiding in the remote wilderness with his three children, his time on the run ended in a deadly shoot-out with police. How did he manage to stay hidden for so long, and what drove him to vanish from society in the first place?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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51:07

Mushroom Murders: A Life Sentence for Erin Patterson

Motive & Method ·

2025/09/16

A stunning conclusion of one of Australia’s most notorious trials - Erin Patterson has been sentenced to 33 years non-parole. The sentencing itself was brief but packed with impact, leaving many shocked. Joining us are Penelope and Erin, hosts of the 'The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace' podcast, to unpack Justice Beale’s words, the courtroom reactions and what this sentence means for Patterson’s future. Follow ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast here Watch Revealed:

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34:15

The Rise of Lone Actors with Dr Nathan Brooks

Motive & Method ·

2025/09/09

What drives lone actors to carry out mass casualty attacks? And could understanding them be the key to preventing the next tragedy?This week, Forensic Psychologist Dr Nathan Brooks joins Tim & Xanthe to unpack the research in his new book - ‘Mass Casualty: The Rise of Lone Actors’ - exposing surprising truths behind their motives and methods. From hidden warning signs to chilling case studies, he dissects what really sets these individuals apart.See omnystudio.com/listener for

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33:50

The Porepunkah Police Shootings

Motive & Method ·

2025/09/02

On the day this episode is released, the hunt is continuing for self-described sovereign citizen, Dezi Freeman, wanted over the shooting deaths of two police officers in Porepunkah. Tim and Xanthe are joined by one of the country's leading experts on radicalism and extremism - Dr Josh Roose - to unpack the rise of the sovereign citizen movement and the threat it poses in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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25:44

AI Clones: The Future of ‘Artificial’ Evidence

Motive & Method ·

2025/08/26

Just months after a world-first AI clone gave a victim impact statement in court, another victim of crime has been re-created to answer questions from beyond the grave. With the use of artificial intelligence on the rise in our justice system, our courtrooms are entering unchartered territory. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how criminal and legal experts around the world are adapting to these changes. They ask; what is real, what is reliable and what is just?See omnystudio.com/listener for

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41:33

The University of Idaho Murders

Motive & Method ·

2025/08/19

When four young university students were found brutally stabbed to death in Idaho, with no clear motive and scarce leads, the case became one of the most talked about crimes in America and online. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the shocking University of Idaho murders, the history and motivations of the killer and the dangerous role social media played as the investigation unfolded.Nearly three years on, the killer has been sentenced and family and friends are speaking for the first time in

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45:33

MUSHROOM MURDER UPDATE: Erin Patterson’s Police...

Motive & Method ·

2025/08/14

“Lies, deception and an extreme lack of remorse”. In this special bonus episode, Xanthe and Tim dissect Erin Patterson’s newly released police interview for the ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast. They share their expert insights with Nine Reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime & Justice Reporter Erin Pearson. Follow ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast hereWatch the full police interview on 9 News hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

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26:53

Ashlea Hansen: Cracking Open A Cold Case Murder

Motive & Method ·

2025/08/12

The 2001 murder case of Rachelle Childs has been cracked back open in the new investigative podcast ‘ Dear Rachelle’. Host and journalist Ashlea Hansen joins Tim and Xanthe on this week’s episode to take us inside her 18-month long investigation. Ashlea reveals the unexpected twists and turns of the podcast, including new leads and heartbreaking revelations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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44:54

Kerry Tucker: Finding Purpose in Prison

Motive & Method ·

2025/08/05

From forging cheques to finding purpose, this week’s guest shares her incredible story of redemption. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Kerry Tucker, a woman once jailed for a serious fraud of millions of dollars. Kerry opens up about her time in prison, revealing how her sentence became the turning point of her life. She is now an author and playwright, a leading advocate for prison reform and a powerful voice for second chances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

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45:02

Inside Snowtown: The Cop Who Found The Bodies in the...

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/29

He’s the cop who lifted the lid on Australia’s most horrific serial killings. In this episode, retired forensic investigator, Gordon Drage, takes us behind the scenes of the infamous Snowtown ‘bodies in the barrels' case. 26 years on, he still remembers every detail of the day they made the gruesome discovery in that bank vault. Now retired, Drage is a passionate advocate for mental health support within emergency services, sharing his powerful insights on the profound impact such

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33:56

Love Behind Bars: Pen Pals to Prison Romance

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/22

They say you can't help who you fall for... So is it truly possible to fall head over heels in love with a criminal? From the infamous courtroom "groupies" of serial killers like Ted Bundy and Richard Ramirez, to women who become pen pals with inmates and eventually marry them, this episode of Motive & Method delves into the perplexing phenomenon of "hybristophilia" – or, more simply, loving a criminal. What compels someone to fall for a person serving time for heinous crimes? Is it a

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38:27

Life Undercover with Keith Banks

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/15

What if the most dangerous criminal you ever hunted was… you? In this episode, Tim and Xanthe pull back the curtain on the astonishing double life of Keith Banks, an undercover operative who didn't just infiltrate criminal organizations – he became them. From high-stakes drug deals to the shadowy underworlds few ever glimpse, Banks navigated a labyrinth of deception where a single wrong move meant certain death. Today's episode explores the psychological toll of living a lie, the

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61:05

BONUS EPISODE: Mushroom Murder Motive with Gary Jubelin

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/15

In this bonus episode, the host of I Catch Killers, Gary Jubelin and Dr. Xanthe Mallett unpack the trial which has kept everyone talking. From the mismatched plates and crocodile tears to the myriad of lies and months of planning, these experts break down every detail of the Erin Patterson case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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36:28

GUILTY: Unpacking The Erin Patterson Verdict

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/08

She's been dubbed the 'Mushroom Cook' by many, but now, Erin Patterson is a convicted triple murderer. The 50-year-old has been found guilty by the jury of murdering three relatives, and attempting to murder another, at a family lunch in 2023 where she served beef Wellington which contained death-cap mushrooms. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the verdict of this case with co-hosts of ‘The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace’ podcast, Nine reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime &

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26:47

Kids Who Kill

Motive & Method ·

2025/07/01

Australia’s youngest convicted murderer was just 13 years old. In this chilling episode, Xanthe and Tim delve into the disturbing reality of children who kill, exploring cases of offenders as young as eight years old. The discussion grapples with the complex legal and ethical question of what age a child should be held criminally responsible. And, should young murderers be given a new identity and a second chance at life as adults?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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35:33

Cassie Sainsbury: Groomed or Guilty?

Motive & Method ·

2025/06/24

Xanthe and Tim unpack the twisted tale of Cassie Sainsbury aka “Cocaine Cassie” and her claims of coercion and grooming by organised crime. Was she a naive pawn, or a willing player in an international drug smuggling ring? This episode challenges our perceptions of guilt, redemption and who deserves a second chance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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30:28

Dr. Nathan Brooks: Inside the Mind of a Stalker

Motive & Method ·

2025/06/17

Tim and Xanthe are joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Nathan Brooks to delve into the psychology of stalking - a crime fueled by obsession, control, and dangerous delusion. Together, they break down the distinct types of stalkers and the terrifying tactics they use. From fixation to predation, this episode uncovers how far some will go to possess what they can't have.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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28:32

Female Serial Killers: From Poisoners to Predators

Motive & Method ·

2025/06/10

They’re rare, often overlooked, and shrouded in myth - but female serial killers are as deadly as they are complex. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim unravel the motives and methods of these women who kill, exploring what sets them apart from their male counterparts. From poisoners to predators, their motivations defy the stereotypes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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41:33

Shooting Victim Confronts His Killer: An Artificial...

Motive & Method ·

2025/06/03

In a world first, Stacey Wales used AI to bring her brother back to life so he could face his killer and deliver his own victim impact statement from beyond the grave. In this powerful episode, Stacey shares the emotional journey behind that decision and what it meant to give her brother a voice one last time. Xanthe and Tim also speak with Duke Law Professor Paul Grimm, who unpacks the ethical and legal implications. Together, they explore how grief, justice and technology are colliding in ways

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41:15

His Brother Vanished 50 Years Ago - Can The Case Be...

Motive & Method ·

2025/05/27

In this gripping and emotional episode, we sit down with Daryl Floyd, whose brother Terry went missing 50 years ago. His relentless search for the truth has uncovered new evidence and promising leads. As the case is thrust back into the spotlight through a new podcast ‘The Boy in the Goldmine’, Daryl reveals why he believes the truth is finally within reach. Listen to The Boy in The GoldmineContribute to Daryl's search via "Searching For Terry Floyd" on GoFundMeSee

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157 results

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