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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

31:26

Will Victoria's 'toughest ever' bail laws reduce...

Motive & Method ·

2025/03/18

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.

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37:29

Simon Feldman: The Man Who Embezzled $16.7 Million

Motive & Method ·

2025/03/11

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 tofour yearsin Silverwater jail. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe sit down with Simon as he candidly confesses to the mistakes which cost him so dearly and how he’s turned his life around.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

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35:45

Can people really commit crime whilst asleep?

Motive & Method ·

2025/03/03

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 Christopher Rudge to discuss the parasomnia defense. Does it hold weight? Can people who kill in their sleep be

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26:59

How Belle Gibson conned the world

Motive & Method ·

2025/02/25

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 a cancer survivor. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe unpack the story of Belle Gibson... How she got away

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28:25

Remembering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies... One Year On

Motive & Method ·

2025/02/18

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, his ex, for months, with Davies an alleged collateral victim. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe reflect

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34:01

The Unbelievable Horrors of Human Trafficking Networks

Motive & Method ·

2025/02/11

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 trafficking. From forced labor to exploitation and coercion, Mattuncovers the dark reality of modern slavery and

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31:14

Where Is Samantha Murphy's Body?

Motive & Method ·

2025/02/04

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 Victorian Police doing all they possibly can? Where is Samantha's body?See omnystudio.com/listener for

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44:11

How Forensic Genetic Genealogy Is Solving Serial...

Motive & Method ·

2025/01/28

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 homicidein 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 trees. In today's episode, Xanthe sits down with CeCe Moore, aka. The DNA Detective, to discuss how Forensic

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30:41

Hate Crimes & The Rise of Anti-Semitic Incidents

Motive & Method ·

2025/01/21

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 hate crimes, extremism and terrorism? Can people be de-radicalised?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

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43:53

Unpacking the Menendez case with Laura Richards

Motive & Method ·

2025/01/14

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, Monsters, criminal expert Laura Richards joins Tim and Xanthe to unpack the many truths and myths. Laura Richards is

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29:22

Ask The Expert | 2024

Motive & Method ·

2024/12/17

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.

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31:21

Watch out for crime at Christmas time...

Motive & Method ·

2024/12/10

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 for privacy information.

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42:25

"He could attack at any time"... The woman who was...

Motive & Method ·

2024/12/03

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 to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok. See

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45:33

Tracy Hall... The woman who dated an international...

Motive & Method ·

2024/11/26

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, The Last Victim, is available to purchase now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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50:19

Investigative journalist Neil Mercer on Crime and...

Motive & Method ·

2024/11/19

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 unraveled into one of Australia’s most notorious criminal scandals... Want to get involved in the community

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58:16

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Mick Willing

Motive & Method ·

2024/11/12

"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 the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

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53:37

Is There a Serial Killer Loose on the NSW North Coast?

Motive & Method ·

2024/11/05

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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32:42

The Menendez Brothers | Halloween

Motive & Method ·

2024/10/29

In this episode of the podcast Xanthe and Tim give us their thoughts on the Netflix show Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which has recently hit the headlines. Also Halloween is here, but what are there issues dressing up as Jeffrey Dahmer? Or walking around your neighbourhood as Leather Face? Want to get involved in the community? Follow @motiveandmethod on Instagram or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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60:20

A Tale Of Whistleblowers and Rotten Apples

Motive & Method ·

2024/10/22

The podcast series 'Rotten Apple' is available now wherever you listen to your podcasts. In this episode of Motive & Method we talk to the award winning journalist behind Rotten Apple, Camille Bianchi, and also one of the whistleblowers taking part in the podcast. This episode discusses child abuse, grooming and exploitation, please listen with care Bravehearts provides child sexual abuse counselling, they can contacted on - 1800 272 831 Laurel House for sexual assault support in Tasmania -

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32:24

Poisoning Cases

Motive & Method ·

2024/10/15

Recently there have been some very high-profile cases of alleged poisoning, some of which we have already dissected on this podcast. This week we are going to look at the breadth of motives and methods of the people who select this type of weapon to harm someone, and what kind of personality types are more likely to engage in this type of abuse. Want to get involved in the community? Follow Motive & Method @motiveandmethod on Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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