Synopsis
Think nothing ever happens in your town? Australia's suburbs are home to some of the most mysterious and disturbing true crime cases in the world.Meshel Laurie is a true crime obsessive. Emily Webb is a true crime author. And together with expert interviews with writers, victims, investigators and perpetrators, they probe the underbelly of our towns and suburbs, and uncover the darkness at the heart of Australian life.
Episodes
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The Clink: Brent Simpson
20/12/2023 Duration: 54minOn this episode of Australian True Crime, we're playing an episode from Brent Simpson's podcast, The Clink..Brent Simpson, who joined us on Monday's Australian True Crime episode, has a story so deep and large, that we've decided to showcase the episode where he provides an in-depth account of his childhood in his own words.It's part 1 of a 2 part series. Be sure to check out the second part, as well as all of his other amazing episodes over at The Clink. You can find them wherever you listen to your podcasts.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732GET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auBuild your pro podcast with The Audio CollegeSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrim
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Shortcut: The ex-bikie enforcer who turned to mental health advocacy
17/12/2023 Duration: 15minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Brent Simpson is a former sergeant-at-arms for the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.Considering his childhood was marked by poverty, physical and sexual abuse, it's almost easy to imagine how he found community and connection within the bikie gang.What is hard to imagine, however, is how someone could leave that club and commit their life to mental health advocacy - a path Brent has not only embarked on but continues to do so. Be sure to tune in to Australian True Crime later this week for an episode that delves into Brent's childhood story.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Brent SimpsonExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @austr
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The ex-bikie enforcer who turned to mental health advocacy
17/12/2023 Duration: 49minBrent Simpson is a former sergeant-at-arms for the Bandidos Motorcycle Club.Considering his childhood was marked by poverty, physical and sexual abuse, it's almost easy to imagine how he found community and connection within the bikie gang.What is hard to imagine, however, is how someone could leave that club and commit their life to mental health advocacy - a path Brent has not only embarked on but continues to do so. Be sure to tune in to Australian True Crime later this week for an episode that delves into Brent's childhood story.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Brent SimpsonExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auBuild your pro podcast with The Audio CollegeSupport this sh
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Shortcut: My father the underworld crime figure
13/12/2023 Duration: 15minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Frank La Rosa and his wife Kim were murdered at a Welshpool (WA) factory on June 13, 2008.Along with being a convicted heroin importer and notorious underworld figure in Western Australia, Frank La Rosa was also a father to three children.Lisa Mahoney is one of those children. She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to discuss the collateral damage her father's actions have had on her own life and the lives of many others.Lisa has written a memoir about her life and her father's life as seen through her eyes, titled 'Collateral Damage'. You can purchase it by clicking here.You can also keep up to date with Lisa by following her Facebook page here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find he
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My father the underworld crime figure
13/12/2023 Duration: 43minFrank La Rosa and his wife Kim were murdered at a Welshpool (WA) factory on June 13, 2008.Along with being a convicted heroin importer and notorious underworld figure in Western Australia, Frank La Rosa was also a father to three children.Lisa Mahoney is one of those children. She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to discuss the collateral damage her father's actions have had on her own life and the lives of many others.Lisa has written a memoir about her life and her father's life as seen through her eyes, titled 'Collateral Damage'. You can purchase it by clicking here.You can also keep up to date with Lisa by following her Facebook page here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Lisa MahoneyExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecr
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Shortcut: The international cult that has a presence in Australia
10/12/2023 Duration: 16minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Founded in 1972, "The 12 Tribes" presents itself as a welcoming religious sect. However, the accounts from those who have managed to escape tell a very different story.The group maintains global locations and communities, including two communities in NSW: Katoomba and Picton.Our guest for this episode is Tim Elliiott. Tim is Walkley nominated journalist who has been investigating and reporting on their activities since 2007. His podcast on The 12 Tribes "Inside The Tribe" won Best True Crime Podcast at the 2023 Australian Podcast Awards, and can be streamed wherever you get your podcasts.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Tim ElliottExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew
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The international cult that has a presence in Australia
10/12/2023 Duration: 41minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Founded in 1972, "The 12 Tribes" presents itself as a welcoming religious sect. However, the accounts from those who have managed to escape tell a very different story.The group maintains global locations and communities, including two communities in NSW: Katoomba and Picton.Our guest for this episode is Tim Elliiott. Tim is Walkley nominated journalist who has been investigating and reporting on their activities since 2007. His podcast on The 12 Tribes "Inside The Tribe" won Best True Crime Podcast at the 2023 Australian Podcast Awards, and can be streamed wherever you get your podcasts.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Tim ElliottExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew
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Shortcut: The young law student who began robbing TABs - Part 2
06/12/2023 Duration: 15minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. This is the second part of a two part series with our guest, Arthur Bolkas.In his late teens and early twenties, Arthur was pulling double duty as a promising young law student and an armed robber.We discovered at the end of part one that Arthur was eventually captured after a very dramatic car chase through the streets of a busy inner Melbourne suburb.We now pick up our conversation with Arthurs memories and reflections from his sentencing, incarceration and life after prison.Arthur has now worked for many years as a Criminologist, activist and public speaker. He can best be contacted here on his Facebook page.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Arthur BolkasExecu
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The young law student who began robbing TABs - Part 2
06/12/2023 Duration: 47minThis is the second part of a two part series with our guest, Arthur Bolkas.In his late teens and early twenties, Arthur was pulling double duty as a promising young law student and an armed robber.We discovered at the end of part one that Arthur was eventually captured after a very dramatic car chase through the streets of a busy inner Melbourne suburb.We now pick up our conversation with Arthurs memories and reflections from his sentencing, incarceration and life after prison.Arthur has now worked for many years as a Criminologist, activist and public speaker. He can best be contacted here on his Facebook page.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Arthur BolkasExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show
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Shortcut: The young law student who began robbing TABs - Part 1
03/12/2023 Duration: 15minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. We're going back to the "stick ups" this week with Arthur Bolkas.He's a Criminologist, actor, public speaker and proud father of two.However, before he was all of these things, he was a very promising young law student, and a flamboyant armed robber.Part two of this two part series will be released later on this week.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Arthur BolkasExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auBuild your pro podcast with The Audio CollegeSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Austra
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The young law student who began robbing TABs - Part 1
03/12/2023 Duration: 40minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. We're going back to the "stick ups" this week with Arthur Bolkas.He's a Criminologist, actor, public speaker and proud father of two.However, before he was all of these things, he was a very promising young law student, and a flamboyant armed robber.Part two of this two part series will be released later on this week.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Arthur BolkasExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auBuild your pro podcast with The Audio College Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Austr
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Shortcut: The surge of violence in Victoria's illicit tobacco market
29/11/2023 Duration: 11minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Over the past eight months, more than 30 tobacco stores in Victoria have fallen victim to a series of fire bombings due to a burgeoning turf war. Marta Pascual Juanola is a crime reporter for The Age, and has written a series of stories on Victoria's illegal tobacco industry.She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to talk about the increasing violence in this industry, and the surprisingly big players involved.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Marta Pascual JuanolaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains audio grabs from Channel 9 News.GET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook 
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The surge of violence in Victoria's illicit tobacco market
29/11/2023 Duration: 31minOver the past eight months, more than 30 tobacco stores in Victoria have fallen victim to a series of fire bombings due to a burgeoning turf war. Marta Pascual Juanola is a crime reporter for The Age, and has written a series of stories on Victoria's illegal tobacco industry.She joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to talk about the increasing violence in this industry, and the surprisingly big players involved.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Marta Pascual JuanolaExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardThis episode contains audio grabs from Channel 9 News.GET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian
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Shortcut: Falling in love with a prisoner sentenced to life
26/11/2023 Duration: 13minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Ashleigh (not her real name) is a kind of woman we've all heard about many times, but don't often get to hear from.A couple of years ago, Ashleigh received a letter from an inmate who is serving a life imprisonment conviction for his involvement in a double murder. They soon fell in love with each other.Ashleigh joins us today to talk about their relationship, about the realities of courtship under the ever-present eye of corrections, and about her hopes for the future. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Ashleigh (not her real name)Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the
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Falling in love with a prisoner sentenced to life
26/11/2023 Duration: 50minAshleigh (not her real name) is a kind of woman we've all heard about many times, but don't often get to hear from.A couple of years ago, Ashleigh received a letter from an inmate who is serving a life imprisonment conviction for his involvement in a double murder. They soon fell in love with each other.Ashleigh joins us today to talk about their relationship, about the realities of courtship under the ever-present eye of corrections, and about her hopes for the future. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Ashleigh (not her real name)Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crim
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Shortcut: The Man Who Wasn't There
22/11/2023 Duration: 16minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. In 2011, A young indigenous man by the name of Zak Grieve was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he didn't commit.The murder of Ray Niceforo was commissioned by his former partner Bronwyn Malyschko, and carried out by her son Chris Malyschko and accomplice Darren Halfpenny.Grieve was originally supposed to be an accomplice to the murder too, but changed his mind on the night.Despite this, due to Northern Territory's mandatory minimum sentencing laws, Grieve was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years (eventually reduced to 12 years following a mercy plea).Journalist Dan Box has been reporting on crime for decades and was unexpectedly drawn into this story and family on a very personal level.He joins us to tell us about his new book "The Man Who Wasn't There" and the extraordinary man who emerged in Zak Grieve.Dan Box's "The Man Who Wasn't Th
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The Man Who Wasn't There
22/11/2023 Duration: 58minIn 2011, A young indigenous man by the name of Zak Grieve was sentenced to life in prison for a murder he didn't commit.The murder of Ray Niceforo was commissioned by his former partner Bronwyn Malyschko, and carried out by her son Chris Malyschko and accomplice Darren Halfpenny.Grieve was originally supposed to be an accomplice to the murder too, but changed his mind on the night.Despite this, due to Northern Territory's mandatory minimum sentencing laws, Grieve was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 20 years (eventually reduced to 12 years following a mercy plea).Journalist Dan Box has been reporting on crime for decades and was unexpectedly drawn into this story and family on a very personal level.He joins us to tell us about his new book "The Man Who Wasn't There" and the extraordinary man who emerged in Zak Grieve.Dan Box's "The Man Who Wasn't There" is available to purchase now.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aborig
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Shortcut: Where is Australia getting its crystal meth?
19/11/2023 Duration: 16minThis is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Australia tops almost every other country when it comes to our consumption of meth, with billions of dollars of it arriving at our shores each year.Investigative journalist Conor Woodman joins us on this episode to detail exactly where all of this methamphetamine is coming from, the destructive path it takes to get into Australia, and the steps we can take for harm minimisation. Conor Woodman’s book “Meth Road” is available now, and can be purchased here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Conor WoodmanExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartf
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Where is Australia getting its crystal meth?
19/11/2023 Duration: 52minAustralia tops almost every other country when it comes to our consumption of meth, with billions of dollars of it arriving at our shores each year.Investigative journalist Conor Woodman joins us on this episode to detail exactly where all of this methamphetamine is coming from, the destructive path it takes to get into Australia, and the steps we can take for harm minimisation. Conor Woodman’s book “Meth Road” is available now, and can be purchased here.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732CREDITS:Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Guest: Conor WoodmanExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew TankardGET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https:/
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Re-Issue: Annette Mason: Journey to an Inquest - #42
15/11/2023 Duration: 41minNovember 2023 marks the 34th anniversary of the brutal murder of Toowoomba teenager, Annette Mason. For today's episode, we revisit one of our earliest episodes of Australian True Crime which featured an interview with Annette's sister, Linda Mason.For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732GET IN TOUCH:Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Email the show at team@smartfella.com.auSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/australiantruecrime. Become a subscriber to Australian True Crime Plus here: https://plus.acast.com/s/australiantruecrime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.