Motive & Method
True Crime & Paranormal
About
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.
Episodes
- Breakthrough: Body Found In Search for Jayden Penno-Tompsett
The disappearance of 22-year-old Jayden Penno-Tompsett during a 2017 roadtrip is re-examined, focusing on new developments and a private investigator's search for evidence after the coroner ruled out foul play.
- The Wrong Man? Who Killed Leanne Holland
This episode discusses the unsolved 1991 murder of 12-year-old Leanne Holland in Ipswich. It features insights from private investigator Graeme Crowley, who details his investigation into the case, the quashed conviction of Graham Stafford…
- Bonus: Mark Jones [Extended Interview]
In this extended interview, Mark Jones discusses the 1982 disappearance of his brother Tony and his disappointment with the police investigation. He hopes someone will come forward with information after four decades of searching.
- Outback Murder Highway: The Disappearance Of Tony Jones
This episode of Motive & Method investigates the unsolved disappearance of Tony Jones, a hitchhiker who vanished on the Flinders Highway in the 1980s. The hosts discuss the case, including a tip-off, a confession, and ongoing rumors.
- Bonus: John Twaddle [Extended Interview]
This episode features an extended interview with John Twaddle, whose brother Gordon and two friends were murdered almost 50 years ago on Queensland's Flinders Highway. John shares his experience returning home without answers and decades o…
- Outback Murder Highway: Triple Murder At Spear Creek
This episode of Motive & Method focuses on the Outback Murder Highway documentary investigation into the 1978 Spear Creek triple murders of Karen Edwards, Tim Thomson, and Gordon Twaddle. Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt joins Tim…
- Bonus: David Cunningham [Extended Interview]
David Cunningham shares his 50-year search for answers regarding his sister Anita who disappeared in 1972 on Queensland's Flinders Highway. His interview from the documentary series "Outback Murder Highway" explores theories and suspects a…
- Outback Murder Highway: The Sensible Creek Killings
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the unsolved case of Anita Cunningham and Robin Hoinville-Bartram, who disappeared on the Flinders Highway in 1972. Investigative journalist Amelia Oberhardt joins Tim and Xanthe to dissect the cas…
- Introducing: Outback Murder Highway
This episode introduces the "Outback Murder Highway" series, where experts Tim Watson-Munro and Dr. Xanthe Weston analyze unsolved cases along Australia's Flinders Highway. They discuss new developments from the documentary series with inv…
- Ted Bundy Bonus Episode: DNA Breakthrough In Serial Killer Case
This bonus episode discusses a DNA breakthrough linking Ted Bundy to another cold case murder. It explores how rapid advances in DNA technology are cracking cold cases and reshaping investigations.
- Catching Peter Foster & Finding A Missing Baby: Ken Gamble (Part 2)
In this episode, private investigator Ken Gamble discusses catching conman Peter Foster and his involvement in a missing baby case in the United States, including unraveling conflicting claims.
- Hunting Scammers with Private Investigator Ken Gamble (Part 1)
In this episode, Private Investigator Ken Gamble shares his experiences hunting international scammers and recovering funds for victims. He discusses stakeouts, unmasking online ticket scammers, and busting boiler rooms.
- A Not So Perfect Murder: The Kouri Richins Case
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the Kouri Richins case. A woman who wrote a book on grief was charged with her husband's murder after investigators found evidence of drug deals, debts, and a murder plot.
- He Got Away With Murder - Where Is 'Mr Cruel' Now?
The episode revisits the unsolved crimes of 'Mr Cruel,' a masked offender who committed home invasions, kidnappings, and murder in Melbourne in the late 1980s. The discussion includes the murder of 13-year-old Karmein Chan and questions wh…
- Cult On Trial: Who Are The Zizians?
This episode unravels the case of 'The Zizians,' a high-IQ cult connected to six deaths. The discussion focuses on how this group of Silicon Valley overachievers became involved in violence, with seven members currently awaiting trial. You…
- The Killer Babysitter: Living Free & Babysitting Again
This episode investigates Helen Patricia Moore, dubbed "the killer babysitter," who, after serving less than 14 years for murdering babies, rebuilt her life under a new identity and resumed babysitting. A new claim from her brother suggest…
- Lucy Letby: Is History Repeating?
This episode of Motive & Method revisits the case of Lucy Letby, discussing new legal developments and ongoing processes. It examines questions about expert testimony, systemic failures, and earlier conclusions in the case.
- What Happened To Gus Lamont?
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont, detailing key developments in the major crime investigation and current insights from detectives regarding their direction and suspect.
- Julian Ingram: Wanted For Murder
This episode covers the case of Julian Ingram, one of Australia's most wanted men, accused of multiple murders. It details the manhunt, his criminal history, and the questions raised about risk assessment and systemic failures.
- Sydney’s Baby Farming Murders
This episode of Motive & Method investigates Sydney's baby farming murders, focusing on the operation run by Sarah and John Makin. It examines how this practice thrived in colonial Australia, particularly when unmarried mothers had limited…
- The Most Isolated Prisoner In The World
This episode of Motive & Method examines the case of Robert Maudsley, a prisoner who has spent over 40 years in solitary confinement. It delves into his background, criminal history, and the ethical implications of extreme isolation and co…
- Taken In The Night: The Eloise Worledge Mystery
This episode revisits the fifty-year-old disappearance of eight-year-old Eloise Worledge. Her aunt, Margie Thomas, shares insights into the night Eloise vanished, the subsequent investigation, and the lasting impact of the unsolved case.
- Files Unsealed: The Last Woman Executed in Australia
This episode of Motive & Method revisits the 1951 case of Jean Lee, the last woman executed in Australia, following the release of new court documents. Tim and Xanthe examine the crime, the police investigation, and the legal aspects of th…
- Cold Cases Cracked Open In 2025
This episode of Motive & Method discusses major Australian cold cases that saw breakthroughs, new evidence, and arrests in 2025. It reviews the progress made in these long-standing cases.
- Year in Crime: Cases That Defined 2025
In this end-of-year episode, Xanthe and Tim examine Australia's most significant crime cases from 2025. They discuss trials and investigations that impacted public discourse and highlight cases to follow in 2026.
- REPLAY: 2025 Fan Favourite - Inside Snowtown with Gordon Drage
In this episode, Gordon Drage recounts the Snowtown murders. He also discusses his advocacy for mental health support within emergency services due to the profound impact of such cases.
- HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Bizarre, Brazen & Baffling Cases of 2025
In this holiday special, Tim and Xanthe from Motive & Method discuss unusual crime stories from 2025, focusing on bizarre, brazen, and baffling cases. They use a series of games to examine stranger aspects of human behavior.
- REPLAY: Xanthe's 2025 Top Episode - The Horrors of Human Trafficking Networks
This episode of Motive & Method features Tim and Xanthe speaking with Matt Friedman, a global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. They discuss the reality of human trafficking networks and modern slavery.
- BONDI TERROR ATTACK: A Forensic Perspective with Dr Nathan Brooks
Dr. Nathan Brooks, a forensic psychologist, joins Tim and Xanthe to discuss the Bondi terror attack. They explore insights into 'lone actor' violence and the importance of verified facts.
- Toyah Cordingley & The International Manhunt To Catch Her Killer
This episode covers the 2018 murder of Toyah Cordingley, the seven-year international manhunt for her killer, and the eventual conviction of Rajwinder Singh. Hosts Tim and Xanthe are joined by Nine News reporter Lily Greer to discuss the c…
- A Poisonous Legacy: One Family, Two Killers
This episode of Motive & Method explores the crimes of Alexander Newland Lee, who murdered his family with poison in 1920, and his aunt, serial killer Martha Needle, known as "The Richmond Poisoner." Author Dr. Samantha Battams discusses t…
- Murderous Medics: When Caretakers Become Killers
This episode of Motive & Method discusses cases of nurses and healthcare workers who used their positions to commit murder in hospitals and aged care homes. It explores how these individuals manipulate trust and medical authority to hide t…
- Diagnosis On Trial: Are Innocent Parents Being Jailed?
This episode of Motive & Method features investigative journalist Michael Bachelard, who discusses his investigation into Shaken Baby Syndrome and potential miscarriages of justice. He shares insights from his podcast, "Diagnosing Murder,"…
- The Toolbox Murders
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the 2016 "Toolbox Murders" of Cory Breton and Iuliana Triscaru, who were tortured and locked in a toolbox before being drowned. The hosts explore the motivations behind the crime and the subsequent…
- A Perth Serial Killer & The Innocent Men Jailed For His Crimes
This episode of Motive & Method features journalist Estelle Blackburn, who investigated Australian serial killer Eric Edgar Cooke. It details how Cooke's crimes led to innocent men being jailed and Blackburn's role in exposing this injusti…
- Ed Gein: The Making Of A Monster
This episode examines the case of Ed Gein, whose crimes in 1957 redefined horror. Gein's actions inspired fictional characters such as Norman Bates and Leatherface.
- 'The Giggling Granny' Serial Killer
This episode of Motive & Method investigates Nannie Doss, a serial killer known as 'The Giggling Granny.' She was responsible for 11 deaths over three decades, including her four husbands and other family members.
- Career Criminal & Master Conman: The Extraordinary Life Of Carl Synnerdahl
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the life of Carl Synnerdahl, a career criminal and master conman. The episode describes his journey from child thief to bank robber and his elaborate ruses, including faking blindness. Tim shares i…
- Manipulated Into Murder: The Woodchipper Killers
This episode of Motive & Method investigates the murder of Bruce Saunders, exploring how manipulation led to a "woodchipper" murder. Journalist Tara Cassidy discusses the twisted case and the individuals involved.
- The Hoddle Street Massacre: Inside The Mind Of Julian Knight
In this episode of Motive & Method, Tim Watson-Munro shares his insights into the Hoddle Street Massacre and his assessment of Julian Knight, one of Australia's most notorious mass murderers. He also reveals a surprising message Knight gav…
- The Highschool Catfish
This episode of Motive & Method explores a catfishing saga in the United States, cyberbullying, and an FBI investigation. When a teenage couple was cyberbullied, suspicion spread and the FBI investigated, uncovering a disturbing truth.
- Mushroom Murders: A Life Sentence for Erin Patterson
Erin Patterson was sentenced to 33 years non-parole in the Mushroom Murders trial. The episode unpacks Justice Beale’s words, courtroom reactions, and what the sentence means for Patterson’s future, with insights from Penelope and Erin, ho…
- The Rise of Lone Actors with Dr Nathan Brooks
In this episode, Dr. Nathan Brooks joins Tim and Xanthe to discuss his research on lone actors and mass casualty attacks, based on his book ‘Mass Casualty: The Rise of Lone Actors.’ He explores the motives, methods, and hidden warning sign…
- Dezi Freeman: The Porepunkah Police Shootings
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the sovereign citizen movement in Australia. It features an interview with Dr. Josh Roose, an expert on radicalism and extremism, in the context of the Porepunkah police shootings.
- AI Clones: The Future of ‘Artificial’ Evidence
This episode discusses the increasing use of AI clones in the justice system, including instances where AI clones have been used in court. It explores how legal and criminal experts are adapting to these changes.
- The University of Idaho Murders
This episode of Motive & Method discusses the University of Idaho murders, focusing on the crime, the killer's motivations, and the impact of social media on the investigation. It also references a new documentary series related to the cas…
- Mushroom Trial Update: Erin Patterson’s Police Interview
Xanthe and Tim discuss Erin Patterson’s police interview for "The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace" podcast. They share their insights with Nine Reporter Penelope Liersch and The Age Crime & Justice Reporter Erin Pearson.
- Ashlea Hansen: Cracking Open A Cold Case Murder
Ashlea Hansen, host of the investigative podcast 'Dear Rachelle', joins Tim and Xanthe to discuss her 18-month investigation into the 2001 murder case of Rachelle Childs. She shares insights into the twists, new leads, and revelations unco…
- Kerry Tucker: Finding Purpose in Prison
Kerry Tucker, formerly jailed for fraud, discusses her experiences in prison and her pivot to becoming an author, playwright, and advocate for prison reform. She shares how her sentence became a turning point in her life.
- Inside Snowtown: The Cop Who Found The Bodies in the Barrels
Retired forensic investigator Gordon Drage discusses the Snowtown 'bodies in the barrels' case, sharing details of the discovery and the profound impact on emergency services. He advocates for mental health support for those who serve.