

Australian True Crime
Bravecasting
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, and with the help of expert interviews with writers, victim/survivors, investigators and perpetrators, she probes the underbelly of our towns and suburbs, and uncovers the darkness at the heart of Australian life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 9, 2025 • 16min
Shortcut: Little Girl Lost – Revisiting the Murder of Alma Tirtschke
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost. They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into the 1921 murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke, a case known as the “Gun Alley Murder.” They explore how Alma’s story was twisted by the media and courts at the time—and how those same patterns still play out in true crime today. Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual assault. Please find below the contact details for some support services. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380 CREDITS: Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé Mallett Guest: Iresha Herath & Maria Rae Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Apr 9, 2025 • 34min
Little Girl Lost – Revisiting the Murder of Alma Tirtschke
Our guest host, Dr. Xanthé Mallett sits down with lawyer Iresha Herath and media researcher Maria Rae to chat about their soon to be released podcast Little Girl Lost. They’ve spent the last year and a half diving deep into the 1921 murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke, a case known as the “Gun Alley Murder.” They explore how Alma’s story was twisted by the media and courts at the time—and how those same patterns still play out in true crime today. Content Warning: This episode contains depictions of child sexual assault. Please find below the contact details for some support services. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380 CREDITS: Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé Mallett Guest: Iresha Herath & Maria Rae Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Apr 6, 2025 • 18min
Shortcut: Childhood Abuse Recovery - It Takes A Village
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network. Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced child sexual abuse. In this episode of Australian True Crime, Craig shares his powerful lived experience and the crucial role peer support plays in healing for survivors and their families. Click here to visit the SAMSN website and listen to their podcast, "Stronger" Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380 CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Craig Hughes-Cashmore Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Apr 6, 2025 • 51min
Childhood Abuse Recovery - It Takes A Village
Craig Hughes-Cashmore is the CEO and co-founder of SAMSN—Survivors and Mates Support Network. Founded in 2011 by a group of male survivors, SAMSN is now Australia’s leading organisation supporting men who’ve experienced child sexual abuse. In this episode of Australian True Crime, Craig shares his powerful lived experience and the crucial role peer support plays in healing for survivors and their families. Click here to visit the SAMSN website and listen to their podcast, "Stronger" Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380 CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Craig Hughes-Cashmore Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Apr 3, 2025 • 32min
ATC Discusses: "Adolescence" and Youth Crime Rates in Australia
Meshel Laurie is joined by producer Matthew Tankard and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett to unpack the panic around youth crime in Australia. From Adolescence to alarming headlines, they explore what’s real, what’s exaggerated, and how the manosphere is influencing young minds. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé Mallett Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard This episode contains extra content from Adolescence, which can be streamed now on Netflix. GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Mar 30, 2025 • 19min
Shortcut: Holly's Heroin Addiction Ended in a Thai Prison
This 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 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison. It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss. After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly has rebuilt her life and now works as a counsellor and speaker, using her story to support others facing addiction and adversity. Click here to visit Holly's website to learn about her professional work and to purchase her book, Holly's Hell. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Guest Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Holly Deane-Johns Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 2min
Holly's Heroin Addiction Ended in a Thai Prison
In 2000, Holly Deane-Johns was arrested and later sentenced to 31 years in a Thailand prison. It marked a turning point in a life shaped by trauma, heroin addiction, and loss. After serving time in both Thailand and Australia, Holly has rebuilt her life and now works as a counsellor and speaker, using her story to support others facing addiction and adversity. Click here to visit Holly's website to learn about her professional work and to purchase her book, Holly's Hell. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Guest Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Holly Deane-Johns Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Mar 27, 2025 • 44min
Can Marion Barter’s Disappearance Be Solved by Forensic Advances
Marion Barter was a respected Australian teacher who disappeared on June 22, 1997, under circumstances that remain unresolved. In this episode, guest host and criminologist Dr. Xanthé Mallett is joined by forensic DNA expert Dr. Jodie Ward, who shares insights from her humanitarian work, and Marian’s daughter, Sally Leydon, who discusses her ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance. Missing Person Marion Barter Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MissingMarionBarter/ Sally Leydon’s website: https://themissingmatter.com/ Forensic Human Identification Co.’s website: https://forensichid.co/ Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Got a True Crime question you want answered on the podcast? Send us a question by recording a voice message here. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Guest Host: Dr. Xanthé Mallett Guest: Sally Leydon and Dr. Jodie Ward Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard This episode contains extra content from Channel 7 and the ABC. GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Mar 23, 2025 • 19min
Shortcut: The American Cowboy Who Walked Into 1919 Surry Hills
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege. A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself. But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell his true story. You can listen to "Forgotten Australia" wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Guest Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Michael Adams Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com

Mar 23, 2025 • 52min
The American Cowboy Who Walked Into 1919 Surry Hills
A crazed gunman unleashes chaos in 1919 Sydney, triggering a wild 15-hour siege. A mysterious American cowboy strides in, demanding a gun and promising to end it all himself. But who was "Arizona Ryan"? Michael Adams from the Forgotten Australia podcast joins us on this episode of Australian True Crime to tell his true story. You can listen to "Forgotten Australia" wherever you get your podcasts. Click here to subscribe to ATC Plus on Apple Podcasts and access all ATC episodes early and ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus episodes. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 13 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 CREDITS: Guest Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on instagram. Guest: Michael Adams Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH: https://www.australiantruecrimethepodcast.com/ Follow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook Send us a question to have played on the show by recording a voice message here. Email the show at AusTrueCrimePodcast@gmail.com


