I once had a serious addiction to Tic Tacs.
Not a word of a lie.
There may have been other obsessive tendencies along the way, but most recently I have become addicted to Podcasts.
Why?
Because I can listen to them at my own pace and drown out the noise around me; whilst I chop fruit snacks, sit on the couch with Lycra Legs as he watches re-runs of Le Tour, and sometimes whilst my kids are distracted by some EDUCATIONAL program on the iPad.
But…if you think you know me…you may be surprised to know, my genre of choice is True Crime. Sure, I like to listen to some real life interviews with people that I admire, but it is the intricate webs of (preferably Australian) True Crime that I am currently stuck on.
Here are some of my faves :
1. The Teacher’s Pet :
Ummm…if you haven’t heard about this one; WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? This podcast is currently sweeping the world. It is the heart breaking true life disappearance of Lyn Dawson; your regular, everyday, loving mum, wife, sister, friend and daughter. She has not been seen or heard of since January, 1982. The brilliant Hedley Thomas, a journalist with The Australian, has been working tirelessly to piece together just what happened. You will be rolling your eyes and punching the air one minute, whilst hissing steam from your ears the next. You will jump from feelings of blinding fury, to complete sadness, right back to absolute despair. This one has truly got me worked up; though the ‘story’ seems so completely unbelievable, I truly hope that there will be some form of resolution for Lyn’s family. It is still rolling out weekly, so get on it now as we hurtle onwards with Hedley for a conclusion of some sort….. #digupthesoftsoil.
2. True Crime Island :
The man behind The Island, Cambo, is as ‘out there’ as Hedley is composed. If you just want the true story told straight out, as is, with a lingo that you don’t have to be a forensics expert to understand, this is for you. “Grab a beer and pull up a deck chair,” whilst Cambo shouts exactly what we are all thinking; “What is wrong with these people?” If a little bold language offends you, STOP. Very ocker, easily relatable narration and a clear desire to simply tell you the real deal about some horrific Aussie true crimes.
3. In Sight :
This Podcast covers a range of crimes spanning the world, but I must admit I am drawn to the fact that one of the hosts, Ali, is Australian. Charlie is from the US, and together they offer facts, possible scenarios and varying perspectives on a massive range of crime stories. I love hearing the differences in law, procedures and court room ‘antics from both countries, whilst often being given the view point of an ‘everyday’, crazily busy, mum.
4. Casefile True Crime :
Always holding up the top charts when a podcast is released, this was one of my very first addictions. Loads of Aussie true crime is peppered throughout the episodes, but perhaps the most interesting quirk here is that the Australian host is a man of mystery. His dead pan (forgive the pun) narration, marries perfectly with his very factual and often horrifying drip feed of the criminal tale as it unfolds. He sounds very much like a law enforcer simply retelling the story and I believe this gives the whole podcast a much more meaningful or perhaps realistic experience.
First, I must admit to my bias of believing Meshel Laurie and I would be firm friends if she lived next door. Having been on our Australian screens and radio for many years, Meshel regularly presents this show alongside Emily Webb and their special guests. Investigators, detectives, victims, crime novelists, families touched by crimes, people working within the extensive departments or charities, and even criminals themselves, are all invited along at various times to share their many perspectives. What sets this Podcast apart, is Meshel’s ability to ask the really nitty gritty questions, and she skilfully frames them in a way that we don’t feel kinda weird for actually wanting to know the answers. It is uplifting, heartbreaking at times and always informative, for true crime addicts.
6. True Crime Sisters :
Harry and Bill (love it) are two sisters who recount for us those Aussie crimes that we grew up hearing about. Their banter is easy, yet they are comfortable to accept that they present different views and often have theories that often don’t quite meet in the middle. Maybe having lots of sisters myself, this style appeals to me.
7. Phoebe’s Fall :
I inhaled this 6 part series. Being in Melbourne, the story of Phoebe Handsjuk’s heartbreaking death produced by The Age, was absolutely an edge of your seater (or a stand at the kitchen bencher as I so often am!). Exactly how did the beautiful 24 year old end her short days so tragically at the bottom of a garbage chute? So much evidence to take in and so much sadness for those that love her still.
Well, my friends, I really hope there is something new here for you and I would love to hear what you think.
My only advice, is always remember that the armchair is a wonderful place to shout your beliefs from. Never forget, that a snippet of an interview in a Podcast and a sworn testimony in a court room can be very different. Be smart and broad minded. But most importantly, remember that the victims in all of these stories were once living and are likely still very much loved.
** Mummy Muckups (Anna) is a self confessed true crime addict, who once loved the crazy stories told by her Yr 11 Legal Studies teacher. So much so, that she wiggled her way in to starting a Law degree that she never finished; possibly due to a new love of sleep-ins after ‘Thursday Night Uni Night’ and a belief that 5 years was FOREVER. She did, however, graduate from her Arts degree (and YES, I WOULD like fries with that; thanks for asking) with a major in Criminology. Off she trotted to teach VCE and TEE Legal Studies for a time. Now, her days of crime are spent wrestling in Restorative Justice with her (nearly) 5 and 6 year old kids.
