Motive & Method – Details, episodes & analysis

Xanthe and Tim discuss Netflix drama Adolescence and how it's turned the world's attention to the growing influence of the manosphere and the influence it's having on teenage boys.

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Tim and Xanthe are joined by criminal barrister Ruth Parker to discuss the fallout and ramifications after underworld figure Tony Mokbel was set free on bail.

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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?  

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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 homicide in 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 Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is changing the way criminals are being caught out... and why they need to start watching their backs.  

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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? 

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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 the host of the popular podcast Crime Analyst. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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