True Crime Conversations

True Crime Conversations Podcast

True Crime Conversations is an Australian true crime podcast produced by the Mamamia network that provides an in-depth examination of notorious criminal cases through an interview-based format. Hosted by journalist Gemma Bath—who succeeded the show's creator and original host, Jessie Stephens—the series distinguishes itself by moving beyond standard narration to engage directly with individuals who possess specialized knowledge of each case.

The program typically features weekly episodes where the host interviews a rotating roster of guests, including investigative journalists, forensic psychologists, legal experts, and authors who have spent years documenting specific crimes. This collaborative approach allows the podcast to offer nuanced perspectives on both high-profile international cases and significant Australian mysteries. Recent episodes have covered a wide range of topics, from the disappearance of Trenny Gibson and the murder of Courtney Herron to psychological deep-dives into the motives of serial offenders and the complexities of coercive control.

Production quality is a hallmark of the series, reflecting Mamamia’s position as a prominent media network in the Australian audio landscape. While the subject matter frequently addresses graphic or distressing details, the tone remains inquisitive and descriptive, often prioritizing the experiences of survivors and the analysis of systemic failures. In addition to standard investigative episodes, the podcast often highlights the work of advocates and survivors to provide context on legal reforms and victim support services.

True Crime Conversations serves as a resource for listeners who prefer a conversational but rigorously researched exploration of true crime. It blends the elements of a traditional interview show with the narrative depth of investigative journalism, aiming to analyze not just the sequence of events in a crime, but the underlying motivations and the lasting impact on the community and those directly involved.

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Episode's summary

Anastasia Trahan shares her harrowing journey through the legal system following two sexual assaults, beginning with an incident at age sixteen. She details the complexities of navigating police responses, the trauma of refusing a plea deal to maintain her truth, and the devastating impact of being left uninformed about a perpetrator's parole. The episode further explores the grueling second trial in 2022, highlighting the invasive cross-examination and the physical toll of the assault. Anastasia discusses systemic failures, such as the misuse of Community Corrections Orders (CCOs) and the lack of oversight for the DPP, while advocating for legislative change through the Echo campaign to protect survivors from further re-traumatization.

Chapters

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Highlights

This court, this system, this rapist don't know who they're dealing with.

00:01:02 · Anastasia expresses her determination to fight against the injustice of the court's decision.

I had to physically alter this, but I had to physically alter the statement and say that did not occur. And I said, I'm not doing that.

00:17:21 · The speaker describes her refusal to accept a plea deal because it would have required her to lie about the facts of the assault.

I think that was the most devastating part of that entire ordeal was that I was not told that he was going to get parole.

00:24:59 · The speaker expresses the emotional impact of being left uninformed about the perpetrator's release from prison.

Now, there's the loophole of a CCO and it's only really become evident in my case and Kramer. that this loophole is being abused.

01:09:02 · The speaker highlights how Community Corrections Orders are being used to avoid prison time in serious sexual assault cases.

Surround yourself with the best support that you possibly can and unfortunately get your own lawyer because Right now I can't put my hand on my heart and say the system is going to protect you.

01:28:30 · The speaker provides practical, albeit difficult, advice for individuals facing sexual assault due to the unreliability of current legal protections.

Episodes

445-

Anastasia Was Left Unable To Sit. Her Attacker Didn’t Spend A Single Night In A Cell.

Anastasia Trahan shares her harrowing journey through the legal system following two sexual assaults, beginning with an incident at age sixteen. She details the complexities of navigating police responses, the trauma of refusing a plea deal to maintain her truth, and the devastating impact of being left uninformed about a perpetrator's parole. The episode further explores the grueling second trial in 2022, highlighting the invasive cross-examination and the physical toll of the assault. Anastasia discusses systemic failures, such as the misuse of Community Corrections Orders (CCOs) and the lack of oversight for the DPP, while advocating for legislative change through the Echo campaign to protect survivors from further re-traumatization.

28 Oct 2026
444-

Kristi Locked Up Paedophiles For 10 Years. This Is What She Learnt.

Former police officer Christy McPhee shares her profound journey from a specialist child interviewer in rural Western Australia to a dedicated advocate for child safety and prevention. She reflects on the intense realities of policing, the psychological complexities of grooming, and the personal toll that witnessing child abuse cases took on her mental health, eventually leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. Moving from reactive policing to proactive education, McPhee provides practical strategies for parents to foster bodily autonomy and digital safety. The discussion covers identifying grooming tactics, teaching children to recognize physical warning signs, and implementing boundaries regarding social media use to create a safe environment where survivors feel empowered to come forward.

21 Oct 2026
443-

The Honeymoon Drowning That Turned A Groom Into A Murder Suspect [re-release]

This episode investigates the tragic death of Tina Watson during a honeymoon diving trip at Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Through an interview with author Lindsay Simpson, we explore the controlling relationship between Tina and Gabe Watson, detailing the suspicious circumstances surrounding their final dive at a shipwreck site. The discussion follows the aftermath of the incident, including the inconsistencies in Gabe's accounts that were challenged by experienced divers. We trace the legal journey from the 2007 inquest to Gabe's manslaughter plea deal and eventual extradition to Alabama, where the case ultimately ended in a dismissal.

19 Oct 2026
442-

Justine Sent 10,000 Letters To Convicted Female Killers In Prisons

Journalist Justine Vanderloon explores the case of Nicole Adamondo, a woman prosecuted for murder after killing her abusive partner in an act of self-defense. The episode details the extreme domestic violence and sexual exploitation Adamondo endured, alongside the prosecution's use of biased narratives to negate evidence of abuse during her trial. Vanderloon connects Adamondo's story to her large-scale research involving 10,000 incarcerated women, revealing widespread patterns of 'criminalized survival.' Through case studies like Tanisha Williams and Gemma Heffernan, she examines how systemic failures, generational trauma, and unhealed childhood abuse lead women into cycles of violence and severe legal consequences.

14 Oct 2026
441-

The Disappearance Of 12-year-old Rhianna Barreau [re-release]

This episode explores the 1992 disappearance of 12-year-old Rhianna Barrow in Adelaide, detailing her final movements and the baffling clues left behind, such as an active television and a locked door. Through an interview with reporter Rebecca Bryce, the podcast examines the challenges of investigating a crime in an era before digital footprints and mobile phones. The investigation is further detailed through discussions on outdated police tactics, unverified leads, and the profound impact on the community. The episode also touches upon how listener tips have provided clues that align with previous investigations and reflects on the changing landscape of investigative reporting in the modern age.

11 Oct 2026