The Vanishing Of Vivienne Cameron True Crime Conversations podcast

39:55

Kat Torres had it all—famous friends, a jet-setting modelling career and a social media feed that painted the picture of a woman who had truly made it. But behind the flawless photos and inspirational captions lurked a far darker reality. Torres wasn’t just living the influencer dream; she was building something far more dangerous. What began as a pursuit of fame spiralled into a cult-like following, where influence became control, and admiration, exploitation. So, how does someone with a face as angelic as Kat Torres become a cult leader and accused sex trafficker? Journalist and Don’t Cross Kat podcast host Chico Felitti joins us to uncover the disturbing truth behind the rise—and fall—of Kat Torres. Find the podcast here: https://wondery.com/shows/guru/season/2/ CREDITS Guest: Chico Felitti Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Follow us on TikTok @truecrimeconversations Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Tortured & Brainwashed: How Ben Shenton Survived Australia’s Most Disturbing Cult 52:57

10 days ago52:57

52:57

At just 18 months old, Ben Shenton was handed over to a woman who claimed she was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. That woman was Anne Hamilton-Byrne, the leader of a secretive doomsday cult called The Family . For 14 years, Ben lived cut off from the outside world—beaten, starved, drugged, and taught to stay “unseen, unheard, unknown.” The cult twisted Christianity into a tool of fear and control. Ben was finally rescued at age 15 during a police raid. Today, he’s an advocate for survivors and a pastor who still follows the teachings of Jesus Christ, just not the version the cult tried to force on him. You can find Ben’s website, Rescue the Family , here , and his book Life Behind the Wire here . CREDITS Guest: Ben Shenton Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show, then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Erin Patterson: A Mushroom Murder Trial Update 9:04

11 days ago9:04

9:04

As the trial of Erin Patterson enters its second week, The Quicky news podcast examines the latest developments in the mushroom murder case that shocked a small Victorian town. Stay tuned! True Crime Conversations will be covering the full case and trial very shortly... Listen to Mushroom Case Daily here THE END BITS Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCH Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note. CREDITS Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy Guests: Stephen Stockwell, Producer of ABC's Mushroom Case Daily podcast Executive Producer: Taylah Strano Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
"I Had to Kill Him": The Woman Who Survived Dirty John 52:00

17 days ago52:00

52:00

"Dirty John" Meehan, a serial con artist and violent criminal, was Terra Newell's stepfather. He had married her mother and spent years manipulating and abusing her until she finally left him. Enraged by her departure, he sought revenge. One day, after finishing her shift at work, Terra was walking to her car when John suddenly grabbed her from behind, wrapping his arm around her waist and trying to abduct her. In a desperate attempt to escape, she bit him. But his response was brutal—he began stabbing her repeatedly with a large knife. With every ounce of strength she had, Terra fought for her life. In a fierce struggle, she managed to knock the knife from his hand. Realising the only way to survive was to stop him for good, she knew she had to act fast. This is the story of Dirty John’s demise, told by the woman who lived through it. CREDITS Guest: Terra Newell Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Meet Heston Russell: The Veteran Falsely Accused Of War Crimes 59:43

24 days ago59:43

59:43

Heston Russell has lived a life most of us couldn’t imagine. A former special forces commander, he’s been shot at, dropped out of helicopters, and led troops through the chaos of Afghanistan and Iraq. But it wasn’t until he came home that he faced his toughest fight yet — not against an enemy overseas, but against his own country. Heston and his men were accused of war crimes, and suddenly, he was battling to defend their names against the weight of national headlines and public judgment. In this episode, we dive into Heston’s intense defamation case against the ABC, but we go deeper, too, into what it’s like to be a soldier at war and what you do when you’re wrongly accused of a crime you didn’t commit. You can listen to The ABC’s of Heston Russell podcast here . CREDITS Guest: Heston Russell Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Escaping One Of Australia's Most Secretive Cults [re-release] 51:36

28 days ago51:36

51:36

Laura McConnell grew up in a fundamentalist sect with no name. Along with no official title, the group also claims to have no registration around the world, no formal hierarchy, and no official places of worship. According to Laura, it's this secrecy and denial that has allowed abuse to flourish within the community. She joins us today to expose what she witnessed and experienced inside the group she calls The Truth. CREDITS Guest: Laura McConnell Host: Gemma Bath Executive Producer : Gia Moylan Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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The Podcast Host Who Solved A Murder When Police Couldn't 33:27

4 weeks ago33:27

33:27

In 1993, a teenage girl vanished on her way to school in a quiet town in Ontario, Canada. That morning, she’d argued with her mother, Mary Ann—nothing serious, just one of those everyday fights about going to school. It would be the last time they ever spoke. Her name was Christine Harron. She never made it to class. The case went cold for years—until filmmaker and podcast host David Ridgen started asking questions. He dug into old leads, uncovered long-buried secrets, and eventually helped bring a killer to justice. But even now, one question remains... Where is Chrissy? Listen to David Ridgen's podcast, Someone Knows Something , here . CREDITS Guest: David Ridgen Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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What We Know About Stephanie Scott's Death 10 Years On 38:53

5 weeks ago38:53

38:53

Stephanie Scott was just days away from marrying her long-time partner when she went into her empty high school on Easter Sunday to prepare lesson plans for the substitute teacher. That morning, she was tragically murdered. Vincent Stanford, the school janitor, was arrested after police found evidence linking him to the crime—scratches on his body, bloodstains in his car, and disturbing photos of Stephanie’s body on his phone. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. But what we’ve learned since is that Stephanie wasn’t even his intended victim. Sarah Crawford, a journalist who’s been following this case for the past decade, joins us now. CREDITS Guest: Sarah Crawford Host: Claire Murphy Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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A Message From Gemma! 2:27

6 weeks ago2:27

2:27

Hello, True Crime Conversations listeners! If your sharp investigative minds haven't already guessed, we're excited to share that our very own host, Gemma Bath, has been expecting her second child over the past nine months. However, her little girl made an early arrival, which brings us to an exciting update... it's time to introduce the new host of True Crime Conversations! CREDITS Host: Welcome, Claire Murphy ! Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
How The Deaths Of Two Girls, Eight Years Apart, Uncovered Tokyo’s Worst Predator 50:06

6 weeks ago50:06

50:06

Carita Ridgeway from Australia and Lucie Blackman from England arrived in Japan eight years apart, both working as hostesses, earning $150-$400 a night while entertaining wealthy businessmen. At 21, both planned to make money for world travel but encountered Joji Obara, a sadistic criminal mastermind. While there were hundreds of victims assaulted by Obara, they were the only ones known to have lost their lives. Clare Campbell’s book Tokyo Hostess: Inside the Shocking World of Tokyo Nightclub Hostessing explores their stories, the Japanese sex industry, and the serial rapist who sparked an international investigation. You can find her book here . THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Clare Campbell Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
53 Years Ago Robyn & Her Classmates Were Kidnapped. This Is Her Story. 1:09:45

7 weeks ago1:09:45

1:09:45

On a Friday afternoon in 1972, in the small town of Faraday, Victoria, 10-year-old Robyn Howarth was playing musical chairs with her classmates when something unexpected caught her eye. She turned to the classroom door and saw two men standing there—one wearing a black mask, the other with dark sunglasses and a hat. The taller man raised an enormous gun, aiming it at Robyn, her five classmates, and their 20-year-old teacher, Mary Gibbs. As Mary desperately pleaded with them, the men ordered everyone to "get in the van... now." More than 50 years later, Robyn has written a book, Faraday: A Community Rediscovered , where she recounts, in vivid detail, the traumatic events that unfolded that day. For decades, she has kept her story to herself—until now. You can buy Robyn's book here . THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Robyn Howarth Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Kapunda Triple Murder & An Unsuspecting Killer 50:53

8 weeks ago50:53

50:53

In 2010, 18-year-old Jason Downie became obsessed with Chantelle Rowe, his friend’s girlfriend, after she rejected him. On the night of November 8th, in the quiet town of Kapunda, South Australia, Jason, consumed by jealousy, brutally took the lives of Chantelle, her father Andrew, and her mother Rose in their own home. Chantelle’s older brother, Chris Rowe, was on holiday in the Gold Coast at the time. When he heard rumours of a major incident back home, he logged onto Facebook to find out more. He was reassured with the message, “All’s good,” but soon, he would learn of the devastating loss of his family. Bryan Littlely, a journalist who covered the case extensively, is one of the only reporters to have interviewed Chris, the sole survivor, years later. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Bryan Littley Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Four-Day Exorcism Of Joan Vollmer 45:44

9 weeks ago45:44

45:44

In the remote outback of Victoria in 1993, Ralph Vollmer believed his wife, Joan, was possessed. Ralph enlisted members of his local religious community to perform an exorcism, hoping to rid Joan of the ten demons they believed controlled her. What followed was a horrific four-day ordeal that ended in Joan’s death. Margaret Thanos is the director of Furious Mattress , a play based on Joan Vollmer’s tragic story. It raises the question: what are the ethics of turning a real-life tragedy into entertainment? You can find tickets to see Furious Mattress here . THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Margaret Thanos Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
What It's Like To Find Out The Man You Love Is An International Con Man 1:09:25

10 weeks ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Hamish McLaren is a serial fraudster. Remember the podcast Who the Hell Is Hamish? He defrauded victims of their money for more than 30 years before he finally saw the inside of a prison cell. Tracy Hall was his last victim, losing over $317,000 of her life savings to Hamish while in a relationship with him for 18 months. Hamish didn’t just financially manipulate Tracy; he emotionally destroyed her. It’s taken her years to recover from that kind of deceit. She processed it by writing a book, The Last Victim , which details her story. You can find The Last Victim here. RESOURCES What to do if you're scammed, defrauded or there is a data breach. Find information here . Find downloadable tips to avoid scams here . Find Tracy's website here . THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Tracy Hall Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
The Moment That Could’ve Saved Gabby Petito [re-release] 50:24

11 weeks ago50:24