How a notorious criminal became a pop culture legend.
Tim & Xanthe unpack the violent life and complicated mythology of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read -  the underworld figure immortalised in film, television, and true crime folklore. From prison violence and gangland crime to media fame and the cult success of 'Chopper', we examine how a brutal criminal transformed himself into an Australian icon. But beneath the stories, one-liners and legend lies a darker question: why are societies so fascinated by violent men like Chopper Read?

Watch the full video episode on Youtube atCrime Central Australia HERE.

How a notorious criminal became a pop culture legend. Tim &amp; Xanthe unpack the violent life and complicated mythology of Mark Brandon &lsquo;Chopper&rsquo; Read -&nbsp; the underworld figure immortalised in film, television, and true crime folklore. From prison violence and gangland crime to media fame and the cult success of 'Chopper', we examine how a brutal criminal transformed himself into an Australian icon. But beneath the stories, one-liners and legend lies a darker question: why are societies so fascinated by violent men like Chopper Read?
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CrimeCentralAustralia"> Crime Central Australia HERE.</a>

Motive & Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Motive &amp; Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Motive & Method

Motive & Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Motive &amp; Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Weston and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history&rsquo;s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Chopper Read:  Australia’s ‘Celebrity’ Criminal

The Port Arthur massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history - a tragedy that shattered lives and transformed the country’s gun laws.
On a quiet Sunday afternoon in April 1996, 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire at the tourist site and continued on an hours-long deadly rampage. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how the events of that tragic day played out and the lasting legacy and impact of the massacre. 
They also delve into the life of the shooter, exploring his troubled upbringing, his bizarre relationship with a wealthy heiress, and the complex psychological questions that continue to surround one of Australia’s most infamous killers.

For more information on ‘The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’ mentioned in this episode - click here. 

Watch the full video episode on Youtube atCrime Central Australia HERE.

The Port Arthur massacre remains the deadliest mass shooting in Australian history - a tragedy that shattered lives and transformed the country&rsquo;s gun laws. On a quiet Sunday afternoon in April 1996, 35 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire at the tourist site and continued on an hours-long deadly rampage. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe discuss how the events of that tragic day played out and the lasting legacy and impact of the massacre.&nbsp; They also delve into the life of the shooter, exploring his troubled upbringing, his bizarre relationship with a wealthy heiress, and the complex psychological questions that continue to surround one of Australia&rsquo;s most infamous killers.
For more information on &lsquo;The Alannah &amp; Madeline Foundation&rsquo; mentioned in this episode -<a href="https://www.alannahandmadeline.org.au/"> click here</a>.&nbsp;
<hr>
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CrimeCentralAustralia"> Crime Central Australia HERE.</a>

Port Arthur: The Massacre That Changed Australia

On a remote highway Peter Falconio vanished forever - His murder became every outback travellers worst nightmare.
25 years after one of Australia’s most infamous murders, the case is back in the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen police footage and investigation photos. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim retrace the events of that terrifying night and discuss the forensic evidence that secured Bradley John Murdoch’s conviction without a body. Plus, the psychology behind Joanne Lees’ remarkable survival and discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to Peter Falconio’s remains. 
Over the decades there has been widespread speculation, and many theories, surrounding what happened to Peter Falconio’s body. Did the truth die with the only man who has the answer?

If you have information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously across Australia by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online via Crime Stoppers Australia. 

Watch the full video episode on Youtube atCrime Central Australia HERE.

On a remote highway Peter Falconio vanished forever - His murder became every outback travellers worst nightmare. 25 years after one of Australia&rsquo;s most infamous murders, the case is back in the spotlight with the release of never-before-seen police footage and investigation photos. In this episode, Xanthe and Tim retrace the events of that terrifying night and discuss the forensic evidence that secured Bradley John Murdoch&rsquo;s conviction without a body. Plus, the psychology behind Joanne Lees&rsquo; remarkable survival and discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to Peter Falconio&rsquo;s remains. Over the decades there has been widespread speculation, and many theories, surrounding what happened to Peter Falconio&rsquo;s body. Did the truth die with the only man who has the answer?
If you have information, you can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously across Australia by calling 1800 333 000 or submitting a report online via<a href="https://crimestoppers.com.au/"> Crime Stoppers Australia</a>.&nbsp;
<hr>
Watch the full video episode on Youtube at<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CrimeCentralAustralia"> Crime Central Australia HERE.</a>

Terror In The Outback: Can Peter Falconio’s Body Be Found?

At the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers. 
They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia’s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources.
Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers. 

You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings HERE

If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14
Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

 

At the second hearing of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into unsolved missing and murdered cases, Tim and Xanthe examine three more cases that expose troubling similarities in the experiences of families searching for answers. They discuss the unsolved murder of 16-year-old Lee Ellen Stace, the disappearance of Kylee-Ann Schaffer and the long-running mystery of Bronwyn Winfield, whose case has become one of Australia&rsquo;s most high-profile missing persons investigations. Through the powerful evidence given by family members in Grafton, they explore recurring concerns about delayed investigations, poor police communication and a lack of resources. Although the cases are unrelated, the testimony reveals strikingly similar systemic failures that have shaped these investigations for decades. As the inquiry continues, Tim and Xanthe examine what these families hope must change to ensure others are not left waiting generations for answers.&nbsp;
You can read the full submissions from the family and friends who spoke at the hearings <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/parliamentary-business/committees/inquiry-submission-details?committeeInquiryId=3148">HERE</a> <a href="https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/parliamentary-business/committees/inquiry-submission-details?committeeInquiryId=3148"></a>
If you or anyone else you know needs support please reach out for help: Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7) or text 0477 13 11 14 Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 
&nbsp;

Chopper Read: Australia’s ‘Celebrity’ Criminal

In 1 playlist(s)

Motive & Method

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips