It's October 2013, and two police officers in Dublin spot a distressed young girl outside the General Post Office. She’s crying and unable to speak, using her fingers to show she’s 14 years old. They take her to a nearby children’s hospital while trying to figure out who she is. Local media starts speculating about possible sex trafficking as interest in her case grows. As a month goes by, police decide to release her photo to the public and are quickly flooded with calls from Australia. It turns out this isn’t a vulnerable 14-year-old girl in distress; the woman in the Dublin hospital bed is actually 25-year-old Samantha Azzopardi, a serial con artist. And as the years go by, this wouldn’t be the first alias she’s used to trick her victims. Paula Bycroft from CJZ Productions is the Executive Producer of the Australian documentary series Con Girl, which details the life and crimes of Samantha Azzopardi. She helps us to tell this story. You can watch Con Girl here. There’s also a Con Girl podcast series you can listen to here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. CREDITS Guest: Paula Bycroft Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Thom Lion GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At around 5pm on a hot August afternoon in 2015, a 911 call comes in about a fire at a service station in Columbus, Ohio. A man has poured two jerry cans of fuel over his partner, 31-year-old Judy Malinowski, and is watching as flames engulf her. Judy is rushed to the hospital with 90 per cent of her body burned. Doctors warn her family that her chances of survival are slim, but against all odds, Judy survives. She endures severe ongoing pain and dozens of surgeries in the years that follow, dying two years after being set on fire. After she dies, she becomes the first person in history to testify at her own murder trial. Director Patricia Gillespie seeks to honour Judy’s remarkable strength and raise awareness about domestic violence in her documentary, The Fire That Took Her. You can watch it here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. And if this episode has brought up anything for you or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). CREDITS Guest: Patricia Gillespie Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the early hours of May 1, 2010, Shannan Gilbert called 911 from a Long Island house after working as an escort with a client she met on Craigslist. After seeking help from neighbours, she disappeared from the street before the police arrived.Months later, extensive searches turned up no trace of the 23-year-old, but authorities discovered the bodies of four other young women, later known as “The Gilgo Four,” all escorts who found clients online.Rex Heurmann has been charged with their murders, along with two others.There are four more bodies found nearby, that detectives are still investigating. Shannan was also eventually found, but is her death linked?True crime producer and investigative journalist Alexis Linkletter has extensively covered the case. You can listen to her podcast, Unravelled, here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. CREDITS Guest: Alexis Linkletter Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On an ordinary Melbourne afternoon in 1997, suburban mum of three Jane Thurgood-Dove pulled into her driveway with her kids in the back seat. As Jane got out of her car, a stolen Commodore pulled in behind her. A man with a gun chased her around the car and then shot Jane as her kids looked on in horror. For years, police were convinced she was killed by a man with an obsession, but they were wrong. This murder of a young Melbourne mother is believed to be a devastating case of mistaken identity. Australia’s longest-serving crime reporter, John Silvester, speaks with us today.  You can find John’s book Dark City here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. CREDITS Guest: John Silvester Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Rachel Barber failed to return home from dance practice one evening in 1999, her family reported her missing and launched a desperate search. They plastered Melbourne with over 2,000 posters, hoping for any news of her whereabouts. After days of searching, their hopes shattered on day 12 when they learned Rachel had been murdered. Her killer was a 19-year-old former babysitter and family friend who had been consumed by jealousy and obsession with Rachel, stalking her for years. Criminal court reporter Megan Norris co-wrote a book with Rachel’s mother, Elizabeth, titled Perfect Victim, detailing the families tragic loss and the details of the case. You can find Megan’s book with Elizabeth Southall Perfect Victim here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. CREDITS Guest: Megan Norris Host: Gemma Bath Producers: Tahli Blackman & Christel Cornilsen Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From solving cold-cases to putting multiple serial-killers behind bars, Matt Murphy is one of America’s top homicide prosecutors. Many of his cases are known as some of America’s biggest crimes that have made headlines worldwide, including the Dirty John case that became a global media phenomenon. In this episode, we dive deep into the cold-case of Cathy Torrez that Matt successfully prosecuted, as well as what makes a serial killer different from a “one-off” murderer, and the dangers of online dating for women.  After never losing a homicide case and spending 17 years assigned to the Homicide Unit of Orange County, California, Matt has released his first book: THE BOOK OF MURDER: A Prosecutor’s Journey Through Love and Death, available here.  THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. And if this episode has brought up anything for you or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). CREDITS Guest: Matt Murphy Host: Gemma Bath Executive Producers: Liv Proud & Christel Cornilsen Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From domestic violence to murder, sexual assaults, and abuse against children, former Australian detective, Luke Taylor, has sadly seen it all. But after struggling with his mental health from the job, one murder was the final catalyst for Luke's retirement: an attack on an unsuspecting nurse, killed by her very own family. Luke Taylor has since founded Crime Story Australia, hosting workshops where school students recreate crime scenes to learn how to problem solve and analyse crimes. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia Find out more about Mamamia's charity partner RizeUp Australia here. And if this episode has brought up anything for you or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). CREDITS Guest: Luke Taylor Host: Gemma Bath Executive Producer: Christel Cornilsen Audio Producer: Scott Stronach   GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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  If you’re looking for something else to listen to why not check out our award winning parenting podcast How To Build A Human. Or click here to listen to the hosts of Mamamia Out Loud open up about creativity and how they stay inspired.  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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brent is a former police officer who has done extensive work investigating sex crimes, which led him to become one of Australia’s top experts on the methods and psychology of rapists.  For the last 30 years, he has dedicated his career to sex crime education, teaching over one million people about sex crimes and how to protect yourself from a dangerous situation.  When he's not teaching students, Brent hosts his own podcast, Crime Insiders. He's also the author of ‘How Dangerous Men Think: And How to Stay Safe for Life.’ THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Brent Sanders – Former Policer Officer, Author, Educator Host: Gemma Bath Executive Producer: Christel Cornilsen Audio Producer: Scott Stronach GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening! Email us at [email protected] or send us a voice note, and one of our Podcast Producers will come back to you ASAP. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month on True Crime Conversations we’re examining the life and crimes of Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, and the violent razor wars that erupted between their two gangs with special guest host Emma Gillespie. Coming to your ears from January 6th. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re popping into your feed to share with you our new episode of Extraordinary Stories: The Demonisation of Lindy Chamberlain. Episodes two and three of the season, and all past seasons of Extraordinary Stories are available to stream now, exclusively to MPlus subscribers. To subscribe to MPlus and find out more head to www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/extraordinary-stories/ Demonised by the press. Vilified by the country. The subject of gossip and innuendo. From the viewpoint of 2021, the story of Lindy Chamberlain is a brutal reflection of 1980s Australia. Beneath the layers of lies and injustice, it’s a story of a mother who didn’t behave, look, speak or grieve the way we wanted her to after the incomprehensible loss of a child. It’s also the story of one woman, strong enough to endure it all.  In this season of Extraordinary Stories, we’re unraveling how a young woman went from mother to wrongly convicted murderer, and why the story of Azaria Chamberlain’s disappearance continues to fascinate us to this day.To listen to more episodes of The Demonisation Of Lindy Chamberlain head to mamamia.com.au/mplus WITH THANKS TO: Malcolm Brown, Journalist Dr Sophie Jensen, National Museum of AustraliaAlana Valentine, Author & PlaywrightSOURCES: Letters to Lindy, Alana ValentineDear Lindy: A nation responds to the Loss of Azaria, Alana Valentinehttps://lindychamberlain.com/ABCNetwork Ten GET IN TOUCH:Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected] more lols, info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ CREDITS:Host: Emma GillespieWritten and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie, with Holly WainwrightAudio Production: Madeline JoannouExecutive Producer: Sydney Pead 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re popping into your feed to share with you our new episode of Extraordinary Stories: Belle Gibson. Episodes two and three of Extraordinary Stories; Belle Gibson are available exclusively to MPlus members. To become a member and listen to the full series right now, head to www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/extraordinary-stories/ Belle Gibson fooled not only her hundreds of thousands of followers, but the most prestigious book publishers in Australia, the tech giants of silicon valley, and even her family and friends into believing she was something she was not: sick. If today, her name is synonymous with the weighty infamy of a notorious scam, there was a time before that, when she was celebrated as an inspiration. On this episode of Extraordinary Stories, we look at the rise of Belle Gibson. From tall tales in school drama classes to international acclaim and influence, how did Annabelle Natalie Gibson become the pinup girl for the wellness movement? THE END BITS:With thanks to Bronwyn McCahon, Doctor Brad McKay, and Kylie Willey  RESOURCES WE USED:The Woman Who Fooled The World by Beau Donnelly and Nick Toscano Fake Medicine by Brad MckayThe Girl Who Conned Us All by Clair Weaver https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/real-life/belle-gibson-the-whole-story-10129https://www.nowtolove.com.au/news/local-news/belle-gibson-speaks-for-the-first-time-since-her-whole-pantry-controversy-13532 With thanks to Tara Brown from 60 Minutes  GET IN TOUCH:Feedback? We’re listening! Call the pod phone on 02 8999 9386 or email us at [email protected] more info and inspo in your ears? Find more Mamamia podcasts here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/ CREDITS:Host: Emma GillespieWriters: Emma Gillespie and Holly WainwrightProducers: Melanie Sauer and Emma GillespieAudio Production: Elissa Ratliff and Madeline JoannouExecutive Producer: Holly Wainwright and Elissa Ratliff 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.