Australian True Crime: "Introducing: True Crime Tonight"
Date: May 3, 2026
Host: Meshel Laurie (A)
Producers: Matthew Tankard (B), Ruby Bartzis (C)
Guest Contributors: Unnamed documentary expert (D), News Clip (E)
Episode Overview
This special episode of Australian True Crime introduces the show's new directions and team changes. Host Meshel Laurie is joined by executive producer Matthew Tankard and new producer Ruby Bartzis to discuss the show's recent move to a new studio, the launch of an additional radio show — "True Crime Tonight" — and their ambitions to broaden the show's scope to include more international true crime stories. The episode is part behind-the-scenes update, part reflection on the emotional challenges of covering true crime, and part preview of exciting upcoming stories and guests.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Team Changes & New Studio
- Meshel introduces the producers: Executive Producer Matthew Tankard (longtime contributor) and new producer Ruby Bartzis, who joined after working at Kiss FM and Gold FM (00:04–01:38).
- The show has moved to a new studio at Kiss FM, with improved facilities and a commitment to ongoing weekly Monday episodes plus a new Sunday radio segment, "True Crime Tonight."
- Ruby's hiring reflects both the changing face of journalism and the need for more hands, given the expansion into radio and YouTube (00:35–01:29).
"I said to the bosses here, there are so many amazing journalists out of work... I bet you've got someone somewhere around Australia in the newsroom already who would be great at this."
— Meshel Laurie [00:57]
2. Introducing Producer Ruby Bartzis
- Ruby's path: from intern to newsroom journalist, now producing "True Crime Tonight" (01:30–01:50).
- Meshel and Matthew note that Ruby, unlike them at the start, isn't a classic true crime "nerd" (02:00–02:03).
- Ruby admits: "I was never one to just listen to True Crime podcasts in my car. I was more of a Call Her Daddy kind of episode." [02:03]
3. Adapting to the True Crime World
- Conversation about the steep learning curve moving from podcasts about beauty (Matthew) or everyday journalism (Ruby) to serious crime (02:19–02:25).
- Insights on obsession: "It's all encompassing, I think it's fair to say." — Meshel Laurie [02:14]
4. Discussion on Legal Reporting & Defamation Trials
- Ongoing interest in the Rebel Wilson and Lisa Wilkinson defamation trials and their surprising media openness (02:36–03:35).
- Meshel and Matthew highlight the legal complexities of reporting on active trials, referencing input from their new legal expert, former Supreme Court judge Lex Lasry.
- Candid remarks on the risks involved: "Every faux pas you've ever made seems to come out in these court cases." — Meshel Laurie [04:11]
- Reflection on how public defamation trials expose personal reputations (04:42–05:11).
5. Paul Dale & The Limits of Reputation
- Meshel shares a memorable anecdote about disgraced former Victorian Drug Squad detective Paul Dale, whose reputation is so diminished that he was told he can never sue anyone for defamation (05:21–05:56).
"A judge told him, you can never accuse anyone of defamation... because your reputation is so low, no one can ever lower it."
— Meshel Laurie [05:30]
6. Upcoming Content: New Interviews and International Expansion
- Plans to feature international cases and guests, such as Ashley Freckleton from the Apple TV+ documentary "Twisted Yoga" (08:11–08:40).
- Meshel’s candid reaction on seeing the docuseries: "It's brilliant. I don't know..." [08:23]. Ruby recounts the story's elements—cult-like dynamics, spiritual leader accused of human trafficking, and survivor escape narrative (08:40–10:00).
7. Long Island Serial Killer Coverage
- Meshel’s personal fascination with the Long Island Serial Killer case is discussed, including police reluctance to use the term "serial killer" for political reasons (10:38–12:11).
- Explains the 16-year timeline, the involvement of sex workers, and societal biases against victims (12:25–13:19).
- Audio from news report confirms Rex Heuermann’s confession—admitting to the murder of eight women while leading a double life (13:19–13:56).
- Meshel describes the case’s emotional impact and their upcoming guest, journalist Shannon McGarvey, who has met the victims’ families (14:37).
8. The Emotional Impact of True Crime Work
- Matthew asks Meshel about the delicate balance between objective interviewing and emotional involvement, especially when talking to survivors or victims’ families (16:05–16:29).
- Both producers discuss the accumulated toll of covering traumatic stories, and the necessary "compartmentalization" (17:09–18:34).
- Ruby reflects on the lack of preparation journalism students receive for vicarious trauma in the industry—highlighting the personal warning from her psychologist sister (18:47–19:26).
"I am good at putting that barrier up right now. We'll see down the line if I can."
— Ruby Bartzis [19:26]
9. True Crime’s Unexpected Effects
- The cumulative, sometimes surprising emotional impacts on professionals and first responders (19:28–19:53).
- Meshel shares a haunting story from a mother whose daughter was murdered—showing how deeply these stories can affect personal perspectives on parenting and gratitude (20:42–22:48).
"I was filled with the gratitude that I had my kids, that what can happen in life? I thought this lady would give anything to be having my problems with her daughter right now."
— Meshel Laurie [21:59]
10. Reflection on the Value of True Crime Storytelling
- The team discuss how the podcast is more than just recounting crime—it is a window into the resilience and vulnerability of humanity (22:48–24:37).
- Meshel attributes the show’s longevity and passion to its interview format: "In the end, I think that’s what’s kept me passionate for 10 years is the people." [24:37]
11. Podcast Milestones and Community
- Celebrates 10 years on air—approaching the hundred millionth download (24:46–25:09).
- Expressing appreciation for the community formed around the podcast, especially regular contributors and professional allies like Charlie Bazina and Lex Lasry (25:21–27:12).
"Lunch with Charlie is just my favourite thing in the world...he never leaves until everyone's got their photo."
— Meshel Laurie [26:57]
12. New Interactive Features
- Introduction of a "speak pipe" feature for listener questions, offering a safer, curated platform for participation without risking legal pitfalls (07:11–07:29; 27:22–28:12).
13. Hope, Gratitude, and Looking Forward
- Welcoming Ruby as a new team member during "a big milestone moment" and expressing gratitude for the show's dedicated, engaged audience (28:32–28:35).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the harsh nature of defamation trials:
"Defamation trials are brutal...every faux pas you've ever made seems to come out in these court cases." — Meshel Laurie [04:11]
- On emotional boundaries:
"I am thinking quite analytically about the episode while I'm recording it...I have to push myself to stay emotionally connected." — Meshel Laurie [16:29]
- On gratitude:
"I was filled with the gratitude that I had my kids...this lady would give anything to be having my problems with her daughter right now." — Meshel Laurie [21:59]
- On community:
"Lunch with Charlie is just my favourite thing in the world...he never leaves until everyone's got their photo." — Meshel Laurie [26:57]
- On podcast milestones:
"We are knocking on the door of our hundred millionth download...that will happen sometime this year." — Meshel Laurie [25:03]
Important Timestamps
- 00:04 — Introduction of team, new studio, and "True Crime Tonight"
- 01:30 — Ruby’s background and joining the team
- 02:00 — Discussion of true crime fandom and adaptation
- 02:36–03:41 — Legal talk, defamation trials, and Lex Lasry
- 04:11 — Harsh realities of reputation in court
- 08:11–10:38 — Preview: Ashley Freckleton & "Twisted Yoga"
- 10:38–14:37 — Long Island Serial Killer background and upcoming interview
- 16:05–19:35 — Emotional impact of covering true crime
- 21:46 — Story of mother losing her daughter—a profound impact
- 24:46 — 10th anniversary and approaching 100 million downloads
- 27:22–28:12 — Introduction of speak pipe for audience interactivity
- 28:32 — Formal welcome to Ruby; audience appreciation
Episode Tone and Takeaways
Conversational, open, deeply empathetic, and warm, the hosts discuss the sometimes dark, often intensely human canvas of true crime reporting. They balance professional insight, candid reflections on trauma, and a sense of gratitude—for their growing team, audience, and the chance to tell important stories—in a milestone episode both for faithful listeners and newcomers.