Matty – Episode 10: Coping to This Day

Podcast: Casefile Presents
Host: Loren O’Keeffe
Date: October 20, 2025

Overview

The final episode of Matty takes an intimate and deeply reflective look at the long-term impact of losing a loved one, specifically focusing on the decade-long journey of Mark and Faye Leveson after the disappearance and tragic loss of their son, Matthew Leveson. Host Loren O’Keeffe, herself a missing persons advocate, guides a candid discussion about living with unresolved grief, the failures and small mercies found within law enforcement, the relentless emotional toll, and the quiet rituals and relationships that help families to cope, survive, and honour their loved one.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Need for Memorials and Rituals

• The episode opens with a discussion about Woronora Memorial Gardens’ “Doorway of Hope”—a symbolic space for families of the missing (01:00).
• Quote (Mark Leveson, 01:54):
  “This is for missing loved ones, where they're gone. And the symbol is the doorway is always ajar. They can come home. … It's just somewhere to go if you haven't got your loved one.”
• The Levesons discuss the value of having a physical place to go, even after their son’s remains were found. For others, this option is vital to acknowledge their ambiguous loss.

Systemic Neglect of Missing Persons

• Loren highlights the lack of awareness and support for families of missing people, as well as how advocacy networks like MPAN attempt to fill the void (03:11).
• Quote (Loren O’Keeffe, 03:11):
  “It was this lack of guidance and support that led me to found MPAN … to create awareness … and to alleviate those practical and emotional challenges that follow a disappearance.”
• There is a general frustration expressed at the diminishing media and government attention to National Missing Persons Week.

Frustrations With Law Enforcement and Recognition

• The Levesons recount feeling dismissed and unacknowledged by authorities, complaining that senior officials often ignore them unless it suits their publicity (04:53).
• The coroner recommended the Levesons be officially commended for their assistance, but this has not occurred (06:05).
• Quote (Mark, 06:44):
  “What we do get stuck into is incompetence. We don’t tolerate that from any form.”
• The couple describes losing faith in police competence and feeling compelled to make demands and complaints to drive action (08:39).

The Psychological & Physical Toll

• Faye describes ongoing cognitive difficulties and “jigsaw” communication between her and Mark, signaling trauma’s effects (09:41).
• Changes to health and routines, such as gaining weight and mood swings, are candidly discussed (10:38).
• Quote (Faye, 09:41):
  “Mid-sentence and I’ll just stop and stare, because the words are inside here, but they ain’t coming out.”

Finding Small Joys and Coping Mechanisms

• The Levesons found solace in exercise, walking, and especially their dogs, whose unconditional love helped (11:41).
  • Quote (Faye, 11:51):
    “The dogs were the godsend … If you felt down, you just gave him a cuddle and ... relief.”
• Holidays were tinged with guilt—enjoyment felt impossible without Matt (12:20).
• Quote (Faye, 12:23):
  “No matter ... wherever we go, you get that guilt, and it just doesn’t go. … In the dark moments... it comes flooding back.”

Persisting Anxiety and Hypervigilance

• The experience of losing Matt fundamentally changed their approach to loved ones’ safety.
  • Now, if someone is late, they assume the worst (14:11).
• Quote (Faye, 14:19):
  “Mark’s usually on time … So if he’s late or ... I panic. … But now something’s happened.”

Living With Unanswered Questions

• The Levesons have learned that the legal system is “not a justice system,” and some answers—especially about Matt’s final moments—will never be known (15:15).
• Quote (Mark, 16:13):
  “You imagine the answers to your questions. ... We don’t like to think Matt suffered. He may have. We don’t know.”

Obsession and the Drive for Justice

• Mark and Faye admit to having been obsessed with holding Atkins (Matt’s partner and the prime suspect) accountable, at least until Matt’s recovery (17:29).
• Quote (Mark, 17:44):
  “Shit, yeah. Easy answer, easy answer [to being obsessed with justice].”
• They explain their refusal to let grief dominate, viewing it as a battle of willpower—refusing to let Atkins “win” by ruining their lives too (19:14).

Community Support and Moments of Kindness

• A memorable segment recalls the community gardening project, where volunteers transformed the Leveson’s garden as a tribute to Matt (19:59).
  • Quote (Mark, 19:59):
    “These, you know, these warriors, ... eternal thanks for what they did for us on that weekend.”

Changing Perspective on ‘Closure’

• The Levesons acknowledge that keeping Matt’s belongings and his memory close is meaningful—closure is not about moving on, but about maintaining those connections (22:23).

Lasting Friendship and Remembrance

• Matt’s friends, especially one in the UK, remain close to the Levesons, sharing memories and rituals (25:10).
• Special moments include dancing to Matt’s favourite songs and interpreting signs like butterflies as connections (25:42).

The Futility of “What Ifs”

• Loren reflects on the ripple effect of tragedy and the exhausting but natural spiral of “what if” questions; the only productive focus, the Levesons say, is to keep Matt’s memory alive (26:32).

Acceptance and Ongoing Tribute

• The episode closes with the sentiment that sharing Matt’s story—through podcasts, memories, and public appearances—serves as an ongoing tribute—a way to keep his memory alive (29:48).
  • Quote (Mark, 29:48):
    “Everything we do and say is really like a tribute to Matt … We’ll keep his name alive.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ambiguous loss and memorials:
  “It’s peaceful, you can just go and sit there … It’s just somewhere to go if you haven’t got your loved one.” (Mark, 02:13)
• On founding MPAN:
  “Over 100 Australians are being reported missing every day, and their families had little to no support.” (Loren, 03:11)
• On guilt during holidays:
  “He’s not. And Matt can’t. So no matter wherever we go, you get that guilt and it just doesn’t go.” (Faye, 12:23)
• On living with unanswered questions:
  “There are still things that are unknown … Do you think you're getting better at coping with the not knowing?”
  “Yes, over time … You imagine the answers to your questions.” (Loren and Mark, 15:58–16:13)
• On the drive for action:
  “If we ever did that [give up], then Atkins has got us too, and that was never going to happen.” (Mark, 19:14)
• On kindness:
  “We were so humbled. We weren’t expecting it … All we wanted was a bit of advice on how to keep the palm alive.” (Faye, 21:46)
• On closure:
  “Closure is a social construct. There’s no nice, neat way to wrap an experience like the Levesons up and move on. There’s only learning to live with the loss as best you can.” (Loren, 21:46)
• On continuing the tribute:
  “Everything we do and say is really like a tribute to Matt. … We’ll keep his name alive.” (Mark, 29:48)

Key Timestamps

• 01:00 – Doorway of Hope and the power of memorials
• 03:11 – The origins of MPAN and the lack of systemic support
• 04:53 – Frustrations with spotty government engagement
• 06:05 – On being denied a formal police commendation
• 09:41 – Physical and psychological aftershocks of trauma
• 11:31 – Finding joy through exercise, walking, and pets
• 12:20 – The guilt of taking holidays and moments of happiness
• 14:11 – Anxiety triggered by loved ones running late
• 15:15 – The challenge of living without closure or answers
• 17:29 – Obsession with securing justice
• 19:59 – Community and the garden makeover for Matt’s palm
• 22:23 – Keeping Matt’s bedroom and belongings, the complexity of “closure”
• 25:10 – Lasting friendships and rituals with Matt’s friends
• 26:32 – Reflections on the ‘what ifs’ and the way forward
• 29:48 – The ongoing tribute, why speaking about Matt never feels done

Tone and Style

The episode is empathetic, honest, sometimes raw, and ultimately hopeful. Loren’s style is gentle and understanding, prompting the Levesons to reflect deeply while maintaining a tone of respect and solidarity. Mark and Faye speak with candour, humour, love, and the authority of those who have weathered an unimaginable ordeal.

Conclusion

Episode 10 is a testament to the resilience, love, and community that endures beyond tragedy. It offers not just a summary of Matt’s case, but a look at how families persevere, learn to survive with grief, and transform pain into advocacy and connection. The Levesons’ story is not only about loss—it’s about refusing to yield to it, ensuring that Matt, in all ways possible, will never be forgotten.