Life and Crimes with Andrew Rule

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: True Crime Australia

Subscribe to Crime X+ today. Andrew Rule is one of Australia's most prolific journalists and authors. In Life and Crimes, the True Crime Australia and Sunday Herald Sun columnist shines a light on the dark corners of Australian life, from the story behind the biggest mysteries, to the characters of yesterday and the crims of today. Produced by Jonty Burton.

✂️ Clip this podcast
The Policewoman: Narelle Fraser's career catching evil men. Part 2
The Policewoman: Narelle Fraser's career catching evil men. Part 2 episode artwork
#329
Today at 5:00 PM

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. Narelle Fraser joins the show to recount some of the worst criminals she investigated.
Find out more about the documentary The Policewoman at: https://filmquarter.com.au/thepolicewoman

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/<...


The Policewoman: Narelle Fraser's career catching evil men. Part 1
The Policewoman: Narelle Fraser's career catching evil men. Part 1 episode artwork
#328
10/30/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT: Former cop Narelle Fraser joins the show to talk about her remarkable career going up against some of the worst crims in the state.
Find out more about the documentary The Policewoman at: https://filmquarter.com.au/thepolicewoman

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Ad...


Who killed Rick? Murder in central Victoria
Who killed Rick? Murder in central Victoria episode artwork
#237
10/23/2026

Six months after the mysterious murder of “salt of the earth” farmer Rick Wills - who was found buried in a shallow grave on his own land - the question for investigators is not identifying their prime suspect. It’s more a case of when and how to put pressure on him.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the sho...


I was a contraband chopper pilot. Part 2
I was a contraband chopper pilot. Part 2 episode artwork
#236
10/16/2026

Last week Tim Smith told the tale of his speedy intro to helicopter flying and the Canadian underworld. This week, he describes how it all came undone.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If yo...


I was a contraband chopper pilot. Part 1
I was a contraband chopper pilot. Part 1 episode artwork
#235
10/09/2026

Before Tim Smith was a reality TV contestant, he led a colourful life smuggling colourful goods for colourful characters. He visits Life and Crimes to tell his story.

Tim Smith is features in the new book Crossroads. Get more information at: https://newhollandpublishers.com/crossroads/

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://he...


The last link to an island murder mystery
The last link to an island murder mystery episode artwork
#234
10/02/2026

Warning: Episode discusses self harm. Fergus Cameron was born to fortune, but a deadly love triangle would underline his unfortunate life.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you kn...


The gumboot mystery of Kaye King. A son's search: Part 2
The gumboot mystery of Kaye King. A son's search:  Part 2 episode artwork
#233
09/19/2026

Jason Thompson returns to the show to talk about the legal twists and turns over the death of his mother Kaye.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know n...


The gumboot mystery of Kaye King. A son's search: Part 1
The gumboot mystery of Kaye King. A son's search:  Part 1 episode artwork
#232
09/18/2026

In 2018  Andrew Rule outlined the death of Kaye King. Now, eight years later, Kaye's son Jason joins the show with more.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs...


A crime she didn't commit: The conviction of Josephine Greensill
A crime she didn't commit: The conviction of Josephine Greensill episode artwork
#231
09/06/2026

Journalist Neal Mercer joins the show to tell one of the stories in his new book,  Falsely Convicted.
Find out more at: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Neil-Mercer-Falsely-Convicted-9781761472978

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

I...


Snow storm: Cocaine on Australian streets
Snow storm: Cocaine on Australian streets episode artwork
#233
08/29/2026

Recent news has Andrew Rule thinking about the history of cocaine on our shores and its use today.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help
Lifel...


Gunshots in Altona North: The shooting of Fadi Haddara
Gunshots in Altona North: The shooting of Fadi Haddara episode artwork
#232
08/28/2026

When a crime family patriarch was found in a pool of blood outside his home, it marked another red chapter in Melbourne's latest underworld war. Anthony Dowsley joins the show to discuss.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com...


A eulogy for Granny Evil
A eulogy for Granny Evil episode artwork
#231
08/21/2026

Kath Pettingill raised a brood of killers and dealers and theives, and her own life was peppered with crime and loss.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help...


Nikki Justice: Serving punchlines
Nikki Justice: Serving punchlines episode artwork
#230
08/14/2026

Most comedians learn how to handle a room by dealing with a few awkward open-mic hecklers. Nikki Justice learned how to survive in Perth’s underworld. She joins Andrew Rule to tell some tales.
Find out more at:
https://www.instagram.com/nikkijusticecomedy/
or
https://www.nikkijustice.com.au/

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like t...


Murder myster in a troubled land
Murder myster in a troubled land episode artwork
#229
08/07/2026

A President shot and a rebel leader gunned down. Author Paul Toohey joins the show to tell the story of the day Timor-Leste descended into madness.

Find more about Paul Toohey's book at: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/The-Fatal-Island/Paul-Toohey/9781761825019

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andre...


A young witness to the waterfront war
A young witness to the waterfront war episode artwork
#228
07/31/2026

Monica was a child when she saw a gangland slaying. That moment would turn her world upside down. She tells her story for the first time to Andrew Rule. 

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

<...


Horror in Pattaya
Horror in Pattaya episode artwork
#227
07/24/2026

Australia has been transfixed by the alleged murder of a Thai girl and the Australian man accused of her killing. Investigative reporter Stephen Drill has just returned from the scene at Pattaya. He joins guest host Jonty Burton to discuss the alleged crime and the seedy underworld that is at the centre of it.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

...


Melbourne's own art caper
Melbourne's own art caper episode artwork
#226
07/17/2026

It's one of Australia's enduring unsolved art crimes: the theft of a Picasso from the National Gallery of Victoria.

Now, 40 years later, author A.T. Prewitt has imagined who could have been behind the crime.

Find more about the book at: https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/?authors=a-t-prewett

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the...


Bar wars: From a horrifying ordeal to a safety beacon
Bar wars: From a horrifying ordeal to a safety beacon episode artwork
#225
07/10/2026

Bar owner Dominic Porter and his family survived first an attack on his business then a horrifying home invasion. He tells Andrew Rule about how it inspired him to create a community safety app.

More about the  WatchTower app at: https://www.instagram.com/watchtower__app/

Life and Crimes is now on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIl3AI6IuQ_Y

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for on...


A pretty big deal in a quiet sleepy place
A pretty big deal in a quiet sleepy place episode artwork
#224
07/03/2026

Andrew Rule goes in search for an answer to a mystery that's very close to home.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts.

You can now watch the recording sessions of Life and Crimes at the Herald Sun's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/heraldsun

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule


The subtle art of standover: When debt collection goes bad
The subtle art of standover: When debt collection goes bad episode artwork
#223
06/26/2026

If you owe  a lot of money, you better pray you owe it to understanding people. Andrew Rule explains.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts.

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule

Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help...


Bad sports: More tales of competitors who've turned to the shady side
Bad sports: More tales of competitors who've turned to the shady side episode artwork
#222
06/19/2026

As the globe turns its gaze to the World Cup, Andrew Rule takes a local look at more sporting characters who have fallen out of favour.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you...


A murder mystery and a touch of history with Candice Fox
A murder mystery and a touch of history with Candice Fox episode artwork
#221
06/12/2026

When one of Australia's most well-known crime authors sat down to write her latest novel, she found an eerie link to her own family's past.

Find more about Candice Fox's latest book Redbelly Crossing at:
https://www.penguin.com.au/books/redbelly-crossing-9781761345548

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au...


The evil deeds of two evil men. Part 2
The evil deeds of two evil men. Part 2 episode artwork
#220
06/05/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. Last week, we went through the story of one of Queensland's most notorious abductions. This week we return to Adelaide and look at how that case up north may be linked to another horror in the City of Churches.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Ad...


The evil deeds of two evil men. Part 1
The evil deeds of two evil men. Part 1 episode artwork
#219
05/29/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. Could the disappearance of two sets of children half a continent away be linked? Andrew Rule examines the mystery that starts with the murders of Judith and Susan Mackay.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://cri...


The monsterous teacher and the very brave boy
The monsterous teacher and the very brave boy episode artwork
#218
05/22/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. When a string of children went missing from Adelaide's quiet suburban streets, police were stumped. It took some quick thinking from a frightened child to bring the murderer to justice.

Author Michael Madigan joins the show with more.
More about his books at: https://www.amazon.com.au/stores/author/B01FDHICS6

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: lifeandcrimes@news...


Bar Wars: Inside the attacks on Melbourne's nightlife
Bar Wars: Inside the attacks on Melbourne's nightlife episode artwork
#217
05/15/2026

Victoria's capital has been rocked by a series of attacks on nightlife venues, that has Olivia Jenkins and her colleagues on the Herald Sun crime desk searching for answers.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

...


Our man on the inside
Our man on the inside episode artwork
#215
05/08/2026

Some of the most ingenious crimes have been pulled off using one simple trick: someone with access. Andrew Rule explains.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help<...


Objection! What really goes on in our criminal courtrooms
Objection! What really goes on in our criminal courtrooms episode artwork
#214
05/01/2026

Tony Taouk from Magna Carta Lawyers has seen a lot in our law courts, and most of it isn't like what you see on TV.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or a...


Farquharson to Freeman: The horror of parents killing their kids
Farquharson to Freeman: The horror of parents killing their kids episode artwork
#212
04/18/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT:  After the news of a notorious child killer being savagely beaten in prison, Andrew Rule looks at more cases of parents harming their own children.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If...


I was a sovereign citizen
I was a sovereign citizen episode artwork
#213
04/18/2026

Melbourne author Brodie Finegan Forbes lived inside the world of sovereign citizens, before turning his back on the movement.

He joins the show to tell his story.

Find out more about Brodie's books at: https://www.brodiefineganforbes.com/

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Adv...


The life and death of cop killer Dezi Freeman
The life and death of cop killer Dezi Freeman episode artwork
#211
04/10/2026

Andrew Rule looks at the early years ofthe self-described sovereign citizen, who was shot dead at Thologolong after a seven-month manhunt.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs...


A witness to Melbourne's worst bombing
A witness to Melbourne's worst bombing episode artwork
#210
04/03/2026

WARNING: Disturbing content. Bill Ayes is a former crime journo who was at the right place at the very worst time, when a group  of criminals tried to blow up Victoria Police HQ.
He talks with Andrew about being in the building when the blast happened, and what happened after.

Read Bill's first person account at:

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/hellish-scene-well-never-forget-russell-street-bombing-the-day-melbourne-lost-its-innocence/news-story/6096adac86275e231aeb667bfa56cf3f

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true cr...


Tales from behind bars. Part 2
Tales from behind bars. Part 2 episode artwork
#209
03/27/2026

Former prison officer Brian Coglan rejoins the show to tell more stories from one of Australia's toughest prisons

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help

Lif...


Tales from behind bars. Part 1
Tales from behind bars. Part 1 episode artwork
#207
03/20/2026

 Brian Coghlan spent 20 years as a guard at one of our toughest prisons, and there he met some very interesting characters. He drops by the studio to tell tales of  watching some of Australia's worst.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]
Crim...


BONUS EPISODE: Introducing Hunting Justice - The Easey Street murders
BONUS EPISODE: Introducing Hunting Justice - The Easey Street murders episode artwork
#208
03/19/2026

Olivia Jenkins, host of the new crime series Hunting Justice comes to the studio to talk about her new show about the Easey Street murders.

Search for Hunting Justice wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected]...


Grand Theft Auto: Melbourne City
Grand Theft Auto: Melbourne City episode artwork
#206
03/13/2026

While car theft isn't a new thing, it has seen a dramatic surge as organised crooks steal cars for parts - or far, far worse.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule

Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you...


Without a will and a way
Without a will and a way episode artwork
#205
03/06/2026

A fight for  inheritance  has opened up a decades-old family mystery.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule

Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If you or anyone you know needs help
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Help...


The tracker cop
The tracker cop episode artwork
#204
02/27/2026

Captain Coby Webb has spent a career working with dogs in law enforcement. She tells Andrew about the cases she's worked and the people she's helped find using canine expertise.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]
Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] 

Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/


The Irwin sisters murders
The Irwin sisters murders episode artwork
#203
02/20/2026

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT. In the hellish hour after a killer forced his way into the Irwin sisters’ Altona North home, one of the girls managed to dial triple-0 – but the call was cut off. What happened after that is the stuff of nightmares.

Learn more about the case at:
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/andrew-rule/andrew-rule-how-hero-cop-took-down-rapist-who-killed-irwin-sisters-20-years-ago/news-story/c7890008b384ef604c0630c60847107e

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for o...


Mysteries of the missing
Mysteries of the missing episode artwork
#202
02/13/2026

As South Australian police continue their search for young Gus Lamont, Andrew Rule looks at that and other open cases of people who have disappeared without a trace.

Subscribe to Crime X+ to hear episodes early and ad free, unlock bonus content and access our slate of award-winning true crime podcasts

Have a question for one of our Q+A shows? ask it at: [email protected]

Like the show? Get more at https://heraldsun.com.au/andrewrule
Advertising enquiries: [email protected] Crimestoppers: https://crimestoppers.com.au/

If yo...