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Shadow of Doubt

ByThe Australian
15 episodes

Podcast Summary

Dive into the gripping world of "Shadow of Doubt," where investigative journalist Richard Guilliatt unpacks the most harrowing and complex stories that challenge our perceptions of good and evil. This podcast stands out for its raw, unflinching exploration of real-life criminal cases, including the chilling saga of an Australian couple convicted of abusing their daughter for over a decade. Each episode peels back layers of deception and trauma, revealing the psychological scars left behind. Guilliatt's thought-provoking interviews with experts and survivors provide a deeper understanding of the human psyche, while his meticulous research sheds light on the intricacies of justice and morality. Notable guests have included renowned psychologists and legal analysts, offering insights into the motivations behind these unspeakable acts. With its compelling storytelling and profound themes, "Shadow of Doubt" invites listeners to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the nature of humanity itself.

#1

Trailer

They were branded ‘evil’ – a mother and father convicted of torturing and abusing their daughter as a sex slave. The father is serving 48 years in jail – the longest sentence in Australian history for child abuse. His wife is serving 16 years. Yet the parents insist they are innocent victims of overzealous police and a mental health system gone haywire.Investigative journalist Richard Guilliatt explores a spectacular collision of memory, therapy, trauma and conflicting ‘truths’ in this gripping new podcast from The Australian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-02-17•2mins
#2

Australia’s Most Evil Dad

An Australian couple are jailed for the shocking rape and torture of their daughter over 13 years. Yet two of their children insist they are innocent, and no-one noticed the violent abuse. Could this be a grave miscarriage of justice? To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-04-14•49mins
#3

Digging Deep

The case against Martin and Susan Johnson begins in a psychiatric hospital where their daughter Emily undergoes years of counselling. Court records and the testimony of former hospital staff suggest her treatment was deeply flawed. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-04-21•40mins
#4

Family Secrets

Martin Johnson is an admired sports coach, but he has a dark secret. When his daughter Emily learns about it, she suddenly begins to remember terrible events from her childhood. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-04-28•44mins
#5

Away From Reality

Emily Johnson’s memories of abuse become extraordinarily violent as she suffers “dissociative flashbacks”. Such memories are not always reliable - we hear from other families swept up in allegations of bizarre abuse. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-05-05•55mins
#6

Listening In

Police swoop on the Johnson family home after Emily Johnson accuses her mother of sexual abuse. Telephone surveillance tapes record the family’s reaction. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-05-12•53mins
#7

They Call It Dissociation

A chance encounter between Susan Johnson and her daughter on a country road leads to a dramatic escalation in the case. The Johnsons run out of money, and lose their lawyers. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-05-19•45mins
#8

The Worst Of The Worst

The Johnsons’ new lawyers decide not to pursue the ‘false memory’ defence at their trial. A jury finds the couple guilty, and Martin Johnson is sentenced to a record 48 years’ jail. Susan Johnson gets 16 years. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-05-26•1hr 2mins

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#9

Truth

Emily's personal involvement with a police officer causes shock, and her grandmother reveals her serious doubts about the case. Medical and legal experts support a judicial review of the case. To read more on this podcast, head to shadowofdoubt.com.au Shadow of Doubt is written, researched and presented by Richard Guilliatt. It's produced and edited by multimedia editor, Lia Tsamoglou. Claire Harvey is The Australian's Editorial Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-06-02•59mins
#10

It's back: The Teacher's Pet returns for Australian listeners

The Australian's global smash-hit podcast Teacher's Pet returns for Australian audiences on July 1. You can find it wherever you got this podcast. Just search for "The Teacher's Pet". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-06-30•0mins
#11

Introducing: Dying Rose Episode 1

A young mother missing in plain sight, her family’s quest for answers and a town that holds on to its secrets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-08-17•40mins
#12

Introducing Breaking Badness

From our colleagues at The Telegraph, a new podcast from inside prison walls, with former homicide detective Gary Jubelin, host of I Catch Killers. This is Episode 1 of Breaking Badness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023-12-12•28mins
#13

From The Front: Hedley Thomas’ new cold case podcast, 'Bronwyn'

Where is Bronwyn Winfield? The devoted mum has been missing since 1993 – and the man behind The Teacher’s Pet is on the case. Go to theaustralian.com.au/bronwyn to listen. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Josh Burton. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024-05-24•20mins
#14

Introducing Dear Rachelle

For two decades, the family of murdered 23-year-old woman Rachelle Childs have fought for answers. Though her killer is still at large, they believe her case case can be solved. Dear Rachelle is hosted and investigated by journalist Ashlea Hansen, together with retired detective and cold case specialist Damian Loone, who appeared in The Australian’s award-winning podcast series The Teacher’s Pet and The Teacher’s Trial. Search 'Dear Rachelle' to listen now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-04-09•3mins
#15

From The Front: Roger Rogerson’s first kill? The mystery of ‘Shotgun Johnny’ Regan

The 1974 murder of ‘Shotgun Johnny’ Regan has never been solved. Now, his family wants answers. That’s where The Australian’s new cold case investigation The Gangster’s Ghost comes in. Subscribers can listen to Episodes 1 and 2 now at gangstersghost.com.au. This episode of The Australian's daily news podcast The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-05-08•14mins