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The Lady Vanishes

By7NEWS Podcasts
98 episodes

Podcast Summary

A much-loved mother, teacher and friend steps on a plane for an overseas adventure and is never seen again. Marion Barter, the former wife of Australian soccer great Johnny Warren, went missing in 1997. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are bizarre. Her daughter has never given up hope of finding her. This is her quest.

#1

The Lady Vanishes - Trailer

A much loved mother, teacher and friend steps on a plane for an overseas adventure and is never seen again. Marion Barter, the former wife of Australian soccer great Johnny Warren, went missing in 1997. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are bizarre. Her daughter has never given up hope of finding her. This is her quest.Presenter and Executive Producer - Alison SandyPresenter and Investigative journalist - Bryan SeymourWriter and Producer - Sally EelesSound Design - Marc WrightGraphics - Jason BlandfordMost of the music was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at www.mattiacupelli.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-03-31•1mins
#2

Episode 1: Left Behind

In 1997, Marion Barter boarded a plane for England for the trip of a lifetime. Instead, her loved ones never saw her again. What happened? Where is she? Marion’s daughter will never give up trying to find her.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-03-31•51mins
#3

Episode 2: Who was Marion?

Her life. Her loves. Would she leave it all behind?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-04-07•53mins
#4

3. Teaching and turmoil at school

It was a dream job for a passionate teacher at a prestigious Gold Coast school. But then, everything changed. What happened to make Marion suddenly want to get away?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-04-14•56mins
#5

4. Taken

Episode 4: TakenWe reveal the startling new evidence that puts in doubt the assumptions of family and the police about why and how Marion vanished. We also examine the how the police investigation is at odds with Sally Leydon’s belief that her mother was taken – either by a person, a group or some other foreign influence. From the moment she was reported missing the police determined Marion had simply decided to walk away from her children, her friends, her career and her possessions. Is it time to consider an alternative scenario?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-04-21•1hr 2mins
#6

5. Mysterious Messages

A call to Crime Stoppers and mysterious social media messages from faceless strangers. Does someone know the truth? Sally's ongoing battle with bureaucracy as she chases answers in her hunt for Marion.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-04-28•46mins
#7

BONUS: Conversations 1

As we add final touches to episode 6, we're busily investigating some of the leads you - our listeners - have given us.In our first bonus episode, The Lady Vanishes team delves deeper into the mystery disappearance of Marion and addresses some of the case’s more intriguing anomalies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-02•24mins
#8

6. Byron

We go back to Byron Bay. What is it about the seaside town and surrounding hinterland that lures so many? We speak to experts about the reasons people go missing and look into the attraction of cults. Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-05•1hr 3mins

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#9

BONUS: Conversations 2

This week in Conversations; Sally, Alison and Bryan address your questions about Marion's passport, her missing stored possessions and the hotels where she stayed in England. Also, the team discusses reports the NSW Police Force Missing Person's Unit will be shut down. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-09•27mins
#10

7. Toxic

Disturbing allegations about what went on at Marion's last known place of employment. Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-12•1hr 1mins
#11

BONUS: Conversations 3

This week we discuss Sally’s latest attempt to get her mum on the National Missing Person’s database. We also look at core elements of the mystery and of course, the upcoming episode 8. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-16•28mins
#12

8. Hidden

We received some tips that Marion may be involved with a group in northern New South Wales. So, we hit the road to investigate.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-19•53mins
#13

BONUS: Conversations 4

The aftermath of episode 8: unanswered questions from our trip to Tyalgum. Plus, progress on new leads and what our sleuths are doing in the U.K. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-22•27mins
#14

9. Sleuth

They're carrying out their own investigations in an effort to find Marion. What our growing band of sleuths is finding out. Plus, Sally's nearest and dearest: the impact this search is having on them.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-26•54mins
#15

BONUS: Conversations 5

Sally and Bryan talk to Alison from Europe where they’ve been chasing down new leads into Marion’s disappearance.They discuss where they’re at now and answer more listeners' questions, as well as provide an update on investigations already underway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-05-29•30mins
#16

10. Closing In

A mysterious personal ad for a man looking for love. Could Marion have met with an exotic stranger? Our hunt for answers leads us overseas, retracing the last known footsteps of Marion Barter. Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-02•1hr 15mins
#17

BONUS: Conversations 6

We discuss our trip to Luxembourg, the Episode 10 cliff hanger and where to from here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-05•32mins
#18

11. Luxembourg

Our quest for answers leads us to the door of a man in Luxembourg. Could this be the culmination of Sally's search for her mum, Marion?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-09•55mins
#19

BONUS: Conversations 7

The Lady Vanishes Team is joined by Le Courrier Australien Editor-in-Chief to discuss the ad featuring M F Remakel, plus the latest on our investigation into Marion’s disappearance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-12•35mins
#20

BONUS: Conversations 8

This week Sally, Alison and Bryan learn that a new police detective is taking on the case. Sally reaches out to find solicitors, real estate agents and travel agents who may have met with Marion before she went overseas. We're also joined by Australian True Crime podcaster Meshel Laurie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-19•42mins
#21

BONUS: Conversations 9

What happened at the NCAT hearing with NSW police. Why it's so important to Sally's plight to find out what happened to her mum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-06-26•45mins
#22

BONUS: Conversations 10

This week Sally, Alison and Bryan focus on ways to find out who made the withdrawals from Marion's bank account. Plus, they're joined by author and journalist Madonna King - the person responsible for introducing Sally and Alison. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-03•41mins
#23

Bonus: Conversations 11

The Lady Vanishes team is joined by Mark Leveson, who shares a similar story to Sally following the disappearance of his son. But his perseverance was eventually rewarded when his son’s remains were found following a Coronial Inquest. Also, the latest on the investigation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-10•56mins

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#24

BONUS: Conversations 12

The TLV team discusses its most recent trip to Byron Bay and details of the pending review into the investigation of Marion’s disappearance by NSW Police Homicide Unit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-17•51mins
#25

Introducing 'Pendulum' - a new podcast

The body of a young mother is found beside an isolated road on a dark, foggy night at Sarina in 1978. Was it murder or suicide? Experts have thought both. Could a killer still be on the run? From the team that brought you The Lady Vanishes, a new podcast - Pendulum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-23•1mins
#26

BONUS: Conversations 13

The TLV team is joined by radio legend Greg Cary.Plus NSW Police’s referral to the Coroner and why it’s media unit is now refusing to deal with Alison Sandy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-24•52mins
#27

12. Leydon v NSW Police

We reveal a major breakthrough! Plus, inside the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hearing as Sally seeks access to documents in Marion's case file. Also, we track down the first police officer who Sally dealt with.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com, Jason Shaw at audionautix.com and the track Octagon by Silent Partner is licensed under a Creative Commons License. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-07-28•58mins
#28

13. A Tangled Web

Unexpected new information about Marion's bank accounts: what it means for the investigation. We finally track down Marion's former boyfriend. Plus... The Good Cop, Ron Iddles. What's his take on the case?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Mattia Cupelli at mattiacupelli.com and Jason Shaw at audionautix.comMusic from by Kevin MacLeod ( See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-08-04•54mins
#29

14. DNA

Could Marion's old ballet slippers help the police investigation into her disappearance? Sally provides her DNA, a former colleague offers a new lead and we finally catch up with the last person to see Marion before she left Australia. Plus, a mysterious email from overseas - what is the link to Monsieur Remakel?Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks by Jason Shaw at audionautix.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-09-08•52mins
#30

BONUS: Conversations 14

The TLV team discusses the latest leads being chased, along with recent interviews and where to from here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-09-18•58mins
#31

Bonus: Conversations 15

The team announces that another major hurdle has been cleared. We also pay tribute to Marion on her birthday and discuss the most recent contact with Fernand Remakel in Luxembourg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-10-02•54mins
#32

15. Progress

Our super sleuths track down someone we've been looking for since the investigation began. We revisit the Luxembourg connection and catch up with an inspirational man who knows more than most people what Sally is going through. He shares his story and explains what to expect if there's an inquest.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.complusMusic from Story: The Agent" by Sascha Ende ( CC BY ( See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-11-17•1hr 15mins
#33

BONUS: Conversations 16

The TLV team discusses the discovery of another person who may be able to help with the investigation into Marion’s disappearance – the pilot! They also foreshadow another imminent breakthrough and recap the last episode and the interesting online debate that has resulted. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-11-20•58mins
#34

BONUS: Conversations 17

As the final chapter for the year approaches, we discuss the latest breakthrough and why we're sure the mystery of what happened to Marion will be solved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-12-20•47mins
#35

16. Home Truths

Did Marion ever come back to Australia after embarking upon her European vacation 23 years ago? The team acquires a crucial document confirming a stunning truth.Australian icon Ita Buttrose reveals her connection to Marion and Sally meets the new Officer in Charge of the investigation.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.complusA Darker Heart - Jason Shaw from by Kevin MacLeod ( CC BY ( by Cold Chisel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2019-12-22•1hr 12mins
#36

17. Baby Steps

The wheels of justice turn slowly, but the team finally receives some new information after last year's tribunal hearing, which reveals how the system failed Marion and Sally. Also, tune in for the latest from the Coroner on an inquest.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks:Enter the Maze by Kevin MacLeodLink: Tide by Kevin MacLeodLink: Step by Rafael KruxLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020-04-05•40mins
#37

18. Secret Nuptials

The team uncovers more documents which lead to a surprise new theory about Marion’s disappearance. The involvement of another person is almost certain, as one of the country’s leading Coronial experts breaks down Marion’s case and explains what we can expect from an inquiry.Most of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com with additional tracks:Rising Tide by Kevin MacLeodLink: Darker Heart - Step by Rafael KruxLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020-07-05•42mins
#38

BONUS: Conversations 18

Sally, Bryan and Alison discuss the latest tips that could help with the investigation into Marion’s disappearance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020-07-08•40mins
#39

19. Turning Point

It's the decision we've been waiting so long for: one that brings relief and validation for Sally after half a lifetime searching for her mother.And 13 years after she was first asked, Sally finally becomes the face of Missing Persons week.Theme: Identity Crisis - MyuuMost of the music for The Lady Vanishes was composed by Nicolas Gasparini at thedarkpiano.com plus:Enter the Maze by Kevin MacLeodLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020-08-16•45mins
#40

BONUS: Conversations 19

While relieved at the revelation of a Coronial Inquest, Sally discusses the toll it has taken and how she gets through every day. The team also chats about what else is happening behind the scenes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020-08-19•55mins
#41

Introducing - Accidental Celebrity

Imagine your trauma leads the news. Your private life is then public property. Your anonymity is lost. That’s what it’s like to become an accidental celebrity. Now, the spotlight is turned around. Each weekly episode offers rare media insights from an ordinary Australian who faced an extraordinary event. They expose the tricks of a competitive trade – the relentless pursuits, the manipulation and misrepresentation, the betrayals of truth and trust – with journalist Fiona Reynolds. Learn too why they participated in media coverage. This is the inside story on a shrewd industry that plucks unknowns from obscurity to feed our fascination with adversity and the strength of the human spirit. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-01-31•4mins
#42

Inquest 2021 Promo

Less than a month to go until the inquest into Marion Barter's disappearance. Sally prepares for what could be the final destination in her long journey for information. Theme: Identity Crisis - - Myuu thedarkpiano.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-05-23•2mins
#43

BONUS: Conversations 20

Day 1 of the inquest into Marion Barter's disappearance. Sally and the team meet before proceedings begin and look ahead at what will be a big two weeks in Sydney and northern New South Wales. **Please note** this episode was recorded before a Covid outbreak in Sydney prevented Sally from travelling there for the inquest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-06-20•27mins
#44

20. The Inquest: Part 1

A $250,000 reward as the inquest into Marion Barter’s disappearance begins. We hear from a detective, bankers, a dentist and optometrist on days one and two. Plus, the impact of a Covid outbreak on proceedings.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Darker Heart - Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: Step by Rafael KruxLink: Tide by Kevin MacLeodLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-06-27•35mins
#45

21. The Inquest: Part 2

Two police officers connected with the case (including the one who first spoke with Sally in 1997) give evidence, as Sydney's Covid outbreak worsens.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-06-29•18mins
#46

22. The Inquest: Part 3

The evidence of Sally's husband Chris Leydon, the former girlfriend of Sally's brother Owen and a couple of Marion's oldest friends. A$250,000 reward is posted - plus the inquest hears from the Inspector now in charge of the New South Wales missing persons unit.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: Tide by Kevin MacLeodLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-07-01•30mins
#47

23. The Inquest: Part 4

Sally Leydon is called to give evidence at her mother's inquest, over three gruelling days.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-07-04•54mins
#48

24. The Inquest: Part 5

Two of Marion Barter's three sisters give evidence at the inquest into her disappearance: why one has changed her mind about what she thinks happened to her.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-07-08•34mins
#49

25. The Inquest: Part 6

The inquest hears from Marion's former neighbour, a colleague and a love interest before proceedings wind up. Sally gives her take on the two weeks of hearings… and it’s not over yet.Theme: Identity Crisis - Myuu Theme - Myuu by Agnese ValmaggiaLink: A Darker Heart - See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021-07-10•39mins
#50

Inquest 2022

Get set for part 2 of the inquest into the disappearance of Marion Barter. Coming: February 2022Theme: Identity Crisis - - Myuu thedarkpiano.com omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022-01-09•1mins

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