Michael Usher’s quest to uncover the truth PODCASTS
WEDNESDAYS, 9PM, SEVEN AND PLUS7 LIVE
He’s regarded as one of the most trusted faces on TV, and in his new series, Murder Uncovered, Michael Usher becomes a voice for victims searching for the truth behind some of our country’s most heinous crimes.
Featuring previously unseen interviews with the victims’ families and police, as well as unearthed crime scene footage, Seven’s series reveals the key information that brought some of our worst killers to justice. Each episode follows a different case and aims to blow open the most infamous crimes in Australian history, including those committed by killer couple David and Catherine Birnie in the 1980s.
“I’m sitting on more than 25 hours’ worth of interviews – it takes a lot of time, patience and commitment,” says Michael, who isn’t just the show’s presenter but also helps investigate the different cases. “It also takes a lot of trust to tell these stories. The families of the victims, the survivors, detectives, forensic experts, lawyers – they really have to trust you to help you retell these stories and dig deep.”
Despite only joining Seven in August, Michael says it was important for him to be hands-on.
“I’m lucky to have really good researchers and producers on the show, but I like to be collaborative. I have made phone calls, met with sources, and had face-to-face conversations to gain the trust of people who could help build the case,” says Michael.
“Legally, we have to be careful with what we’re doing while pushing for the truth, too,” he explains, before adding, “We believe we have evidence and the stories need to be heard.”
With the true-crime genre now becoming mainstream, 46-yearold Michael believes audiences are enthralled with knowing the truth.
“I’ve always been fascinated with crime,” he says. “I was one of those kids who read all the crime novels!”
GetG your true-crime fix on the commutec to work by downloading theset engrossing podcasts.
DANIELD MORGAN MURDER
I If conspiracies, corruption and p phone hacking scandals are your b bag, then this 10-part podcast has i it all. In 1987, private investigator D Daniel Morgan told friends he’d u uncovered evidence of corruption w within the London Police, which he p planned to share with the media. D Days later, he was murdered. Three d decades on, Daniel’s family are still d desperately searching for answers. WhereW to listen: untoldmurder.com oro via Soundcloud
BOWRAVILLEB
Th This heart-wrenching series looks a at the murders of Evelyn Greenup, C Colleen Walker-craig and Clinton S Speedy-duroux – three children a all killed within five months of one another and all living on the same street. Narrated by The Australian’s crime reporter Dan Box. Where to listen: soundcloud.com/ bowraville
SEARCHING FOR RACHEL
Nineteen years after Queensland teenager Rachel Antonio went missing, her body still hasn’t been found. Journalist David Murray reveals new info with never-before-heard audio and video of the police questioning prime suspect Robert Hytch, who was acquitted of Rachel’s murder in a retrial. Where to listen: itunes, Soundcloud and Whooshkaa
SERIAL
In 2014, Serial retold the 1999 strangling murder of Baltimore high school student Hae Min Lee, whose body was found in a park. Her ex-boyfriend, Adnan Syed, was later charged with her murder, thanks to an anonymous caller. Narrator Sarah Koenig has been applauded for her retelling of the events, and the show is credited with forcing a retrial. Where to listen: serialpodcast.org