Who’s to Blame? is a new seven-part podcast series delving into the youth crime crisis in Queensland and across Australia.
The series is published by Podshape, the Brisbane-based creator of many true-crime podcasts. The podcast business was launched four years ago by former Nova Entertainment employees Jay Walkerden and Katie Mattin.
As communities ask who’s to blame?, the podcast offers a multifaceted exploration of the issue, from the perspectives of victims, perpetrators, and experts.
The series covers the harrowing true story of Lee and Emma Lovell, victims of a home invasion that shocked the nation in 2022. Lee Lovell shares the emotional aftermath of losing his wife, Emma, in such a senseless act of violence.
The series also features Aaron Anderson, who recounts his own experience of being stabbed in a separate attack 15 months before Emma was killed, by one of the youths who later went on to break into Lee and Emma’s home.
“These conversations are deeply personal and incredibly powerful,” said Jay Walkerden, co-founder of Podshape. “Lee and Aaron’s stories are at the heart of this series, providing raw and unfiltered insights into the human toll of youth crime.
“You may have seen short news grabs about these attacks, but this podcast digs deep into the human stories behind those headlines.”
The podcast also shines a light on programs like Rekindle, which aim to break the cycle of youth crime by teaching young offenders the skills they need to live crime-free lives.
In addition to local solutions, Who’s to Blame explores successful youth reform programs from other regions, such as Tasmania’s JCP Youth Program. The JCP Youth Program’s BEAST Program has set a high standard for youth reform by offering intensive mentorship, leadership training, and personal development opportunities for at-risk and vulnerable young people.
To better understand the roots of youth crime, the podcast also features candid conversations with reformed youth offenders. These first-hand accounts provide insights into the factors that drive young people to commit crimes, shedding light on the social, economic, and psychological triggers that contribute to their actions.
The intimate discussions on Who’s to Blame? with offenders, psychologists, program leaders, and law enforcement, paints a vivid picture of the current crisis, digging deep into the societal, psychological, and systemic factors contributing to youth crime.
“We wanted to create a podcast that doesn’t just sensationalise crime but instead provides a platform for understanding the complex web of causes and consequences,” added Podshape’s Walkerden. “This series is about more than just telling a story; it’s about sparking a conversation and seeking solutions.”
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