One of Australia’s most celebrated crime writers has coupled print with podcasts to attract and engage a new generation of true crime fans.
Herald Sun associate editor Andrew Rule – a legend of Australian crime writing who co-authored both the Underbelly and Chopper book series – is the man behind the mic each week as the anchor of Life and Crimes, a gritty and revealing weekly true crime podcast.
With 82 episodes under his belt, the veteran crime writer is enthralling audiences with his candid and unscripted monologues that shed light on the dark corners and shady characters of Australian life.
Every week, listeners are treated to deeper insight and never-before-heard stories along with personal anecdotes from both victims and criminals.
Since its launch in April last year, the podcast has amassed a massive 2.2 million listens, averaging 30,000 listens per episode.
Herald Sun’s head of digital publishing, Nathaniel Bane, said the podcast was driving deeper engagement for subscribers too.
“In an ever-changing digital landscape, it’s critical that we find our audiences where they are already hanging out – and podcasting represented such a platform for our crime coverage,” Bane said.
“Andrew’s relaxed and personable style, and his incredible and authentic storytelling are highly engaging, and that is showing through on the audience data. Importantly, we know his written articles are also selling subscriptions which points to the podcast content providing a deeper, richer reader experience.”
Rule’s CV is as long as the rap sheets of many of the crooks whose lives and crimes he is now covering in his weekly podcast, with a new episode released each Saturday at 11am.
“After almost 45 years as a journalist, much of it on the crime beat, I think his contact book must contain more fiends than friends,” Bane said.
“He’s spent a career being face-to-face with criminals, cops and the victims of violence. Now, with Life and Crimes, he is able to introduce a brand new audience to some of the country’s most compelling cases.”
This week’s Life and Crimes podcast episode, The Teachers Threat, part one is out now and part two will be released this Saturday.
It explores the incredible experience of Rob Hunter, a teacher who was just 20 years old and on his ninth day at work, when he was dramatically kidnapped along with nine students in his care.
Life and Crimes podcast is also available on iTunes, Apple podcasts, Spotify, and podcast networks around the world.