Spectrum: A 7NEWS Podcast

When 17-year-old Mac Holdsworth shares an intimate image of himself with someone he believes to be an 18-year-old girl online, he quickly becomes the target of a sex scam and is blackmailed for money. A year later, a person linked to Mac's bank transfer is taken to court and pleads guilty. But by then, the image has already been shared, and Mac has taken his own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When two mothers’ babies - too young for vaccination - caught measles in the early 1980s, they never imagined it would lead, years later, to a fatal diagnosis that would cut their lives short.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dan lost most of his vision at 16 due to a rare genetic condition, his world changed overnight. In this powerful and personal story, Dan shares what it was like to lose his eyesight as a teenager, how it impacted his identity, and the barriers he still faces in public spaces today. From using a cane to bonding with his guide dogs, to being denied access to venues, Dan speaks openly about what true accessibility and inclusion really means. This video explores the everyday challenges of living with blindness — and what all of us can do to create a more inclusive society. Whether you're in hospitality, education, or just want to better understand the blind and low-vision community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Aiyden O'Donoghue falls from a moving train, he’s left lying on the track with the next one due in 15 minutes. He's 15 years old, and suddenly, his future looks more uncertain than ever. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.  For any rail-related incidents, don’t hesitate to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or in an emergency, call 000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Aiyden O'Donoghue falls from a moving train, he’s left lying next to the track with another one due in 15 minutes. He's 15 years old, and suddenly, his future looks more uncertain than ever. The full episode is coming Saturday, the 8th of March 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WARNING: This episode contains conversations about eating disorders and suicide that may be triggering to some listeners. When Katya Jaski was first diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa at the age of 13 in 2020 she didn't think she was sick enough. A year later, at the height of the pandemic, Katya's eating disorder became so serious she was admitted to Melbourne’s Monash Children's Hospital. If you or anyone you know has an eating disorder, or if you would like information, referrals or counselling for eating disorders, disordered eating or body image concerns, contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 3673 or butterfly.org.au If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or contact lifeline.org.au. For further information about depression contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust. Created and Produced by Malin Hägglund and Lucy Hatcher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Katya Jaski was first diagnosed with atypical anorexia nervosa at the age of 13 in 2020 she didn't think she was sick enough. A year later, at the height of the pandemic, Katya's eating disorder became so serious she was admitted to Melbourne’s Monash Children's Hospital. If you or anyone you know has an eating disorder, or if you would like information, referrals or counselling for eating disorders, disordered eating or body image concerns, contact The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 3673 or butterfly.org.au If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact Beyond Blue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sarah matched with a woman on the American-founded dating app Hinge in May 2022, things turned bad quickly. For the next 4-months, she will try and escape a both physical and emotional relationship.  Subscribe to 7NEWS Spectrum More 7NEWS podcasts  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When an unstable tree strikes a NSW RFS fire truck with five volunteers, only three escape.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Irish backpacker Laura left her farmwork after a month of sexual harassment in 2018, she believed it was the end of her nightmare. However, years later she would discover that she was not the only one. This podcast tells the story of how three backpackers experienced inappropriate behaviour at the hands of the same farmer while working towards extending their stay in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 16, in 1990, Elizabeth Coleman learned the sect she was born into didn’t date back to Jesus as claimed. The discovery shook her, and she struggled with doubt and shame until—and even after—leaving in 1993. This is a story about Coleman's experience within the nameless sect and a deep dive into the sect's origins. Buy Elizabeth Coleman and Cherie Kropp-Ehrig's books: Preserving the Truth: The Church without a Name and it's Founder, William Irvine. Cult to Christ The Church with No Name and the Legacy of the Living Witness Doctrine. Subscribe to 7NEWS Spectrum More 7NEWS podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2008, Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan and Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout were kidnapped in Somalia by an Islamist insurgent group while reporting on the country's refugee crisis. They endured 460 days in captivity before being released in November 2009. This episode recounts the harrowing ordeal of a determined photojournalist held hostage in Somalia and his courageous sister's relentless efforts to secure his freedom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content warning: this episode discusses material related to sexual assault. What if it's not the past haunting us, but the present? For decades, hair-raising rumours of a tormented soul haunting Wilfred Barrett Drive have put the Central Coast on the map for hosting one of the most haunted roads in New South Wales. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Jenny Dixon ghost story and look at the cultural impact of urban legends as well as analyse the role folklore plays in societies. Host and producer: Malin Hägglund Subscribe to 7NEWS Spectrum More 7NEWS podcasts   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the early days of European arrival, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people have claimed to have seen a two-metre tall, hairy, ape-like figure stalking the Australian bush, right across the country. So what is this mythical creature we know as the yowie? Join us as we look at the legend and meet a man who has devoted decades tracking it down.Host: Chris HookProducer: Malin Hägglund  Special thanks to Dean Harrison for yowie recordingGuests:Australian Yowie Research founder Dean HarrisonFormer ranger, wildlife expert and radio host Gary OpitGraham Seal, Professor of Folklore at Curtin UniversitySubscribe to 7NEWS SpectrumMore 7NEWS podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.