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Who the Hell is Hamish?
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Who the Hell is Hamish?

Author: The Australian

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He was born Hamish Watson, a surfie dude from Sydney – but he could morph into whatever you needed him to be. Hamish is due to be sentenced to jail in early 2019 for swindling a handful of victims out of more than $7m. But these crimes are just the final pages in a resume too thick to staple; for decades he’s duped victims in the US, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong and Australia. How did he do it? How did he evade authorities around the world for so long and what’s he done with all those tens of millions of dollars he stole?
18 Episodes
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Trailer

Trailer

2019-02-0402:441

On the trail of a serial conman. A new podcast from the team that brought you The Teacher's Pet, coming soon. Music credits for this episode:Meydan - L'Etoile danse pt 2  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Day Max Died

The Day Max Died

2019-02-0819:253

Tracy fell in love with Max Tavita, a man who won her over with tales of a life in the investment world and how he was working in the World Trade Center in New York when the first plane hit in 2001. Then Hamish crashed into their lives. Music credits for this episode:Meydan - L'Etoile danse pt 2Lee Rosevere - DecompressionDerjuli - Driving in a carUuriter - Years and years, future peaceStephen Ludwig - 214S  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fashion Crimes

Fashion Crimes

2019-02-1537:127

Hamish McLaren was always attracted to the high-life. It was inevitable he'd gravitate to fashion. And so, nestled among the retirees and energy healers Hamish stole from was another name: Lisa Ho. But had Hamish met his match in this high profile Sydney designer? Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2, Blind, RainChris Zabriskie - Cylinder FiveSmallertide - One March Day  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hamish arrived in sleepy Blueys Beach with a beautiful woman on his arm, and on the run from his past. Rumours of dark deeds wafted through in his wake. Then he met Bec Rosen. He'd shower her with love.They'd be married on the balcony of a beach shack. He'd become a father figure to her boys. And then he'd cruelly betray them all. Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2, RainRafael_Archangel - Melancholy TuneUuriter - Years And Years  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Intern

The Intern

2019-03-0142:214

Jane was destined for big things. She was the great hope of her local school. She was in love with Jack, her teenage sweetheart. Life was sweet. Then along came Hamish, promising an internship and a placement at Princeton. Two families would be devastated by the results. Music credits:Meydn - L'Etoile danse Pt.2,Smallertide - One March Dayelectric-tric - Sketch 3, Sketch 14Komiku - Action Time Attack ResearchChris Zabriskie- Last Night I Dreamt I Saw True Love In Your Eyes  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Who the Hell is Phil?

Who the Hell is Phil?

2019-03-0843:275

Hamish arrived on the floor of the Sydney Futures Exchange in the late 90s - he talked big, but they all knew he traded small. They called him a One Lot Wonder. And they all wondered where he got his cash. There were cars and boats and trips in private jets and a girlfriend called The Pleasure Machine. But it was all other people's money. One of his victims reported $20m dollars worth of fraud to police, but Hamish slithered away to strike again.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Skiing was Hamish Watson's great love. Before he was a puffed-up futures trader in Sydney, he was a pumped-up muscle-bound ski instructor, in Australia and Canada. The ski fields of Canada were his home away from home, a place where he could show off the millions he'd stolen. He flew in on private jets, he bought properties, he handed out Rolex watches and he regaled the locals with tales of life as a billionaire who was mates with Tom and Nicole. But it wasn't all play and no work for Hamish in Canada. He stole millions, roping in a high end car dealership, and drawing the attention of a spy and a former Australian Prime Minister.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Couch with Hamish

On the Couch with Hamish

2019-03-2240:015

He killed off his parents, by air and by sea. He ran over his twin brother Phil, and killed him too. What are we to make of these fanciful stories Hamish made up about his life? We've called in experts. And, we've gathered bevy of ex-girlfriends to give us their take on their time with Hamish.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Definition of Evil

The Definition of Evil

2019-03-2901:06:205

It may appear that Hamish got away with his schemes for decades. But he didn't. He kept getting caught out, time and again. It's self evident that many systems failed to apprehend this serial offender. How could this be so?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus Episode - Jane

Bonus Episode - Jane

2019-04-0501:33:264

As a bonus for all listeners, we are publishing the full interview with Jane, recorded in her house north of Sydney. She speaks at length about her experiences of Hamish, the impact it had on her life, and how she hopes to begin moving on.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reckoning

The Reckoning

2019-06-2136:424

For years Hamish McLaren had evaded the law. But not any more. The brutal truth, like a runaway out-of-control limited edition Mercedes McLaren, is bearing down on him. There's no escape. Judgement Day for Hamish McLaren, has finally arrived.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
William Tyrrell was a three year old boy who disappeared from the village of Kendall, on the mid-north-coast of New South Wales. Key facts were kept from the public, from day one. A lot of what was reported, especially early on, was false. In the new podcast, Nowhere Child, The Australian’s Caroline Overington delves into a case where notions of class and privilege; opportunity and poverty came crashing together, to create a nightmare for William Tyrrell.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Theo Hayez is missing in Byron Bay, a beautiful beachside town on Australia’s most easterly mainland point, frequently in the spotlight for its famous residents. Theo’s from Brussels. He’s 18 and on a backpacking holiday when he vanishes in May 2019. Behind the scenes local volunteers who’ve never met Theo begin searching and investigating with his family, parallel to a major police investigation. As the search narrows to the area around the 118-year-old Cape Byron Lighthouse, a range of theories emerge.At the request of Theo’s family, The Australian newspaper’s national crime correspondent David Murray joins the unofficial search party to investigate the mysterious disappearance for a new podcast series.To hear more, search for The Lighthouse in your podcast app.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Australian rugby once had $40 million in the bank. Crowds over 100,000. TV audiences of 3 million. Today the Wallabies have sunk to their lowest world ranking ever. Off the field rugby is a "war zone" with a $20 million deficit last year alone. The Breakdown is a gripping podcast investigation from The Australian, exploring just how far "the game they play in heaven" has fallen - and why. Jessica Halloran and Claire Harvey have interviewed everyone from ex-PMs and billionaires to Wallabies legends, boardroom insiders and the volunteers battling to keep the game alive. Raw and emotional, The Breakdown is the new binge-listen everyone will be talking about. You can listen to The Breakdown through The Australian app, or search for The Breakdown wherever you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Investigative journalist Sharri Markson goes deep into the secret history of Covid-19. In a series of exclusive interviews - from Donald Trump and Mike Pompeo to intelligence chiefs and Chinese dissidents - Markson takes us inside the investigation behind her bestselling book and documentary, to explore what really happened in Wuhan and beyond.  In this first episode, Sharri Markson has a frank and freewheeling conversation with the former US president in his first Australian sit-down interview on China’s “gross incompetence” and the mysteries still unsolved.  “There were body bags outside of the lab. And people were saying there are a lot of people lying down on the streets of Wuhan and there were body bags … you're going to have to figure that out and you probably will be able to do it, knowing you.”  Go to theaustralian.com.au/wuhan for more on What Really Happened In Wuhan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My Sister's Secrets is the gripping story of one woman's quest to get justice for her sister - and along the way, to uncover the hidden places in her family, and all our families. In this first episode, you meet Alexandra Tapp who died at just 32, haunted by the predators in her own family. Now her sister is on a quest for justice.  My Sister's Secrets is The Australian's newest podcast. Presented by Virginia Tapscott and Steve Jackson. Search for My Sister's Secrets in your favourite podcast app to listen to Episode 2 now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Australian's global smash-hit podcast Teacher's Pet returns for Australian audiences on July 1. You can find it wherever you got this podcast. Just search for "The Teacher's Pet". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From our colleagues at The Telegraph, a new podcast from inside prison walls, with former homicide detective Gary Jubelin, host of I Catch Killers. This is Episode 1 of Breaking Badness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Comments (59)

G de Almeida

I have never met Hamish or been involved with him, BUT every time you interview one of the women who were involved with him, or you talk to the psychologist about his behaviour, feel like you are describing my current boyfriend. The elaborate lies (which he continues and defends even after being caught out), the complete lack of empathy, inability to be intimate to, the silent treatments ( which in my case can be very prolonged), the initial feeling that this person “ gets me” and cares enough to really listen, the compliments which later become hurtful insults casually given, the way everyone loves him and defends him at my expense without understanding what is happening,... wow, it is so scary. The psychologist said there are many people like this out there- I wonder how many listeners are recognizing someone they know in this....

Jun 20th
Reply (1)

G de Almeida

He is a CLASSIC narcissist- wow!! The love bombing, the lies, the lack of empathy...

Jun 18th
Reply

MaeDay

A very inspiring interview.

Jan 6th
Reply

MaeDay

Listening to Leigh talk is serious vomit feelings.

Jan 5th
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Sallyann Cossey

Jane is a very articulate, brave young lady. None of what happened was her fault - she was a child - he was a grown man!

Mar 11th
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Megan Wieland

What a amazing articulate your lady Jane was and what a creature to prey on a impressionable young girl. I do hope she goes on in her life and doesn’t look back I would love to see here have an amazing career. Good on you Jane for giving this interview I wish you nothing but happiness and prosperity in your life.

Mar 2nd
Reply

Bj Van

Moved by this story. My Mum was manipulated and taken for all she had by a duplicitous scumbag of a man (Jane- thanks for the word that descrisbes so many)... he left her and took all our hearts and souls with him. Never heard of again once he got everything. I wonder after listening to this has he gone on to do the same to other vulnerable young single mothers.. I can relate to all the women and their children.. heart breaking.. but so impressed with the produces and people including the police that gave these victims a voice and some justice.. I wish you all Health, Peace and Happiness...

Feb 17th
Reply

JM CPSHW

He deserved LIFE in PRISON solitary confinement...but that judge was AWESOME! I hate that there isnt a way to find all of THEIR money. But one day he will be out and some one needs to do this back to him...

Nov 23rd
Reply (2)

Katy Morris

brilliant podcast thanks 🙂

Nov 19th
Reply

Anna Wuollet

Jane is so strong yet allows herself to be vulnerable in this podcast. In my opinion she has nothing to blame herself for since she was groomed and manipulated in so many ways. The "choices" she made at that young age weren't in her control. I wish the presenter and general public would have more empathy for her. Poor woman

Oct 8th
Reply

Anna Wuollet

She did not make a mistake. she was groomed and abused. I like this podcast but I'm disappointed with the attitude toward her

Aug 29th
Reply

Chantal Lennox

Listen back...notice that she only cried and expressed emotion when the pain was hers ie. HER career (remarking that ironically she probably did worse at high school because of Hamish, than getting to Princeton as he promised her) HER reputation (the shame preventing her from hanging in her home town of Forster). She never once cried or demonstrated emotion through her voice when talking about her grandparents lost money or having an affair with her (affectively) stepmother's partner. My intuition tells me she's very much like Hamish: A 'me, me, me' person. Just not as smart.

Aug 6th
Reply (4)

Carol Randal

Glad I've heard it all. What a shit! Excellent podcast. Thanks.

Jul 18th
Reply

o

Girl, if you want to blame someone other than Hamish, blame Bec for involving him in everyone's life. She's the 40-year-old who didn't listen to the people close to her, and the people who knew him better than she, warning her about him. She hasn't shown a tenth of the remorse this girl has.

Jul 13th
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o

This guy 🤦 Stop. Interrupting. People.

Jul 13th
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Donna Smyth

hold your head up high jane

Jul 3rd
Reply

msjessl

Have to admit I had a tear in my eye when the judge started reading out the sentence.

Jun 23rd
Reply

PJ

I get that she paused when she spoke, but that made for a terrible listen.

May 24th
Reply

Nathaniel Chu

Great podcast but he needs to stop interrupting the talking over the interviewee all the time with his questions.

May 13th
Reply

Angie Brennan

I agree with the sentiment that Jane was groomed and abused. This man should be prosecuted for these crimes and Jane needs to be validated as a victim. Saying she made a mistake as a teenager, who was being groomed by this sociopath is unconscionable.

May 5th
Reply
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