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The Teacher's Pet

The Teacher's Pet

The Australian

News, Society & Culture

4.610.1K Ratings

Overview

Lyn and Chris Dawson appear to have the perfect marriage. He's a star footballer and popular high school teacher. She's a devoted wife and mother. They share a beautiful home above Sydney's northern beaches. But when Lyn goes missing, dark secrets are buried. This is no fairytale, but a sordid story of strangely close twin brothers, teenage student lovers, and probable murder. The Australian's Hedley Thomas digs deep into a cold case which has been unsolved for 36 years, uncovering startling new evidence.

29 Episodes

Listen to Episode 1 of The Gangster's Ghost: Dead Man Talking

The family of slain gangster Stewart John Regan has been frustrated by an unwillingness on the part of the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Unit to share information about its investigation into his death. Police say they're reluctant to share important files because they're concerned publicity from podcasts like The Teacher's Pet will compromise their investigation.  Catch up on Episode 1 of The Gangster's Ghost now, and subscribe to hear new episodes first at gangstersghost.com.au The podcast investigates the five-decade mystery of who killed psychopathic pimp and murderer Stewart John ‘The Magician’ Regan at the age of 29. One of Australia’s most notorious gangsters, Regan was gunned down by three assassins in a Marrickville laneway in 1974.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

From The Front: Roger Rogerson’s first kill? The mystery of ‘Shotgun Johnny’ Regan

The 1974 murder of ‘Shotgun Johnny’ Regan has never been solved. Now, his family wants answers. That’s where The Australian’s new cold case investigation The Gangster’s Ghost comes in.  Subscribers can listen to Episodes 1 and 2 now at gangstersghost.com.au. This episode of The Australian's daily news podcast The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Introducing Dear Rachelle

For two decades, the family of murdered 23-year-old woman Rachelle Childs have fought for answers. Though her killer is still at large, they believe her case case can be solved.  Dear Rachelle is hosted and investigated by journalist Ashlea Hansen, together with retired detective and cold case specialist Damian Loone, who appeared in The Australian’s award-winning podcast series The Teacher’s Pet and The Teacher’s Trial. Search 'Dear Rachelle' to listen now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

From The Front: Chris Dawson is staying in jail

This is an episode of The Australian's daily news podcast, The Front. Chris Dawson has suffered another humiliation, losing an appeal against his conviction for the 1982 murder of his wife Lynette in 1982. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

Listen to episode 1 of BRONWYN

The Teacher's Pet creator Hedley Thomas returns with a new podcast investigation for The Australian. Subscribers to The Australian and registered users hear episodes of ‘Bronwyn’ first. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more at bronwynpodcast.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

From The Front: Hedley Thomas’ new cold case podcast, 'Bronwyn'

Where is Bronwyn Winfield? The devoted mum has been missing since 1993 – and the man behind The Teacher’s Pet is on the case. Go to theaustralian.com.au/bronwyn to listen. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Josh Burton. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

From The Front: The Teacher's Appeal

Christopher Michael Dawson has launched an appeal, arguing Justice Ian Harrison got it wrong — and claiming he’s not guilty of Lyn’s murder. The Front is covering the NSW Supreme Court proceedings every day. Find out more about it here, or keep up to date on The Australian's website and app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2024

Bonus episode: Hedley Thomas talks The Teacher's Pet with Raymond Bonner

Hedley Thomas sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winner and former NYT foreign correspondent Raymond Bonner to discuss his new book, The Teacher's Pet, at Bookoccino book shop on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The book is published by Pan Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, and wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2023

From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Remembering Lynette with Hedley Thomas (Part 2)

Lynette Dawson, now remembered as Lynette Simms, went missing from her Bayview home in 1982. But it would take another 40 years for her husband Chris Dawson to be convicted of her murder. In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, Hedley Thomas shares his personal connection to Lyn’s story with host Gary Jubelin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2023

From I Catch Killers with Gary Jubelin: Catching A Killer with Hedley Thomas (Part 1)

A school teacher, a missing wife, and the student caught in the middle. The Teacher’s Pet was the podcast that captivated the world. In this special episode of the I Catch Killers podcast, award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas joins host Gary Jubelin to discuss the ins and outs of the investigation into Lynette Dawson’s disappearance — ultimately landing murderer Chris Dawson behind bars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2023

Bonus episode: Hedley reads Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet

Listen to Hedley Thomas reading Chapter 1 of his new book, The Teacher's Pet. The book is published by Pan Macmillan and is available at all good bookstores, and wherever you get audiobooks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

From The Front: Three more years for Chris Dawson

Grey, shrunken and hiding his face, Chris Dawson is sentenced for unlawful carnal knowledge of a schoolgirl. Hedley Thomas joins us. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

The Front: Inside podcasting with Hedley Thomas and David Murray

Hedley Thomas, Claire Harvey and David Murray reveal how our smash-hit podcasts get made. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2023

Episode 16 - Arrest

Chris is arrested over the alleged murder of Lyn.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2018

Episode 15 - Digging

Police continue to search for clues.

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2018

Episode 14 - Decision Time

Police pledge to continue investigating the case.

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2018

Episode 13 - The System

The Justice system struggles to find answers to Lyn's disappearance.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2018

Episode 12 - Momentum

Former Cromer High students share their experiences.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2018

Episode 11 - Loyalty

Police ramp up investigations into the case.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2018

Episode 10 - Damaged

Police interviews reveal details about the case.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2018

Episode 9 - Dreamworld

Chris and his family move homes.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2018

Episode 8 - Hopeless

Hopes fade for ever finding Lyn alive.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2018

Episode 7 - The Rings

Chris takes a new step in his life.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2018

Episode 6 - Gone

Theories abound as to where Lyn might be.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2018

Episode 5 - A Lovely Drink

Looking for answers to Lyn's disappearance.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2018

Episode 4 - Soft Soil

Lyn goes missing.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2018

Episode 3 - Bruised

Family and friends talk about life in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2018

Episode 2 - Cromer High

Chris was a sports teacher at Cromer High School.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2018

Episode 1 - Bayview

Lynette Dawson was a devoted wife and mother before she went missing.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2018

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