GUILT

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In this hit investigative podcast, Ryan Wolf investigates some of Australasia's most enduring unsolved criminal cases.


Season Four

On the night of 9th November 1996, Alana Cecil, who had only recently turned 16, was excited to attend the Djerriwah Bonfire Festival in the small city of Melton, just out of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. When she left home that night it would be the last time her family would ever see her alive. Sometime in the early hours of November 10th 1996, someone or some people took a syringe and injected Alana Cecil twice, once in each arm, with a lethal dose of Heroin. They then dumped her body in the back driveway of a vacant home. Eight years later a DNA breakthrough identified the semen of two men on and in Alana's body. One being a 49 year old man known to Police, who when questioned by Police simply answered 'No Comment'.


Neither these men, nor anyone else has ever been held accountable or responsible for Alana's death. And neither men have been able to offer a valid reason their DNA was present.

For 28 years Alana's family have fought for answers, and justice for Alana. Now through this podcast we're hoping that with your help those responsible for her death will finally get what they deserve.


In Season Four of GUILT - The Night of the Bonfire, Ryan heads Down Under, to Melbourne Australia to search for the truth. What happened to Alana Cecil?

New episode will be coming soon. Subscribers will get early access, bonus episodes and ad free listening. You can subscribe for the price of a coffee every month and support this and all our investigations via Apple through your app, or by following the Acast+ link below.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO THE DEATH OF ALANA CECIL PLEASE CONTACT US AT BREVITYSTUDIOSNZ@GMAIL.COM.


Season Three

In 1989 two Swedish backpackers, Heidi Paakkonen and Sven Urban Hoglin arrived in New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime. And never went home. They were last seen alive together in Thames on April 7th 1989. One year after their mysterious disappearance Urban Hoglin's body would be found and confirmed a brutal murder. But to this day Heidi's body has never been found. Season 3 of GUILT will see Ryan attempt to finally bring an end to this mystery and send Heidi home to her family where she belongs. Ryan will uncover never before heard witnesses, fresh evidence in a Season of the podcast that really has to be heard to be believed.


Season Two

21st June 2004, Jim Donnelly goes to work as usual at the Glenbrook Steel Mill, places his lunch on the bench, gets changed into his work clothes - and is never seen again. In Season Two of Guilt Ryan travels to Waiuku New Zealand in an attempt to finally solve this 18 year mystery, and discovers a baffling and mysterious story with twists at every turn.


Instagram: ryanwolfnz


THIS SHOW WAS WRITTEN AND EDITED WITHOUT THE USE OF AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE).

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Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Happy tot
    Great
    Thanks
  • Piperwaze
    Could use some tweaking
    While I feel so awful for Alana‘s family, I do not feel like this podcast gave a great insight as I was hoping into the case of Alana. I do see plenty valuable information, the way it was given was very unhelpful and uninteresting. I know her family is hurting, but the interviews with her father are just awful. I really feel like the host should have summed it up on his own with maybe a few cuts of the interview with the family here and there. These 15 minute rambling’s are just excruciating to listen to. I find myself skipping ahead because I really cannot tolerate much of it. There’s probably a ton of information that the family wants to give out and that is the reason why it may not be so organized…but that’s for the host to figure out and to clean up. To ask those precise questions. Other podcast that cover true crime such as Delia Deambra or even Ashley flowers kind of do a format that makes it more interesting. And a lot more easy to listen to. I really hate leaving a review on something so sensitive, but I do want the host to understand that he’s not being helpful in what I believe he wants to accomplish. I do want to say that I am thankful for people like you that you take the time to help families out that are struggling with answers.
  • KiandRob
    Amazing podcast!
    Thank you for all your hard work. Still hoping for closure for you, and Alana’s family. Love from the U.S.
  • Rendzier
    Happy birthday Alana!!
    I do hope a resolution is found. Alana has touched my heart! She sounds like such a kind soul who unfortunately fell into a web of deceivers and was too young to see that they were using her for their benefits. Pathetic Laurel, a weak woman who is a coward…at her core she is rotten. It wasn’t the drugs that made them do what they did, it was their character or rather lack there of…Shame on them all. Karma is coming for them all. Theo is a disgusting human too, it turned my stomach hearing him talk of her and all the other girls he’s hurt as if they were nothing. I hope he never sees past the walls of prison. Thank you Ryan.
  • Hagstoz
    Season 4 Episode 20
    Ryan gives Alana’s extended family Covid. 😂 I hope not but man, what a bananas episode. Theo is a creep!!! Why was he cleared and allowed a no comment? Also, the two swabs…how do they know it’s both places because we all know it gets there on it’s own…so it’s definitely bad, but perhaps not as much as it seems. I’m not confident in the thoroughness of this final exam and so I’m not trusting that everything they describe was performed with the eye for detail these things call for. I don’t know how any coroner or prosecutor finds out the identity of these two people and can’t see a very unusual circumstance around her death. It’s as though they identified drug use and decided she was as non-important as the other people who she last met and left her to pass alone. Drug use isn’t about the morality or values of a person’s worth. It’s this very stigma that keeps people stuck and away from effective help. This kind of discriminatory approach to unnatural death shows how people can get away with murder/or manslaughter at the very least and simply continues the cycle for others to come later. How many other victims does Theo have since then? I’m guessing it’s dozens. I hope for Alana’s sake she didn’t know what was happening at her end because that old man was/is still a sexually disturbed individual. I hope she passed peacefully if not with the full dignity we all deserve. If you have to drug your partners, they’re not partners, they’re victims and you are a predatory rapist. I don’t know how this could be solved without a direct witness coming forward or a confession of some kind but I think it’s time for the truth.
  • Zr357
    Outstanding!!
    Very well done!! The dedication and perseverance it takes to do something like this…Well Done!!
  • emocigs8
    Could be better
    I agree with the reviewer that said the interviews with the family could be better. It’s understandable to have their point of view but these interviews seem like mostly fluff. I feel that if you could play some of it then just summarize it would make the show better. It’s constant tangents.
  • dubbydog
    Season 4
    I found it difficult to understand the people with thick accents. The story is so sad of course and I feel sorry for the family’s loss.
  • the locacious one
    Another boring podcast with filler interviews
    I was looking forward to this podcast because it had been given so many stellar reviews. Much to my surprise it was another poorly made podcast where the host had ZERO investigative skills & provides very little discussion about the evidence or suspects in the case & uses interviews with the police, family, & co workers as filler material because he has nothing else. These interviews would be ok if they provided any evidence or leads in the case which they do not. Not only does the host have zero investigative skills they lack any interviewing skills as he will ask one question & then allow the person being interviewed to go on a boring 10-15 minute tangent with rambling dialogue that provides no information to help solve the case. The host is not skilled enough to take control, interject, & get the interviews back on focus. He should stick to acting. I quit listening after 4 episodes. To the reviewer that thought the host struck a good balance of providing evidence & doing interviews-what podcast were you listening to !?! Episode 4 seems to be interesting, but with the host talking about himself so much, e.g. his up upcoming marriage, which has no relevance to the case is quite frustrating. The other problem is that I’m having is deciphering the people speaking in a deep Australian accent as in episode 2 where they have audio of the detectives testifying in court. I can barely make out a word they are saying. The podcast would be better served by playing a transcript with someone reading their words so we can understand what they are saying !!!!!! If this continues I will quit listening as I can’t follow what is going on. And it’s why I gave it only 1 star. OK so I’m on episode 3 of season 4 & the host is again using interviews with friends & family as filler with not much info regarding the facts or evidence of the case. At least I can understand what they are saying ! The host promised facts & evidence in episode 4 so I’m skipping to that episode now…OK this is getting ridiculous. The host apologizes in advance for the poor audio of a recording of Mr Cecil speaking to the court & it is unrecognizable. Hasn’t this podcaster ever thought of using an actor to read the transcript of people speaking when the audio is poor !?! I’ve listened to hundreds of true crime podcasts & the good ones have an actor reading from a transcript of the audio with poor audio. What an amateur. I’ve listened to 1 hour & 7 minutes of Season 4 episode 4 where the host promised the presentation of evidence. The only thing I’ve learned as the judge & Mr Cecil go back & forth is that they have DNA of 2 suspects found on his daughter Alana. Now they have a match. Couldn’t the host just give us this info without wasting over an hour of back & forth dialogue between the Judge & Mr Cecil ?
  • alkistarr
    Very compassionate host
    Listening to the episode with Jody. I wish I could tell her speaking on this podcast is brave and her life is worthwhile <3 sending love to all who lost Alana. I’m so hoping that by the end of this podcast, I learn that the perpetrators are held accountable.
  • HollandH1975
    Awful
    Ok so the ambient music in the whole first half was horrible. Then the host blathering on about himself even worse. Then the tipster blathering on about the host…just a lame vanity project. Too bad because it seems like a fascinating case
  • KL73!
    Amazing
    I really appreciate Ryan’s thoroughness AND empathy! You feel his investment in these cases and his honoring of the full humanity, not only of the victims, but of the witnesses and family members he interviews. This is what sets apart his podcast from others. He cares on a deep and personal level!
  • Africache
    A bit sensational
    I am on season 3 and while it does have merit for me to continue to listen, I need to count how many times he says something along the lines of this is the piece of information which could break the case. He is a bit overly dramatic but it is a nice though that he is trying to share the stories in hopes of finding different pieces of info which may bring closure to the families who lost a loved one.
  • arvisnelson
    Delusional host
    Really there us no possibility that Jodi could recall the exact details of that time and place with a history of addiction! Even currently she exhibits signs of mental instability. This is a goose chase for answers from a variety of drug addicted people whose mental health is questionable! Way to long of a dive into a very sad situation!
  • MomTeachRage
    Change your word usage please
    I love this podcast! I love that you’re actually trying to solve something but you need to get more women involved with your podcast because if I hear “non-consensual sex” one more time on this show I’m going to scream. There is no such thing as “non-consensual sex” and to call it that downplays what it actually is, which is rape or sexual assault. By not calling it what it is, it sounds not as bad. You might think that I’m arguing semantics but that area of the world just got called out in the news for having the worst reported numbers of sexual assault in the world. To be fair, it probably isn’t the actually highest rate because there are areas of the world that most sexual assaults aren’t reported because why bother when they aren’t even going to be investigated, let alone punished. But I’ve also had multiple people tell me they would move to Australia/New Zealand/Oceania in a heartbeat if it weren’t for the misogynistic culture and for Americans to say that about somewhere else is astounding because America very obviously really hates women. I also doubt that I’m the first person to bring this up to you so not fixing it or making a statement is real gross. I also think correcting these little things would take you to the next level if that’s something you’re interested in. Maybe you don’t care what women think about your word choice but you should because as I’m sure you’ve noticed women consume more true crime than any other demographic by a lot.
  • Ljdeshayes
    Great Cases, Host & Content 🤔
    The reason I’ve kept listening is the choice of cases. Compelling and tragic, I only hope for resolution for those impacted. Th host claims he started podcasting to leverage his skills as an attorney and actor. Over the 4 seasons, the host has yet to use his legal knowledge to explain the NZ and now AU systems, or give listeners an understanding of the cases’ legal documents (assuming he’s obtained any). In fact, in Season 3, he refers to ‘formal’ information requests more than 10 episodes in, tells us it was denied due to an ongoing appeal, but never comments as to whether this is typical in NZ. My impression is that the host is using his acting skills well and often. He seems ambivalent about his motivations, sometimes portraying himself as a journalist and/or investigator - without any claimed training - sometimes as a judge (that was an odd one as he claimed to be independently presenting evidence, then immediately providing opinions [often with “made my hair stand on end”]. He claimed to end S3 assuming police would come calling, having not told the audience if he’d compiled and submitted anything to them. It seems like the ‘investigations’ begin before any documents are requested if any, and in fact the ‘correction’ provided about the murder conviction demonstrated a lack of detail and perhaps documentation review. Restarting S3, effectively throwing a fit that “no one was paying attention to me” then ending it again only to produce subscriber only content, despite spending 3 mins in every intro/outro saying the podcast is 100% independent (with ads? What is your definition of independent). No mention of whether he’s contacted Heidi’s family - do they know, do they support this? Often he is presenting repetitive information, out of order and without presenting a coherent timeline, his bombshells don’t quite have the impact he believes they do. The ambivalence is a common symptom of true crime podcasts - wish the host would reflect on his motivations both claimed and actual and rebrand if needed. You may be a lawyer but you’re presentation shows no sign of it. Put some timelines, evidence, documents online with the 1000s of hours you claim to spend. Keep picking great cases and I’ll be tempted to keep listening, but please be honest with us and yourself about what and why you’re doing this. If using your legal skills is a reason, show it in the podcast. If not why mention it? Tell us what you’ve learned about investigations and journalism. Be real or be an actor. Pick one.
  • L.Patt
    Hard with Misophonia but Otherwise Good
    Warning for anyone else with Misophonia. A lot of mouth noises in Season 4. Specifically tongue clicking.
  • LC0333
    Hard to follow
    Typically really enjoy your podcast, but this season just seems to be hours of interviews with no commentary or putting the story together. The last two episodes have been purely people telling long confusing stories with no input or clarification. I don’t need to hear every last word of the interviews, just a summary and how it relates back. Still not sure why this is even a criminal case, except for the fact you keep eluding to it.
  • dharma castillo
    This is how you do a true crime podcast
    The host takes his time to explain how he plans to unfold the case why and addresses concerns the audience may have. He lets the victims tell the story without uncut audio. So much respect and care is given and I really appreciate it’s obviously a life's work and not just for clicks.
  • AmbieBabyy
    Host needs some brevity
    First time listener, nearly 5 minutes into my first episode and the host is still rambling about the podcast format, newsletters, and how to recommend the podcast to others. Not a great way to get listeners invested. Save that for ad breaks or show notes.
  • Bgisurja
    How in the world is this rated so high?
    The host centers himself and doesn’t seem to edit anything. There’s dead space EVERYWHERE. The pace is torturous. What in the world is happening here?
  • billthick
    Twenty stars
    Best podcast ever
  • Ashleyjw63
    Thorough investigative work, good narrating, always enjoy listening!
    Great podcast!!
  • curious2!
    Transcript for episode 17?
    Will there be a transcript for episode 17 finding Heidi? Able to understand every 3 or 4th sentence.
  • Meghan81
    Very well done!
    Highly recommended listening to this podcast, you won’t be disappointed.
  • jacobrmorris
    One of the best podcasts out there
    Ryan is a talented podcaster, and has an ability to empathise and connect to his subjects in a unique and engaging way, which allows him to bring to light a lot of untold stories about these local New Zealand unsolved cases. This is the first podcast I have ever subscribed too, as I wanted to support Ryan so he can continue to investigate new cases. Keep up the awesome work!
  • cdoc
    Great stuff
    Good host good content
  • Mgmgmg444
    All three seasons had me hooked
    This podcast is compelling and I enjoyed all three seasons. I found the host, Ryan Wolf, to have a nice balance of being personable while keeping the focus on the investigation. The sound effects were also good.
  • SENVIVI4
    In depth Long Form
    This podcast has gotten me through many workouts and long drives. Very well researched and edited. Also the host's voice is clear and soothing. I would fall asleep to it, except that I don't want to Miss a second of the plot.
  • LaRoseBella
    Support independent podcasts!
    I’m listening from America. I like to learn about different cultures, and it’s amazing that we can access stories from around the world with the tap of a button nowadays. I’m happy to support an independent podcast, and it’s so important to tell these stories and keep the cases alive, especially when there isn’t a clear-cut answer or “closure”. Keep up the amazing work. Obviously this work is spreading across the world, you’re doing great!
  • COJoeBro
    A Compelling Investigation Makes Interesting Listening
    I don’t presume to know what closure is, who receives it, and how. Everyone deserves answers. Two Swedish families have gone decades without knowing the full story of the circumstances of the last days of those the love. Imagine living for 34 years in the aftermath of their two young adult children ( in love and in the prime of life) meeting a terrible end who travelled to New Zealand. This podcast investigates the crime and searches for the remains of the young woman of the pair. Listen!
  • TrueCrimeJennifer
    Five Stars All The Way
    I’ve enjoyed every season of Gilt, and this season is outdoing itself! Thank you for all you’re doing to bring light to these cases. Love love love this podcast!
  • KLSchroed
    Quality investigative NZ true crime podcast
    Ryan Wolf is thoughtful and articulate and I have enjoyed all of his podcasts and content. I started off with Season 2 the Jim Donnelly disappearance. What a story. Highly recommend!
  • True crime fan72
    Cannot understand
    I absolutely love this podcast but I’m lost now because I can’t understand episode 5. Please redo the episode with a voice who speaks slower.
  • Suzie Letty
    Absolutely addictive
    All seasons have that “edge of your seat” feeling as they unfold. Very thoughtful and respectful attitudes toward witnesses. Bravo!
  • Solveitdammit!
    Excellent Podcast!
    I’ve listened to all 3 seasons of Guilt. All 3 are very well done. Information is presented in a straight forward, empathetic yet entertaining way. Highly recommend all 3 seasons and hoping more are coming in the future.
  • Megan D 45
    Great Podcast
    Love this podcast. Ryan does an amazing job at investigating these cases. He shares these cases in a way that keeps me entertained throughout the entire episode/season. I can’t recommend this podcast enough.
  • catemcaran
    5 stars
    Great story, love the details and smooth editing and host. Big fan, thank you for brightening my run!
  • Total garbage!!!! This is
    Amazing & worthy of your time
    I highly recommend listening to this podcast. I am an avid true crime listener - and Ryan & team is amazing and they do incredible work.
  • NCom222
    The ONLY True Crime Podcast I will listen to.
    I am a massive fan of this style of true crime podcast. Ryan does a phenomenal job of presenting the facts, theories, and opinions of what happens in each case. He has a great interview and narration style. He displays logic and empathy in his approach to true crime podcast. So good! If you enjoy his work then go check out his other podcast Journey. It does not disappoint.
  • Jonesing for Viber!!
    6 Stars!!
    I never write reviews and I have listened to more true crime podcasts than I would admit in the past 4-5 years. There are a few that I can say totally hook me. The first 2 seasons of Guilt are awesome! Great investigation! I can't wait to listen to season 3!
  • Ssaff91
    Excellent, Raw Investigation
    Both seasons of this show that are currently available are excellent. It achieves the perfect balance of scripted content and organic conversations. Ryan Wolf as the host does a great job of being open to every possibility, no matter how far-fetched it may seem, and investigates his leads as thoroughly as possible. It’s been awesome to experience his growth as a storyteller, with the second season culminating in an astounding final episode that is structured superbly - literally down to the final sentence. Can’t wait for season 3, and I look forward to enjoy his other podcast, Journey.
  • Coccoabean
    Love this podcast
    I heard about this podcast on the last episode of truth & justice. Thanks Bob! I just binged the entire second season. It’s a great listen. Ryan is thorough with his investigation. His accent was easy to understand. He’s very knowledgeable and explains all the details. Ryan you just gained another US follower. I’m going to go back and listen to season 1 now.
  • Brendapaw
    Stellar podcast
    Ryan, all my sympathy at the loss of Semper. I have also recently experienced the loss of a once-in-a-lifetime dog. I really care that Jordan and his family and friends get justice. Thank you for this important and beautifully crafted podcast
  • Swanicyouth
    Best True Crime Podcast
    American here. First, what is it with Ryan guy & his fake American Australian hybrid accent?? Just kidding. I think this is the best true crime podcast out there. This is real content, no fluff, & extremely well done. Compelling. Interesting. Real. Honest. Looking forward to more. Thank you!
  • FloridaKate52
    Great podcast
    I found this podcast when it was recommended by Australian True Crime, also an awesome show. My intention was to listen to a bit of episode 1 and decide if I liked it. Well, I ended up binging all of season one in a weekend. The appeal for me is straight forward reporting and minimum speculation. I’m looking forward to listening to season two.
  • NE Cold Case
    Excellent true crime podcast
    Ryan Murphy was exceptional as a first time podcast host. He is very honest when it comes too his feelings and how he thinks about the feelings of others I.e Jordan’s brother. I am another podcast host and I want to say this is a refreshing experience to listen to this podcast. Mr. Murphy who is a lawyer not practicing knows the laws and seems to truly care about getting Justice for a victim of an unsolved homicide. Great job as a civilian looking into an unsolved murder.
  • riddikuluspatronus1
    Wow intense!
    Super intriguing and suspenseful. The chemistry with the guests is spot on. Almost feels as if your there interviewing the people that helped solve the crime. So suspenseful! Has a unique feel to it, and the episodes are not to long. Entertaining from beginning to end!
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