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Artwork for Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big

Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big

RNZ
Ross Appelgren
Darcy Te Hira
Mt Eden Prison
New Zealand
Peter Ellis
Christchurch Civic Creche
Gail Maney
Ernie
Mr Big Sting
RNZ
David Lyttle
Dean Fuller-Sands
Auckland
New Zealand Justice System
Brett Hall
Kirsa Jensen
Deane Fuller-Sands
Stephen Stone
Christchurch
Nark

The Mr Big sting is a powerful tool to get criminals to confess. It got David Lyttle to confess to the murder of his mate, Brett Hall. But is it fair? Is it just? Or does it lead to false convictions?

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes57Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big

Latest Episodes

The Crown finally opens its case against David Lyttle.

This episode was first released on 26 June 2023.

After years of delays and postponements, the Crown finally opens its case against David Lyttle for the murder of Brett Hall.The contest of stori... more

YouTube

The trial begins, only to collapse after a week due to police failures. Can a fair trial ever happen?

This episode was first released on 23 June 2023.

The trial begins.

A week later, its declared a mistrial. The Crown has just turned over evidence... more

YouTube

We find it hard to believe people would confess to a crime they didn't commit. But they do.

This episode was first released on 21 June 2023.

What can psychologists tell us about Mr Big?

Leading experts in false confessions argue that we (and ther... more

YouTube

The police get their confession. But can we believe it?

This episode was first released on 19 June 2023.

We go inside the sting police used on David Lyttle and look at the tactics involved: the nurturing of friendship with "Nick the offers of money... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Richard Leo
Professor of law and social psychology at the University of San Francisco
University of San Francisco
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 04 | What to Believe
Timothy Moore
Psychology professor at York University who studies Mr Big stings
York University
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 04 | What to Believe
Scott Optican
Associate law professor at the University of Auckland and criminal law expert
University of Auckland
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 04 | What to Believe
Mark Stobie
Canadian sociologist and author who studied Mr Big stings
University of Manitoba (historical connection)
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 02 | Mr Big: How it Works
Adelina Iftene
Law professor and prisoner-rights advocate researching Mr Big stings
Dalhousie University
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 02 | Mr Big: How it Works
Livona Hall
Brett Hall's mother, featured heavily in interviews
Family of Brett Hall
Episode: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 01 | A Knock at the Door
Tanya Wilson
Former key witness who recanted multiple statements
Unknown/Related to Gail Maney case
Episode: Gone Fishing 08 | Gone Fishing
Mark Franklin
Former detective inspector involved in the original investigation
New Zealand Police
Episode: Gone Fishing 08 | Gone Fishing
Chris Chevalier
Former Prison Fellowship New Zealand participant who meets Stone and comments on his character
Prison Fellowship New Zealand
Episode: Gone Fishing 06 | The Man with the Black Eyes

Hosts

Adam Dudding
Host and co-creator; experienced in production and on-air presenting
Amy Maas
Co-host and producer with deep involvement in the series' development
Paloma Migone
Producer and presenter contributing research-driven storytelling

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 111 ratings
  • A great listen

    Really well told so far

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Andy Gone Sailing
    Australiaa month ago
  • Interesting stories

    Fantastic content, the production reminds me of a high school presentation. So many different voices jumping around it’s hard to keep up with who is saying what. More voice recordings aren’t necessarily better

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    nickname 8977663448272
    Australia7 months ago
  • Fantastic work

    Great podcast, gripping, well made and well voiced including the AI voice - it’s not off putting or out of place like the other reviewer states especially considering the other voice actors used.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Samsam606
    New Zealanda year ago
  • Alex

    I am from New Zealand

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    aaaalleeeeexxxxx
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Listen to this.

    Great yarn, Aotearoa podcasting above its weight. Listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MagpieMedia
    Australiaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Partners and guests are highlighted for bringing diverse perspectives to challenging cases.
Some listeners note the production uses multiple voice actors and AI-generated voices, which is controversial for authenticity.
A few critics suggest the narrative can be dense and fast-paced for casual listeners.
Listeners often praise the rigorous investigative approach and strong storytelling.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#108
New Zealand/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#230
Ireland/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 04 | What to Believe
Q: Isn't his confession, in a real sense, voluntary?
Richard Leo argues that although David Lyttle could technically leave, the inducements and pressure made him feel compelled. He says the sting directed Lyttle toward the operators' version of the truth, raising questions about whether the confession was truly voluntary.
Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big 04 | What to Believe
Q: Can we work out which confessions are likely to be false? More to the point, can judges and juries?
Experts describe known mechanisms that can produce false confessions, but people and juries struggle to identify them. Confessions can seem detailed and convincing, distort judgments of other evidence and affect memory, so experts argue jurors may need help understanding those effects.
Nark 07 | Operation Icing
Q: You were told to assure him that he would be looked after after he had given his evidence?
As I said, it's a very bad thing to say. I agree with that. But I have no memory of giving such assurance or giving him any authority to say that.
Nark 07 | Operation Icing
Q: So, I mean, let's just start very generally. What, do you remember the case?
I do not. I have no recollection of anything relating to it. It's 40 years ago.
Nark 03 | Rock Life
Q: Are you innocent?
Ross Appelgren maintained his innocence throughout his life.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big

What is Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series investigates high-profile New Zealand true crime cases with a focus on investigative technique, memory, and miscarriages of justice. Across episodes, the hosts dissect police methods, courtroom dynamics, and evolving narratives, often weaving in interviews with family members, witnesses, and investigators to illuminate how confessions, memory gaps, and media coverage shape public perception and legal outcomes. A standout thread is examining undercover strategies and their potential to produce false confessions, while balancing rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling. The show often centers on controversial figures and unresolved questions, offering a tense, evidence-driven look at justice in action and its human consequen... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big:

1. Crime Next Door
2. Unravel
3. Spiral | Tortoise Investigates
4. Strangely
5. Sick to Death

How many episodes of Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big are there?

Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big launched a year ago and published 57 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big?

Recent guests on Motive: Mr Lyttle Meets Mr Big include:

1. Richard Leo
2. Timothy Moore
3. Scott Optican
4. Mark Stobie
5. Adelina Iftene
6. Livona Hall
7. Tanya Wilson
8. Mark Franklin

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