The Teacher's Pet
True crime podcast review — 2026
"The podcast that sent a murderer to jail — The Teacher's Pet is one of the most impactful true crime investigations ever made, resulting in the 2022 conviction of Chris Dawson."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish
- ✓Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries
- ✓Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations
- ✓Fans of Australian true crime and its unique landscape and culture
Pros
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team
- +Serialized format builds a compelling, sustained narrative arc across episodes
About this podcast
14-episode documentary by journalist Hedley Thomas investigating the 1982 disappearance of Sydney mother Lynette Dawson. Her husband Chris Dawson — a PE teacher who took up with a teenage student — was convicted of her murder in 2022 partly due to the podcast's impact.
Best episode to start with
Episode 1 — start from beginning; must be heard in order
Serialized format — listen from the beginning for the full experience
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Teacher's Pet
What is The Teacher's Pet about?
14-episode documentary by journalist Hedley Thomas investigating the 1982 disappearance of Sydney mother Lynette Dawson. Her husband Chris Dawson — a PE teacher who took up with a teenage student — was convicted of her murder in 2022 partly due to the podcast's impact.
Is The Teacher's Pet worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". The community has rated it 9.0/10 overall. True crime fans who like journalism-driven investigations with massive real-world impact; anyone fascinated by domestic crime and institutional failure.
Who is The Teacher's Pet for?
The Teacher's Pet is ideal for: Listeners who enjoy following a single case from start to finish; Cold case enthusiasts who love decades-old unsolved mysteries; Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations; Fans of Australian true crime and its unique landscape and culture.
What is the best episode of The Teacher's Pet to start with?
We recommend starting with Episode 1 — start from beginning; must be heard in order. As a serialized show, it's best to listen from the beginning of a season.
What podcasts are similar to The Teacher's Pet?
If you enjoy The Teacher's Pet, you might also like: Bear Brook, Serial, Your Own Backyard, A Million Other Choices. See our full "Podcasts Like The Teacher's Pet" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Serialized
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Serious, journalistic, powerful
- Episode length
- 14 core episodes ~30-60 min each; manageable binge
- Country
- Australia
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Region
🇦🇺Australia True CrimeCases covered
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