The Mushroom Cook

True Crime Australia

True Crime

The Mushroom Cook follows the case of Erin Patterson, a woman accused of murdering her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson. Police allege Ms Patterson served them beef wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms during a lunch at her regional Victorian home on July 29, 2023. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, was the only guest to survive. Ms Patterson pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder and is standing trial in Morwell. This series is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. It is presented and reported by Brooke Grebert-Craig and Laura Placella. Reporting and presenting for our weekend subscriber-only shows by Anthony Dowsley. Our executive producer is Jordy Atkinson. The Mushroom Cook is produced, written and edited by Jonty Burton. For more visit: themushroomcook.com.au To unlock bonus content from The Mushroom Cook, and listen to episodes ad free, subscribe to Crime X+ on Apple Podcasts or themushroomcook.com.au

Episodes

The Appeal: The grounds

As the year draws to a close, the team explores the latest updates in the ongoing Mushroom Cook saga. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia.Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11min•Nov 28, 2025

The Appeal: The case continues

It's confirmed. Triple murderer Erin Patterson will appeal her convictions and Crown prosecutors will appeal her sentence. The Mushroom Cook team sits down with a special guest to unpack what this all means. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

21min•Oct 9, 2025

The Trial: The sentence and the statement

Mushroom cook Erin Patterson has learnt her fate, with Justice Christopher Beale sentencing the triple murderer to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years. His words were live-streamed to the public, but from the steps of the courthouse, sole survivor Ian Wilkinson had some words of his own. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

1h 1min•Sep 8, 2025

The "brilliant but unhinged" Erin Scutter

Erin Patterson is awaiting sentence. But as the world waits to hear her future, The Mushroom Cook team dives into her past. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

9min•Sep 5, 2025

The Trial: Murder, mercy and misery

In a Melbourne courtroom, triple murderer Erin Patterson was confronted by the loved ones of her victims as the prosecution pushed for the harshest possible sentence: life without parole. But the defence say the court should show the cold-blooded killer some mercy due to her harsh conditions behind bars. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

20min•Aug 25, 2025

The Trial: Inside the allegations Erin tried to poison Simon

Veteran crime writer Anthony Dowsley is joined by court reporter Ashley Argoon to discuss allegations that Erin Patterson tried to poison her estranged husband on numerous occasions. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

48min•Aug 8, 2025

The Trial: The Record of Interview

Shortly after the infamous mushroom lunch, Erin Patterson was interviewed by police - an interview we can now play to you. These are her words, and this is her voice. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more. Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

26min•Aug 8, 2025

The Trial: What the jury didn't know

A trip to the tip, a doctor's testimony and information on “common homicidal poisons” were all raised in pre-trial, but this evidence – and more – was kept secret from the jury. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

19min•Aug 8, 2025

A money matter

While Erin Patterson awaits sentencing over the mushroom lunch, another potential legal standoff is on the horizon. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

10min•Jul 31, 2025

Bonus episode: Erin Patterson and other women who poison

While we wait for further developments in the case of Erin Patterson, we bring you an episode of our sister show, Life and Crimes. In it, host Andrew Rule delves into women who poison. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

14min•Jul 14, 2025

Revelations, rulebreakers and reflections

In the absence of the jury, many discussions took place. But with the trial over, we can lift the lid on the revelations we could not report and the rulebreakers that have landed themselves in hot water as we reflect on the past 11 weeks. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

14min•Jul 11, 2025

Dr Chris Webster and THAT candid interview

Chris Webster was the country doctor who first alerted police to triple murderer Erin Patterson in a critical triple-0 call. After taking the stand, Dr Webster has been interviewed countless times — but there’s one interview that has everyone talking. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

19min•Jul 10, 2025

Erin's life behind bars as a triple murderer

As Erin Patterson returns to the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre having been found guilty of murder, veteran crime reporter Anthony Dowsly joins the show to talk about her life inside. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more. Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

13min•Jul 9, 2025

The Trial: Guilty

Mushroom cook Erin Patterson has been found guilty of murder. The Mushroom Cook team breaks down what this means. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

23min•Jul 7, 2025

The Trial: Ballots and deliberations

The fate of accused triple murderer Erin Patterson now rests in the hands of twelve jurors. But before deliberations could commence, there was a ballot to bring the jury down to a dozen. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

14min•Jun 30, 2025

The Trial: How to judge a lie

Mushroom cook Erin Patterson has been accused of telling many lies, some she admits and some she denies. Today, Justice Christopher Beale told the jury how they can use these lies when it comes time to deliberate. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9min•Jun 27, 2025

The Trial: Two arguments to ignore

Justice Christopher Beale spent today summarising the evidence and the arguments in the trial of Erin Patterson, but he also had specific instructions for the jury when it came to two points put forward by the prosecution. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

13min•Jun 26, 2025

The Trial: Incriminating conduct

It was a short day for the jury in the trial of Erin Patterson, but Justice Christopher Beale was able to make his way through a roll call of “incriminating conduct” allegedly committed by the accused. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

8min•Jun 25, 2025

The Trial: Judge and jury

After weeks of testimonies, days of closing addresses and a long weekend, the jury in the trial of Erin Patterson today heard from the judge who has presided over the proceedings since the very start. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Go to themushroomcook.com.au for news, features, previous episodes and more Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

14min•Jun 24, 2025

Bonus preview episode: The summations - with Anthony Dowsley

As the trial of Erin Patterson nears its close, veteran crime writer Anthony Dowsley discusses the closing arguments from the defence and prosecution. This episode is a preview of our subscriber-only Sunday show. Want to hear more? Go to themushroomcook.com.au and click on any previous subscriber-only podcast to get access. Subscriber-only shows come out on Sundays and are best listened-to through the app. details below. The Mushroom Cook team is Brooke Grebert-Craig, Laura Placella, Anthony Dowsley, Jordy Atkinson and Jonty Burton. The Mushroom Cook is a Herald Sun production for True Crime Australia. Subscribers get our bonus Sunday shows with crime reporter Anthony Dowsley. CrimeX subscribers: find this episode in your podcast feed Subscribers to the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, Courier Mail, Adelaide Advertiser or News regional titles can listen through the App.

6min•Jun 20, 2025

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