The Sydney Siege

Red Flags

From the moment Man Monis arrived in Australia in 1996, there were warning signs everywhere. Under police watch, facing numerous charges, and wanted in his home country, the red flags were impossible to ignore—but they were missed. In this first episode, uncover the chilling details of his history and meet Louisa Hope, a survivor of the Sydney Siege and a testament to resilience. Subscribe to Podshape True Crime for subscriber-only bonus content, early access to episodes, and an ad-free listening experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sliding Doors

Content Warning:This episode contains audio of individuals who have passed away. Listener discretion is advised. Experience the chilling moment when everyone inside the café realises they are hostages to a terrorist. Louisa shares her "sliding doors" moment, a twist of fate that placed her and her mum in the café that morning. Hear Louisa recount the first three hours inside the Lindt Café from her perspective. Subscribe to Podshape True Crime for exclusive bonus episodes, early access, and an ad-free listening experience.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Befriending a Murderer

Content WarningSome of the content in this podcast may be confronting. Listener discretion is advised. From lunchtime inside the café, hostages were forced to obey the gunman’s bizarre demands—creating YouTube videos, calling him "brother," and acting as his personal PR team. Subscribe to Podshape True Crime for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to select episodes, and ad-free listening. Find out more about Louisa here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snipers move in

The atmosphere inside the café begins to shift. Snipers take positions outside, and unbeknownst to Louisa and the other hostages, the police have surrounded the café. The gunman grows increasingly agitated as his demands remain unmet. These are the pivotal moments in the Sydney Siege, leading up to its tragic conclusion. To listen to the rest of this podcast ad-free and early, subscribe to Podshape True Crime on Apple Podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Siege Ends

Content WarningThis episode contains graphic information that may be disturbing for some listeners. Discretion is advised. It’s 1:43 AM inside the Lindt Café, moments before police storm in. Two hostages lose their lives, and Louisa and her mum are both shot.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.