Listen to Kate's Dead Wrong podcast here

[3:42] Kate talks about how she handles the emotionally taxing side of being a crime reporter

[4:53] Kate talks about how she 'fell into' her crime writing career, which began in the regional Victorian town of Mildura

"I find the work really important. Tragic, and sad, and interesting, but also some of the most important human stories you can tell."

[6:57] Kate shares her optimism for the future of journalism and the paths available for young reporters

[10:26] Kate on what it takes to stand out as a young journalist

"I'm passionate about really good writing but I think that's something that can improve in time. I like to see someone who's really keen, doesn't care what the request is of them, they're happy to work really hard and deal with everything with enthusiasm."

[11:23] Kate on the challenges of court reporting and ensuring copy is write when dealing with legalities

3 "Courts can be really intimidating. Most of the people sitting in the courtroom don't want you to be there, particularly if they're there to support the accused. I once got punched in the face in a courtroom … it can be a really emotional place."

[17:43] Kate on the origins of the Dead Wrong podcast, which she worked on with her colleague Peter Hall

[20:58] Kate on the granting of a new inquest into the death of Jeffrey Brooks by the attorney general

[22:45] Kate talks about the nature of the podcast medium and why the Brooks story was suitable for the format

[24:09] Kate on the challenges of assembling all the gathered information into a workable narrative for the podcast

"It was a huge amount of work … I ended up having to take over another double desk just with all my paperwork. I put everything into giant binders of different categories. Just a mammoth amount of material that had to be really carefully organised."

[31:40] Kate recounts details of the case which led to her and Peter Hall organising ballistics tests to be conducted, as well as an internationally-recognised forensics expert to offer her opinion on the case

[39:32] Kate talks about handling the sensitivities of the Brooks family involved throughout the podcast production

"They were the real driving force here … we really worked off the back of stuff that they had already done but the issue with them – and this is why journalism is so important – is that no-one would listen to them. They hadn't managed to get a new inquest on their own – we had to help them with that."

[41:51] Kate talks about sources and the importance of protecting them in crime writing

"There is nothing more sacred to a journalist than protecting your sources. Nothing more sacred."

[43:43] Kate talks about the Spear Creek podcast

[47:40] Kate on the machinations of following long-running cases and the various legal proceedings involved along the way

[48:53] Kate on why she recommends a career in crime reporting

"I think whatever part of journalism you're in there's always going to be stress and pressure, and emotion at some point. Crime for me has always been the most rewarding, because often you feel like you can really help."

[50:24] Kate talks about her dream podcast subject. 

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