The Australian has launched The Gangster’s Ghost, a true crime podcast that blends advanced audio technology with investigative journalism to resurrect one of Sydney’s most notorious underworld figures.
The ten-part series investigates the life and mysterious murder of Stewart John Regan, also known as “The Magician,” a feared gangster whose violent reign ended in 1974 when he was killed at the age of 29.
In a groundbreaking move, the podcast uses AI to recreate Regan’s voice from archival and covert recordings, allowing listeners to hear the story partially narrated by the gangster himself.
“The Gangster’s Ghost is a gripping investigative podcast that takes our audio storytelling to a new level,” The Australian’s Editor-In-Chief, Michelle Gunn said.
“By using our audio expertise to recreate Regan’s voice from archival recordings, listeners are able to hear directly from the key figure in this 50-year-old mystery. This innovative approach, combined with first-class investigative journalism, promises to be a must-listen from The Australian.”
Hosted by award-winning journalist and seasoned podcaster Matt Condon, the series is the result of a five-year investigation. Condon was approached by Kelly Slater Regan, a former police officer and Regan’s cousin, who asked him to uncover the truth about her family’s dark past.
Matthew Condon
The podcast explores the depths of Regan’s criminal life and shines new light on a cold case that continues to haunt investigators and the family alike.
“Five years ago, Kelly Slater Regan asked me to investigate her cousin, Stewart John Regan,” said Condon. “The family sought answers about his life, and especially his murder in 1974 in Sydney.
“This was a case of a family wanting to know the truth about their black sheep after decades of rumours and allegations about Regan. They were prepared for the worst – what if he was an even bigger monster than they’d imagined?”
The production team behind the series includes Editorial Director Claire Harvey as executive producer and Lia Tsamoglou as producer, leveraging The Australian’s robust multimedia capabilities.
Alongside the podcast, the project is supported by rich editorial content and video storytelling to give audiences multiple ways to engage with the investigation.
The Gangster’s Ghost is available now on The Australian’s website and all major podcast platforms.