The Australian Family Cult That Vanished Overnight
From True Crime Conversations by Mamamia Podcasts
March 18, 2026 · 53 min
About this episode
The episode explores the mysterious disappearance of a family and their friend from Western Australia, delving into their cult-like beliefs and the investigation that followed.
In 2007, a family of three and their friend vanished from their secluded home in Nannup, Western Australia, leaving only a cryptic note claiming they had moved to Brazil. They never arrived. As investigators delved into the lives of Chantelle McDougall, her partner Simon Cadwell, their daughter Leela, and friend Tony Popic, they uncovered a web of doomsday prepping and cult-like spiritual beliefs. Was this a voluntary disappearance to a "higher plane," or something far more sinister? LINKS Listen to Expanse: The Nannup Four here . If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 . GET IN TOUCH Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @truecrimeconversations Want us to cover a case on the podcast? Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note. Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes. Get 25% off Nala with your Mamamia subscription. Click here to get your code ends April 1st. CREDITS Guest: Dominique Bayens Host: Gemma Bath Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman Group…
People in this episode
Host: Gemma Bath
Guest: Dominique Bayens
Topics covered
- disappearance
- cult
- doomsday prepping
- investigation
- Australia
- family
Keywords
- disappearance
- cult
- Nannup
- Australia
- doomsday prepping
- investigation
- family
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Mamamia Podcasts, Lifeline, Beyond Blue
Places: Nannup, Western Australia
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