Uncover: Calls From a Killer
CBC
What does a reporter do when they receive a cold call from one of the most horrific serial killers in Canadian history?The killer: Clifford Olson, who murdered at least eleven children in the 1980s. The reporter: Arlene Bynon, who recorded her jailhouse calls with Olson for years.Alongside legendary journalist Peter Worthington, Arlene spent hundreds of hours on the phone with Olson. It was kept secret from his prison guards; he wasn't allowed to speak to the media.In Calls From a Killer, from CBC’s Uncover, Arlene unearths secrets that have been buried for decades. Secrets about Olson's crimes, about how police failed his young victims and their families — and why law enforcement paid a psychopathic serial killer $100,000. With Nathaniel Frum — Peter's grandson — Arlene exposes hard truths about a forgotten tragedy, a bungled investigation, the loved ones left behind, and the mind of a killer. About UNCOVER: Crime. Investigation. Revelation. Uncover brings you explosive, high-caliber true crime year-round. From CIA mind control to serial abuse, mysterious disappearances to wrongful imprisonment. Each season features a new host who is deeply connected to the story, committed to tracking down the truth. With over 30 seasons to choose from, Uncover represents the best in true crime.For early access to episodes, plus ad-free listening, visit apple.co/cbctruecrime.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2025 • 32min
S31 E2: Time capsule | The Banned Teacher
Robinson stored her painful, high-school memories deep in her mind. But it all came flooding back in midlife after she saw the music teacher. She decided to confront him. That meeting led Robinson on a journey to discover what really happened and report it to police.
Jan 12, 2025 • 35min
S31 E3: Seeking justice | The Banned Teacher
More than a year after Robinson went to police, William Douglas Walker was charged with a sex crime. She alleged he groomed and controlled her when she was 16. After four and half years in court, a judge said there wasn’t enough proof she hadn’t consented to sex. The case was dismissed.
Jan 11, 2025 • 38min
S31 E4: Hello powerful woman | The Banned Teacher
Robinson couldn’t help but think if she knew there were other victims, the outcome of the case would have been different. The investigation finds another survivor, Robinson reaches out and gets a response right away: “Hello Powerful Woman.” She finally meets the woman who got the teacher banned.
Jan 10, 2025 • 45min
S31 E5: The blip | The Banned Teacher
Jeanie McKay, a former student of a predatory music teacher, shares her harrowing journey of abuse and the courage it took to report her abuser. She recounts the haunting memories of her teenage years, where she faced the trauma of a relationship marked by manipulation. The conversation delves into the emotional scars left by such experiences and the importance of community for survivors. Jeanie emphasizes the need for accountability in educational environments, shining a light on the systemic failures that often protect abusers over victims.
Jan 9, 2025 • 36min
S31 E6: The diaries | The Banned Teacher
Jackie Short, a former student and now a professional opera singer, shares her harrowing journey of documenting her music teacher Doug Walker's inappropriate behavior with detailed diaries. She reveals the emotional chaos stemming from his advances towards multiple students and his manipulative tactics. Jackie recounts a pivotal moment during a band trip, where she bravely reported Walker's actions, sparking a discussion on power dynamics and the long-lasting impact of such trauma. Her story sheds light on the importance of confronting injustice and finding strength in shared experiences.
Jan 8, 2025 • 45min
S31 E7: Club no one wanted to join | The Banned Teacher
A gathering of five alleged victims reveals haunting stories of harassment and abuse by a once-beloved music teacher. Reflections on a nostalgic band concert take a dark turn as they confront shared trauma and institutional failures. Amid laughter and cake, they emphasize the importance of solidarity and healing. Details emerge about a past assault, sparking a search for accountability. The conversation unveils disturbing patterns of manipulation while highlighting the urgent need for systemic change to protect students from predatory behavior.
Jan 7, 2025 • 34min
S31 E8: The punch | The Banned Teacher
Robinson meets Sam, the man behind the punch. He said in 1975, when he found out his 16-year-old daughter had sexual encounters with her high-school music teacher, he went to the principal. When Walker moved schools, he told Robinson about the punch — it made her feel sorry for him. But now she knows what really happened.
4 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 37min
S31 E9: If they were boys | The Banned Teacher
In an eye-opening discussion, female music teachers share alarming stories of misconduct, revealing systemic issues in their community. Survivors reflect on their trauma and the struggle for justice, highlighting gender biases in how cases are handled. The podcast delves into the emotional toll of navigating the legal system and emphasizes the need for accountability and societal change. Personal anecdotes and expert insights reveal the complexities of healing and the ongoing fight against deep-rooted injustices.
5 snips
Jan 5, 2025 • 44min
S31 E10: Taking back control | The Banned Teacher
Anne-Marie Robinson, a survivor of sexual abuse and founding member of Stop Educator Child Exploitation, shares her poignant journey back to her former high school. She confronts her past and advocates for vital changes in Canada’s education system to protect children. Alongside fellow survivor Peter Hamer, she highlights the alarming rise in abuse cases and the urgent need for policy reforms. Her reflections on rediscovering her passion for music and the struggles of fellow survivors underscore a powerful narrative of healing, empowerment, and the pursuit of justice.
Dec 9, 2024 • 3min
S31 Trailer | The Banned Teacher
Anne-Marie Robinson says that as a teen, she was raped by her music teacher. He says it was consensual sex. She reached out to journalist and podcast host Julie Ireton to share her story and together they have uncovered a trail of teen victims.
