Lisa McVey: Inside The Minds Behind The Viral Film 'Believe Me'

Lisa McVey: Inside The Minds Behind The Viral Film 'Believe Me'

Author: Mamamia Podcasts July 23, 2025 Duration: 39:13

At just 17, Lisa McVey was abducted by a dangerous man in Tampa, Florida. Over 26 long hours, despite unimaginable fear, Lisa stayed remarkably calm and sharp, leaving behind crucial clues that would help law enforcement catch a serial killer. 

Filmmakers Jim Donovan and Jeff Vanderwal brought Lisa’s powerful story to the screen in Believe Me: The Abduction of Lisa McVey. Working closely with Lisa herself, who makes a special appearance in the film, they captured her extraordinary strength and resilience.

Next week, Lisa McVey joins us to share her story firsthand, in her own words.

Find out more about Jeff's work here

Find out more about Jim's work here

Make sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to let us know how you're liking the episodes. 

CREDITS 

Guests: Jim Donovan & Jeff Vanderwal

Host: Claire Murphy

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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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.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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Gemma Bath hosts True Crime Conversations, a podcast from Mamamia Podcasts that delves into infamous criminal cases from Australia and around the world. Rather than just recounting facts, each episode is built around a direct conversation with someone who has a unique, often personal connection to the story. You might hear from a detective who worked the case, a journalist who covered the trial, a family member seeking answers, or a forensic expert who examined the evidence. This approach brings a tangible, human dimension to stories that can sometimes feel distant or sensationalised. The tone is engaging and thoughtful, focusing on the nuances and the people affected, rather than just the shock value. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deeper, more conversational entry into the true crime genre, where the emphasis is on understanding the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ from those who were actually there. Listening to this podcast feels like being part of a serious, yet accessible, discussion about some of the most compelling and complex crimes in recent history.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

True Crime Conversations
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