If These Trees Could Talk

Join us as we explore the natural beauty and charm of Patonga and then dive into the darker waters of its history. Because not far from this picture-perfect shoreline, its waters once gave up a secret it had been holding onto for years: a man strapped to a steel crucifix, known only as Rack Man. In this episode, we unravel the eerie mystery that ties this unsolved murder to the river's depths, and to the tranquil little town we thought we knew.

In every corner of history, desperation has driven women into impossible choices. From the lonely banks of the Paterson River to the locked wards of the Newcastle Industrial School. From whispered agreements on Oakhampton Road to courtroom trials designed to shame. We trace the hidden stories of women like Ada Murray and Mary Ann Hughes. We look back, not because history is a lesson, but because it is a mirror.

A UNESCO World Heritage listed wonder where dramatic mountains meet turquoise lagoons, and time seems to slow down. Just 11 kilometres long and home to only a few hundred lucky residents, Lord Howe feels like stepping into another world, rich with rare wildlife, untouched beaches, and incredible coral reefs. I share our adventures, including our brush with fame on the tarmac as well as our discovery of the Catalina A24-381 flying boat wreck — a haunting piece of history linked to Rathmines, not far from my own backyard.  It's a place of natural wonders, and a reminder of just how extraordinary our corner of the world can be.

In this episode, we uncover the forgotten stories of the first plague victims, the struggles of Sydney's working poor, and the city's sluggish response to a looming health crisis. As we look back, we ask: what has really changed? From 1900 to 2019, from the Black Death to COVID—have we learned from history, or are we doomed to repeat it?

For over 150 years, Manly's Q Station served as a quarantine site for those arriving in Australia, isolating the sick to prevent deadly diseases from spreading. Thousands of people passed through its doors, many never leaving, their final moments spent in its eerie hospital wards and secluded burial sites. Today, its historic sandstone buildings and abandoned corridors stand as a chilling reminder of its haunted past, with countless stories of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. We experienced this history firsthand on a ghost tour, walking through the shadowy hallways and dimly lit rooms where spirits are said to linger. From strange whispers in the darkness to sudden drops in temperature, the atmosphere was thick with an unsettling energy. Whether it was our imagination or something truly otherworldly, one thing was certain—Q Station's past is far from silent.

In 1917, Harry was convicted of murdering his first wife, Annie Birkett. The case was sensationalised, his gender identity exploited for scandal, and public discourse was shaped not by justice, but by shock and misunderstanding. At a time when even the most basic conversations about gender were unheard of, Eugene's life was a painful testament to the cost of forced secrecy. But as we examine his life and the events that led to that fateful moment, we must ask, how much of this tragedy was shaped by the world around him?  In a society where he could have lived openly, without fear, without persecution, would things have taken a different path? Would his life, and Annie's, have reached a different ending?

History often remembers its outlaws, its murderers, and its tragic figures, but it rarely asks - what could have been different? In this episode, we step back over a century to tell the story of Eugenia Falleni,  who lived a life defined by secrecy, survival, and society's rigid boundaries. Born in Italy in 1875 and later making his way to Australia, Eugenia lived as Harry Leo Crawford, a transgender man navigating a world that had no language, no acceptance, and no space for the truth of his identity.

For years stories have circulated about a mysterious man who roams Victoria's High Country known only as The Button Man. In this episode we ponder is he actually the Australian version of the Boogie Man as he has often been depicted, with people trying to connect him to the many disapearences in the remote region or is he just a man who we should all really look up to. 

In 1975, Nigel McAree was shot in the back of the head and then decapitated at Governor Game Lookout in Sydney's Royal National Park. In this powerful episode, we speak with Nigel's niece Narelle Spencer about the enduring pain of her family's loss and their unwavering hope for answers. 

In this episode we head to Ararat and take a look inside J Ward which began it's life as the Ararat County Gaol and later became apart of the Aradale Lunatic Asylum and was used to house the Criminally Insane. 

In this episode we chat with River Morris. River, a proud Wiradjuri man, shared with us some of his personal knowledge and experiences with The Hairy Man.

In this week's episode, we head along the Great Ocean Road to Aireys Inlet for a trip down memory lane. It's our first time back in the studio for a few weeks, so there is a little unhinged madness as we catch up, as well as ‘more than a couple' of side quests as we revisit some of our childhood obsessions, explore Split Point Lighthouse, and take a peek into the life of convict William Buckley and how his dash to freedom left a marked impression on all of us without us even knowing it. For more information on today's topics, links, photographs, and more, head over to the show notes section on the website: www.ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au.

This episode is the second part of the story about The Family. We learn about the incredible survivors and cycle breakers of the Australian cult, ran by Anne-Hamilton Byrne.

This episode is Part 1 of a glimpse inside of the Australian cult called The Family. We will take a look into the early life of Anne Hamilton-Byrne and the foundation of the cult.

In this weeks episode we head to Sydney and explore the old Town Hall Cemetery, look at some problematic practices of early colony life and how they were literally uncovered over time. 

This episode is a little different from our usual forest fables. As we approach October, which marks Mental Health Month, we're embracing this year's theme: "Let's Talk About It." And we do just that. Trigger Warning: This episode includes candid discussions of suicide and mental health challenges.   Today, we are joined by our dear friend Rachel, and together, the three of us—myself included—share our personal experiences. Shannon shares what it's like to have suicidal thoughts, the aftermath of a suicide attempt, and together, we explore the emotions that come with loving someone who is in that difficult space. It's important to note that we are not mental health professionals, just three individuals with our own unique lived experiences. Our hope is that within this conversation, you'll find a sense of hope, safety, understanding, and perhaps an invitation to check in with others, as well as permission to speak your own truth. As promised, here is a quick access list of free, 24/7 support services: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 13YARN: 13 92 76 Further information about these vital services is available on our website: www.ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au

We take a look at Andrew Scott's early life, his crimes, and his connection to James Nesbitt and the Wantabadgery Siege. We also reflect on his death and the remarkable story that followed, leaving a profound legacy and a historical debate that may never truly be answered. 

On March 20, 2020, Russell Hill and Carol Clay were tragically killed at a remote campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley. Gregory Lynn was arrested and charged with their murders in November the following year. In this episode, we delve into their disappearance, examine the evidence that was—and wasn't—presented during the murder trial, and discuss the surprising outcome.

Today, we welcome Dr. Alex Maisey to the podcast. Alex will introduce us to the secret world of the Superb Lyrebird. After a recent visit to Barrington Tops National Park, we had some questions about this incredible bird. Alex will provide fascinating insights into their behavior, habitat, and their role as ecosystem engineers. We'll also discuss the crucial research Alex contributed to as part of the Birdlife Australia Bushfire Project, which addressed the impact of Australia's 2019/2020 Black Summer on wildlife and their ecosystems. For show notes, visit www.ifthesetreescouldtalk.com.au.

In this episode we head to Junee to check out Australia's most Haunted Homestead. 

In this episode we explore Davidson Whaling Station and the unique relationship that developed with 'The Killers of Eden'.

  In this episode we look at the extraordinary life of Truganini and her will to survive.