Podcasts about australian history

Douglas Mawson wasn't just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson's leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia's Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Douglas Mawson wasn't just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson's leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia's Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Reconciliation week is an opportunity to understand the process of truth telling. Coming to terms with the real story of what happened in our nearly 240 years of white settlement. 

Douglas Mawson wasn't just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson's leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia's Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Back in 1979, Australians along with the rest of the world, were worried that the sky was falling, literally. 

Michael Adams, Creator and host of the Forgotten Australia podcast joined Philip Clark to reminisce over the era of May 1955 on Nightlife. 

The legend of the ANZACs was born not through victory, but through courage, endurance, and mateship under fire. From the rocky shores of Gallipoli to the muddy battlefields of the Western Front, Australian and New Zealand troops earned a reputation for resilience, resourcefulness, and unbreakable spirit.Though the Gallipoli campaign ended in withdrawal, the actions of the ANZACs forged a national identity that continues to shape Australia and New Zealand today. Their story is one of hardship, sacrifice, and a legacy that lives on more than a century later. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the birth of the ANZAC legend and its lasting impact on national memory.***"And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" (1971) written and performed by Eric Bogle.This modern folk ballad reflects on the devastating human cost of war, particularly the Gallipoli campaign, through the eyes of a wounded Australian veteran. Written by Scottish-born Australian singer-songwriter Eric Bogle (b. 1944), the song became a poignant anti-war anthem, contrasting sharply with earlier patriotic tunes. It has been widely covered and remains a powerful meditation on memory, sacrifice, and the price of national mythmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

This time we have a flaired user, u/HaloFreak1171, talking about Australian History with u/Steelcan909.  This is part one of a two part conversation, about the start of Australian colonization, the later career of one Willliam Bligh, and the outbreak of a military coup in Sydney! 48min.   Be sure to check out their podcast, A History of Australia, here!

The legend of the ANZACs was born not through victory, but through courage, endurance, and mateship under fire. From the rocky shores of Gallipoli to the muddy battlefields of the Western Front, Australian and New Zealand troops earned a reputation for resilience, resourcefulness, and unbreakable spirit.Though the Gallipoli campaign ended in withdrawal, the actions of the ANZACs forged a national identity that continues to shape Australia and New Zealand today. Their story is one of hardship, sacrifice, and a legacy that lives on more than a century later. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the birth of the ANZAC legend and its lasting impact on national memory.***"The Boys of the Dardanelles" (1916) recorded by Stanley Kirkby. No longer in copyright. Boys of the Dardanelles commemorates the sacrifice made by Australians in the Great War. Composition by Marsh Little (1880 - 1958). It was used to encourage recruitment. Performed by English singer Stanley Kirkby (1878 - 1949). Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

 A massive thank you to our sponsor this episode and our fave AI tool, Poppy AI. Use FIONA at checkout for a discount How the pandemic disrupted her original career plans and led to an unexpected passionThe fascinating story of how Canberra, Australia's capital, was designed by a woman Building a business that makes Australian women's history accessible and engagingGrowing from one walking tour to multiple tours across different citiesHow she approaches hiring team members based on personality rather than just historical knowledgeNavigating grief and personal challenges while building a businessThe upcoming book that shares 250 stories of remarkable Australian womenHer expansion plans for Sydney and Melbourne toursConnect with My Daily Business:Instagram: @mydailybusiness_TikTok: @mydailybusinessEmail: hello@mydailybusiness.comWebsite: mydailybusiness.comConnect with Sita Sargeant:Instagram: @sheshapeshistoryWebsite: sheshapeshistory.com.auEmail: sita@sheshapeshistory.com.auResources mentioned:Marketing for Your Small Business - 9-week live coaching program starting 13 May 2025Descript - AI video editing toolMy Daily Business courses - mydailybusiness.com/courses ⭐️ GET MORE TIME BACK with our fave AI tool that has saved us HOURS. Use Poppy AI and code FIONA for a discount ⭐️ Need some inspiration and tips today? Check out our new book, Business to Brand: Moving from transaction to transformation now. Get started on a more successful and sustainable small business with our range of free tools at mydailybusiness.com/freestuff Want to know more about AI and how to harness it for your small businesS? Join our new monthly AI chat for small business owners. You can join anytime at www.mydailybusiness.com/AIchat Try out my fave AI tool, Poppy AI here and use discount code FIONA. Ever wanted to write your own book and build your brand authority or start your own podcast to connect with and grow your audience? Check out our How to Start a Podcast Course or How to Get Your Book Published Course at our courses page. Connect and get in touch with My Daily Business via our shop, freebies, award-winning books, Instagram and Tik Tok.

In the lead up to Anzac Day, 4BC Drive will be speaking with those who embody the spirit of service. Martin Crotty is an Associate Professor in Australian History at the University of Queensland. Associate Professor Crotty joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive to explain the history of Anzac Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the icy waters of Twofold Bay, a strange alliance once thrived between man and whale. At the heart of it was Old Tom, a killer whale unlike any other—who, along with his pod, helped human whalers hunt baleen whales in exchange for first dibs on the spoils.This wasn't legend. It was a documented partnership that spanned generations, built on eerie trust and uncanny understanding. But like many good things, it didn't last. When Old Tom's body washed ashore in 1930, the bond between species died with him. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the extraordinary story of Old Tom and the Killers of Twofold Bay. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Alan Bond is an Australian businessman known for his rise to fame and subsequent fall from grace. Celebrated for his role in Australia's 1983 America's Cup victory, his involvement in significant corporate fraud mars Bond's legacy, particularly the Bell Resources case, which became a defining moment in Australia's corporate history. This episode of Crime Insiders Judgements explores Bond's audacious business dealings, legal battles, and the implications of his actions on corporate governance in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the Japanese entered the Second World War at the end of 1941, the impact on Australia was almost immediate.  Singapore fell and a great many Australians were taken prisoner.  Darwin & later other northern centres were bombed, and at the end of May Japanese midget Submarines made their way into Sydney Harbour.  This episode looks at how that attack unfolded. (77 mins) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia's past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript will soon be available from the episode webpage:  

Leslie “Les” Moran was a veteran of Melbourne's underworld, deeply entrenched in the city's organised crime scene. As a senior figure within the Moran family, he survived the early years of the gangland war, watching as his relatives were picked off one by one. However, his luck ran out in 2004 when he was shot dead in a daylight execution—a clear message in a war that showed no mercy. His death marked yet another brutal chapter in the ongoing bloodshed that gripped Melbourne for over a decade.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the life and death of Les Moran and his role in Melbourne's gangland war. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

On a Friday afternoon in 1972, in the small town of Faraday, Victoria, 10-year-old Robyn Howarth was playing musical chairs with her classmates when something unexpected caught her eye. She turned to the classroom door and saw two men standing there—one wearing a black mask, the other with dark sunglasses and a hat. The taller man raised an enormous gun, aiming it at Robyn, her five classmates, and their 20-year-old teacher, Mary Gibbs. As Mary desperately pleaded with them, the men ordered everyone to "get in the van... now." More than 50 years later, Robyn has written a book, Faraday: A Community Rediscovered, where she recounts, in vivid detail, the traumatic events that unfolded that day. For decades, she has kept her story to herself—until now. You can buy Robyn's book here. THE END BITS Subscribe to Mamamia CREDITS Guest: Robyn Howarth Host: Gemma Bath Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Producer: Jacob Round GET IN TOUCH Email us at truecrime@mamamia.com.au or send us a voice note to give us feedback or suggest a case for the podcast. Rate or review us on Apple by clicking on the three dots in the top right-hand corner, click Go To Show then scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on the stars at the bottom and write a review. You can also leave a comment for us on Spotify. 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. Mamamia acknowledges 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.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Moran was a central figure in Melbourne's gangland war, born into one of the city's most notorious crime families. Known for his involvement in drug trafficking and violent underworld disputes, Moran's life was marked by power plays and deadly rivalries. His assassination in 2003—gunned down in front of children at a football clinic—sent shockwaves through Australia and intensified a bloody underworld feud that had already claimed many lives.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the violent rise and fall of Jason Moran and his part in Melbourne's gangland war.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Melbourne's gangland war claimed many lives, and Mark Moran was one of its most high-profile casualties. A key player in the city's underworld, Moran was deeply entrenched in organised crime, with connections to drug trafficking and violent turf wars. His murder in 2000 marked a turning point in the escalating conflict, setting off a brutal cycle of revenge killings that would dominate headlines for years.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the life and death of Mark Moran and his role in Melbourne's gangland war.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Historian Michael Adams joins Philip Clark to tell us what was taking place back in 1977. 

During Melbourne's infamous gangland wars, one criminal organisation loomed large—the Carlton Crew. Made up of powerful underworld figures, the group controlled illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and extortion throughout the city. Their influence and wealth made them targets, and as tensions escalated with rival factions, the streets of Melbourne became a battleground. Betrayals, assassinations, and police crackdowns followed, marking one of Australia's most violent crime sagas.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the rise and fall of the Carlton Crew and their role in Melbourne's gangland wars.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The Melbourne gangland war was a brutal chapter in Australia's criminal history, and the Kane brothers—Brian and Leslie—were right at its core. Known for their violent reputations and deep ties to organised crime, the Kane brothers became infamous figures in Melbourne's underworld. Their brutal feuds, particularly with the Moran family and other crime syndicates, escalated into bloody street wars, leading to assassinations, betrayals, and an era of chaos that gripped the city.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the dark world of the Kane brothers and their role in Melbourne's gangland war.Background episodes (chronological order):311 - L'Onorata Societa and the Victoria Market Murders 76 & 77 - The Walsh St Shooting327 & 328 - Chopper Read Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Historian, Professor Clare Wright tells the story of a formative moment — before the Mabo decision — in Australia's democracy that you may not have heard of.Historian Clare Wright moved her family to Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem land in 2010. She became a part of the Yolngu community and kept in touch after the family returned to Melbourne.Little by little, Clare learned about an extraordinary moment in Australian history, when Yolngu people used their artwork and their language, Yolngu Matha to petition the Federal government over a planned bauxite mine on their traditional lands.The bark petitions were not sent in the traditional sense, pleading up to an authority, but rather asserted Yolngu custodianship of the land, and spoke as equal partners to the Australian government.This episode of Conversations touches on Indigenous stories, Yolngu, Yirrkala, Australian democracy, the Bark Petitions, Naku Dharuk, Yolngu Matha, mining, the Australian Government, Menzies, Kim Beazley Snr.

Thousands of First Nations men and boys sent to suffer or die on a prison island in horrific circumstances. This is the legacy of Rottnest Island, now a popular tourist destination off the coast of Perth. - Migliaia di uomini e ragazzi delle Prime Nazioni mandati a soffrire o a morire su un'isola-prigione in circostanze orribili: questa è l'eredità di Rottnest Island, oggi una popolare destinazione turistica al largo della costa di Perth.

Thousands of First Nations men and boys sent to suffer or die on a prison island in horrific circumstances. This is the legacy of Rottnest Island, now a popular tourist destination off the coast of Perth. - Migliaia di uomini e ragazzi delle Prime Nazioni mandati a soffrire o a morire su un'isola-prigione in circostanze orribili: questa è l'eredità di Rottnest Island, oggi una popolare destinazione turistica al largo della costa di Perth.

The North Head Quarantine Station, located on the northern headland of Sydney Harbour, holds a chilling legacy as one of Australia's most significant quarantine sites. Operating from 1833 to 1984, the station housed those afflicted by contagious diseases, such as smallpox, Spanish flu, and the plague, aiming to prevent outbreaks in the Australian colony. Thousands passed through its gates, many of whom never left.With its preserved heritage buildings and proximity to mass graves, North Head is also notorious for its ghost stories and reported paranormal activity. Stories of shadowy figures, unexplained sounds, and otherworldly encounters are told by staff and visitors alike, cementing its place as a hotspot for both history buffs and ghost hunters.Join Holly & Matthew as they uncover the harrowing stories of survival, death, and the spectres that linger in the shadows of the North Head Quarantine Station.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Sue Williams gives voices to fascinating characters, usually women, who make up the colourful past of Australian history. 

How constructing a high-speed rail line in the UK has unearthed a treasure that firmly takes us back to Australia's colonial past.

Edwin Eastwood was back at it again. Armed with a firearm, he entered the Wooreen State School and took nine students and their teacher, Rob Hunter, hostage. The kidnapper's demands for a ransom and threats heightened the terror of those involved. What did he want? Drugs, money and freedom.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the details of the kidnapping, the experiences of those involved, and the long-lasting impact this ordeal had on the victims and Mr Lindsay Thompson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The Faraday School kidnapping shocked Australia, as a group of six schoolgirls and their teacher, Mary Gibbs, were taken by two armed kidnappers. They stormed the small Faraday School in rural Victoria and held the group hostage, demanding a ransom of a cool million dollars. The police launched an intense search while the kidnappers took the victims into the bushland, keeping them captive for several days.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the details of the kidnapping, the resilience of the victims, and the enduring impact this crime has had on its victims.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Sarah's most memorable guests through out the years. Peter Lalor tells the story of 9 year old Lennie Gwyther's 1000km solo horseback ride to see the grand opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.When the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932, anyone who was anyone was part of the celebrations.There were floats and dancers, and a spectacular firework display.Right in the heart of the grand proceedings was the young Lennie Gwyther from country Victoria, and his horse Ginger Mick.The story of Lennie and Ginger, and their long journey to see the opening of the Bridge, captured the imagination of depression-era Australia.This episode of Conversations contains discussion about Australian History, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Great Depression, 20th Century history, Victoria, Leongatha, farming, horse riding, adventure, childhood, family relationships, biography, Sydney, New South Wales, Melbourne, Canberra, ACT, historical figures, Australian political history, Francis de Groot, King George V, The Bridge, writing, research, historian, 

Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Sarah's most memorable guests through out the years. Sue Ellen Kusher's father was an ASIO agent, and she and her siblings were taught to memorise number plates, spot unusual behaviour, and keep the family business secret at all costs.Sue-Ellen's parents were ASIO agents living secretly in the Brisbane suburbs at the height of the Cold War.Their mission was to locate and track Soviet agents, and they enlisted their 3 young children to help.Sue-Ellen was taught to memorise numberplates, stake out buildings, and never ever let anyone else know the truth about her family.During the Melbourne Olympics Sue-Ellen's family secretly hosted the Petrovs, Australia's famous Russian defectors… they spent much of their time together in beer gardens at the Gold Coast until Vladimir Petrov nearly gave them all away.This episode of Conversations contains discussion about spies, secret agents, ASIO, cold war, China, Russia, Canberra, Brisbane, Australian history, Australian politics, world history, 20th Century history, family relationships, siblings, security intelligence, national intelligence, national secrets, secret keeping, defence, national security, diplomatic work, undercover, surveillance, Petrovs, the Petrov affair, ASIO files, spy kids, Olympic Games, Brisbane Olympics, 

A Royal Train carrying Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), derailed near Jarnadup, Western Australia, during his Australian tour. The accident occurred when the rails spread, causing the last two carriages, including the Prince's, to overturn down a low embankment. Remarkably, no one was injured, though the event temporarily trapped the Prince and his entourage in the overturned carriage. This incident, though potentially perilous, endeared the Prince even more to Australians. Known affectionately as the “Digger Prince,” his poise and quick wit during the ordeal reinforced his popularity with the public, already captivated by his tour of the country. The event remains a notable chapter in the history of royal visits to Australia, reflecting both the challenges of travel and the Prince's grace under pressure.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the derailment, the tour, and the wider context of royal visits to Australia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The Riverina summer back in 1974. A time of Gough Whitlam, pub brawls, drugs, guns, and flared jeans.

Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Sarah's most memorable guests through out the years. Brendan James Murray tells the story of the hunt to capture the Australian coastal taipan, and the quest to create the world's first taipan antivenom in his book Venom. Listen here to Sarah's other Conversation with Brendan James MurrayThe story of George Rosendale, a 19-year old from Hopevale North Queensland, became the stuff of legend when he survived being bitten by a coastal taipan.One bite from the snake was usually lethal.Brendan James Murray unearthed George's story when researching a book about snakes.He became fascinated by the near-hysteria surrounding the search for the coastal taipan in northern Australia after WWII. This species had been thought of as a myth by Europeans until 1933, when local Indigenous people led naturalist Donald Thompson to a living specimen. To the Wikmunkan tribe, the snake was known as the Nguman, and it was seen as a part of the landscape, but best avoided. For Europeans, the discovery of a living taipan began a scramble for an anti-venom for the lightning-fast snake with hooded eyes, which could kill with one strike. This episode of Conversations contains discussions about taipans, brown snakes, venom, antivenom, Australian fauna, reptiles, Australian history, poison, poisonous snake, Queensland, hospital, lethal venom, author, biology, medical research, snake bites

Conversations is bringing you a summer treat — a collection of Richard's most memorable guests through out the years. Ross Gittins is one of Australia's most popular newspaper columnists. For five decades, he has explained the inner workings of the Australian economy to readers in plain English through his three weekly columns in the Sydney Morning Herald.Ross Gittins is one of Australia's most popular newspaper columnists.For five decades, Ross has explained the inner workings of the Australian economy to readers in plain English through his three weekly columns in the Sydney Morning Herald.He's often contacted by readers who tell him he's helped them understand interest rates, negative gearing, and other facets of the economy that would have once been privy to only those in power.For Ross, his touchstone is his own early life story.His outlook on life was largely formed by his frugal, hard-working parents, who were Salvation Army officers who lived through the Great Depression.This episode of Conversations contains discussions about family, Australian history, journalism, economics, the depression, Salvation Army, religion, Christianity, politics, finance, writing, newspapers, editors, publishing, mortgages, interest rates, home ownership, investments, income, Australian society, baby boomers, young people, generational wealth, inheritance, negative gearing, flexible work, job market, women at work, employment, workplace, childcare, cost of living, real estate. 

In this final episode of the series we follow Flinders as he attempts his return to England in the hope of acquiring a better ship to more thoroughly complete his valuable explorations around the newly circumnavigated Australian coast. But on the way the Great Barrier Reef gives him one last lesson, and then he makes the mistake of insulting a Frenchman! (68 mins)    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia's past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript will soon be available from the episode webpage - https://www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au/75-bass-flinders-pt6/

In 1949, one of Australia's largest industrial actions took place when coal miners staged a well-planned strike. Beginning in June and lasting nearly seven weeks, the strike involved more than 23,000 workers protesting poor wages and dangerous working conditions in the coal mines. Coal was a critical energy resource post-World War II, and the strike brought industries and households across the nation to a standstill, causing significant economic and social disruption.Join Holly & Matthew as they unearth the tensions, key players, and ramifications of the 1949 Coal Miners' Strike, exploring its profound legacy on Australian industrial relations.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has stood as a beacon of hope for those living in its most remote and unforgiving regions. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the service was born out of the need to provide critical medical care to isolated communities. Initially known as the Aerial Medical Service, it has grown into one of the world's largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations, covering 7.69 million square kilometres.The RFDS's impact is profound, delivering essential healthcare, emergency evacuations, and telehealth consultations to areas that would otherwise lack access. Whether reaching a station deep in the Outback or responding to life-threatening accidents far from conventional hospitals, the RFDS remains a lifeline for countless Australians. Its innovation and adaptability have secured its place as a vital part of the nation's heritage.Join Holly & Matthew as they take to the skies to uncover the history, challenges, and extraordinary feats of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the people who keep it airborne.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has stood as a beacon of hope for those living in its most remote and unforgiving regions. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the service was born out of the need to provide critical medical care to isolated communities. Initially known as the Aerial Medical Service, it has grown into one of the world's largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations, covering 7.69 million square kilometres.The RFDS's impact is profound, delivering essential healthcare, emergency evacuations, and telehealth consultations to areas that would otherwise lack access. Whether reaching a station deep in the Outback or responding to life-threatening accidents far from conventional hospitals, the RFDS remains a lifeline for countless Australians. Its innovation and adaptability have secured its place as a vital part of the nation's heritage.Join Holly & Matthew as they take to the skies to uncover the history, challenges, and extraordinary feats of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the people who keep it airborne.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Reflecting on a year of phenomenal guests, we are bringing you a selection of the Best Conversations of 2024.Anita Heiss is a Wiradjuri woman and a prolific author. Her latest novel, Dirrayawadha, brings together Indigenous and colonial history, as well as Wiradjuri language, into a 19th century love story between an Irish convict and a brave Wiradjuri woman. Anita Heiss is a Wiradjuri woman, an author of many books and a Professor of Communications at The University of Queensland.Many of Anita's books focus on great love stories, and the inspiration for these romances came from the enduring, devoted love she saw between her parents – the very Austrian “Joe-the-carpenter”, and Elsie, a proud Wiradjuri woman.Anita's latest book goes back to the 1800s, bringing to life the brutal frontier wars in Bathurst, when martial law was declared.Her book is called Dirrayawadha - which is a Wiradjuri command meaning 'rise up'. This episode of Conversations contains discussions about authors, novels, romance, adventure, politics, Australian history, Indigenous history, Aboriginal culture, Indigenous languages, academics, universities, parents, childhood, marriage, multiculturalism, racism, Sydney, Bathurst, frontier wars, convicts, first nations, Indigenous Literacy Foundation. 

In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison's ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison's ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison's ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

While the colonisation of Australia through the 19th century and into the 20th was predominantly by those from the British Isles, in South Australia,  many Germans also came to settle and contribute to the founding and consolidation of the area. 

This is the legacy of Rottnest Island, now a popular tourist destination off the coast of Perth - thousands of First Nations men and boys sent to suffer or die on a prison island in horrific circumstances. Descendants of those who were imprisoned there have now come together to commemorate the island's traumatic past and celebrate the resilience of their people. - Остров Роттнест сегодня является популярным туристическим направлением у побережья Перта. Но он также хранит одну из самых мрачных глав в современной истории Австралии, когда тысячи мужчин и мальчиков из числа Коренных народов были отправлены умирать на тюремный остров в ужасных условиях.

Big Philou, an Australian racehorse with promising odds in the Melbourne Cup, became infamous for a scandal that rocked the racing world. Just minutes before the race, Big Philou was scratched due to a sudden illness, later found to be caused by a malicious case of doping. The horse had been a favourite to win, and the last-minute scratching not only cost owners, bettors, and fans but also spurred an investigation into race-fixing and doping within Australian horse racing.Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into the mystery of Big Philou's last-minute Melbourne Cup removal, the aftermath of the scandal, and how it changed the course of Australian racing history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

At 11:50 a.m. on October 15, a 2,000-ton section of the bridge buckled and fell into the Yarra River, along with the workers on site. It remains one of Australia's worst industrial accidents, leaving a profound impact on construction safety standards nationwide.The collapse was caused by a combination of design flaws and construction errors, leading to a Royal Commission investigation. The tragedy transformed workplace safety practices, particularly in high-risk industries, and led to stricter regulations for future projects.Join Matthew & Holly as they look into the causes, both preventable and not, and the consequences of the collapse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

At 11:50 a.m. on October 15, a 2,000-ton section of the bridge buckled and fell into the Yarra River, along with the workers on site. It remains one of Australia's worst industrial accidents, leaving a profound impact on construction safety standards nationwide.The collapse was caused by a combination of design flaws and construction errors, leading to a Royal Commission investigation. The tragedy transformed workplace safety practices, particularly in high-risk industries, and led to stricter regulations for future projects.Join Matthew & Holly as they look into the causes, both preventable and not, and the consequences of the collapse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The hardship, cruelty and loneliness of the mission system during the Great Depression didn't crush Aunty Ruth Hegarty's spirit. She found her voice, God and her family (R)

In an episode about the most infamous series of murders in the history of the state of South Australia, somehow the murders are the least interesting part of the story. The characters in this tale, collectively, are some of the most dysfunctional we've ever covered. No one is even remotely normal, healthy, or well-adjusted in an episode that comes across like an advertisement for why you should never, ever, ever visit the suburbs north of Adelaide. Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89vWant to join the Cult of the Curious PrivateFacebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :)For all merch-related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste)Please rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcastWanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcast.Sign up through Patreon, and for $5 a month, you get access to the entire Secret Suck catalog (295 episodes) PLUS the entire catalog of Timesuck, AD FREE. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch. And you get the download link for my secret standup album, Feel the Heat.