Podcasts about australian history

For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright.Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners.Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe.Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Philip Clark and listeners to Nightlife are joined by Michael Adams, Creator and Host of the Forgotten Australia podcast to peer into the cockpit that night, and discover the dramatic ending.

Writer Anita Heiss has based her novel  Dirrayawadha on stories from the 1800s during the frontier wars in Bathurst, when martial law was declared.

For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe.Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia's most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations.As police worked to piece together Jaidyn's final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia's most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations.As police worked to piece together Jaidyn's final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1921, the quiet New South Wales town of Guyra became the centre of one of Australia's strangest paranormal cases. Rocks rained from empty rooms, objects moved on their own, furniture overturned, and terrified witnesses claimed unseen forces were haunting a local farmhouse.What began as a family disturbance quickly drew neighbours, police, reporters, and sceptics from across the country. Some believed it was a genuine haunting. Others suspected a hoax. But even after investigations, the mystery of the Guyra Poltergeist refused to disappear.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1971, Adelaide woke to a bizarre sight: an FJ Holden hanging from a pedestrian footbridge above North Terrace outside the University of Adelaide. The stunt became an instant legend, baffling authorities and sparking a mystery that lingered for decades.Part prank, part engineering feat, and entirely Australian, the hanging Holden captured the larrikin spirit of university Prosh Week culture at its peak. But who actually pulled it off? And how did they manage to suspend an entire car over one of Adelaide's busiest streets without anyone stopping them?Join Holly & Matthew as they look through the history of pranks in Australian university life - and why they went away.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Sam Worthington from Stan Sport and nine.com.au joined Brett McKay on the AUS Rugby scene this week, as things start getting serious with Super Rugby Pacific reaching the knockout stage, starting with this weekend's Qualifying Finals. The Australian record in New Zealand in finals matches is well known, but what better time for a bit of history? The QFs start with the Hurricanes-ACT Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night, before the Crusaders host the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Chiefs-Queensland Reds in Hamilton that evening. #rugbypodcast #89Rugby #SuperRugbyPacific Find us on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you get your podcasts Social media: search for ‘8/9 Rugby' on Twitter, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and on Instagram, too And please do check out and subscribe to 8/9 Rugby on Substack: https://89rugby.substack.com/ Find Brett on both Twitter and on BlueSky: @BMcSport Music: "Up Above" by Letter Box (via YouTube Creator Studio) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Rolf Harris — from his beginnings in Perth during the Great Depression to becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in Britain and across the Commonwealth.Join Holly and Matthew as they follow Harris through the early days of television, novelty music, children's entertainment, painting, the wobble board, and the strange cultural landscape of post-war Britain, examining how an Australian performer became a trusted household figure for generations of audiences.But alongside that public image ran a much darker story.This episode also examines the allegations, convictions, and testimonies that emerged later in Harris's life, including the broader context of Britain's entertainment industry, Operation Yewtree, and the culture that allowed powerful figures to avoid scrutiny for decades.This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Welcome to the start of Year 9!!!!!In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Rolf Harris — from his beginnings in Perth during the Great Depression to becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in Britain and across the Commonwealth.Join Holly and Matthew as they follow Harris through the early days of television, novelty music, children's entertainment, painting, the wobble board, and the strange cultural landscape of post-war Britain, examining how an Australian performer became a trusted household figure for generations of audiences.But alongside that public image ran a much darker story.This episode also examines the allegations, convictions, and testimonies that emerged later in Harris's life, including the broader context of Britain's entertainment industry, Operation Yewtree, and the culture that allowed powerful figures to avoid scrutiny for decades.This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation.Music Clips Used:The Purple People Eater — performed by Sheb WooleyItsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini — performed by Brian HylandOctopus's Garden — performed by The BeatlesYellow Submarine — performed by The BeatlesTie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport — performed by Rolf HarrisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Based on the result of the by-election in Farrer, Dom and Charles believe that what we have witnessed is a pivotal moment in Australian history. What does a One Nation win mean for Labor? Will the Nats still get donations from Gina Rinehart? And are the Liberals now a minor party? Listen and find out. ---Listen AD FREE: https://thechaserreport.supercast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: @chaserwarSpam Dom's socials: @dom_knightSend Charles voicemails: @charlesfirthEmail us: podcast@chaser.com.auChaser CEO's Super-yacht upgrade Fund: https://chaser.com.au/support/ Send complaints to: mediawatch@abc.net.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the morning of October 14, 1968, the small Western Australian town of Meckering was torn apart by one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Australia.Roads split open, railway lines twisted, buildings collapsed, and a fault line ripped visibly through the landscape — leaving behind destruction that stunned the nation. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the events of the Meckering earthquake, the science behind it, and the aftermath for the people who lived through it. From the first violent tremors to the massive recovery effort, this is the story of the day Australia was reminded that even this ancient continent can move with terrifying force.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

ONE NATION WINS FARRER THE MOST IMPORTANT BY-ELECTION IN AUSTRALIAN HISTORY? COMMANDING THE NARRATIVE EPISODE 135Steven Tripp is joined the political animals, Sam Buono and Richard Storch, to provide a full analysis of One Nation's unprecedented victory in the Farrer by-election. The trio dissect the results and ponder how One Nation's vote increased by over 30% since the Federal election only last year. They also discuss the collapse of the Coalition and whether this signals the end of the Liberal Party. They also analyse where Labor's vote went and whether the Albanese Government has anything to worry about in their working class heartlands, just as we have seen Reform UK do to UK's Labour Party. They also comment on the personalities involved, including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, Angus Taylor and Anthony Albanese and whether newly elected David Farley will remain under the One Nation banner. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT for Commanding the Narrative by donating – your support is much appreciated! https://www.commandingthenarrative.com/donate https://www.buymeacoffee.com/commandingthenarrative KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL OUR PODCASTS AND ARTICLES, visit:https://www.commandingthenarrative.com To become a Member of Australians for Better Government, visit: https://www.australiansforbetter.com/joinCONTACT US BY EMAIL:admin@commandingthenarrative.com Hosted by:Steven Tripp is one of Australia's most prominent politicians and political commentators, known for his incisive analysis and fearless approach to addressing the Nation's challenges. With a deep understanding of policy and a reputation for sparking meaningful debate, Steven guides conversations with his signature clarity and passion for Australia's future.Steven is the President of Australians for Better Government, Vice-President of Let's Rethink Renewables and a National Committee Member of the Campaign for an Independent Britain (CIBUK). https://x.com/RealStevenTripp https://www.facebook.com/theRealStevenTripp https://spectator.com.au/author/steven-tripp Follow Commanding the Narrative on: Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CommandingTheNarrative Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GIXhHBogM1McL5EPGP3DT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CommandingTheNarrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commandingthenarrative X: https://x.com/commandthenarra YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@commandingthenarrative Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/commandingthenarrative Truth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@ExCandidates Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/commanding-the-narrative/id1631685864 Share this conversation and spread the word about Commanding the Narrative!

Hidden in the hills near Gympie, Queensland, sits a structure that has sparked decades of debate: the Gympie Pyramid. To some, it's evidence of an ancient civilisation or Egyptian contact with Australia. To others, it's nothing more than a terraced hillside built by early European settlers.In this episode, Holly and Matthew dig into the claims, the history, and the investigations surrounding the site. Where did the pyramid theory come from? What evidence has been presented — and what holds up under scrutiny? It's a story where archaeology, speculation, and local legend collide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Headlines here II - A teenage boy in Adelaide has become the first person to be charged under laws introduced in 2024 that criminalise the creation of deepfake pornography. - NSW Minn's Anti Protest Laws bite the dust.- The commissioner for indigenous children has condemned the unreasonable use of force by an off-duty police officer on a 13 year old girl. - Middle Eastern update- Sudan update- Viva Oil Refinery Fire Corio - call for a review of Viva by Friends of the EarthVigil 4 Lebanon here II Vigil for Lebanon Sydney 15th April - Recorded by Vivian Langford 3cr Climate Action Show Monday 5pm.Henry Reynolds Reframing Australian History here II Historian Henry Reynolds joins us to talk about Australian History: Reframing the past, realising the future. Catch the Sorrento Writers' Festival Session featuring Rachel Perkins and Henry Reynolds with Santilla Chingaipe Friday 24th AprilThis is the Week here II Kevin Healy dices the week with satire.Vic Govt Slashing Environment Protection here II   We speak with Jordan Crook from the Victorian National Parks Association about the Victorian Government's gutting of key nature institutions. 

Wait... They Did What!? is the question you'll be asking after travelling back through modern history with comedian Tilly Oddy-Black.  We'll unearth the weird, wild and outright scandalous stuff people did in the olden days... like letting kids buy fireworks, banning bikinis on the beach, putting blood-sucking leeches on sick people, and riding in cars without seatbelts. It's the podcast that will make you feel just a little bit smarter than your parents and grandparents. New episodes out every Monday on the Kids tab of ABC listen. 

Tony Abbott served as Australia's 28th Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015. He is a Rhodes Scholar and among the most polarising and consequential figures in modern Australian political history. Rather than writing a series of memoirs detailing the turbulent years before, during and after his leadership of Australia, he instead, wanted to re-introduce a pride for Australia's history which he is afraid 'the black armband view of history' has erased. Tony makes the case that Australians have far more to be proud of than ashamed.His book is called 'Australia: A History' and tells the story of a not so long ago Australia. The evolution of Australia post 1788. Tony's speculated origins for Australia's egalitarianism. How settlers and convicts ending up working together  to create the institutions that endure through till today. And all the meanwhile, not ignoring the devastating consequences the English expansion into Australia had to the indigenous Australian's who were here as long as 60,000 years before. This interview would be good to listen to alongside my interview with Robyn Davidson. They aren't two different idea's of history, but rather two differently sympathetic perspectives on an Australia both have travelled widely and thoughtfully. Link's To Tony AbbottAustralia: A HistoryThis is a summary of what was covered in the interview today. [00:00] — The Black Armband view of history? Abbott defines the term and stakes out his "glass half full" position on Australian history.[01:50] — Ryan pushes back: did Abbott downplay frontier conflict? [03:59] — The Myall Creek Massacre, the legal scandal of the first acquittal, the fury it sparked, and the eventual hanging of seven perpetrators.[06:03] — How short Australian post-1788 history actually is. [08:35] — Peter Thiel's stagnation thesis [12:08] — What evidence does Abbott see of Australians being ashamed of their history? [15:09] — Ryan offers a different read: most Australians are curious about history, not ashamed of it.[18:43] — Why isn't Australian history dramatised more on screen? [20:19] — Finding Nemo point: great fiction drives engagement more than philanthropy or think tanks. [21:04] — Mark Twain visited Australia and described Sydney as "an English city with American energy." Abbott loves the line.[24:47] — The convict origins of Australian egalitarianism. [27:26] — What made the early governors enforce the rule of law rather than create their own tyranny? [31:56] — Overrated / Underrated (Tyler Cowen's question). [35:05] — Indonesia. Why don't we have deeper cultural ties with a neighbour of 300 million? [39:13] — Serendipity vs. Providence. Podcast Starter PacksInvestigative JournalistsOffshore Finance/Kleptocracy & Money LaunderingGeopolitics/Economics/Economic DevelopmentExplorers & AdventurersLeave a review on Apple or Spotify (nothing does more to help grow the show)

If you grew up with Dolly magazine, woke up with Today, or unwound with The Project, Lisa Wilkinson has likely been the voice in the room for most of your life. After one of the most turbulent chapters of her career and a high-profile legal battle, Lisa has stepped away from the cameras to uncover a story lost to time. We’re sitting down with the media veteran to discuss her new book, The Titanic Story of Evelyn, which follows the extraordinary life of Evelyn Marsden; the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic. Lisa reveals how she pieced together this '10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle' to tell a tale of heroism through a female lens. Plus, Lisa opens up about her 'new chapter' after television, the reality of 'rowing against the tide' in the Australian media landscape, and whether she’s got another big story under her hat. You can order your copy of The Titanic Story of Evelyn here

130 years ago Edwin Flack won Australia's first Olympic gold medal 

In 1973, a global oil shock reached Australian shores and changed everyday life almost overnight. Fuel shortages, price spikes, and uncertainty rippled through the country, forcing governments and communities to rethink how they used energy.In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore how the oil crisis played out in Australia — from petrol rationing and changing driving habits to the political decisions that shaped the nation's response. What began as an overseas conflict quickly became a local disruption, exposing just how dependent Australia had become on global supply.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

If you could press play on Australia, what would you hear? This week, the National Film and Sound Archive has added nine more iconic sounds to its permanent collection, and they range from the deeply moving to the flat-out hilarious. We’re unpacking the 2026 inductees, including the viral 'succulent Chinese meal' arrest, Missy Higgins’ breakout hit ‘Scar’, and the pedestrian crossing 'beep' that ended up in a Billie Eilish song. Plus, we look back at the powerful 2015 Australian of the Year speech by Rosie Batty and the jingle that ensured no Aussie would ever forget the number 1300 655 506. Claire Murphy joins us to travel through the sonic history of the country and find out what really makes a sound 'quintessentially Australian'.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla.In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear.This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia.---Sources used this episode (in appearance order): A Current Affair Staff. (2022, December). Grieving widow remembers hero neighbour husband killed in cop shooting. A Current Affair. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/wieambilla-shooting-grieving-widow-heartbroken-by-treatment-of-husband-s-body-after-police-shooting/9484a2f5-2b10-4fe6-bcc6-d0e410756e76Read, C. (2023, January 22). “Mum didn't like guns”: Police killers' daughter says her parents were gentle. Brisbane Times. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/mum-didn-t-like-guns-cop-killers-daughter-says-her-parents-were-gentle-20230122-p5cell.html   Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight “like World War III”. The Chronicle. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7  Chamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., Scott, S., Nolan, M., Philp, J., Devon, E., & Morri, M. (2022, December 17). Qld police shooting: Local cops formed extraction team to save colleagues. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-local-cops-formed-extraction-team-to-save-colleague/news-story/bff3da3bcc6bfa446f9e6ea583f191b1  Brennan, A. (2022, December 14). Cold-blooded cop killers' twisted final act after shooting police officers dead. News.com.au. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/final-act-of-train-trio-who-executed-police-in-wieambilla-qld-siege/news-story/042ba4f3b07e94ff1c5ffe90f83c49fb  Sutton, C. (2022, December 15). Our daring dozen. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11536289/Wieambilla-police-shooting-cops-saved-officer-siege-braved-kill-zones-booby-traps.html  Silk. (2022, December 16). “We killed them”: Chilling video emerges of boasting cop killers. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/we-killed-them-chilling-video-emerges-of-boasting-cop-killers/news-story/a0fcf8635f50851ea14b6b2173cd53b1  Gillespie, E. (2022, December 21). Queensland shooting sparking “false flag” conspiracy theories, experts warn. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/21/conspiracists-create-theories-to-avoid-uncomfortable-truth-about-queensland-shooting-expert-says  AAP. (2022, December 14). Ambushed police thankful to survive attack. Canberra Daily. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://canberradaily.com.au/ambushed-police-thankful-to-survive-attack/  Coroners Court of Queensland. (2025, November 25). Findings of inquest into the deaths at Wieambilla. https://www.coronerscourt.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/888627/Findings-of-inquest-into-the-deaths-at-Wieambilla-Redacted-25.11.2025.pdf  Kruk, C., Read, C., & Atfield, C. (2025, December 5). Wieambilla families launch damages claim against Qld, NSW police. Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/wieambilla-families-launch-damages-claim-against-qld-nsw-police-20251205-p5nl3y.html   6 News Australia. (2022, December 13). Breaking: Anthony Albanese speaks after 6 were killed in Queensland shooting [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://youtu.be/gfjCkH_yxD0  Hitch, G. (2022, December 15). Peter Dutton becomes emotional during condolence motion for Queensland police officers killed in shooting. ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/peter-dutton-emotional-condolence-queensland-police-shooting/101776036  Gillespie, E. (2026, February 13). US man linked to Wieambilla shooting sentenced to three years' prison. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-13/donald-day-wieambilla-shooting-sentence/106342394Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Yongala, a much-admired coastal passenger and cargo vessel of the Adelaide Steamship Co. set off from Mackay for Townsville, just as reports of massive cyclone approaching the coast were being received. 

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla.In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear.This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia.---Sources used this episode (in appearance order): Hinchcliffe, J. (2022, December 16). Wieambilla shooting: Stacey Train had limited contact with family after entering ‘controlling' relationship with brother-in-law. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/wieambilla-shooting-stacey-train-had-limited-contact-with-family-after-entering-controlling-relationship-with-brother-in-lawDaily Mail Staff. (2022, December 15). Tracing the Trains. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-11540187/TRACING-TRAINS.htmlCallinan, R., Andre, J., & Stone, L. (2022, December 15). Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train carried out a deadly police shooting. Their twisted backstory is revealed. ABC News. Retrieved january 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/qld-police-shooting-offenders-nathaniel-gareth-stacey-train/101766720Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight 'like World War III.'. The Chronicle. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7Smee, B., & Bucci, N. (2022, December 15). God and guns: the strict religious upbringing of the Wieambilla shooters. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/14/god-and-guns-the-strict-religious-upbringing-of-the-wieambilla-shootersMeacham, S., & Walsh, S. (2023, January 22). 'Fear of the unknown' led to Queensland cop slayings, daughter claims. 9 News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-massacre-wieambilla-daughter-madelyn-train-interview-part-one/8e86f5f0-bd2c-4e32-b370Train, G. (2020, November 24). Dodgy Tasmania Police Still Covering Up Port Arthur Scam. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org: https://cairnsnews.org/2019/11/09/dodgy-tasmania-police-still-covering-up-port-arthur-scam/#comment-119937Train, G. (2020, October 18). Why the Rats are Abandoning Ship. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CIR Now: https://cirnow.com.au/why-the-rats-are-abandoning-ship/#comment-13295Train, G. (2021, May 26). Channel Seven clearly being managed by Deep State after unbelievable Port Arthur segment. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org:Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Historian and author Alan Atkinson has dug into the previously unrecognised life and achievements of Penelope Lucas in a new biography and joins Philip Clark with more.

For years, a calm, calculating predator stalked the suburbs of Melbourne, leaving behind almost no evidence — only terrified families and a growing legend known as "Mr. Cruel." Decades later, his crimes remain unsolved, and the questions surrounding Karmein Chan's murder still haunt Australia. This week on Timesuck, we examine one of the most chilling unidentified offenders in Australian history. Is he still out there? Or did he die after being arrested for other, similar crimes?  Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com  Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89v Want 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/timesuckpodcast Wanna 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla.In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear.This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia.---Sources used this episode (in appearance order): Smee, B., & Bucci, N. (2022, December 15). God and guns: the strict religious upbringing of the Wieambilla shooters. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/14/god-and-guns-the-strict-religious-upbringing-of-the-wieambilla-shootersChamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., & Scott, S. (2022, December 14). Three shot dead by police after two officers, member of public killed in ambush. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/police-shooting-officers-unaccounted-for-after-coming-under-attack/news-story/351e6044ef2050891d4cfefa48005443Baker, J. (2022, December 14). Missing persons report sparked ‘vicious' fury from killer brother. Brisbane Times. Retrieved Januray 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/missing-persons-report-sparked-vicious-fury-from-killer-brother-20221214-p5c6ey.htmlCallinan, R., & Stone, L. (2022, December 17). Police shooter Nathaniel Train breached Queensland border in a car carrying weapons months after school resignation. ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-17/qld-police-shooting-nathaniel-train-rammed-border-dumped-guns/101783696Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla.In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear.This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia.---To celebrate episode 400, stick around after the show for a Q&A with Holly & Matthew, featuring questions from you, our listeners!Sources used this episode (in appearance order): Clarke, H. (2022, December 12). The deep grief felt by Rachel McCrow's former partner. Country Caller. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://countrycaller.com.au/2022/12/15/the-deep-grief-felt-by-rachel-mccrows-former-partner/Sutton, C. (2022, December 15). Wieambilla shooting: Constable Matthew Arnold's girlfriend Arli shares final texts. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11537317/Wieambilla-shooting-Constable-Matthew-Arnolds-girlfriend-Arli-shares-final-texts.htmlRead, C. (2023, January 29). Police killers' daughter tells of phone call hours before parents started shooting. Brisbane Times. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/police-killers-daughter-tells-of-phone-call-hours-before-parents-started-shooting-20230123-p5ceu0.htmlIssa, A. (2022, December 22). Nathaniel Train had warrant for his arrest. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/22/afternoon-update-nathaniel-train-had-warrant-for-his-arrest-teens-unwanted-sex-and-low-quality-apartments-selling-for-a-lossNathaniel Train had warrant out for his arrest at time of Wieambilla shootings, police reveal. (2022, December 22). The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/22/nathaniel-train-had-warrant-out-for-his-arrest-at-time-of-wieambilla-shootings-police-revealGreen, E. (2022, December 15). Father of cop killers Nathaniel and Gareth Train breaks silence. Couorier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/father-of-wieambilla-cop-shooters-nathaniel-and-gavin-train-speaks-out/news-story/0c13540084d0e4502ea80fb6259b9d9bMcMillan, A. (2022, December 13). Rookie officer hid in burning grass, sent goodbye texts to her family. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.smh.com.au/national/slipping-through-the-killers-sights-a-rookie-cop-hid-in-burning-grass-and-sent-goodbye-texts-to-her-family-20221213-p5c5vv.htmlChamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., Scott, S., Nolan, M., Philp, J., Devon, E., & Morri, M. (2022, December 17). Qld police shooting: Local cops formed extraction team to save colleagues. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-local-cops-formed-extraction-team-to-save-colleague/news-story/bff3da3bcc6bfa446f9e6ea583f191b1.Scott, S. (2022, December 16). Qld police shooting: Alan Dare's wife recounts last conversation. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-alan-dares-wife-recounts-last-conversation/Nolan, M., & Burley, M. (2022, December 18). Mates are raising money for Alan Dare's partner after he was shot and killed at Wieambilla. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/toowoomba/mates-are-raising-money-for-alan-dares-partner-after-he-was-shot-and-killed-at-wieambilla/news-story/fb4c6301a7dcb8ec5874c7ea7e53cbbbTassell, D. (2022, December 17). Family of Wieambilla shooting victim Alan Dare say he deserved better on Monday night. 7News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://7news.com.au/news/qld/family-of-wieambilla-shooting-victim-alan-dare-say-he-deserved-better-on-monday-night-c-9160991Coroners Court of Queensland. (2025, November 25). Findings of inquest into the deaths at Wieambilla. https://www.coronerscourt.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/888627/Findings-of-inquest-into-the-deaths-at-Wieambilla-Redacted-25.11.2025.pdfWu, D. (2022, December 16). Devastated wife of Alan Dare reveals final words he uttered before he was killed while rushing to investigate sound of gunfire. Sky News. Retrieved January 29, 225, from https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/devastated-wife-of-alan-dare-reveals-final-words-he-uttered-before-he-was-killed-while-rushing-to-investigate-sound-of-gunfire/news-story/b9ac0d0819b4982610b653217b19797aBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Send a textIn this episode Charles & Lyn share their feelings about the decision by the Australian Human Rights Commission's decision to deny an inquiry into how tens of thousands of Australians impacted by tainted blood transfusions and tainted blood treatments could end up being abandoned.  Show links. Former Labor Health minister Neal Blewett says evidence that he is bisexual or gay is “scuttlebutt”  https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ddd792_2e7e1e141f4e41549717a2e224bc3544~mv2.jpgStatement by Charles MacKenzie to Infected Blood Inquiry (final 5 pages feature my appeal on behalf of Australia to inquiry chair) https://www.infectedbloodinquiry.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-12-16%20WS/2021-12-16%20WS/WITN3939001%20-%20Written%20statement%20of%20Charles%20Mackenzie%20-%2015%20May%202020.pdfTimeline of discrimination by tax payer funded Hepatitis C groups against tainted blood victims. https://ddd792de-b24d-47fe-8177-91b7438b0894.usrfiles.com/ugd/ddd792_4ac055e13e0e43df9787d08f8f345c8f.pdfPurchase a Make Accountability Happen Again cap here https://joinhighadventure.com.au/patriot-cap/Support the petition for a Royal Commission of inquiry into the Australian Red Cross/CSL Infected Blood Scandal here https://www.infectedbloodaustralia.com/registration

Between Morwell and Traralgon in Victoria's Latrobe Valley lies a stretch of road with a reputation that refuses to fade. Known locally as Haunted Hills, this unassuming patch of bushland has generated decades of whispered stories — strange lights drifting through the trees, shadowy figures on the roadside, unexplained cold spots, and the unnerving sense that something is watching from the dark.In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the origins of the legend, the reported sightings, and the possible explanations behind them. Are the stories tied to tragic accidents, natural phenomena, or something more sinister?**One more episode to 400!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, Australia treated video games differently.Titles were banned. Content was refused classification. Games were edited, delayed, or never released at all. For years, we didn't even have an R18+ category for games — meaning adult players were restricted by a system built for something else entirely.In this episode, we trace the history of video game censorship in Australia — from early classification battles to moral panics, high-profile bans, and the eventual fight for an R rating. What was actually being censored? Who decided? And why were games singled out?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

He was Australia's most infamous bushranger - a working-class rebel to some, a violent murderer to others. This week on Timesuck, we dive into the brutal, myth-soaked life of Ned Kelly, his war with the police, and the armored showdown that sealed his place in history.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn't watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world.Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn't watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world.Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn't watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world.Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

A groundbreaking Australian play has come to New York for a few weeks. It's called "The Visitors," and it tells an important piece of Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective. A council of tribal leaders is called in when a fleet of ships appears in what is now Sydney Harbor in 1788. “The Visitors” is written by an Aboriginal playwright, and the cast and crew are also Aboriginal. Jeff Lunden reports from New York City. The post New play reimagines Australian history from Aboriginal viewpoint appeared first on The World from PRX.

Are you into trivia? Calling all connoisseurs of the cryptic to the only quiz played live, all around Australia. Join the host of Nightlife Philip Clark for The Mighty Challenge!   

In the late 1970s, a string of disappearances around Adelaide quietly escalated into one of South Australia's most disturbing serial crime cases. Young women vanished after accepting lifts, their movements barely noticed until the pattern became impossible to ignore. What followed would expose a trail of violence, manipulation, and institutional blind spots that still haunt the case today.Join Holly & Matthew as they unravel the timeline of the Truro Murders — the victims, the offenders, the police investigation, and the failures that allowed the crimes to continue for so long. They examine how early warning signs were missed, how survivor testimony reshaped the case, and why this remains one of the most confronting chapters in Australian true crime.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the late 1970s, a string of disappearances around Adelaide quietly escalated into one of South Australia's most disturbing serial crime cases. Young women vanished after accepting lifts, their movements barely noticed until the pattern became impossible to ignore. What followed would expose a trail of violence, manipulation, and institutional blind spots that still haunt the case today.Join Holly & Matthew as they unravel the timeline of the Truro Murders — the victims, the offenders, the police investigation, and the failures that allowed the crimes to continue for so long. They examine how early warning signs were missed, how survivor testimony reshaped the case, and why this remains one of the most confronting chapters in Australian true crime.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Long before the animated adaptation unsettled generations of children, Dot and the Kangaroo began life as an 1898 children's book by Ethel C. Pedley — a purely Australian story that reflects how we once taught our youngest readers about nature, danger, and survival Down Under.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the beginnings of Australian identity, the birth of a franchise, and one of the only surviving examples of an extinct animation style — all while riding through the bush on the back of a kangaroo.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the mid-1860s, the goldfields and bush tracks of New South Wales were ruled by one of Australia's most notorious outlaw groups: the Ben Hall Gang. Led by the charismatic and deeply divisive Ben Hall, the gang carried out a daring string of robberies that humiliated police, terrified settlers, and turned bushranging into front-page news. But this was no romantic Robin Hood tale. As pressure mounted and the government introduced brutal new laws to crush the outlaws, the violence escalated. Betrayals followed, loyalties fractured, and the line between legend and reality blurred beyond recognition.In this episode, we trace the rise and fall of the Ben Hall Gang — the robberies, the manhunts, the myths, and the bloody end that cemented their place in Australian history. It's a story of mateship, desperation, and a colony determined to make an example of its most famous criminals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Michael Adams, Creator and Host of the Forgotten Australia podcast reveals another epic slice of Australian history, with Philip Clark and listeners to Nightlife. 

In the mid-1860s, the goldfields and bush tracks of New South Wales were ruled by one of Australia's most notorious outlaw groups: the Ben Hall Gang. Led by the charismatic and deeply divisive Ben Hall, the gang carried out a daring string of robberies that humiliated police, terrified settlers, and turned bushranging into front-page news. But this was no romantic Robin Hood tale. As pressure mounted and the government introduced brutal new laws to crush the outlaws, the violence escalated. Betrayals followed, loyalties fractured, and the line between legend and reality blurred beyond recognition.In this episode, we trace the rise and fall of the Ben Hall Gang — the robberies, the manhunts, the myths, and the bloody end that cemented their place in Australian history. It's a story of mateship, desperation, and a colony determined to make an example of its most famous criminals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In January 2000, a car was found at the bottom of an embankment in Heathcote National Park. Inside were Bill and Pam Weightman — a respectable south-west Sydney couple, seemingly the victims of a tragic late-night accident. Police found no skid marks. No witnesses. No sign of another vehicle. Within hours, the case was closed.But nothing about the scene truly added up. Why were two cautious, routine-driven people out so late? Why did their injuries raise quiet questions no one followed up? And how did a forensic report — later revealed to contain a startling error — help bury the truth for four long years?In this episode, join Holly & Matthew as they examine the threads of a case that looked simple… until you examine the facts. It's a story of suspicion, persistence, broken systems, and the unsettling realisation that sometimes the most ordinary tragedies aren't what they seem.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Tens of thousands of 'van lifers' and 'grey nomads' drive around Australia each year. But the iconic road trip has a surprising origin story involving a pair of missionaries, a retired butcher and a gun-slinging mother-daughter duo.David Riley is a pastor and father who was on a lap around Australia with his wife and three children when he heard about the surprising origin story of this great road trip.In 1925, two young men set off from Perth to Darwin in a tiny French car nicknamed 'Bubsie'.They were running an errand for their Church – instructed to set up a Seventh-Day Adventist Missionary outpost in the Northern Territory, then to turn around and come back home.Nevill Westwood and Greg Davies battled flat tires, evil cows, losing their way, leaky fuel tanks, dangerous river crossings and a falling out along the way.With the help of First Nations people and station owners they met along the way, they made it to Darwin.But when they got to Darwin, they just kept going, entering into a race with a retired butcher and a gun-slinging mother-daughter duo to become the first vehicle to circumnavigate Australia.For David, researching and writing the story down became a powerful way to preserve the memories of his own family's lap around Australia, after receiving terrible news.Bubsie and The Boys: The First Journey Around Australia by Car is published by SIGNS.Early next year, Bubsie's sister car, a 102-year-old Citroën, will drive around Australia for the 100th anniversary of the original journey. The trip will be raising money for Canteen and Brain Child. Information about the trip will be online early next year.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris, executive producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores travel, road trips, Australian history, modern history, motoring history, great global road trips, grey nomads, caravanning, van life, historical records, religion, church, cancer, losing a daughter, brain cancer, grief, driving, driving Western Australia, madman's track, white history, black history.

In 1941, amid the blistering sands of North Africa, a band of Australian soldiers earned one of the most enduring nicknames in military history — The Rats of Tobruk. Besieged by German and Italian forces, these men held the Libyan port town of Tobruk for eight gruelling months, defying the odds, the desert, and the propaganda of the Axis powers.What began as an insult from Nazi radio became a badge of honour. The Australians dug in — literally — carving homes and defenses from the desert rock while withstanding relentless shelling and attacks. Their courage, defiance, and larrikin spirit turned Tobruk into a symbol of Australian resilience under fire.In this episode, we dig into the siege that defined a generation, the humour that kept the Rats going, and the legacy that cemented their place as one of the fiercest fighting forces of the Second World War.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1941, amid the blistering sands of North Africa, a band of Australian soldiers earned one of the most enduring nicknames in military history — The Rats of Tobruk. Besieged by German and Italian forces, these men held the Libyan port town of Tobruk for eight gruelling months, defying the odds, the desert, and the propaganda of the Axis powers.What began as an insult from Nazi radio became a badge of honour. The Australians dug in — literally — carving homes and defenses from the desert rock while withstanding relentless shelling and attacks. Their courage, defiance, and larrikin spirit turned Tobruk into a symbol of Australian resilience under fire.In this episode, we dig into the siege that defined a generation, the humour that kept the Rats going, and the legacy that cemented their place as one of the fiercest fighting forces of the Second World War.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.