Weird Crap in Australia

Weird Crap in Australia

Welcome to "Weird Crap in Australia," a podcast hosted by Holly and Matthew, a husband and wife team with a passion for all things strange and unusual in the land down under. Each episode, Holly, a trained historian, and Matthew, a pop-culture enthusiast, dive into the weird and wacky aspects of Australian history and society. From the colonial era to the present day, they explore topics such as aliens, monsters, ghosts, and true crime, uncovering the stories and legends that have fascinated Australians for generations. As a social historian, Holly provides a unique perspective on the cultural significance of these strange phenomena, while Matthew brings his expertise in pop-culture to the table, offering insights into how these stories have been portrayed in movies, TV shows, and other media. With a mix of humor and insight, "Weird Crap in Australia" is the perfect podcast for anyone who loves to explore the oddities and quirks of our world. Join Holly and Matthew as they take you on a journey through the strange and wonderful world of Australia's weirdest stories. *** Did you know a full firefight between MPs and soldiers took place in Central Station (Sydney) in February 1916, and you can still find the bullet holes in the pillars? Did you know that one of Australia’s convict ships was waylaid by Americans during the aftermath of the American Revolution in 1815? Did you know we have a dinosaur called Qantassaurus, and that most Australian fossil expeditions of the 1970s and 1980s were sponsored by corporations, rather than the government? Did you know that the majority of the miners that took part in the Eureka Stockade of 1854 were Chinese, African-American, or from other ‘minority’ groups? And that the Victorian Gold Rush is where Australia learned to love Chinese food? There’s a lot of history when it comes to this country - even just in the last 200 years - and very little of it is taught in our school systems. We feel that, in order to preserve the past, we have to get it out there into the minds of the present, and hopefully apply those lessons to the future. If you agree, we'd love you to join us. New episodes release 12pm AEDST/AEST every Monday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Episodes

April 22, 2024 59 mins
On August 5, 1944, the Cowra breakout marked a significant event in Australian military history. Over 1,100 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the prisoner of war camp in Cowra, New South Wales, resulting in the largest prison break in Australian history. The breakout led to a violent confrontation between the prisoners and Australian guards, resulting in the deaths of 231 Japanese prisoners and four Australian sold...
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What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?

The Cowra Breakout. 

The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political...
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What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?

The Cowra Breakout. 

The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political...
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The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia, isn't just a landmark—it's a hub for agri-tourism. Standing tall at sixteen meters, it represents the region's pineapple industry, offering educational tours and entertainment. Through farmer's markets and festivals, it promotes agrarian experiences, enriching visitors' understanding of rural life. Seamlessly blending entertainment with education, the Big Pineapple sustains cultural signi...
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March 25, 2024 59 mins
The "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign launched in November 2012 by Metro Trains in Melbourne, and by the end of next year, it cemented itself as a legendary advertising campaign. Its viral success not only promoted railway safety, but also earned international acclaim for its creative approach, becoming an iconic example of effective public service announcements and a billion parodies.

Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into its viral...
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The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practic...
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The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practic...
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Join Holly & Matthew for our traditional 100-episode celebration! This round, we're publishing an interview previously only seen on Patreon, and answering fan questions!

Thanks for all your support, guys, we love you all!

Head over to this episode of the Dingo Ate My Movie podcast to hear Matthew reminisce about the Australian cult classic, Stone.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-...
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Discover the tale of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, and Sam Sawnoff as they guard their magical dessert against the devious schemes of Possum and Wombat. Explore the themes of friendship and greed in this beloved Australian classic. Get ready for a delightful journey filled with laughter, adventure, and a pudding that's more than meets the eye!


In this episode, join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the whimsical world of "The ...
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In 1996, a crime rocked Australia when a mother, brother, and sister were brutally murdered in their New South Wales home.


As investigators delved into the case, suspicions mounted, but the perpetrator remained elusive. Despite attempts to mask the crime as a robbery gone wrong, clues began to unravel the mystery. Strained family dynamics and a cheating husband emerged as potential motives, casting shadows of doubt over the true cul...
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February 12, 2024 47 mins
Throughout his criminal career, Donahue and his gang targeted stagecoaches and travelers, using the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to their advantage. Unlike other bushrangers, however, Donahue's group stole more than just valuables - they weren't called the Strippers for nothing.


As his exploits grew in infamy, Donahue became a folk hero to some and a menace to others. His ability to outwit law enforcement and continue hi...
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**Child friendly listening!**

First, there was Dora the Explorer. Then there was Pepper Pig.

Now, there is Bluey.

Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into world of the Blue Heeler, celebrating the pup's universal appeal and Australian attitude. Explore the show's unique storytelling, blending humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons with their distinct Brisbane-ness.

Join Holly & Matthew as they discover how Bluey transcends gen...
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James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and gl...
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James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and gl...
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James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and gl...
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Wittenoom emerged as a bustling mining hub in the 1930s, extracting lucrative blue asbestos from the surrounding rock. By 1947, it dominated global supply.


By the 1960s, alarming health concerns linked to asbestos emerged. Despite mounting evidence, mining persisted until 1966.


Today, Wittenoom stands as a haunting testament to unchecked industrial ambition, its once-thriving streets now ghostly remnants. Join Matthew and Holly as th...
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Baryulgil mine, situated in north-east NSW, gained prominence for asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century. While it initially provided economic opportunities for the Baryulgil Indigenous community through employment, the mine's asbestos production later caused severe injury to said workers. Those workers faced asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, diseases that destroy the lung tissue and leave suffere...
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December 24, 2023 44 mins
n Christmas Eve 1975, there were 74 guests at the Savoy Hotel, and at 5:30am Christmas morning, most of the occupants were sleeping, as one would expect.


The Savoy was located on Darlinghurst Road, in the middle of Kings Cross. The building was small, totalling only 5 storeys tall, with a concrete or washed brick exterior and windows that swung out towards the street. There were no balconies, and tragically no fire exits. The buildi...
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December 18, 2023 46 mins
In the 1954 Australian spy defection, high-stakes espionage unfolded when top-ranking Soviet diplomat Vladimir Petrov sought asylum. Unveiling a web of Cold War intrigue, Petrov exposed a Soviet spy ring infiltrating Australian government circles.

As the defection sent shockwaves through international relations, it strained Australia's ties with the Soviet Union. The defection, orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies, shed lig...
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In the 1960s and 1970s, the Church of Scientology faced legal prohibitions in several Australian states, notably Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. These states instituted inquiries and restrictions on Scientology's activities, at the request of the medical field and in response to its outlaying 'medical' practices.


The Victorian government initiated a Board of Inquiry in 1963, resulting in the banning of Scientology ...
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