In the shadowy streets of nineteenth-century Melbourne, one name still casts a long shadow – Madame Brussels. Synonymous with the city’s most infamous brothel, her name’s been immortalised in laneways and cocktail menus. But who was the woman behind the scandalous alter ego?

In this tantalising episode of “Past Lives”, we sit down with author Barbara Minchinton to peel back the layers of Caroline Hodgson’s remarkable life. From her humble beginnings in Prussia to her unapologetic rise in the bright lights (and dark corners) of Marvellous Melbourne, we delve deep into the world she conquered, the empire she built, and the scandal that nearly destroyed her. It’s a tale of grit, glamour, and rebellion – Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.

Our latest episode of Past Lives, “Otherwise, Yokahama”, unfolds in a dramatic courtroom scene in 1923 Melbourne, where Mrs. Ah Kim, otherwise known as “Yokahama” or “Nellie Bew”, is accused of dodging taxes linked to illegal gambling. As the narrative progresses, it delves into the life and trials of Nellie Bew — revealing her birth name as Tie Cum Ah Chung —painting a portrait of a woman who navigated the complexities of identity, legality, and survival in the historical and cultural tapestry of Hobart and Melbourne.

Nellie, dressed sharply and wielding a mastery of English that belies her humble beginnings, confronts the accusations with a mix of defiance and charm. The court session, while focused on a seemingly trivial amount of evaded tax, peels back layers of Nellie’s life, from her purported gambling activities to her deeper story of migration and reinvention. The case quickly dissolves, but the echoes of her encounters with the justice system hint at a deeper, ongoing struggle.

The broader theme of the podcast explores the intersection of personal history with urban decay and historical transformation. Nellie’s life is a microcosm of the broader changes that occurred in Melbourne’s underbelly at the turn of the 20th Century, where the past is not merely history but a living, breathing presence in the alleys and buildings of the city. Our host, Sean, positions himself as a “mad archaeologist,” not in search of ancient relics but rather in pursuit of the stories embedded within the city’s architectural and social landscapes.

This saga transcends the personal, touching on themes of identity, resilience, and the often blurry line between legality and survival. It challenges the listener to consider how history is recorded and remembered, and how individuals navigate the spaces between society’s expectations and their realities. The narrative is a vivid exploration of how personal stories and urban histories are interwoven, each shaping the other in the continuous dance of culture and time.

Dive into the dusty corners of history with Sean, your spirited guide to the past’s peculiar pages, as he sits down with the el capi-tan of collections herself, Jillian Hiscock. As the Collections Manager at the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Jillian is no stranger to the secret lives of artefacts and the historic tales of old manuscripts. In this episode, she unlocks the vault to our 115-year-old treasure trove, revealing everything from arcane maps to bizarre books.

Join us in Jillian's metaphorical Aladdin’s cave as she shares her most exhilarating finds and the oddball oddities that captivate her historian’s heart. From her early days traipsing through the stacks of Melbourne’s grandest libraries to managing the eclectic collections of government departments, Jillian’s journey is as fascinating as the rarities she preserves.

Plus, get a sneak peek into Jillian’s ongoing project—a captivating exploration of Melbourne's libraries and bookshops, past and present. And if that's not enough, mark your calendars for her panel at the Prahran Mechanics Institute Library during Rare Books Week, where the finer points of collecting and preserving literary gems will be laid bare.

Whether you’re a bibliophile, history buff, or just love a good yarn spun from the threads of the past, this episode of the Past Lives Podcast is your ticket to adventures untold. Grab your magnifying glass and note-taking gear—history’s mysteries await!

Ever wondered how a thick, dark spread with the consistency of asphalt, the colour of melted vinyl records and a flavour reminiscent of solidified soy sauce became an Australian cultural icon? Dive into the story of Vegemite, the beloved (and sometimes loathed) yeast extract that has been capturing hearts and polarising taste buds for over a century.

🎧 Listen Now: Unravel the fascinating history of Vegemite on the “Past Lives” podcast, hosted by Sean Reynolds from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Whether you love it or hate it, this umami-packed jar tells a story of Australian ingenuity, resilience and identity like no other.

Step back in time with the latest episode of “Past Lives: A History Victoria Podcast,” where we delve into the shadowy corners of Melbourne and Victoria's past. This episode promises to take listeners on a chilling journey into the heart of old Melbourne, unveiling a story that resonates through time with its eerie parallels to today’s struggles against gender-based violence.

In this episode, we unravel the macabre tale of Frederick Bailey Deeming, a figure whose nefarious deeds painted the bluestone alleys of Melbourne with the stark hues of dread and horror. Dubbed a monster in the guise of a gentleman, Deeming’s saga is a grim reminder of the demons that walk among us, and his story echoes the cries for justice that resonate in today’s society, highlighting the timeless battle against violence directed at women.

Join us as we explore a narrative wrapped in murder, deceit and a macabre dance with death, narrated with the depth and detail that true crime aficionados cherish. Deeming’s life unfolds like a sinister script, from his grim crimes in the quaint suburb of Windsor to his dramatic confrontations with justice, culminating in a finale as grim as the acts that led him to the gallows.

This meticulously researched episode is not just a recount of historical villainy but a stark commentary on the echoes of the past that still resonate in our present. With gripping storytelling and a nod to the cultural fabric of Victorian Melbourne, “Past Lives” promises a story that is as educational as it is riveting.

Discover more about Melbourne’s dark past, engage with our community, and explore the wealth of stories and resources offered by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria. Visit historyvictoria.org.au for more fascinating tales and details on how you can get involved with preserving our history.

Tune in to this haunting episode, supported by the captivating tunes of The UV Race, and dive deep into the lore of a city that whispers tales of its shadowy yesteryears. Whether you're a history buff, true crime enthusiast, or a lover of all things Melbourne, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe on Spotify to never miss an episode of “Past Lives: A History Victoria Podcast.”

We peel back the layers of paint and history with Tony Mead of Industrial Art Sign Co. in Spotswood. We explore the art and craftsmanship of hand-painted signs and the once-thriving industry that flourished in Melbourne and Victoria from the days of Marvellous Melbourne to its current status as a niche craft.

Beginning with Tony’s career as a sign writer in Melbourne at the age of 17, we delve into the perils and precariousness of sign writing and how it has evolved into a bespoke art form. With nearly 45 years in the industry, Tony has seen it all and shares his extensive knowledge of sign-writing history.

We also look at some of the companies and brands that made their mark — literally and figuratively — on the bricks and buildings of Melbourne. From the artistry of Buckle Brothers to the unearthing of the Lewis & Skinner company, this is Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.

From the gold rush-era treasure seekers to world-class restaurants, from refugees fleeing war-torn nations to students breathing new life into Melbourne’s CBD, join Sean and his guest, Mark Wang, CEO of Melbourne’s Chinese Museum as they explore the evolving identity and culture of the vibrant Chinese-Australian community.

Mark delves into his family’s deep roots in Victoria, tracing back to his great-great-grandfather, who arrived before the gold rush. He recounts his father's modest start and rise to owning a successful import business in Melbourne. It’s a narrative that mirrors the broader story of the Chinese community and reflects the dynamic shifts in Australia’s population—a melting pot not just on our streets, but within our very being.

Engaging with topics from culinary traditions to the vast array of personal tales captured in the museum's One Million Stories project, and even the quintessential Victorian debate—choosing your AFL team—this podcast takes you on a thrilling ride through the ever-changing tapestry of Victoria's evolving story. This is Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.

In this electrifying episode, Sean ventures into the shadowy remnants of Melbourne’s past, where a routine investigation into a ghost sign for "MISS WATSON’S MOTOR GARAGE" unexpectedly spirals into a thrilling historical revelation. As Sean peels back the layers of paint and history, he uncovers the story of Myra Watson, a defiant pioneer who shattered societal expectations by operating a motor garage in the early 20th century—an era when cars symbolised the cutting edge of freedom but were largely deemed off-limits for women.

With a detective’s eye and historian’s zeal, Sean weaves a compelling narrative that resurrects the lives and legacies of Myra Watson and Alice Anderson, her contemporary who also ran a groundbreaking all-women garage nearby. His journey through the musty pages of Sands & McDougal Directories and the digital depths of the Trove archives reveals not just the technical details of their enterprises, but the indomitable spirit of these women who dared to redefine their roles in society.

This episode is more than just a tribute to these unsung heroines; it’s a fiery call to recognise and preserve the markers of their existence. Sean’s narrative challenges us to consider the broader implications of Myra and Alice's defiance against rigid gender norms, igniting a discussion on heritage and women’s rights that resonates deeply today. Tune in for a dose of history that’s not just told, but vividly brought to life—this is Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.