Weird Crap in Australia

By: The Modern Meltdown
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  • Summary

  • 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.

    ______

    Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod
    "Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod
    Used under a Creative Commons license.

    All sound and voice clips used are (c) their respective owners.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Holly & Matthew Soall
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Social Sciences True Crime World
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Episodes
  • Episode 352 - The Melbourne Gangland Wars 1 - The Kane Brothers Pt 2

    Episode 352 - The Melbourne Gangland Wars 1 - The Kane Brothers Pt 2
    Mar 3 2025
    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):
    • 61 & 62 - Old Melbourne Gaol
    • 311 - L'Onorata Societa and the Victoria Market Murders
    • 76 & 77 - The Walsh St Shooting
    • 327 & 328 - Chopper Read


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    46 mins
  • Episode 351 - The Melbourne Gangland Wars 1 - The Kane Brothers Part 1

    Episode 351 - The Melbourne Gangland Wars 1 - The Kane Brothers Part 1
    Feb 24 2025
    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 Shooting
    • 327 & 328 - Chopper Read


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Episode 350 - The Adventures of Blinky Bill (1934-2016) (Child-friendly)

    Episode 350 - The Adventures of Blinky Bill (1934-2016) (Child-friendly)
    Feb 17 2025
    Blinky Bill, created by Dorothy Wall in the 1930s, has captured the hearts of generations through books, television, and film. More than just a cheeky bush troublemaker, Blinky represents resilience, adventure, and the spirit of the Australian outback. His tales have been used to teach children about conservation, friendship, and the challenges facing Australia's unique wildlife.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the legacy of Blinky Bill and his impact on Australian culture.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    1 hr and 7 mins

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Profile Image for HollySoall

Funny and enjoyable

Full of great humour and a wonderful husband-and-wife team. Great research. May not be everyone's taste, but it sure is mine! Some of the jokes just keep me smiling!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.