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 347 - The North Head Quarantine Station

    Episode 347 - The North Head Quarantine Station
    Jan 26 2025
    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.
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    47 mins
  • Episode 346 - The Wooreen School Kidnapping

    Episode 346 - The Wooreen School Kidnapping
    Jan 20 2025
    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.
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    46 mins
  • Episode 345 - The Faraday School Kidnapping

    Episode 345 - The Faraday School Kidnapping
    Jan 13 2025
    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.
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    49 mins

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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.