Episodes

  • Episode 337 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 1

    Episode 337 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 1
    Nov 18 2024
    In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison’s ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.

    ***

    "Cell Block Tango" clip - By John Kander and Fred Ebb
    Part of the movie "Chicago" (2002)



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    52 mins
  • Episode 336 - The Scandal of Big Philou (1969)

    Episode 336 - The Scandal of Big Philou (1969)
    Nov 11 2024
    Big Philou, an Australian racehorse with promising odds in the Melbourne Cup, became infamous for a scandal that rocked the racing world. Just minutes before the race, Big Philou was scratched due to a sudden illness, later found to be caused by a malicious case of doping. The horse had been a favourite to win, and the last-minute scratching not only cost owners, bettors, and fans but also spurred an investigation into race-fixing and doping within Australian horse racing.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into the mystery of Big Philou’s last-minute Melbourne Cup removal, the aftermath of the scandal, and how it changed the course of Australian racing history.

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    57 mins
  • Episode 335 - Round the Twist (1990-2001)

    Episode 335 - Round the Twist (1990-2001)
    Nov 4 2024
    Round the Twist is an iconic Australian children’s television series that aired from 1989 to 2001, famous for its quirky humor, supernatural themes, and often bizarre storylines. Created by author Paul Jennings and based on his short stories, the show follows the Twist family—siblings Pete, Linda, and Bronson, and their dad, Tony—as they encounter surreal adventures in a haunted lighthouse on the fictional Australian coast.

    The show is remembered for its episodes that mixed absurdity with heartfelt moments, tackling issues like adolescence, relationships, and identity in unique and humorous ways. With catchphrases like "Have you ever… ever felt like this?" and its unforgettable theme song, Round the Twist quickly gained a cult following. It was celebrated not only in Australia but also found an audience internationally, thanks to its relatable characters and inventive storytelling.

    Join Holly and Matthew as they look in on this quirky series for our contribution to the Halloween spirit, and nostalgia the hell out of some episodes. Without my pants.

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 334 - The West Gate Bridge Collapse (1970) Part 2

    Episode 334 - The West Gate Bridge Collapse (1970) Part 2
    Oct 28 2024
    At 11:50 a.m. on October 15, a 2,000-ton section of the bridge buckled and fell into the Yarra River, along with the workers on site. It remains one of Australia’s worst industrial accidents, leaving a profound impact on construction safety standards nationwide.

    The collapse was caused by a combination of design flaws and construction errors, leading to a Royal Commission investigation. The tragedy transformed workplace safety practices, particularly in high-risk industries, and led to stricter regulations for future projects.

    Join Matthew & Holly as they look into the causes, both preventable and not, and the consequences of the collapse.


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    41 mins
  • Episode 333 - The West Gate Bridge Collapse (1970) Part 1

    Episode 333 - The West Gate Bridge Collapse (1970) Part 1
    Oct 21 2024
    At 11:50 a.m. on October 15, a 2,000-ton section of the bridge buckled and fell into the Yarra River, along with the workers on site. It remains one of Australia’s worst industrial accidents, leaving a profound impact on construction safety standards nationwide.

    The collapse was caused by a combination of design flaws and construction errors, leading to a Royal Commission investigation. The tragedy transformed workplace safety practices, particularly in high-risk industries, and led to stricter regulations for future projects.

    Join Matthew & Holly as they look into the causes, both preventable and not, and the consequences of the collapse.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 332 - The May 8 Moratoriums Part 2 (1962-1975)

    Episode 332 - The May 8 Moratoriums Part 2 (1962-1975)
    Oct 14 2024
    The May 8 protests, part of the Moratorium to End the Vietnam War movement, saw hundreds of thousands of Australians take to the streets. These demonstrations were some of the largest anti-war protests in the country’s history, and they spanned across Melbourne, Sydney, and other major cities. The protests were inspired by similar movements in the United States, with Australians calling for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam and an end to conscription.

    The Vietnam War divided Australian society, with many questioning the government’s involvement in a conflict so far from home. The May 8 protests highlighted the growing discontent with the war and contributed to shifting public opinion, which would eventually lead to the end of Australia's direct military involvement in 1972.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they look into Australia's involvement in Vietnam, our changing views on it - and what the Americans did to change our minds.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 331 - The May 8 Moratoriums Part 1 (1962-1975)

    Episode 331 - The May 8 Moratoriums Part 1 (1962-1975)
    Oct 7 2024
    The May 8 protests, part of the Moratorium to End the Vietnam War movement, saw hundreds of thousands of Australians take to the streets. These demonstrations were some of the largest anti-war protests in the country’s history, and they spanned across Melbourne, Sydney, and other major cities. The protests were inspired by similar movements in the United States, with Australians calling for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam and an end to conscription.

    The Vietnam War divided Australian society, with many questioning the government’s involvement in a conflict so far from home. The May 8 protests highlighted the growing discontent with the war and contributed to shifting public opinion, which would eventually lead to the end of Australia's direct military involvement in 1972.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they look into Australia's involvement in Vietnam, our changing views on it - and what the Americans did to change our minds.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    51 mins
  • Episode 330 - The Shaft (1973)

    Episode 330 - The Shaft (1973)
    Sep 30 2024
    Located along the Limestone Coast, The Shaft is one of the region’s most alluring yet treacherous underwater caves. In 1973, while attempting to explore the sinkhole’s submerged chambers, a group of 9 divers came up against their own mortality - and some didn't live through the experience.

    The tragedy underscored the extreme dangers of cave diving in Australia. The Shaft, known for its alluring depths and limited visibility, would go on to become a symbol of the deadly potential of underwater exploration. This incident prompted authorities to create a body for training divers, enforce tighter safety measures in the sport, shaping the future of cave diving regulations in the region.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they look into one of Holly's biggest fears: Drowning alone in the dark, hundreds of feet below water level.

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    1 hr and 5 mins