Weird Crap in Australia
True Crime & Paranormal
About
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 .
Episodes
- Episode 409 - The Meckering Earthquake
This episode explores the 1968 Meckering earthquake in Western Australia, discussing its scientific aspects and the aftermath for the local residents. It covers the events from the initial tremors to the recovery efforts.
- Episode 408 - The Gympie Pyramid
The Gympie Pyramid, located near Gympie, Queensland, is examined in this episode. Discussions cover theories about its origin, including ancient civilization or European settler construction, and the evidence presented.
- Episode 407 - Cathy Freeman Part 2
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia details Cathy Freeman's path from a Queensland athlete to a global symbol. It covers her iconic 2000 Olympic victory, exploring themes of identity, pressure, and national reconciliation.
- Episode 406 - Cathy Freeman Part 1
This episode covers Cathy Freeman's athletic journey from Queensland to becoming a global symbol, highlighting her iconic 2000 Sydney Olympics win and its impact on national identity and reconciliation.
- Episode 405 - They're Bats... Man
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia discusses the grey-headed flying fox, a controversial native animal found on the east coast. Hosts Holly and Matthew delve into their ecological importance, behaviour, and the challenges they pose in…
- Episode 404 - The 1973 Fuel Crisis
This episode discusses the 1973 fuel crisis and its significant impact on Australia, detailing the resulting shortages, price hikes, and shifts in energy consumption and policy.
- Episode 403 - The Wieambilla Shootings Part 4
This episode details the Wieambilla Shootings of December 2022 in Queensland, Australia. The attack resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a neighbor during a home invasion. The episode reconstructs the events, timeline, and aft…
- Episode 402 - The Wieambilla Shootings Part 3
In this episode of Weird Crap in Australia, hosts Holly and Matthew reconstruct the 2022 Wieambilla shootings in Queensland. They outline the timeline of the police ambush, the emergency response, and the investigation into the perpetrator…
- Episode 401 - The Wieambilla Shootings Part 2
Part 2 of The Wieambilla Shootings episode details the deadly 2022 Queensland ambush on police, reconstructing the timeline, confrontation, and aftermath. The incident began with a missing persons check and escalated into one of Australia'…
- Episode 400 - The Wieambilla Shootings Part 1 (+ Episode 400 Q&A!)
In December 2022, a missing persons check in Queensland escalated into a deadly ambush, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and a resident. This episode reconstructs the timeline and events of the Wieambilla shootings. It also i…
- Episode 399 - Haunted Hills, VIC
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia delves into the mystery of Haunted Hills, VIC, a road known for decades of strange occurrences. Hosts Holly and Matthew examine reported sightings and discuss potential explanations, from tragic acci…
- Episode 398 - The History of Australian Video Game Censorship Part 4
This episode delves into Australia's unique history of video game censorship, covering banned titles, content restrictions, and the prolonged struggle for an R18+ rating.
- Episode 397 - The History of Australian Film Censorship Part 3
This episode traces the history of Australian film censorship, detailing how audiences were restricted from viewing certain content. It covers the evolution from early morality laws and bans to the establishment of classification boards an…
- Episode 396 - The History of Australian Film Censorship Part 2
This episode discusses the history of Australian film censorship, covering bans and classification from early morality laws to modern standards, as detailed in the podcast 'Weird Crap in Australia'.
- Episode 395 - The History of Australian Film Censorship Part 1
This episode delves into the history of Australian film censorship, detailing how various forms of media were restricted from silent films to modern cinema, and the ongoing debates surrounding content.
- Weird Crap Movie Commentary 5 - Wolf Creek (2005)
Holly and Matthew offer a detailed commentary on the 2005 film Wolf Creek, revisiting trivia, controversies, and production quirks. This episode is designed for viewers seeking extensive context alongside the movie.
- Episode 394 - The Truro Murders Part 2
Part 2 of The Truro Murders details a series of disappearances in late 1970s South Australia, revealing a pattern of violence and manipulation. The episode examines the police investigation, missed early warnings, and survivor testimony in…
- Episode 393 - The Truro Murders Part 1
This episode covers the Truro Murders, a serial crime case from late 1970s South Australia involving the disappearances of young women. It examines the victims, offenders, police investigation, and how missed warning signs and institutiona…
- Episode 392 - Dot and the Kangaroo
This episode delves into Ethel C. Pedley's 1898 book 'Dot and the Kangaroo,' an early Australian children's story focusing on nature, danger, and survival. It examines the origins of Australian identity, the creation of a franchise, and a…
- Episode 391 - The Ben Hall Gang Part 2
This episode covers the Ben Hall Gang, a notorious outlaw group in 1860s New South Wales. It details their robberies, the police response, betrayals, and their bloody end, discussing the line between legend and reality.
- Weird Crap Movie Commentary 4 - Around the World with Dot (1981)
This episode features a commentary on the 1981 animated film
- Episode 390 - The Ben Hall Gang Part 1
This episode covers the Ben Hall Gang, a notorious outlaw group in mid-1860s New South Wales, Australia. It details their robberies, the escalating violence due to new laws, and their eventual downfall, blurring the lines between myth and…
- Episode 389 - Australia's Flying Terror
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia discusses the magpie, a creature feared for its swooping attacks during nesting season. It covers the reasons behind their behavior, folklore surrounding them, and how Australians cope with their agg…
- Episode 388 - The Weightman Murders (2000)
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia covers the 2000 deaths of Bill and Pam Weightman, a case initially closed as an accident despite inconsistencies at the scene and unanswered questions about the investigation.
- Weird Crap Movie Commentary 3 - Gallipoli (1981)
Holly and Matthew discuss the 1981 Australian film Gallipoli, exploring its powerful storytelling, blend of humor and history, and enduring impact. They delve into its portrayal of mateship and the stark realities of war.
- Episode 387 - The Rats of Tobruk Part 3
This episode details the 1941 siege of Tobruk, where Australian soldiers earned the nickname "Rats of Tobruk" by defending the Libyan port for eight months against German and Italian forces. It explores their resilience, humor, and the end…
- Episode 386 - The Rats of Tobruk Part 2
This episode covers the 1941 siege of Tobruk, where Australian soldiers earned the nickname 'Rats of Tobruk'. They defended the Libyan port for eight months, enduring relentless attacks and showcasing resilience and humour. The episode del…
- Episode 385 - The Rats of Tobruk Part 1
This episode covers the 1941 siege of Tobruk, where Australian soldiers earned the nickname 'Rats of Tobruk'. It explores their resilience, defiance against Axis forces, and how they turned an insult into a badge of honor during the eight-…
- Episode 384 - Mr. Jolly Squiggles, the Man from the Moon (1959-1999)
This episode delves into the history and legacy of Mr. Squiggle, the iconic Australian children's television character created by Norman Hetherington. It explores his debut in 1959, his impact on generations, and the creativity behind the…
- Weird Crap Movie Commentary 2 - Lake Mungo (2008)
In this commentary track for the 2008 mockumentary Lake Mungo, hosts Holly and Matthew of Weird Crap in Australia dissect the film's chilling blend of grief, ghosts, and realism. They discuss the eerie performances and slow-burn terror tha…
- Episode 383 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 3
Part 3 of the Lawyer X scandal examines how a prominent barrister’s secret role as a police informant, while representing notorious criminals, jeopardized Australia's justice system, leading to overturned convictions and questioning the le…
- Episode 382 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 2
Part 2 of the Lawyer X scandal details how a prominent barrister’s double life as a police informant jeopardized Australia’s justice system, leading to overturned convictions and a crisis of credibility. The episode examines the scandal’s…
- Episode 381 - The Lawyer X Scandal Part 1
Part 1 of the Lawyer X scandal series details how a prominent barrister's double life as a police informant jeopardized the justice system, casting doubt on convictions and legal credibility.
- Episode 380 - The Voyage of the Catalpa (1876)
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia details the 1876 escape of Irish Fenians from Fremantle Prison, Western Australia, aboard the American whaling ship Catalpa. It covers the planning, the sea chase, and the lasting impact of this lege…
- Episode 379 - The Barrington Tops Crash
The Barrington Tops Crash episode delves into the 1981 vanishing of a Cessna 210 with five men over Barrington Tops, NSW. It covers the passengers, radio calls, search efforts, and enduring mysteries surrounding the incident.
- Episode 378 - Cold Chisel Part 2
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia delves into the history of the iconic Australian rock band Cold Chisel. It covers their journey from smoky pubs to sold-out arenas, their raw energy, working-class anthems like "Khe Sanh" and "Flame…
- Episode 377 - Cold Chisel Part 1
This episode of Weird Crap in Australia explores the band Cold Chisel, detailing their journey from local Adelaide pubs to selling out arenas. It covers their rise to fame in the late 70s and 80s, their hits like Khe Sanh and Flame Trees,…
- Weird Crap Movie Commentary 1 - Howling 3: The Marsupials (1987)
Holly and Matthew provide a commentary track for the 1987 Australian film Howling III: The Marsupials, discussing its low-budget, campy horror elements and cult classic status.
- Episode 376 - The Granville Train Disaster Part 2
This episode revisits the Granville train disaster, Australia's deadliest rail accident on January 18, 1977. It covers the train derailment, bridge collapse, the rescue efforts, and the subsequent impact on Australian rail safety.
- Episode 375 - The Granville Train Disaster Part 1
The Granville train disaster, Australia's deadliest rail accident, occurred on January 18, 1977, when a commuter train derailed, causing a road bridge collapse and trapping passengers. The episode discusses the events, rescue operations, a…
- Episode 374 - The Bathurst 1000
This episode delves into the history of the Bathurst 1000, Australia's iconic car race. It covers the event's triumphs, tragedies, rivalries like Holden vs Ford, and its significance in Australian sporting culture.
- Episode 373 - The Cronulla Riots (2005) Part 3
This episode discusses the 2005 Cronulla Riots, examining the underlying causes of rising tensions, misinformation, and nationalism that led to a violent public display.
- Episode 372 - The Cronulla Riots Part 2
Part two of The Cronulla Riots episode of Weird Crap in Australia discusses the 2005 event, sparked by tensions, misinformation, and nationalism, which resulted in a violent public display of racial hatred.
- Episode 371 - The Cronulla Riots Part 1
This episode discusses the 2005 Cronulla Riots, examining the event's origins in rising tensions, misinformation, and nationalism, and its eruption into public violence.
- Episode 370 - The Birdman of the Coorong
Weird Crap in Australia explores the legend of the Birdman of the Coorong, an Australian bushranger. Hosts Holly and Matthew examine the history and rumours surrounding this curious colonial crime legend, questioning whether he was a real…
- Episode 369 - The Story of INXS Part 3
This episode details the journey of Australian band INXS, tracing their rise from local pub gigs to global stardom, including their music, personal lives, and eventual legacy.
- Episode 368 - The Story of INXS Part 2
Part 2 of Weird Crap in Australia details the rise of INXS, covering their early days in Sydney pubs, their international success, and the impact of Michael Hutchence's death. The episode discusses their music, backstage events, and cultur…
- Episode 367 - The Story of INXS Part 1
This episode charts the meteoric rise of Australian band INXS, detailing their journey from Sydney pubs to global stardom, including their chart-topping hits, backstage drama, and the legacy of frontman Michael Hutchence.
- Episode 366 - Sir Douglas Mawson and the Home of the Blizzard Part 3
This episode covers Sir Douglas Mawson's significant role in polar exploration, detailing his participation in early expeditions and his leadership during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, where he faced extreme adversity.
- Episode 365 - Sir Douglas Mawson and the Home of the Blizzard Part 2
This episode covers Sir Douglas Mawson's role in polar exploration, his leadership in the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, and his harrowing solo survival journey after being stranded alone.