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What It Was Like
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Conversations with people who have lived through extreme events. Some stories are dark and twisted, others are light and funny. In all cases, we get an intimate portrait of 'what it was like' to be there.
Hosted by Julian Morgans
A Superreal Production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
77 Episodes
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The Awá, an Indigenous group in Brazil's Amazon, had no contact with the outside world until recently. In 2010, BBC journalist Justin Rowlatt visited them in their new reserve, created to protect them from loggers. In this episode, he explores how modern pressures are impacting isolated tribes and what his ongoing friendship with the Awá has taught him about humanity.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2009, Kari Ferrell was outed by the media for writing bad checks and robbing trust fund babies across Manhattan. Dubbed the 'Hipster Grifter,' Kari served a year in prison and is now sharing her story. In this episode, she unpacks her motivations, her methods, and what she learned about the psychology of grifting.Check out Kari's new memoir: You'll Never Believe Me.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is the first episode of our new What It Was Like series, SCAMMERLAND. It's based on an episode we did last year, looking at how online scams are run by people living in modern slavery. We start our story with Small Q, a young Ugandan rapper and singer who thought he was traveling to Thailand for a dream job. However, everything changed the moment he stepped off the plane.Follow our new show SCAMMERLAND on Spotify, Apple and YouTubeProduced by SuperrealHosted by Julian Morgans @julianmorgansFind us on TikTok: @whatitwaslikepodcastFind us on YouTube: @whatitwaslikepodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2015, wellness influencer Belle Gibson was outed for pretending to have cancer. Now she's back in the headlines thanks to a new show on Netflix. In this episode we talk to a woman named Beckii Jones, who once considered Belle a friend. She ran a Facebook group for mothers in the early 2010s when Belle joined and even suggested the name for her infamous app, The Whole Pantry. Beckii reflects on the woman she knew and the parts of Belle that remain a mystery.Follow our new show SCAMMERLAND. It's based on a two-part episode we did last year on What it Was Like about scammer farms and it's on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1Tornado chasing was a niche hobby when Tim Marshall started in the 1970s. But over time, he watched it grow in popularity and then explode into the mainstream with the 1996 release of the film Twister. In this episode, Tim reflects on the times he was lucky to make it home, the friends who didn't, and the "internetization" of his beloved past time.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Julie Lindahl always knew there was something different about her family. Her German grandparents had fled to Brazil after the war, but she didn't know why. Until she discovered her grandfather was in the SS—the elite guard of the Nazi regime, responsible for some of their worst atrocities. In this episode, Julie explores guilt, accountability, and why confronting the past is the key to healing.Julie's book, The Pendulum, is available here on Amazon.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2014, Laurence Hearn was drinking too much and struggling to make ends meet. Then he accidentally got stuck in a washing machine. What followed was a series of unexpected events that would ultimately turn his life around. This is a one-of-a-kind tale of Australian larrikinism—told by the man who lived it.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1989, Melissa Fyfe was a high school student in Tasmania when her classmate killed his parents and younger brother. Shocked, the community buried the tragedy, leaving his motives a mystery. Now, Melissa shares what she uncovered when she finally started asking questions.Trigger warning: this episode contains child abuse themes.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2019, a man named Fraser Harvey nominated himself 'Customer of the Week' at a Melbourne coffee shop. A woman named Harriett Noall retaliated and a game of oneupmanship arose. In this episode, we hear how a private prank accidentally became an internet sensation.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was June 1987 and an unknown person had murdered five campers in Australia's remote northwest. In this episode, we speak with Bob Brown, the former leader of Western Australia's Tactical Response Group. Bob and his team were flown into the Kimberley region to find and arrest the murderer. But, as you’ll hear, things didn’t go exactly as planned.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mark Edmondson was ranked 212th when he was invited to compete at the 1976 Australian Open. He was a 21-year-old with sideburns, juggling odd jobs to fund his tennis dreams. In this episode, Mark recounts the experience of defeating his idols to win—then accidentally dropping the trophy on the podium.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2003, a pizza deliveryman robbed a Pennsylvania bank with a bomb locked to his neck—a heist that ended in tragedy when the bomb exploded. The mastermind? Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, later sentenced to life in prison. In this episode, we hear from criminologist Kathryn Whiteley who befriended Marjorie behind bars and uncovers how and why this "evil genius" orchestrated such a bizarre crime.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Myah Morgenstern isn't famous. But when she met actor Tony Revolori, (Spiderman, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Scream), she was ushered into a whole new world of red carpets, VIP parties and weird social dynamics. In this episode, Myah describes her real-life Notting Hill experience of dating a celebrity as a non-famous person.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the lead up to Christmas of 1980, three Woolworths stores were bombed around New South Wales. It's a crazy story involving Australia's largest supermarket chain, two larrikin crooks, and a $1 million ransom thrown into the Sydney Harbour. We'll hear about it from two people: Former police officer Allan Duncan who was injured in one of the explosions, and Forgotten Australia podcast host, Michael Adams.This is a rerun from 2022 but it's one of our favourite Christmas throwbacks so we're giving it a second play. If you haven't already heard it, enjoy.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sandra Miller wasn't overly concerned when her therapist partner's client admitted to eavesdropping outside their window. Until this client started calling the house, relentlessly. In this episode, we dive into a real life version of 'Fatal Attraction' to learn what happens when a stalker invades a relationship.\Check out Sandra's USA TODAY best-selling book Wednesdays at One. It's a great read.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Julian Morgans, host of What it Was Like, gets parking fines all the time. In his own words "I could wallpaper my house with them." But instead of doing that, he's embarked on a scheme to get revenge, while learning a few things about the inner workings of the parking industry along the way.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Narelle Fraser spent much of her career in Victoria's Rape and Homicide squads, placing her at the coalface of the epidemic of violence against women. In this episode, she walks us through the murder of Melbourne-mother Maria Korp, as a way to explore the mindset of men who perpetrate such violence.Keep up to date with Narelle and find links to her podcast hereFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Between 1994 and 1997, the sect known as The Order of the Solar Temple snuffed itself out via five mass murder suicides. We spend this episode looking at what happened—and why.For further info, check out some of our sources:Qubec Coroner's Report 1996The challenge of identification following the tragedy of the Solar TempleSolar Temple in Salvan: 25 years later, a luxury chalet on the site of the massacreCult Horror Maims Prominent French Family: The New York TimesThe Philosophy of Fanaticism: Paul KatsafanasExtremes podcast: Escaping a Cult Julian interviews a Jonestown survivorFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1994, a series of ritualistic mass suicides exposed the world to The Order of the Solar Temple—a secretive doomsday sect with members spread across Switzerland, France, and Canada. In this episode, we explore how its two leaders transitioned from promoting New Age health remedies to orchestrating massacres.For more information, check out these sources:The Order of the Solar Temple: Temple of Death. Edited by James R. LewisApocalypse Observed by John R. Hall. Philip D. Schuyler and Sylvaine TrinhAustralia Link With Swiss Doomsday Cult, The Canberra TimesReddit thread on The Order of the Solar TempleFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom Phillips has been hiding out in New Zealand's remote northwest with his three young children since 2021. Despite extensive searches, the family has managed to evade capture—even after Tom allegedly robbed a bank with his 10-year-old daughter. In this episode, we’re speaking with journalist Tony Wall, who’s covered the case from the beginning. He’ll share insights on those who may be helping Tom and why he’s been so difficult to catch.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For a decade, a man posing as a police officer called fast-food chains across the US and asked managers to strip-search their employees. Dozens complied, leading to multiple cases of sexual assault. In this episode, we speak with a detective named Buddy Stump who solved the case after a friend's daughter became a victim.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John Leonard Orr is a convicted arsonist and mass murderer. He is believed to have set nearly 2,000 fires in a 30-year spree, making him the most prolific serial arsonist in American history. But his daughter Lori hasn't always seen him this way. She talks about her childhood memories of seeing John as a hero firefighter. A man who always had a special knack for being the first on the scene.Contact Lori here for a chance to win a signed copy of her book: Burned.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Lorraine Murphy met up with a pig farmer at a cafe in Vancouver, she couldn't have been less impressed. "Willy," as everyone called him, was creepy and smelled terrible. She left and didn't see him again for 12 years — when Willy was arrested as the most prolific serial killer (by body count) in Canada's history.This is a rerun from 2022 but it's one of our favourites so we're giving it a second play. If you haven't already heard it, you're in for a treat.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On October 12, 2002, Phil Britten arrived in Bali with his footy mates from Perth. A few hours into their first night, a van packed with explosives detonated outside the nightclub. Phil barely made it out alive. On this anniversary of the Bali Bombing, we reflect on one of Australia’s darkest periods.Follow Phill on Instagram and check out his site.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In June of 1993 Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to their third championship victory. A month later, his dad was shot dead and Jordan quit the NBA. Now, for the first time, one of the two men convicted with James Jordan's murder tells his story.We originally published this story in 2022 but it's a banger so we're giving it a second run.Photo Credit: Lipofski Basketballphoto.comFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the early 1960s, Melbourne businessman Marshall Gibson salvaged a handful of brass portholes from a shipwreck and gave them to his friends. Over the next few years, many of these men, including Marshall himself, died in a series of strange accidents. In this episode, his son David examines the claim that the portholes were cursed.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Actress Blake Lively has been facing backlash for her alleged tone-deaf, bullying behaviour. But according to Hollywood hairstylist Emanuel Millar, this is typical behaviour among stars. In this somewhat unusual episode, we're unpacking rudeness in the film industry. Why are so many successful, beautiful people so damn mean?Photo credit: Georges Biard & Emanuel MillarFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeFollow us on InstagramA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Studio 54 remains the most iconic nightclub in history, despite being around for only three years. In this episode, former employee Myra Scheer delves into what made the club so legendary. It's a story about celebrity culture and the vibrant LGBTQ community before the AIDS crisis. But mostly it's about people searching for a place to belong.Photo by: MiestormFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An R U OK Day special: Two strangers, each grieving a brother lost to suicide, meet in a support group and have a baby. It's a story that illustrates how there's always hope.Also this is your annual reminder to frequently check in with your friends and family. Ask how they're really doing. Tell them you love them.For more information please visit ruok.org.auIf you're concerned about your own mental health please text Lifeline on +61477131114 or visit lifeline.org.auFind us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Antony Britton, an escapologist and stunt performer, attempted a feat in 2015 that even Harry Houdini couldn't complete—being buried alive. In this episode, Antony recounts the crushing silence of the grave, losing consciousness underground and how the experience changed him.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Anton Lutz grew up in Papua New Guinea, where he first heard about witch hunts in his 20s. As rates of violence and murder increased, he started to attempt rescue missions for people accused of sorcery. In this episode, he shares some harrowing stories and explains why his optimism for humanity remains unabated.For more information on sorcery accusation related violence, Anton recommends these two sites:https://www.stopsorceryviolence.org/https://www.theinternationalnetwork.org/Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On August 31, 1997, photographer Pierre Suu was outside the Paris Ritz with other paparazzi, waiting for Princess Diana. They were unaware this would be the last time she’d be seen alive. In this episode, Pierre walks us through the chaos of that night and the aftermath for everyone involved.Find us on TikTokFind us on YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Charles Cullen might be the world's most prolific serial killer. He worked as a nurse in various US hospitals during the 90s and early 2000s, killing patients with overdoses of heart medication and insulin. Cullen's colleague, Amy Loughren, explains how she got him to confess while wearing a wire.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1990, band manager Danny Goldberg signed an unknown punk rock band called Nirvana, embarking on one of the most significant journeys of his life. In this episode, Danny shares his experiences working with Kurt Cobain and his efforts to keep the songwriter alive.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Harold Backer, a 3-time Olympic rower, disappeared in 2015 after telling his family he was going for a bike ride. Days later, his financial advisory clients began receiving letters confessing to losing their money. His friend Kip unpacks what happened to Harold. Why do Olympians so often derail after retirement?Read Kip McDaniel's long-form article on the case here.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aiden Gabor started working for the New Jersey mob as a kid. At 18, he was caught by the police and given a choice: help clean up the city or go to prison. In this episode, Aiden describes life as a police informant, putting away corrupt cops and politicians.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In May 1970, an Air Force officer named George Burk took off from an airbase with 13 others. Minutes later, the plane suffered explosive decompression and hurtled back to the ground. George describes how luck and brute determination kept him alive.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, we're playing you an episode from one of our favourite podcasts: One Minute Remaining. They're covering the story of murdered lottery winner, Abraham Lee Shakespeare, who in 2006 won a $30 million jackpot and was murdered. Dorice Moore, his friend, received a life sentence for his murder but claims she's innocent. One Minute Remaining hears her side without passing judgment.We will be back with a new episode of our own next Friday (July 19).What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kris Hansen was a young chemist working at 3M when she made an unnerving discovery. She was finding 3M's chemicals not only in their workers' blood samples, but in almost everyone worldwide. Shocked, she reported her find to management, and that's when her trouble really started.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was 1987 when a detective named Lex De Man first heard of The Family. The police had raided them a few months earlier, but they'd faced no investigation over multiple claims of child abuse. This is the story of how Lex had the cult's leader, Anne Hamilton-Byrne, hauled into court.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben Shenton grew up in a religious sect in central Victoria called 'The Family'. The children were told that their leader, Anne Hamilton-Byrne, was a reincarnation of Jesus Christ and were made to dress alike and bleach their hair. This continued until Ben was 15, when police raided the compound. Ben tells us about his life before and after that raid.You can buy Ben Shenton's autobiography 'Life Behind the Wire' here.What It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Last week, we covered the story of a woman sold into slavery to run scams. This week, we meet the man who rescued her. We're speaking with Judah Tana, who runs the NGO Global Advance Projects. He explains how he ended up at the epicenter of the world's scams industry and how the business is expanding.Global Advance Projects website is hereWhat It Was Like TikTokWhat It Was Like YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When today's guest boarded a plane to Thailand, she thought she was starting her dream job. Instead, she was drugged upon arrival and woke up in a nightmare. This is her story of survival in a 'scammer farm,' a hidden compound where thousands are forced to run scams. It's a story of endurance and a "one in a million" escape.TikTokYoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Between 1992 and 1993, seven decomposing bodies were discovered in bushland south of Sydney. The ensuing media storm prompted the state to hastily assemble a police taskforce. Our guest, former-homicide detective Stuart Wilkins, explains how this task force sifted through hundreds of suspects to arrest a road worker named Ivan Milat.TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2022, we interviewed a Hollywood producer who predicted that unknown actress Rain Spencer would be the next big thing. Back then, Rain was in an indie film and had 100k followers. Now, she's on her third season of a streaming hit and has nearly a million followers. Today, we ask Rain what it's like slowly becoming a celebrity.TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 2015, Hurricane Joaquin roared over the Bahamas and sank a cargo ship called the El Faro, drowning all 33 people onboard. It was a mystery how a modern US-flagged ship could sail into a hurricane until its black box was found. In this episode, Julian examines the black box transcript to discover a crew that ignored all their own instincts.Transcript from the El Faro's black box is here.The US Coast Guard's report is here.And here is an article and a book that was hugely helpful in researching this case:“The Clock Is Ticking”: Inside the Worst U.S. Maritime Disaster in Decades by William LangewiescheInto the Raging Sea: Thirty-Three Mariners, One Megastorm, and the Sinking of El Faro by Rachel SladeTikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1985, a 17-year-old girl named Shari Smith was abducted from her own driveway and the family's phone started to ring. It was the kidnapper, his voice electronically distorted. He called repeatedly and it fell on Shari's 21-year-old sister Dawn to answer. In this episode, Dawn Smith Jordan recalls what she learned that week about her parents, her sister and her own resilience.TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When someone in the Saudi royal family buys a private plane, they usually want someone to photograph their new toy. And that's where Nick Gleis comes in. For over 40 years he's been photographing private jets for the world's richest people. On today's ep, Nick shares some stories about his clients and talks about the time he accidentally flew into a tornado.Check out Nick's photos of obscene luxury on his site, here.TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On April 28, 1996, a man named Martin Bryant fatally shot 35 people at the Port Arthur historical site in Tasmania. For siblings Lorraine and Mick Davies, who had grown up next-door to Bryant, the massacre was not entirely surprising. In this episode, they recount the tragedy's long build-up.Mick Davies is also an actor and comedian. You can follow his work on Instagram.TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1991, Ida Sabelis and her partner had sex in an MRI tube, yielding an image that showcased the internal mechanics of copulation and gained global press coverage. Today, we delve into their experience and learnings. What's it like, exactly, to have sex inside a piece of medical equipment?TikTok YoutubeHosted by Julian MorgansA Superreal production Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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I can't believe no comments have been made on such a serious problem. l will be sharing with my family and friends
What an awesome podcast! Addicted!
Thank you for bringing this story to your attention on your podcast. Not only is it a fascinating insight into the depraved machinations of a truly evil woman and her co-conspirators and the loss of childhood but the story of how powerful the love of Christ is for the lost. Ben is a survivor who despite the incredible trauma suffered has found the true redeeming power of forgiveness in Christ. Anne's deeds have not been forgotten and will be accounted for but Ben has brought beauty from ashes.
Greg is a very decent man and a great storyteller.Id love to know if the shoe was on the other foot, would John have worried about Greg the next day???
I love this podcast. There is so much variety in the interviews and really well produced