In 1876, one of the most daring prison escapes in history set sail from Fremantle, Western Australia. The American whaling ship Catalpa was at the heart of the plot, masterminded by Irish Fenians determined to free their comrades from the brutal Fremantle Prison. With clever disguises, coded messages, and a nail-biting chase at sea, the Catalpa’s voyage became a legendary tale of rebellion, ingenuity, and defiance against the British Empire.In this episode, we dive into the planning, the escape itself, and how this incredible story still resonates in both Australian and Irish history today.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
On August 9, 1981, a small Cessna 210 aircraft carrying five men vanished over the rugged wilderness of Barrington Tops, NSW. Despite extensive searches, no wreckage or remains were ever recovered, and the fate of the aircraft remains one of Australia’s most baffling aviation mysteries. In this episode, we explore the background of the passengers, the last radio transmissions, the massive search efforts, and the eerie theories that still surround the disappearance. Was it a tragic accident, or is there more to the story hidden in the misty ranges of Barrington Tops?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
From smoky pubs in Adelaide to selling out arenas across the country, Cold Chisel became the voice of a generation. Fronted by Jim Barnes, the band’s raw energy and working-class anthems captured the spirit of Australia in the late 70s and 80s, their legacy continuing all the way until tomorrow. With hits like Khe Sanh and Flame Trees, they weren’t just making music — they were telling the stories of everyday Aussies.In this episode, we dig into the band’s origins, their meteoric rise, the chaos of fame, and the lasting impact they’ve had on Australian music culture. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to their legacy, Cold Chisel’s story is one of grit, passion, and pure rock ’n’ roll.*All clips used are copyright their respective owners.The final rendition of "When the War is Over" on this episode was performed by members of the Australian Army. You can watch the full performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70JhHnVuBJgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
From smoky pubs in Adelaide to selling out arenas across the country, Cold Chisel became the voice of a generation. Fronted by Jim Barnes, the band’s raw energy and working-class anthems captured the spirit of Australia in the late 70s and 80s, their legacy continuing all the way until tomorrow. With hits like Khe Sanh and Flame Trees, they weren’t just making music — they were telling the stories of everyday Aussies.In this episode, we dig into the band’s origins, their meteoric rise, the chaos of fame, and the lasting impact they’ve had on Australian music culture. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to their legacy, Cold Chisel’s story is one of grit, passion, and pure rock ’n’ roll.*This week's episode is sponsored by Kurralta Park, a small indie band from Adelaide! Head over to their Spotify or their YouTube Channel now to check out their new album, Powell Place! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
On the morning of 18 January 1977, Blue Mountains commuters boarded their usual train, expecting nothing more than another routine ride to work. Instead, the Granville train disaster became Australia’s deadliest rail accident. When a commuter train derailed and slammed into a road bridge, the collapse that followed trapped dozens in a nightmare of twisted metal and rubble. Rescue crews fought against the clock, and the nation watched in horror as the death toll rose.Join Holly & Matthew as they revisit the events of that day — what went wrong, the incredible acts of bravery, and the lasting changes it brought to Australian rail safety.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
On the morning of 18 January 1977, Blue Mountains commuters boarded their usual train, expecting nothing more than another routine ride to work. Instead, the Granville train disaster became Australia’s deadliest rail accident. When a commuter train derailed and slammed into a road bridge, the collapse that followed trapped dozens in a nightmare of twisted metal and rubble. Rescue crews fought against the clock, and the nation watched in horror as the death toll rose.Join Holly & Matthew as they revisit the events of that day — what went wrong, the incredible acts of bravery, and the lasting changes it brought to Australian rail safety.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Every year, a sleepy New South Wales town gets turned into a pit lane paradise as 150,000 fans descend on Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000 — Australia’s most iconic car race. But Bathurst isn’t just about lap times and burnout smoke. Behind the wheelspin lies a deep and chaotic history: from the deadly results of some races, to the Peter Brock legacy, to the legendary Holden vs Ford rivalry that turned race day into a full-blown cultural war.This episode, Holly and Matthew take a drive through the history of the Bathurst 1000 — the triumphs, the tragedies, the questionable crowd behaviour — and how this race became one of the most defining events in Australian sporting history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
In this series, we dive into one of the most confronting chapters of modern Australian history: the Cronulla Riots of December 2005. Sparked by rising tensions, fuelled by alcohol, misinformation, and nationalism, what started as a “community protest” quickly turned into an ugly and violent display of racial hatred.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into an event about fear, blame, and what happens when divisions in the community explode into the public eye.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
In this episode, we dive into one of the most confronting chapters of modern Australian history: the Cronulla Riots of December 2005. Sparked by rising tensions, fuelled by alcohol, misinformation, and nationalism, what started as a “community protest” quickly turned into an ugly and violent display of racial hatred.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into an event about fear, blame, and what happens when divisions in the community explode into the public eye.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
HIn this episode, we dive into one of the most confronting chapters of modern Australian history: the Cronulla Riots of December 2005. Sparked by rising tensions, fuelled by alcohol, misinformation, and nationalism, what started as a “community protest” quickly turned into an ugly and violent display of racial hatred.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into an event about fear, blame, and what happens when divisions in the community explode into the public eye.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
In the lonely dunes of South Australia’s Coorong, legend speaks of a bushranger so strange he’s hard to forget: the Birdman of the Coorong. Unlike his horse-riding peers, this eccentric outlaw was rumoured to have galloped through the saltbush atop an ostrich.Was he a real menace to passing coaches, or just a yarn spun to spook travellers on the road to Kingston SE?Join Holly & Matthew as they dig into the history, rumour, and colonial oddity behind one of Australia’s most curious crime legends.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Before they were stadium superstars, INXS were just six Aussie blokes carving out a sound in the sweaty pubs of Sydney. In this episode, we chart the meteoric rise of one of Australia’s biggest musical exports—from their gritty early days, to the glitz of international fame, and the tragic loss of frontman Michael Hutchence.Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into their chart-topping hits, backstage drama, controversies, and lasting legacy. It’s the story of a band that defined a generation and gave Australia its rock’n’roll swagger on the world stage.*Featured music clips (c) INXSBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Before they were stadium superstars, INXS were just six Aussie blokes carving out a sound in the sweaty pubs of Sydney. In this episode, we chart the meteoric rise of one of Australia’s biggest musical exports—from their gritty early days, to the glitz of international fame, and the tragic loss of frontman Michael Hutchence.Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into their chart-topping hits, backstage drama, controversies, and lasting legacy. It’s the story of a band that defined a generation and gave Australia its rock’n’roll swagger on the world stage.*Featured music clips (c) INXSBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Before they were stadium superstars, INXS were just six Aussie blokes carving out a sound in the sweaty pubs of Sydney. In this episode, we chart the meteoric rise of one of Australia’s biggest musical exports—from their gritty early days, to the glitz of international fame, and the tragic loss of frontman Michael Hutchence.Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into their chart-topping hits, backstage drama, controversies, and lasting legacy. It’s the story of a band that defined a generation and gave Australia its rock’n’roll swagger on the world stage.*"Just Keep Walking" clip (c) INXS 1980Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Douglas Mawson wasn’t just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson’s leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia’s Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Douglas Mawson wasn’t just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson’s leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia’s Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Douglas Mawson wasn’t just a survivor—he was a scientific powerhouse who helped put Australia on the map of polar exploration. His adventures began with the 1907–1909 Nimrod Expedition under Ernest Shackleton, during which he became one of the first to reach the Magnetic South Pole and climb Mount Erebus. But it was his own Australasian Antarctic Expedition from 1911 to 1914 that sealed his place in history.Mawson’s leadership, grit, and heartbreak defined that journey. Stranded alone after the deaths of his companions, he hauled himself across 160 kilometres of ice, surviving crevasses, starvation, and the brutal cold. His story isn't just about endurance—it's about the pursuit of knowledge at the edge of the world.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the trials, triumphs, and enduring legacy of Douglas Mawson—Australia’s Antarctic hero.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Australia’s largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle , is a creature of raw power and mythic presence. With a piercing gaze adapted for hunting across vast landscapes, these raptors are found soaring over deserts, forests, and farmland alike.Once hunted by farmers who saw them as threats to livestock, wedge-tails are now protected. Revered in local lore and feared by foxes, drones, and the occasional unlucky hang-glider, the wedge-tailed eagle is a symbol of survival, adaptability, and the wild spirit of Australia.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the biology, history, and cultural legacy of Australia’s wedge-tailed eagles.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
David Gulpilil, born in Arnhem Land in 1953, was more than just an actor—he was a cultural bridge, storyteller, and proud Yolŋu man who changed the face of Australian cinema. From his breakout role in Walkabout (1971) to his haunting final performance in My Name is Gulpilil (2021), his work brought Australian First Nations voices and perspectives to screens around the world.Off-screen, Gulpilil lived a life as complex as any of his characters—balancing fame with tradition, navigating hardship, and ultimately becoming a national icon whose legacy continues to shape the arts and Indigenous representation in Australia.Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the extraordinary life and enduring influence of David Gulpilil.***All voice clips used come from the My Name is Gulpilil biographical film.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
The legend of the ANZACs was born not through victory, but through courage, endurance, and mateship under fire. From the rocky shores of Gallipoli to the muddy battlefields of the Western Front, Australian and New Zealand troops earned a reputation for resilience, resourcefulness, and unbreakable spirit.Though the Gallipoli campaign ended in withdrawal, the actions of the ANZACs forged a national identity that continues to shape Australia and New Zealand today. Their story is one of hardship, sacrifice, and a legacy that lives on more than a century later. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the birth of the ANZAC legend and its lasting impact on national memory.***"And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" (1971) written and performed by Eric Bogle.This modern folk ballad reflects on the devastating human cost of war, particularly the Gallipoli campaign, through the eyes of a wounded Australian veteran. Written by Scottish-born Australian singer-songwriter Eric Bogle (b. 1944), the song became a poignant anti-war anthem, contrasting sharply with earlier patriotic tunes. It has been widely covered and remains a powerful meditation on memory, sacrifice, and the price of national mythmaking.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
Troy
I have to stop listening. I can't stand listening to Matt's superiority complex and disinformation about Mental ill Health. A psychology Degree won't help you Matt. You'll need to learn critical thinking which I fear you don't have the aptitude for.
Hayleigh Burt
Sounds like Matt has adhd. It okay I love bluey because they are short and they keep my attention and they are about real life topics.
LemonCakes
I didn't even realise how cute Tazzie Devils are. They almost look like tiny bears with racoon features 🙀 Poor babies, I fecked up and looked at the photos before the warning...I just want to hug them all.
LemonCakes
I live in Townsville, and my husband works at Pajingo mine in Charters Towers. We both grew up in CT travelling the Flinders Highway our whole lives. This hits very close to home 🙌🙌❤️
LemonCakes
I know this one's an oldie, but I'm Laughing at this episode because there are so many geeky things that make up our Christmas' that are so similar 🙌🙌 Diehard is definitely a Christmas movie,Doctor Who Christmas specials are a must and Christmas Vacation is just plain tradition. I've killed numerous pavlova bases and just to make you feel uncomfortable our family 100% has a hot lunch and we live in Charters Towers haha. Not to say we don't smash ham, prawns and triffle as well 🙌 love listening to you both.Nothing like finally being able to relate to a few geeky Australians through a sea of American podcasts.