Episodi
-
Mark "Chopper" Read, one of Australia's most notorious criminals, was known for his violent past and larger-than-life persona. He was involved in organized crime, including stints as a debt collector, hitman, and underworld enforcer, throughout the 1970s and 80s. Despite his criminal activities, Read became a controversial figure in Australian media, gaining notoriety for his bestselling books that chronicled his criminal exploits.
While his tales were often exaggerated or self-aggrandized, Read's life offered a glimpse into the dark underworld of Australia's crime scene. His candid recounting of his life led to interviews, public appearances, and even a 2000 film, Chopper, where he was portrayed by actor Eric Bana. Read's stories and charisma fascinated many, but his violent legacy also sparked debate on whether criminals should be celebrated in popular culture.
Join Holly & Matthew as they wader through the legacy of Chopper Read, trying to sort fact from fiction, and discuss the morality of venerating a criminal.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
Mark "Chopper" Read, one of Australia's most notorious criminals, was known for his violent past and larger-than-life persona. He was involved in organized crime, including stints as a debt collector, hitman, and underworld enforcer, throughout the 1970s and 80s. Despite his criminal activities, Read became a controversial figure in Australian media, gaining notoriety for his bestselling books that chronicled his criminal exploits.
While his tales were often exaggerated or self-aggrandized, Read's life offered a glimpse into the dark underworld of Australia's crime scene. His candid recounting of his life led to interviews, public appearances, and even a 2000 film, Chopper, where he was portrayed by actor Eric Bana. Read's stories and charisma fascinated many, but his violent legacy also sparked debate on whether criminals should be celebrated in popular culture.
Join Holly & Matthew as they wader through the legacy of Chopper Read, trying to sort fact from fiction, and discuss the morality of venerating a criminal.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
Episodi mancanti?
-
Echidnas are one of the most distinctive mammals on the planet, belonging to the rare group of monotremes, which also includes the platypus. These spiny creatures are equipped with a long, sticky tongue that they use to capture ants and termites, their primary food sources. Despite their spiky appearance, echidnas are shy and solitary animals, often found burrowing into the ground to escape predators or extreme weather conditions.
Join Matthew & Holly as they explore the biology, behavior, and quirks of these spiky monotremes. Learn about the echidna’s incredible adaptations, from their specialized snouts to their unusual reproduction process, and uncover some lesser-known facts that highlight just how extraordinary these animals are.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In this series, we take on the truest form of gaslighting history to dive deep into the life and legacy of Captain James Cook, the legendary British explorer known for his voyages to the Pacific. While his adventures and discoveries have been celebrated for centuries, many myths and misconceptions about his life and actions persist.
From his humble beginnings and early naval career that shaped him into a master navigator, his first Pacific expedition where he charted New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia, and common myths about his interactions with indigenous peoples, his supposed brutality, and the true nature of his death in Hawaii, so many stories and legends have popped up, not helped in the least by British propaganda.
Join Holly & Matthew as they separate fact from fiction, exploring the true story of Captain James Cook, and debunking the myths of his time.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In this series, we take on the truest form of gaslighting history to dive deep into the life and legacy of Captain James Cook, the legendary British explorer known for his voyages to the Pacific. While his adventures and discoveries have been celebrated for centuries, many myths and misconceptions about his life and actions persist.
From his humble beginnings and early naval career that shaped him into a master navigator, his first Pacific expedition where he charted New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia, and common myths about his interactions with indigenous peoples, his supposed brutality, and the true nature of his death in Hawaii,somany stories and legends have popped up, not helped in the least by British propaganda.
Join Holly & Matthew as they separate fact from fiction, exploring the true story of Captain James Cook, and debunking the myths of his time.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In this series, we take on the truest form of gaslighting history to dive deep into the life and legacy of Captain James Cook, the legendary British explorer known for his voyages to the Pacific. While his adventures and discoveries have been celebrated for centuries, many myths and misconceptions about his life and actions persist.
From his humble beginnings and early naval career that shaped him into a master navigator, his first Pacific expedition where he charted New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia, and common myths about his interactions with indigenous peoples, his supposed brutality, and the true nature of his death in Hawaii,somany stories and legends have popped up, not helped in the least by British propaganda.
Join Holly & Matthew as they separate fact from fiction, exploring the true story of Captain James Cook, and debunking the myths of his time.
***
"Great Southern Land" is by Icehouse.
"Bound for Botany Bay" is performed by John Williamson.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
Explore the stories and legacies of the earlier European discoverers who ventured into unknown territories long before Captain Cook.
In this episode, we'll discuss the misconceptions surrounding these pioneers, delving into their voyages, interactions with First Nations peoples, and the profound impacts they had on the New World.
From their motivations and navigational challenges to the lasting effects of their discoveries, we provide a comprehensive look at these adventurers.
Join Holly & Matthew as they separate fact from fiction and uncover the true stories behind the legends of the early European explorers to Australian shores.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
The history of the Australian Football League (AFL) is rich and multifaceted, beginning in the mid-19th century. Australian Rules Football was officially codified in Melbourne in 1859, with the establishment of the Melbourne Football Club.
The Victorian Football League (VFL), which would later become the AFL, was founded in 1896. The league expanded nationally in the 1980s and 1990s, evolving into the AFL in 1990.
Today, the AFL is the premier professional Australian Rules Football competition, boasting a passionate fan base and significant cultural impact in Australia. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the League, its past, and its future.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
The history of the Australian Football League (AFL) is rich and multifaceted, beginning in the mid-19th century. Australian Rules Football was officially codified in Melbourne in 1859, with the establishment of the Melbourne Football Club.
The Victorian Football League (VFL), which would later become the AFL, was founded in 1896. The league expanded nationally in the 1980s and 1990s, evolving into the AFL in 1990.
Today, the AFL is the premier professional Australian Rules Football competition, boasting a passionate fan base and significant cultural impact in Australia. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the League, its past, and its future.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In 1998, a home in Humpty Doo, NT, became the site of intense paranormal activity. Objects flew through the air, gravel and shells rained from the ceiling, and Scrabble tiles spelled eerie messages.
Priests, journalists, and police witnessed the chaos, which the residents linked to a deceased friend named 'Troy'. Despite multiple exorcism attempts, the poltergeist's violent behavior persisted until the tenants fled.
Join Holly & Matthew as they examine the Humpty Doo Poltergeist, Australia's most documented poltergeist.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers.
Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out by the strike. This was a failed strike in terms of their £1 per week demands, but in terms of scaring the Western Australian government and gathering sympathy in the people of Perth, it was a winner.
This was the longest industrial action strike in Australia's history. More would follow, but we pay tributes to the original, and the chain of actions their strike spawned.
Join Holly & Matthew as they read up on the strike, the people, and the repercussions.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers.
Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out by the strike. This was a failed strike in terms of their £1 per week demands, but in terms of scaring the Western Australian government and gathering sympathy in the people of Perth, it was a winner.
This was the longest industrial action strike in Australia's history. More would follow, but we pay tributes to the original, and the chain of actions their strike spawned.
Join Holly & Matthew as they read up on the strike, the people, and the repercussions.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
When Americans talk about how dangerous our country is, especially with our snake, spider and drop bear populations, most Australians laugh. How could anyone who lives in the same space as a mountain lion, a grizzly bear and a coyote really think our animals are dangerous? What, you think the cuddly koala or the beefy wombat could kill you?
It turns out that Americans might be right after all. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the world of the Wombat, its ancient stories, and some terrifying encounters.
____
The story of Mirram The Kangaroo and Warreen The Wombat can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDJrnldb08o
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
The Twelve Tribes cult established its first community in Australia in the late 1990s. Known for its communal lifestyle and strict adherence to a unique interpretation of the Bible, the Twelve Tribes attracted followers seeking a close-knit, spiritual community. However, the group has faced significant controversy, including allegations of child labor, physical punishment, and indoctrination.
The Australian branches of the Twelve Tribes have been investigated multiple times for their treatment of children and their isolationist practices. In 2020, their ex-leader was murdered.
Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the unique branch of the Twelve tribes Cult that calls the Blue Mountains home, their history, and their controversies.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
Eighteen-year-old Niamh Maye disappeared on Easter Sunday, 2002, near Tumut, New South Wales. Having traveled to the Riverina region for a gap year with two friends, Niamh was last seen getting into a black hearse with a man she met on the road, Jack Nicklason. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her has been found. The main suspect in her disappearance, Nicklason, was arrested for the rape of a 19-year-old in October that year and committed suicide, leaving many questions unanswered.
Maye's disappearance remains one of Australia's enduring mysteries, fed by small town gossip and uncertain sources. Efforts by law enforcement and appeals for information continue, but her case remains unsolved, leaving her family and friends without closure.
Join Holly and Tumut-area expert Matthew as they look into the case, where it went wrong, ad who might have been responsible for diverting police attention from the more probable killing ground.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In 1969, man walked on the moon.
In 2000, someone made a film about the unsung heroes.
NASA's Apollo 11 mission, featuring astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, successfully landed on the moon. Australians played a crucial role in this historic event, with the Parkes Observatory and Honeysuckle Creek tracking station providing vital communication support. These facilities broadcast Armstrong's first steps to the world, symbolizing global unity and the shared human spirit of exploration.
Join Holly and Matthew as they contextualise both the film and the event, their influences on their respective histories, and world around them. Bonus conspiracy theories!ac
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
In 1977, Griffith-based anti-drug campaigner Don Mackay disappeared, and despite strong suspicions of mafia involvement, his body was never found. The case remains unresolved, an intriguing mystery that continues to haunt and captivate those fascinated by the dark underworld of organized crime.
Will he ever be found? That's something only the fishes can answer.
Join Holly & Matthew as they close out Year 6 with a close look at the case, the suspects, and the trade.
Sources used:
Donald Bruce (Don) Mackay (1933–1977) | C. A. Gregory | Australian Dictionary of Biography | 2000 | Volume 15 | https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mackay-donald-bruce-don-10976Drug case: $1m reward plan | The Canberra Times | 26 Jul 1977 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110856526 Drugs truth will come out: Wran | The Canberra Times | 22 Jul 1977 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110855965Forty years after Donald Mackay's murder, the Calabrian mafia still thrives | Lesley Hicks | Sydney Morning Herald | 14 Jul 2017 | https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/organised-crime-thrives-40-years-after-the-donald-mackay-murder-20170709-gx7sg4.htmlHeartache has no end for family of Donald Mackay | Tony Wright | The Age | April 30, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110510102950/http://www.theage.com.au/national/heartache-has-no-end-for-family-of-donald-mackay-20110429-1e0if.htmlInquest to be held on Mackay | The Canberra Times | 12 Dec 1981 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/126864914James 'Machine Gun' Bazley dies with his lips sealed over Donald Mackay murder | Paige Cockburn | 2 Nov 2018 | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-02/donald-mackay-murder-james-bazley-dead/10458946Mackay case prompts drugs commission call | The Canberra Times| Tue 19 Jul 1977 | Page 6 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110855547Mackay was dumped in river, police told | The Canberra Times | 16 Jun 1983 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131849589New clues in Donald Mackay murder case | Mark Morris, Clementine Cuneo and Leigh Van Den Broeke | Adelaide Now | 19 Jun 2013 | https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/new-clues-in-donald-mackay-murder-case/news-story/ee4e160ba59520c0860276cf6bc1c8cfNotification Of The Appointment Of Trustees Under Section 26 Of The Crown Lands Consolidation Act, 1913 | Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales | 14 Apr 1972 [Issue No.40] | Page 1339 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220140256Royal Commission into Drug Trafficking [Woodward Royal Commission] | State Records Archives Investigator | Agency Detail | https://web.archive.org/web/20120411044444/http://investigator.records.nsw.gov.au/Entity.aspx?Path=%5CAgency%5C2125RSL head warns of 'mob rule on grand scale' | The Canberra Times | 20 Jul 1977 | Page 10 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11085578 Tale of the Mafia among the vineyards - in Australia | Kathy Marks | The Independent (UK) | 27 Feb 2009 | https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/tale-of-the-mafia-among-the-vineyards-in-australia-1634115.htmlTwisting trail that led to Mackay’s murderer | Sydney Morning Herald | Page 7 | 17 Apr 1986 | https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xrcyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eOgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4704%2C607758
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
When the Pope and the Toad died 2 months apart in 1963/64, chaos overtook the Melbourne arm of the Honorable Society. Men were shot in the streets, in their driveways, and in their beds as the search for the new heads of power came to a close.
Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the series of shotgun killings known as the Victoria Market Murders, and their impact on the peace of the city.
Sources used:
£5,000 Reward For Murder Evidence | The Canberra Times | 18 Jan 1964 | Page 4 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1317399763rd 'Mafia Type' Killing | The Canberra Times | Fri 17 Jan 1964 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131739820Cold Case file remains open on the suspected Mafia slaying of Vincenzo and Alfonso Muratore | Keith Moor | Herald Sun | 25 Mar 2013 | https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/cold-case-files-remain-open-on-vincenzo-and-alfonso-muratore/news-story/33856e7d08d84992001149e86d5eace8Coroner commits man over shotgun killing | The Canberra Times | 29 Sep 1964 | Page 17 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131751627Denies Any Part in Victoria Market Shooting | The Age | 9 Dec 1964 | Page 15 | https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age/128738552/Domenico Demarte, victim of the Queen Victoria Market Murders, Melbourne, 1963 | The Age | 7 Feb 2015 | https://consumer.licensing-publishing.nine.com.au/archive/2ITPN4NTR0KSMafia in Australia : NDRANGHETA: IL CRIMINE AUSTRALIANO Part 4: The Market Murders | “Steve” | 25 Apr 2024 | https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com/part-4-the-market-murders/Market Shooting | The Age | 9 Dec 1964 | Page 15 | https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age/128738552/Secret dossiers probed Godfathers behind Melbourne's mafia bloodshed in the 1960s | Keith Moor | Herald Sun | 13 Jul 2013 | https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/secret-dossiers-probed-godfathers-behind-melbourne8217s-mafia-bloodshed-in-the-1960s/news-story/94f47899aeb832e720676efa3443d7bdThree Men On Murder Charge | The Argus | Wed 21 Nov 1945 | Page 7 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12154422 Vincenzo Angilletta (1916-1963) - Find a Grave Memorial | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/66110811/vincenzo-angilletta
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
The Black Hand Gang's reign of terror from 1929 to 1938 left a chilling imprint on Australia. From Jean Morris's tragic murder to a series of mysterious deaths in Ingham, their ruthless tactics instilled fear across communities. Despite law enforcement's efforts, their legacy endures as a reminder of organized crime's dark underbelly.
As whispers of their deeds echo through history, the tale of the Black Hand Gang serves as a cautionary reminder of the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to maintain power and control.
Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the activity and the consequences of the Gang's reign in Queensland.
Sources used:
"Black Hand" In Q'land | Truth| 16 Jun 1935 | Page 24 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169347220Black Hand Menace | Truth | 14 Jan 1934 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/198667940Boogan Murder | The Brisbane Courier | 26 Oct 1928 | Page 16 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/21327815Brutal Murder of Queensland Cane Farmer | Truth | 8 Dec 1935 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169352884Domenico Antonio Strano (1893-1965) - Mémorial Find a Grave | https://fr.findagrave.com/memorial/188401281/domenico-antonio-stranoFacing Death, Italian Refuses To Speak | Truth | 26 Aug 1928 | Page 17 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206148224Girl's Story Of Dread Ordeal | Truth| 12 Feb 1933 | Page 10 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206125350House Bombed | The Telegraph | 22 May 1935 |Page 2 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/182431936 Italian Murdered | The Mercury | 8 Mar 1934 | Page 11 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/24917024Mafia in Australia : NDRANGHETA: IL CRIMINE AUSTRALIANO Part 1: The Black Hand | “Steve” | 14 Jul 2023 | https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com/the-mafia-in-australia-introduction-early-history-of-italians-down-under/queensland-black-hand/'Oxley's Roads' | The Biz | 27 Mar 1952 | Page 6 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/75594546Pay... or else: the Black Hand reaches out again on the canefields | The Daily Telegraph | 17 Dec 1939 | Page 15 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247823119Serious Offence | The Central Queensland Herald | 29 Dec 1932 | Page 2 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70304803Terror in the cane fields | Georgina Hitch | ABC |27 Jun 2023 | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-27/the-black-hand-terror-cane-fields-far-north-queensland/102329810The Boogan Murder Left The Police Baffled | Daily Standard | 6 Aug 1932 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/182812777Two Italians Charged | The Argus | 18 Dec 1925 | Page 21 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2174136
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. -
Jean Morris's murder in 1932 remains a haunting enigma with a simple answer. Found stabbed 43 times in her home, suspicions fell on her Italian associates Joe Maganetti and Michael Gudas.The brutality suggested the involvement of foreign criminal elements, possibly by the notorious Black Hand. Italian national Vincenzo Dagostino emerged as a suspect, allegedly ordering her death for rejecting his advances and knowing too much about Mafia activities. As the investigation intensified, the shadows of conspiracy grew darker, leaving Jean Morris's death a chilling tale of crime and secrets.Join Holly & Matthew as they begin their journey into the secrets of L'Onorata Societa - the Honored Society. Sources Used:
A Ghastly Tragedy | Townsville Daily Bulletin | 5 Oct 1932 | Page 6 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/61693594Cairns Items | Townsville Daily Bulletin | 31 Mar 1933 | Page 9 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/61381289From The Vault – Murder of ‘Stiletto Jean’ Morris | QPS Media | Oct 28, 2022 | https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/museum/2022/10/28/vault-murder-stiletto-jean-morris/Many Stabs | The Sun | 4 Oct 1932 | Page 9 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229254133Murdered sex worker Jean Morris's body lays in an unmarked grave in north Queensland — now locals want to change that | Baz Ruddick and Jessica Naunton | 25 Feb 2024 | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-25/jean-morris-murdered-grave-headstone-north-queensland/103503982No Fresh Light | Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette |16 Mar 1933 | Page 7 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/254299139Stab Frenzy | The Sun |5 Oct 1932 | Page 15 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/229259473Terror in the canefields | Georgia Hitch | 27 Jun 2023 | ABC |https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-27/the-black-hand-terror-cane-fields-far-north-queensland/102329810The Ayr Murder | Cairns Post | 31 Mar 1933 | Page 8 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/41192651The O'Driscoll Memoirs | Truth | 30 Jul 1950 | Page 13 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201435822
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support. - Mostra di più
