Episódios

  • Have you ever wondered why the world's most prestigious restaurant awards are called Michelin Stars?

    It all begins with a tyre company... and one of the world's most recognisable mascots.

    Long before he became an advertising icon, the Michelin Man — also known as Bibendum — was helping motorists discover new places to visit. What started as a simple travel guide designed to encourage people to drive more eventually evolved into the famous Michelin Guide, transforming the world of fine dining forever.

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika uncovers the surprising true history of the Michelin Man, explores the origins of the Michelin Guide, and reveals how a company best known for making tyres became the most influential name in global gastronomy.

    It's a bizarre, fascinating story filled with clever marketing, unexpected history, and one of the greatest branding successes of all time.

    If you've ever wondered where Michelin Stars came from, this is the episode for you.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In the early 1980s, one of the most chaotic toy crazes in history took hold: Cabbage Patch Kids.

    These weren’t ordinary dolls. Each one came with a name, a “birth certificate,” and official adoption papers — turning a children’s toy into something that felt strangely personal, almost like a real child.

    What followed was unprecedented. Parents fought in department stores during the Christmas rush of 1983, with demand so extreme it led to riots, injuries, and nationwide media coverage. Priests and religious commentators questioned whether the dolls were appropriate for children, while conspiracy theories quickly emerged about their origins and meaning.

    But behind the frenzy lies a far more complicated story.

    Long before mass production and billion-dollar sales, there were handmade soft-sculpture dolls created by artist Martha Nelson Thomas, whose work some believe formed the inspiration for what would become the Cabbage Patch empire. Her role — and the question of credit and ownership — remains one of the most debated parts of the story.

    This episode of The StickyBeak explores the true history of Cabbage Patch Kids — from their unusual beginnings and explosive rise to fame, to the cultural panic, lawsuits, and legacy they left behind.

    It’s a story about nostalgia, consumer obsession, and how a simple toy became one of the most talked-about phenomena of the 1980s.


    Thank you to Stephania Blum from Cabbage Patch Boutique: IG - @cabbagepatchboutique


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • What is it like to step inside the last tent boxing show in the world?

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika travels to Nambour on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to experience the legendary Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe — a uniquely Australian attraction that has been entertaining crowds for generations.

    Part history podcast, part documentary, and part personal adventure, this episode explores the fascinating world of tent boxing, a rough-and-ready tradition that dates back to Australia's travelling carnivals and outback shows. You'll hear the remarkable story of Fred Brophy, who was born into carnival life and has spent decades keeping this extraordinary piece of Australian history alive.

    Featuring real audio recorded inside the boxing tent, Monika takes you behind the canvas walls to discover what really happens when everyday people climb through the ropes and face off in front of a live crowd.

    From the colourful history of Australian tent boxing to the sights, sounds, and characters that make Fred Brophy's Boxing Troupe so iconic, this episode offers a rare glimpse into a disappearing tradition that may not be around for much longer.


    🎧 In this episode:

    • The history of Australian tent boxing

    • The story of Fred Brophy and his famous Boxing Troupe

    • Life inside a travelling carnival

    • Real audio from inside the boxing tent

    • Why this uniquely Australian tradition is fighting to survive

    If you're interested in Australian history, Queensland culture, boxing, travelling shows, unusual subcultures, or hidden corners of Australia, this is an episode you won't want to miss.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week on The StickyBeak, we're revisiting one of our most fascinating and talked-about episodes: the surprising history of glory holes.

    While many people associate glory holes with modern adult culture, their story stretches much further back than you might expect. From their mysterious origins and underground history to the myths, legends, and social forces that helped shape them, this episode explores a little-known corner of human culture that is both strange and surprisingly complex.

    Join Monika as she takes a curious, non-judgmental look at the history of glory holes, uncovering how they evolved, why they became popular, and what they can tell us about secrecy, sexuality, and society.

    Whether you're here out of curiosity, historical interest, or simply because the title caught your eye, this is one eye-opening journey you won't forget.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Why do we celebrate Pride Month? Where did Pride begin? And how did a protest become one of the world's biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and culture?

    In this special Pride Month episode of The StickyBeak, Monika explores the fascinating history of Pride, from the pivotal events that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement to the colourful traditions and symbols that have become part of queer culture today.

    Along the way, you'll discover surprising stories, lesser-known moments from LGBTQ+ history, and hear from some absolute legends whose lives and experiences help bring the story of Pride to life.

    Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply curious about the history behind Pride parades, rainbow flags, and the fight for equality, this episode is a celebration of resilience, visibility, community, and the people who helped change the world.


    Here’s a list of support organisations and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in Australia:


    QLife

       - Website: (https://www.qlife.org.au/)

       - Description: Provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral via phone and web chat.

       - Phone: 1800 184 527


    Minus18

       - Website: (https://www.minus18.org.au/)

       - Description: Youth-led organization focused on improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through education, events, and resources.


    Black Rainbow

       - Website:(https://www.blackrainbow.org.au/)

       - Description: An advocacy platform and support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ people.


    Queer Organizations for Being a Good Ally (Australia-Wide)


    PFLAG Australia

       - Website: [pflag.org.au](https://www.pflag.org.au/)

       - Description: A support network for parents, families, and friends of LGBTQIA+ people.


    The Equality Project

       - Website: [theequalityproject.org.au](https://www.theequalityproject.org.au/)

       - Description: Focuses on creating a more inclusive and equal Australia through education, training, and advocacy.


    Queer Organizations for Educational Resources (Australia-Wide)


    The Pinnacle Foundation

       - Website: (https://thepinnaclefoundation.org/)


    Twenty10

       - Website: (https://www.twenty10.org.au/)

       - Description: Provides support services, including housing, mental health, and social support for LGBTQIA+ young people.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Before the sashes, strippers, and wild party antics, hens nights had deep cultural and historical roots. In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon explores the fascinating history of hens nights — from ancient Greek rituals and goddess worship to today’s modern bachelorette parties.

    Discover how pre-wedding traditions have evolved across cultures, including sacred dances, symbolic hair offerings, and community celebrations leading up to marriage. We dive into how hens nights became what they are today — from meaningful rituals to karaoke-fuelled chaos.

    This episode also explores feminist perspectives on hens parties, the rise of alternative and inclusive celebrations, and how queer communities are redefining what a hens night can look like in 2026.

    If you’ve ever wondered where hens nights came from, how they changed over time, or what they say about modern relationships and identity, this episode is for you.

    Heartfelt, funny, and occasionally a little bit cheeky (yes, there are penis-shaped props involved).


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Drag queens have long dominated mainstream drag culture — from RuPaul’s Drag Race to club nights, brunches, and bingo shows. But Drag Kings have always been part of drag history too… they’ve just rarely been given the spotlight.

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika explores the hidden history and modern resurgence of Drag Kings — performers who have been challenging gender norms and shaping queer performance culture since the 1800s.

    From vaudeville stages and underground cabaret to punk shows and queer club nights, Drag Kings have been here all along.

    Monika speaks with three incredible Drag Kings from the US about their artistry, their journeys, and what it means to build visibility in a drag scene that has historically centred drag queens.

    This episode explores Drag Kings, drag history, queer culture, gender performance, and the evolution of drag as an art form.


    HUGE thank you to...


    Buck Wylde : IG @buckwylde_dragking


    Hannibal Lickher : IG @hannibal.lickher


    Prinze Valentino : IG @ Prinze_valentino


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak is about to go to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • This week on The StickyBeak, we dive into the shocking history of the guillotine — one of the most infamous execution machines ever created.

    Born out of the chaos of the French Revolution, the guillotine was designed as a “humane” method of execution. But what followed was anything but simple. It quickly became a symbol of terror, justice, and mass public spectacle, used to carry out executions on an unprecedented scale.

    In this episode, we explore how and why the guillotine was invented, how it became central to revolutionary France, and why it still fascinates (and horrifies) us today. From its surprisingly bureaucratic origins to its brutal legacy, this is the story of how a machine changed the meaning of death itself.

    If you’re interested in dark history, true crime, or the strange inventions that shaped the world, this episode is for you.


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ever wondered if animals can really communicate with humans on a psychic level? In this fascinating episode of The StickyBeak, Mon sits down with Cynthia, a professional pet psychic and animal communicator, to explore the strange world of pet telepathy, energy reading, and the hidden thoughts of our furry companions.

    Can pet psychics really read your pet’s mind? Are animals trying to tell us something? And why do so many people swear these readings changed their lives? Whether you’re a skeptic, believer, or simply curious, this episode is packed with surprising stories and thought-provoking insights.


    Thank you to Cynthia for coming on the pod!


    You can follow her here:

    Instagram:

    TikTok: @lilmisspetpsychic

    Instagram: @lilmisspetpsychic @nydognanny


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon sits down with Sunny Jayne — a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman) adult content creator — to talk about body confidence, beauty standards, sexuality, and the reality of working in the adult industry.

    From empowerment and objectification to stigma, self-image, and online audiences, this is an honest and eye-opening conversation about the parts of the adult industry most people never hear about.


    Thank you so much to Sunny Jayne for sharing her experiences.


    Www.sunnyjayne.com

    Instagram: Sunnyjayne.au


    Mentioned creators:

    Fat Megan Fox 

    Instagram: thefatmeganfox


    BBW Layla 

    Instagram: bbw_layla


    Billie Taylor 

    Instagram: itsbillietaylor


    Hayley Carter

    Instagram: Hayleycarter_94


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today we're looking back at an episode from a few years ago.


    Ever wondered how animals end up on your favourite movies and TV shows — safely and professionally? From blockbuster films like Avatar to the smallest background animals, there’s always at least one animal trainer on set to ensure the stars behave and stay happy.


    In this episode of The StickyBeak, I speak with Jet Shaw, an internationally acclaimed animal behaviourist, educator, and animal trainer with a career spanning over three decades. Jet has worked on some of the biggest films in history, training animals for both leading roles and background scenes — all while prioritising their welfare.


    Jet’s passion for animals is undeniable, and her dedication to keeping them safe, happy, and well-trained shines through in every story she shares. This conversation is both fascinating and surprisingly funny — a rare glimpse into the world of animal trainers in showbiz.


    Whether you’re curious about how animals perform on camera, the ethics behind animal work in entertainment, or just love behind-the-scenes movie stories, this episode is for you.


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • What happens after we die? In this episode of The StickyBeak, we explore unconventional approaches to death, legacy, and memorials — beyond the traditional coffin or cremation.


    I speak with pioneers who are reimagining the end of life in ways that are surprising, thought-provoking, and sometimes beautiful:

    The People’s Pyramid – a long-term art project and collective memorial founded by The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu (The KLF), turning death into living art.Return Home – a Washington-based funeral home offering natural organic reduction, also known as human composting, a sustainable alternative to cremation.Southern Cryonics – Australia’s first and only cryonics facility, preserving bodies in Holbrook, NSW for future revival.

    From human composting to cryonics to collective art memorials, this episode is a curious, reflective, and sometimes surprising look at how humans are redefining death, remembrance, and legacy.


    If you’ve ever wondered about alternative funerals, futuristic memorials, or the ethics of preserving life beyond death, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration that will challenge the way you think about the end of life.


    A HUGE thank you to these legends for getting involved...


    Ru Callender

    Founder of Green Funeral Company,

    One of the two official undertakers for The Pyramid People's Pyramid.

    WEBSITE: https://www.thepeoplespyramid.org


    Brienna Smith 

    Funeral Director at Return Home

    INSTAGRAM: @returnhomenor

    WEBSITE: https://returnhome.com/


    Peter Tsolakides

    Founder of Southern Cryonics

    WEBSITE: https://www.sandbox.southerncryonics.com/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • What is a furry — really?

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, we dive inside the furry fandom, one of the internet’s most misunderstood subcultures.

    Originally recorded for my Living with Mon series on alternative lifestyles, this conversation features Haruka (Haru), a member of the furry community who shares what being a furry actually means — beyond the stereotypes. We talk about identity, creativity, community, and why so many assumptions about furries simply aren’t true.


    Because there’s a lot to unpack, I also recorded a second interview (linked in the show notes) with Rune, a self-described “Scalie” — a member of the furry fandom whose character is reptilian. In that conversation, we explore the more adult side of the community and how it differs from mainstream furry culture.


    If you’ve ever Googled “what is a furry?” or wondered what really happens inside the furry community, this episode offers a thoughtful and open-minded look at a world that’s often judged before it’s understood.

    As always, go in curious.


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • By listener request, we’re diving into the mysterious world of the occult — and uncovering what that word actually means.


    In this episode of The StickyBeak, we explore Asetianism, a secretive spiritual path rooted in ancient Egyptian mysticism and devotion to the goddess Aset (Isis). Often misunderstood and confused with vampire roleplay or gothic subculture, Asetianism is a disciplined esoteric tradition focused on sacred knowledge, spiritual lineage, divine feminine energy, and personal transformation.


    I speak with Sarah, a dedicated Asetian practitioner, about what it truly means to walk this path. We unpack the real meaning of the occult, the difference between modern vampire culture and Asetian spirituality, and why secrecy plays such a central role in esoteric traditions.


    If you’ve ever searched for the meaning of the occult, wondered whether modern vampires are real, or been curious about hidden spiritual traditions rooted in ancient Egypt, this episode offers a rare and thoughtful insight into a path few people truly understand.

    And if you’re still intrigued by the vampire subculture, you can also listen to my previous conversation with Madame X (Episode 41).


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming anymore—it’s transforming the way we live, connect, and even love. In this episode of The StickyBeak, I explore how VR is blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds in ways we never imagined.


    Virtual reality isn’t just for gaming anymore. It’s changing how we socialise, form relationships, experience intimacy — and even how some people live their entire lives.

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, we explore what happens when the lines between the physical world and the digital world start to blur.

    First, I speak with Starh, a virtual reality enthusiast who has spent more than 30,000 hours inside VR over the past seven years. He doesn’t just game in VR — he socialises, builds relationships, and even sleeps there. For him, virtual reality isn’t an escape from real life — it is real life. We talk about VRChat, digital identity, online relationships, and what happens when your primary community exists in a headset.


    Then, I sit down with Philipp Fussenegger, founder of Cybrothel — the world’s first AI brothel. We discuss how virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive technology are reshaping the sex industry, redefining companionship, and challenging our ideas about intimacy and connection in a digital age.

    Is virtual reality enhancing human connection — or replacing it?

    Are VR relationships real relationships?

    And what does the future of love and sex look like in the metaverse?

    This episode dives deep into virtual reality relationships, digital intimacy, AI companionship, and the future of human connection.


    Thank you so much to Starh and Philipp for sharing their experiences.


    You can follow Philipp on Instagram @philipp_fussenegger


    Check out Cybrothel on Instagram @cybrothel


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • For centuries, Europe’s most celebrated opera singers had voices that sounded almost supernatural — powerful, soaring, and unlike anything audiences had ever heard before.

    They were known as the castrati.


    From the sacred choirs of the Vatican to the grand opera houses of Europe, these singers became some of the biggest celebrities of the 17th and 18th centuries. Kings invited them to royal courts. Fans travelled across countries just to hear them perform. Some became astonishingly wealthy and famous.


    But behind those extraordinary voices was a secret far darker than most audiences realised.


    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon explores the strange and unsettling history of the castrati — how the practice began in Renaissance Italy, why thousands of boys were drawn into the system, and how a handful rose to become global superstars like Farinelli.


    You’ll also hear about the last surviving castrato, Alessandro Moreschi, whose early 1900s recordings remain the only surviving example of what these voices actually sounded like.

    It’s a story about music, fame, ambition… and the uncomfortable lengths societies will sometimes go to in pursuit of beauty.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In October 1989, a brutal killing on the banks of the Brisbane River shocked Queensland.

    Within days, newspapers around the world were running the same chilling headline: “The Lesbian Vampire Killer.”


    But how did a tragic crime become a global media sensation?


    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Monika O’Hanlon revisits the infamous case of Tracey Wigginton and the murder of Edward Baldock — exploring the events of that night, the rumours that followed, and the headlines that turned a shocking crime into one of Australia’s most sensationalised stories.


    This episode looks beyond the label to examine how media narratives can shape public perception — and how some headlines take on a life of their own.


    Listener discretion advised.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Crop circles have appeared overnight for decades — vast geometric patterns pressed into fields, from rural England to regional Australia. Perfect spirals. Massive fractals. Designs so precise they seem almost impossible.


    Are they proof of alien life? Elaborate hoaxes? Or something far more human?

    In this episode of The StickyBeak, Mon explores the UFO sightings, the famous Stonehenge formation that stunned the world, and the quiet confessions that changed everything.


    Because even if crop circles are made by human hands… the mystery surrounding them refuses to disappear.

    Aliens, hoaxers, mass belief — and the enduring question: are we alone?


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Isadora Duncan changed the world of dance forever.


    Revered as the mother of modern dance, Isadora Duncan rejected rigid ballet tradition and created a radical new style built on freedom, emotion, and natural movement. She became an international sensation — admired, criticized, and endlessly talked about.


    But behind the fame was a life marked by heartbreak, scandal, controversy, and profound personal tragedy.


    In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Isadora Duncan — from her rise to global stardom to the deeply personal losses that shaped her art. And we examine the shocking final chapter that cemented her place in history.


    This is the tragic life of a dance pioneer — and the night that changed everything.


    A HUGE thank you to listener James for requesting this episode. Check out his IG here: @jstrakertroublemaker


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The 27 Club has fascinated the world for decades.


    Why did icons like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse and Brian Jones all die at 27? Coincidence — or something more?

    In this episode, we unpack the origins of the 27 Club and separate fact from folklore. From the white lighter myth to Saturn return astrology, from crossroads legends to Illuminati and ritual sacrifice claims — where did these theories come from, and do they hold up?

    We also explore the role of fame, addiction, industry pressure and the psychology behind why we’re so drawn to this number.


    Is the 27 Club real — or is it a story we’ve built around tragedy?

    Listen now and decide for yourself.


    This episode was brought to you by Tüt, toilet lid stickers to zhuzh up your toot. Because every throne needs a crown.

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/tutdeco/


    🎉 Big news! The StickyBeak will be returning to two episodes a week!

    Wednesdays: Your regular deep dive into the weird, wonderful, and wonderfully strange stories from around the world.Mondays: A brand-new episode all about YOUR stories — the wild, funny, and outrageous confessions you send in.

    Got a story to share? Be a StickyBeak and submit it here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK_D0b6Cp7WAKDq4thfd4EZNrXJPba1C2r9VZkxptxbYmJtA/viewform! 🦜


    Got an Idea for the Podcast?

    I’d love to hear from you! If there’s a topic you’d like me to explore or someone you think would make a great guest, flick me a message.


    EMAIL: [email protected]

    INSTAGRAM: @thestickybeakpodcast

    TIKTOK: @thestickybeakpodcast

    FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/listen.with.mon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.