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Weird Crap in Australia

Weird Crap in Australia

Written by: The Modern Meltdown
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About this listen

 Welcome to "Weird Crap in Australia," a podcast hosted by Holly and Matthew, a husband and wife team with a passion for all things strange and unusual in the land down under.

Each episode, Holly, a trained historian, and Matthew, a pop-culture enthusiast, dive into the weird and wacky aspects of Australian history and society. From the colonial era to the present day, they explore topics such as aliens, monsters, ghosts, and true crime, uncovering the stories and legends that have fascinated Australians for generations.

As a social historian, Holly provides a unique perspective on the cultural significance of these strange phenomena, while Matthew brings his expertise in pop-culture to the table, offering insights into how these stories have been portrayed in movies, TV shows, and other media.

With a mix of humor and insight, "Weird Crap in Australia" is the perfect podcast for anyone who loves to explore the oddities and quirks of our world. Join Holly and Matthew as they take you on a journey through the strange and wonderful world of Australia's weirdest stories.

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Did you know a full firefight between MPs and soldiers took place in Central Station (Sydney) in February 1916, and you can still find the bullet holes in the pillars?

Did you know that one of Australia’s convict ships was waylaid by Americans during the aftermath of the American Revolution in 1815?

Did you know we have a dinosaur called Qantassaurus, and that most Australian fossil expeditions of the 1970s and 1980s were sponsored by corporations, rather than the government?

Did you know that the majority of the miners that took part in the Eureka Stockade of 1854 were Chinese, African-American, or from other ‘minority’ groups? And that the Victorian Gold Rush is where Australia learned to love Chinese food?

There’s a lot of history when it comes to this country - even just in the last 200 years - and very little of it is taught in our school systems. We feel that, in order to preserve the past, we have to get it out there into the minds of the present, and hopefully apply those lessons to the future. If you agree, we'd love you to join us.

New episodes release 12pm AEDST/AEST every Monday.

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Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod
"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod
Used under a Creative Commons license.

All sound and voice clips used are (c) their respective owners.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.Holly & Matthew Soall Social Sciences True Crime World
Episodes
  • Episode 407 - Cathy Freeman Part 2

    Episode 407 - Cathy Freeman Part 2
    Apr 27 2026
    In September 2000, on a warm night in Sydney, Cathy Freeman stepped onto the track carrying the weight of expectation — and delivered one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. But her story didn’t begin there.

    In this episode, Holly and Matthew trace Freeman’s journey from a young athlete in Queensland to a global symbol of achievement, resilience, and reconciliation. From her early rise in athletics to the cultural significance of her Olympic victory, this is a story about more than sport — it’s about identity, pressure, and a moment that brought a nation to a standstill.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Episode 406 - Cathy Freeman

    Episode 406 - Cathy Freeman
    Apr 20 2026
    In September 2000, on a warm night in Sydney, Cathy Freeman stepped onto the track carrying the weight of expectation — and delivered one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. But her story didn’t begin there.

    In this episode, Holly and Matthew trace Freeman’s journey from a young athlete in Queensland to a global symbol of achievement, resilience, and reconciliation. From her early rise in athletics to the cultural significance of her Olympic victory, this is a story about more than sport — it’s about identity, pressure, and a moment that brought a nation to a standstill.


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 405 - They're Bats... Man

    Episode 405 - They're Bats... Man
    Apr 13 2026
    They’re loud, they’re messy, and they’ve become one of Australia’s most controversial native animals — the grey-headed flying fox.

    Found along the east coast, these large fruit bats play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal, yet their presence in urban areas has made them the centre of ongoing conflict between conservation and community concerns.

    From mass colonies in suburban parks to debates over relocation and protection, it’s a story that sits at the intersection of environment, policy, and everyday life.

    In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the history, behaviour, and ecological importance of grey-headed flying foxes, along with the challenges they present in towns and cities.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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