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Published by The Modern Meltdown
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. *** 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. ______ 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 .
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For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright. Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners. Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright. Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners. Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
For more than four decades, Fred Nile was one of the most recognisable and controversial figures in Australian politics. As the founder of the Call to Australia Party, later the Christian Democratic Party, he built a career campaigning on conservative Christian values, influencing legislation in New South Wales despite rarely holding the balance of power outright. Join Holly and Matthew as they trace Fred Nile's political career, from his early activism and election to the Legislative Council through to the campaigns, controversies, and social debates that made him a fixture of Australian public life. Whether opposing censorship, gambling, abortion, same-sex relationships, or changing social attitudes, Nile remained one of the country's most persistent political campaigners. Love him or loathe him, Fred Nile left an undeniable mark on New South Wales politics. This episode explores the man, the movement, and the legacy of one of Australia's longest-serving parliamentarians. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe. Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
For generations of Australian schoolchildren, a visit from Healthy Harold was a highlight of the school year. Whether it arrived in a brightly coloured caravan or at a dedicated education centre, Life Education taught millions of children about nutrition, personal safety, drugs, relationships, and growing up through the country's most recognisable giraffe. Join Holly and Matthew as they explore the origins of Life Education, the creation of Healthy Harold, and how one long-necked puppet became one of Australia's most beloved educational icons. From its beginnings in the late 1970s to its evolution for a new generation, discover how Healthy Harold helped shape childhoods across the country. Take a trip back to the classroom and revisit one of Australia's most enduring educational success stories. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia’s most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations. As police worked to piece together Jaidyn’s final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In June 1997, the disappearance of 13-month-old Jaidyn Leskie from the small Victorian town of Moe captured the attention of the nation. What began as a frantic search for a missing toddler soon became one of Australia’s most heartbreaking and controversial criminal investigations. As police worked to piece together Jaidyn’s final hours, conflicting stories, unanswered questions, and a lack of clear evidence complicated the search for justice. Decades later, the case continues to provoke debate, with many believing key questions remain unresolved. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In 1921, the quiet New South Wales town of Guyra became the centre of one of Australia’s strangest paranormal cases. Rocks rained from empty rooms, objects moved on their own, furniture overturned, and terrified witnesses claimed unseen forces were haunting a local farmhouse. What began as a family disturbance quickly drew neighbours, police, reporters, and sceptics from across the country. Some believed it was a genuine haunting. Others suspected a hoax. But even after investigations, the mystery of the Guyra Poltergeist refused to disappear. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In 1971, Adelaide woke to a bizarre sight: an FJ Holden hanging from a pedestrian footbridge above North Terrace outside the University of Adelaide. The stunt became an instant legend, baffling authorities and sparking a mystery that lingered for decades. Part prank, part engineering feat, and entirely Australian, the hanging Holden captured the larrikin spirit of university Prosh Week culture at its peak. But who actually pulled it off? And how did they manage to suspend an entire car over one of Adelaide’s busiest streets without anyone stopping them? Join Holly & Matthew as they look through the history of pranks in Australian university life - and why they went away. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Rolf Harris — from his beginnings in Perth during the Great Depression to becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in Britain and across the Commonwealth. Join Holly and Matthew as they follow Harris through the early days of television, novelty music, children’s entertainment, painting, the wobble board, and the strange cultural landscape of post-war Britain, examining how an Australian performer became a trusted household figure for generations of audiences.But alongside that public image ran a much darker story. This episode also examines the allegations, convictions, and testimonies that emerged later in Harris’s life, including the broader context of Britain’s entertainment industry, Operation Yewtree, and the culture that allowed powerful figures to avoid scrutiny for decades. This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Rolf Harris — from his beginnings in Perth during the Great Depression to becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in Britain and across the Commonwealth. Join Holly and Matthew as they follow Harris through the early days of television, novelty music, children’s entertainment, painting, the wobble board, and the strange cultural landscape of post-war Britain, examining how an Australian performer became a trusted household figure for generations of audiences.But alongside that public image ran a much darker story. This episode also examines the allegations, convictions, and testimonies that emerged later in Harris’s life, including the broader context of Britain’s entertainment industry, Operation Yewtree, and the culture that allowed powerful figures to avoid scrutiny for decades. This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
Welcome to the start of Year 9!!!!! In this episode, we explore the rise and fall of Rolf Harris — from his beginnings in Perth during the Great Depression to becoming one of the most recognisable entertainers in Britain and across the Commonwealth. Join Holly and Matthew as they follow Harris through the early days of television, novelty music, children’s entertainment, painting, the wobble board, and the strange cultural landscape of post-war Britain, examining how an Australian performer became a trusted household figure for generations of audiences.But alongside that public image ran a much darker story. This episode also examines the allegations, convictions, and testimonies that emerged later in Harris’s life, including the broader context of Britain’s entertainment industry, Operation Yewtree, and the culture that allowed powerful figures to avoid scrutiny for decades. This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse, grooming, and exploitation. Music Clips Used: The Purple People Eater — performed by Sheb Wooley Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini — performed by Brian Hyland Octopus's Garden — performed by The Beatles Yellow Submarine — performed by The Beatles Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport — performed by Rolf Harris Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
On the morning of October 14, 1968, the small Western Australian town of Meckering was torn apart by one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Australia. Roads split open, railway lines twisted, buildings collapsed, and a fault line ripped visibly through the landscape — leaving behind destruction that stunned the nation. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the events of the Meckering earthquake, the science behind it, and the aftermath for the people who lived through it. From the first violent tremors to the massive recovery effort, this is the story of the day Australia was reminded that even this ancient continent can move with terrifying force. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
Hidden in the hills near Gympie, Queensland, sits a structure that has sparked decades of debate: the Gympie Pyramid. To some, it’s evidence of an ancient civilisation or Egyptian contact with Australia. To others, it’s nothing more than a terraced hillside built by early European settlers. In this episode, Holly and Matthew dig into the claims, the history, and the investigations surrounding the site. Where did the pyramid theory come from? What evidence has been presented — and what holds up under scrutiny? It’s a story where archaeology, speculation, and local legend collide. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
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 .
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 .
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 .
In 1973, a global oil shock reached Australian shores and changed everyday life almost overnight. Fuel shortages, price spikes, and uncertainty rippled through the country, forcing governments and communities to rethink how they used energy. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore how the oil crisis played out in Australia — from petrol rationing and changing driving habits to the political decisions that shaped the nation’s response. What began as an overseas conflict quickly became a local disruption, exposing just how dependent Australia had become on global supply. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- Sources used this episode (in appearance order): A Current Affair Staff. (2022, December). Grieving widow remembers hero neighbour husband killed in cop shooting. A Current Affair. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/wieambilla-shooting-grieving-widow-heartbroken-by-treatment-of-husband-s-body-after-police-shooting/9484a2f5-2b10-4fe6-bcc6-d0e410756e76 Read, C. (2023, January 22). “Mum didn’t like guns”: Police killers’ daughter says her parents were gentle. Brisbane Times. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/mum-didn-t-like-guns-cop-killers-daughter-says-her-parents-were-gentle-20230122-p5cell.html Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight “like World War III”. The Chronicle. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7 Chamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., Scott, S., Nolan, M., Philp, J., Devon, E., & Morri, M. (2022, December 17). Qld police shooting: Local cops formed extraction team to save colleagues. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-local-cops-formed-extraction-team-to-save-colleague/news-story/bff3da3bcc6bfa446f9e6ea583f191b1 Brennan, A. (2022, December 14). Cold-blooded cop killers’ twisted final act after shooting police officers dead. News.com.au. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/final-act-of-train-trio-who-executed-police-in-wieambilla-qld-siege/news-story/042ba4f3b07e94ff1c5ffe90f83c49fb Sutton, C. (2022, December 15). Our daring dozen. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11536289/Wieambilla-police-shooting-cops-saved-officer-siege-braved-kill-zones-booby-traps.html Silk. (2022, December 16). “We killed them”: Chilling video emerges of boasting cop killers. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/we-killed-them-chilling-video-emerges-of-boasting-cop-killers/news-story/a0fcf8635f50851ea14b6b2173cd53b1 Gillespie, E. (2022, December 21). Queensland shooting sparking “false flag” conspiracy theories, experts warn. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/21/conspiracists-create-theories-to-avoid-uncomfortable-truth-about-queensland-shooting-expert-says AAP. (2022, December 14). Ambushed police thankful to survive attack. Canberra Daily. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://canberradaily.com.au/ambushed-police-thankful-to-survive-attack/ Coroners Court of Queensland. (2025, November 25). Findings of inquest into the deaths at Wieambilla. https://www.coronerscourt.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/888627/Findings-of-inquest-into-the-deaths-at-Wieambilla-Redacted-25.11.2025.pdf Kruk, C., Read, C., & Atfield, C. (2025, December 5). Wieambilla families launch damages claim against Qld, NSW police. Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/wieambilla-families-launch-damages-claim-against-qld-nsw-police-20251205-p5nl3y.html 6 News Australia. (2022, December 13). Breaking: Anthony Albanese speaks after 6 were killed in Queensland shooting [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://youtu.be/gfjCkH_yxD0 Hitch, G. (2022, December 15). Peter Dutton becomes emotional during condolence motion for Queensland police officers killed in shooting. ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/peter-dutton-emotional-condolence-queensland-police-shooting/101776036 Gillespie, E. (2026, February 13). US man linked to Wieambilla shooting sentenced to three years’ prison. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-13/donald-day-wieambilla-shooting-sentence/106342394 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- Sources used this episode (in appearance order): Hinchcliffe, J. (2022, December 16). Wieambilla shooting: Stacey Train had limited contact with family after entering ‘controlling’ relationship with brother-in-law. The Guardian . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/wieambilla-shooting-stacey-train-had-limited-contact-with-family-after-entering-controlling-relationship-with-brother-in-law Daily Mail Staff. (2022, December 15). Tracing the Trains. The Daily Mail . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-11540187/TRACING-TRAINS.html Callinan, R., Andre, J., & Stone, L. (2022, December 15). Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train carried out a deadly police shooting. Their twisted backstory is revealed. ABC News . Retrieved january 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/qld-police-shooting-offenders-nathaniel-gareth-stacey-train/101766720 Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight 'like World War III.'. The Chronicle . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7 Smee, B., & Bucci, N. (2022, December 15). God and guns: the strict religious upbringing of the Wieambilla shooters. The Guardian . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/14/god-and-guns-the-strict-religious-upbringing-of-the-wieambilla-shooters Meacham, S., & Walsh, S. (2023, January 22). 'Fear of the unknown' led to Queensland cop slayings, daughter claims. 9 News . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-massacre-wieambilla-daughter-madelyn-train-interview-part-one/8e86f5f0-bd2c-4e32-b370 Train, G. (2020, November 24). Dodgy Tasmania Police Still Covering Up Port Arthur Scam . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org: https://cairnsnews.org/2019/11/09/dodgy-tasmania-police-still-covering-up-port-arthur-scam/#comment-119937 Train, G. (2020, October 18). Why the Rats are Abandoning Ship . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CIR Now: https://cirnow.com.au/why-the-rats-are-abandoning-ship/#comment-13295 Train, G. (2021, May 26). Channel Seven clearly being managed by Deep State after unbelievable Port Arthur segment . Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support .
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