Episodes

  • Episode 342 - The Royal Flying Doctor Service Part 2

    Episode 342 - The Royal Flying Doctor Service Part 2
    Dec 23 2024
    Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has stood as a beacon of hope for those living in its most remote and unforgiving regions. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the service was born out of the need to provide critical medical care to isolated communities. Initially known as the Aerial Medical Service, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations, covering 7.69 million square kilometres.

    The RFDS's impact is profound, delivering essential healthcare, emergency evacuations, and telehealth consultations to areas that would otherwise lack access. Whether reaching a station deep in the Outback or responding to life-threatening accidents far from conventional hospitals, the RFDS remains a lifeline for countless Australians. Its innovation and adaptability have secured its place as a vital part of the nation's heritage.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they take to the skies to uncover the history, challenges, and extraordinary feats of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the people who keep it airborne.


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    40 mins
  • Episode 341 - The Royal Flying Doctor Service Part 1

    Episode 341 - The Royal Flying Doctor Service Part 1
    Dec 16 2024
    Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has stood as a beacon of hope for those living in its most remote and unforgiving regions. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, the service was born out of the need to provide critical medical care to isolated communities. Initially known as the Aerial Medical Service, it has grown into one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive aeromedical organisations, covering 7.69 million square kilometres.

    The RFDS's impact is profound, delivering essential healthcare, emergency evacuations, and telehealth consultations to areas that would otherwise lack access. Whether reaching a station deep in the Outback or responding to life-threatening accidents far from conventional hospitals, the RFDS remains a lifeline for countless Australians. Its innovation and adaptability have secured its place as a vital part of the nation's heritage.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they take to the skies to uncover the history, challenges, and extraordinary feats of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and the people who keep it airborne.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    45 mins
  • Episode 340 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 4

    Episode 340 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 4
    Dec 9 2024
    In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison’s ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    43 mins
  • Episode 339 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 3

    Episode 339 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 3
    Dec 2 2024
    In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison’s ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    47 mins
  • Episode 338 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 2

    Episode 338 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 2
    Nov 25 2024
    In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison’s ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    53 mins
  • Episode 337 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 1

    Episode 337 - The Thallium Craze of the 1950s Part 1
    Nov 18 2024
    In the 1950s, Australia was gripped by a bizarre and terrifying trend of thallium poisoning, one of the most sinister and mysterious poisoning cases in Australian history. Thallium, a highly toxic metal, was used in a range of household items, including rat poisons and insecticides, and became the weapon of choice for a number of perpetrators. The poison’s ability to cause severe and often fatal damage to the nervous system made it incredibly difficult to detect, and as such, it led to a series of deaths and illnesses across the country. At the time, symptoms of poisoning were easily mistaken for other diseases, leading to confusion and numerous misdiagnoses.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into this shocking chapter of Australian crime history, exploring the chilling details of the poisonings and how they led to greater awareness and safety regulations around toxic substances in Australia.

    ***

    "Cell Block Tango" clip - By John Kander and Fred Ebb
    Part of the movie "Chicago" (2002)

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    52 mins
  • Episode 336 - The Scandal of Big Philou (1969)

    Episode 336 - The Scandal of Big Philou (1969)
    Nov 11 2024
    Big Philou, an Australian racehorse with promising odds in the Melbourne Cup, became infamous for a scandal that rocked the racing world. Just minutes before the race, Big Philou was scratched due to a sudden illness, later found to be caused by a malicious case of doping. The horse had been a favourite to win, and the last-minute scratching not only cost owners, bettors, and fans but also spurred an investigation into race-fixing and doping within Australian horse racing.

    Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into the mystery of Big Philou’s last-minute Melbourne Cup removal, the aftermath of the scandal, and how it changed the course of Australian racing history.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    57 mins
  • Episode 335 - Round the Twist (1990-2001)

    Episode 335 - Round the Twist (1990-2001)
    Nov 4 2024
    Round the Twist is an iconic Australian children’s television series that aired from 1989 to 2001, famous for its quirky humor, supernatural themes, and often bizarre storylines. Created by author Paul Jennings and based on his short stories, the show follows the Twist family—siblings Pete, Linda, and Bronson, and their dad, Tony—as they encounter surreal adventures in a haunted lighthouse on the fictional Australian coast.

    The show is remembered for its episodes that mixed absurdity with heartfelt moments, tackling issues like adolescence, relationships, and identity in unique and humorous ways. With catchphrases like "Have you ever… ever felt like this?" and its unforgettable theme song, Round the Twist quickly gained a cult following. It was celebrated not only in Australia but also found an audience internationally, thanks to its relatable characters and inventive storytelling.

    Join Holly and Matthew as they look in on this quirky series for our contribution to the Halloween spirit, and nostalgia the hell out of some episodes. Without my pants.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.
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    1 hr and 10 mins